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Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) released its latest report, The Future of Alternative Investments, the fifth in its Future of Finance series. The report details the rapid global expansion of alternative investments, with assets under management tripling over the past decade to exceed $20 trillion.

The findings position Dubai as a key gateway for investors targeting alternative assets in emerging markets. Institutional investors, high-net-worth individuals, and family offices are increasing allocations to private equity, private credit, real estate, infrastructure, hedge funds, and digital assets. This growth is driven by demand for portfolio diversification, inflation protection, and uncorrelated returns.

Emerging markets, including Dubai, are identified as major growth engines. These markets benefit from faster GDP growth compared to developed economies, younger populations, and accelerated adoption of innovative technologies. The report highlights sectors such as artificial intelligence, sustainable infrastructure, and digital assets as central to economic development in these regions.

Regulatory clarity in Dubai and other emerging markets is facilitating greater acceptance of cryptocurrencies and tokenization. Additionally, sustainability-linked infrastructure projects are becoming a significant focus for investment.

DIFC’s infrastructure, legal framework, and ecosystem support its role as a global hub for alternative investments. The Centre hosts over 440 wealth and asset management firms, including 85 hedge funds - 69 of which manage more than $1 billion - forming the largest cluster of such firms in the region.

The DIFC Funds Centre provides tailored services, including Special Purpose Vehicles and family office structures, to assist investors navigating cross-border opportunities. This platform aims to support fund managers in scaling operations and accessing regional growth sectors.

Salmaan Jaffery, Chief Business Development Officer at DIFC Authority, emphasized Dubai’s strategic positioning: “Emerging markets offer compelling opportunities driven by infrastructure needs, digital asset adoption, and innovation. DIFC provides the legal, regulatory, and operational clarity to connect investors with these high-growth markets.”

The report was unveiled at the Fixed Income Alternatives Conference in Dubai, the region’s first event dedicated to fixed income alternative investments, hosted by DIFC and DealCatalyst.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) announced today that astronaut Mohammad AlMulla has successfully completed the European Space Agency’s (ESA) CAVES training program in Italy. The two-week course took place in the Molise and Campania regions, involving an international group of astronauts from ESA, NASA, and JAXA.

CAVES - short for Cooperative Adventure for Valuing and Exercising human behaviour and performance Skills - is designed to simulate space mission conditions by placing participants in an underground environment. The program emphasizes teamwork, technical skills, and psychological resilience in a setting that mimics spaceflight challenges, including isolation, confined quarters, and limited resources.

During the training, AlMulla and his colleagues engaged in technical instruction, outdoor exercises, and a multi-day subterranean expedition where they lived and worked without external contact. The curriculum focused on exploration techniques, mapping, scientific research, communication, leadership, stress management, and decision-making.

Completion of the CAVES program provides AlMulla with critical experience applicable to future space missions and strengthens international cooperation in human spaceflight efforts.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Dubai T100 has revealed its 2025 race course and maps, set against the city’s iconic landmarks including the Burj Khalifa. The event, scheduled for November 13–16, is part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) and is positioned as a major international triathlon and fitness weekend.

The race begins at Jumeirah 3 Beach - Sunset, with participants cycling past Meydan Racecourse and finishing with the Burj Khalifa in view. The weekend offers events for all fitness levels: the Duathlon Relay (5 km run, 22 km bike, 5 km run) and the Sprint Race (750 m swim, 20 km bike, 5 km run) take place on November 15, while the 100KM T100 Triathlon (2 km swim, 80 km bike, 18 km run) is scheduled for November 16.

In addition to the triathlons, the Music Run returns on November 15, a 5K fun run set to music designed to encourage community participation regardless of fitness level.

Dubai Sports Council Secretary General Saeed Hareb emphasized the event’s role in promoting physical activity across the emirate, describing it as a blend of elite competition and grassroots engagement. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, highlighted how the race showcases Dubai’s landmarks and supports the city’s goal of becoming a global fitness hub.

