Month: October 2026

Dubai , October 6 , 2026 : H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), today opened the 30th edition of Beautyworld Dubai at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Running until 8 October, the exhibition showcases the latest global trends in beauty, haircare, fragrance, health and wellbeing.

Celebrating its 30th edition under a new name, Beautyworld Dubai reinforces its connection to the city, which has emerged as a global meeting point for the beauty industry. The three-day event brings together industry professionals through exhibitions, conferences and live demonstrations.

During her tour, accompanied by Maryam Al Hammadi, Minister of State and Secretary General of the UAE Cabinet; Hala Badri, Director-General of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; and Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice President at Dubai World Trade Centre, she was briefed by Dubai Municipality experts on the latest developments and services in health and safety and central laboratory services.

H.H. Sheikha Latifa was also briefed on the latest products and innovations in the beauty industry, and visited several exhibitors, including Lattafa Perfumes, Gissah Perfumes, Armaf and Fragrance Network Factory (FNF), which specialises in custom perfume manufacturing, private-label products and bespoke fragrance solutions. She also visited the beautyLIVE platform.

H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum praised Beautyworld Dubai’s continued growth, highlighting its role in strengthening Dubai’s position as a global hub for showcasing innovation and exchanging expertise with the world.

Organised by Messe Frankfurt Middle East, Beautyworld Dubai brings together leading figures and experts from the global beauty industry, providing a platform to discover new products, expand business opportunities and build partnerships across international markets.

The exhibition showcases a wide range of products and innovations across fragrance, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, personal care, packaging, beauty technology and wellbeing, reflecting Dubai’s growing position as a leading destination for international exhibitions and a gateway to new business opportunities.

The fragrance sector takes centre stage at this year’s edition, with its exhibition space having more than tripled since 2017, marking its largest presence in the event’s history. A new hall in Za’abeel has been dedicated entirely to the sector.

First-time exhibitors include Kuwait’s Gissah Perfumes and Saudi Arabia’s Al Majed for Oud, joining established regional fragrance houses. UK-based Lush Cosmetics has also chosen Beautyworld Dubai to officially unveil its new fragrance collection.

The Next in Fragrance and Next in Beauty conferences are among the highlights of this year’s event, alongside the return of Natural Notes, which connects producers of natural ingredients directly with industry professionals.

The exhibition’s live stages also feature internationally renowned makeup artists, hairstylists and educators, including Mounir, Mary Phillips, Patrick Ta, Dimitris Giannetos and Josh Lamonaca.

The Beautyworld Dubai Awards 2026 will be held on 7 October, recognising excellence across 17 categories spanning the beauty industry. This year, Huda Kattan, founder of Huda Beauty, will receive the Beautyworld Icon Award in recognition of her influence on the global beauty industry.

Dubai , October 6, 2026 : October 2026:

The 14th edition of the Dubai Award for Sustainable Transport (DAST) has attracted more than 750 applications from across the targeted sectors and categories, exceeding the target by more than 400%. This strong response has been underpinned by an integrated network of strategic partnerships with leading national institutions that exemplify innovation, sustainability and corporate excellence in the UAE.

The winners of the Award for Sustainable Transport 2026 will be honoured at a ceremony on 15 October 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).The strong response to this year’s edition, together with the organisational support of the Award’s sponsors, highlights its growing stature as an influential regional platform for advancing pioneering ideas and projects in sustainable transport, fostering a culture of innovation, and accelerating the transition towards a smarter and more sustainable future for mobility, in line with Dubai’s vision and the UAE’s aspirations for the cities of the future.

Muna Al Osaimi, CEO of Strategy and Corporate Governance Sector, RTA, and Chair of the Award Organising Committee, said: “The 14th edition of the Award is supported by seven prominent national entities, including Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and ENOC Group as Strategic Sponsors; United Motors & Heavy Equipment Co. LLC and Al Fahim Motors as Gold Sponsors; and Parkin, Mada Media and Dubai Customs as Silver Sponsors. Their support reflects these organisations’ commitment to national initiatives aimed at advancing sustainability and fostering innovation across the transport and mobility sector.”

