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Emirates has finalized the first retrofit of its two-class Airbus A380 fleet, marking a progression in the airline’s multi-billion dollar cabin renovation program. The refurbished aircraft, registered as A6-EUX, has entered service on the Dubai-Birmingham route featuring a new three-class configuration.

The reconfiguration includes 76 Business Class seats, 56 Premium Economy seats - now introduced to the upper deck - and 437 Economy Class seats. The project required the removal of 120 Economy seats to accommodate the updated cabin layout, necessitating structural modifications to galleys, overhead bins, and electrical and plumbing systems. Emirates Engineering reported that the project required approximately 35,000 man-hours and over 2,500 individual parts.

This aircraft is the first of 15 two-class A380s slated for modernization. While the inaugural retrofit required two months of labor, Emirates expects subsequent upgrades for this specific aircraft type to be completed in 30 days, with the full sub-fleet scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.

The broader retrofit program, which commenced in 2021, has expanded from an initial scope of 120 aircraft to 219. To date, Emirates Engineering has completed work on 95 aircraft, including 42 A380s and 53 Boeing 777s. As part of its sustainability efforts, the airline has implemented an upcycling initiative to repurpose materials removed during the cabin interior replacements into consumer goods and educational items.

Sir Tim Clark, president of Emirates Airline, stated that the program aims to standardize the onboard product across the carrier’s fleet through a process of continuous cabin interior updates.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Alexander Agafiev

Alexander Agafiev is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.

The inaugural Apex Games, a hybrid fitness competition combining running and functional fitness challenges, will take place on June 6 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Organizers have confirmed that registration for the event is at capacity, with more than 1,200 participants registered across individual, doubles, and team categories.

The event is being developed by CAP Sports and DXB LIVE. To support the technical requirements of the competition, organizers have established a partnership with Technogym, which will serve as the Official Technical and Performance Partner. Under this agreement, the company will provide the equipment necessary for the fitness stations integrated into the race format.

The Apex Games format involves four running stages interspersed with functional fitness challenges designed to assess endurance, strength, and speed. Following the June launch, organizers intend to expand the competition, with plans currently in development to hold four additional events across the region for the second season.

Nick Cartwright, CEO of CAP Sports, stated that the initiative is intended to establish a sporting brand rooted in the UAE. Representatives from DXB LIVE noted that the event aligns with broader efforts to promote active lifestyles and expand the region's sports event calendar.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Andrew Shelepnytsky

Andrew Shelepnytsky is an Editor of Dubai Voice.

Global investor services group IQ-EQ announced that its subsidiary Gordian Capital has received regulatory approval from the Dubai Financial Services Authority to establish operations at Dubai International Financial Centre.

The licence allows Gordian Capital to provide a range of institutional fund services within or from DIFC, including managing collective investment funds, advising on financial products, arranging custody, arranging investment deals and managing assets. The company has also received approval to operate a fund platform.

The expansion marks Gordian Capital’s entry into the Middle East as part of IQ-EQ’s broader growth strategy across Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Gulf region. The firm said the Dubai operation will support institutional investment professionals seeking regulated operational infrastructure while enabling clients to focus on investment management.

Founded in 2005, Gordian Capital has launched more than 115 funds across private and public market strategies and currently manages approximately US$22 billion in assets. Its client base includes institutional asset managers, hedge funds, family offices and corporates investing across sectors including private equity, infrastructure, venture capital and real estate.

Gordian Capital operates across Singapore, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Melbourne. The company was acquired by IQ-EQ in July 2025, expanding the group’s regulated fund platform capabilities across Asia-Pacific alongside existing operations in France, Luxembourg, Ireland and the United Kingdom.

Mark Voumard, founder of Gordian Capital and Managing Director and Head of Fund Platform and Solutions, Asia and Middle East at IQ-EQ, said the new licence would provide institutional managers with a regulated pathway to establish a presence in DIFC while meeting operational and compliance requirements.

Richard Surrency, Group Chief Commercial Officer at IQ-EQ, described the approval as a significant step in the group’s Middle East expansion plans, citing the UAE’s growing position as a mature financial market.

