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Dubai Culture & Arts Authority has announced the start of registration for the third Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Forum, scheduled for October 26 and 27 at Al Khayat Avenue, Al Quoz. The event, themed “Passion, Profit, Possibilities,” will focus on the intersection of creativity and business.

Recognized as the UAE’s premier platform for creative entrepreneurship, the forum gathers entrepreneurs, cultural leaders, artists, designers, chefs, and investors to discuss opportunities within the creative economy. It aims to support the growth of creative industries while reinforcing Dubai’s role as a global cultural hub.

Aligned with the initiative ‘The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World,’ the forum will include keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, and performances. Topics will cover culture as economic capital, mentorship, placemaking, and investment strategies. The program is designed to equip participants with practical skills and connections to advance their ventures.

Open to entrepreneurs, startups, investors, and professionals in the cultural and creative sectors, the forum encourages wide participation.

As part of the event, the Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Competition received over 120 submissions. Seven finalists will present their ideas to a panel of experts, competing for a total prize pool of AED 160,000. Awards include AED 80,000 for first place, AED 50,000 for second, and AED 30,000 for third, along with in-kind support for project development.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

In the elegant setting of the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, a landmark event unfolded on Saturday, October 11. Titled “The Ocean Meets Art”, the evening was hosted by Blue & Sport Alliance Monaco (BSA) and brought together a distinguished group of diplomats, scientists, artists, and philanthropists - all united by a common cause: the protection of the world’s oceans and polar regions.

Conceived and led by BSA’s President and Founder, Isidoro Miele, the event represented far more than a ceremonial gathering. It was a deliberate attempt to bridge disciplines - science and art, policy and culture - to address the accelerating environmental threats facing marine ecosystems. “Art speaks to the heart, science enlightens the mind, and from their meeting, conscience is born,” Miele said in his opening remarks, setting the tone for the evening.

The event drew high-level participation from across Europe’s diplomatic and scientific communities. In attendance was Her Excellency Emanuela Ruosi, Ambassador of Italy to the Principality of Monaco, and Raphaël Ghiandai, Administrative and Financial Director of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, a longstanding advocate for marine and polar conservation.

Also present were senior figures from key maritime institutions, reflecting the technical depth of the evening’s agenda. These included Rear Admiral Luigi Sinapi, Director of the International Hydrographic Organization and Vice-President of BSA Monaco; Rear Admiral Fabrizio Orengo, Director of the Italian Hydrographic Institute; Rear Admiral Giosuè Allegrini, naval engineer, historian, and art critic; and Commander Maurizio De Marte, head of the Italian Navy’s polar mission High North 24.

The evening opened with a scientific roundtable focused on climate and maritime challenges, including ocean warming, polar ice melt, and rising sea levels. This was followed by an artistic performance designed to evoke the fragility and beauty of the marine world - an expression of the central theme that intellectual insight must be paired with emotional connection to inspire meaningful action.

A highlight of the program was the intervention by Tom Woods, President and Founder of the NGO Help Save The Med, who delivered a compelling testimony on the urgent need to protect the Mediterranean Sea. Emphasizing international cooperation and citizen engagement, Woods underscored the importance of moving from awareness to action in marine conservation.

Support for the event came from key private-sector partners and long-time allies of BSA Monaco. Among them was Marcello Pica, CEO of Mama Shipping, Vice-President of the Monegasque Chamber of Shipping, and a member of the BSA board. Pica, a principal sponsor of the event, was joined by philanthropist Mikhail Nefedov, whose continued backing of climate-focused initiatives was acknowledged with gratitude during the evening.

What made “The Ocean Meets Art” distinct was its ambition to create new coalitions. By bringing together military officers and environmentalists, cultural figures and hydrographers, the event embodied a new model of engagement - one in which the tools of science are amplified by the voice of culture and the reach of diplomacy.

In a time of escalating environmental crises, BSA Monaco reaffirmed its mission: to forge partnerships across disciplines, unite expertise and creativity, and defend the fragile beauty of our shared marine world.

Monaco - with its historic commitment to oceanic stewardship - once again proved itself a stage where science and society can meet, and where real collaboration begins.

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced 11 advanced technology projects at GITEX Global 2025, underscoring its strategic push into artificial intelligence and data-driven mobility. The event, hosted at Dubai World Trade Centre from October 13–17, brings together over 6,800 companies from 180 countries and more than 400 government entities.

Among the key RTA projects showcased are a Smart Vehicle Network, aerial taxis, autonomous trams, and predictive inspection systems - all designed to modernize transport services and improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at RTA, said the initiatives reflect Dubai’s broader strategy to position itself as a global leader in smart, AI-powered urban mobility. “We are committed to applying emerging technologies to improve operational performance and enhance quality of life,” he said.