Al Osaimi noted: “RTA is proud to partner with a select group of leading national institutions that exemplify excellence, innovation and sustainability. The support of our Strategic, Gold and Silver Sponsors has played a key role in the success of the Dubai Award for Sustainable Transport and in extending its impact across the region. These partnerships reflect close institutional collaboration in advancing a smart and sustainable transport ecosystem and further strengthening Dubai’s position as a global hub for innovation and sustainable transport.”

The Dubai Award for Sustainable Transport, one of the foremost specialised awards in the Middle East and North Africa, continues to strengthen its standing as a leading regional platform for recognising innovative initiatives, projects and ideas in sustainability, smart mobility, road safety and the integration of transport systems. The 14th edition marked notable developments, including restructured categories, new awards and an increase in the total number of awards to 12 across four main categories: Elite, Sustainability, Inclusivity and Innovation.

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is one of the world’s leading organisations in energy, water, sustainability and the green transition, playing a pivotal role in advancing Dubai’s carbon-neutrality and green economy goals. ENOC Group is likewise one of the UAE’s leading integrated energy groups, with a key role in supporting sustainable economic development and strengthening the country’s energy security. The Group has distinguished itself through innovative solutions and advanced initiatives in clean fuels, alternative energy and sustainable mobility, alongside its continued support for projects and initiatives that advance sustainability and innovation and contribute to a more efficient and sustainable future.

United Motors & Heavy Equipment is one of the leading companies in the vehicles and heavy equipment sector, providing technology solutions that support transport and logistics.

Al Fahim Motors is one of the leading subsidiaries of ALFAHIM Group, one of the UAE’s longest-established family-owned business groups. The company operates across the transport and automotive sector.

Parkin continues to strengthen its role in advancing smart urban mobility through advanced parking management solutions and digital services. Mada Media, meanwhile, plays an important role in media, corporate communications and community awareness, contributing to fostering a culture of sustainability and raise awareness of smart transport initiatives. **Dubai Customs **continues to reinforce its position as a leading government entity supporting trade and the national economy, while facilitating the flow of goods and services in line with global best practices.

The participation of these prominent organisations in supporting the Award reflects their commitment to fostering innovation and advancing more sustainable and efficient mobility solutions. Their support also extends to talent, institutions and projects that contribute to elevating quality of life and advancing sustainable development goals at both local and regional levels.

Abu Dhabi, ​October​ 5,2026​ :​ Burtville Developments has officially launched its latest residential development, Bab Al Qasr Beach Resort Residence 77, in Abu Dhabi. The project was unveiled yesterday through a launch event that featured the architectural mock-up and provided an in-depth introduction to its residences, resort amenities, beachfront setting and five-star services, attended by members of the UAE’s brokerage community.

Set on one of Al Reem Island’s rare beachfront plots, Bab Al Qasr Beach Resort Residence 77 offers direct beach access within one of Abu Dhabi’s most connected urban destinations. Located on a substantial 17,534 sq. m. site, the development combines expansive landscaped areas, sweeping sea and mangrove views and a resort-inspired lifestyle, with seamless connectivity to Saadiyat Island, the Dubai highway, ADGM, the Cultural District and downtown Abu Dhabi. Approximately 92% of residences enjoy direct sea views, further reinforcing the project’s rare waterfront setting.

“Bab Al Qasr Beach Resort Residence 77 represents our vision for a new generation of waterfront living in Abu Dhabi,” said Eng. Islam Suleiman, CEO of Burtville Developments. “Its architecture is designed to work with its setting, bringing natural light, open views and generous outdoor spaces into the experience of home. The development offers fully furnished one- to five-bedroom residences, including four- and five-bedroom duplexes, equipped with carefully selected materials, high-quality finishes and leading global brands. The residential experience extends to the Beach Club, a dedicated building connected to the residential development, creating a seamless link between home, the beach and the resort amenities. Together with five-star hotel privileges under the Bab Al Qasr brand, every element has been considered to make waterfront living feel effortless, private and connected. We have brought together architecture, nature and hospitality to create a truly complete waterfront destination.”

Guided by the concept of “Natural Symbiosis”, the development is designed around its relationship with the surrounding landscape, with approximately 73% of the site dedicated to landscaped areas. A collection of residential towers, a landscaped podium and a dedicated Beach Club come together to create an integrated waterfront destination, with the scale of the site allowing for a broader mix of residential, leisure and lifestyle experiences.

