Month: October 2026

Abudhabi ,October 19 , 2026 : Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Founding Honorary Patron of Abu Dhabi Festival, and under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Chairperson of the Higher Committee of the Ataya Initiative, this autumn Abu Dhabi Festival — the flagship initiative of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation — brings the Middle East’s first outdoor Children’s Biennale to Umm Al Emarat Park from 6 November – 6 December.

Guided by the theme ‘How the World Feels’, the Biennale invites children to become custodians of the park, encouraging them to be curious and uncover the stories that lie beneath its surface. Presented in partnership with National Gallery Singapore, Umm Al Emarat Park and Salayel Hospitality, the Biennale features eight interactive installations exploring touch, sound, movement and light, transforming Abu Dhabi’s cherished park into an unfamiliar landscape of possibility, where play becomes a way of thinking and learning.

In doing so, it celebrates a milestone for Umm Al Emarat Park, honouring over a decade of bringing communities and families together through education, recreation and a connection with nature. The programme also includes family activities, workshops and school tours as part of the UAE’s 2026 Year of Family.

Curated by Dana Almazrouei, the seven newly commissioned installations are designed by UAE artists Alia AlShamsi, Aya Afaneh, Hana El-Sagini, Moza Almatrooshi, Moza Almazrouei and Meera Almazrooei, Nada Almosa in collaboration with UT-R Studio and Sarah Afaneh. Together, the works demonstrate the richness and diversity of the UAE’s contemporary creative community, while placing children’s perspectives at the heart of the experience — each artist was asked to consider not only what a child would see, but what a child should come away understanding.

Set among the trees and open spaces of Umm Al Emarat Park, the installations will encourage children to touch, feel, listen and move through spaces that often go unnoticed. They will explore themes of ecology, biodiversity and humanity’s relationship with the natural world, alongside stories connected to Emirati culture and heritage, inviting young visitors to engage with their surroundings in new and imaginative ways.

Adding a global dimension to the experience, internationally acclaimed Indonesian artist Eko Nugroho will present Kenangan Kunang-Kunang (Memories of Fireflies), an immersive installation inspired by traditional Eastern Javanese lanterns. First commissioned by National Gallery Singapore for the Gallery Children’s Biennale 2019: Embracing Wonder, the work is now reaching new audiences in the UAE through a landmark partnership between ADMAF and National Gallery Singapore (NGS). Marking the institution’s first collaboration in the region, the presentation extends the impact of NGS’ Gallery Children’s Biennale beyond Singapore, while strengthening cultural exchange between the UAE and Singapore.

“Children are not just visitors to this park — we want them to be its custodians,” says curator Dana Almazrouei. “We wanted to ask the kind of questions adults often stop asking: what stories lie beneath the soil? How does sound travel through a park? Working with each artist, we thought first about how a child would experience the piece, and what they might carry with them afterwards.

“Play is how children come to understand the world. As historian Johan Huizinga observed, play creates temporary worlds shaped by shared rules and imagination, and that’s what we hope this park becomes. It isn’t just a way to make art accessible; it’s how children think, discover and build their own stories, together.”

In celebration of the UAE’s 2026 Year of Family, the Children’s Biennale extends beyond the artworks with a public programme designed to bring children, parents and educators together through shared creative experiences. As a community destination in the heart of Abu Dhabi, Umm Al Emarat Park brings together visitors of all ages, providing an open and welcoming setting for shared experiences, discovery and connection. Rather than simply viewing art, visitors are invited to play, question, collaborate and imagine — treating the park itself as a space for learning and discovery.

Sharjah, October 19, 2026 :  Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, announced that the institute opened Belarus Heritage Week as part of the World Cultural Heritage Weeks in Sharjah programme, which runs until 22 October.

The event offers visitors a diverse cultural experience featuring performances, folk arts, handicrafts, Belarusian cuisine and traditional costumes.

Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam said that Belarus Heritage Week gives visitors the opportunity to explore a wide range of cultural heritage elements up close, including traditional foods, honey products, folk costumes and handicrafts, alongside folk art performances and visual arts.

He noted that the participating pavilions showcase a number of traditional crafts, including wood carving, birch tree crafts, straw weaving, traditional textiles and hand embroidery. They also present examples of traditional cuisine and honey products for which Belarus is renowned.

Al Musallam added that Belarus Heritage Week is being held at the Sharjah Institute for Heritage from 19 to 22 October, from 9am to 2pm, and is open to the public.

Abudhabi , October 19, 2026 : The Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority has launched the Emirati Sana programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the Department of Education and Knowledge – Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Majalis under the Citizens and Community Affairs Office at the Presidential Court.

The programme marks an important step in bringing institutional efforts together to strengthen national identity and Emirati values among students and educators, while enriching their educational experience by deepening their connection to their heritage, culture and community.

The programme’s first phase is being delivered at various community majalis across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain and will run until 18th November 2026, targeting both Arabic-speaking and non-Arabic-speaking teachers, as well as male and female students in Cycles 2 and 3.

The programme is one of the outcomes of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the Department of Education and Knowledge – Abu Dhabi and the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority during the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2026.

The MoU established a framework for cooperation between the two sides in the fields of education and Emirati heritage, enabling them to leverage their shared expertise and resources to develop heritage initiatives and programmes within the educational environment.

Areas of cooperation include training educational staff, building capacity, developing students’ talents, sharing knowledge and raising awareness of heritage, as well as organising heritage and cultural activities and events. These efforts support the development of a strong sense of national identity and Emirati values, while enriching students’ educational experience and anchoring them firmly in the cultural heritage.

Mubarak Hamad Al Muhairi, Undersecretary of the Department of Education and Knowledge – Abu Dhabi, said, “Strengthening national identity and Emirati values is a fundamental pillar of our students’ educational journey. We work to instill these values through experiences that root them in their culture and national heritage, making heritage a living part of their experience both inside and outside the school. The Emirati Sana programme equips both students and teachers to translate these principles into everyday practice, shaping a self-assured generation that takes pride in its roots and carries these values forward into the future.”

The Emirati Sana initiative introduces participants to Sana’ as a system of authentic Emirati values and behaviours, with a focus on turning these values into everyday practices and strengthening their application within the school setting. The programme consists of two training tracks.

The first track is designed for teachers and features training sessions in both Arabic and English, held at community majalis in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. It aims to strengthen the teacher’s role as a role model and ambassador of national identity and values, while developing their ability to apply the principles of Sana’ in managing classroom situations and building positive relationships with students, colleagues, school leadership and parents.

The second track targets students through educational sessions covering majlis etiquette, Arabic coffee and national values. The sessions introduce students to the proper etiquette of greeting and welcoming others, showing respect for elders, cooperation and attentive listening, helping them translate these principles into practical behaviours in their daily lives.

Obaid Khalfan Al Mazrouei, Acting Director General of the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, said, “The Emirati Sana programme marks an important step towards integrating our values and social heritage into school life and translating them from theoretical knowledge into everyday ethical habits. Through the programme, we seek to empower teachers to fulfil their role as ambassadors of national identity and values. Teachers serve as role models for their students, and their conduct and interactions play an important role in shaping students’ character and instilling values of respect, responsibility, generosity and good manners, while also introducing them to authentic aspects of their heritage and national culture through a contemporary, interactive approach.

“Our partnership with the Department of Education and Knowledge – Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Majalis demonstrates the importance of coordinated institutional efforts to preserve Emirati heritage, pass it on to younger generations and strengthen its presence across all aspects of life, particularly in schools. We believe that instilling the values of Sana’ – most notably respect, tolerance, responsibility, and good manners – helps build well-rounded individuals who are conscious of their identity and embody these values in their daily interactions, both inside the school and beyond.”