AI-Driven Traffic and Inspection Systems

The Smart Vehicle Network, developed at the Dubai Intelligent Traffic Systems Centre, integrates Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems to manage traffic in real time. It has already reduced delays by 25% and cut operational costs by up to 30%.

AutoCheck 360, an automated vehicle inspection system, uses AI and computer vision to reduce inspection time from 17 minutes to 7. It is one of the first fully integrated systems of its kind in the region.

Smart Mobility and Infrastructure

RTA also highlighted a Smart Mobility Platform that monitors and manages school buses, delivery bikes, and other commercial fleets using IoT sensors and AI analytics to enhance safety and compliance.

The Safe Tracks Rail Inspection System, the first of its kind regionally, uses laser scanning and intelligent analytics to identify rail defects, reducing inspection time by 70% and improving metro safety.

The Trackless Tram system uses GPS, LiDAR, and AI to navigate virtual tracks without physical rails -offering a lower-cost, autonomous public transport solution adaptable to urban environments.

Urban Air Mobility and Digital Platforms

The aerial taxi, currently in trial phase, offers point-to-point transport with flight times such as 10 minutes from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah. It will be integrated with other public and personal mobility options.

RTA is also advancing its digital service platforms. The S’hail app offers multimodal trip planning and smart notifications, while the RTA Dubai app consolidates licensing, parking, fines, and other services. Smart kiosks with live video access to customer service agents are being deployed across the city.

Building AI Capability

The RTA’s AI Factory serves as a research and development hub focused on machine learning and intelligent systems, supporting the agency’s 2030 goal to become a global leader in AI mobility solutions.

RTA’s participation at GITEX 2025 demonstrates how government infrastructure can evolve through practical applications of AI, IoT, and data analytics.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Alexander Agafiev Macambira

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

Start-ups operating within in5, Dubai’s flagship entrepreneurship incubator, have collectively raised over AED 9 billion in funding since its launch in 2013. The milestone was announced during Expand North Star 2025, held from October 12–15 at Dubai Harbour.

The new figure marks a 14% increase over total funding raised as of October 2024 and reflects the growing appeal of Dubai’s innovation ecosystem. in5 is operated by TECOM Group PJSC and supports early-stage companies across four key sectors: technology, media, design, and science.

Since its establishment, in5 has supported more than 1,100 start-ups. Its sector-specific facilities include in5 Tech in Dubai Internet City, in5 Media in Dubai Production City, in5 Design in Dubai Design District (d3), and in5 Science in partnership with Dubai Science Park.

“The AED 9 billion milestone reflects the strength of in5’s ecosystem and its alignment with Dubai’s innovation strategy,” said Majed Al Suwaidi, Senior Vice President at TECOM Group. The incubator supports the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to position Dubai among the top global cities for economic growth and innovation.

In the first half of 2025, in5 hosted 94 events offering mentorship, advisory sessions, and investor engagement opportunities. Companies showcased at Expand North Star included Bellboy, an AI-driven hospitality automation platform; Gainz, a fintech venture focused on private credit; and MyGatePass, a visitor management solution using UAE Pass integration.

Recent funding rounds from in5-based ventures include AED 22 million for Halo AI, AED 5.5 million for Wittify AI, and AED 1.8 million for Armoir, a luggage-tech start-up. in5 Tech also hosts the in5 Investor Hub, a dedicated space for investors to engage with emerging companies.

TECOM Group, which operates 10 business districts in Dubai, including Dubai Internet City and Dubai Science Park, continues to play a central role in advancing the city’s knowledge-based economy.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Dubai International Chamber, part of the Dubai Chambers network, has officially opened its first representative office in the Nordic region, located in Stockholm, Sweden. The office aims to bolster business relations and facilitate trade and investment between Dubai and Sweden.

The inauguration ceremony in Stockholm included prominent figures such as H.E. Benjamin Dousa, Sweden’s Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade; H.E. Ghasaq Shaheen, UAE Ambassador to Sweden; and Mr. Salem AlShamsi, Executive Vice President of International Relations at Dubai Chambers.

This new office, established under the ‘Dubai Global’ initiative, is designed to deepen economic cooperation and promote mutual trade and investment opportunities between the two markets.

Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, emphasized the strategic importance of the office, noting Sweden’s innovative business environment and the potential for increased collaboration. He described the office as a gateway for Swedish companies seeking to enter Dubai’s market and for promoting Dubai’s investment prospects.

Trade data reflects expanding commercial ties: in 2024, non-oil bilateral trade between Dubai and Sweden reached AED 3.9 billion, marking a 5.3% increase from the previous year. The growing interest among Swedish companies in Dubai is also evident in membership numbers. By mid-2025, 940 Swedish companies were members of Dubai Chamber, with 127 joining in the first half of the year alone.

