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The Dubai Chamber of Commerce has launched Sustainability 365, a month-long initiative running from October 6 to 30, aimed at reinforcing sustainability and responsible business practices across the private sector.

The initiative, led by the chamber’s Centre for Responsible Business, marks an evolution from the chamber’s annual Sustainability Week, first introduced in 2015. The rebranded programme extends the original initiative’s impact, emphasizing the integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into year-round business operations.

Under the theme “Purpose in Action: Empowering Communities Through Responsible Business,” the initiative includes a series of events, forums, and training sessions. These are designed to equip businesses with tools and strategies to adopt more sustainable practices and drive long-term community impact.

Maha Al Gargawi, Vice President of Business Advocacy at Dubai Chambers, stated that the initiative reflects the organization’s belief that “social responsibility is an integral part of business culture and a driver of positive change.”

The agenda features The Purpose Forum, bringing together CEOs and senior leaders to discuss the role of purpose in business, and the Business with Purpose Roundtable, which includes interactive simulations on purpose-driven strategies. The Global Sustainability and CSR Forum 2025 will convene international experts to explore trends in corporate social responsibility. Throughout the month, the Purpose Academy will host virtual learning sessions for businesses.

Over the past decade, the chamber’s sustainability programmes have engaged more than 720 companies, focusing on issues such as workplace diversity, stakeholder engagement, and the ethical application of technology. The chamber aims to build on this foundation by encouraging broader adoption of ESG frameworks to strengthen corporate competitiveness and community impact.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Shamal Holding and Marriott International have announced a strategic agreement to develop The Dubai Beach EDITION, a combined hotel and residential project at Dubai Harbour. The development will mark the first EDITION-branded residences in the Middle East and is scheduled for completion in 2029.

The project will include 165 EDITION-branded residences, featuring two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments designed to reflect the brand’s minimalist yet luxurious identity. In addition, The Dubai Beach EDITION hotel will comprise 185 rooms and suites, offering sea views and curated dining experiences consistent with EDITION’s global standards.

Abdulla Binhabtoor, CEO of Shamal Holding, described the project as a “luxury beachfront destination” that aims to elevate Dubai’s standing as a global city. Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer for Marriott International in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, said the development would “reimagine what modern luxury can be” and strengthen Marriott’s high-end offerings in the region.

Located within Dubai Harbour, the project will form part of a larger coastal district that combines residential, hospitality, and lifestyle elements along a private beach and marina.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Alexander Agafiev Macambira

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

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Managing Director and CEO of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), received former President of Finland Sauli Niinistö on the sidelines of the 11th World Green Economy Summit (WGES).

The meeting followed Niinistö’s keynote address during the summit's opening, in which he stressed the pivotal role of public policy and financial mechanisms in advancing the global green economy. He also underscored the need for fairness, adaptability, and youth engagement in shaping sustainable, inclusive solutions.

During their discussions, Al Tayer outlined DEWA’s strategic initiatives to expand clean energy generation. He highlighted the authority’s focus on photovoltaic solar power, concentrated solar power (CSP), and energy storage technologies. Central to this strategy is the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park -  the world’s largest single-site solar installation developed under the independent power producer (IPP) model. The park is expected to reach a total production capacity of over 8,000 megawatts by 2030, with projected annual carbon emissions reductions exceeding 8.5 million tonnes.

Al Tayer also noted DEWA's operational benchmarks, stating that the utility currently ranks first globally in 12 key performance indicators. Dubai's electricity customer minutes lost (CML) have been reduced to 0.94 minutes, while losses in the power transmission and distribution network have been brought down to 2 percent. Water network losses stand at 4.5 percent - all among the lowest rates worldwide.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) has launched the DMCC Wealth Hub, a centralized platform aimed at supporting family offices and private capital firms looking to establish or expand operations in Dubai. The move underscores the emirate’s growing significance as a global destination for private wealth management.

The initiative comes amid a surge in assets under management (AUM) by Dubai-based family offices, now estimated to exceed $1 trillion. The new Wealth Hub provides a structured environment for managing governance, succession planning, and investment strategies, reflecting the city’s ambition to position itself as a premier jurisdiction for long-term wealth stewardship.

Designed as a single point of entry into Dubai’s private capital ecosystem, the DMCC Wealth Hub offers tailored licensing options - including Single Family Office, Multi Family Office, Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), and Holding Company structures - alongside access to legal, tax, and fiduciary expertise. Integration with the DMCC Tradeflow platform enables secure asset registration and financing.