Salmaan Jaffery, Chief Business Development Officer at DIFC Authority, said Gordian Capital’s arrival would strengthen DIFC’s asset management ecosystem and reinforce its position as a regional hub for institutional fund platforms.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Alexander Agafiev

Alexander Agafiev is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.

Amazon MGM Studios has announced the global release of Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan: Ghost War, a new feature film whose key scenes were shot in Dubai in collaboration with the Dubai Media Council and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).

The production marks another international film project supported by Dubai as it seeks to strengthen its position as a global hub for media and entertainment production. Filming was conducted under the oversight of the Dubai Film Development Committee, established by the Dubai Media Council to support the growth of the emirate’s film sector.

The film premiered globally on Prime Video on Wednesday.

Shot in early 2025, the production uses several Dubai locations as part of its international espionage storyline. Featured sites include Dubai Marina, Al Seef, One&Only One Za’abeel, Emirates Towers, the Gate Avenue district in DIFC, Burj Park and desert locations across the emirate.

The cast includes John Krasinski in the lead role, alongside Sienna Miller, Wendell Pierce and Michael Kelly. The film is directed by Andrew Bernstein and produced by Sunday Night’s John Krasinski and Allyson Seeger, with Andrew Form. It is produced in association with Paramount Pictures and Skydance.

Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and Director General of the Government of Dubai Media Office, said the project reflects Dubai’s long-term strategy to build an advanced media ecosystem supported by production infrastructure, streamlined processes and creative talent.

Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing and Chairman of the Dubai Film Development Committee, said the collaboration highlights Dubai’s ability to integrate entertainment, tourism and culture while supporting international productions.

The Dubai Film Development Committee said it continues to coordinate with government entities and industry partners to facilitate filming and production requirements across the emirate.

Production support for the film involved several public and private sector entities, including Dubai Police, the Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Municipality and Emirates Airline.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Andrew Shelepnytsky

Andrew Shelepnytsky is an Editor of Dubai Voice.

This May, the glamour of the French Riviera reaches a new crescendo as Monaco’s most prestigious social tradition crosses the border into Cannes. On May 16, the iconic Hôtel Le Majestic will host the Grand Ball of Princes and Princesses Monte-Carlo, timed to coincide with the energy of the Cannes Film Festival.

The gala serves as a royal tribute to the Principality of Monaco and the enduring elegance of Grace Kelly. Under the theme “A Hollywood Dream in Royal Splendor,” the event seeks to unite the refined heritage of the Monegasque court with the cinematic brilliance that defines the Croisette.

An Immersive Universe of Elegance

The Grand Ball is designed as an immersive journey beyond reality. The evening will feature a majestic atmosphere characterized by exquisite gala dining and a refined scenography. Performances by internationally acclaimed dancers, musicians, and artists are set to transform the venue into a living masterpiece of art and emotion.

Gentlemen will appear in tuxedos, tailcoats, or ceremonial uniforms, while ladies are invited to wear opulent ball gowns adorned with tiaras.

A Legacy of Philanthropy

The splendor of the evening is matched by its mission of generosity. In keeping with the spirit of the event, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Princess Grace of Monaco Foundation. This contribution continues the late Princess’s legacy of supporting culture and humanitarian causes.

Gathering distinguished guests and lovers of excellence from around the globe, the Grand Ball of Princes and Princesses Monte-Carlo stands as a transformative experience. It represents an unforgettable night where the magic of Monte-Carlo meets the brilliance of Cannes, leaving an everlasting impression on the international social calendar.

Andrew Shelepnytsky

Andrew Shelepnytsky is an Editor of Dubai Voice.

Nakheel, part of Dubai Holding Real Estate, has awarded a contract valued at AED 527 million ($143 million) to Al Nasr Contracting Company for infrastructure works on Island B at Dubai Islands.

The contract covers the development of core infrastructure needed to enable future residential, hospitality and mixed-use projects. Works include roads, water supply systems, electricity and telecommunications networks, as well as drainage and sewage systems. The project will also integrate with the district cooling network and coordinate technically with infrastructure on Island A.

The investment marks a construction milestone for Dubai Islands, a large-scale coastal development aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. Officials describe the infrastructure as critical to supporting long-term population growth and economic diversification.

“This contract reflects disciplined execution against one of Dubai’s most important coastal masterplans,” said Khalid Al Malik, chief executive of Dubai Holding Real Estate.

