In a remarkable evolution over just six months, Creators HQ has solidified its status as a global hub for digital creators - all within the heart of Dubai. Since its inception, the initiative has attracted a remarkable number of individuals and enter...
Dubai’s economy is a case study in transformation. From early dependence on oil, the emirate has matured into a diverse economic powerhouse. As of 2023, Dubai’s GDP reached AED 429 billion (approximately USD 116.8 billion), with oil contributing less than 1% to the total output.
Today, key drivers of the economy include trade, real estate, transportation, financial services, logistics, and tourism. The establishment of free zones such as the Dubai International Financial Centre, and major logistics hubs like Jebel Ali Port, have positioned Dubai as a business gateway between East and West.
Emirates Airline, launched in 1985 with just two leased aircraft, has grown into one of the world’s most influential aviation brands. It plays a central role in Dubai’s connectivity and economic model.
In parallel, the emirate has invested heavily in innovation, sustainability, and smart city initiatives. The result is a resilient and future-ready economy that continues to thrive, even amid global headwinds.
Dubai’s tourism industry continues to surge in scale and influence. In the first half of 2025, the city welcomed 9.88 million international overnight visitors—surpassing total annual figures from just a few years prior. This represents a 6% year-on-year growth, reinforcing Dubai’s trajectory toward becoming one of the top three global tourist destinations.
The average hotel occupancy rate reached 80.6% across the city by mid-2025. Both the average daily rate and revenue per available room also showed notable increases. These metrics reflect a strong rebound and continued expansion within Dubai’s hospitality industry.
Several luxury properties debuted in 2025, including Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab and Cheval Maison. Meanwhile, the upcoming Ciel Dubai Marina is set to become the tallest all-hotel tower in the world. Combined with a growing roster of internationally acclaimed restaurants and experiential tourism initiatives, Dubai is steadily solidifying its place at the top of the global travel industry.
Set within Zabeel Park, the Dubai Frame declares itself boldly - 150 meters tall and 95 meters wide, it is both monument and mediator of time. Visitors ascend to the glass bridge and look northward to the labyrinthine streets of Old Dubai, then turn south to drink in the polished spires of the new city.
Conceived through an architecture competition and completed in 2018, the Frame carries undercurrents of creative dispute and resilience. But above all, it is a poetic vantage point where Dubai’s narrative - from dhow fleets to gleaming towers - unfurls in a single breath.
Image suggestions: a full-on, symmetrical capture of the Frame at midday; or interior perspectives with visitors standing in awe above contrasting cityscapes.
Perched on Bluewaters Island, Ain Dubai towers gracefully at 250 meters - the highest observation wheel on Earth, offering panoramic views from Palm Jumeirah to the shimmering Marina. Since reopening in December 2024 after a hiatus, this icon has reclaimed its place in Dubai’s skyline as both spectacle and sentiment.
But Ain Dubai is more than engineering bravado - it is an invitation. Visitors board one of its 48 cabins and drift above modern marvels, tracing contours of the city that defy gravity. At sunset, the wheel frames the Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa, transforming the skyline into a living canvas.
For editorial photography, consider a twilight shot capturing the wheel’s LED glow against the darkening sky, or a sweeping aerial view that situates Ain Dubai within Dubai’s urban tapestry.
Dubai’s free zones - such as DMCC, DAFZ, JAFZA, and Dubai Industrial City - are proving to be essential launchpads for Indian small and medium enterprises targeting global expansion. These zones offer a potent mix of benefits: fast-track licensing, 100 percent foreign ownership, zero income tax, full repatriation of profits, and state-of-the-art digital and logistics infrastructure.
With Dubai Chambers actively engaging in Mumbai and Bengaluru, and smart services like DAFZ’s digital clinic and AI‑powered supply‑chain platforms, Indian SMEs can scale without substantial capital outlay while maintaining operational lean‑ness.
For Dubai viewers, particularly within the business and entrepreneurial ecosystem, this underscores the city’s strategic role as a bridge for regional enterprises to build globally competitive models - from homeground to world reach.
Dubai is charting a deliberate pivot from its traditional strengths - to emerge as a global center for deep technology innovation. The city’s new RDI (Research, Development & Innovation) grants initiative offers non-dilutive funding to promising deep-tech founders, along with access to operational testbeds and field validation in the city’s real-world environment.
Agna Capital’s Senior Executive Officer, Pranav Sharma, underscores the significance: this is not an exercise in tokenism but a measured shift toward supporting research with tangible, international impact.
For Dubai residents, researchers, and entrepreneurs, the initiative signals a city ready to invest beyond tourism or real estate - one seeking to incubate breakthroughs that can influence industries globally.