The official launch was attended by H.E. Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, UAE Minister of Investment, and H.E. Abdulaziz AlNuaimi, Assistant Undersecretary at the Ministry of Economy and Tourism. Alsuwaidi emphasized the UAE’s strategic intent to become a leading destination for global capital, noting the critical role of private wealth in advancing national economic diversification. AlNuaimi highlighted the importance of regulatory clarity and institutional support in attracting long-term investment.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO of DMCC, said the Hub is a response to the rapid growth in wealth management activity in Dubai. “Family offices in the emirate are projected to grow their assets by over 50% by the end of the decade. The Wealth Hub gives these entities the platform they need to manage cross-border structures and navigate intergenerational wealth planning,” he said.

The launch also featured contributions from Emirates NBD and Deloitte Middle East, with executives sharing insights on current investment trends and structuring models in private wealth.

The Wealth Hub builds on DMCC’s broader position as a global business district, now home to nearly 26,000 companies across sectors including commodities, finance, and technology. With over 3,400 tech firms, including close to 1,000 operating in Web3, the district aims to bridge private capital with opportunities in digital assets, AI, and fintech - further entrenching Dubai as a future-facing wealth center.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

The Broadway hit musical Wicked will make its long-awaited Middle East debut in Dubai, with performances scheduled at Dubai Opera from January 28 to February 15, 2026. The production is presented by Broadway Entertainment Group in partnership with Dubai Opera.

This marks the first time the globally acclaimed musical will be staged in Dubai. The touring production includes reimagined sets, over 350 costumes, and technical innovations such as an aerial flying sequence - making it the most visually ambitious version of Wicked to date.

Internationally, Wicked has been seen by more than 65 million people in over 130 cities across 16 countries. With a full cast, orchestra, and crew of more than 100 professionals, the production brings to life the untold story of the witches of Oz. Its well-known score features songs such as “Defying Gravity,” “Popular,” and “For Good.”

The show is produced by Broadway Entertainment Group, which celebrates its 15th anniversary in Dubai with this milestone production. The company has spent five years developing the Middle East premiere of Wicked, a project it says reflects its long-term investment in regional theatre.

Stephen Schwartz, the show’s composer and lyricist, welcomed the expansion into Dubai: “This new production brings its own vitality and creativity, while continuing to tell our story of friendship, love, and the courage to stand up for what you believe in.”

Dubai Opera’s Executive Director, Paolo Petrocelli, called the production a cultural landmark for the UAE. “Welcoming Wicked affirms Dubai’s standing as a hub for cultural excellence and live entertainment,” he said.

The production is supported by Dubai Calendar and sponsored by AMEX and Dubai 92.

The musical’s Dubai run follows the global success of its Grammy-winning original cast album and the recent film adaptation starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, which has grossed more than $750 million worldwide.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) Hospitality and Emirates Flight Catering (EKFC) have formalized a strategic partnership aimed at transforming the region’s large-scale event catering sector. Under a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the two leading UAE-based entities will jointly provide end-to-end hospitality solutions across major events in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.

The agreement brings together DWTC’s experience in venue-based hospitality services with EKFC’s global-scale food production capabilities. The collaboration will offer fully integrated services, including culinary development, staffing, logistics, and operational execution for events ranging from government showcases to high-profile exhibitions.

“This strategic partnership marks a pivotal milestone,” said Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice President at DWTC. “Together, we are delivering seamless hospitality experiences for millions of guests, while setting new standards for innovation, quality, and service excellence.”

Shahreyar Nawabi, CEO of Emirates Flight Catering, emphasized the partnership’s operational scale and consistency. “This collaboration brings together two industry leaders with complementary strengths to deliver a reliable and world-class catering experience across any event format.”

The initiative will begin with immediate effect, including a joint engagement at the upcoming Dubai Airshow, where both partners will provide catering and hospitality services for VIP areas, including the Royal Pavilion and the UAE Ministry of Defence.

The partnership is also expected to play a key role in delivering services for other flagship events such as GITEX Global, the Dubai International Boat Show, and the Dubai World Cup.

As part of the collaboration, DWTC and EKFC will introduce new food service models at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) and the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC). These include semi-permanent food outlets, mobile concepts, and pilot retail-ready offerings aimed at enhancing flexibility and speed of service across event formats.

Looking ahead, the ongoing AED 10 billion expansion of the Dubai Exhibition Centre is expected to create further opportunities for operational collaboration, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global leader in hosting large-scale international events.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Dubai Miracle Garden, recognized as the world’s largest natural flower garden, has officially opened its 14th season, offering visitors an expanded array of floral displays and new themed attractions.

