News

The Dubai Land Department (DLD) has been honored with the ‘Inspirational Brand’ award at the Asia-Pacific Property Awards 2025, a recognition that underscores the agency’s role as a leading government entity in real estate administration. The accolade highlights DLD’s influence both regionally and internationally in shaping Dubai’s real estate market.

The award acknowledges the department’s contribution to establishing Dubai as a global hub for real estate investment. DLD has advanced this position through the implementation of international best practices, an integrated digital services platform, and adaptable regulatory frameworks. These efforts have solidified real estate as a foundational sector within Dubai’s national economy and a major attractor of foreign direct investment.

Central to the department’s success has been the deployment of advanced digital tools, including artificial intelligence, to enhance service delivery. Key innovations include real estate advertising governance, the Smart Rental Index, and Smart Valuation services, all accessible via the Dubai REST application. Additionally, DLD has initiated multiple projects in collaboration with public and private sector partners to streamline transactions, increase transparency, and improve operational efficiency for investors and developers.

The department’s progress aligns with strategic directives from Dubai’s leadership aimed at positioning the real estate sector as a driver of economic growth and a critical component of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033.

In the first half of 2025, DLD processed more than 1.3 million real estate procedures, including upwards of 125,000 transactions valued at over AED 431 billion. The same period saw the addition of approximately 59,000 new investors, while the total number of real estate investments exceeded 118,000, with a combined value surpassing AED 326 billion. These figures reflect the sustained strength and international appeal of Dubai’s property market.

The award also recognizes DLD’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. Between 2021 and 2023, community satisfaction with the department’s social initiatives exceeded 95 percent, while its environmental and health programs achieved success rates above 93 percent. The agency has emphasized employee well-being alongside broader economic and environmental goals.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office 

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Dubai has been recognized as one of the world’s foremost maritime hubs, ranking fifth globally and first among Arab nations in the 2025 International Shipping Centre Development Index. The annual report, issued by Xinhua News Agency in collaboration with the Baltic Exchange, describes Dubai as “the crown jewel of the Middle East’s maritime sector,” underscoring the emirate’s expanding influence in global shipping and logistics.

Sheikh Dr. Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai Maritime Authority, a division of the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation, attributed the ranking to a coordinated effort between government leadership and maritime industry stakeholders. “Dubai’s position reflects the vision of our leadership, as well as the effective coordination between strategic partners and maritime sector companies in the emirate,” Sheikh Saeed said. He emphasized continued commitments to service development, regulatory updates, and innovation aimed at sustaining Dubai’s growth as a global centre for shipping and logistics.

The report highlights Dubai’s comprehensive maritime infrastructure and services, which include navigation assistance, shipbuilding and repair capabilities, and expanding port capacity. It also cited the Dubai Maritime Transport Plan 2030, aligned with the broader Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to increase maritime transport utilization and develop Dubai Maritime City as part of the emirate’s economic diversification efforts.

Particular attention was given to Jebel Ali Port, described as a strategic regional hub benefiting from ongoing investments in infrastructure and operational capacity. According to the report, the port handled 15.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2024 - the highest annual volume since 2015 - and accounted for 18 percent of the 88.3 million TEUs managed by DP World, the port’s operator.

Sustainability initiatives at Jebel Ali Port were also noted, including the introduction of biofuel supplies for ships, installation of 50,000 square meters of solar panels to generate renewable energy, and deployment of electric vehicles for container handling. These measures contribute to an annual reduction of approximately 2,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

Captain Ibrahim Al Blooshi, Executive Director of Dubai Ports Authority, expressed pride in the ranking. “This achievement underscores Dubai’s strong position as a global maritime hub,” he said. Captain Al Blooshi noted that Jebel Ali Port, along with Port Rashid and Hamriyah Port - also operated by DP World under the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation - continue to support the emirate’s economic goals despite global market uncertainties. He reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to environmental stewardship and operational safety within the maritime sector.

