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Dubai College of Tourism, part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, has marked five years since the launch of its online Dubai Tour Guide Programme, which has certified more than 2,400 licensed tour guides from over 50 nationalities. The programme provides the only official certification required to work as a tour guide in Dubai under licensed tourism companies.

The milestone comes amid continued growth in the city’s tourism sector. From January to November 2025, Dubai welcomed 17.55 million international overnight visitors, a 5 percent increase year on year. The fully online programme is designed to support rising demand by expanding the pool of trained guides and maintaining consistent service standards for visitors. It is open to UAE residents aged 18 and above and is currently offered in English and Mandarin.

Delivered through self-paced online modules, assessments, and virtual examinations, the course enables graduates to work full-time, part-time, or freelance. The initiative aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, and aims to strengthen workforce development in tourism, with a particular focus on encouraging Emirati participation while supporting a diverse, resident-led visitor experience.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Emirates NBD has completed a $1 billion dual-tranche sustainable bond issuance, the largest of its kind by a financial institution globally and the largest blue bond issued in the UAE and the Gulf. The offering, issued under the bank’s Euro Medium Term Note program, consists of a $300 million blue bond with a three-year maturity and a $700 million green bond with a five-year maturity.

Proceeds from the bonds are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically climate action and the protection of marine ecosystems. The issuance follows Emirates NBD’s Sustainable Finance Framework, updated in November 2025, and adheres to the International Capital Market Association’s Green Bond Principles, as well as emerging standards for blue bonds.

The transaction drew strong demand from international investors focused on environmental, social and governance strategies. T. Rowe Price, a global asset manager active in ocean- and water-related investments, participated in the blue tranche. The bonds will be listed on Euronext Dublin and Nasdaq Dubai.

The deal was arranged by a syndicate led by Emirates NBD Capital and Citibank, alongside major international banks. Legal advisers included Clifford Chance for the issuer and Linklaters for the banks.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Senior officials from across Dubai’s government took part in a tree-planting campaign at the Quranic Garden in Al Khawaneej as part of an initiative to plant 20,000 trees across the emirate. The program, led by Dubai Municipality and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), marks the 20th anniversary of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s leadership of Dubai.

The event brought together directors general and chief executives from key government entities, alongside students and community members. The initiative aims to expand green spaces, improve urban landscaping, and support environmental sustainability in line with the Urban Environment pillar of the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033.

Dubai Municipality is overseeing implementation, supplying a range of ornamental and fruit-bearing trees and shrubs, and identifying planting sites across parks and neighborhoods, including Al Barsha, Nad Al Sheba, Jumeirah, Al Quoz, and Al Warqa’a. The municipality is also using smart irrigation and monitoring systems to ensure efficient water use and long-term plant health.

KHDA is coordinating the participation of schools and universities, while Furjan Dubai, the community partner, is organizing resident and volunteer involvement. Together, the entities aim to embed environmental responsibility across government, education, and local communities as part of a broader effort to enhance Dubai’s urban environment.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Alexander Agafiev Macambira

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

Emirates is accelerating the rollout of its Premium Economy cabin as it introduces retrofitted Boeing 777s and new Airbus A350 aircraft on dozens of routes worldwide. By July 1, the airline plans to offer its latest onboard products, including Premium Economy, on more than 84 routes spanning Europe, North America, Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Middle East.

Key near-term additions include new or expanded daily A350 services to Copenhagen, Phuket, and Cape Town. From June 1, Emirates will add a second daily Dubai–Copenhagen flight. From July 1, third daily services to Phuket and Cape Town will begin, all operated by A350 aircraft featuring Premium Economy alongside updated Business and Economy cabins. The added frequencies are aimed at meeting expected summer travel demand and improving global connectivity through Dubai.

The airline is also deploying Premium Economy aircraft to cities including Rome, Taipei, Barcelona, Mexico City, Brisbane, Addis Ababa, and Karachi, with a mix of A350s and retrofitted Boeing 777 variants entering service between January and May. Additional upgrades are planned across the Gulf, South Asia, and Africa, as Emirates continues to standardize its premium offering across the fleet.

