In a city renowned for pushing culinary boundaries, KIRA has swiftly emerged as one of Dubai’s most talked-about dining destinations of 2025. Perched on the rooftop of the newly opened Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, the contemporary fusion concept embodies ...
In observance of the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, municipal authorities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have announced a series of public service adjustments, including complimentary parking and extended public transportation hours.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) confirmed that all Customer Happiness Centres will remain closed on Friday, September 5. However, smart service centers located in Umm Ramool, Deira, Al Barsha, Al Twar, and RTA’s headquarters will continue operating around the clock.
As part of the observance, all public parking in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi will be free of charge throughout the day.
Public transport services across Dubai will follow modified schedules. The Dubai Metro’s Red and Green Lines will operate on extended hours, beginning service at 5 a.m. and continuing until 1 a.m. the following day. Adjustments have also been made to bus routes, tram schedules, marine transport services, and vehicle testing centers, though specific changes were not immediately detailed.
The announcement reflects the UAE’s broader effort to accommodate public needs during religious observances, ensuring access to essential services while honoring the cultural and spiritual significance of the holiday.
In a continued push to foster digital literacy and professional development, Sharjah Public Libraries has unveiled an enhanced version of its Smart Knowledge Library, offering residents across the United Arab Emirates free access to online courses in digital skills, entrepreneurship, and other professional fields.
The platform, which was officially relaunched on August 28, now features a streamlined mobile-friendly interface and a broad catalog of short educational courses available in both Arabic and English. Developed with accessibility in mind, the updated system includes video tutorials to assist users through the enrollment process and offers instant digital certificates upon course completion.
Originally introduced in 2021, the Smart Knowledge Library was established as part of Sharjah’s long-term strategy to promote self-learning and professional development. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sharjah Public Libraries gained recognition for making over 15 million digital resources freely available to the public - an initiative that underscored the emirate’s commitment to open access education and digital inclusion.
The platform’s expansion is aimed at cultivating a knowledge-based society by integrating digital culture and continuous learning into daily life. Courses are led by recognized subject matter experts and incorporate interactive assessments to enhance user engagement and retention.
Sharjah Public Libraries, operating under the Sharjah Book Authority, continues to position itself at the forefront of digital education initiatives in the region, reaffirming its role as a key player in the UAE’s broader knowledge economy.
Abu Dhabi will host the 2025 International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress from October 9 to 15. The announcement reflects the United Arab Emirates’ growing role in international environmental diplomacy and its sustained efforts to advance biodiversity conservation.
The IUCN Congress, held every four years, is regarded as one of the most significant global platforms for environmental governance and conservation science. It convenes government leaders, scientists, civil society, youth representatives, and private sector stakeholders to shape conservation priorities and promote nature-based solutions to pressing ecological challenges.
Among the central features of the 2025 Congress will be a major update to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species - widely considered the most authoritative global resource for assessing species' extinction risks. The update will include the European Red List of Threatened Species and a particular emphasis on pollinators, whose populations are under increasing pressure worldwide.
The Congress will also see the release of the latest IUCN World Heritage Outlook, a critical assessment of the health and management of natural World Heritage sites globally. In addition, the IUCN will present its highest honors, including the Cullman Medal, the John C. Phillips Memorial Medal, and the 2025 International Ranger Awards. The host nation for the next IUCN World Parks Congress will also be announced.
Dr. Amna Al Dahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, noted that the UAE currently maintains 49 protected areas, encompassing roughly 15.5 percent of its territory. The country has pledged to plant 100 million mangroves by 2030 and continues to lead wildlife reintroduction programs, efforts rooted in the environmental legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
“The UAE continues to strengthen its role as a global hub for practical, innovative solutions to environmental and biodiversity challenges,” said Dr. Al Dahak.
Dr. Shaikha Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi and IUCN Regional Councillor for West Asia, emphasized the inclusive nature of the event: “We look forward to welcoming participants from across the globe to Abu Dhabi.”