The recognition in the 2025 Shipping Centre Development Index positions Dubai alongside established maritime centres worldwide, reinforcing its role as a critical node in international trade and shipping.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office 

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Rory McIlroy, fresh off a milestone season that saw him complete the career Grand Slam with a victory at Augusta National, has confirmed his participation in the 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic. The tournament, part of the DP World Tour’s Rolex Series, will take place from January 22 to 25 at Emirates Golf Club.

The appearance will mark a personal milestone for McIlroy: 20 years since his first participation in the tournament as an amateur in 2006. Now a five-time major champion and currently ranked second in the world, McIlroy leads the Race to Dubai Rankings and is expected to represent Team Europe at the Ryder Cup next week.

McIlroy’s relationship with the Hero Dubai Desert Classic is among the most storied in modern golf. His first professional win came at the event in 2009 at the age of 19. He went on to secure further victories in 2015, 2023, and 2024, making him the tournament’s only four-time champion. A fifth win in 2026 would set a new record.

“It’s been a very special year for me, and I’m excited about what’s still to come,” McIlroy said in a statement. “The Hero Dubai Desert Classic has always been one of my favourite tournaments, and I’m really looking forward to returning to Emirates Golf Club in January. I consider Dubai a second home – the support there is always incredible, and it’s the perfect place to start the year.”

Organizers of the event have confirmed that the 2026 edition will include several expanded offerings for spectators. Alongside the competition itself, the event will again host its “Tournament Town,” a fan zone featuring live entertainment, food and beverage options, family activities, and interactive experiences. Wellness programming and children’s events are also scheduled.

Ticketing for the event has opened with early bird pricing. General admission remains free on Thursday and Friday, with weekend entry starting at AED 75 during the promotional period. Children under 17 will be granted free access throughout the tournament. Premium hospitality packages, including access to the Dallah Lounge and The Social on Sixteen, are also available.

The Dallah Lounge offers proximity to the 9th and 18th greens and includes all-day dining and views of the Dubai skyline. The Social on Sixteen, located at the 16th hole, returns in 2026 with expanded capacity and offers a package of casual dining and four hours of complimentary beverages.

The tournament, now in its 37th year, is the oldest professional golf event in the Middle East. It has held Rolex Series status since 2017 and is recognized by the Golf Environment Organization (GEO) for its sustainability efforts. The 2026 edition will continue the event’s focus on environmental responsibility and wellness, including a dedicated Mental Fitness Zone for players and support staff. The zone, which debuted in a previous edition, is intended to offer participants a quiet space during the high-pressure tournament week.

Organizers also plan to prioritize public transportation options for spectators, with the Emirates Golf Club’s proximity to Dubai Metro stations and taxi access intended to reduce the event’s environmental footprint.

“Rory’s return is the perfect way to launch our 2026 event,” said Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director. “To welcome him back as the Masters champion after perhaps the finest season of his career only reinforces the prestige of this tournament. With affordable ticketing, sustainability initiatives, and a renewed focus on wellness and family engagement, we are continuing to build the Hero Dubai Desert Classic as both a leading golf tournament and a major event on Dubai’s sporting calendar.”

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office 

Alexander Agafiev Macambira

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

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), in collaboration with the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, has announced the launch of a new startup accelerator program in partnership with Plug and Play, a Silicon Valley-based innovation platform known for its work with technology startups and Fortune 500 corporations.

The three-month accelerator, now open for applications, is designed to support post-revenue startups positioned for regional expansion. It is part of a broader effort to align with Dubai’s long-term economic strategy, known as the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to double the size of the city’s economy over the next decade.

The inaugural edition of the program will focus on three sectors: Trade and Logistics, Connectivity and Digital Solutions, and Financial Technology. These industries have been identified as critical pillars in Dubai’s efforts to diversify its economy and accelerate digital transformation.

