News

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) on Sunday opened two new bridges as part of the Trade Centre Roundabout Development Project, advancing a major overhaul of one of the city’s busiest intersections. The bridges serve traffic from 2nd December Street toward Sheikh Rashid Road and Al Majlis Street, which connects to Al Mustaqbal Street.

Each bridge carries two lanes in both directions. Together, they span about 2,000 meters and can handle up to 6,000 vehicles per hour. The bridges opened ahead of schedule, originally set for mid-January, and are expected to reduce travel time from 2nd December Street to Al Majlis Street, Al Mustaqbal Street, and Zabeel Palace Street from around 10 minutes to about two minutes.

Mattar Al Tayer, director general and chairman of the RTA, said the Trade Centre Roundabout links Sheikh Zayed Road with five major roads, making it a critical junction in Dubai’s road network. He said the broader project, with a total cost exceeding 696 million dirhams, includes five bridges totaling 5,000 meters in length and the conversion of the existing roundabout into an at-grade intersection.

According to the RTA, overall project completion has reached nearly 50 percent and will proceed through phased openings. A bridge linking Sheikh Zayed Road to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street is scheduled to open in March, while two additional bridges serving traffic toward 2nd December Street are planned for October 2026. Once complete, the project is expected to reduce average delays at the intersection from 12 minutes to about 90 seconds.

The development serves key commercial and residential areas, including Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai International Financial Centre, and neighborhoods such as Zabeel, Al Satwa, and Al Karama. The RTA estimates more than half a million residents and visitors will benefit.

The Trade Centre Roundabout project is part of a wider plan that includes upgrading Al Mustaqbal Street through 2027. That work will expand road capacity, add bridges and tunnels, and further reduce travel times along a corridor linking major business and event districts.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Dubai Municipality has announced the launch of the region’s first integrated recreational vehicle (RV) route, introducing a coordinated network of RV stations, serviced parks, and connected road-trip routes across the emirate. The initiative aims to expand nature-based tourism and offer new outdoor experiences for residents and visitors.

Under the plan, Dubai Municipality will develop core infrastructure and set the regulatory framework that allows private developers and operators to build and manage RV routes and dedicated parks. The approach is intended to attract investment, broaden tourism offerings, and support the growth of an RV tourism sector in Dubai.

The route will link mountain, beach, and desert environments through a unified system of designated stops and parks, allowing travelers to access varied natural landscapes within a single, well-serviced network.

Bader Anwahi, Chief Executive Officer of the Public Facilities Agency at Dubai Municipality, said the initiative reflects the municipality’s focus on sustainable tourism and quality of life, while enabling private-sector participation and creating new economic opportunities.

The project aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the emirate’s broader quality-of-life goals. Planned RV parks are expected to operate year-round and include hospitality, dining, wellness, and recreational facilities designed for families and visitors of different ages and abilities.

Dubai Municipality said it will support industry growth through incentives, subsidies, and reduced land costs, and will work with financial institutions to provide flexible payment options for RV ownership and rental models. Marketing efforts will target regional and international audiences in collaboration with tour operators and private-sector partners.

The municipality has invited investors, RV park operators, and tourism companies to participate in developing and operating the network, positioning the initiative as a long-term platform for tourism development and community wellbeing.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Alexander Agafiev Macambira

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

The Dubai Sports Council has announced the launch of the World Sports Summit, scheduled for December 29–30, 2025, at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai. The event will be held under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, and will carry the theme “Uniting the World Through Sports.”

The summit is positioned as a global platform bringing together senior sports decision-makers, international federation representatives, athletes, investors and innovators to discuss the future of the sports sector. More than 70 speakers are expected to participate, including Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa; Dr. Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi; Nasser Al-Khelaifi; Ronaldo Nazario; Paolo Maldini; Khabib Nurmagomedov; Manny Pacquiao; Reggie Bush; Ons Jabeur; and Nick Santonastasso.

Speaking at the announcement, Khalfan Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, said the summit aligns with Dubai’s long-term strategy to strengthen its position as a global center for sports leadership and innovation. He noted the sector’s growing economic and social role and linked the initiative to the Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033, overseen by Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council.

Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, said the summit reflects Dubai’s evolution from a host of major sporting events to a venue for shaping global sports dialogue, built on years of international partnerships, infrastructure investment and professional event organization.