The development offers fully furnished freehold residences ranging from one- to five-bedroom homes, including four- and five-bedroom duplexes, with unit sizes reaching up to approximately 3,100 sq. ft. Generous terraces, floor-to-ceiling glazing and spacious layouts extend the connection between indoor living and the waterfront. Burtville Developments’ approach to the residences is reflected in the careful selection of interior materials, fixtures, fittings and finishes, with a focus on quality, durability and considered execution. The residential experience is complemented by the Bab Al Qasr brand, bringing its hospitality offering and five-star hotel privileges to the development.

The resort-style amenity offering spans multiple levels of the development, including a beachfront infinity pool, sky pool, wellness and fitness facilities, a 650-metre jogging and walking track, padel and multi-use sports facilities, family and children’s areas, landscaped gardens and dedicated co-working spaces. The Beach Club is housed in a dedicated building connected to the residential development, extending the resort experience directly from the residences to the beach. It offers direct beach access, private leisure spaces, wellness facilities and panoramic settings overlooking the sea.

The development also introduces integrated retail space, with 13 retail units planned to bring everyday conveniences and lifestyle offerings closer to residents.

Complementing the physical amenities is a five-star residential service offering, with à la carte services including valet parking, housekeeping, laundry, childcare, in-residence dining and move-in coordination. Residents will also benefit from exclusive privileges at Bab Al Qasr Hotel, including preferred rates, dining and wellness benefits and a 25% discount across hotel services.

The project is scheduled for handover in Q4 2031.

Dubai , October 5, 2026 : Reportage Group has made its debut in Meydan Horizon with the launch of Verso and Époque, introducing 234 residences through two distinct approaches to contemporary living. The launch marks a strategic step in the Group’s Dubai expansion, establishing its presence in an emerging destination where waterfront landscapes, green spaces and access to the city are shaping a new residential community.

Verso introduces a quieter, greener perspective on Dubai, where an active, social lifestyle sits comfortably alongside moments of retreat. Époque takes its inspiration from the enduring qualities of classic design, bringing understated elegance and a more intimate residential setting to the same destination. Together, the projects offer buyers a choice of homes with individual identities and a shared emphasis on everyday comfort.

Andrea Nucera, Group Managing Director of Reportage, said: “Our debut in Meydan Horizon marks a significant step in expanding Reportage’s presence in Dubai. We see long-term potential in a destination that brings together connectivity, green spaces and waterfront living. By introducing Verso and Époque together, we are establishing our presence with two distinct residential concepts that respond to different buyer priorities. This reflects our approach to growth: choosing locations with a clear role in the city’s future and developing homes whose character and everyday appeal support lasting value for residents and investors.”

Verso: A Different Pace of City Living

Verso’s “The Other Side” concept explores a different relationship with city living, where proximity to Dubai’s energy is balanced by the freedom to step away from its intensity. It reflects the idea that a connected urban lifestyle can also offer open surroundings, time outdoors and room to slow down. For residents, this means a home that accommodates both an active, social life and the need for privacy and retreat.

A padel court, gymnasium and large swimming pool support an active routine, while a yoga area, landscaped spaces and shaded seating offer places to unwind. Children’s play areas, a splash pad and a dedicated children’s pool create opportunities for family time, while foosball and table tennis provide opportunities for informal recreation and social connection. A retail area and 192 private parking spaces add everyday convenience.

Set on a 2,487 sq.m plot, Verso comprises 174 residences, including 113 one-bedroom apartments, 59 two-bedroom apartments and two four-bedroom residences. Its range of homes accommodates different household needs, from a first home to a larger family residence. The development comprises two basement levels, a ground floor, two podium levels and 15 upper floors.

Époque: Contemporary Living with Enduring Character

Époque is a premium residential development shaped by its “Remain Classic” philosophy, bringing together refined architecture, thoughtful composition and understated elegance. Its approach to classic design is rooted in qualities that retain their relevance beyond passing trends, creating homes that grow more familiar with time while preserving their distinctive character.

Set on a 1,732 sq. m plot, Époque is a mixed-use tower comprising 60 residences, including 15 one-bedroom apartments and 45 two-bedroom apartments. The residences combine everyday comfort with enduring design within a more intimate residential setting. The development comprises two basement levels, a ground floor, one podium level and six upper floors.

