Dubai Municipality has authorized a select group of engineering consultancy offices to issue instant self-build permits for Emirati villas, in a move aimed at accelerating residential development and improving...
This May, the glamour of the French Riviera reaches a new crescendo as Monaco’s most prestigious social tradition crosses the border into Cannes. On May 16, the iconic Hôtel Le Majestic will host the Grand Ball of Princes and Princesses Monte-Carlo, timed to coincide with the energy of the Cannes Film Festival.
The gala serves as a royal tribute to the Principality of Monaco and the enduring elegance of Grace Kelly. Under the theme “A Hollywood Dream in Royal Splendor,” the event seeks to unite the refined heritage of the Monegasque court with the cinematic brilliance that defines the Croisette.
An Immersive Universe of Elegance
The Grand Ball is designed as an immersive journey beyond reality. The evening will feature a majestic atmosphere characterized by exquisite gala dining and a refined scenography. Performances by internationally acclaimed dancers, musicians, and artists are set to transform the venue into a living masterpiece of art and emotion.
Gentlemen will appear in tuxedos, tailcoats, or ceremonial uniforms, while ladies are invited to wear opulent ball gowns adorned with tiaras.
A Legacy of Philanthropy
The splendor of the evening is matched by its mission of generosity. In keeping with the spirit of the event, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Princess Grace of Monaco Foundation. This contribution continues the late Princess’s legacy of supporting culture and humanitarian causes.
Gathering distinguished guests and lovers of excellence from around the globe, the Grand Ball of Princes and Princesses Monte-Carlo stands as a transformative experience. It represents an unforgettable night where the magic of Monte-Carlo meets the brilliance of Cannes, leaving an everlasting impression on the international social calendar.
Nakheel, part of Dubai Holding Real Estate, has awarded a contract valued at AED 527 million ($143 million) to Al Nasr Contracting Company for infrastructure works on Island B at Dubai Islands.
The contract covers the development of core infrastructure needed to enable future residential, hospitality and mixed-use projects. Works include roads, water supply systems, electricity and telecommunications networks, as well as drainage and sewage systems. The project will also integrate with the district cooling network and coordinate technically with infrastructure on Island A.
The investment marks a construction milestone for Dubai Islands, a large-scale coastal development aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. Officials describe the infrastructure as critical to supporting long-term population growth and economic diversification.
“This contract reflects disciplined execution against one of Dubai’s most important coastal masterplans,” said Khalid Al Malik, chief executive of Dubai Holding Real Estate.
Dubai Islands spans 18.6 square kilometers across five interconnected islands. The development is planned to include about 57 kilometers of coastline, with 21 kilometers of beachfront. It is expected to accommodate more than 231,000 residents across approximately 49,000 homes, alongside resorts, marinas, retail and leisure facilities.
Island B is a central part of the masterplan, requiring foundational infrastructure to enable future construction.
Jean Nicolas El Helou, chief executive of Al Nasr Contracting Company, said the firm aims to deliver infrastructure aligned with Dubai’s growth objectives.
The islands will be connected to mainland Dubai through three bridges linked to the Al Shindagha Corridor, with Dubai International Airport located within 10 kilometers and Downtown Dubai within 15 kilometers.
Dubai Taxi Company has secured 600 additional taxi plates through a recent auction held by the Roads and Transport Authority, extending its lead as the largest taxi operator in Dubai and raising its market share to 47 percent.
The acquisition will expand the company’s fleet from 6,217 to 6,817 vehicles. The rollout of the new taxis is scheduled to begin in July 2026 and will proceed in phases, a plan the company says is intended to preserve operational efficiency and maintain service standards while responding to rising demand for transport services.
According to Mansoor Rahma Alfalasi, the expansion reflects continued growth in Dubai’s mobility sector and the company’s strategy to scale its operations in line with the city’s urban development. He said the phased deployment is designed to optimize asset use, strengthen financial performance, and sustain service quality.
The move aligns with broader government efforts to build an integrated and technology-driven transport system, while supporting the objectives of Dubai’s Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to reinforce the city’s global standing in infrastructure and urban services.
His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance, held high-level discussions with Bruce Flatt, Chief Executive Officer of Brookfield Corporation. The meeting, centered on the strategic expansion of one of the world’s largest alternative asset management firms within the region, underscores Dubai’s accelerating ascent as a primary node in the global financial network.