The event weekend will also feature live music, food, and activations, aiming to create a festival atmosphere. Organizers said further details will be announced in the coming weeks.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Alexander Agafiev Macambira

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

The Dubai Land Department (DLD) introduced the first phase of its ‘Digital Sale’ service via the Dubai Now app during GITEX Global 2025. This new service enables users to complete real estate sale and registration transactions fully online, marking a significant advancement in Dubai’s digital transformation efforts.

The initiative aligns with Dubai’s broader economic and real estate strategies, including the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033. By enabling 24/7 transaction processing through electronic signatures via the UAE Pass app, the service aims to streamline procedures while maintaining high standards of security, transparency, and trust.

Through this platform, sellers can create and electronically sign sale contracts, which buyers then complete online. Payments are transferred to a dedicated account, and ownership certificates are issued instantly within the app. The service supports properties located in freehold areas, including residential units, commercial units, and residential townhouses, provided they are mortgage-free, owned by a single party, and that both buyer and seller have valid Emirates IDs and active UAE Pass accounts.

This development is part of the DLD’s efforts to digitize real estate transactions fully and support Dubai’s goal of building a knowledge-based, sustainable digital economy. It also aims to enhance the emirate’s appeal as a global destination for real estate investment by improving operational efficiency and customer experience.

Additionally, at GITEX Global 2025, the DLD showcased its Real Estate Instant Registration Platform, which provides real-time data on property transactions across Dubai, further promoting transparency in the market.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Dubai Culture & Arts Authority has announced the start of registration for the third Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Forum, scheduled for October 26 and 27 at Al Khayat Avenue, Al Quoz. The event, themed “Passion, Profit, Possibilities,” will focus on the intersection of creativity and business.

Recognized as the UAE’s premier platform for creative entrepreneurship, the forum gathers entrepreneurs, cultural leaders, artists, designers, chefs, and investors to discuss opportunities within the creative economy. It aims to support the growth of creative industries while reinforcing Dubai’s role as a global cultural hub.

Aligned with the initiative ‘The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World,’ the forum will include keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, and performances. Topics will cover culture as economic capital, mentorship, placemaking, and investment strategies. The program is designed to equip participants with practical skills and connections to advance their ventures.

Open to entrepreneurs, startups, investors, and professionals in the cultural and creative sectors, the forum encourages wide participation.

As part of the event, the Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Competition received over 120 submissions. Seven finalists will present their ideas to a panel of experts, competing for a total prize pool of AED 160,000. Awards include AED 80,000 for first place, AED 50,000 for second, and AED 30,000 for third, along with in-kind support for project development.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

In the elegant setting of the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, a landmark event unfolded on Saturday, October 11. Titled “The Ocean Meets Art”, the evening was hosted by Blue & Sport Alliance Monaco (BSA) and brought together a distinguished group of diplomats, scientists, artists, and philanthropists - all united by a common cause: the protection of the world’s oceans and polar regions.

Conceived and led by BSA’s President and Founder, Isidoro Miele, the event represented far more than a ceremonial gathering. It was a deliberate attempt to bridge disciplines - science and art, policy and culture - to address the accelerating environmental threats facing marine ecosystems. “Art speaks to the heart, science enlightens the mind, and from their meeting, conscience is born,” Miele said in his opening remarks, setting the tone for the evening.

The event drew high-level participation from across Europe’s diplomatic and scientific communities. In attendance was Her Excellency Emanuela Ruosi, Ambassador of Italy to the Principality of Monaco, and Raphaël Ghiandai, Administrative and Financial Director of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, a longstanding advocate for marine and polar conservation.

Also present were senior figures from key maritime institutions, reflecting the technical depth of the evening’s agenda. These included Rear Admiral Luigi Sinapi, Director of the International Hydrographic Organization and Vice-President of BSA Monaco; Rear Admiral Fabrizio Orengo, Director of the Italian Hydrographic Institute; Rear Admiral Giosuè Allegrini, naval engineer, historian, and art critic; and Commander Maurizio De Marte, head of the Italian Navy’s polar mission High North 24.

The evening opened with a scientific roundtable focused on climate and maritime challenges, including ocean warming, polar ice melt, and rising sea levels. This was followed by an artistic performance designed to evoke the fragility and beauty of the marine world - an expression of the central theme that intellectual insight must be paired with emotional connection to inspire meaningful action.

