The City

Under directives from Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai's Crown Prince and UAE Minister of Defence, the city has launched the second edition of the "Dubai Mallathon," a large-scale indoor community sports initiative spanning the summer months.

The program, which commenced on June 15, runs daily through September 15, 2026, from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. It utilizes six major climate-controlled shopping centers across the emirate to provide free, air-conditioned walking and running spaces during peak summer temperatures. The participating venues are the Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Mirdif City Centre, Dubai Festival City Mall, Deira City Centre, and Dubai Hills Mall.

The initiative aligns with the municipal goals of the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033, alongside the federal objectives of the UAE’s "Year of the Family" 2026. Organizers state that the program aims to incentivize public fitness by integrating daily physical activity into accessible urban infrastructure.

"Health and quality of life are the foundation of thriving societies," Sheikh Hamdan said in a statement. He urged residents, corporate groups, and public sector workers to participate collectively.

Organized in coordination with the Dubai Sports Council, the 2026 itinerary includes dedicated tracks, guided warm-up sessions led by fitness trainers, and specialized programs for women, senior citizens, and people of determination (individuals with disabilities). Weekend races will be staged across the venues, featuring performance-based prizes and medals.

Participation is free and does not require advance registration. Attendees receive a tracking wristband at the venues, which unlocks tiered discounts and commercial incentives at participating retail stores and restaurants based on their frequency of attendance.

The expansion follows an inaugural edition that established a Guinness World Record for the largest event of its kind, during which a single race at Dubai Hills Mall drew more than 1,300 participants.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Andrew Shelepnytsky

Andrew Shelepnytsky is an Editor of Dubai Voice.

Dubai secured the top global ranking for inward greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) projects for the fifth consecutive year in 2025, according to data from the Financial Times Ltd’s fDi Markets database.

The emirate attracted 1,253 announced greenfield investment projects throughout the year, representing a 10.5 percent increase compared to 2024. The performance captured approximately 7 percent of all greenfield FDI projects announced worldwide, marking the highest global market share in Dubai's tracking history.

Greenfield investments, in which an overseas company builds entirely new physical operations or facilities from the ground up rather than acquiring local firms, brought $8.83 billion (AED 32.43 billion) in capital inflows into the city during 2025. Local officials reported that the influx supported the creation of 38,918 jobs, an 18.8 percent increase over the previous year's employment figures.

The tracking data revealed that Dubai maintained its primary global position for projects establishing corporate regional headquarters and artificial intelligence operations for the fourth consecutive year. Additionally, the emirate achieved the top ranking for manufacturing-related greenfield investments for the first time, signaling a shifting emphasis toward industrial diversification alongside its established trade, logistics, and technology sectors.

The investment metrics correlate with broader economic indicators reported by the emirate. Dubai's annual gross domestic product (GDP) reached AED 937 billion in 2025, reflecting a 5.4 percent growth rate for the year. Economic activity accelerated in the fourth quarter, posting a 6.4 percent expansion despite broader global market volatility.

According to data from the Dubai FDI Monitor, capital flows originated from a geographically diverse mix of source markets across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.

The performance supports the long-term objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, known as D33, a strategic framework launched to double the size of the emirate's economy by 2033. To sustain this momentum into 2026, the local government recently introduced an AED 2.5 billion economic incentive package, which includes corporate fee deferrals across the hospitality and licensing sectors, alongside streamlined residency permit processes designed to retain foreign workforce talent.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Andrew Shelepnytsky

Andrew Shelepnytsky is an Editor of Dubai Voice.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has integrated a suite of artificial intelligence-powered dashboards into its Bus Operations Control Centre, transitioning the municipal bus network to a automated, data-driven management model.

The predictive system was developed by the RTA’s Public Transport Agency in coordination with the Artificial Intelligence Centre at Corporate Technology Support Services. Operating on the agency's centralized Dataiku platform, the technical infrastructure allows controllers to analyze network patterns and preemptively address scheduling and fleet disruptions.

The software suite embeds several operational applications directly into daily municipal workflows, including early-departure performance metrics, predictive modeling for trip cancellations, and real-time short-turning route optimizations. The system also coordinates rapid-response fleet deployments to maintain passenger connectivity during disruptions to the Dubai Metro rail service.

Initial operational data released by the authority indicates measurable improvements across key performance indicators. The implementation of automated alerts and tracking tools has resulted in a 68 percent reduction in early bus departures, bringing the network's punctuality indices in line with global transit benchmarks.