Established in 1964, the IUCN Red List is considered a cornerstone of conservation science. It provides comprehensive, peer-reviewed assessments of the status of species across all regions, helping guide global policy and local conservation strategies. The Red List is developed through a vast international network of scientists and conservation organizations.
IUCN Director General Dr. Grethel Aguilar underscored the Congress’s role as “a critical opportunity to deliver real, science-based solutions supported by communities and grounded in clear policy frameworks.”
The 2025 Congress is expected to solidify new global initiatives that may shape the future of conservation policy, reinforcing international collaboration at a moment of accelerating biodiversity loss and environmental change.
On the night of September 7, the skies over the United Arab Emirates will host a rare and striking astronomical event: a total lunar eclipse that will cast the Moon in a deep, reddish glow - a phenomenon popularly known as the “Blood Moon.”
According to the Dubai Astronomy Group (DAG), the eclipse is being hailed as one of the most photogenic of the decade. The total phase - when the Moon is fully enveloped in Earth’s shadow - will last an exceptional 82 minutes, making it one of the longest total lunar eclipses in recent years. The spectacle will be visible in its entirety from across the UAE.
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon, blocking sunlight and casting a shadow over the lunar surface. The reddish hue is caused by sunlight filtering through Earth's atmosphere - a process that scatters blue light and allows red and orange tones to reach the Moon.
The event will begin at 7:28 p.m. local time with the penumbral phase, followed by the partial eclipse at 8:27 p.m. and full totality starting at 9:30 p.m. The eclipse will reach its peak at 10:12 p.m., with totality ending by 10:53 p.m. The full eclipse sequence will conclude by 12:55 a.m. on September 8.
This particular eclipse stands out not only for its vivid coloring and long duration, but also for its global visibility - nearly 87% of the world’s population will be able to view at least part of it.
The Dubai Astronomy Group is organizing a public viewing event in the city and will broadcast a global livestream, featuring real-time footage from observatories and astronomy groups on six continents. Among them are Al Sadeem Observatory in Abu Dhabi, Perth Observatory in Australia, and Astro Barcelona in Spain. A special shot of the eclipse aligned with the Burj Khalifa, in collaboration with photographer Rami Dibo, is also planned.
The eclipse is safe to view with the naked eye, though binoculars or telescopes are recommended for a closer look at the Moon’s crimson surface.
For those who miss this event, the next lunar eclipse visible from the UAE will occur on July 6, 2028 - a partial eclipse. The next total lunar eclipse visible from the region will take place on December 31, 2028, offering another chance to ring in the new year under a blood-red Moon.
Photo credits: Dubai Astronomy Group
Alexander Agafiev
Alexander Agafiev is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.
Dubai has long been synonymous with architectural ambition, futuristic skylines, and bold urban planning. Now, with the city's embrace of the “20-Minute City” concept—introduced as part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan—the emirate is laying the groundwork for an urban future defined not just by scale, but by human-centric design.
The goal is clear: to ensure that 80% of residents can access their daily needs—work, school, healthcare, and leisure—within a 20-minute walk or bike ride. If achieved, this would mark a transformative shift from car-dependent sprawl toward integrated, sustainable living.
Implemented correctly, the 20-minute city model could redefine quality of life in the region. It promotes environmental sustainability through reduced emissions, supports small and local businesses, and fosters a greater sense of community. In a city where rapid growth has often outpaced public infrastructure, this policy represents a welcome recalibration.
But the promise lies not in rhetoric, but in execution. To succeed, the initiative must invest heavily in walkability, public transportation, shaded pedestrian corridors, and mixed-use zoning. Crucially, development must prioritize affordability to avoid creating a two-tiered system where only certain neighborhoods benefit.
As Dubai continues its journey toward becoming a global benchmark for livability, its leaders would do well to remember that a 20-minute city is not simply a planning goal—it is a social contract. One that must serve every resident.