A highlight of the program was the intervention by Tom Woods, President and Founder of the NGO Help Save The Med, who delivered a compelling testimony on the urgent need to protect the Mediterranean Sea. Emphasizing international cooperation and citizen engagement, Woods underscored the importance of moving from awareness to action in marine conservation.

Support for the event came from key private-sector partners and long-time allies of BSA Monaco. Among them was Marcello Pica, CEO of Mama Shipping, Vice-President of the Monegasque Chamber of Shipping, and a member of the BSA board. Pica, a principal sponsor of the event, was joined by philanthropist Mikhail Nefedov, whose continued backing of climate-focused initiatives was acknowledged with gratitude during the evening.

What made “The Ocean Meets Art” distinct was its ambition to create new coalitions. By bringing together military officers and environmentalists, cultural figures and hydrographers, the event embodied a new model of engagement - one in which the tools of science are amplified by the voice of culture and the reach of diplomacy.

In a time of escalating environmental crises, BSA Monaco reaffirmed its mission: to forge partnerships across disciplines, unite expertise and creativity, and defend the fragile beauty of our shared marine world.

Monaco - with its historic commitment to oceanic stewardship - once again proved itself a stage where science and society can meet, and where real collaboration begins.

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced 11 advanced technology projects at GITEX Global 2025, underscoring its strategic push into artificial intelligence and data-driven mobility. The event, hosted at Dubai World Trade Centre from October 13–17, brings together over 6,800 companies from 180 countries and more than 400 government entities.

Among the key RTA projects showcased are a Smart Vehicle Network, aerial taxis, autonomous trams, and predictive inspection systems - all designed to modernize transport services and improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at RTA, said the initiatives reflect Dubai’s broader strategy to position itself as a global leader in smart, AI-powered urban mobility. “We are committed to applying emerging technologies to improve operational performance and enhance quality of life,” he said.

AI-Driven Traffic and Inspection Systems

The Smart Vehicle Network, developed at the Dubai Intelligent Traffic Systems Centre, integrates Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems to manage traffic in real time. It has already reduced delays by 25% and cut operational costs by up to 30%.

AutoCheck 360, an automated vehicle inspection system, uses AI and computer vision to reduce inspection time from 17 minutes to 7. It is one of the first fully integrated systems of its kind in the region.

Smart Mobility and Infrastructure

RTA also highlighted a Smart Mobility Platform that monitors and manages school buses, delivery bikes, and other commercial fleets using IoT sensors and AI analytics to enhance safety and compliance.

The Safe Tracks Rail Inspection System, the first of its kind regionally, uses laser scanning and intelligent analytics to identify rail defects, reducing inspection time by 70% and improving metro safety.

The Trackless Tram system uses GPS, LiDAR, and AI to navigate virtual tracks without physical rails -offering a lower-cost, autonomous public transport solution adaptable to urban environments.

Urban Air Mobility and Digital Platforms

The aerial taxi, currently in trial phase, offers point-to-point transport with flight times such as 10 minutes from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah. It will be integrated with other public and personal mobility options.

RTA is also advancing its digital service platforms. The S’hail app offers multimodal trip planning and smart notifications, while the RTA Dubai app consolidates licensing, parking, fines, and other services. Smart kiosks with live video access to customer service agents are being deployed across the city.

Building AI Capability

The RTA’s AI Factory serves as a research and development hub focused on machine learning and intelligent systems, supporting the agency’s 2030 goal to become a global leader in AI mobility solutions.

RTA’s participation at GITEX 2025 demonstrates how government infrastructure can evolve through practical applications of AI, IoT, and data analytics.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Alexander Agafiev Macambira

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

Start-ups operating within in5, Dubai’s flagship entrepreneurship incubator, have collectively raised over AED 9 billion in funding since its launch in 2013. The milestone was announced during Expand North Star 2025, held from October 12–15 at Dubai Harbour.

