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Vladyslava Garkusha News 19 January 2026

Emirates Returns as Official Partner of Hero Dubai Desert Classic

Emirates has confirmed a six-year partnership with the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, reinforcing the airline’s ongoing support for golf in Dubai.

The Hero Dubai Desert Classic, the region’s longest-running golf tournament, opens the DP World Tour’s Rolex Series. Since its 1989 debut at the Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club, the event has drawn top international players and global attention, establishing Dubai as a premier golf destination.

Under the partnership, Emirates will receive branding across the tournament grounds, including course signage, scoreboards, buggies, spectator areas, and digital platforms. The airline will also provide premium hospitality, Pro-Am participation, and exclusive experiences for its guests.

Sir Tim Clark, Emirates Airline President, noted the tournament’s role in showcasing Dubai’s golf courses worldwide and attracting leading players, while Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director, highlighted the collaboration as part of the event’s growth and international appeal.

The 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic takes place January 22–25, featuring top players including four-time champion Rory McIlroy, competing for a total prize of $9 million. Emirates has been a key partner in Dubai’s golf scene for nearly four decades and supports 21 tournaments across 26 countries through its association with the DP World Tour.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Alexander Agafiev
Alexander Agafiev is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.

Vladyslava Garkusha News 19 January 2026

Emirates Returns as Official Partner of Hero Dubai Desert Classic

Sheikh Mohammed Visits Fifth Edition of World of Coffee Dubai

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, visited the fifth edition of World of Coffee Dubai at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) on January 18, 2026. The exhibition runs through January 20.

Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee. During the visit, they toured several pavilions showcasing exhibits from across the coffee industry.

Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, briefed the visitors on the exhibition’s scale and international reach. Organised by DXB LIVE in collaboration with the Specialty Coffee Association, World of Coffee Dubai 2026 features over 2,100 companies from 78 countries, marking its largest and most internationally diverse edition to date.

The exhibition covers the full coffee value chain, from cultivation and production to processing, roasting, and brewing equipment. According to Statista, the global coffee sector’s projected revenue in 2026 is approximately $495.7 billion. The 2026 edition occupies more than 20,000 square metres and includes live auctions, international championships, workshops, and educational programs, providing trade and networking opportunities for industry professionals.

Khalid Al Hammadi, Senior Vice President of DXB LIVE, highlighted the growth of World of Coffee Dubai from a regional platform to a globally recognized hub connecting producers, manufacturers, and buyers.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Alexander Agafiev
Alexander Agafiev is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.

Vladyslava Garkusha News 19 January 2026

Sheikh Mohammed Visits Fifth Edition of World of Coffee Dubai

Dubai Expands Electric Vehicle Charging Network to 1,860 Stations

Dubai has increased its network of electric vehicle (EV) charging points to more than 1,860, according to HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, managing director and CEO of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). The expansion includes stations licensed by DEWA in partnership with government and private sector entities.

As of mid-January 2026, the EV Green Charger initiative had registered 23,600 users and supplied over 55,200 megawatt hours of electricity since its 2014 launch. DEWA estimates this amount of electricity could power more than 276 million kilometres of EV travel.

Al Tayer emphasized that the expansion supports Dubai’s broader sustainability goals, including the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy and the Dubai Green Mobility Strategy 2030. The initiative aligns with efforts to improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and position Dubai as a global leader in green mobility.

DEWA offers four types of charging stations - ultra-fast, fast, public, and wall-box - accessible through its website, mobile app, and 14 additional digital platforms. Customers can create a Green Charger account or use the service through the ‘Guest Mode’ feature, allowing access to stations within an hour of vehicle registration.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko
Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Vladyslava Garkusha News 19 January 2026

Dubai Expands Electric Vehicle Charging Network to 1,860 Stations

Dubai’s Official Tour Guide Program Reaches Five-Year Mark

The Dubai College of Tourism, part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, is marking five years since the launch of its online Dubai Tour Guide Programme, an initiative that has licensed more than 2,400 tour guides from over 50 nationalities to work across the city.

Launched as a fully digital training model, the programme provides the only official certification for tour guides in Dubai. Graduates are authorised to work under tourism companies registered in the emirate, accompanying visitors and delivering guided experiences across cultural, heritage and leisure sites. The college is now inviting UAE residents and Emiratis aged 18 and above to enrol, as demand for qualified guides continues to grow.

The programme’s expansion comes amid sustained growth in Dubai’s tourism sector. From January to November 2025, the city welcomed 17.55 million international overnight visitors, a year-on-year increase of 5 percent. Officials say the tour guide programme plays a key role in supporting service quality by creating a steady pipeline of trained professionals as visitor numbers rise.

