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Dubai Chambers Convenes Serbian Delegation to Advance Economic Ties

Dubai Chambers hosted a high-level Serbian government delegation for a roundtable aimed at expanding trade and investment between Dubai and Serbia. The meeting, held at the chamber’s headquarters, was organised in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia.

Among the attendees were Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and Chief Executive of Dubai Chambers; Stevan Nikčević, State Secretary in Serbia’s Ministry of Foreign and Internal Trade; and Vladimir Marić, Serbia’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.

Mr. Lootah said the chamber continues to strengthen Dubai’s position in the global economy by pursuing targeted partnerships with key international markets, including Serbia. He underscored the chamber’s commitment to policies that reinforce economic cooperation and support sustainable trade and investment opportunities.

The discussions examined prospects for collaboration in sectors such as construction, energy, information technology, agri-food, healthcare, trade, financial technology, industrial automation and transportation. Participants also reviewed potential measures to expand bilateral trade and create pathways for new commercial partnerships.

The session took place amid growing Serbian interest in the emirate. Eighty-three Serbian companies joined the Dubai Chamber of Commerce during the first nine months of the year, bringing the total to 293 active Serbian businesses as of September. Bilateral non-oil trade reached about AED 336 million in 2024, an increase of 44 percent from the previous year.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

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Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Dubai Chambers Convenes Serbian Delegation to Advance Economic Ties

DWTC Closes 2025 With a High-Intensity Calendar Across Key Sectors

Dubai World Trade Centre will conclude 2025 with a concentrated series of events in December, drawing global participation from the healthcare, automotive, consumer goods and luxury industries.

The month opens with the 19th World Congress of Neurosurgery (1–5 December), a biennial gathering organised by the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies. The congress brings thousands of specialists for scientific presentations, workshops and surgical demonstrations aimed at advancing clinical practice and training.

Retail activity follows throughout the month with three editions of the Concept Big Brand Carnival (1–5 December, 16–21 December, 24–29 December), offering discounts on fashion, accessories, beauty products and lifestyle goods.

The automotive sector takes centre stage with Automechanika Dubai (9–11 December). Now in its 22nd edition, the show is the region’s largest for the aftermarket industry, hosting more than 2,400 exhibitors and expecting over 50,000 trade visitors from more than 160 countries.

From 17–19 December, DWTC will host three parallel trade exhibitions. China Home Life returns for its 18th edition with more than 3,000 suppliers exhibiting across major consumer and industrial categories. The Asia Baby Children Maternity Exhibition brings global brands in childcare, maternity products and early-years solutions to buyers from the Middle East and Africa. The International Appliance and Electronics Show features over 300 suppliers and 100,000 products across home appliances, smart home technologies and consumer electronics.

The year concludes with Jewellery & Bride Arabia (18–21 December), a luxury exhibition presenting fine jewellery, bridal couture and accessories from regional and international designers, supported by runway shows, workshops and special events.

DWTC, established in 1979, continues to serve as a major regional hub for trade and exhibitions. Since its inauguration, the venue has hosted nearly 6,400 events and attracted more than 40 million business visitors. Its second major venue, the Dubai Exhibition Centre, is undergoing a AED 10 billion expansion aligned with Dubai’s long-term urban development strategy.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

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Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

DWTC Closes 2025 With a High-Intensity Calendar Across Key Sectors

Dubai South Properties Introduces South Bay Mall, Its First Retail and Lifestyle Center

Dubai South Properties has announced the launch of South Bay Mall, the company’s first retail and lifestyle development within the Dubai South Residential District. The project, covering roughly 200,000 square feet across three levels, is positioned to serve residents of the wider South Bay community with retail, dining and wellness services. The mall will include open-air walkways and views of the district’s lagoon.

Plans call for 60 retail units, two anchor stores and a food hall, supported by outdoor leisure areas, a clubhouse, gym, spa, clinic and parking for more than 400 vehicles.

The mall is intended to complement South Bay, Dubai South’s mixed-use waterfront development made up of more than 800 villas and townhouses, over 200 waterfront mansions, a one-kilometer lagoon, several parks, a three-kilometer promenade and private beaches.