As Chairman of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Sheikh Maktoum highlighted the emirate’s value proposition for institutional capital, citing an integrated financial ecosystem, a sophisticated regulatory framework, and advanced digital infrastructure as core pillars of the city’s investment appeal.The dialogue follows Dubai’s recent advancement to seventh place in the Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI), its highest ranking to date.
The discussions focused on Dubai’s strategic function as a "bridge" between Eastern and Western markets.Both parties examined the city's capacity to facilitate sustainable, long-term growth through a business-friendly environment that remains aligned with shifting global investment paradigms. Brookfield, which manages approximately $900 billion in assets globally, has maintained a significant presence in the UAE, utilizing Dubai as a launchpad for regional private equity, real estate, and infrastructure ventures.
The meeting was attended by a delegation of senior UAE officials, including His Excellency Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs; His Excellency Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs; His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism; and His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of the DIFC.
The engagement reflects the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to position the city among the top four global financial centers by the next decade. As international asset managers increasingly look toward the MEASA region for diversification, the partnership between Dubai’s sovereign infrastructure and global firms like Brookfield remains a critical component of the city’s long-term economic strategy.
Dubai Properties, a subsidiary of Dubai Holding Real Estate, has finalized construction contracts valued at approximately AED 1.1 billion to expand its Villanova master development. The agreements, awarded to Metac General Contracting Co. LLC, authorize the commencement of La Tilia, a new residential phase comprising 850 townhouses within the Dubailand district.
The project is divided into two distinct stages. Phase 1 will consist of 410 units, while Phase 2 is set to deliver an additional 440 homes. The inventory is scaled for the mid-market and upper mid-market segments, featuring 500 three-bedroom and 350 four-bedroom residences.
The expansion follows the completion of 3,834 homes previously delivered at Villanova. According to Khalid Al Malik, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding Real Estate, the contract award is a response to sustained buyer demand for integrated suburban communities. The development strategy emphasizes proximity to major arterial road networks and established social infrastructure.
La Tilia is designed with a Mediterranean-inspired architectural framework. The master plan prioritizes pedestrian-focused urban design, incorporating dedicated cycling tracks, walking paths, and integrated retail facilities.
Muhammad Sadiq Abdullah, General Manager of Metac General Contracting Co., stated that the firm’s mandate focuses on the execution and timely completion of the two phases. Located in the Dubailand corridor, the project continues the densification of one of Dubai’s primary residential zones, aligning with the city’s broader infrastructure and population growth requirements.
In the rarefied world of Middle Eastern high fashion, the dialogue between heritage and modernity is often loud, yet few speak it with the structural precision of Rami Al Ali. As the 2026 season unfolds, the Dubai-based couturier has emerged not just as a designer, but as a primary architect of the region’s global aesthetic identity. His latest work signifies a broader shift in the Dubai design landscape: a move away from ornamental excess toward a disciplined, sculptural minimalism that resonates from the ateliers of d3 to the runways of Paris.
Al Ali’s recent collections have become a case study in the "new couture," where traditional craftsmanship is filtered through contemporary engineering. His signature technique - the manipulation of heavy satins and delicate tulles into silhouettes that mimic the city’s own skyline - has garnered international acclaim, bridging the gap between the historic salons of Europe and the burgeoning creative hubs of the United Arab Emirates.
A Narrative of Craftsmanship
The designer’s 2026 trajectory is defined by a commitment to the "slow fashion" movement within the luxury sector. By integrating hand-embroidered details with laser-cut technology, Al Ali is addressing a global demand for garments that function as wearable art.
His influence extends beyond the runway. Al Ali has been instrumental in the "Designed in Dubai" initiative, which aims to standardize the quality of regional production to meet global export requirements. This institutional focus on craftsmanship over commercial speed has allowed Dubai-based couture to maintain its relevance in an increasingly volatile global luxury market.
The Global Ambassador
As Dubai solidifies its status as a fashion capital, the role of the individual designer has transitioned from local dressmaker to global ambassador. Al Ali’s consistent presence on the Paris Couture Week calendar has provided a blueprint for other regional houses, proving that the "Dubai look" is a serious contender in the high-fashion hierarchy.
In the 2026 landscape, the success of the industry is no longer measured solely by local consumption, but by its ability to influence the global conversation. Through his meticulous attention to form and his refusal to rely on transient trends, Rami Al Ali remains the definitive voice of this sophisticated new era.
The traditional arrival at Dubai’s luxury coast has long been a matter of valet stands and marble lobbies. However, a new partnership between maritime operator D-Marin and MEREX Investment is shifting the point of entry offshore. With the launch of an exclusive anchorage zone at J1 Beach, the city is formally integrating its maritime infrastructure with its high-end culinary scene, allowing yacht owners to transition from deck to dining room via the sea.
