The Dubai Land Department (DLD) has been honored with the ‘Inspirational Brand’ award at the Asia-Pacific Property Awards 2025, a recognition that underscores the agency’s role as a leading government entity in real estate administration. The accolad...
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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In a city that has repeatedly redefined the modern skyline, Dubai is preparing to unveil another architectural milestone. Ciel Tower, nearing completion in the densely built Dubai Marina district, is set to become the tallest hotel in the world. At approximately 365 meters (1,197 feet) and 82 floors, the tower will surpass the nearby Gevora Hotel to claim a new record—not for mixed-use or office space, but as a structure devoted entirely to hospitality.
The project, led by Dubai-based developer The First Group and managed under IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Vignette Collection, represents an assertive addition to a city that has used height as both symbol and strategy. The building’s stature alone places it on the global stage, but its development reflects deeper economic and urban planning ambitions.
Designed by the international architecture firm NORR Group, under the direction of principal architect Yahya Jan, Ciel was not initially intended to break records. It evolved into its current form through a combination of environmental analysis, engineering constraints, and the city’s ongoing pursuit of architectural distinctiveness. Wind tunnel studies and structural simulations led to a tapered silhouette capped by a narrow, open-air void—an aerodynamic feature that also serves as a visual signature on the skyline.
Internally, the building will contain over 1,000 guest rooms, including approximately 150 suites, all oriented to maximize views over the Arabian Gulf, Palm Jumeirah, and the surrounding marina. A vertical atrium, reaching close to 300 meters, anchors the interior space and is flanked by communal terraces, open sky gardens, and areas of passive ventilation. These design choices reflect an increasing emphasis on sustainable construction practices in high-rise developments, even in environments as extreme as the Gulf.
On the 76th floor, a rooftop pool is expected to become the highest of its kind globally. Higher still, the 81st floor will house a sky lounge and observation deck with uninterrupted, 360-degree views. Dining, meeting, and wellness spaces are integrated throughout the tower’s upper levels, along with a range of guest amenities distributed vertically to reduce congestion and improve flow.
Ciel Tower has been under construction since 2016. It now enters its final stages, with an opening anticipated in late 2025. The project’s timing is strategic: Dubai is pushing to expand its visitor base, particularly in high-spending tourism segments, as it transitions from an oil-centered economy to one increasingly reliant on real estate, trade, and international hospitality.
While the tower is certain to attract attention for its record-setting height, its broader significance lies in what it signals about Dubai’s urban trajectory. As the city’s skyline matures, new developments are forced to compete not just in scale, but in function and innovation. Ciel Tower does both. Unlike mixed-use supertalls, which blend office, residential, and hotel space, Ciel is singular in its purpose—each floor dedicated solely to accommodating guests.
The economic rationale is equally clear. Dubai Marina is among the city’s most densely populated neighborhoods, and Ciel’s location within it ensures a steady flow of business and tourist traffic. In addition to boosting visitor capacity, the hotel is expected to support thousands of direct and indirect jobs, and strengthen Dubai’s positioning as a dominant player in international hospitality infrastructure.
In a region where the limits of engineering are routinely tested and where buildings serve as emblems of national and civic identity, Ciel Tower is more than a record-breaker. It is a marker of the city’s continued bet on verticality as a form of global influence—and a reminder that in Dubai, height remains both ambition and argument.
Photo credits: Dubai Instagram.
Alexander Agafiev Macambira
Alexander Agafiev Macambira is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.
Dubai is rapidly cementing its position as one of the world’s most visited destinations. In just the first half of 2025 (January to June), the city welcomed 9.88 million international overnight visitors, already surpassing the 18.72 million total recorded for all of 2024. This impressive 6% year-on-year growth puts Dubai firmly on track to achieve its ambition of ranking among the top three global tourism hubs, according to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (source).
So, what’s fueling this explosive tourism momentum? It’s not just luck—it’s a carefully orchestrated mix of world-class infrastructure, aggressive international marketing, strong hospitality performance, and an expanding portfolio of attractions catering to a global audience.
First, Dubai’s seamless connectivity remains unmatched. Dubai International Airport (DXB) handled 46 million passengers in H1 2025, maintaining its title as the world’s busiest international airport. Despite ongoing geopolitical instability in parts of the Middle East, DXB’s efficiency and Dubai’s safety reputation have kept the flow of visitors steady and strong.
The hospitality sector has played a major role in supporting this surge. Hotel occupancy reached 80.6%, while 22.24 million room nights were booked—up 4% from the same period last year. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) climbed to AED 584, and Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR) rose to AED 471, signaling not just volume but profitability. Dubai currently offers 152,483 hotel rooms across 822 establishments, ranging from luxurious beach resorts to affordable city stays.
