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Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is expanding its portfolio of sustainability and tourism projects in Hatta, aligning with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. The initiatives aim to reinforce Hatta’s position as a model for balancing environmental preservation with economic development.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA, said the projects support Dubai’s broader development strategy, including the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and Dubai Social Agenda 33. He said DEWA’s work in Hatta seeks to strengthen the area’s competitiveness as a destination for tourism and investment while maintaining its natural landscape and heritage.

Central to the effort is the Hatta Pumped-Storage Hydroelectric Power Station, the first facility of its kind in the GCC, capable of delivering full power to the grid within 90 seconds. DEWA has also developed water infrastructure, including a 30-million-gallon desalinated water reservoir, microfiltration units for emergency dam water treatment, and new interconnections with other emirates. Additional initiatives include the Shams Dubai solar programme.

To enhance Hatta’s tourism appeal, DEWA launched the Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls project at the upper dam of the hydroelectric station. The site features what Guinness World Records has recognised as the world’s largest mosaic mural, created with Brand Dubai and depicting the UAE’s Founding Fathers.

DEWA has also completed Al Rayan Mosque, a landmark of sustainable design. The mosque holds three global distinctions under the US Green Building Council’s LEED programme: LEED Platinum (2021), LEED Zero Energy (2024), and, in 2025, LEED Zero Carbon - the first mosque worldwide to achieve all three. Powered by photovoltaic panels generating 150% of its annual energy needs, the mosque exports surplus electricity to the grid and incorporates recycled materials, advanced air purification, facilities for People of Determination, and an EV charging station.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Alexander Agafiev Macambira

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

Under the direction of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and President of both the International Federation of Falconry Sports and Racing and the UAE Falcons Federation, the Etihad Cup for Falcon Races will commence on December 13. Organized by the UAE Falcons Federation, the event will run through December 20.

The championship includes 19 races across four categories: Pure Jeer, Jeer Shaheen, Qarmoosha, and Jeer Taba. Trophies will be awarded in three competition segments: Sheikhs, Open Public, and Owners.

Now in its fourth year, the Etihad Cup continues to highlight falconry as a national sport and preserve Emirati cultural heritage. The competition brings together elite falconers, aiming to raise performance standards, professionalize local championships, and set benchmarks for other national events.

His Excellency Rashid bin Markhan, Secretary-General of the International Federation of Falconry Sports and Racing and of the UAE Falcons Federation, described the Etihad Cup as a leading event in falcon racing. He credited its growth to the strategic support of Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed and the oversight of Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Vice President of both federations, noting increased participation and enhanced operational standards each year.

The Etihad Cup, first held in 2022, has since become the UAE Falcons Federation’s flagship annual championship. The Farkh category refers to the age group of participating falcons. Winners in each race receive cash prizes, with the top three in each Cup race and the top ten in qualifying races awarded monetary rewards.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Emirates Airlines closed 2025 with five awards at the 32nd annual World Travel Awards in Bahrain, adding to more than 20 industry honors the airline has received this year. The latest accolades recognize Emirates as the world’s leading airline brand, highlight its inflight entertainment system, ice, and acknowledge its First Class service, First Class Lounges, and Skywards loyalty program. The awards include World’s Leading Airline Brand 2025; World’s Leading Airline Inflight Entertainment 2025; World’s Leading Airline Rewards Programme 2025 – Emirates Skywards; World’s Leading Airline – First Class 2025; and World’s Leading Airline Lounge – First Class at Dubai International Airport Terminal 3.

Earlier in the year, Emirates was named ‘Best Airline in the World’ for the eighth consecutive year at the ULTRAs Travel Awards, also receiving accolades for Best Premium Economy Class and a Lifetime Achievement Award for Services to Global Aviation, presented to Sir Tim Clark. Aviation Business Middle East recognized Emirates as ‘Airline of the Year’ and awarded ‘Best First Class of the Year.’ Additional honors include Forbes Travel Guide’s Best International Airline, Best International First Class, and Best International Airline Lounge; The Times and The Sunday Times Travel Awards’ Best Long-Haul Airline; and two awards from the APEX/IFSA Global EXPO in Long Beach, California, for inflight entertainment and overall customer experience. Emirates also received recognition earlier in 2025 from The Telegraph Travel Awards, YouGov’s 2025 Most Recommended Global Brand, and multiple categories at the Business Traveller Middle East Awards, including Best Airline Worldwide for the 12th consecutive year, Best First Class, Best Premium Economy Class, and Best Airport Lounge in the Middle East.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, said Commemoration Day serves as a national moment to recognize those who lost their lives defending the UAE and protecting its stability.

Sheikh Hamdan said the memory of the fallen remains a source of pride for the country and a reminder of the values they upheld. He noted that their sacrifices continue to shape future generations, reinforcing loyalty to the nation and its leadership. He emphasized that the martyrs, driven by conviction and a sense of duty, demonstrated exceptional commitment that helped define the UAE’s reputation as a nation that values security and justice.

