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Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, completed a series of high-level meetings in Sweden this week, focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in governance, social policy, and the creative economy.

Leading a delegation of UAE government officials and ministers, Sheikha Latifa held discussions with Swedish female leaders from the fields of public policy, healthcare, technology, and education. The sessions addressed frameworks for female empowerment in decision-making roles, as well as strategies for sustainable talent development.

The visit also prioritized the role of culture as an economic pillar. At the Vasa Museum in Stockholm, Sheikha Latifa met with Swedish cultural leaders to examine how creative industries can serve as drivers for urban development and economic growth. Both parties reviewed existing policies intended to foster innovation and attract talent within the sector.

The UAE delegation included Her Excellency Maryam Al Hammadi, Minister of State and Secretary General of the UAE Cabinet, and Her Excellency Hessa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority in Dubai. These engagements served to further institutional ties between the two nations, building on established cooperation in economic and social development.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Andrew Shelepnytsky

Andrew Shelepnytsky is an Editor of Dubai Voice.

Dubai Basketball clinched the 2025/26 ABA League title on Monday, defeating Partizan 83–81 in Game 4 of the finals. The victory marks the first time a team representing the United Arab Emirates has won a major international basketball league championship.

In only its second year of existence, the club finished the regular season at the top of the league standings. The team concluded its campaign with a cumulative record of 29 wins and four losses across 33 games. Throughout the season, the squad remained undefeated on its home court in Dubai.

The championship series concluded in Belgrade, where Dubai Basketball secured the title after holding a 2-1 series lead. Forward Mfiondu Kabengele was named the ABA League Finals Most Valuable Player, maintaining an average of 15.75 points per game throughout the four-game series.

Abdulla Saeed Juma Al Naboodah, the club's founder and chairman, stated that the organization intended to establish a competitive presence on the international stage. Head coach Aleksander Sekulić cited the team’s consistency and internal cohesion as the primary factors in their success, noting that the group maintained focus despite a schedule that required extensive travel away from their home base.

This title marks the conclusion of an eight-month season in which the team competed in two separate leagues.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Andrew Shelepnytsky

Andrew Shelepnytsky is an Editor of Dubai Voice.

Emirates has begun construction on a US$5.1 billion engineering complex at Dubai South, a project the airline says will become the world’s most advanced maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility.

The development marks a major expansion of Dubai’s aviation infrastructure and is intended to strengthen Emirates Engineering’s in-house maintenance and technical capabilities. The facility is scheduled for completion by mid-2030.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group; Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline; Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South; and Dai Hegen, Chairman of China Railway Construction Corporation Limited.

The project will be built by China Railway Construction Corporation, with Artelia serving as project consultant.

According to Emirates, the engineering complex will cover 1.1 million square metres, making it one of the world’s largest buildings by volume and the largest steel structure in the Gulf region. The facility will include hangars capable of servicing 28 wide-body aircraft simultaneously, along with two aircraft paint hangars.

Other planned features include a 285-metre free-span hangar, a dedicated landing gear workshop, 77,000 square metres of repair and maintenance workshop space, and 380,000 square metres allocated for storage and logistics operations.

The site will also include administrative offices, training facilities and controlled airside access infrastructure.

Emirates said the project aligns with Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33 and is designed to support the future growth of the regional and global aviation sector. Dubai South officials said the facility would contribute to the development of the aviation ecosystem surrounding Al Maktoum International Airport, which is expected to become the world’s largest airport upon completion.

The company also stated that the complex is targeting LEED Platinum certification, with sustainability measures including rooftop solar panel installations across the site.

Initially, the new hangars will handle heavy maintenance operations and overflow work from Emirates Engineering’s existing facilities at Dubai International Airport.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Andrew Shelepnytsky

Andrew Shelepnytsky is an Editor of Dubai Voice.

Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai (RIT Dubai), based in Dubai Silicon Oasis, held the graduation ceremony for its 15th cohort under the patronage and in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ).