The World Sports Summit will also host the 13th edition of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Sports Award, held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Established in 2008, the award recognizes sports innovation and creativity across local, regional and international levels, with 16 categories covering athletic achievement, institutional contributions and initiatives with social and humanitarian impact.

The program will include more than 20 keynote sessions addressing governance, technology and artificial intelligence, sports diplomacy, fan engagement, investment trends, women’s participation and the role of major events in creating long-term economic and social benefits. Discussions will span a wide range of disciplines, from football, basketball and tennis to combat sports, Olympic and Paralympic events, motorsports and emerging sports.

According to Essa Sharif Al Marzouqi, President of the World Sports Summit, the event is designed as an integrated platform focused on dialogue, knowledge exchange and partnership-building across the global sports ecosystem.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Abu Dhabi and Dubai have agreed to simplify the movement of foreign yachts between the two emirates, removing duplicate procedures and aligning regulatory requirements in a move aimed at strengthening the UAE’s maritime sector.

Under the new protocol, sailing permits issued by either emirate will be mutually recognized, allowing foreign yachts to travel between Abu Dhabi and Dubai without repeating local entry and exit formalities. Vessel, crew, and passenger information will be shared through the Early Inquiry System Application Programming Interface (API), reducing administrative duplication.

The agreement follows coordination meetings between Abu Dhabi Maritime, the Dubai Maritime Authority at the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, and several local and federal bodies, including the National Guard, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, and Dubai Customs. Officials said the initiative reflects a broader effort to unify maritime regulations and support sector growth across the UAE.

Sheikh Dr. Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, CEO of the Dubai Maritime Authority, said the unified approach builds on Dubai’s experience in facilitating yacht visits and supports the country’s ambition to remain a leading maritime destination. Captain Saif Al Mheiri, CEO of Abu Dhabi Maritime and Chief Sustainability Officer at AD Ports Group, said the initiative would simplify maritime mobility and enhance the global competitiveness of both emirates as yachting hubs.

The protocol is scheduled to take effect in January 2026, with shipping agents to be notified ahead of implementation.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Expo City Dubai concluded a full calendar of international forums, cultural events and community activities in 2025, hosting more than 75 events and welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors. Organisers said preparations are underway for an expanded slate of major gatherings in 2026, alongside events at the neighbouring Dubai Exhibition Centre.

Throughout the year, the site hosted sustainability summits, educational forums, cultural festivals and sporting competitions, reinforcing its role as a venue for large-scale international meetings and public engagement. Sholto Douglas-Home, chief marketing and sales officer at Expo City Dubai, said the city’s performance as both organiser and host reflected Dubai’s growing position in the global meetings and exhibitions sector.

Among the year’s most significant events was the Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum, held for the first time in the Middle East. The gathering brought together more than 150 mayors and leaders from over 300 cities and attracted more than 1,500 speakers and delegates, generating reported investment opportunities worth $9 billion. Other forums focused on sustainable tourism, clean energy and climate policy, including the Sustainable Destinations Forum and the Clean Energy Business Council Annual Summit.

Expo City also advanced environmental initiatives, unveiling Terra’s IUCN Centre for Species Survival and hosting the inauguration of the Jane Goodall Pollinator Garden during a visit by the late Dr. Jane Goodall.

Cultural and community programming included Ramadan and Eid celebrations, national events marking Eid Al Etihad, and the opening of House of Arts in the former Morocco Pavilion, developed with the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. Seasonal attractions such as Al Wasl Season, Winter City and family-focused festivals drew large crowds, while sporting events attracted more than 20,000 participants.

The Women’s Pavilion hosted programmes supporting women’s return to work and launched its first FemTech Hackathon, alongside initiatives tied to international awareness days. Educational attractions, including Terra and Alif, continued to host workshops, exhibitions and youth-focused programmes.

Looking ahead, Expo City Dubai plans to host major international events in 2026, including GITEX and the World Health Expo, formerly Arab Health, as the district prepares to welcome its first residents.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Dubai International Financial Centre and the International Private Equity Market convened the first IPEM Future Preview in Dubai, bringing senior leaders from sovereign wealth funds, global investment firms, and regional growth and venture platforms into a closed-door forum on the future of private capital. Hosted at DIFC, the gathering marked the first time IPEM has staged such an event in the region and underscored Dubai’s growing role as a hub for global investors seeking long-term capital deployment.