The data platform also monitors fleet idling times and garage logistics. According to RTA compliance records, these automated sustainability metrics have lowered fuel waste and reduced regional carbon dioxide emissions by more than 13,000 tonnes.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Andrew Shelepnytsky

Andrew Shelepnytsky is an Editor of Dubai Voice.

The United Arab Emirates has formally approved the creation of the Artificial Intelligence and Data Authority, a centralized federal body designed to consolidate the nation’s digital governance, public data infrastructure, and machine-learning capabilities.

The initiative, announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the U.A.E. and Ruler of Dubai, will streamline the country's technology portfolio by merging operations previously managed by three separate entities: the Office of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications; the Digital Government Sector at the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority; and the UAE Data Office.

The newly formed authority will report directly to the U.A.E. Cabinet. Omar Sultan Al Olama, the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, has been appointed as its chairman.

According to government directives, the authority is tasked with drafting national public policies, proposing legislation, and standardizing the integration of "agentic" AI systems - autonomous software models capable of executing complex tasks independently - across federal and local government sectors.

Architects of the policy state that the consolidation aims to leverage data assets to accelerate state decision-making, eliminate administrative redundancies, and expand the digital economy's contribution to the nation’s gross domestic product. The regulatory mandate also extends to overseeing national cyber security protocols, managing cross-agency data sharing, and establishing bilateral international partnerships in tech regulation.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Andrew Shelepnytsky

Andrew Shelepnytsky is an Editor of Dubai Voice.

The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), a global business district home to over 26,000 companies, has launched a new acceleration initiative aimed at reducing operating costs and enhancing cash flow for its members. The measures include a suite of fee waivers, regulatory flexibilities, and financial incentives designed to bolster long-term competitiveness amid shifting market conditions.

The package introduces tiered incentives for licence renewals, offering discounts of 15% for two-year commitments, 20% for three years, and 25% for five-year agreements. Existing members looking to scale operations can also access a 20% discount on additional licences. To further reduce administrative overhead, the DMCC is waiving specific late-payment penalties, including up to AED 5,000 for overdue licence renewals and AED 1,000 for delayed Business Centre lease renewals. Additionally, non-Flexi Desk members may transition to Flexi Desk arrangements without incurring standard security deposit or change-of-address fees.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO of DMCC, stated that the initiative is intended to provide greater operational flexibility and streamline administrative processes to help members manage resources more efficiently.

The incentive program also extends to new business formation. New entrants are eligible for a 10% discount on one-year licence packages and 20% on multi-year setups. Furthermore, companies establishing operations within the DMCC’s Jewellery & Gemplex - a specialized commercial ecosystem - can access set-up savings exceeding 15% for one-year terms and 20% for multi-year commitments. To encourage new registrations, the DMCC has also increased commission payments within its consultant incentive program.

These measures represent the latest effort by the DMCC to align its value proposition with current market dynamics, supporting both organic growth within its community and the attraction of new investment to the emirate.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Alexander Agafiev

Alexander Agafiev is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has authorized a five-year infrastructure plan to construct 31 additional pedestrian bridges and tunnels by 2030. The expansion, developed through field studies of population density and land use, integrates residential zones with public transport and major economic hubs.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, stated the initiative is intended to facilitate soft mobility and enhance traffic safety. Since 2006, the city’s pedestrian infrastructure has expanded from 26 crossings to 178 by the end of 2025. Data provided by the authority indicates that the pedestrian fatality rate in Dubai decreased from 9.5 per 100,000 population in 2007 to 0.22 in 2025.

The upcoming projects will target high-traffic corridors, including Sheikh Zayed Road, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, Al Ittihad Road, and Omar bin Al Khattab Street.

Recent completions include three crossings on Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Khail Road, and Al Manara Street. These structures incorporate dedicated tracks for cyclists and e-scooters, measuring 3 metres in width for mobility devices alongside a 2-metre pedestrian walkway.

Three further projects remain under construction with completion scheduled for the first quarter of 2027. The first, located on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road at the Tunis Street–Al Nahda intersection, is a 554-metre bridge linking Muhaisnah 1 and Al Twar. The second project is a 730-metre bridge crossing the Dubai–Al Ain Road, connecting Wadi Al Safa 4, known as Liwan, with Nad Hessa. The third, located on Al Sukook Street, is a 44-metre structure integrated into the Central Business District.