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Dubai. October​ 18​, 2026: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has adopted “From Vision to Impact” as the theme of the 12th Dubai International Project Management Forum (DIPMF). The event will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. The forum is co-organized with Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Emaar Properties and the Project Management Institute (PMI), from 10 to 13 January 2027, and will bring together a distinguished group of decision-makers, government leaders, business leaders, project management experts and specialists from the UAE and around the world.
The 12th edition will explore four main themes and 12 sub-topics: Future Trends and Technology, Sustainable Communities, the Future of Project Management, and Business Continuity. Together, they reflect the rapid transformations reshaping project management and its growing role in supporting economic and social development, accelerating digital transformation, strengthening organisational resilience, and advancing the sustainability of cities and communities.
Dubai’s Approach to Delivery
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), said that over its previous 11th editions, the Dubai International Project Management Forum has firmly established itself on the global calendar of specialised project management conferences and forums. It has become an influential international platform that brings together leaders, experts and specialists to exchange knowledge, showcase pioneering experiences and shape innovative perspectives that help advance project planning, delivery and management methodologies, while strengthening the ability of governments and organisations to turn strategies and ambitions into tangible and sustainable outcomes.
His Excellency said: “The theme of the 12th edition, ‘From Vision to Impact’, captures the essence of Dubai’s experience and its approach to delivery, built on clarity of vision, sound planning, swift execution and measuring the impact of projects on people’s lives and society.”
He noted that project management is a fundamental pillar in turning plans and strategies into achievements that shape a better future, support economic growth, enhance quality of life, and strengthen the readiness of cities and organisations to keep pace with global transformations.
Global Trust 
Al Tayer added: “The Forum has achieved continued success since its launch in 2014. Its previous 11 editions attracted more than 25,000 participants and over 450 speakers, including decision-makers, experts and project management specialists. These figures reflect growing global trust in the Forum and its distinctive standing as a knowledge reference for exchanging best practices, building partnerships and anticipating the trends shaping the future of project management.”
Al Tayer noted that the theme and programme themes of the 12th edition emerged from a specialised workshop involving representatives from the government and private sectors, strategic partners, academia, and a number of project management experts and specialists, alongside members of the Forum’s Organising Committee and scientific team. He explained that the selected themes combine forward-looking perspectives with practical applications and align with global priorities in technology, sustainability, resilience and organisational readiness.
Four Main Themes
The first theme, Future Trends and Technology, covers three topics: digital transformation strategies, innovation and organisational readiness, and data-driven decision-making. It focuses on harnessing advanced technologies and data to enhance the quality of planning and delivery, strengthen organisational resilience, and improve organisation’s ability to respond to change and make faster, more accurate decisions.
The second theme, Sustainable Communities, addresses smart and sustainable cities, resilient and sustainable infrastructure systems, and social and economic sustainability. It highlights the role of projects in building integrated cities that balance economic growth, efficient resource use and community well-being, while providing infrastructure capable of keeping pace with growth and future change.
The third theme, The Future of Project Management, focuses on project management automation and the use of artificial intelligence, integration across the work ecosystem, coordination among the various parties involved in projects, and agile and hybrid project management approaches. It explores the transformations reshaping the profession and the impact of digital solutions and artificial intelligence on developing working models, increasing project team productivity, accelerating delivery and improving the quality of outputs.
The fourth theme, Business Continuity, covers risk anticipation and crisis readiness, leadership and decision-making, and business continuity. It explores methodologies that help organisations anticipate risks, develop response plans, maintain the continuity of operations and projects, and strengthen their ability to make effective decisions in changing environments.
A New Phase
The 12th edition lays the foundation for a new phase in the journey of the Dubai International Project Management Forum (DIPMF), moving from anticipating global transformations to helping shape them, and from exchanging knowledge and expertise to developing advanced solutions and practices that enhance project success and strengthen the capacity of projects to deliver sustainable economic and social impact. The edition will also serve as a platform bringing together decision-makers, business leaders, experts and specialists, opening broader opportunities to build partnerships, showcase pioneering experiences, and develop working methodologies capable of keeping pace with rapid change and future challenges.
The Forum continues to reinforce Dubai’s position as a global hub for innovation in advanced models of project planning, delivery and management, and as an international destination where perspectives and expertise come together to shape the future of this vital sector and turn ideas into high-quality projects and tangible achievements that improve people’s lives and benefit society