The new figure marks a 14% increase over total funding raised as of October 2024 and reflects the growing appeal of Dubai’s innovation ecosystem. in5 is operated by TECOM Group PJSC and supports early-stage companies across four key sectors: technology, media, design, and science.

Since its establishment, in5 has supported more than 1,100 start-ups. Its sector-specific facilities include in5 Tech in Dubai Internet City, in5 Media in Dubai Production City, in5 Design in Dubai Design District (d3), and in5 Science in partnership with Dubai Science Park.

“The AED 9 billion milestone reflects the strength of in5’s ecosystem and its alignment with Dubai’s innovation strategy,” said Majed Al Suwaidi, Senior Vice President at TECOM Group. The incubator supports the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to position Dubai among the top global cities for economic growth and innovation.

In the first half of 2025, in5 hosted 94 events offering mentorship, advisory sessions, and investor engagement opportunities. Companies showcased at Expand North Star included Bellboy, an AI-driven hospitality automation platform; Gainz, a fintech venture focused on private credit; and MyGatePass, a visitor management solution using UAE Pass integration.

Recent funding rounds from in5-based ventures include AED 22 million for Halo AI, AED 5.5 million for Wittify AI, and AED 1.8 million for Armoir, a luggage-tech start-up. in5 Tech also hosts the in5 Investor Hub, a dedicated space for investors to engage with emerging companies.

TECOM Group, which operates 10 business districts in Dubai, including Dubai Internet City and Dubai Science Park, continues to play a central role in advancing the city’s knowledge-based economy.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Dubai International Chamber, part of the Dubai Chambers network, has officially opened its first representative office in the Nordic region, located in Stockholm, Sweden. The office aims to bolster business relations and facilitate trade and investment between Dubai and Sweden.

The inauguration ceremony in Stockholm included prominent figures such as H.E. Benjamin Dousa, Sweden’s Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade; H.E. Ghasaq Shaheen, UAE Ambassador to Sweden; and Mr. Salem AlShamsi, Executive Vice President of International Relations at Dubai Chambers.

This new office, established under the ‘Dubai Global’ initiative, is designed to deepen economic cooperation and promote mutual trade and investment opportunities between the two markets.

Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, emphasized the strategic importance of the office, noting Sweden’s innovative business environment and the potential for increased collaboration. He described the office as a gateway for Swedish companies seeking to enter Dubai’s market and for promoting Dubai’s investment prospects.

Trade data reflects expanding commercial ties: in 2024, non-oil bilateral trade between Dubai and Sweden reached AED 3.9 billion, marking a 5.3% increase from the previous year. The growing interest among Swedish companies in Dubai is also evident in membership numbers. By mid-2025, 940 Swedish companies were members of Dubai Chamber, with 127 joining in the first half of the year alone.

Dubai International Chamber’s global network of representative offices supports Dubai’s strategy to attract businesses, investments, and talent. These offices, spanning five continents, provide critical support for companies expanding into Dubai and promote the emirate as a global trade and investment hub.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Emirates NBD, a leading banking group in the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye (MENAT) region, recently hosted the second edition of its Private Banking Next Generation programme in partnership with PwC and Visa. The initiative aims to equip future business leaders with the expertise and connections necessary to manage and grow family wealth amid an evolving economic landscape.

The UAE continues to attract ultra-high-net-worth individuals, bolstered by world-class infrastructure, investor-friendly regulations, and a robust real estate market. This influx underscores the country’s growing role as a global hub for private capital.

The program arrives as the Middle East anticipates a significant intergenerational wealth transfer, projected to exceed $1 trillion by 2030. With technological advances complicating legacy planning, many families face challenges related to diversified assets, legal frameworks, and governance structures. Emirates NBD’s Next Generation programme addresses these issues by focusing on family governance, succession planning, and leadership development.

Titled “From Legacy to Leadership,” the event featured expert presentations on governance fundamentals, effective board membership, entrepreneurship, and the implications of generative AI for business.

Mohammad Al Bastaki, Group Head of Private Banking and Wealth Management at Emirates NBD, emphasized the program’s role in supporting the bank’s ultra-high-net-worth clients. “Our Next Generation programme is a cornerstone of our commitment to these families, providing critical tools for navigating a complex global environment,” he said. “Partnering with PwC and Visa enables us to deliver unparalleled insight and service.”