He added that the principles established by the country’s founding leaders remain central to the UAE’s development under the leadership of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, along with the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates.

Sheikh Hamdan paid tribute to the UAE Armed Forces, saying the nation’s strength is rooted in their discipline and the values on which the institution was built. He also acknowledged the families of the martyrs, noting that their resilience reflects the unity and continuity of the country.

He reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ ongoing responsibility to safeguard the nation and offered prayers for the martyrs and for the continued security of the UAE, its leaders and its people.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, met with Alexander Wynaendts, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Deutsche Bank AG, at his office in Dubai.

Sheikh Maktoum said the UAE’s banking and financial sector is entering a period of accelerated growth, supported by technological advancement and digital transformation. He noted that this environment offers international banks expanded opportunities, strengthened by the country’s regulatory framework, infrastructure and business-support systems.

Discussions focused on Dubai’s increasing role as a center for global investment and financial services. The meeting also reviewed the emirate’s efforts to support the expansion of international financial institutions through a competitive, long-term business ecosystem. Officials highlighted that deeper partnerships with global institutions align with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which seeks to double the emirate’s GDP by 2033 and place Dubai among the world’s top three urban economies and top four financial hubs.

Deutsche Bank, founded in 1870, is a major global financial institution offering corporate banking, investment banking, private banking and asset management services. It operates in 56 countries and employs about 90,000 people. As of the end of the third quarter of 2025, the bank reported €1.054 trillion in assets under management in its Asset Management division and €675 billion in its Private Banking division. Net revenues rose 4 percent in 2024 to €30.1 billion. The bank’s Middle East and Africa hub, located in the Dubai International Financial Centre, provides a full range of investment banking, asset management, private wealth and transaction banking services.

The meeting was attended by Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs; Helal Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism; Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC; and Hesham Abdulla Al Qassim, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Emirates NBD.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, in partnership with the Events Security Committee, will organize the ‘Al Etihad Parade’ on December 2 to mark the 54th Eid Al Etihad. The event is part of the ‘National Month’ campaign launched by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council.

The parade will begin at Dubai Maritime City at 3:00 p.m., proceeding along Jumeirah Road from the Union House intersection to the Burj Al Arab intersection between 4:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. More than 30 volunteers from the Community Development Authority (CDA) will distribute over 1,000 UAE flags to participants. Organizers emphasized adherence to all approved safety guidelines to protect both attendees and road users.

Shaima Al Suwaidi, Director of Brand Dubai, described the event as a platform for community participation and national pride. “We remain committed to organizing events that highlight the enduring values of our nation and showcase our Emirati identity,” she said, urging participants to observe all parade guidelines.

Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, said the 54th Eid Al Etihad celebrations reflect the UAE’s cultural heritage and progress, bringing together citizens and residents from over 200 nationalities. He highlighted the parade as a key moment for demonstrating unity and shared identity.

Reem Obaid Al Awabed, Director of Social Programmes at the CDA, noted that the parade aligns with the ‘Year of the Community’ and reflects Dubai’s growing culture of volunteering. “The parade is a national space that renews the spirit of unity, belonging, and social responsibility,” she said.

The Events Security Committee confirmed that police patrols will monitor the parade route to ensure traffic flow and public safety. Organizers outlined strict rules for participants, including limits on passengers, vehicle modifications, use of celebratory sprays or fireworks, and proper adherence to lanes and traffic laws. Violations may result in fines ranging from AED 10,000 to AED 100,000, vehicle impoundment, black points, or suspension of driving licenses.

Authorities encouraged the public to follow official channels for updates and instructions to ensure a safe and orderly celebration.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Expo City Dubai will host the Firdaus Women’s Orchestra on Tuesday, Dec. 2, as part of the 54th Eid Al Etihad celebrations. The performance, held at the House of Arts, is organized by Brand Dubai in partnership with Expo City Dubai.

Led by Lebanese conductor Harout Fazlian, the orchestra will perform Zayed and Rashid, featuring verses from The People and the Leader, a poem by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The work honors the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, founders of the UAE, and includes compositions inspired by Emirati musical traditions.

Shaima Al Suwaidi, Director of Brand Dubai, said the performance celebrates the UAE’s national achievements and reflects the vision of its founding fathers. “The events of the National Month, including the Zayed and Rashid campaign, are designed to strengthen national identity and express gratitude to the leaders who laid the foundations of the Union,” she said.

Amina Taher, of the Zayed and Rashid campaign committee, highlighted the significance of hosting the performance at the House of Arts. She described Expo City Dubai as a symbol of the UAE’s role in fostering global cooperation through sustainability and cultural exchange.

The Firdaus Orchestra, an all-women ensemble that gained recognition during Expo 2020 Dubai, will bring a nationally themed program to the House of Arts, a multidisciplinary cultural center dedicated to promoting Emirati arts and storytelling. Amna Abulhoul, Executive Creative Director of Entertainment & Experiences at Expo City Dubai and House of Arts curator, emphasized that the event reflects the center’s mission of nurturing local creative expression across music, performing arts, and heritage.