The premium living experience extends to a considered collection of lifestyle and wellness facilities. A residents’ lounge provides a setting for company and conversation, while a large swimming pool and gymnasium support recreation and wellbeing. Landscaped areas, shaded seating and a promenade offer places to enjoy a gentler pace outdoors, complemented by lagoon views. A dedicated children’s pool, splash pad and children’s play areas cater to younger residents, while foosball and table tennis provide additional leisure options. A retail area and 67 private parking spaces support everyday convenience.

Two Distinct Identities, One Strategic Destination

Verso and Époque offer residents access to Meydan Horizon’s wider community amenities, including crystal lagoons, a canal, a boardwalk and a central park, creating opportunities for outdoor recreation and time by the water.

The location also keeps daily destinations within reach. Both projects are approximately 10 minutes by car from Dubai Design District and Dubai Creek Harbour, and approximately 15 minutes from Downtown Dubai and Dubai International Airport. Nearby schools and Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary add to the balance of urban convenience and access to nature.

The joint launch offers homebuyers and investors a range of residential options within this evolving destination, while establishing Reportage’s presence in a strategic location for its continued growth in Dubai.

Dubai , October 5, 2026 : Dubai CommerCity (DCC), the region’s first free zone dedicated exclusively to digital commerce and a joint venture between the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) and Wasl Group, continues to strengthen its position as an integrated platform supporting the growth of the digital economy and future commerce. This comes as the free zone prepares to deliver the second phase of its expansion between the first quarter of 2027 and the fourth quarter of 2028, with total investments exceeding AED1.8 billion.

Commenting on the expansion, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of DIEZ, said: “Phase Two of Dubai CommerCity comes at a time when Dubai continues to demonstrate its ability to grow and expand despite the changes and challenges facing the global economy. Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the emirate has built a development model founded on resilience, competitiveness, and continuous innovation, enabling it to anticipate and capitalise on opportunities emerging across the global economy.”

He added: “This expansion reflects the growing investor confidence in Dubai’s economic ecosystem and its ability to attract high-quality investments while providing an advanced economic infrastructure that responds to rapid shifts in emerging sectors. It aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, and further strengthens the emirate’s position as a global hub for the digital economy and future commerce, while serving as a platform for companies to grow and expand across regional and international markets.”

The expansion builds upon Dubai CommerCity’s continued record levels of demand, with occupancy reaching nearly 96% across its office, logistics, and retail spaces. This reflects the destination’s growing appeal among digital commerce and technology companies, while underscoring the need to further expand its integrated ecosystem of business facilities, commercial offerings, and specialised logistics services.

Phase Two will deliver a series of projects across Dubai CommerCity’s three key districts: the Business Cluster, Logistics Cluster, and Social Cluster. Together, these will add more than 91,000 square metres (sqm) of new office space, increasing the free zone’s capacity and expanding its integrated ecosystem to serve companies operating in digital commerce and technology.

The expansion of the Business Cluster and the Social Cluster will add 86,000 sqm of new space, further enhancing the diversity of options available to companies and expanding the business and services ecosystem within Dubai CommerCity. The Business Cluster includes additional office space across six new buildings, offering companies a range of options, including shell-and-core offices, fully fitted workspaces, and flexible plug-and-play solutions.

These options are designed to meet the needs of companies of different sizes throughout their stages of growth. The buildings are scheduled to be delivered in two phases, with the first beginning in the first quarter of 2027 and the second in the first quarter of 2028.

The Social Cluster is being developed to include spaces dedicated to retail outlets, restaurants, cafés, and services, creating a vibrant destination designed to support Dubai CommerCity’s dynamic business community associated with the digital commerce and technology sectors.

The new facilities will foster an environment where business, networking, and lifestyle seamlessly converge, supporting the diverse needs of companies and professionals alike. This will further enhance Dubai CommerCity’s appeal as an integrated community that goes beyond providing business space to offer an everyday experience aligned with the working styles of the next generation of digital companies.

Within the Logistics Cluster, Phase Two will introduce ‘The Hive’, a 5,600 sqm facility that provides an alternative logistics model through its vertical design, which optimises available space while meeting the needs of digital commerce.