Dubai , October 18, 2026 : Joyalukkas, the world’s favourite
jeweller, officially opened Jewel of Joy, the biggest jewellery showroom in the Middle
East, at Dubai Gold District. The launch is a landmark milestone in the Group’s journey
of nearly four decades in the UAE and a tribute to Dubai’s enduring stature as the City
of Gold.
The showroom was inaugurated by His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi,
Minister of Foreign Trade of the United Arab Emirates, alongside H.E. Dr. E. Vishnu
Vardhan Reddy, Consul General of India in Dubai; Mr. Issam Galadhari, CEO of Ithra
Dubai; Mr. Rashid Alharmoodi, Senior Director– Commercial, Dubai Gold District; Mr.
Tawhid Abdullah ,Chairman of Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group: Dr. Joy Alukkas,
Chairman of Joyalukkas Group; Mr. John Paul Alukkas, CEO of Joyalukkas Jewellery &
family members and other distinguished dignitaries.
A Destination of Unprecedented Scale
Spanning 25,000 square feet, Jewel of Joy has been conceived as a complete jewellery
experience centre rather than a conventional showroom, ranging from timeless gold and
elaborate bridal collections to responsibly sourced diamonds and rare precious
gemstones. Located in the heart of Dubai Gold District, Jewel of Joy by Joyalukkas is
the brand’s one and only showroom of its kind, offering an exclusive jewellery
experience unlike any of its 200+ showrooms worldwide. The name “Jewel of Joy by
Joyalukkas” was unveiled by Mr. Issam Galadhari, CEO of Ithra Dubai.
At the heart of the showroom is The Royal Bangle Walk, a monumental bangle through
which visitors can walk. The signature installation will be unveiled by H.E. Dr. E. Vishnu
Vardhan Reddy, Consul General of India in Dubai during the inauguration.
An Experience Designed Around Every Customer
Every element of Jewel of Joy has been designed to deliver a personalised and
memorable visit:
· Exclusive Designer Studio:
· Premium VIP Lounge:
· Kids’ Engagement Zone:
· Dedicated Maintenance Services:

Speaking at the inauguration, Dr. Joy Alukkas, Chairman of Joyalukkas Group, said:
“Jewel of Joy is more than a showroom. It is our tribute to a city that has given us so
much, and our promise to customers that we will always strive to give them more. For
nearly 40 years, we have grown alongside the UAE, and this destination reflects the
scale, craftsmanship and warmth that define both Joyalukkas and Dubai. From The
Royal Bangle Walk to our most extensive collection to date, every detail has been
designed to make our customers feel truly special. This is our way of saying that the
best is yet to come.”
Mr. John Paul Alukkas, CEO of Joyalukkas Jewellery said, “Our mission is to constantly
meet their expectations and enhance their jewellery shopping experience. This
showroom will be an experience like never before. Its has everything a jewellery lover
would like to experience and more. I invite all UAE residents and tourists to visit and
experience the magnificent destination we have created for them.”
With a legacy of over 70 years, 200+ showrooms across 13 countries and the trust of
over 10 million customers, Joyalukkas continues to set benchmarks in jewellery retail.
Jewel of Joy brings this legacy of trust, craftsmanship and excellence to Dubai Gold
District.

Dubai , October 16, 2026 : Mohammed Bin Rashid Library will participate for the first time as a strategic partner in the eighth AccessAbilities Expo, taking place from 19 to 21 October at Dubai World Trade Centre.