Participating startups will engage directly with major corporate partners including DHL, du, and Visa. The program offers access to senior innovation executives, mentorship, investor networks, and tailored support for market entry and expansion within Dubai’s corporate ecosystem.

For corporate participants, the accelerator offers early exposure to emerging technologies and opportunities to co-develop solutions with high-growth startups. The initiative is designed to foster commercial partnerships and stimulate cross-sector innovation.

“This initiative marks a significant milestone in Dubai’s innovation journey,” said Hadi Badri, Chief Executive of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), a division of DET. “We are inviting bold and ambitious founders to leverage this platform to scale their impact. This accelerator is an integrated model that brings together entrepreneurs, corporates, investors, and mentors under one collaborative framework.”

Saeed Al Gergawi, Vice President of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, underscored the strategic intent behind the initiative. “This program demonstrates our commitment to connecting global entrepreneurial talent with real economic opportunities in Dubai. We are creating an ecosystem where innovative solutions are matched with market needs, particularly in sectors critical to the emirate’s long-term development.”

The program is modeled on Plug and Play’s established accelerator methodology, which emphasizes rapid pilot testing, structured mentorship, and commercial scalability. Founded in 2006, Plug and Play has built a reputation for linking startups with multinational corporations across industries.

“We are honored to join forces with Dubai’s leading economic institutions,” said Saeed Amidi, Founder and CEO of Plug and Play. “Through this partnership, we aim to build a best-in-class accelerator that delivers both startup growth and corporate innovation outcomes.”

The initiative is a key component of Dubai’s D33 agenda, which includes specific goals to establish 30 new unicorns and scale 400 small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into large businesses by 2033. Officials have positioned the accelerator as a tool to help realize these targets, reinforcing Dubai’s role as a global hub for innovation, investment, and entrepreneurship.

Applications for the first cohort are currently open. Selected startups will begin the program later this year.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office 

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), one of the United Arab Emirates’ most prominent business districts, has reported a near 10 percent year-on-year increase in the number of Italian companies operating within its free zone, bringing the total to more than 530.

The announcement follows the completion of DMCC’s latest “Made For Trade Live” (MFTL) roadshow in Southern Italy, where events were held in Naples and Palermo to promote trade and investment opportunities between Dubai and the region. According to DMCC, more than 260 Italian business leaders attended the sessions, which focused on Dubai’s growing role as a global hub for commerce and innovation.

The growth in Italian companies comes amid a broader uptick in UAE–Italy economic relations. Non-oil trade between the two countries surpassed $14 billion in 2024, reflecting an increase of more than 20 percent compared to the previous year.

“The synergies between the UAE and Southern Italy are increasingly evident,” said Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DMCC. “Both serve as strategic continental gateways supported by advanced logistics and port infrastructure. We see compelling potential for collaboration across sectors such as agri-food, coffee, energy, and precious metals and stones.”

DMCC’s Southern Italy outreach was conducted in partnership with a number of regional and international organizations, including Corbello, Cardo, Gravante & Raimo, Enterprise Europe Network, Forbes Italia, Gruppo Marican, the Naples Chamber of Commerce, the Order of Chartered Accountants of Naples, S.I. Impresa, Sicilia Sprint, and the Department of Economic Activities for the Sicilian Region.

With nearly 26,000 companies operating under its umbrella, DMCC contributes approximately 7 percent of Dubai’s GDP and accounts for 15 percent of its annual foreign direct investment, according to figures released by the organization.

As economic ties between Italy and the UAE continue to expand, DMCC has positioned itself as a central platform for Italian businesses seeking to enter Middle Eastern, African, and Asian markets through Dubai’s commercial ecosystem.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office 

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

After a restorative sojourn at a Swiss wellness clinic, my pursuit of equilibrium - physical, mental, metabolic - drew me next to Mayrlife, a medical spa poised like a secret on the glassy banks of Lake Altaussee, deep in the Austrian Alps. More than a retreat, Mayrlife was whispered about as a sanctuary for those seeking not just renewal, but recalibration: a medically supervised immersion into the art and science of well-being, particularly for those - like me - wrestling with the early edges of pre-diabetes.