The facility will feature 181 flexible units starting from 5 square metres, alongside 24/7 climate-controlled fulfilment areas, digitally managed loading and unloading zones, and dedicated last-mile delivery facilities. It will also incorporate EV charging stations and renewable energy solutions and has been designed in accordance with leading sustainability standards aligned with LEED certification requirements, seamlessly combining operational excellence with environmental sustainability.

Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority, and Chairman of the Board of Dubai CommerCity, said: “The second phase of Dubai CommerCity’s expansion represents a strategic step in strengthening Dubai’s position as a leading global hub for digital commerce and technology, while responding to the growing demand from businesses operating across these sectors. It reflects Dubai’s continued commitment to translating its economic ambitions into strategic projects and enabling infrastructure that support business growth, strengthen the wider digital economy, and enhance the competitiveness of companies operating from Dubai.”

Al Zarooni added: “This phase also underscores the importance of the strategic partnership between DIEZ and Wasl in developing an integrated destination that brings together advanced infrastructure and services that support the growth of the business community while enabling companies to expand, while accessing regional and global markets from Dubai.”

Hesham Abdulla Al Qassim, Vice Chairman and Group CEO of Wasl Group, said: “The second phase of Dubai CommerCity’s expansion reflects the strength of the strategic partnership between Wasl and DIEZ in developing integrated projects that support Dubai’s long-term economic ambitions. As demand continues to grow across digital commerce, technology, and logistics sectors, this expansion will provide the advanced infrastructure and business environment required for companies to establish, grow, and access regional and global markets from Dubai.”

He added: “This project further reinforces the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33. Through developments such as Dubai CommerCity, we continue to create future-ready assets that support economic growth, enhance competitiveness, and deliver long-term value for businesses, investors, and the wider economy.”

The expansion is driven by a clear vision to create a smarter and more efficient operating environment that places customer needs at the centre of infrastructure and service design while supporting the rapid growth of digital commerce.

Through expanded capacity and integrated solutions and services, the new developments will provide businesses with a more flexible and seamless ecosystem that helps improve operational efficiency, accelerate execution, and scale their operations with greater ease.

The expansion is underpinned by strong operational growth. Over the past year, the number of e-commerce parcels shipped increased by 152%, while cargo volumes processed through the DCC Way transit platform grew by 14% during 2025. These indicators highlight growing transaction volumes and the need for advanced, technology-enabled operational capabilities that leverage automation and digitalisation to enhance productivity and efficiently manage larger volumes of cross-border trade.

Dubai , October 5, 2026 : Dubai Municipality has joined the Digital Twin Consortium (DTC), expanding its engagement with an international community of government entities, organisations, companies and experts working to advance digital twin technologies, standards and applications.

The membership will enable Dubai Municipality to participate in specialised working groups and initiatives, exchange expertise with international organisations and explore emerging technologies and applications in the digital twin field. It will also provide opportunities to contribute to discussions shaping the continued development of digital twin standards and future use cases.

Through the Consortium, Dubai Municipality will strengthen international knowledge exchange around the application of digital twin technologies and geospatial data across areas including urban planning, infrastructure and asset management. This supports the Municipality’s wider efforts to enhance city management through advanced data and technology and strengthen Dubai’s future readiness.

Eng. Maryam Al Muhairi, CEO of the Building Regulation and Permits Agency at Dubai Municipality, said: “Dubai Municipality’s membership in the Digital Twin Consortium builds on the GIS Centre’s work to develop an integrated ecosystem for geospatial data and advanced technologies and expand their application across planning, decision-making and sustainable urban development.

“Engagement with leading international organisations gives us access to emerging knowledge, practical experience and new applications in digital twins, geospatial data, artificial intelligence and predictive analytics. This will support the continued development of a smarter and more sustainable urban model and strengthen Dubai’s readiness for future technological transformation.”

Dubai Municipality, represented by its GIS Centre Department, also participated in the Digital Twin Consortium’s third-quarter members meeting, hosted by the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom.

The meeting provided a platform to exchange expertise with organisations and institutions specialising in digital twin technologies and examine developments in their application across cities, infrastructure and the built environment.

Eng. Maitha Al Nuaimi, Director of the GIS Centre Department at Dubai Municipality, said: “Participation in the Digital Twin Consortium gives Dubai Municipality an important channel for exchanging knowledge with specialised international organisations and examining how digital twin technologies are evolving in different markets and applications.