The service provides a logistical bridge between the water and the shore. Once anchored in the designated zone, guests are ferried by a dedicated D-Marin tender to a private jetty. This sea-gate provides immediate access to a collection of 13 world-class restaurants and beach clubs, effectively turning the offshore area into a functional extension of the beach.
A Global Shoreline
The J1 Beach district has been curated as a high-density hub of international lifestyle brands. The destination draws heavily from the aesthetic of the French Riviera, Tulum, and New York, offering a licensed environment that caters to a globalized palate. Key establishments defining the space include Gigi Rigolatto, an Italian-inspired enclave bringing Mediterranean elegance to the Gulf; Sirene by Gaia, a Greek-led concept focused on high-concept coastal dining; and Bâoli, a renowned brand that bridges the gap between sophisticated gastronomy and evening social scenes.
Located just a short distance from the 160-berth D-Marin Port De La Mer, this new anchorage service reinforces the "marina-as-a-lifestyle" model. For the superyacht clientele, it offers a refined, day-to-night transition that avoids the friction of urban traffic.
The Superyacht Hub Ambition
This expansion brings D-Marin’s portfolio to five marinas within the emirate, signaling a deeper integration of maritime services into Dubai’s broader tourism and entertainment strategy. By establishing world-class anchorage destinations alongside traditional berthing, Dubai is solidifying its position as a global superyacht hub.
In the 2026 landscape, the Contributor to Dubai’s coastal economy is the realization that the most prestigious way to experience the city is no longer by road, but by the wake of a tender.
Photo credit: D-Marin
Alexander Agafiev
Alexander Agafiev is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.
For years, the culinary narrative of Dubai was one of glittering imports - celebrity names etched into the marble of five-star lobbies. But as the 2026 season reaches its zenith, the city’s dining room has undergone a structural transformation. The "glitter" has been replaced by grit, technique, and an increasingly vocal homegrown identity that no longer looks to London or Paris for validation.
The arrival of the 2026 edition of the Michelin Guide Dubai and the recent Gault&Millau UAE Gala have solidified this maturation. In a historic year for the emirate, establishments like Trèsind Studio and FZN by Björn Frantzén have maintained their grip on the peak of fine dining, while new contenders like Birch - recently named Home-grown Restaurant of the Year - signal a shift toward artisanal, narrative-driven concepts that prioritize local soul over international branding.
The Rise of "Cuisineless" Dining
A new vernacular is emerging in the kitchens of DIFC and Jumeirah. Termed "cuisineless" dining, the trend sees chefs abandoning traditional geographical boundaries in favor of flavor-led experimentation. At newcomers like MANĀO, a breakout star in this year’s Gault&Millau shortlist, the menu is less a map and more a manifesto of global techniques applied to regional ingredients.
Photo credit: MANĀO
The aesthetic of 2026 is defined by "mouthfeel." Culinary forecasts and current menus across the city show a marked pivot toward "jiggly" and "chewy" textures. From silky custards that wobble with structural defiance to savory ice creams served as appetizers, the city’s palates are being challenged by unexpected pairings. Hojicha has supplanted the grassy profile of Matcha in the city’s boutique cafes, while the humble cabbage has become the "it" ingredient of the season, championed by chefs focusing on the vegetable as a center-plate protein.
Sustainability as a Standard
The "Year of the Family" has brought with it a renewed focus on the ethics of the plate. The ne’ma National Food Loss and Waste Initiative has moved from a peripheral government project to a central partner for major industry players. This shift is reflected in the kitchens of BOCA and other DIFC staples, where zero-waste protocols are no longer a marketing angle but a foundational requirement for operation.
The city is also witnessing a "casualization" of the tasting menu. Establishments like Jun’s and Kinoya are stripping away the white tablecloths, offering multi-course, chef-led experiences at price points that invite a broader demographic. This democratization is furthered by strategic partnerships, such as Spinneys and Emirates Bustanica joining forces to bring locally grown, high-tech vertical farm produce directly to the retail and restaurant sector, reducing the carbon footprint of the city's salad bowls.
2026 Landmark Venues and Recognition
The current landscape is best defined by those who have pushed the boundaries of the traditional dining experience. Trèsind Studio, located at St. Regis Gardens, continues to be recognized as the Home-grown Restaurant of the Year, a testament to Chef Himanshu Saini’s influence. Meanwhile, Birch has taken the title of Breakthrough Restaurant of the Year at the Ritz-Carlton, DIFC, highlighting the city's appetite for new perspectives.
