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Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, attended the graduation of 522 content creators and new media specialists during the fourth edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit, held in Dubai.

The graduates completed seven specialised programmes organised by the UAE Government Media Office and the New Media Academy in partnership with a range of public and private entities. The ceremony was attended by Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs.

Speaking at the event, Sheikh Mohammed said the graduates would strengthen government communication and the country’s digital media sector by contributing to responsible and effective messaging that reflects the UAE’s values and development priorities. He described investment in people as central to future readiness and to keeping pace with rapid changes in digital media.

The graduating programmes included Impact Makers, Specialised Content Creators, Historical Content Creators, the sixth edition of the Faris Al Muhtawa Content Creators Program, the Executive Diploma in Government Digital Communication, Economic Content Pioneers, and the Social Media Professional Program. The initiatives focused on areas ranging from humanitarian storytelling and government communication to economic content, history, and professional social media management, with training that incorporated digital production skills and the use of artificial intelligence.

The graduation took place as part of the 1 Billion Followers Summit, organised by the UAE Government Media Office and held from 9 to 11 January across Emirates Towers, the Dubai International Financial Centre, and the Museum of the Future. Held under the theme “Content for Good,” the summit brought together more than 15,000 content creators and influencers and over 500 speakers with a combined global audience exceeding 3.5 billion followers.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council, on Tuesday opened Intersec 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, underscoring Dubai’s ambition to remain a global hub for security, safety and emergency response technologies. The exhibition, now in its 27th edition, runs until 14 January.

Intersec 2026 brings together more than 1,200 exhibitors from over 60 countries and is expected to attract more than 50,000 visitors. Spanning about 65,000 square metres, the event features conferences and forums with more than 250 international experts, reflecting the growing scale and reach of the global security industry.

During his visit, Sheikh Mansoor toured pavilions from national and international companies and government entities, reviewing developments in security systems, firefighting, emergency response and artificial intelligence–enabled operations. He also visited the Dubai Civil Defense pavilion, where new technologies were showcased, including advanced firefighting drones, rescue vehicles, robotic systems and an AI platform designed to support operational decision-making.

Intersec 2026 focuses on five core sectors: homeland security and policing, cybersecurity, commercial and perimeter security, fire and rescue, and health and safety. The programme continues with the International Security Leaders’ Summit, the Fire and Rescue Conference, innovation forums and concludes with the Intersec Awards ceremony in Dubai.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Dubai’s real estate market reached a new high in 2025, recording more than 270,000 transactions valued at AED 917 billion, a 20 percent increase from the previous year. The results mark the strongest performance in the sector’s history and reflect a market shaped by tighter regulation, more disciplined practices, and a long-term investment strategy.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, said the results show that the market has entered a more mature phase, capable of translating investor confidence into stable, sustainable value. He pointed to clear planning, transparent regulation, and balanced growth as key factors supporting performance and quality of life.

Real estate activity remained broad-based. Total transactions across sales, leases, and related services reached 3.11 million in 2025, up 7 percent from 2024. Investment value exceeded AED 680 billion across 258,600 deals, with the number of investors rising 24 percent to about 193,100, including nearly 129,600 new investors. Resident investors accounted for 56.6 percent of the total.

Women continued to expand their role in the market, investing AED 154 billion through 76,700 transactions, with growth of 31 percent in value and 24 percent in volume. Luxury property investments reached AED 3.98 billion, while the average transition from renter to owner stood at 4.8 years.

Transaction volumes were highest in areas including Al Barsha South Fourth, Business Bay, Dubai Marina, and Dubai Airport City. By value, Business Bay, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, and the Burj Khalifa district led the market. Mortgage activity was similarly concentrated in established and emerging districts, reflecting geographically balanced growth.

Omar Hamad Bu Shehab, Director General of the Dubai Land Department, said the 2025 performance underscored a more sustainable market anchored in governance, transparency, and data-driven policy. He noted that the results align with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033, which targets transaction volumes of AED 1 trillion and aims to strengthen Dubai’s position among the world’s leading economic cities.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Alexander Agafiev Macambira

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

Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid honoured the winner of the Educator Award during the fourth edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit, held in Dubai. The award, launched by the summit in partnership with TikTok, recognises creators who advance digital learning and expand access to knowledge.