“Our focus is on translating relevant global expertise into practical value for Dubai, strengthening the use of geospatial data in infrastructure development and enabling more informed decision-making across government entities and activities. This supports the continued development of solutions that enhance the city’s operational efficiency and future readiness.”

During the meeting, the GIS Centre delegation presented Dubai’s experience in using digital twin technologies to transform geospatial data into a digital representation of the city’s physical environment, supporting planning, analysis and decision-making.

Participants from 10 countries presented their experiences, technologies and applications, providing an opportunity to compare approaches and explore emerging international practices in the field.

Dubai Municipality showcased its 3D modelling of more than 195,000 buildings, as well as the technical integration between its digital twin platform and the No Objection Certificate (NOC) system, developed in collaboration with utility entities across the emirate.

The integration demonstrates how geospatial and digital twin technologies can connect city data and operational systems to support infrastructure coordination, simulate real-world conditions and strengthen urban planning and service delivery.

Dubai Municipality’s membership in the Digital Twin Consortium forms part of its wider efforts to expand international collaboration in geospatial technologies and strengthen the application of advanced digital solutions in managing Dubai’s continued urban development.

Dubai, October 5, 2026 : Google will restrict free access to some of its Gemini artificial intelligence models under changes to model availability taking effect this month.

Starting on 9th October, users without a Google AI subscription will have access to Flash-Lite only, instead of the three models previously available, according to Google.

Under the changes, Google AI Plus subscribers will have access to Flash-Lite and Flash, but not Pro. Google said AI Plus subscribers will receive an email informing them when the changes will take effect for their accounts.

Subscribers to Google AI Pro and Google AI Ultra will continue to have access to all three models — Flash-Lite, Flash and Pro.

Google said AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers will also have access to Deep Think, an option designed to provide maximum parallel reasoning for complex tasks.

Sharjah , October 5, 2026 : His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated on Sunday morning the Sharjah Education Academy (SEA) building, which reflects the Academy’s vision of providing an integrated academic environment that goes beyond the concept of traditional classrooms by combining learning, research, interaction and professional development.

The building is designed to provide a human-centred educational experience, support innovation and collaboration, and contribute to preparing educational professionals capable of shaping the future of education.

Upon his arrival at the building, located in University City, His Highness unveiled the commemorative plaque before touring the premises.

The building includes an integrated range of educational, research and service facilities, as well as spaces dedicated to interaction and student activities, enriching the educational experience and strengthening cooperation and communication among members of the academic community within a safe and inclusive environment that takes diversity and equal opportunities into account.

His Highness was briefed on the building’s student facilities, Learning Resources Centre, Student Services Affairs Section, administrative facilities and support services.

Sharjah Ruler also learned about the Academy’s efforts to provide a comprehensive and supportive learning environment for people with disabilities, as well as its security and safety systems, technological infrastructure and smart-building systems.

In its first phase, the building includes a range of classrooms and training halls designed to meet the requirements of academic programmes and accommodate different teaching and learning methods.

The classroom facilities comprise nine rooms, each with a capacity of 25 students, providing a total capacity of 225 students.

The building also includes four training halls, each accommodating 75 students, with a combined capacity of 300 students.

It also features an inclusive hall designed to host lectures, training workshops and courses with large numbers of participants, while providing an environment suitable for interaction and collaborative learning.

These facilities contribute to delivering an integrated educational experience that keeps pace with the diversity of academic programmes and supports the application of modern teaching methods. As part of the second phase, the upper floor will undergo further development alongside the addition of a range of facilities that will complete the campus infrastructure.

The development will include an administrative building, a Board of Trustees hall, multipurpose halls, sports facilities and a residential building.

It will also feature a studio with a dedicated filming area for producing visual and audio episodes, conducting discussions and interviews, and creating media content.

A dedicated staff lounge will also be included, providing an integrated working environment that meets the needs of the Academy community.

Sharjah , October 5, 2026 : The UAE is looking to build and scale AI companies across key sectors, with finance emerging as a major area of opportunity as the technology reshapes how capital is deployed, investment decisions are made and banks operate.

At Ai Everything Abu Dhabi 2026, the world’s largest AI-first Expo and Summit, taking place from 6–7 October at ADNEC Centre, the UAE Ministry of Investment will join global investors, financial institutions and fintech companies exploring the next phase of AI-driven finance.