Dubai International Chamber’s global network of representative offices supports Dubai’s strategy to attract businesses, investments, and talent. These offices, spanning five continents, provide critical support for companies expanding into Dubai and promote the emirate as a global trade and investment hub.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Emirates NBD, a leading banking group in the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye (MENAT) region, recently hosted the second edition of its Private Banking Next Generation programme in partnership with PwC and Visa. The initiative aims to equip future business leaders with the expertise and connections necessary to manage and grow family wealth amid an evolving economic landscape.

The UAE continues to attract ultra-high-net-worth individuals, bolstered by world-class infrastructure, investor-friendly regulations, and a robust real estate market. This influx underscores the country’s growing role as a global hub for private capital.

The program arrives as the Middle East anticipates a significant intergenerational wealth transfer, projected to exceed $1 trillion by 2030. With technological advances complicating legacy planning, many families face challenges related to diversified assets, legal frameworks, and governance structures. Emirates NBD’s Next Generation programme addresses these issues by focusing on family governance, succession planning, and leadership development.

Titled “From Legacy to Leadership,” the event featured expert presentations on governance fundamentals, effective board membership, entrepreneurship, and the implications of generative AI for business.

Mohammad Al Bastaki, Group Head of Private Banking and Wealth Management at Emirates NBD, emphasized the program’s role in supporting the bank’s ultra-high-net-worth clients. “Our Next Generation programme is a cornerstone of our commitment to these families, providing critical tools for navigating a complex global environment,” he said. “Partnering with PwC and Visa enables us to deliver unparalleled insight and service.”

This initiative aligns closely with Emirates NBD’s broader Private Banking strategy, aiming to preserve and grow wealth across generations.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

On November 21, 2025, Dubai will become the backdrop for a groundbreaking fusion of sport and culture - the inaugural Legacy Cup. This unique event is a collaboration between Polo Xperience and the Big Art Festival, a partnership designed to merge the worlds of elite athleticism and contemporary artistry. The day's activities will unfold across two iconic venues: the renowned Al Habtoor Polo Club and the newly inaugurated Billionaire Dubai at the Mandarin Oriental Downtown.

At the heart of the day's program lies an eagerly anticipated polo match, pitting the Monte-Carlo Polo Team against the Mahra Polo Team. The Monte-Carlo team, founded in 2012 by Rommy Gianni, is no stranger to the international spotlight. With a storied history that includes three consecutive victories at the Snow Polo World Cup in St. Moritz - an unparalleled achievement in the tournament’s history - the team has built a reputation for both skill and sophistication. Their participation in this event signals a desire to not only compete but also to advance the role of polo as a cultural force, beyond its traditional boundaries.

The Legacy Cup is part of a broader vision by Polo Xperience to redefine the sport, positioning it as both a prestigious athletic competition and a dynamic cultural platform. The initiative seeks to bridge the worlds of sport, art, and high society, creating a space where elite athletes, global influencers, and the artistic community can converge. It reflects Dubai’s growing status as a city that is not just a hub for business but also for cultural exchange and innovation.

Following the polo match, the evening will transition from sport to spectacle. The Big Art Festival, a prominent cultural initiative spearheaded by Berin Iglesias Art, will curate an extraordinary gala that blends live performance with visual art and fine dining. Known for its ability to bring together top-tier artists and performers, the festival’s presence in Dubai underscores the city’s commitment to fostering high-profile cultural experiences. Headlining the evening's performance is Zivert, a Russian pop sensation whose work is characterized by a strong visual and choreographic dimension, ensuring that the evening will be as much about artistic expression as it is about entertainment.

The gala will take place at Billionaire Dubai, the latest addition to the luxury nightlife brand founded by Italian entrepreneur Flavio Briatore. This venue, which opened its doors at the Mandarin Oriental Downtown, is a fitting setting for an event of this scale - combining sophisticated design, gastronomy, and stagecraft. It will offer a unique atmosphere that perfectly complements the event’s blend of sport and performance.

Yet the Legacy Cup is more than just an event; it is a statement about the evolving nature of cultural and social gatherings. It underscores the increasing relevance of traditional sports, like polo, in an era where cultural expression and athleticism are intertwined. In cities like Dubai, which are positioning themselves as crossroads of global commerce, art, and entertainment, events like this serve as a reminder that sport is no longer confined to the field - it is an experience, a conversation, and an opportunity to engage with the world in new and dynamic ways.

The Legacy Cup also symbolizes the longstanding relationship between the Monte-Carlo Polo Federation and the Al Habtoor family, a partnership that dates back nearly 30 years. For Rommy Gianni, returning to Dubai for this event is not only a professional milestone but also a personal one, as he revisits a place that has long been central to the team’s success and international outreach.