New openings have kept the city fresh and appealing. Recent additions include Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Vida Dubai Mall, Cheval Maison in Expo City, and The Biltmore Hotel Villas. Dubai’s hotels are not just places to stay—they are destinations in themselves, offering curated experiences, wellness, and entertainment.
At the same time, Dubai has executed a smart and far-reaching global marketing strategy. Campaigns such as “Find Your Story” (featuring Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi) and “Dubai, Ready for a Surprise?” (starring Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma) have reached wide audiences and fueled tourism interest. Collaborations with major hospitality brands like Marriott, Hilton, and Premier Inn have further boosted exposure and bookings.
Dubai’s appeal is also increasingly diverse. Visitor origins span a wide spectrum:
Western Europe: 22%
CIS/Eastern Europe: 15%
South Asia: 15%
GCC and MENA: each 11–15%
Other regions, including the Americas, Northeast and Southeast Asia, Africa, and Australasia, make up the remainder, reflecting Dubai’s truly global pull.
Dubai’s thriving MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) industry is another growth engine. The city secured 249 international event bids and expects over 127,000 business delegates in the coming years. Its food scene continues to gain global acclaim, with the 2025 MICHELIN Guide recognizing 119 restaurants—including Dubai’s first three-starred Indian restaurant, Trèsind Studio, and FZN by Björn Frantzén.
Altogether, tourism is more than a headline figure—it’s a pillar of the local economy, contributing over 12% of Dubai’s GDP and supporting thousands of jobs across hospitality, retail, transport, and real estate. This steady growth signals the effectiveness of Dubai’s strategic vision: to be not just a stopover, but a destination that defines the future of urban tourism.
With nearly 10 million visitors already welcomed in just six months, 2025 is shaping up to be a milestone year for Dubai. The emirate isn’t just nearing the global top three—it’s actively reimagining what world-class tourism looks like.
In an era where urban safety is often elusive, Dubai has emerged as a notable exception. With some of the world’s lowest crime rates and a top-10 ranking in multiple international safety indexes, the city has crafted a security ecosystem that blends technology, policy, and civic participation into a compelling model for the 21st century.
According to the 2024 Numbeo Safety Index, Dubai ranks 7th globally, registering a high safety score of 83.8 as of early 2025. These rankings are based on public data, user surveys, and statistical modeling that accounts for crime levels, safety perceptions, and law enforcement responsiveness. The UAE as a whole is ranked the second safest country in the world.
Central to Dubai’s safety record is its embrace of advanced technology. The city is covered by a vast network of CCTV cameras—many powered by artificial intelligence and facial recognition. These systems enable real-time monitoring and predictive policing strategies, allowing authorities to act swiftly and efficiently. Dubai has also pioneered Smart Police Stations, open 24/7, that allow residents and visitors to report crimes or access services without human intervention. In 2023, Dubai Police reported an average emergency response time of just 2 minutes and 24 seconds, one of the fastest globally.
But technological sophistication alone doesn’t explain the full picture. Dubai’s safety is reinforced by strict laws and swift enforcement. Public misconduct such as littering, reckless driving, or drunken behavior is penalized with zero tolerance. The law is applied consistently and transparently, creating a strong deterrent effect. Violent crime and street-level offenses remain rare, and the judicial system is designed to process violations efficiently.
Urban design plays its part as well. Public spaces in Dubai are intentionally built for safety: well-lit, monitored, and clean. Pedestrian zones are clearly defined, and public transport areas are regularly patrolled. Strategic placement of surveillance infrastructure further reduces blind spots where crime could take root.
Equally important is the role of the community. Dubai’s government fosters a culture of cooperation between law enforcement and residents. Initiatives like neighborhood watch programs and youth engagement events, such as the Positive Spirit campaign, bring citizens into the public safety mission. These efforts are especially significant in a city where over 200 nationalities live side by side. Public awareness campaigns promote legal literacy and cultural sensitivity, strengthening trust in public institutions.
In many ways, Dubai’s approach to safety mirrors its broader development philosophy: efficient, data-driven, and future-oriented. The city offers a striking example of what is possible when urban policy integrates modern technology with proactive governance and community engagement. While critics may raise concerns about surveillance or strictness, the numbers—and the lived experience of residents—paint a picture of a city that has successfully prioritized safety without sacrificing cosmopolitanism.
For a rapidly growing global hub, this is no small feat. It is, instead, a template that other cities may increasingly look to—not just for what Dubai has built, but for how it continues to evolve.