H.E. Khalifa Al Zaffin, executive chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South, said the project represents a step in expanding Dubai South into a fully integrated community ahead of future growth linked to Al Maktoum International Airport. Construction is expected to begin soon, with details on the opening timeline and tenants to be announced later.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

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Alexander Agafiev Macambira

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

Dubai South Properties Introduces South Bay Mall, Its First Retail and Lifestyle Center

Dubai Releases 2026 Retail Calendar, Marking a Decade of Citywide Festivals

Dubai has launched the 10th edition of its Retail Calendar, a year-long schedule of festivals, promotions and cultural events coordinated by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. The 2026 calendar includes 18 major events and highlights the city’s efforts to strengthen its position as a global centre for retail and leisure.

The calendar’s flagship events - the Dubai Shopping Festival, entering its 31st edition, and Dubai Summer Surprises - anchor a programme that spans seasonal sales, cultural celebrations, and industry-specific festivals. Following strong results in 2025, DFRE reported that the most recent Dubai Shopping Festival awarded more than AED 50 million in prizes through 295 raffles, while Dubai Summer Surprises generated a 110 percent rise in average consumer spending, supported by thousands of promotions across nearly 4,000 outlets.

Ahmed Al Khaja, DFRE’s chief executive, said the 2026 programme reflects a decade of collaboration between the public and private sectors and supports Dubai’s broader economic agenda. Since its launch in 2017, the Retail Calendar has brought together more than 1,000 brands and 4,000 retail outlets, contributing to sales growth and positioning Dubai as the region’s retail hub.

The 2026 line-up also includes the 10th Dubai Fitness Challenge, Chinese New Year, Ramadan and Eid in Dubai, the Festival of Lights, and a series of digital and in-person shopping events such as the Great Online Sale and the 3-Day Super Sale. The Dubai Esports and Games Festival, which drew 45,000 attendees and 3.8 million online participants in 2025, returns with tournaments, exhibitions and industry programming.

DFRE said the calendar serves as a planning tool for retailers and visitors, offering a structured overview of the city’s retail and entertainment cycle. Businesses can align campaigns with the scheduled events and register participation through the DET Connect online platform.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

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Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Dubai Releases 2026 Retail Calendar, Marking a Decade of Citywide Festivals

Meraas Awards AED 1.9 Billion Construction Contract to UNEC for The Acres Community

Meraas, a subsidiary of Dubai Holding Real Estate, has awarded United Engineering Construction (UNEC) a contract valued at AED 1.9 billion to build The Acres, a new standalone villa community in Dubailand. The agreement covers the development’s first phase, which includes 642 villas and related community facilities, with completion scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2027.

The project features three-, four- and five-bedroom villas ranging from 3,048 to 6,001 square feet. Each home includes a private garden linked by landscaped pathways to Halo Loop Park, the community’s central green space, and to a planned network of swimmable lagoons.

Khalid Al Malik, chief executive of Dubai Holding Real Estate, said the development reflects Meraas’ broader effort to align design and sustainability with Dubai’s long-term urban goals under the Dubai 2040 Master Plan. Abdul Halim Muwahid, chairman of UNEC, described the contract as an opportunity to apply international construction standards to a project intended to meet high environmental and quality benchmarks.

The Acres is planned around extensive open space and social infrastructure, with sustainability measures designed to reduce per-capita greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent compared with the national average and cut water consumption by 33 percent relative to typical UAE usage. All irrigation will rely on treated wastewater. The project has received LEED Gold® Pre-certification for Cities & Communities.

Community amenities will include a nursery, school, clinic, mosques, clubhouses and a retail area, along with seven gardens connected by Halo Loop Park. Walking and cycling paths, playgrounds, fitness areas, swimming pools and sports facilities are intended to support active living. The site offers access to Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street and Emirates Road, placing residents within minutes of Global Village, the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club and the Hamdan Sports Complex.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

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Alexander Agafiev Macambira

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

Meraas Awards AED 1.9 Billion Construction Contract to UNEC for The Acres Community

Emirates Airline Festival of Literature to Open 18th Edition on January 21

The Emirates Literature Foundation has announced the full programme for the 2026 Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, unveiling its line-up at the Theatre of Digital Art in Souk Madinat Jumeirah. Now in its 18th year, the festival will run from January 21–27 at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City. It is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who will be honoured in a special VIP session dedicated to his book Life Taught Me.