The ceremony took place at Dubai World Trade Centre and honored 394 graduates across 16 undergraduate and master’s programmes. Attendees included senior government officials, academic leaders, members of RIT Dubai’s Board of Directors, and representatives from the public and private sectors.

Among those present were Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of Digital Dubai; Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ; Essa Kazim, Chairman of DP World and Governor of Dubai International Financial Centre; Robert Raines, U.S. Consul General to Dubai and the Northern Emirates; and Dr. Yousef Al Assaf, President of RIT Dubai.

In remarks during the ceremony, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed said the graduation reflects Dubai’s focus on developing talent capable of supporting a knowledge-based economy driven by innovation and advanced technologies. He said the university’s role aligns with the UAE Centennial 2071 strategy and the “We the UAE 2031” vision.

Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni said the partnership between DIEZ and RIT Dubai supports efforts to build an economic ecosystem that combines investment, education, and innovation. He added that Dubai Silicon Oasis continues to serve as a hub for knowledge, technology, and entrepreneurship.

Dr. Yousef Al Assaf said the graduating class reflects the university’s expanding academic portfolio and its focus on programmes aligned with evolving labor market demands. He noted that this year marked the graduation of the university’s first cohort of psychology students.

The graduating class represented nine bachelor’s programmes and seven master’s programmes, including engineering, cybersecurity, data analytics, finance, smart cities, and futures foresight.

Since its establishment in 2010, RIT Dubai has graduated more than 2,490 students across bachelor’s, master’s, and diploma programmes.

The university also announced the introduction of new undergraduate programmes in Management Information Systems and Advertising & Public Relations, as well as accredited micro-master’s programmes in Health Informatics and Futures Foresight.

Future plans include launching a master’s programme in Integrated Design, a bachelor’s programme in Computer Engineering, and additional micro-programmes in accounting and financial analytics.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Andrew Shelepnytsky

Andrew Shelepnytsky is an Editor of Dubai Voice.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed advanced maintenance and rehabilitation works on the tunnel infrastructure of the Dubai Metro, as part of its ongoing programme to strengthen operational safety, service reliability and long-term asset sustainability.

According to the RTA, the works were carried out under a preventive and corrective maintenance framework that uses advanced engineering solutions and technologies to support the efficiency and operational lifespan of metro tunnel infrastructure.

The programme included periodic inspections, specialised cleaning operations, technical repairs, replacement and upgrade works for ageing assets, and continuous improvement measures aimed at maintaining system performance.

Over the past year, the RTA conducted 51 specialised tunnel inspections, resulting in the completion of 873 corrective maintenance tasks. The authority said it achieved 100 percent of its preventive maintenance targets and 100 percent of its corrective maintenance targets during the period.

The RTA also continued periodic tunnel cleaning operations using a combination of manual cleaning and high-pressure washing technologies to remove dust, debris and surface build-up that could affect operational safety or efficiency.

The authority said all inspection, maintenance and rehabilitation works were carried out in line with international rail sector standards and recognised industry practices. The programme also included ongoing technical training and qualification initiatives for specialised teams to support operational readiness and align with the latest technologies and standards in mass transit systems.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Andrew Shelepnytsky

Andrew Shelepnytsky is an Editor of Dubai Voice.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has implemented artificial intelligence and predictive analytics to manage its seasonal marine transport network. This initiative aims to increase operational flexibility by adjusting service levels in response to demand fluctuations during public holidays, major events, and seasonal changes.

The RTA will launch its summer operating plan in July. The strategy relies on a data repository that tracks passenger volume, occupancy rates, and revenue. According to the agency, this system utilizes in-house algorithms to process large datasets, allowing for more precise forecasting of service requirements.

Khalaf Belghuzooz Al Zarooni, Director of Marine Transport at the RTA’s Public Transport Agency, stated that the model simulates passenger behavior to determine optimal operating schedules. The department noted that this technical approach is supplemented by customer feedback gathered through official channels to ensure service design remains aligned with user requirements.