Delivered entirely online, the self-paced course includes approximately 21 hours of video content and is currently offered in English and Mandarin. Participants have up to 90 days to complete the programme after document verification. Assessment includes five evaluations, such as a virtual interview and a practical exam, all conducted remotely. Successful candidates receive an official tour guide licence, enabling full-time, part-time or freelance work under a licensed tour operator.

The initiative is aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to strengthen Dubai’s position as a global destination for business and leisure. The programme also supports Emiratisation by encouraging greater participation from UAE nationals, offering flexible employment opportunities within the private tourism sector.

In addition to core training, participants may take part in optional familiarisation trips to major attractions and access ongoing professional development opportunities. The Dubai College of Tourism also delivers broader industry training through platforms such as Dubai Way, which offers courses on sustainable tourism, inclusive service and accessibility awareness.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko
Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Vladyslava Garkusha News 16 January 2026

Dubai’s Official Tour Guide Program Reaches Five-Year Mark

Emirates Marks Grand Slam Sponsorship With New A380 Livery

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline and a long-standing sponsor of professional tennis, has introduced a new Airbus A380 livery highlighting its support of all four Grand Slam tournaments: the Australian Open, Roland-Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open. The design underscores the airline’s role as a partner to the sport’s most prominent events.

The livery incorporates each Grand Slam logo within a tennis-ball motif, using the tournaments’ established color schemes: blue for the Australian Open, red for Roland-Garros, green and purple for Wimbledon, and yellow and blue for the US Open. Emirates said the aircraft will operate on international routes including Houston and São Paulo, bringing the branding to major markets.

The first flight featuring the new livery landed in Melbourne, Australia, coinciding with the start of the Australian Open, the season’s opening Grand Slam. Emirates plans to keep the design in service across its fleet for the coming years.

The initiative reflects Emirates’ broader global sponsorship strategy. In tennis, the airline supports events across the ATP and WTA Tours, including the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, in addition to the four Grand Slams. Its wider portfolio spans horse racing, golf, cricket, sailing, basketball, cycling, football and Australian Rules Football, with partnerships ranging from the Dubai World Cup and DP World Tour to major football clubs in Europe and beyond.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko
Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Vladyslava Garkusha News 16 January 2026

Emirates Marks Grand Slam Sponsorship With New A380 Livery

Dubai Chambers Courts Chinese Trade and Investment Partners

Dubai Chambers held a roadshow in Shenzhen and Guangzhou to deepen cooperation with 18 Chinese entities spanning government bodies, chambers of commerce, and trade and investment promotion organizations. The meetings focused on strengthening institutional ties and advancing bilateral trade and investment.

The delegation presented Dubai’s advantages as a global hub for commerce and capital, emphasizing its role as a gateway for companies from China’s Greater Bay Area seeking international expansion. Officials outlined the support available to Chinese firms establishing operations in Dubai and highlighted how Dubai International Chamber’s network of overseas offices helps Dubai-based companies expand abroad.

Talks also addressed collaboration across strategic sectors and previewed opportunities to be presented at the Dubai Business Forum - China, scheduled for May 14, 2026, in Shenzhen. The forum will introduce Chinese businesses to investment prospects linked to the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).

Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, said the organization aims to build on longstanding economic ties with China and foster partnerships that support growth in trade and investment.

The Shenzhen forum will be the fifth international edition of the Dubai Business Forum and the second held in China. The city was selected for its leadership in the digital economy and technology, aligning with the forum’s focus on cross-border collaboration and global market access.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko
Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Vladyslava Garkusha News 16 January 2026

Dubai Chambers Courts Chinese Trade and Investment Partners

Dubai Plans World’s Largest Virtual Sign Language Class

Dubai’s Community Development Authority announced plans to host what it aims to be the world’s largest unified virtual sign language class on January 21, 2026. The event is part of the “Dubai Communicates in Sign Language” initiative launched in October 2025 by Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Higher Committee for the Protection of the Rights of People of Determination.

The virtual class is intended to set a new Guinness World Record and to advance the use of sign language across public and private services in Dubai. Officials said the initiative supports broader efforts to improve access for people with hearing disabilities and to integrate sign language into everyday interactions, including digital and smart government services.

The program aligns with the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which places the empowerment of People of Determination at the center of social development policy. According to the Community Development Authority, the initiative reflects a commitment to social inclusion and to ensuring wider participation of People of Determination in economic and civic life.

Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority, said the initiative is intended to strengthen inclusion and position Dubai as a city that supports communication accessibility through practical measures. She emphasized that sign language plays a central role in enabling participation and understanding across society.

The authority has invited government bodies, private sector organizations, educational institutions, and members of the public to take part in the virtual class. Organizers said broad participation is essential both to achieving the record attempt and to raising awareness of Emirati Sign Language and the needs of the hearing-impaired community.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko
Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Vladyslava Garkusha News 16 January 2026

Dubai Plans World’s Largest Virtual Sign Language Class

Dubai Chambers Meets Illinois Delegation to Expand Trade and Investment Ties

Dubai Chambers met with a delegation from the U.S. state of Illinois led by State Senator Seth Lewis to discuss strengthening business partnerships and expanding trade and investment links. The meeting focused on practical avenues to deepen economic cooperation between Dubai and Illinois.

Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, welcomed the delegation and outlined opportunities for collaboration in trade, investment, and participation in business events in both markets. Dubai Chambers reiterated its commitment to supporting U.S. companies seeking to enter or expand in Dubai, while highlighting available investment frameworks and private sector partnerships.

Discussions emphasized shared interests in logistics, advanced manufacturing, technology, and sustainable energy. Participants also explored Dubai’s role as a gateway for Illinois exports to Africa and the Middle East and North Africa, as well as potential logistics partnerships to strengthen supply chains and expand services in Illinois.

The talks also covered cooperation in innovation-driven sectors, including quantum computing, renewable energy, and other advanced technologies. Both sides agreed to continue economic dialogue to support growth and closer trade integration.

Trade relations between Dubai and the United States remain strong, with bilateral non-oil trade reaching AED 116.4 billion in 2024, reflecting annual growth of 10%.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko
Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Vladyslava Garkusha News 16 January 2026

Dubai Chambers Meets Illinois Delegation to Expand Trade and Investment Ties

Dubai and Richemont Discuss Expansion of Luxury Sector Ties

Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, met in Dubai with Nicolas Bos, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Richemont, the Switzerland-based luxury goods group.

The meeting focused on Dubai’s strategy of strengthening partnerships with global companies operating in high-value sectors. Officials highlighted the emirate’s business environment, infrastructure and international connectivity as factors supporting its role as a regional base for multinational luxury groups.

Both sides discussed opportunities to deepen cooperation as Dubai’s luxury market continues to expand and as the city positions itself as a hub for investment and innovation. The luxury goods sector is among the industries contributing to the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to place Dubai among the world’s top three urban economies and double foreign trade to AED25.6 trillion by 2033.

The meeting was attended by Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs; Helal Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism; Hesham Abdulla Al Qassim, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Emirates NBD Group; and Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority.

Founded in 1988, Richemont owns a portfolio of luxury brands across jewellery, watches, fashion and accessories, including Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Piaget, Jaeger-LeCoultre, IWC Schaffhausen, Montblanc, Chloé and Dunhill. The group operates more than 2,400 monobrand boutiques worldwide and employs over 40,000 people across more than 150 locations. For the year ended March 31, 2025, Richemont reported group sales of €21.4 billion. Its Middle East, India and Africa headquarters are located in the Dubai Airport Free Zone.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko
Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Vladyslava Garkusha Luxury Style 16 January 2026

Dubai and Richemont Discuss Expansion of Luxury Sector Ties

Emirates Aviation University Graduates 379 Students at 36th Commencement

Emirates Aviation University marked its 36th graduation ceremony in Dubai, awarding degrees to 379 students across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The cohort included 296 bachelor’s and 83 postgraduate graduates, among them 121 UAE nationals. Since its founding in 1991, the university has produced more than 26,500 graduates and reports a 94 percent employability rate.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group and Chancellor of the university, conferred the degrees. The ceremony was attended by senior Emirates Group executives, faculty, and graduates’ families. Programmes completed spanned aviation management, aeronautical and aircraft maintenance engineering, logistics and supply chain management, aviation safety, and security.

As part of the Emirates Group, the university integrates industry training into its curriculum. In 2025, the Group trained 130 EAU interns, contributing to more than 3,000 internships hosted over the years. Twenty students received awards for academic distinction, and 28 engineering graduates were fully sponsored by Emirates Engineering.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko
Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Vladyslava Garkusha News 15 January 2026

Emirates Aviation University Graduates 379 Students at 36th Commencement

MBRSC Releases New Images From MBZ-SAT on Launch Anniversary

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre has released a new set of images captured by MBZ-SAT to mark the anniversary of the satellite’s launch. The satellite, described as the most advanced in the region, was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on 14 January 2025 at 11:09 p.m. UAE time.