Tickets are available through Emirates’ direct channels and travel agents. Aircraft deployment timelines may shift depending on refurbishment schedules.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

DP World has announced the unification of its Marine Services businesses under a single DP World brand, consolidating operations previously known as Unifeeder, P&O Ferrymasters and P&O Maritime Logistics. The move is intended to strengthen the company’s position as an integrated global logistics provider.

Under the new structure, the businesses will operate as Shipping Solutions, Multimodal Solutions and Maritime Solutions. Over the coming months, the former brand names will be phased out across digital platforms, physical assets and customer-facing channels. DP World said leadership teams, operational capabilities and infrastructure will remain unchanged.

The rebranding reflects DP World’s broader strategy to evolve from a port operator into a fully integrated logistics company. The three units cover key segments of global trade, including shortsea and feeder shipping, inland and multimodal transport, and offshore and port-related maritime services.

Shipping Solutions operates a fleet of about 150 vessels, with capacities ranging from 350 to 8,500 TEU, connecting more than 200 ports through over 16,000 port calls annually. Multimodal Solutions manages more than 100 rail services across Europe and the United Kingdom, operates 14 inland terminals and provides logistics services for general, perishable and high-value cargo. Maritime Solutions oversees a global fleet of more than 400 vessels, including 17 multi-purpose cargo vessels designed for complex project cargo, and provides pilotage and towage services in multiple international ports.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, DP World’s Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said the consolidation reflects the company’s next phase of growth, bringing its marine services together under a single identity while expanding its global logistics offering. Ganesh Raj, Global Chief Operating Officer for Marine Services, said customers are increasingly seeking seamless, end-to-end logistics solutions, which the unified structure is designed to support.

DP World said the alignment builds on earlier brand integrations across its ports, terminals, economic zones and logistics operations, reinforcing its stated objective of integrating its global business under one brand promise.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, reviewed final preparations for the inaugural World Sports Summit during a meeting of the council’s board of directors, according to officials.

The summit, organised by the Dubai Sports Council under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, crown prince of Dubai, will be held at Madinat Jumeirah on Dec. 29 and 30 under the theme “Uniting the World Through Sports.” Organisers expect more than 1,500 participants, including international athletes, sports executives, federation officials and decision-makers.

At the meeting, Sheikh Mansoor said the summit reflects Dubai’s broader strategy of hosting international platforms focused on global cooperation and future development, adding that the event aims to position sport as a tool for dialogue, development and cross-border collaboration.

The meeting was attended by Khalfan Belhoul, vice chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, along with board members Ali Al Mutawa, Ahmed Al Khaja, Ismail Al Hashemi and Saeed Hareb, the council’s secretary general.

Officials said the summit will address key issues facing the sports sector, including governance, professional management, athlete development, infrastructure, talent identification and the use of artificial intelligence. Sheikh Mansoor also reviewed organisational arrangements and confirmed that logistical preparations, including reception plans for speakers and guests, have been completed.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Alexander Agafiev Macambira

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

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority has awarded a contract valued at more than Dh100.8 million for the supply, installation, testing and commissioning of glass-reinforced epoxy water pipelines aimed at protecting and diverting existing utility services across Dubai.

The project includes surveying, excavation, civil works, reinstatement, and full integration with the existing water network. Work will be carried out at 20 locations across the emirate over a 24-month period.

According to DEWA, the contract forms part of its broader investment in strengthening critical infrastructure to support Dubai’s development. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, DEWA’s managing director and chief executive, said the project aligns with the emirate’s strategy to expand and safeguard essential utility networks and ensure reliable water and electricity services.

The use of glass-reinforced epoxy pipelines reflects a focus on durability and corrosion resistance, particularly for underground applications. DEWA said the project is intended to improve resilience, protect existing services during future development, and support continuity of water supply as the city expands.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.