This year’s roster features a broad mix of international and regional authors, including RF Kuang, Ruth Ware, Samantha Shannon, Ezzat Elkamhawi, Omar Taher, Dr. Shahla Ujayli, Rachel Clarke, Caleb Azumah Nelson, Curtis Jobling, Ali Al Mazmi, Plestia Alaqad, Big Manny, MC Grammar, and Asma Khan. Returning writers include Shamma Al Bastaki, Oyinkan Braithwaite, Hoda Barakat, Jalal Barjas, Saud Al Sanousi, Badriah Albeshr, Salha Obaid, Shashi Tharoor, and Oliver Jeffers.

Ahlam Bolooki, CEO of the Emirates Literature Foundation, said the festival aims to strengthen a culture of reading and support the UAE’s role as a global literary centre. Emirates Airline and Dubai Culture continue as Title Sponsor and Founding Partner. Emirates’ Executive Vice President Boutros Boutros noted the festival’s expanding influence and its role in showcasing regional talent.

Dubai Culture will support the “Bil Emirati” and “Translation” strands, as well as the Literary Luminary Prize, which recognises influential Emirati storytellers. Senior UAE officials and cultural leaders are expected to attend, alongside a wide slate of Arab authors, poets, and children’s writers.

The festival will also mark major regional literary milestones, including the centenary of Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais, the 20th anniversaries of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award and the Saif Ghobash Banipal Translation Prize, and a special panel hosted by the Ibn Battuta Award for Geographic Literature.

More than 200 sessions will be organised under thematic strands such as State of Now, How To, Fantastic Fiction, Writers’ Corner, LitFest Families, and LitFest After Hours. New features include a festival app offering personalised schedules and contactless check-ins. Special events range from Desert Stanzas to a Robbie Burns celebration and an interactive murder-mystery dinner.

Nearly 200 speakers from 40 nationalities are confirmed for 2026, spanning fiction, nonfiction, poetry, journalism, illustration, and children’s literature.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

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Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Emirates Airline Festival of Literature to Open 18th Edition on January 21

Emirates to Operate All Baghdad Flights with Airbus A350 Starting in 2026

Emirates will shift all service to Baghdad to its new Airbus A350 fleet beginning 1 January 2026, expanding the aircraft’s current limited deployment to the Iraqi capital. The transition replaces the Boeing 777 on four of the seven weekly flights, standardizing operations with the carrier’s newest long-haul jet across the full schedule.

The move is part of the airline’s effort to provide a more uniform onboard product. Emirates’ A350s are configured with 32 lie-flat Business Class seats in a 1-2-1 arrangement, 21 Premium Economy seats in a 2-3-2 layout, and 259 Economy Class seats in a 3-3-3 configuration. The aircraft features the carrier’s latest inflight entertainment platform, wider aisles, reduced cabin noise, and lighting designed to ease jet lag.

Emirates first introduced the A350 on select Baghdad flights in August, marking the type’s entry into the Iraqi market. The full-fleet switch underscores the airline’s continued investment in Iraq and the broader region.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

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Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Emirates to Operate All Baghdad Flights with Airbus A350 Starting in 2026

Hamdan bin Mohammed Sets New Strategic Course for UAE Space Sector

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Chairman of the Supreme Space Council, presided over the Council’s second meeting, where officials outlined a revised strategic direction for the nation’s space sector. The approach focuses on three priorities: positioning the UAE as an agile, investment-friendly hub for space activity; expanding its role as a global partner with broader market access; and strengthening national infrastructure to meet international standards.

Sheikh Hamdan reviewed findings from the Space Economic Survey, which reported a 49 percent rise in public and private spending on space over five years and a ninefold increase in R&D investment since 2019. The survey also documented a 51 percent increase in the number of Emirati women working in the sector over the past year.

During the session, Sheikh Hamdan launched the National Space Industries Program, designed to raise the competitiveness of local and international companies operating in the UAE. The program introduces economic incentives, support mechanisms for growth and sustainability, and channels for improved access to domestic and global markets. A key objective is to double the number of companies in the sector and expand UAE space exports over the next five years.