A specialised jury selected three finalists, with Matt Green awarded first place and a $100,000 cash prize. Green, a TikTok creator, broadcaster and author, is known for turning classroom science lessons into short rap videos designed to make complex topics accessible. He has 1.4 million followers on the platform.

The ceremony took place at the summit, described by organisers as the world’s largest gathering focused on the content creation economy. The event is organised by the UAE Government Media Office under the theme “Content for Good” and runs until 11 January across Emirates Towers, Dubai International Financial Centre, and the Museum of the Future.

The summit has drawn more than 15,000 content creators and influencers and over 500 speakers, whose combined audiences exceed 3.5 million followers worldwide.

Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid said the summit has become a global platform for creative communities and reinforces the UAE’s role as a hub for the content creation economy. He congratulated the award’s winner and finalists, noting the role of digital tools in supporting education and community development. He described educational content as a key element in empowering individuals and supporting future generations.

The Educator Award attracted nearly 600,000 educational content creators from the Middle East and North Africa, Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States. About 108,000 met eligibility requirements, producing more than 320,000 TikTok videos under the hashtag #EducatorAward.

The finalists included Abdullah Annan, a science content creator with 6.7 million TikTok followers known for his Science Street initiative, and Dr Amy Boyington, a historian and author with 1.2 million followers who produces history-focused videos.

The award focuses on areas including science and innovation, school education, personal development, humanities, and business and finance, reflecting the summit’s emphasis on accessible and engaging educational content. The ceremony was attended by senior officials and content creators participating in the event.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) added 1,000 megawatts of clean energy capacity in 2025, marking a significant step in the expansion of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park and Dubai’s broader energy transition.

The new capacity forms part of the 1,800-megawatt sixth phase of the solar park, one of the largest renewable energy projects in the region. According to DEWA, the milestone reflects steady, phased development designed to strengthen the resilience of Dubai’s power system while meeting rising demand linked to population and economic growth.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, DEWA’s managing director and chief executive, said the progress aligns with the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, to accelerate the shift toward renewable energy. He noted that the project supports long-term planning and operational stability.

The expansion is consistent with the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy and the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, which targets 100 percent of installed power generation capacity from clean energy sources by mid-century.

Launched in 2012, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park has now reached a total production capacity of 3,860 megawatts. By 2030, capacity is expected to exceed 8,000 megawatts, surpassing the original target of 5,000 megawatts. DEWA estimates that the project will reduce carbon emissions by more than 8.5 million tonnes annually.

DEWA said it tendered the seventh phase of the solar park in 2025. The remaining 800 megawatts of the sixth phase are scheduled to come online by the fourth quarter of 2026.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Alexander Agafiev Macambira

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

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, chaired a Cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi to review the federal government’s record since he assumed office in 2006.

Senior members of the UAE leadership attended the meeting, which focused on institutional reforms, economic performance and policy initiatives over the past 20 years. Sheikh Mohammed said the federal government had issued more than 16,000 resolutions and allocated over AED 1.1 trillion in budgets during that period, reshaping government operations, modernising infrastructure and streamlining public services.

According to figures reviewed by the Cabinet, federal spending grew by 167 per cent between 2006 and 2026, while real GDP rose by 94 per cent from 2006 to 2024. Non-oil foreign trade increased nearly sixfold, reaching about AED 3 trillion in 2024, with non-oil exports rising sharply over the same period. Education, healthcare, social development and housing accounted for the largest shares of government expenditure.

The Cabinet highlighted a series of long-term strategies launched since 2007, including Vision 2021, Centennial 2071, the “Preparing for the Next 50 Years” programme, and the “We Are the UAE 2031” plan. It also reviewed reforms in government performance management, legislation, artificial intelligence policy and digital governance, including the launch of a unified federal legislation platform and the establishment of a Regulatory Intelligence Office in 2025.

Ministers also discussed recent policy updates, including healthcare services for People of Determination, the Circular Economy Policy 2031, and the National Strategy to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. The Cabinet reviewed progress under the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031 and approved several international agreements, including air services and economic cooperation accords.