The RTA intends for this data-driven model to improve efficiency and operational sustainability, aiming to maintain service standards as the emirate’s transit needs evolve.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Alexander Agafiev

Alexander Agafiev is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, hosted a reception for Eid Al Adha at the Za’abeel Majlis in Dubai.

Accompanying the Ruler were Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai; Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee; Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Media Incorporated; and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

During the event, Sheikh Mohammed received greetings from government ministers, department directors, local dignitaries, business leaders, senior military officials, and members of the diplomatic corps. The attendees offered formal congratulations in observance of the holiday.

In his exchanges with the guests, Sheikh Mohammed conveyed his wishes for the continued development of the UAE under the leadership of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media

Andrew Shelepnytsky

Andrew Shelepnytsky is an Editor of Dubai Voice.

Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, hosted a majlis at the Dubai Future Foundation bringing together industry leaders, academic ventures and strategic partners involved in the ‘Dubai Future Solutions - Prototypes for Humanity’ programme.

The meeting reviewed the programme’s progress as several projects move into pilot and commercialisation phases in Dubai. The initiative was launched under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation. The programme is held under the patronage of Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed.

The programme supports academic founders through funding, business expertise and partnerships aimed at transforming scientific research into commercially viable solutions. Strategic partners include the Dubai Future Foundation, the Hussain Sajwani - DAMAC Foundation and founding partner Dubai International Financial Centre.

Sheikha Latifa said the programme reflects Dubai’s commitment to innovation that delivers practical solutions to global challenges. She said the emirate continues to strengthen its position as a global hub for research, innovation and future industries through partnerships that encourage experimentation and accelerate development.

Among those attending the majlis were Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority; Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority; Eng. Marwan bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality; Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation; Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority; and Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health.

Representatives from global institutions including Harvard University, the Royal College of Art, Technische Universität Darmstadt and Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS also participated. Discussions focused on technology development, future collaborations and opportunities for real-world implementation in Dubai.

During the event, Sheikha Latifa witnessed the signing of memoranda of understanding with AtkinsRéalis on sustainable infrastructure and future urban development, and with Silal on food systems and agricultural technologies. The programme also highlighted collaboration with the Dubai Research, Development and Innovation Programme to support research advancement and commercialisation efforts.

The programme’s first cohorts have produced projects including Oxara, Virufy and P-Vita in areas such as sustainable construction, AI-powered diagnostics and food security.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Andrew Shelepnytsky

Andrew Shelepnytsky is an Editor of Dubai Voice.

Dubai reinforced its position as a leading global destination for business events during IMEX Frankfurt 2026, where Dubai Business Events (DBE), the city’s official convention bureau under the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, led a delegation of 20 industry partners from 19 to 21 May.

The delegation included representatives from across Dubai’s meetings and events sector, including Dubai World Trade Centre, Coca-Cola Arena, the Museum of the Future and JW Marriott Marquis, alongside destination management companies, hotels and venue operators.

The city’s presence at the international trade event came as Dubai secured several major industry rankings in 2025. The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) ranked Dubai first globally for the highest average attendance per association conference and first in the Middle East for the total number of association conferences hosted. Dubai also retained the top position among Cvent’s Top 25 Meeting Destinations in the Middle East and Africa.

Ahmed Al Khaja, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, said business events continue to support Dubai’s long-term economic strategy by driving knowledge exchange, professional collaboration and international partnerships. He said Dubai’s participation at IMEX Frankfurt aligns with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and reflects coordinated efforts across the public and private sectors to attract international events with long-term economic impact.

DBE said Dubai’s strategy remains focused on attracting meetings and congresses that contribute to industry growth, innovation and international engagement, supported by continued investment in infrastructure, accessibility and event services.

IMEX Frankfurt is part of Dubai’s wider international engagement programme, which also includes IMEX America, IBTM World and global sales missions aimed at securing future conferences and exhibitions. The event also provides opportunities for engagement with international industry organisations including ICCA, IAPCO and the Best Cities Global Alliance.