Since opening its doors in 2022, Dubai’s Museum of the Future has done more than capture the world's architectural imagination. It has positioned the emirate as a serious player in the global conversation around innovation, technology, and speculative thought. It is no small feat for a city often viewed through the prism of luxury and commerce.
Housed in an elliptical structure etched with Arabic calligraphy and dubbed “the most beautiful building on Earth” by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the museum is not merely a monument to design—it is a forward-looking institution with a clear intellectual agenda.
Inside, the exhibits span topics such as artificial intelligence, space exploration, climate change, and bioengineering. Unlike traditional museums, it resists nostalgia. It is unapologetically focused on the decades to come, encouraging young visitors to envision themselves as participants in shaping the future.
More importantly, it reflects the UAE’s broader national priorities: investing in knowledge economies, fostering STEM education, and building a generation of thinkers, makers, and doers. The museum’s integration with schools and universities across the country underscores this vision.
Still, for such a bold project to realize its full potential, it must remain more than an attraction. The museum should evolve into a hub for research, cross-cultural dialogue, and policy incubation. This means hosting global scholars, publishing original research, and addressing the ethical dilemmas that accompany technological progress.
The Museum of the Future has already established itself as a landmark achievement in design and ambition. What remains is for it to deepen its role—as a catalyst for thought, a space for discovery, and a driver of meaningful innovation that serves not only the region, but the world.
In a significant stride toward cultural enrichment and national capacity-building, the National Youth Orchestra – Dubai (NYO Dubai), in collaboration with the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, has launched the Emirati Music Education Programme. The initiative, developed under the Dubai Cultural Grant, signals a clear commitment to cultivating homegrown talent within the United Arab Emirates’ burgeoning creative sector.
At its core, the programme seeks to provide rigorous musical training for young Emiratis. Students will engage in a structured curriculum that includes music history, theory, and classical performance practice. Instruction spans string and wind instruments, choral studies, and ensemble performance, complemented by workshops led by NYO Dubai’s professional faculty.
This is not a symbolic gesture. It is a strategic investment in the country’s cultural infrastructure. By equipping the next generation with professional-level training, the programme aims to fortify the UAE’s music sector and deepen national participation in the creative economy.
Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Arts, Design & Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, articulated the programme’s broader vision: to nurture future performers and elevate Dubai’s standing as a global cultural capital. In tandem, Amira Fouad, Artistic Director of the National Youth Orchestras & Choirs – Dubai, emphasized the programme’s role in making high-level music education accessible to Emiratis, while honoring the country’s cultural heritage. Auditions for shortlisted applicants will begin on 14 September 2025. The Emirati Music Education Programme is more than an academic offering—it is a nation-building initiative, grounded in the belief that a thriving cultural sector is not a luxury, but a necessity.
Photo credits: National Youth Orchestra Dubai
Alexander Agafiev
Alexander Agafiev is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.
Giorgio Armani, the Italian designer who helped define modern fashion with his minimalist style and sharp tailoring, has died at the age of 90.
Armani rose to international prominence in the 1970s by introducing a softer, more relaxed approach to menswear, moving away from the stiff, structured jackets that had dominated for decades. His designs, often in neutral tones like navy, gray, black, and beige, became known for their clean lines and quiet elegance - qualities that appealed to both celebrities and professionals alike.
Beyond fashion, Armani played a significant role in shaping the global luxury market, including in the Middle East. In Dubai, his influence is most visible in the Armani Hotel, which occupies several floors of the Burj Khalifa. Opened in 2010, the hotel marked the designer’s first venture into hospitality and reflects his design philosophy of understated luxury. Armani-branded residences and retail stores across the city further extended his presence in the region.
Born in Piacenza, Italy, in 1934, Armani spent more than five decades building one of the most successful privately owned fashion empires in the world. He remained deeply involved in the business throughout his life, overseeing collections that spanned ready-to-wear, couture, and lifestyle products.