Sheikh Mohammed said the UAE’s development model has gained international recognition, with the country ranking first globally in hundreds of performance indicators, and reaffirmed the government’s focus on long-term growth and institutional reform under the leadership of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Dubai Municipality and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) have launched a joint initiative to plant 20,000 trees in parks, residential areas and educational institutions across the emirate. The programme coincides with the 20th anniversary of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum assuming leadership of Dubai.

The initiative will involve public and private entities, schools, universities and community members, with the aim of expanding green cover and encouraging participation in environmental stewardship. Dubai Municipality has identified several locations for planting, including Al Barsha South, Al Barsha Pond Park, Al Aweer’s Nakheel Park, the Quranic Garden in Al Khawaneej, Al Mizhar Second, Nad Al Sheba’s Blossoms Park, Al Safa Park in Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim, Al Quoz Pond Park and Al Warqa’a 3.

Under the plan, participating schools and universities will register the number and types of trees they intend to plant through KHDA. The authority will then coordinate with Dubai Municipality to supply saplings and oversee implementation.

Officials said the initiative supports the emirate’s broader sustainability agenda, including the Dubai Green Project, the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033 and the Dubai Urban Master Plan 2040. The programme is intended to increase green spaces, improve environmental conditions and integrate sustainability into community and educational settings.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Alexander Agafiev Macambira

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

flydubai has selected ZestIoT to digitise aircraft turnaround operations at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and across its network, as the Dubai-based carrier continues to expand its operations.

The airline will deploy ZestIoT’s Turnaround Management Platform to provide real-time visibility into ground operations and support data- and AI-driven decision-making. The system is designed to improve coordination during aircraft turnarounds, strengthen operational predictability and support on-time departures.

Mohamed Hassan, Senior Vice President of Airport Services and Cargo at flydubai, said the adoption of digital tools is aimed at maintaining efficiency as the airline grows its network and flight schedule.

flydubai currently serves more than 135 destinations in 58 countries with a fleet of 97 Boeing 737 aircraft. At DXB, the airline operates an average of 370 flights a day, making it one of the airport’s major operators.

ZestIoT said the partnership reflects a broader shift toward real-time, prediction-based management of daily airline operations. The company will support flydubai with a platform that integrates multiple data sources to improve coordination among operational teams.

The collaboration is intended to enhance turnaround performance while supporting flydubai’s wider operational and passenger service objectives.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Alexander Agafiev Macambira

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

Intersec 2026, a major international exhibition for the security, safety and fire protection industries, opens next week in Dubai, marking the largest edition in the event’s 27-year history. The exhibition is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council.

The event will take place from Jan. 12 to 14, 2026, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Organisers expect more than 1,200 exhibitors from over 60 countries and more than 50,000 trade visitors, reflecting sustained global demand across security and resilience sectors.

This year’s edition has expanded by nearly 12,000 square metres to a total gross exhibition area of 65,000 square metres, including indoor halls and outdoor demonstration zones. National pavilions from countries including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Singapore, Sweden, China, Turkey and South Korea are participating, highlighting the exhibition’s growing international footprint.

Intersec 2026 is structured around five core sectors: homeland security and policing, cybersecurity, commercial and perimeter security, fire and rescue, and health and safety. Together, they address the operational and policy challenges facing governments, businesses and critical infrastructure operators amid rising physical, digital and environmental risks.

A central component of the event is its expanded conference programme, which features more than 250 speakers across multiple platforms. The International Security Leaders’ Summit will convene senior officials and executives to discuss issues such as artificial intelligence governance, crisis leadership, public-private cooperation and national security strategy.

Specialised conferences will also focus on fire and rescue, health and safety, and cyber resilience. Topics include fire prediction and life-safety systems, workforce protection, behavioural safety, data sovereignty and cyber crisis preparedness. Additional technical forums and workshops will provide regulatory and operational perspectives, alongside professional certification programmes for security supervisors and managers.

Intersec 2026 will also introduce invitation-only executive roundtables led by PwC and Kearney, bringing together senior leaders from government, industry and technology for closed-door discussions on sector-wide challenges. Live demonstrations, immersive response scenarios and the Intersec Awards 2026 will run alongside the exhibition.

The event is supported by UAE authorities including the General Command of Dubai Civil Defense and the Security Industry Regulatory Agency, reinforcing its alignment with national safety and resilience priorities.

Intersec 2026 runs from Monday, Jan. 12, through Wednesday, Jan. 14, at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.