Photo credit: FZN
Other notable mentions include FZN by Björn Frantzén at Atlantis The Royal, which received accolades for the city's premier Champagne Offering, and the rising star MANĀO in Jumeirah 1. The sheer density of talent - from the pastry innovations of Carmen Rueda Hernandez at BRIX Journey to the leadership of established masters - indicates that Dubai has moved past its "emerging" phase. It is now a primary exporter of culinary trends, a city where the world comes not just to eat, but to see where global gastronomy is heading.
Alexander Agafiev
Alexander Agafiev is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.
Dubai South Properties has awarded an AED 2 billion contract to Mohammed Abdulmohsin Al Kharafi & Sons LLC for the development of multiple phases of HAYAT, a luxury master-planned community. The project, which spans 10 million square feet, represents a significant expansion of the residential portfolio within the Dubai South district.
Located in proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport, the HAYAT development is designed to integrate approximately 2,500 residential units. The architectural master plan includes a diverse range of housing options, including one- to five-bedroom apartments, townhouses, semi-detached villas, and standalone mansions. The project emphasizes minimalist design and flexible living spaces intended to provide residents with increased privacy.
The development is positioned as a wellness-oriented community, featuring a community lake, lagoons, and shaded walking trails. Infrastructure within the master plan includes a retail boulevard, a community mall, and various fitness and recreation facilities. The site offers direct connectivity to major transport arteries, including Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road, as well as the Jebel Ali Free Zone and the Dubai South Free Zone.
Nabil Al Kindi, Group CEO of Dubai South, stated that the project aligns with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. According to Al Kindi, the appointment of the contractor is a critical step in meeting investor commitments following strong market demand since the project’s launch in 2025.
Construction is scheduled to commence in the second quarter of 2026. The initial phases of the HAYAT project are expected to reach completion by 2028. Existing amenities in the surrounding Dubai South ecosystem currently include a GEMS Founders School, a 50,000-square-foot hypermarket, and public bus routes connecting to the Expo Metro station.
Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office
Alexander Agafiev
Alexander Agafiev is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.
Dubai’s taxi and e-hail limousine sectors recorded strong growth in 2025, driven by rising passenger demand, fleet expansion and increased use of digital booking platforms, according to Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority.
The taxi sector served 209.02 million passengers during the year, up 4.2 percent from 200.65 million in 2024. The number of taxi trips also rose by 4.2 percent, reaching 120.1 million compared with 115.3 million the previous year. The sector operates a fleet of 14,476 vehicles.
Adel Shakeri, Director of Planning and Business Development at the RTA’s Public Transport Agency, said the use of e-hail platforms continued to expand. About 45 percent of taxi trips were booked through digital platforms in 2025, a 13 percent increase from 2024, reflecting a shift away from traditional street hailing.
The fleet grew by 600 vehicles during the year, representing a 6 percent increase. According to the RTA, 90 percent of the taxi fleet is now hybrid or electric. The authority aims to transition to a fully electric taxi fleet by 2040 as part of the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050.
Service upgrades introduced in 2025 included leather seating, in-car fresheners and digital roof lights. The RTA also implemented new performance indicators and introduced artificial intelligence tools to support lost-and-found services and driver safety compliance. More than 75 percent of taxi trips recorded an estimated arrival time of under 3.5 minutes.
The e-hail limousine sector also expanded. Trips increased by 25 percent, rising from 32.8 million in 2024 to 41 million in 2025, while ridership reached 71.4 million passengers. The growth was supported by the addition of 35 limousine companies and around 2,500 vehicles.
About 15,000 vehicles now operate on the e-hail limousine platform, with 83 percent of trips achieving arrival times of under 3.5 minutes. Electric vehicles account for 18 percent of the limousine fleet.
Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office
Alexander Agafiev
Alexander Agafiev is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, met in Dubai with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah.
The meeting was attended by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Olympic Committee; and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
During the meeting, the leaders exchanged Ramadan greetings and expressed prayers for the continued prosperity, security and stability of the United Arab Emirates and its people.
Discussions focused on national development priorities, initiatives aimed at improving quality of life, and support for key sectors aligned with the country’s long-term objectives.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid emphasized the importance of continued cooperation and coordination among the emirates to advance development and strengthen the UAE’s global standing.
The meeting also underscored the themes of solidarity, mutual support and community cohesion associated with the Holy Month of Ramadan.
Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office
Alexander Agafiev
Alexander Agafiev is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.
Dubai Media City is marking 25 years as a cornerstone of the Middle East’s media and content creation sector, underscoring its role in Dubai’s rise as a global hub for creative industries.
Established to position Dubai as a multi-dimensional Arab media capital, Dubai Media City was designed as an integrated ecosystem with modern infrastructure to support media companies, talent, and investment. Over the past quarter-century, it has contributed to the emirate’s economic diversification and the growth of its knowledge-based economy, while strengthening Dubai’s standing on the global media map.
Dubai Media City is one of TECOM Group PJSC’s 10 business districts and served as the foundation for the group’s broader Media Cluster, which also includes Dubai Production City and Dubai Studio City. Together, the cluster supports more than 40,000 creative professionals and hosts over 60% of Fortune 500 companies operating in the media sector. It serves as a regional broadcasting base for news and entertainment in languages ranging from Arabic and English to Hindi, Chinese, German, and Tagalog.
Majed Al Suwaidi, Senior Vice President of Dubai Media City, Dubai Production City, and Dubai Studio City at TECOM Group, credited the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum with establishing Dubai Media City as a leading global media hub. He said the district has consistently attracted international media leaders and will continue to support the sector through advanced infrastructure, regulatory mechanisms, and future-oriented technologies.
Dubai Media City hosts global media and advertising groups including CNN, Discovery Networks, WPP, and Publicis Groupe, alongside regional leaders such as ITP Media Group and OSN Group. Its ecosystem, together with Dubai Production City and Dubai Studio City, contributed to Dubai’s designation as the Capital of Arab Media for 2020 and 2021 by the Arab Information Ministers Council.
The district’s growth aligns with Dubai’s broader creative economy performance. In 2024, Dubai ranked first globally for attracting Greenfield Foreign Direct Investment in cultural and creative industries for the third consecutive year, according to the Financial Times’ fDi Markets. The city recorded 971 projects in the sector, AED 18.86 billion in FDI inflows, and more than 23,500 new jobs.
Dubai Media City also supports talent development and industry governance initiatives, including the Emirati Media Talent Pledge launched by TECOM Group in 2024, and the InstaBlock Lab, inaugurated in 2025 in partnership with Spain’s LaLiga to combat intellectual property violations. It serves as a hub for professional exchange through industry events and as a knowledge partner for initiatives such as the Dubai Press Club’s Arab Media Outlook - Future Visionreport.
Innovation remains central to the district’s mandate. Through in5 Media, part of Dubai’s in5 incubator launched in 2013, more than 1,100 start-ups have been supported, collectively raising over AED 9 billion. Co-working and enterprise facilities, including TECOM Group’s D/Quarters platform, further anchor Dubai Media City’s role within a broader network of sector-focused districts across the emirate.
Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office
Alexander Agafiev
Alexander Agafiev is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.
In the global economy of sport, attention often follows medals and scorelines. Less visible, but increasingly consequential, are the places where athletes prepare when no cameras are present. Over the past two decades, Dubai has emerged as one of those places - less a spectacle than an infrastructure of performance.
This is not an accident of branding. Dubai hosts established international competitions across tennis, golf, rugby and endurance sports, events sanctioned by global federations and embedded in official professional calendars. These tournaments did not arrive fully formed; they followed sustained investment in facilities, logistics and sports governance that meet international standards. Athletes come because the conditions allow them to work, not because the spotlight demands it.
Elite performance today is shaped as much by recovery and data as by raw talent. Dubai’s appeal lies in its integration of sports medicine, climate-controlled training environments and year-round access to facilities. These are not luxuries but necessities in an era when careers are longer, margins are thinner and injury prevention can define success. The city’s role mirrors a broader shift in global sport: preparation has become as decisive as competition.
For regional athletes, the implications are particularly significant. Access to world-class infrastructure at home reduces the historical need to relocate abroad for development. This matters not only for individual careers but for the sustainability of sporting ecosystems. National programs in the Gulf increasingly emphasize long-term athlete development, aligning with models used by established sporting nations.
Dubai’s influence does not rest on rewriting the rules of sport, but on respecting them. Its rise reflects a pragmatic understanding shared across elite athletics: performance follows systems, not slogans. As global sport continues to professionalize, cities that invest quietly and consistently in those systems will shape outcomes long before the podium.
Photo credits: Today’s Golfer. DP World Tour Championship
Photo credit: MANĀO
Photo credit: FZN