The clinic’s legacy begins with Dr. Franz Xaver Mayr, an early 20th-century Austrian physician who argued, long before “gut health” became a hashtag, that all vitality begins in the digestive tract. To Mayr, a troubled gut was not a local problem - it was the root of systemic dysfunction. His cure was deceptively simple: rest, cleanse, and retrain the digestive system. A century later, that principle still anchors the Mayrlife method, though the tools have evolved dramatically.

Today, Mayrlife’s version of the Mayr Cure merges tradition with twenty-first-century precision. Before the first herbal tea is poured, guests undergo an array of diagnostics - food intolerance testing, full blood panels, and body composition scans - forming the blueprint for an exquisitely personalized program. Days unfold in rhythm: cryotherapy, therapeutic massages, and medically guided nutrition plans, all supervised by clinicians whose manner is both meticulous and reassuringly kind.

But the true revelation, at least for me, wasn’t the lab work or the treatments - it was the act of eating itself. Mayrlife treats every meal as a meditation. Chewing - thorough, mindful, and slow - is nonnegotiable. In an age that prizes efficiency over awareness, this simple directive feels almost radical. Each bite becomes a conscious moment, a recalibration of attention that reminds you food is not fuel alone, but communication between body and brain.

There’s also the choreography of the meal: vegetables first, then proteins, then carbohydrates. This isn’t aesthetic preference but metabolic strategy, designed to stabilize blood sugar and reduce post-meal spikes - critical for anyone managing insulin sensitivity. Every sequence, every portion, is rooted in clinical evidence yet executed with the elegance of ritual.

And then there’s the atmosphere itself: no phones, no noise, no rush. Meals are taken against the backdrop of Alpine stillness, where mist hangs low over Lake Altaussee and time, briefly, loosens its grip. Presence becomes its own medicine.

Perhaps most compelling is the clinic’s embrace of the gut as a “second brain.” Housing up to 70 percent of the immune system and deeply entangled with the nervous system, the gut-brain axis is now a serious subject of scientific research - a link between digestion, mood, and cognition that Dr. Mayr seemed to intuit a century ahead of his time.

By the end of my stay, what had begun as a wellness experiment felt more like a quiet awakening. The lesson was elemental yet profound: health begins not with supplements or superfoods, but with the simple, intelligent act of eating well - and paying attention while doing it.

In a world enthralled by quick fixes and glittering diet trends, Mayrlife’s message is refreshingly unglamorous: true wellness is not invention, but return. Return to balance, to awareness, to the rhythm of a body that already knows what it needs - if only we’d listen.

And perhaps that’s the real question the Mayrlife philosophy poses: if the gut holds the key to our vitality, why is this wisdom still treated as luxury, rather than common knowledge?

Photo credits: Mayrlife

Luiz Costa Macambira

Luiz F. Costa Macambira is the former Publisher of Forbes Monaco and Forbes Netherlands.

Dubai will host the 46th edition of Big 5 Global, the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia’s (MEASA) largest construction and urban development event, from November 24 to 27 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Backed by the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, Dubai Civil Defence, Dubai Municipality, and the Department of Municipalities and Transport - Abu Dhabi, the exhibition is expected to draw over 85,000 construction professionals and feature more than 2,800 exhibitors.

Big 5 Global comes at a time of unprecedented growth across the region, with the Middle East and Africa accounting for approximately $7 trillion in pre-construction projects. This surge is driven by ambitious national development agendas, including Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s "We the UAE 2031", which prioritize large-scale infrastructure, housing, and urban transformation.

The 2025 edition will introduce nine sector-specific events addressing evolving priorities in sustainability, digital construction, and smart city development. Exhibitors from over 20 country pavilions, including Germany, Italy, China, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom, will showcase innovations across the construction value chain.