Brand Dubai first launched the song Zayed and Rashid last year as part of the #ZayedAndRashid campaign under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council. The campaign commemorates the UAE’s founding leaders and their enduring contributions to the nation’s global standing.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

As part of this year’s National Month celebrations, Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, partnered with Dubai Municipality to reveal a large-scale ground installation featuring a joint portrait of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. The project supports the second edition of the #ZayedAndRashid campaign, launched last year under directives from His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council.

The installation is located at the roundabout opposite Dubai Frame, near Sheikh Zayed Road and Zabeel Park. Spanning 82 meters in diameter, the portrait was created using multi-colored gravel and is designed to be visible from above, providing a visual tribute to the nation’s Founding Fathers.

Badr Anwahi, Chief Executive Officer of the Public Facilities Agency at Dubai Municipality, emphasized the strategic partnership with Brand Dubai. He noted that the project aims to strengthen the city’s visual identity and communicate national values through public art. “The artwork reflects the values of unity, loyalty, and belonging established by the late Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid,” he said. “Its location opposite Dubai Frame connects the past with the present, reminding future generations that the UAE was founded on vision, ambition, and determination.”

The installation was executed with precision over a specialized insulating layer to ensure durability and clarity, according to Anwahi. He described it as both an aesthetic enhancement and a national artistic statement, translating the principles of progress and unity into a visual expression accessible to residents and visitors alike.

Shaima Al Suwaidi, Director of Brand Dubai, highlighted the campaign’s role in National Month celebrations, honoring the Founding Fathers’ legacy and emphasizing values such as wisdom, generosity, ambition, and service to the nation. Amina Taher, a member of the #ZayedAndRashid campaign organizing committee, said the project encourages the public to draw inspiration from the leaders’ legacy and carry their example forward.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

DMCC has introduced what Guinness World Records has certified as the world’s largest silver bar, a 1,971-kilogram piece unveiled on 24 November at the Dubai Precious Metals Conference. The bar was produced to mark the founding year of the United Arab Emirates.

The asset is set to become the first Guinness-record precious metal bar to be tokenised under a regulated framework. DMCC’s Tradeflow platform will host the tokenisation process, in coordination with Sam Precious Metals, which manufactured the bar; Tokinvest, a VARA-regulated platform managing tokenisation and issuance; and Brink’s, which will provide secure logistics and storage.

The initiative is part of DMCC’s broader effort to expand the use of tokenised commodities and strengthen transparency and traceability in global precious-metals markets. Tokinvest will register the bar on Tradeflow, enabling fractional ownership subject to regulatory approval.

DMCC Executive Chairman and CEO Ahmed Bin Sulayem said the unveiling demonstrates how physical assets can be digitised and traded within regulated systems, adding that the collaboration with VARA and industry partners supports Dubai’s role in developing real-world-asset innovation.

Tokeinvest CEO Scott Thiel said the project illustrates how regulated tokenisation can broaden access to precious metals, while Sam Precious Metals Chairman Sami Abu Ahmad described the bar as an example of the UAE’s industrial capabilities and a step toward new models of investment.

The tokenisation follows DMCC’s partnership with the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority to develop standards for digital commodities. With a large precious-metals ecosystem and a growing base of Web3 and blockchain companies, DMCC is positioning the project as an anchor in its wider programme for regulated asset-backed digital instruments.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Emirates and World Rugby have renewed their long-standing relationship for another ten years, reaffirming one of the sport’s most durable commercial partnerships. Under the agreement, Emirates becomes World Rugby’s first-ever Platinum Partner and will remain Principal Partner of the Men’s and Women’s Rugby World Cups through 2035.

The airline will continue its role as Principal Partner for major tournaments in Australia in 2027 and 2029 and in the United States in 2031 and 2033, as well as for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2035. Emirates will retain pitch-side visibility at all Rugby World Cup events and maintain branding across World Rugby’s digital channels and promotional materials.

Match officials at all international competitions will continue to be designated “Emirates World Rugby Match Officials” and wear the airline’s “fly better” kit. Emirates’ logo will remain visible in Television Match Official booths during Rugby World Cup tournaments.

Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, said the decade-long extension reflects the company’s commitment to rugby and its global fan base. World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin described the airline as central to the sport’s international growth since their collaboration began in 2007.

The renewed agreement also expands cooperation on community initiatives, including grassroots development in markets served by the airline.

Emirates’ association with rugby dates to 1987 and includes sponsorship of multiple Rugby World Cups, the Emirates Dubai Sevens and Cape Town Sevens, and support for referees at international matches. The airline continues to invest in women’s rugby as a principal partner of upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cups.

Beyond rugby, Emirates maintains a wide-ranging global sports portfolio spanning football, tennis, cricket, golf, sailing, basketball and horse racing, alongside community-based programmes at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Alexander Agafiev Macambira

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