Participants focused on how private markets are evolving after recent volatility, with discussions centered on “transformative capital” - investments that aim to combine financial returns with long-term strategic value. Investors highlighted increasing interest in sectors such as artificial intelligence, data infrastructure, and climate innovation, reflecting confidence in Dubai’s institutional framework, macroeconomic fundamentals, and access to new liquidity pools.

Executives noted that global investors are committing more capital and operational presence to regional financial centers such as DIFC, viewing Dubai as a stable platform for scaling investment into emerging and frontier markets. Insights from the discussions aligned with DIFC’s broader Future of Finance work, which positions the emirate as a jurisdiction where long-duration capital and high-growth opportunity reinforce one another.

The outcomes of the Preview will inform the agenda for the inaugural IPEM Future Dubai, scheduled for May 13–14, 2026, during Dubai Future Finance Week. That event is expected to further consolidate Dubai’s standing as a convening point for global private markets and long-term capital strategy in the MEASA region.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Alexander Agafiev Macambira

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

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has awarded a major contract to upgrade the intersection of Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street with Al Awir Road and Al Manama Street, part of the emirate’s broader plan to expand road capacity and improve traffic flow.

The project includes the construction of 2.3 kilometres of bridges, lane expansions, and the development of service roads along Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street and Al Awir Road in both directions. New access points will serve nearby residential and development areas.

Once completed, the project is expected to increase traffic capacity from 5,200 vehicles per hour in both directions to 14,400, a rise of 176 percent, and reduce travel time through the corridor from 20 minutes to five. Completion is scheduled for the third quarter of 2028.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, said the project is part of a master plan to expand roads, bridges and crossings to accommodate population growth and urban development. He said the upgraded corridor will serve residential and development areas with a combined population of more than 600,000 residents and visitors.

At the intersection with Al Awir Road, the existing roundabout will be converted into a grade-separated interchange allowing uninterrupted traffic in all directions. The works include main bridges with four lanes in each direction on Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street, ramps for right- and left-turn movements, and a new bridge at the Al Awir Road–Emirates Road junction to serve traffic towards Al Awir and Sharjah. Parallel service roads will also be developed to improve access to surrounding areas.

At the intersection with Al Manama Street, the project includes widening Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street from two to four lanes in each direction and upgrading the signalised intersection to increase capacity and improve operations.

The project builds on earlier phases of improvement along Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street, including a 25-kilometre extension from Dubai–Al Ain Road to Al Yalayis Street and a series of upgraded intersections serving areas such as Global Village, Dubai Silicon Oasis and Academic City.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Salik Company PJSC, Dubai’s toll gate operator, has partnered with the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority to launch a public design competition inviting artists to reimagine the Salik toll tag. The initiative, titled “Erth Dubai Through Your Eyes,” seeks original designs that reflect Dubai’s cultural diversity and contemporary creative scene.

The competition is open to artists, designers, calligraphers, graffiti artists, and members of the youth and creative communities. Participants are asked to submit original, previously unpublished designs that align with local values and traditions.

Entries will be accepted until 19 January 2026. The total prize pool is AED 100,000 (approximately USD 27,000). The first-place winner will receive USD 15,000, followed by USD 7,000 for second place and USD 5,000 for third. Winners will be announced during the 14th Sikka Art & Design Festival, scheduled to take place from 23 January to 1 February 2026 in the Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood.

Submissions will be reviewed by a judging panel comprising representatives from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Culture, and Salik. According to the organisers, the initiative is intended to support emerging talent, encourage experimentation, and expand Salik’s library of tag designs while increasing public engagement with the brand.

Salik’s chief executive, Ibrahim Al Haddad, said the collaboration supports youth creativity and responds to an initiative launched by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum under the “Erth Dubai” framework. He added that the competition allows young creatives to contribute to products used daily across the city.

Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Arts, Design and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, said the partnership reflects the authority’s mandate to nurture talent and strengthen Dubai’s cultural and creative industries by encouraging artists to draw on the emirate’s cultural and heritage resources.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.