The images show major landmarks and urban corridors across the United Arab Emirates, including Dubai World Central-Al Maktoum International Airport and Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai, as well as Qasr Al Hosn and the Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi. The photographs underscore the satellite’s high-resolution optical imaging capabilities and its role in providing accurate Earth observation data.

Named after President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, MBZ-SAT was developed by Emirati engineers under the UAE’s Satellite Development Programme. Local companies produced 90 percent of the satellite’s mechanical structures and a substantial share of its electronic components. The satellite is operated from the Mission Control Centre at MBRSC, where teams oversee operations and analyze incoming data.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Alexander Agafiev
Alexander Agafiev is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.

Vladyslava Garkusha News 15 January 2026

MBRSC Releases New Images From MBZ-SAT on Launch Anniversary

Dubai Chamber of Commerce Posts Record Export Growth in 2025

Dubai Chamber of Commerce reported a record AED356.5 billion in members’ exports and re-exports in 2025, the highest annual figure in its history and a 15.1% increase from AED309.6 billion in 2024. It is the second consecutive year in which the total surpassed AED300 billion, underscoring the continued expansion of Dubai’s trade activity.

The chamber, one of three operating under Dubai Chambers, said the growth reflects the ability of Dubai-based companies to adjust to changing global trade conditions while widening their reach into international markets.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, described the results as evidence of international confidence in Dubai’s economic framework and business environment. He linked the performance to the emirate’s long-term strategy under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

Membership also rose sharply. A total of 71,830 new companies joined the chamber in 2025, bringing active membership to 292,486, up 13.2% from the previous year. During the same period, the chamber issued 852,184 certificates of origin, a 7.7% increase, and handled 5,960 ATA Carnets valued at AED5.6 billion, reflecting growth in both volume and value.

The chamber supported 130 local companies in expanding into overseas markets, a 14% increase from 2024. It also reviewed 54 laws and draft laws with Business Groups, achieving a 60% adoption rate for private-sector recommendations, and held 250 meetings with Business Groups and Business Councils.

Five new Business Councils were established to represent investors from Bulgaria, Cyprus, Brazil, Slovakia, and Peru, alongside the launch of the Dubai Delivery Business Group. Mediation activity increased to 201 cases, with a combined value exceeding AED241 million and a settlement rate of about 67%.

Through the Dubai Centre for Family Businesses, three new advisory services were introduced, along with training programmes and governance sessions aimed at strengthening family-owned enterprises. In sustainability efforts, the chamber awarded its ESG Label to 50 companies and expanded its long-running sustainability programme under the new “Sustainability 365” identity.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Alexander Agafiev
Alexander Agafiev is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.

Vladyslava Garkusha News 15 January 2026

Dubai Chamber of Commerce Posts Record Export Growth in 2025

Petrochem Opens AED 300 Million Terminal at Jebel Ali Port

Petrochem Middle East has inaugurated a AED 300 million petrochemical terminal and corporate headquarters at Jebel Ali Port, expanding the company’s logistics capacity and supporting Dubai’s industrial growth strategy under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

The new facility, Petrochem’s largest to date, consolidates its operational and corporate functions in a purpose-built site designed to support long-term growth. The terminal enhances chemical storage, handling, and distribution capabilities, strengthening supply chains for manufacturing, energy, and industrial sectors across the UAE and international markets.

“This inauguration is more than a new address - it reflects our long-term commitment to Dubai,” said Rohan Mehta, Managing Director of Petrochem. “The facility is designed for the next three decades of growth and innovation, aligning with Dubai’s economic vision and supporting our people, partners, and stakeholders.”

The project, constructed to LEED Gold standards, includes Petrochem’s second UAE terminal and multiple office buildings. It aims to improve operational integration, expand distribution capacity, and enhance supply chain resilience, bolstering Dubai’s position as a global trade hub.

DP World leadership highlighted the terminal’s contribution to industrial development. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO, said Petrochem’s expansion reflects confidence in Dubai as a base for long-term industrial growth and strengthens the emirate’s chemical and manufacturing sectors. Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO & MD of DP World GCC, noted that consolidating operations and logistics at Jebel Ali allows companies to operate more efficiently across the Middle East, Africa, and beyond.

Founded in 1995 in Dubai, Petrochem has grown from a single office in Jebel Ali Free Zone into a multinational chemical distributor with operations across the Middle East, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and Africa. The new terminal underscores the company’s continued investment in Dubai as a center for industrial and economic growth.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Alexander Agafiev
Alexander Agafiev is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.