The RTA reports these efforts have coincided with a 6% increase in pedestrian trips between 2023 and 2025, and a 23% increase in cycling trips from 2024 to 2025. The new structures feature standardized safety systems, including fire-fighting equipment, remote monitoring, and electromechanical alarms, as part of the city’s broader strategy to reduce traffic-related fatalities.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Andrew Shelepnytsky

Andrew Shelepnytsky is an Editor of Dubai Voice.

Dubai Municipality has introduced “Saeed,” a virtual, artificial intelligence-driven spokesperson designed to act as the official digital representative for the government body. The initiative aims to streamline communication regarding municipal projects, services, and corporate achievements through interactive digital channels.

The virtual spokesperson is rendered with Emirati features and traditional attire, a design choice intended to reflect local cultural identity while maintaining a formal yet approachable public presence. According to municipal officials, Saeed is capable of delivering information in Arabic, English, Urdu, and Chinese, allowing the agency to reach a broader demographic of residents and visitors.

Saeed is programmed to pull data exclusively from official Dubai Municipality sources to ensure accuracy. The AI will be deployed across several platforms, including the municipality’s website, social media channels, press conferences, and public awareness campaigns. Beyond external communication, the platform is intended to assist with internal employee engagement by providing updates on corporate procedures, sharing success stories, and conducting internal opinion polling.

Seyed Ismail Al Hashimi, acting CEO of the Corporate Support Services Sector at Dubai Municipality, stated that the project is part of a broader shift toward integrating advanced digital solutions into government services. Plans are currently in development to integrate the AI into the “Hayakom” customer service centers to handle direct public inquiries.

The launch of this virtual spokesperson reflects a wider trend in Dubai’s administrative sector to utilize AI to improve operational efficiency and public accessibility.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Alexander Agafiev

Alexander Agafiev is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed advanced maintenance and rehabilitation works on the tunnel infrastructure of the Dubai Metro, as part of its ongoing programme to strengthen operational safety, service reliability and long-term asset sustainability.

According to the RTA, the works were carried out under a preventive and corrective maintenance framework that uses advanced engineering solutions and technologies to support the efficiency and operational lifespan of metro tunnel infrastructure.

The programme included periodic inspections, specialised cleaning operations, technical repairs, replacement and upgrade works for ageing assets, and continuous improvement measures aimed at maintaining system performance.

Over the past year, the RTA conducted 51 specialised tunnel inspections, resulting in the completion of 873 corrective maintenance tasks. The authority said it achieved 100 percent of its preventive maintenance targets and 100 percent of its corrective maintenance targets during the period.

The RTA also continued periodic tunnel cleaning operations using a combination of manual cleaning and high-pressure washing technologies to remove dust, debris and surface build-up that could affect operational safety or efficiency.

The authority said all inspection, maintenance and rehabilitation works were carried out in line with international rail sector standards and recognised industry practices. The programme also included ongoing technical training and qualification initiatives for specialised teams to support operational readiness and align with the latest technologies and standards in mass transit systems.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Andrew Shelepnytsky

Andrew Shelepnytsky is an Editor of Dubai Voice.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has implemented artificial intelligence and predictive analytics to manage its seasonal marine transport network. This initiative aims to increase operational flexibility by adjusting service levels in response to demand fluctuations during public holidays, major events, and seasonal changes.

The RTA will launch its summer operating plan in July. The strategy relies on a data repository that tracks passenger volume, occupancy rates, and revenue. According to the agency, this system utilizes in-house algorithms to process large datasets, allowing for more precise forecasting of service requirements.

Khalaf Belghuzooz Al Zarooni, Director of Marine Transport at the RTA’s Public Transport Agency, stated that the model simulates passenger behavior to determine optimal operating schedules. The department noted that this technical approach is supplemented by customer feedback gathered through official channels to ensure service design remains aligned with user requirements.

The RTA intends for this data-driven model to improve efficiency and operational sustainability, aiming to maintain service standards as the emirate’s transit needs evolve.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Alexander Agafiev

Alexander Agafiev is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.

Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, hosted a majlis at the Dubai Future Foundation bringing together industry leaders, academic ventures and strategic partners involved in the ‘Dubai Future Solutions - Prototypes for Humanity’ programme.

The meeting reviewed the programme’s progress as several projects move into pilot and commercialisation phases in Dubai. The initiative was launched under the directives 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. The programme is held under the patronage of Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed.

The programme supports academic founders through funding, business expertise and partnerships aimed at transforming scientific research into commercially viable solutions. Strategic partners include the Dubai Future Foundation, the Hussain Sajwani - DAMAC Foundation and founding partner Dubai International Financial Centre.

