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The Department of Finance (DOF) for the Government of Dubai has launched the Unified Contact Centre (UCC), a centralised digital platform aimed at consolidating government communication services across the emirate. Developed in partnership with du, the UAE-based telecommunications provider, the project represents a significant step in the emirate’s broader strategy to modernize public service delivery.

Announced during GITEX Global 2025, the initiative is part of Dubai’s "Services 360" vision, which seeks to create a fully integrated and customer-focused model of government service. Once fully operational in 2027, the UCC will bring together 15 government entities under a unified framework.

The platform will centralize access to support and information via multiple channels — including phone, email, messaging apps, websites, and social media — within a single digital ecosystem. It is underpinned by AI and data analytics technologies designed to deliver efficient, personalized, and proactive interactions with the public.

Officials say the UCC will streamline communication, eliminate redundancies across departments, and enhance service consistency. “This initiative lays the foundation for a truly interconnected government ecosystem,” said Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh, Director General of DOF, following the agreement signing with Ahmad Abdulkarim Julfar, Vice Chairman of du.

The infrastructure, provided by du, includes customer experience management systems and digital tools aimed at improving response times and service quality. “The UCC exemplifies how strategic collaboration between the public and private sectors can set new standards in service delivery,” said Fahad Al Hassawi, CEO of du.

The project will be implemented in phases starting in 2026, with priority entities joining first. Oversight will remain with DOF to ensure alignment with government objectives. In addition to consolidating communication, the centre will feature a centralized knowledge base and data-driven performance tools aligned with the Dubai Model Centre’s excellence standards.

The Unified Contact Centre reflects Dubai’s commitment to integrated governance, aiming to provide residents, visitors, and businesses with a seamless, accessible, and intelligent interface for government services.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

The Dubai Ports Authority (DPA), part of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, has unveiled Port Eye, the region’s first autonomous drone and AI-powered monitoring system designed to improve port safety, infrastructure inspections, and environmental compliance across Dubai’s maritime zones.

The system integrates autonomous drones equipped with 4K thermal imaging cameras and environmental sensors into a centralized smart network. This setup delivers real-time visual feeds, advanced analytics, and remote monitoring capabilities, significantly reducing the need for manual inspections in high-risk environments.

Captain Ibrahim Al Blooshi, Executive Director of the DPA, said the system marks a “quantum leap” in Dubai’s maritime digital transformation. According to Al Blooshi, Port Eye has reduced inspection times from four hours to under one hour, improving operational efficiency by more than 60 percent.

The drones can autonomously detect ship emissions and monitor marine pollution using onboard sensors that measure sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and other environmental indicators. Data collected is streamed to a 3D interactive dashboard at DPA’s command center, allowing for immediate response and predictive maintenance.

The project aligns with the UAE’s Green Agenda 2030 and Net Zero 2050 goals, offering a scalable model for port sustainability and compliance with international environmental standards.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Alexander Agafiev Macambira

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

His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee, toured GITEX GLOBAL 2025 on Wednesday, as the event continued its showcase of advanced technologies shaping the global digital economy.

Hosted at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the 45th edition of GITEX GLOBAL is billed as the world’s largest technology and artificial intelligence exhibition, bringing together more than 6,800 companies and 2,000 startups from 180 countries. The event runs through October 17.

During his visit, Sheikh Mansoor explored a range of national and international pavilions displaying innovations in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, robotics, big data, and smart mobility. He was accompanied by senior officials including Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism; Lt. Gen. Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs; and Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of Digital Dubai.

"GITEX GLOBAL reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to establish a digitally driven economy grounded in innovation and global collaboration," Sheikh Mansoor said. "The event reinforces Dubai’s role as a platform for connecting leading technology players and supporting startup ecosystems.”

Among the stops on the tour were the e& pavilion, where the telecom group showcased its latest digital platforms; the K2 stand, featuring autonomous mobility solutions; and the Saudi Telecom Company (STC) exhibit, focused on AI and next-generation connectivity.

At the Dubai Police stand, 12 new AI-based tools were unveiled, including interactive services and robotic systems aimed at improving public safety. Sheikh Mansoor also reviewed smart initiatives from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Dubai Civil Defense, and the UAE Space Agency.

Held under the theme “The Future of AI: Shaping Tomorrow’s Economy,” this year’s GITEX highlights technological developments and policy frameworks designed to guide responsible innovation across key economic sectors.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Global Village, Dubai’s flagship multicultural destination for entertainment, retail, and dining, opened its 30th season with a large-scale celebration that drew thousands of visitors to the venue.

The opening night featured a range of visual and live performances, including a drone and pyrotechnics display that formed the number “30” in the night sky - marking three decades since the destination first opened. A group of wing-suited skydivers performed a mid-air dive through the formation, adding a dramatic live-action element to the presentation.

The evening also included a “Parade of the World,” which saw performers from each of the 30 international pavilions march alongside percussionists, representing the diverse cultures featured at Global Village. Additional attractions included new laser and light shows, cultural performances on multiple stages, and the first fireworks show of the season.

This year’s Global Village spans 30 pavilions and includes more than 3,500 retail outlets and 250 food vendors. Guests can expect over 200 rides, games, and attractions, along with more than 40,000 scheduled shows throughout the season. Fireworks displays will take place every Friday and Saturday at 9 p.m.

The venue is open daily from 4 p.m. and remains one of the most visited seasonal attractions in the region, drawing millions of visitors each year.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office 

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, attended the opening of the fifth Arab Awards Forum, hosted by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award (MBRKA). The two-day event brings together leading Arab intellectuals, scientists, and representatives of regional awards to foster collaboration and strengthen the role of Arab awards in promoting innovation and creativity.