Through interactive experiences and inclusive resources, the Library will highlight its commitment to making knowledge and culture accessible to everyone.

Visitors will be able to discover more than 2,500 Braille books in Arabic and English, explore a collection of over 10,000 audio resources, and learn about multilingual digital reading through the Read in Your Language initiative and Libby platform.

Assistive technologies, including the Emprint Braille Printer, will also be on display, allowing visitors to have their names printed in Braille.

The Library will showcase its accessible services for People of Determination, particularly people who are blind or have low vision, and explain how to register for membership and access its resources. Selected books will also be distributed through the A World Reads initiative.

Beyond its collections, the Library offers accessible pathways, ramps, Braille signage, audio-visual alarms, emergency evacuation chairs and sensory pods. Its facilities comply with the Dubai Universal Design Code, while its Autism-Friendly Certification reflects its efforts to welcome visitors with diverse needs.

Through its participation, the Library invites People of Determination, families, specialists and the wider public to explore practical ways to make reading, learning and cultural participation more inclusive.

Sharjah ,October 16, 2026 : Sharjah has recorded AED 46.8 billion in real estate transactions during the first nine months of 2026, attracting approximately 10,000 new investors from more than 130 nationalities, while the emirate’s rental yields estimated at 8% to 12% are strengthening its investment appeal.

Industry leaders at the ninth Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF 2026) highlighted growing demand for off-plan properties, integrated residential communities and long-term rental income, alongside the importance of development quality, supporting infrastructure and regulatory clarity in sustaining investor confidence.

The discussion, held during a panel titled ‘Real Estate as an Economic Engine’, brought together Yousif Ahmed Al Mutawa, Chief Real Estate Officer at Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq); Eng. Raymond Khouzami, Vice Chairman of Al Thuriah Properties; and Obaid Abdulrahman Al Madhloum, Director of the Real Estate Projects Regulation Department at the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department (SRERD). Moderated by Hazza Ebrahim Al Mansoori, CEO of MAL Properties and Group Business Development Director at Yas Holding Technology, the session also examined the shift towards property ownership and longer-term rental income as investors increasingly prioritise sustained value.

Obaid Abdulrahman Al Madhloum emphasised that investors look for security, stability and clear legislation before assessing potential financial returns. “Transparency is fundamental to building confidence and supporting sustainable investment. Investors want security first. They want to know that their investments are protected and that clear regulations are in place. Once they have that assurance and a sense of stability, they can assess the potential financial returns,” he said.

Al Madhloum noted that buyer preferences have shifted from a stronger focus on completed properties towards growing interest in off-plan units and integrated residential communities. The department has been updating its systems and regulations to reflect these changing requirements.

He also highlighted the role of the Aqari platform, available under the Sharjah Digital initiative, in expanding access to real estate services. “These include development project registration, preliminary sale contracts, resale and escrow account services, introduced at the beginning of this year. The regular publication of transaction data and access to detailed market information also help investors and developers make informed decisions,” Al Madhloum said.

Eng. Raymond Khouzami highlighted how rising rents, alongside urban and economic growth, are influencing decisions about property ownership. Some tenants are considering purchasing homes rather than continuing to pay annual rent, while investors are increasingly holding properties to generate rental income over the longer term instead of selling for short-term gains.

Khouzami estimated rental yields in Sharjah at between 8% and 12%, describing them as an attractive investment proposition. “Buyers are becoming more discerning, paying greater attention to finishing quality, interior design, space planning, maintenance and after-sales services. Demand for larger apartments suited to families is also increasing. They look at the overall quality of the property, the facilities available within the building or residential community, and the services provided after the sale,” he said.

Khouzami added that the entry of new development companies into Sharjah is intensifying competition and encouraging developers to improve their offerings. “Expanding road and bridge networks, schools, community facilities and economic zones are supporting the appeal of emerging residential areas. Homebuyers are choosing where to live, and investors are assessing a property’s rental potential. Accessibility, the quality of the surrounding neighbourhood and the availability of services are becoming important considerations alongside the property itself.”