The scale of this opportunity is already visible in Abu Dhabi’s financial ecosystem. Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is investing more than AED400 million through 2029 to expand its AI capabilities, strengthen digital infrastructure and modernise regulatory and operational systems, while its asset management ecosystem has grown to 190 fund and asset managers overseeing 276 funds.

Participating at Ai Everything Abu Dhabi, the UAE Ministry of Investment will highlight how it is working towards translating the country’s AI investment momentum into companies, capabilities, high-value jobs and long-term economic growth.

“The ambition is not simply to attract investment, but to build and scale more AI companies in the UAE, scale AI applications across sectors, deepen local capabilities, create high-value jobs and strengthen the country’s position as a global centre for AI,” said Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Minister, UAE Ministry of Investment.

Central to that strategy is Domestic Direct Investment (DDI) alongside FDI. The Minister highlighted that the UAE’s DDI is estimated at US$100 billion to US$119 billion – approximately 2 to 2.5 times annual FDI inflows – with sovereign funds, family offices and private enterprises investing alongside international capital.

“What sets the UAE apart is not any one incentive, but the way its advantages come together,” Alsuwaidi added. “These include long-term government ambition, access to decision-makers, a forward-looking regulatory environment, world-class infrastructure and the ability to attract and retain the right talent.”

Genesis AI, an AI-powered investment advisory company based in Cairo and Dubai, will officially unveil the ‘Financial ID’ at the show. The platform coordinates more than 15 specialised AI agents across valuation, portfolio risk, market sentiment, trading signals, fundamental and technical analysis, and Shariah compliance.

Meanwhile, exhibitor FairValuation.com is showcasing how it turns financial data into board-ready decisions in minutes. From entity and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) valuations to listed-company analysis, AI-built financial models and professional presentations, every output is designed to be credible, traceable, auditable and ready for scrutiny.

For financial institutions, scaling AI requires infrastructure that can run it securely alongside critical banking systems. Red Hat, the world’s leading provider of enterprise open source solutions, will showcase Red Hat AI on an open hybrid cloud with sovereign AI capabilities.

UAE-based exhibitor FedTuna, a federated-learning platform, enables financial institutions to train shared machine-learning models while keeping sensitive records within each organisation.

Abu Dhabi-headquartered SouqView, an AI-powered, gamified investing app, will preview SouqView V2 at the show, demonstrating how AI can help first-time investors build financial knowledge before putting their own capital at risk.

Organised by inD, with the Department of Government Enablement as Host Partner and Solutions+, a Mubadala company, as Global Partner, Ai Everything Abu Dhabi brings together institutions and technology leaders shaping the next era of AI, including Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), G42, AWS, Alibaba Cloud, Mistral AI and Dell Technologies, among others.

The two-day event will articulate ‘The New Intelligence Order from Abu Dhabi, the AI Capital of the World’, convening 400-plus AI big tech companies and start-ups, 50-plus government entities, 20-plus unicorns (the year’s largest gathering of AI unicorns), 200-plus investors managing US$100 billion in AUM and 180-plus international speakers.

Sharjah, October 5, 2026 : Sharjah Airport Authority has launched its Youth Council, a dedicated platform that harnesses the energy and talent of its young employees, gives them a voice in shaping the workplace, and supports the Authority’s objectives and strategy through fresh ideas and initiatives.

The launch coincides with UAE Civil Aviation Day, an occasion that celebrates the sector’s role in connecting the UAE with the world and highlights the contribution of young people in driving its continued development.

Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority, said, “The launch of the Youth Council coincides with UAE Civil Aviation Day, an occasion that reflects our pride in the nation’s achievements and the sector’s role in strengthening global connections and supporting travel, tourism, and trade. It also reaffirms the role of our young employees in our development journey, through a platform that enables them to share their ideas and translate them into initiatives that support our strategic objectives, within a work environment that encourages creativity and excellence.”

The Council represents young employees and communicates their aspirations and proposals. It develops and implements initiatives and programmes, presents ideas that support improvement and innovation, and strengthens organisational and community engagement.

The Council will also represent the Authority at local, regional, and international youth forums and events, organise youth workshops and programmes within the Authority, and build partnerships with relevant councils and organisations.