Sheikha Latifa said the programme reflects Dubai’s commitment to innovation that delivers practical solutions to global challenges. She said the emirate continues to strengthen its position as a global hub for research, innovation and future industries through partnerships that encourage experimentation and accelerate development.

Among those attending the majlis were Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority; Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority; Eng. Marwan bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality; Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation; Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority; and Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health.

Representatives from global institutions including Harvard University, the Royal College of Art, Technische Universität Darmstadt and Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS also participated. Discussions focused on technology development, future collaborations and opportunities for real-world implementation in Dubai.

During the event, Sheikha Latifa witnessed the signing of memoranda of understanding with AtkinsRéalis on sustainable infrastructure and future urban development, and with Silal on food systems and agricultural technologies. The programme also highlighted collaboration with the Dubai Research, Development and Innovation Programme to support research advancement and commercialisation efforts.

The programme’s first cohorts have produced projects including Oxara, Virufy and P-Vita in areas such as sustainable construction, AI-powered diagnostics and food security.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Andrew Shelepnytsky

Andrew Shelepnytsky is an Editor of Dubai Voice.

Dubai reinforced its position as a leading global destination for business events during IMEX Frankfurt 2026, where Dubai Business Events (DBE), the city’s official convention bureau under the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, led a delegation of 20 industry partners from 19 to 21 May.

The delegation included representatives from across Dubai’s meetings and events sector, including Dubai World Trade Centre, Coca-Cola Arena, the Museum of the Future and JW Marriott Marquis, alongside destination management companies, hotels and venue operators.

The city’s presence at the international trade event came as Dubai secured several major industry rankings in 2025. The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) ranked Dubai first globally for the highest average attendance per association conference and first in the Middle East for the total number of association conferences hosted. Dubai also retained the top position among Cvent’s Top 25 Meeting Destinations in the Middle East and Africa.

Ahmed Al Khaja, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, said business events continue to support Dubai’s long-term economic strategy by driving knowledge exchange, professional collaboration and international partnerships. He said Dubai’s participation at IMEX Frankfurt aligns with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and reflects coordinated efforts across the public and private sectors to attract international events with long-term economic impact.

DBE said Dubai’s strategy remains focused on attracting meetings and congresses that contribute to industry growth, innovation and international engagement, supported by continued investment in infrastructure, accessibility and event services.

IMEX Frankfurt is part of Dubai’s wider international engagement programme, which also includes IMEX America, IBTM World and global sales missions aimed at securing future conferences and exhibitions. The event also provides opportunities for engagement with international industry organisations including ICCA, IAPCO and the Best Cities Global Alliance.

Dubai Business Events reported continued growth across the sector in 2025. The organisation submitted 747 bids for international events and secured 504 successful wins scheduled through 2029, representing a 15 per cent increase compared with 2024. The confirmed events are expected to attract more than 272,000 delegates to Dubai, a 29 per cent increase year on year.

Dubai also hosted 481 DBE-supported business events in 2025, compared with 429 the previous year. Major wins included the SIBOS 2029 conference, expected to attract 12,000 delegates, the SPE ATCE Annual Congress 2028 with 8,000 delegates, Apimondia 2027 with 5,000 delegates and the World Engineers Congress 2027 with 3,000 delegates.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Alexander Agafiev

Alexander Agafiev is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.

Xsolla, a global video game commerce firm, has entered into a strategic partnership with the Dubai Films and Games Commission (DFGC) to bolster the video game industry in the Middle East and North Africa. The collaboration, announced at the GamesBeat Summit 2026 in Los Angeles, aims to provide Dubai-based developers with improved access to international markets and essential infrastructure.

The agreement integrates Xsolla’s suite of commerce tools - including direct-to-consumer storefronts and payment processing systems - with the commission’s mandate to establish Dubai as a global hub for game development and publishing. Key components of the partnership include the launch of a joint studio accelerator program based in Dubai, the co-production of market intelligence regarding the gaming sector, and the creation of pathways to connect regional developers with industry leaders and flagship global events.

Faisal Kazim, Games Commissioner for the DFGC, stated that the initiative is designed to provide local developers with the necessary infrastructure to scale their operations globally. Representatives from Xsolla noted that the investment reflects the region's rapid growth as a video game market and its increasing role in the broader international media and technology sector.

Both organizations have indicated that they expect to release further details regarding specific joint programming and regional activations in the coming months.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Andrew Shelepnytsky

Andrew Shelepnytsky is an Editor of Dubai Voice.