In a remarkable evolution over just six months, Creators HQ has solidified its status as a global hub for digital creators - all within the heart of Dubai. Since its inception, the initiative has attracted a remarkable number of individuals and enterprises, drawn by its comprehensive infrastructure for content creation, networking, and growth.
The center offers more than facilities - it aligns closely with Dubai’s broader ambition to position itself as the world’s capital of the content economy. By fostering community, industry connections, and offering incentives under government frameworks, Creators HQ has become a potent symbol of the city’s cultural and digital transformation.
For Dubai viewers, the initiative represents both opportunity and aspiration: a place where local talent can scale globally and international creators choose to be based. Through this, Dubai deepens its footprint not just in finance or tourism, but in the digital zeitgeist shaping our era.
Indian nationals eyeing property investments in Dubai are being urged to avoid using international credit cards (ICCs) for down payments, amid growing concern over legal and financial violations stemming from such transactions. Experts in real estate, tax, and foreign exchange regulation are sounding the alarm: what seems like a convenient option may in fact contravene Indian law, specifically the Foreign Exchange Management Act (Fema).
"Using an international credit card to pay for real estate abroad bypasses the Reserve Bank of India’s approved framework," said Anurag Chaturvedi, CEO of Andersen UAE. "It’s like trying to pay for a house with a travel wallet - it’s not permitted, and it could get you into serious trouble."
Under Indian law, real estate transactions abroad fall under capital account transactions, which must adhere to the Reserve Bank of India’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS). The scheme allows Indian residents to remit up to $250,000 per financial year through authorised banks, provided all documentation and regulatory compliance measures are in place.
International credit cards, on the other hand, are explicitly restricted to current account transactions - such as travel, education, and consumer spending. When misused for capital investments like property, they may trigger scrutiny from regulatory bodies including the RBI, the Income Tax Department, and the Enforcement Directorate. The risks are not merely regulatory: high interest rates, foreign exchange mark-ups, and late fees add significant financial exposure.
"These risks are not only regulatory but also economic," Chaturvedi said. "Making such payments with ICCs is financially unsound and legally risky."
Some developers in Dubai allow a nominal portion of the down payment - typically below Dh80,000 - to be reserved, giving buyers more time to comply with cross-border payment protocols. But financial experts warn that even partial payments via ICCs can expose Indian investors to investigations and penalties.
Gauraw Keswani, CEO of JSB Incorporation, urged Indian buyers to align all transactions with the LRS framework. “The use of international credit cards for such transactions, while seemingly convenient, does not align with Fema and LRS norms,” he said. “Developers and agents must also promote transparent and compliant practices.”
The call for caution comes as a growing number of Indian investors look to Dubai's dynamic property market, drawn by competitive pricing, high yields, and investor-friendly policies. But the convenience of plastic should not come at the cost of legal compliance.
For Indian investors, the message is unequivocal: consult with financial advisors, use authorised banking channels, and document every transaction. The risks of non-compliance are simply too high.
Dubai is preparing to become the first city in the world to launch a commercial flying taxi service, marking a pivotal moment in the future of urban transportation. Set to begin operations in early 2026, the initial fleet will consist of electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft - known as eVTOLs - with further expansion planned in the years to follow.
The city’s transport authority has confirmed that the first four vertiports - landing and take-off pads specifically designed for these aircraft - will be located at Dubai International Airport, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah. The inaugural flight is scheduled to depart from the airport vertiport in the first quarter of 2026. These locations were strategically chosen to connect the airport with key hospitality and business zones, with the long-term goal of integrating flying taxis into Dubai’s broader public transport network.
The aircraft, produced by U.S.-based Joby Aviation, are designed to carry a pilot and up to four passengers. They can travel at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour and are powered by six electric motors, which allow for vertical take-off and landing. According to Joby, this multi-motor design offers enhanced safety compared to traditional helicopters, which typically rely on a single rotor.
Noise and environmental impact have also been central considerations in the aircraft’s development. The eVTOLs are fully electric, producing zero operational emissions—no carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, or particulate matter. Sound levels during test flights have measured 45.2 decibels when flying at an altitude of 1,640 feet, a volume quieter than an average conversation and significantly below that of conventional jet engines.
While exact pricing details have yet to be finalized, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has indicated that the cost of a flying taxi ride is expected to be comparable to that of a premium ride-hailing service such as Uber Black. In the UAE, an Uber Black ride typically starts at AED 23, with per-kilometer and per-minute charges thereafter. Joby Aviation has publicly stated that it aims to match these ground transport prices as closely as possible.