The opening ceremony was led by Sheikh Theyab bin Tahnoon bin Mohammad Al Nahyan, Chairman of Miracle Garden Group, alongside key representatives from the tourism and hospitality sectors, including Hamdan Al Kaabi, Vice Chairman of the Group, and Eng. Mohammed Zaher Hammadih, Group CEO.

Running daily from September 29 through May 31, the 2024–25 season introduces over 150 million flowers arranged across 72,000 square meters. The displays feature more than 120 varieties of blooms, including a number of custom-designed floral structures that have helped the garden earn multiple Guinness World Records since its launch in 2013.

The new season, themed “Blooming Wonders, Endless Memories,” reflects Dubai’s broader strategy to enhance family-oriented tourism through innovation and large-scale experiences. “Dubai Miracle Garden reflects our vision of creating outstanding attractions that celebrate innovation,” Sheikh Theyab said. “Season 14 reinforces our dedication to excellence and unforgettable experiences for visitors from around the world.”

According to Eng. Hammadih, this year’s updates aim to expand visitor engagement through new installations and refreshed concepts. “We’ve designed this season to inspire wonder and create special moments for every visitor,” he said.

Dubai Miracle Garden continues to serve as a key component of the emirate’s tourism portfolio, drawing millions annually and contributing to its global reputation for experiential and sustainable tourism.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Nasdaq Dubai has listed a $450 million Sukuk issued by Arada Developments LLC, a UAE-based master developer, under its $1 billion trust certificate issuance program. The Islamic bond, maturing in 2030, drew more than $2 billion in orders—over four times its offering size—signaling strong regional and international investor interest.

The Sukuk, priced at a profit rate of 7.150%, marks Arada’s third listing on Nasdaq Dubai, bringing its total outstanding issuances on the exchange to $1.5 billion.

To mark the occasion, Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, Executive Vice Chairman of Arada, rang the opening bell at Nasdaq Dubai alongside Hamed Ali, CEO of Nasdaq Dubai and Dubai Financial Market.

The listing supports Arada’s ongoing expansion, including recent entries into two new markets. Nasdaq Dubai now hosts $100.6 billion in listed Sukuk, with the total value of debt instruments on the exchange exceeding $141.6 billion.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) has reported a 10% increase in the number of British and Swiss companies operating within its district over the past year, as it concluded a series of high-level engagements across Europe aimed at promoting Dubai as a hub for innovation and international commerce.

During its Made for Trade Live (MFTL) roadshows held in London and Zürich, DMCC announced the addition of nearly 200 new British companies to its roster over the last 12 months. The district now hosts approximately 2,200 British firms, making it one of the largest concentrations of UK businesses in the United Arab Emirates. Notably, one in ten of these firms operates within the technology sector, reflecting a broader shift toward innovation-led growth.

DMCC also reported it is nearing 450 Swiss member companies, aligning with a 120% surge in UAE-Swiss non-oil trade during the first half of 2025. Combined, Swiss and British firms now account for nearly 2,650 companies - over 10% of DMCC’s total membership.

The European tour concluded with DMCC’s participation in the CV Summit in Zürich, a leading business event focused on artificial intelligence, blockchain, and digital assets. As a Platinum Sponsor, DMCC emphasized its strategic partnership with CV VC and highlighted the strengthening connection between Dubai and Zug, Switzerland - two growing nodes in the global Web3 and digital innovation ecosystem.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DMCC, said the roadshows highlighted the growing demand among UK and Swiss companies for platforms that support scaling, innovation, and international reach. “British and Swiss companies in our district have each grown by around 10% over the past year. We will keep strengthening our ecosystems so DMCC remains the natural home for forward-looking companies seeking to scale, innovate and access global opportunities from Dubai,” he said.

The events in London and Zürich were held in partnership with prominent business associations, drawing investors, policymakers, and executives from across finance, technology, and sustainability sectors. Discussions focused on how Dubai and DMCC provide the infrastructure and business environment to support international expansion, particularly for companies in emerging and advanced technologies.

With nearly 26,000 member companies representing over 180 countries, DMCC contributes approximately 15% of Dubai’s foreign direct investment inflows and 7% of the emirate’s GDP. As Dubai solidifies its position as a global business launchpad, DMCC continues to play a central role in driving innovation and trade.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Alexander Agafiev Macambira

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