Sheikh Hamdan said the new strategy aims to lift the value added by the space economy by 60 percent and position the UAE among the world’s top ten space economies by 2031. He noted that increased national investment and stronger private-sector partnerships are essential to maintaining global competitiveness and advancing technologies tied to the country’s long-term economic plans.

The Council also reviewed outcomes from the October 2025 Space Retreat, which gathered ministers, senior officials and representatives from major national and international firms. Attendees at the meeting included Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Lieutenant General Talal Humaid Belhoul and Major General Dr. Mubarak Saeed Ghafan Al Jabri.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Hamdan bin Mohammed Sets New Strategic Course for UAE Space Sector

Emirates A350 Makes Flypast Debut at 2025 Dubai Airshow

The Emirates A350 entered the spotlight at the 2025 Dubai Airshow, marking its first public flypast since joining the fleet in November 2024. The aircraft led a coordinated aerial display alongside the airline’s Boeing 777 and A380, the first time Emirates has flown all three widebody types together in formation.

The flypast formed part of a 60-aircraft procession designed to highlight the UAE’s aviation capabilities. Emirates opened the commercial segment of the display, followed by other national carriers and a contingent of military aircraft and helicopters.

During the demonstration, the A380 flew at 500 feet, the Boeing 777 at 700 feet, and the A350 at 900 feet, passing over the runway at Al Maktoum International Airport before thousands of spectators. The event remained one of the show’s most anticipated features.

The Emirates contribution was led entirely by Emirati flight crews. Captain Mubarak Al Mheiri piloted the A380 at the front of the formation, with Captain Ali Almarzooqi commanding the Boeing 777 and Captain Rashed Murshed piloting the A350. Captain Khalid Akram, Deputy Chief Pilot Boeing, served on the Flight Control Committee overseeing commercial operations for the flypast.

Preparing the display required months of coordination across the UAE aviation sector, involving Emirates operational teams, other national airlines, the Ministry of Defence, the UAE Military, air-traffic controllers, the Dubai Airshow Flying Control Committee, and both the DCAA and GCAA. Planners accounted for air-traffic flows, flight paths, and weather conditions to ensure a controlled and precise performance.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

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Alexander Agafiev Macambira

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

Emirates A350 Makes Flypast Debut at 2025 Dubai Airshow

Cultural Tours Expand the Scope of ICOM Dubai 2025

The organising committee of the 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums (ICOM Dubai 2025) has introduced an expanded slate of cultural tours designed to give delegates a clear view of the United Arab Emirates’ diverse heritage and its regional connections. The conference, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and hosted for the first time in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, incorporates these tours into its official programme.

The Local Social Programme sent participants across all seven emirates for daylong visits to historical sites, contemporary museums, ecological areas, and creative districts. The itineraries ranged from archaeological landscapes in Al Ain to Sharjah’s heritage centres, and from Abu Dhabi’s landmark institutions to Dubai’s modern museums. Stops included Al Ain Oasis, Al Jahili Fort, the Mleiha Archaeological Centre, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan, Dhayah Fort, the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah, the Museum of the Future, Etihad Museum, Al Shindagha Museum, Ajman Museum, and the Tell-Abraq and Ed-Dour sites in Umm Al Quwain.

A separate Regional Excursions Programme offered multi-day trips to Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan. Developed with partners across the Middle East, these tours highlighted museum networks and cultural preservation initiatives that shape the region’s broader heritage landscape.

Together, the domestic and regional excursions are intended to extend the conference’s focus beyond its main venue, underscoring ICOM’s aim to promote cross-cultural exchange and strengthen the UAE’s role as a growing centre for cultural dialogue.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

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Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

 
Cultural Tours Expand the Scope of ICOM Dubai 2025

Fourth Dubai Future Forum Set to Open at Museum of the Future

The fourth edition of the Dubai Future Forum, regarded as the world’s largest gathering of futurists, opens tomorrow at the Museum of the Future. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), the event will run from 18 to 19 November.