Dubai Business Events reported continued growth across the sector in 2025. The organisation submitted 747 bids for international events and secured 504 successful wins scheduled through 2029, representing a 15 per cent increase compared with 2024. The confirmed events are expected to attract more than 272,000 delegates to Dubai, a 29 per cent increase year on year.

Dubai also hosted 481 DBE-supported business events in 2025, compared with 429 the previous year. Major wins included the SIBOS 2029 conference, expected to attract 12,000 delegates, the SPE ATCE Annual Congress 2028 with 8,000 delegates, Apimondia 2027 with 5,000 delegates and the World Engineers Congress 2027 with 3,000 delegates.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Alexander Agafiev

Alexander Agafiev is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received the Rulers of the Emirates, Crown Princes, Deputy Rulers, Sheikhs and senior officials on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha.

The leaders exchanged Eid greetings and expressed wishes for the continued prosperity, security and stability of the UAE and its people.

Among those received by the President were His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah; His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah; His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain; and His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.

The gathering was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, along with Crown Princes and Deputy Rulers from across the Emirates.

Those extending Eid greetings also included His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Minister of Defence; His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah; and other senior members of the ruling families.

The meeting was also attended by several ministers, senior officials and Sheikhs, including Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed also received Eid well-wishers including officials, citizens and guests of the UAE.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Andrew Shelepnytsky

Andrew Shelepnytsky is an Editor of Dubai Voice.

The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is accelerating its digital transformation initiatives by integrating artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics across its operational framework. Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, stated that the organization is prioritizing technology infrastructure to align with Dubai’s objective of becoming a leading smart city.

Al Tayer emphasized that the deployment of AI is intended to enhance service sustainability, optimize operational efficiency, and improve proactive decision-making. These efforts are centered at the Technology Operation Control Centre (TOCC), a hub that provides 24-hour monitoring and support for the RTA’s technical systems, including servers, databases, and digital applications.

The TOCC functions through an integrated model that manages over 200 server-hosting units and processes more than 500 support requests daily. The facility is divided into specialized units, such as the IT Support Centre and the Operations Monitoring Centre, which utilize automated systems to monitor performance and identify potential operational challenges before they impact service delivery.

Recent upgrades to the centre have modernized the authority's technical environment, resulting in the facility receiving a Tier III classification - a global standard for data centre reliability, service continuity, and operational readiness. According to the RTA, this infrastructure is critical to maintaining high standards of cybersecurity and ensuring the continuous availability of smart mobility services throughout the city.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Andrew Shelepnytsky

Andrew Shelepnytsky is an Editor of Dubai Voice.

Xsolla, a global video game commerce firm, has entered into a strategic partnership with the Dubai Films and Games Commission (DFGC) to bolster the video game industry in the Middle East and North Africa. The collaboration, announced at the GamesBeat Summit 2026 in Los Angeles, aims to provide Dubai-based developers with improved access to international markets and essential infrastructure.

The agreement integrates Xsolla’s suite of commerce tools - including direct-to-consumer storefronts and payment processing systems - with the commission’s mandate to establish Dubai as a global hub for game development and publishing. Key components of the partnership include the launch of a joint studio accelerator program based in Dubai, the co-production of market intelligence regarding the gaming sector, and the creation of pathways to connect regional developers with industry leaders and flagship global events.

Faisal Kazim, Games Commissioner for the DFGC, stated that the initiative is designed to provide local developers with the necessary infrastructure to scale their operations globally. Representatives from Xsolla noted that the investment reflects the region's rapid growth as a video game market and its increasing role in the broader international media and technology sector.

Both organizations have indicated that they expect to release further details regarding specific joint programming and regional activations in the coming months.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Andrew Shelepnytsky

Andrew Shelepnytsky is an Editor of Dubai Voice.