In Dubai and other global cities, Armani’s brand became a symbol of refined taste and modern design. His influence on fashion and design - both personal and commercial - continues through the Armani Group, which remains independent and under private ownership.
Dubai’s malls have always been more than shopping venues - they’re social hubs, architectural statements, and economic engines. But now, the emirate is redefining retail with a focus on technology, sustainability, and experience.
The recently launched Dubai Mall Zabeel expansion integrates AI-driven logistics and smart parking. Meanwhile, the Mall of the Emirates is experimenting with AR and VR tech to create immersive shopping environments.
E-commerce surged post-2020, but Dubai’s malls bounced back stronger, evolving into hybrid retail-entertainment complexes. Places like City Walk, Bluewaters, and Boxpark reflect urban outdoor retail trends, emphasizing walkability and local boutiques.
Simultaneously, Expo City Dubai is being transformed into a smart city-scale innovation and retail testbed, blending sustainability with commerce - a blueprint for 21st-century shopping districts.
Dubai is evolving into a global education hub, attracting international institutions and edtech investment to shape the region’s future workforce.
With Knowledge Park, Dubai International Academic City, and partnerships with global universities such as University of Birmingham, Heriot-Watt, and Rochester Institute of Technology, Dubai offers diverse programs from engineering to media studies.
In 2023, the UAE Ministry of Education announced reforms to integrate AI and climate studies into K-12 curriculums, preparing students for a rapidly shifting world. International schools in Dubai now rank among the best globally, with British, American, Indian, IB, and French curriculums widely available.
At the tertiary level, the focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and future skills has created a knowledge-based economy parallel to oil revenues - mirroring the UAE's national diversification goals.
Dubai is making a concrete commitment to environmental sustainability.
Under the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, 60% of the city’s area will be nature reserves or parks. Already, projects like Dubai Creek Harbour, Sustainable City, and Expo City Dubai are setting benchmarks in carbon neutrality, walkability, and smart grid integration.
The Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 aims for 100% clean energy sources by mid-century, spearheaded by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, one of the world’s largest solar installations.
Dubai is also rolling out mandatory green building codes (Al Safat), and banning single-use plastics starting in 2024. These moves place the city at the forefront of eco-conscious urbanism in the Middle East.
Photo credits: Digital Dubai
Alexander Agafiev
Alexander Agafiev is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.
Dubai has quietly transformed into one of the most vibrant culinary capitals of the world. Once dominated by international chains catering to business travelers, the city’s food scene now celebrates local Emirati flavors, immigrant cuisines, and world-renowned fine dining.
The arrival of the Michelin Guide in 2022 marked a pivotal shift. Restaurants like Ossiano, 11 Woodfire, and Tasca by José Avillez earned stars not only for excellence but for introducing global audiences to Dubai's gastronomic diversity.
Meanwhile, grassroots food culture flourishes in areas like Deira and Al Karama, where South Asian, Levantine, and Filipino flavors tell the story of the city’s multicultural backbone. Dubai Food Festival and Dubai Restaurant Week now draw tens of thousands, highlighting the emirate’s ambition to be more than a luxury dining stop - but a global culinary destination.
When Dubai Metro launched in 2009, it became the world’s longest fully automated metro system at the time - now spanning 89.3 km with two lines and over 53 stations.
Its reach into communities like Al Qusais, Jebel Ali, and now Expo City (formerly Expo 2020 site) has quietly redefined how the city breathes. It averages over 650,000 daily riders as of 2023, reflecting its vital role in reducing car dependence in a notoriously car-centric environment.
Yet challenges persist: low-income workers—especially in peripheral labor camps—remain underserved by last-mile connectivity. The expansion plans (including the proposed Blue Line, linking key suburbs) promise more integration, but also reveal lingering inequities in urban mobility.
In a city of towers, equity begins underground. The metro is not just transport - it’s public policy made steel.