Yousif Ahmed Al Mutawa highlighted a shift in how the success of real estate projects is assessed. While sales volumes and the speed of selling units have been important measures, he said the focus is more on residents’ experience after moving into a development and whether the facilities and services promised at the point of purchase are delivered.

“We do not view a residential development simply as a collection of buildings that can be constructed, offered for sale and then considered complete. A project’s success must be assessed by the experience residents have when they move into the community and begin living there,” he said.

“Shurooq considers residents’ needs from the earliest stages of project planning, with sustainability forming an integral part of development. This includes providing everyday amenities within residential communities to reduce the need for travel, helping manage living costs and adopting environmental practices that allow resources to be reused. The approach seeks to balance investment viability with residents’ quality of life over the long term. Shurooq’s real estate portfolio includes Sharjah Sustainable City, Maryam Island and Ajwan in Khorfakkan, reflecting different residential and destination-led development opportunities across the emirate,” said Al Mutawa.

The discussion also highlighted the opportunities presented by Sharjah’s geographical diversity, from established residential districts and emerging communities to coastal destinations that appeal to buyers and holiday-home investors.

Organised by the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah) in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Investment, SIF 2026 is held under the theme ‘Building Adaptive Economies’. The forum brings together business leaders, investors and policymakers to explore investment opportunities, economic resilience and sustainable growth.

1. India’s bilateral trade with the UAE reached US$101.25 billion, marking the second consecutive year exceeding the US$100 billion milestone. India and UAE have agreed to double bilateral trade to US$200 billion by 2032.
 
2. India’s Exports to the UAE exceeded US$37.35 billion, making the UAE India’s second-largest export destination and third-largest trading partner overall. India’s imports from the UAE stood at US$63.89 billion, with India ranking as the UAE’s second-largest trading partner. 
 
3. India has over 797,230 startups, making it the third-largest startup hub globally. Of these, 35,500 are funded companies that have collectively raised US$683 billion in venture capital and private equity. 
 
4. India is home to 93 unicorns. A total of 121,969 investors have participated in 53,521 funding rounds, with 3,136 startups securing early-stage funding and 918 raising late-stage funding. 

Dubai, October 16, 2026 : ​ 

Technology, innovation, start-ups and Fin-techs could help accelerate the Indo-UAE relations to US$200 billion in the next few years, said a senior Indian diplomat at a conference, titled Innovators and Investors Series, organised by the Indian People’s Forum in Dubai.

India’s bilateral trade with the UAE reached US$101.25 billion, marking the second consecutive year exceeding the US$100 billion milestone. India’s Exports to the UAE exceeded US$37.35 billion, making the UAE India’s second-largest export destination and third-largest trading partner overall. India’s imports from the UAE stood at US$63.89 billion, with India ranking as the UAE’s second-largest trading partner. Both nations have agreed to double bilateral trade to US$200 billion by 2032.

“As India-UAE bilateral trade exceeded the US$100 billion level, we now need to start creating new avenues of cooperation to double this to US$200 billion in the next few years,” said Dr. Vishnu VardhanReddy, Indian Consul General in Dubai and Northern Emirates, said.

“We can see the next US$100 billion growth coming from innovation, technology, start-ups, fin-techs, renewable energy, defence and space technology.”

India has over 797,230 startups, making it the third-largest startup hub globally. Of these, 35,500 are funded companies that have collectively raised US$683 billion in venture capital and private equity. The country is home to 93 unicorns. A total of 121,969 investors have participated in 53,521 funding rounds, with 3,136 start-ups securing early-stage funding and 918 raising late-stage funding. 

In the last five years, 113,624 new companies have been founded, raising over US$13.9 billion in funding. Startups in India have witnessed 5,347 acquisitions and 6,531 IPOs, while 108,614 startupswrapped up operations. Additionally, 23,719 companies have been founded by women.

The Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry (BHASKAR) platform has crossed 660,000+ users. Startups have generated over IN₹51,000+ crore in orders via the Government e-Marketplace (GeM).

The conference showcased two start-ups – JE Plus Healthcare and University Living – both seeking investment to scale up business and become global enterprises. JE Plus Healthcare is solving the distribution and logistics affecting the delivery of healthcare products across India while University Livinghelps students find cost-effective student accommodation in different parts of the world.

“In order to double our bilateral trade with the UAE, we need to create new partnerships including investment in start-ups, as India has become a breeding ground for star-ups and fin-techs who would require investment to scale up business to become global enterprises. In this case the UAE’s business leaders and investors could help cement the partnerships and accelerate the bilateral trade to the US$200 billion level,” Dr Reddy stressed.

Famous Bollywood actor and an investor Vivek Oberoi, said, while everyone celebrates success, it is equally important to celebrate failure. “We celebrate success a lot. But we should also celebrate failure, as it is the lessons from failure that give us success. I have my share of failures as well,” he said.

“I have invested in 35 companies; some of them didn’t do so well, but we made up with those which did well. The UAE’s investors and institutional capital could unleash exponential possibilities by investing in Indian start-ups and help them become large global businesses.”

Indian Peoples’ Forum (IPF) is a peaceful, just, tolerant and prosperous Indian community in UAE wherediversity is valued and celebrated, cultural heritage is enjoyed and nurtured, and Indian Cultural Heritage is preserved and deserving Indian’s hope is inspired and empowered.

Jitendra Vaidya, National President of IPF, says, “The Indo-UAE relationship has reached a strategic level where two-way investment will further cement the bonding with greater benefit for both countries. We are here to bring our diaspora to align ourselves to ensure that we contribute to the growth of the UAE-India relationship for the greater good of both countries.”

IPF aims to gain credibility by adhering to its commitments, displaying honesty and integrity, and reaching IPF goals solely through honorable conduct. Its objective is to foster a peaceful, just and prosperous Indian community in the UAE where diversity is valued and celebrated, cultural heritage is nurtured, preserved and enjoyed, keeping the hope of all Indians vibrant, inspired and empowered.

Mahesh Advani, Convenor of IPF Business Council, said, “We urge UAE’s investors to support the Indian start-ups in a bigger way and become part of this new growth engine and enjoy the higher return on investment from these start-ups.

In the year 2026, till October 2026, US$18.3 billion has been raised in 166,000 equity funding rounds across India. In the same period last year (i.e. till October 2025), US$17.2 billion had been raised across 272,000 rounds in India. So, 2026 has seen a 6.11 percent rise in funding in companies of India as compared to 2025.

Piyush Jhunjhunwala, Co-Convenor of IPF Business and Professional Council and Founder of Stockify, said, “Indian businessmen, business leaders and investors will have to look at increasing their investment in start-ups and fin-techs, especially those powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning and robotics. By intelligent investment, they can not only multiply their wealth, but also contribute to society and the country, helping start-ups create employment and become global unicorns.”

IPF is a platform for social and cultural activities involving different social groups from all over India. It organises events and activities for enriching socio-cultural life of Indian community.

Dubai, October 16, 2026 : A total of 88 Arabian and Thoroughbred horses competed in 13 races during the third trial race of the 2026–2027 season, held at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, the UAE Horse Racing Authority announced.

In a statement, the Authority said the trial race featured 75 purebred Arabian horses, including 59 making their first appearance and 16 with previous racing experience. Another 13 Thoroughbreds took part, including seven newcomers and six previously raced horses.

Rashid Al Balushi, a member of the Authority’s Stewards Committee, said participation had risen significantly to 88 horses, compared with 41 in the first and second trial races, reflecting growing interest among owners, trainers and jockeys.

He added that trial races will continue throughout the season ahead of the scheduled races.