In June 2025, the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority announced that flying taxis will be permitted to take off and land at existing helipads, expanding potential network access across the country. As infrastructure is put in place and regulatory frameworks evolve, Dubai’s flying taxi program is poised to become a transformative model for other global cities seeking sustainable, high-speed urban mobility.
Photo credits: Joby Aviation.
Alexander Agafiev Macambira
Alexander Agafiev Macambira is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.
In a move that blends cultural identity with emerging technology, Dubai has launched its first artificial intelligence–powered "Emirati Family," an initiative led by Digital Dubai to encourage public engagement with digital services through familiar and accessible storytelling.
The project began with the unveiling of its first virtual character, referred to as "The Girl". Clad in traditional Emirati dress with modern styling, the animated figure is designed to resonate with families and children, offering a relatable entry point into conversations around artificial intelligence and digital life.
Digital Dubai has invited the public to participate in naming the character, with options including Dubai, Mira, and Latifa. Additional members of the AI family - including a father, mother, and brother - are expected to be introduced in the coming stages, completing a virtual household meant to reflect Emirati values and societal norms.
According to Digital Dubai, the AI family will serve as an interactive platform for communicating government messages and promoting the emirate’s expanding portfolio of digital services. The initiative aims to present these tools in a way that is engaging, culturally grounded, and inclusive of all age groups.
Photo credits: Dubai Media Office.
Alexander Agafiev Macambira
Alexander Agafiev Macambira is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.
A Dubai-based investment company is moving ahead with plans to develop a luxury private island just off the coast of Jumeirah, marking a significant addition to the city’s ever-expanding landscape of high-end real estate and hospitality. The development, known as Naïa Island Dubai, will host the region’s first Cheval Blanc maison - a brand known globally for its ultra-luxury accommodations.
The project is being led by Shamal Holding, a diversified investment firm headquartered in Dubai. According to the company, the Cheval Blanc maison will comprise a collection of suites and private villas, each offering its own beachfront access - a hallmark of the brand’s exclusive approach to hospitality.
Strategically located off the Jumeirah shoreline and directly linked to Dubai’s primary road networks, the island is being designed as a master-planned resort destination. The layout emphasizes open green space and natural coastal features, according to information released by the developer.
“This marks a defining chapter in our vision to create meaningful experiences,” said Abdulla Binhabtoor, CEO of Shamal Holding. “It is an exciting step forward for Shamal as we continue to curate pioneering firsts that reinforce Dubai’s position as a global benchmark for exceptional, world-class living.”
While full-scale construction has not yet begun, early works are underway. Once completed, Naïa Island Dubai is expected to emerge as one of the most exclusive addresses along the region’s coastline.
Photo credits: Shamal.
Alexander Agafiev Macambira
Alexander Agafiev Macambira is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.
Dubai’s economy recorded a robust performance in the first quarter of 2025, with gross domestic product reaching AED 119.7 billion, a 4 percent increase compared to the same period last year. The growth reflects the emirate’s continued diversification and the resilience of key sectors amid a complex global economic landscape.
According to official data, nearly 78 percent of the overall growth was fueled by strong showings across trade, real estate, financial services, transport, and industrial sectors — underscoring Dubai's strategic positioning as a global business and logistics hub.
Among the sectors, human health and social work services stood out with a striking 26 percent year-on-year growth. The sector reached AED 1.9 billion in Q1, marking its most significant expansion in recent years, driven in part by ongoing investment in healthcare infrastructure and services.
The real estate sector maintained its central role in the economy, contributing 7.5 percent of GDP with a value of AED 9 billion. Financial and insurance activities also posted steady gains, rising by 5.9 percent to AED 16 billion.
The wholesale and retail trade sector remained a cornerstone of Dubai’s economy, accounting for 23 percent of total output at AED 27.5 billion. Meanwhile, the manufacturing sector expanded by 3.3 percent to AED 8.7 billion, highlighting modest but consistent industrial activity.
In tourism-related sectors, accommodation and food services grew by 3.4 percent to AED 4.9 billion, a reflection of continued recovery in international visitor numbers. The information and telecommunications sector advanced by 3.2 percent to AED 5.3 billion, while transport and storage recorded a 2 percent increase, reaching AED 15.7 billion.
As Dubai navigates a changing global economic environment, its first-quarter results suggest a measured yet optimistic trajectory — propelled by a broad-based growth strategy and a deepening focus on critical sectors such as healthcare and finance.
Photo credits: Dubai Instagram.
Alexander Agafiev Macambira
Alexander Agafiev Macambira is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.
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