Supporting this monumental event is Monaco's CAROLI Group, a cornerstone of the principality’s real estate and communications sectors. With its vast experience in urban development and event coordination, the CAROLI Group’s involvement highlights the global scale and logistical complexity of hosting such a high-profile gathering.

The Legacy Cup promises to be more than a showcase of sporting prowess - it is a cultural moment in itself, embodying the power of traditional sports to evolve and thrive in the modern world. By weaving together athletic competition, luxury, and artistic performance, the event reimagines polo not just as a sport but as an immersive experience, and positions it as a conversation starter within the global cultural zeitgeist.

As Dubai continues to cement its status as an international hub, The Legacy Cup is set to become one of its most anticipated events - a testament to how sport and culture can coexist and flourish in the 21st century.

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

In a landmark moment for both club and city, Dubai Basketball claimed a decisive 88-75 victory over Serbian giants Partizan Mozzart Bet on Tuesday night in their EuroLeague debut, marking the team's entry into Europe's top-tier basketball competition with authority.

The game, held at the Coca-Cola Arena, signaled more than just a win - it marked the arrival of Dubai on the European basketball map.

Dubai opened strongly, fueled by the sharp shooting of Davis Bertans, who led an early 8-point run that gave the home team an 18–10 advantage. By the end of the first quarter, Dubai had established a 10-point cushion, closing the period at 28–18.

Despite a slower second quarter, the hosts maintained their composure and held a 47–40 lead at halftime. The start of the third quarter, however, tested Dubai’s resolve. Partizan surged with an 8–0 run, briefly taking the lead at 48–47.

Dubai's response was immediate and emphatic. Led by Mfiondu Kabengele’s physical presence inside, along with contributions from Dwayne Bacon and Džanan Musa, the team reclaimed control and closed the third quarter with a commanding 68–56 lead.

The momentum carried into the final period, where Dubai opened with five unanswered points, extending the lead to 73–56. The margin eventually grew to 20 points, effectively sealing the result with minutes to spare.

“This is a very important win for us,” said Head Coach Jurica Golemac postgame. “Partizan came back at one moment, but with our defense, we managed to recover. Winning at home gives us confidence - it shows we can compete with anyone when we play together.”

Dubai now travels to Monaco for their next EuroLeague fixture before returning home for their ABA League opener on October 6.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

The Dubai Chamber of Commerce has launched Sustainability 365, a month-long initiative running from October 6 to 30, aimed at reinforcing sustainability and responsible business practices across the private sector.

The initiative, led by the chamber’s Centre for Responsible Business, marks an evolution from the chamber’s annual Sustainability Week, first introduced in 2015. The rebranded programme extends the original initiative’s impact, emphasizing the integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into year-round business operations.

Under the theme “Purpose in Action: Empowering Communities Through Responsible Business,” the initiative includes a series of events, forums, and training sessions. These are designed to equip businesses with tools and strategies to adopt more sustainable practices and drive long-term community impact.

Maha Al Gargawi, Vice President of Business Advocacy at Dubai Chambers, stated that the initiative reflects the organization’s belief that “social responsibility is an integral part of business culture and a driver of positive change.”

The agenda features The Purpose Forum, bringing together CEOs and senior leaders to discuss the role of purpose in business, and the Business with Purpose Roundtable, which includes interactive simulations on purpose-driven strategies. The Global Sustainability and CSR Forum 2025 will convene international experts to explore trends in corporate social responsibility. Throughout the month, the Purpose Academy will host virtual learning sessions for businesses.

Over the past decade, the chamber’s sustainability programmes have engaged more than 720 companies, focusing on issues such as workplace diversity, stakeholder engagement, and the ethical application of technology. The chamber aims to build on this foundation by encouraging broader adoption of ESG frameworks to strengthen corporate competitiveness and community impact.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Shamal Holding and Marriott International have announced a strategic agreement to develop The Dubai Beach EDITION, a combined hotel and residential project at Dubai Harbour. The development will mark the first EDITION-branded residences in the Middle East and is scheduled for completion in 2029.

The project will include 165 EDITION-branded residences, featuring two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments designed to reflect the brand’s minimalist yet luxurious identity. In addition, The Dubai Beach EDITION hotel will comprise 185 rooms and suites, offering sea views and curated dining experiences consistent with EDITION’s global standards.

Abdulla Binhabtoor, CEO of Shamal Holding, described the project as a “luxury beachfront destination” that aims to elevate Dubai’s standing as a global city. Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer for Marriott International in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, said the development would “reimagine what modern luxury can be” and strengthen Marriott’s high-end offerings in the region.

Located within Dubai Harbour, the project will form part of a larger coastal district that combines residential, hospitality, and lifestyle elements along a private beach and marina.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Alexander Agafiev Macambira

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