Dubai Islands spans 18.6 square kilometers across five interconnected islands. The development is planned to include about 57 kilometers of coastline, with 21 kilometers of beachfront. It is expected to accommodate more than 231,000 residents across approximately 49,000 homes, alongside resorts, marinas, retail and leisure facilities.

Island B is a central part of the masterplan, requiring foundational infrastructure to enable future construction.

Jean Nicolas El Helou, chief executive of Al Nasr Contracting Company, said the firm aims to deliver infrastructure aligned with Dubai’s growth objectives.

The islands will be connected to mainland Dubai through three bridges linked to the Al Shindagha Corridor, with Dubai International Airport located within 10 kilometers and Downtown Dubai within 15 kilometers.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Andrew Shelepnytsky

Andrew Shelepnytsky is an Editor of Dubai Voice.

Dubai Taxi Company has secured 600 additional taxi plates through a recent auction held by the Roads and Transport Authority, extending its lead as the largest taxi operator in Dubai and raising its market share to 47 percent.

The acquisition will expand the company’s fleet from 6,217 to 6,817 vehicles. The rollout of the new taxis is scheduled to begin in July 2026 and will proceed in phases, a plan the company says is intended to preserve operational efficiency and maintain service standards while responding to rising demand for transport services.

According to Mansoor Rahma Alfalasi, the expansion reflects continued growth in Dubai’s mobility sector and the company’s strategy to scale its operations in line with the city’s urban development. He said the phased deployment is designed to optimize asset use, strengthen financial performance, and sustain service quality.

The move aligns with broader government efforts to build an integrated and technology-driven transport system, while supporting the objectives of Dubai’s Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to reinforce the city’s global standing in infrastructure and urban services.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Andrew Shelepnytsky

Andrew Shelepnytsky is an Editor of Dubai Voice.

His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance, held high-level discussions with Bruce Flatt, Chief Executive Officer of Brookfield Corporation. The meeting, centered on the strategic expansion of one of the world’s largest alternative asset management firms within the region, underscores Dubai’s accelerating ascent as a primary node in the global financial network.

As Chairman of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Sheikh Maktoum highlighted the emirate’s value proposition for institutional capital, citing an integrated financial ecosystem, a sophisticated regulatory framework, and advanced digital infrastructure as core pillars of the city’s investment appeal. The dialogue follows Dubai’s recent advancement to seventh place in the Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI), its highest ranking to date.

The discussions focused on Dubai’s strategic function as a "bridge" between Eastern and Western markets. Both parties examined the city's capacity to facilitate sustainable, long-term growth through a business-friendly environment that remains aligned with shifting global investment paradigms. Brookfield, which manages approximately $900 billion in assets globally, has maintained a significant presence in the UAE, utilizing Dubai as a launchpad for regional private equity, real estate, and infrastructure ventures.

Andrew Shelepnytsky

Andrew Shelepnytsky is an Editor of Dubai Voice.

Dubai Properties, a subsidiary of Dubai Holding Real Estate, has finalized construction contracts valued at approximately AED 1.1 billion to expand its Villanova master development. The agreements, awarded to Metac General Contracting Co. LLC, authorize the commencement of La Tilia, a new residential phase comprising 850 townhouses within the Dubailand district.

The project is divided into two distinct stages. Phase 1 will consist of 410 units, while Phase 2 is set to deliver an additional 440 homes. The inventory is scaled for the mid-market and upper mid-market segments, featuring 500 three-bedroom and 350 four-bedroom residences.

The expansion follows the completion of 3,834 homes previously delivered at Villanova. According to Khalid Al Malik, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding Real Estate, the contract award is a response to sustained buyer demand for integrated suburban communities. The development strategy emphasizes proximity to major arterial road networks and established social infrastructure.

La Tilia is designed with a Mediterranean-inspired architectural framework. The master plan prioritizes pedestrian-focused urban design, incorporating dedicated cycling tracks, walking paths, and integrated retail facilities.

Muhammad Sadiq Abdullah, General Manager of Metac General Contracting Co., stated that the firm’s mandate focuses on the execution and timely completion of the two phases. Located in the Dubailand corridor, the project continues the densification of one of Dubai’s primary residential zones, aligning with the city’s broader infrastructure and population growth requirements.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Andrew Shelepnytsky

Andrew Shelepnytsky is an Editor of Dubai Voice.