Big 5 Global remains a key platform for accessing active projects and engaging with key decision-makers in one of the world’s fastest-growing construction markets.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the United Arab Emirates, visited the ninth edition of the Katara International Hunting and Falcons Exhibition (S’hail 2025) in Qatar.

The visit, which took place during an official trip to Doha, was conducted alongside Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee. S’hail, a prominent event on the regional calendar, gathers international and Qatari companies specializing in hunting, falconry, and outdoor equipment.

During the tour, Sheikh Hamdan was briefed on the latest technological advancements and artisanal products in the sector, as well as the exhibition’s cultural programming. The event showcases traditional practices deeply rooted in Gulf heritage, particularly those related to falconry - a symbol of pride and identity across the Arabian Peninsula.

The Crown Prince also visited the Bird Market, where premier falcons bred by local farms were displayed, and toured the pavilion of the Souq Waqif Falcon Hospital, one of the region’s foremost veterinary institutions dedicated to the care of birds of prey.

Sheikh Hamdan commended the exhibition for its role in preserving cultural traditions while also serving as a platform for economic growth and investment in the heritage industries.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has finalized a significant infrastructure upgrade on Sheikh Zayed Road, widening a 700-meter stretch near the Umm Al Sheif Street exit. This project expands the highway from six to seven lanes, increasing its vehicle capacity by approximately 16 percent, allowing up to 14,000 vehicles per hour to traverse this crucial corridor.

Sheikh Zayed Road, a key arterial highway in Dubai, connects numerous residential areas and vital commercial hubs, including landmarks such as the Dubai International Financial Centre, Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Mall. As one of the city’s busiest thoroughfares, it supports a dense mix of economic and social activity, serving global corporations, financial institutions, hotels, and leisure destinations.

The recent expansion targets persistent congestion near the Umm Al Sheif junction, particularly during evening peak hours. By removing overlap points and increasing lane capacity, the RTA aims to improve traffic flow, reduce travel times, and enhance road safety by decreasing traffic density. This enhancement is part of the RTA’s broader commitment to optimize Dubai’s road network and ensure more efficient, reliable journeys for commuters across the city.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Flydubai, the Dubai-based low-cost carrier, has entered into a strategic interline agreement with TAROM, Romania’s national airline, to provide passengers seamless connections to 15 destinations through Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport. The partnership aims to enhance travel options across TAROM’s network, which includes key European cities such as Athens, Amsterdam, Brussels, Frankfurt, Madrid, and Paris.

Under the agreement, travelers booking with flydubai will benefit from coordinated itineraries, single-ticket bookings, and through-checked baggage to final destinations on TAROM’s domestic and international routes. The collaboration reflects flydubai’s ongoing efforts to strengthen connectivity between the UAE, Romania, and broader Eastern and Central Europe.

Ramesh Anantharaman, Divisional Senior Vice President of Revenue Management and Business Effectiveness at flydubai, emphasized the importance of the partnership in boosting trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between the regions. “This agreement offers our customers simplified travel and expanded access across TAROM’s regional network,” he said.

Flydubai has operated flights between Dubai International Airport and Bucharest since 2012, responding to growing demand. The airline currently offers double daily flights on the route and plans to launch service to Iași, Romania’s second destination, starting September 19, 2025.

Costin Iordache, General Manager of TAROM, described the partnership as a strategic move to improve connectivity and facilitate travel between key cities. “Together, we provide passengers with safe, reliable, and convenient options that support tourism and business,” he said.

Flydubai currently serves over 135 destinations in 57 countries with a fleet of 93 Boeing 737 aircraft. The carrier has prioritized opening direct air links to previously underserved markets, reinforcing Dubai’s role as a global aviation hub.

Passengers traveling in flydubai’s Business Class enjoy lie-flat seats and premium services, while Economy Class offers comfortable seating with adjustable headrests and entertainment options, underscoring the airline’s commitment to an enhanced travel experience.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.