Sheikha Latifa emphasized Dubai’s emerging position as a global meeting point for culture, knowledge, and innovation. “The Forum embodies Dubai’s belief that knowledge and innovation are the cornerstones of progress and that the ideas, curiosity and imagination of people are the nation’s greatest investment,” she said. She highlighted the historic contributions of Arab scholars and creators, reaffirming the need to invest in research and innovation to sustain the region’s legacy.

His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, Secretary-General of MBRKA and CEO of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, described the forum as critical to advancing Arab awards and fostering partnerships that enhance their impact. Launched in 2015 under directives from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, MBRKA aims to recognize achievements that contribute to human progress.

“We must move beyond traditional coordination and embrace strategic partnerships that make Arab awards a critical tool for building human capital and advancing knowledge,” Jamal bin Huwaireb said.

Dr. Abdulaziz Alsebail, Chairman of the Arab Awards Forum and Secretary-General of the King Faisal Prize, praised Dubai’s leadership in hosting the event and highlighted ongoing efforts to elevate Arab awards on the global stage through enhanced collaboration and quality standards.

The forum opened with a ceremony honoring institutions supporting Arab awards, including the Presidency of Mauritania, the Supreme Council for Culture in Egypt, the Greater Amman Municipality, and the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre.

Additionally, the Arab Awards Forum launched the ‘Arab Awards Platform,’ an Arabic-language database cataloguing Arab awards to facilitate access, coordination, and transparency among award bodies and stakeholders.

The first day also included a General Assembly meeting reviewing the forum’s progress and planning future cooperation, alongside specialised seminars with experts and thinkers.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Dubai Municipality has launched what it describes as the world’s first smart self-service laboratory for testing the purity of precious metals, including gold, silver, and platinum. The autonomous device, revealed at GITEX Global 2025, is designed to operate without human intervention and delivers results in under one minute using spectroscopic analysis, X-ray technology, and artificial intelligence.

The Smart Gold and Jewellery Testing Lab is a product of collaboration between Dubai Central Laboratory and the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group. The initiative supports Dubai’s broader strategy to position itself as a leader in advanced technology and as a global hub for precious metals trade.

Dr. Naseem Mohammed Rafi, Acting CEO of the Environment, Health and Safety Agency at Dubai Municipality, said the device was developed specifically for the municipality by a technical team from Dubai Central Laboratory. “This innovation establishes a new global standard for speed, precision, and reliability in laboratory testing for this sector,” she said.

The device’s design prioritizes both accuracy and safety, incorporating features such as remote monitoring, self-calibration, and automated maintenance. Eng. Hind Mahmoud Ahmed, Director of the Dubai Central Laboratory Department, said the lab system integrates fully with existing digital infrastructure and includes built-in emergency response capabilities.

The first unit will be installed at Dubai’s Gold Souk in Deira, with plans for wider deployment across other strategic locations. Dubai Municipality stated the project is part of a larger effort to enhance the emirate’s laboratory services, ensure product compliance, and protect consumer interests in line with international standards.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Global Village, Dubai’s flagship multicultural entertainment and retail destination, opens its 30th season on Wednesday, introducing a broad array of new attractions and experiences. The season will run until May 10, 2026.

This milestone year includes the participation of 30 pavilions representing over 90 cultures. The venue now hosts more than 3,500 retail outlets, over 250 food and beverage options, more than 40,500 live shows, and over 200 rides, games, and attractions.

Fernando Eiroa, CEO of Dubai Holding Entertainment, said the destination has grown from a local concept into “a true international phenomenon,” citing last season’s attendance of over 10.5 million guests. “As we mark the milestone of Season 30, we are excited to open our doors once again with an unparalleled mix of attractions, shopping, dining and world-class entertainment experiences,” he said in a statement.

Expanded Dining, Attractions and Entertainment

This season introduces upgrades across several zones. The newly branded Asia Boulevard, formerly Road of Asia, returns with expanded dining and retail options. Dessert District, a revamped version of the Railway Market, offers a curated dessert experience. Fiesta Street also returns with additional space and kiosks, while Happiness Street features a redesigned canopy for improved ambience.

Among the new thrill attractions are York Bikes, Toronto Tornado, Desert Dashers, Cape Glider, Rio Rocket and The Little Wonderers. The Dragon Kingdom, an immersive walkthrough experience, debuts with 11 themed rooms. Meanwhile, the Horror Hotel - a revamped version of the previous haunted house - offers a more elaborate set-up and updated effects.

A new floral installation, Gardens of the World, will span from the Egypt to the Iran pavilions, showcasing international floral arrangements and global landmark miniatures. At Arabian Square, a commemorative cake monument marks the 30th season.

Live Performances and Shows

More than 450 performers from 30+ nationalities will appear throughout the season. The live show roster includes Retumbar, Red Hot Chili Pipers, Mayumana, Burn the Floor, Dhol Foundation, and Swan Lake. In-house productions such as Haunted House, Boom Bollywood, and Slam return, along with child-focused performances by characters like Care Bears and PJ Masks.

A new stunt production titled Fast Live Spectacular features high-impact action sequences including drift battles, fire effects, and vehicle stunts. Nightly light and fire shows continue by Dragon Lake and near the main stage, with fireworks displays scheduled every Friday and Saturday at 9 p.m.

As Global Village enters its third decade, it continues to reinforce Dubai’s reputation as a destination for inclusive, large-scale entertainment.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.