In the rarefied world of Middle Eastern high fashion, the dialogue between heritage and modernity is often loud, yet few speak it with the structural precision of Rami Al Ali. As the 2026 season unfolds, the Dubai-based couturier has emerged not just as a designer, but as a primary architect of the region’s global aesthetic identity. His latest work signifies a broader shift in the Dubai design landscape: a move away from ornamental excess toward a disciplined, sculptural minimalism that resonates from the ateliers of d3 to the runways of Paris.

Al Ali’s recent collections have become a case study in the "new couture," where traditional craftsmanship is filtered through contemporary engineering. His signature technique - the manipulation of heavy satins and delicate tulles into silhouettes that mimic the city’s own skyline - has garnered international acclaim, bridging the gap between the historic salons of Europe and the burgeoning creative hubs of the United Arab Emirates.

A Narrative of Craftsmanship

The designer’s 2026 trajectory is defined by a commitment to the "slow fashion" movement within the luxury sector. By integrating hand-embroidered details with laser-cut technology, Al Ali is addressing a global demand for garments that function as wearable art.

His influence extends beyond the runway. Al Ali has been instrumental in the "Designed in Dubai" initiative, which aims to standardize the quality of regional production to meet global export requirements. This institutional focus on craftsmanship over commercial speed has allowed Dubai-based couture to maintain its relevance in an increasingly volatile global luxury market.

The Global Ambassador

As Dubai solidifies its status as a fashion capital, the role of the individual designer has transitioned from local dressmaker to global ambassador. Al Ali’s consistent presence on the Paris Couture Week calendar has provided a blueprint for other regional houses, proving that the "Dubai look" is a serious contender in the high-fashion hierarchy.

In the 2026 landscape, the success of the industry is no longer measured solely by local consumption, but by its ability to influence the global conversation. Through his meticulous attention to form and his refusal to rely on transient trends, Rami Al Ali remains the definitive voice of this sophisticated new era.

Photo credits: Rami Al Ali

Andrew Shelepnytsky

Andrew Shelepnytsky is an Editor of Dubai Voice.

The traditional arrival at Dubai’s luxury coast has long been a matter of valet stands and marble lobbies. However, a new partnership between maritime operator D-Marin and MEREX Investment is shifting the point of entry offshore. With the launch of an exclusive anchorage zone at J1 Beach, the city is formally integrating its maritime infrastructure with its high-end culinary scene, allowing yacht owners to transition from deck to dining room via the sea.

The service provides a logistical bridge between the water and the shore. Once anchored in the designated zone, guests are ferried by a dedicated D-Marin tender to a private jetty. This sea-gate provides immediate access to a collection of 13 world-class restaurants and beach clubs, effectively turning the offshore area into a functional extension of the beach.

A Global Shoreline

The J1 Beach district has been curated as a high-density hub of international lifestyle brands. The destination draws heavily from the aesthetic of the French Riviera, Tulum, and New York, offering a licensed environment that caters to a globalized palate. Key establishments defining the space include Gigi Rigolatto, an Italian-inspired enclave bringing Mediterranean elegance to the Gulf; Sirene by Gaia, a Greek-led concept focused on high-concept coastal dining; and Bâoli, a renowned brand that bridges the gap between sophisticated gastronomy and evening social scenes.

Located just a short distance from the 160-berth D-Marin Port De La Mer, this new anchorage service reinforces the "marina-as-a-lifestyle" model. For the superyacht clientele, it offers a refined, day-to-night transition that avoids the friction of urban traffic.

The Superyacht Hub Ambition

This expansion brings D-Marin’s portfolio to five marinas within the emirate, signaling a deeper integration of maritime services into Dubai’s broader tourism and entertainment strategy. By establishing world-class anchorage destinations alongside traditional berthing, Dubai is solidifying its position as a global superyacht hub.

In the 2026 landscape, the Contributor to Dubai’s coastal economy is the realization that the most prestigious way to experience the city is no longer by road, but by the wake of a tender.

Photo credit: D-Marin

Alexander Agafiev

Alexander Agafiev is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.