This initiative aligns closely with Emirates NBD’s broader Private Banking strategy, aiming to preserve and grow wealth across generations.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

On November 21, 2025, Dubai will become the backdrop for a groundbreaking fusion of sport and culture - the inaugural Legacy Cup. This unique event is a collaboration between Polo Xperience and the Big Art Festival, a partnership designed to merge the worlds of elite athleticism and contemporary artistry. The day's activities will unfold across two iconic venues: the renowned Al Habtoor Polo Club and the newly inaugurated Billionaire Dubai at the Mandarin Oriental Downtown.

At the heart of the day's program lies an eagerly anticipated polo match, pitting the Monte-Carlo Polo Team against the Mahra Polo Team. The Monte-Carlo team, founded in 2012 by Rommy Gianni, is no stranger to the international spotlight. With a storied history that includes three consecutive victories at the Snow Polo World Cup in St. Moritz - an unparalleled achievement in the tournament’s history - the team has built a reputation for both skill and sophistication. Their participation in this event signals a desire to not only compete but also to advance the role of polo as a cultural force, beyond its traditional boundaries.

The Legacy Cup is part of a broader vision by Polo Xperience to redefine the sport, positioning it as both a prestigious athletic competition and a dynamic cultural platform. The initiative seeks to bridge the worlds of sport, art, and high society, creating a space where elite athletes, global influencers, and the artistic community can converge. It reflects Dubai’s growing status as a city that is not just a hub for business but also for cultural exchange and innovation.

Following the polo match, the evening will transition from sport to spectacle. The Big Art Festival, a prominent cultural initiative spearheaded by Berin Iglesias Art, will curate an extraordinary gala that blends live performance with visual art and fine dining. Known for its ability to bring together top-tier artists and performers, the festival’s presence in Dubai underscores the city’s commitment to fostering high-profile cultural experiences. Headlining the evening's performance is Zivert, a Russian pop sensation whose work is characterized by a strong visual and choreographic dimension, ensuring that the evening will be as much about artistic expression as it is about entertainment.

The gala will take place at Billionaire Dubai, the latest addition to the luxury nightlife brand founded by Italian entrepreneur Flavio Briatore. This venue, which opened its doors at the Mandarin Oriental Downtown, is a fitting setting for an event of this scale - combining sophisticated design, gastronomy, and stagecraft. It will offer a unique atmosphere that perfectly complements the event’s blend of sport and performance.

Yet the Legacy Cup is more than just an event; it is a statement about the evolving nature of cultural and social gatherings. It underscores the increasing relevance of traditional sports, like polo, in an era where cultural expression and athleticism are intertwined. In cities like Dubai, which are positioning themselves as crossroads of global commerce, art, and entertainment, events like this serve as a reminder that sport is no longer confined to the field - it is an experience, a conversation, and an opportunity to engage with the world in new and dynamic ways.

The Legacy Cup also symbolizes the longstanding relationship between the Monte-Carlo Polo Federation and the Al Habtoor family, a partnership that dates back nearly 30 years. For Rommy Gianni, returning to Dubai for this event is not only a professional milestone but also a personal one, as he revisits a place that has long been central to the team’s success and international outreach.

Supporting this monumental event is Monaco's CAROLI Group, a cornerstone of the principality’s real estate and communications sectors. With its vast experience in urban development and event coordination, the CAROLI Group’s involvement highlights the global scale and logistical complexity of hosting such a high-profile gathering.

The Legacy Cup promises to be more than a showcase of sporting prowess - it is a cultural moment in itself, embodying the power of traditional sports to evolve and thrive in the modern world. By weaving together athletic competition, luxury, and artistic performance, the event reimagines polo not just as a sport but as an immersive experience, and positions it as a conversation starter within the global cultural zeitgeist.

As Dubai continues to cement its status as an international hub, The Legacy Cup is set to become one of its most anticipated events - a testament to how sport and culture can coexist and flourish in the 21st century.

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.