Dubai , October 16, 2026 : The UAE is spearheading international efforts to combat hunger and malnutrition through humanitarian assistance, development partnerships and agricultural innovation, aiming to save lives, strengthen food system resilience and ensure sustainable supplies.

These efforts were reflected in a range of initiatives throughout 2026, including humanitarian campaigns targeting the most vulnerable, international partnerships to expand nutrition programmes, and innovative projects to boost agricultural production and strengthen communities’ capacity to withstand food crises.

The ‘Edge of Life’ campaign, launched in February 2026 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to save five million children from dying of hunger, raised more than AED2.822 billion, with contributions from 44,208 donors, exceeding its AED1 billion target.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) announced a US$300 million (AED1.0175 billion) partnership to implement the campaign. This includes a joint contribution of US$100 million from MBRGI and CIFF, while UNICEF is mobilising an additional US$200 million through its partners to expand life-saving nutrition programmes.

The UAE provided a US$20 million grant to the World Food Programme (WFP) to support people affected by the conflict in Sudan and sent 30 tonnes of food aid to Kenya to assist families affected by drought and climate-related challenges.

It also allocated US$8 million to Chad to address the impacts of the El Niño climate phenomenon and the risks of hunger and malnutrition, alongside food assistance delivered to the Gaza Strip by land, sea and air under Operation Chivalrous Knight 3.

DP World, in cooperation with the WFP, transported 5,000 metric tonnes of rice to support humanitarian operations in Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda through logistical arrangements that helped cover part of the maritime shipping costs.

In April, the UAE was elected to the WFP Executive Board for the 2026–2028 term, expanding its role beyond providing assistance to participating in guiding international efforts to combat hunger, supporting humanitarian operations and supply chains, and helping ensure that food reaches the most vulnerable populations despite global challenges.

In September, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) convened a High-Level Ministerial Majlis and Implementation Dialogue: From Water Stress to Implementation – Building Country Pathways for Water-Secure Agriculture at the Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations in New York. The event was part of MOCCAE’s participation in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81).

Discussions focused on translating national priorities into actionable projects, expanding access to expertise, data and technologies, improving irrigation efficiency, reusing water, protecting groundwater, managing salinity and advancing digital solutions.

The roundtable is paving the way for the 2026 UN Water Conference, which Abu Dhabi will host from 8th to 10th December, building on the outcomes of COP28, including the UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems and Climate Action.

Dubai Cares, an organisation under MBRGI, launched the ‘Feed a Child, Build a Kitchen’ campaign to support Kenya’s environmentally friendly school meals programme, with plans to expand the initiative to countries across sub-Saharan Africa.

The campaign aims to provide sustainable food and strengthen the ability of children and their families to cope with hunger and malnutrition. More than 90 percent of children in Africa lack a balanced diet, while 60 percent of children in Kenya suffer from malnutrition, affecting school attendance, concentration and academic performance.

The UAE and the United States spearheaded the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate), launched in November 2021 with a US$4 billion investment commitment to global agricultural innovation. In May 2023, investments under the initiative were announced to have increased to more than US$13 billion.

At COP28, hosted by the UAE, 134 countries signed a declaration on sustainable agriculture, resilient food systems and climate action. More than US$2.5 billion was also mobilised to support food security in the face of climate change.

Domestically, the UAE launched the ”National Programme to Strengthen Supply Chain Resilience in the UAE” to diversify import sources, support local manufacturing and agriculture, and strengthen international partnerships. The country also hosted World Food Week this October, leveraging its strategic position connecting Asia, Africa and Europe and its advanced logistics infrastructure.

The UAE’s trade in food, agricultural and related products reached US$41.8 billion in 2025, while Food Tech Valley in Dubai attracted US$50 billion in investments to support the development of a sustainable food ecosystem, including vertical and hydroponic farming technologies and precision fermentation.

The UAE is implementing its National Food Security Strategy 2051, which includes 38 short- and long-term initiatives and aims to position the country as a global leader in the Food Security Index by 2051.