Organised by the Dubai Future Foundation, the Forum will convene more than 2,500 experts, decision-makers, and futurists, along with representatives from 100 global organisations. Over 200 speakers will participate across more than 70 sessions focused on five themes: Exploring the Unknown, Empowering Societies, Reimagining Health, Optimising Systems, and Foresight Insights.

This year introduces dedicated Learning Days on 17 and 20 November, developed with regional and international partners. These sessions cover foresight and global security, strategic philanthropy, wearable technologies, urban resilience, and the future of media. A closed-door roundtable hosted by Arab News and the Dubai Future Foundation examined how the media sector can adapt amid rapid technological change, with emphasis on governance, policy, and trust in the age of artificial intelligence.

Additional Learning Day programmes explored global security through foresight tools, the future of philanthropic impact, advances in wearable technologies, and the resilience of cities facing climate challenges.

The Forum’s opening day will feature remarks by Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation. A headline session, “Navigating Change: Leadership in the Age of AI and Global Transformation,” will include Michael Miebach, CEO of Mastercard, and Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications. Panel discussions will address long-term governance, regenerative societies, economic resilience, proactive medicine, changing consumer behaviour, and developments in global research.

In parallel, the Prototypes for Humanity – Dubai Future Solutions Exhibition 2025 opened today at AREA 2071 in Emirates Towers. The exhibition showcases 100 projects selected from more than 3,000 submissions representing participants from over 1,200 universities in 120 countries. Five innovators will be recognised at the conclusion of the exhibition.

The Forum will also announce the inaugural Dubai Foresight Awards, which honour contributions across three categories: Foresight Change Makers, Foresight for People, and Foresight for the Planet. The opening day will host the Future Stories Awards Ceremony, recognising writers whose work encourages future-oriented thinking.

Dubai Future Forum 2025 is supported by strategic partners including Dubai Municipality and Emirates Global Aluminium, alongside international organisations, creative institutions, and universities.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

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Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Fourth Dubai Future Forum Set to Open at Museum of the Future

Emirates Advances Major FleeRetrofit as Airline Targets Consistent, Next-Generation Cabin Standards

Emirates is moving into the next phase of its multi-year fleet retrofit, preparing 111 aircraft - 60 Airbus A380s and 51 Boeing 777s - for upgraded cabins and new onboard technology beginning August 2026. The programme, one of the largest of its kind, will introduce redesigned seating, an updated onboard lounge for the A380, a fully refreshed in-flight entertainment system, and enhanced connectivity through Starlink.

The work will be carried out by Emirates Engineering in coordination with Airbus, Safran, Recaro, Panasonic, Starlink, and UUDS. These partners will supply new Business Class seating, premium-economy designs, economy seats tailored for long-haul travel, and Panasonic’s Astrova entertainment platform, which will be installed on all aircraft included in this phase.

Sir Tim Clark, president of Emirates Airline, said the project reflects the carrier’s commitment to keeping product standards aligned across its wide-body fleet. He noted that the goal is to match the innovations currently entering service on new aircraft, including upgraded seating privacy, improved charging options, and redesigned cabin features.

Business Class cabins on both aircraft types will be fitted with Emirates’ newest seat generation, inspired by the Safran S-Lounge design introduced on the A350. Premium Economy will feature Recaro seats with mechanical recline, leg and footrests, and 13.3-inch screens. Economy cabins will adopt Safran’s Z400 long-haul seat with an eight-way adjustable headrest.

The Astrova entertainment system will bring 4K OLED screens, HDR10+ capability, spatial audio, and high-capacity USB-C charging. Bluetooth pairing and Panasonic’s Arc 3D moving map will also be standard. Emirates will link these features with its Skywards programme to support content recommendations based on viewing history.

Starlink connectivity, already confirmed for the fleet, will be installed in parallel with the cabin work to accelerate rollout across global routes.

The retrofit programme has expanded several times since it was first announced in 2021. Emirates now plans to refurbish 219 aircraft in total. So far, 76 have been completed, with each A380 undergoing about 22 days of work and each Boeing 777 about 18 days. Two aircraft are delivered back into service each month.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

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Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Emirates Advances Major FleeRetrofit as Airline Targets Consistent, Next-Generation Cabin Standards
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