Year: 2026

Sharjah , June 21, 2026 : Alef Group and BEEAH share a synergy of vision and expertise that contributes to developing future-ready projects and communities centred on innovation, sustainability and quality of life in Sharjah.

Among the most prominent examples of this collaboration are landmark projects such as Khalid Bin Sultan City and Linar, where expertise in urban development, sustainability and innovation comes together to deliver destinations that reflect the emirate’s aspirations for the future.

Current indicators show that Sharjah’s real estate market continues to deliver robust performance and growing momentum. During May 2026, the sector recorded 7,119 transactions valued at AED3.1 billion, while the total area of properties traded through sales transactions reached approximately 9.5 million square feet.

This exceptional performance is the direct result of the visionary leadership and wise directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who has established the foundations of a secure and stable investment environment, an advanced legislative and regulatory framework, and world-class infrastructure. These factors have positioned the emirate as a trusted destination for investors and capital from around the world and continue to support development projects and urban expansion across Sharjah.

Khalid Bin Sultan City represents a transformative approach to sustainable urban development in the region. Sustainability was not incorporated as an additional feature but embedded as a core principle from the earliest planning stages. The city has been designed as an integrated, climate-smart urban ecosystem drawing on BEEAH’s expertise in environmental management, energy and technology, enabling the integration of renewable energy solutions, smart infrastructure and circular economy principles within a unified planning framework.

Khaled Al Huraimel, Group Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman of BEEAH, the developer of Khalid Bin Sultan City, told Emirates News Agency (WAM) that real estate decision-making is undergoing a clear transformation.

“The focus is no longer limited to location or financial returns alone. It now extends to a property’s sustainability performance, energy efficiency, living comfort and ability to adapt to future changes. This trend aligns with the UAE’s vision to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. The scale of real estate activity in Sharjah, which recorded AED44.3 billion in transactions, reflects growing confidence in carefully planned, future-ready developments,” he said.

He added that Khalid Bin Sultan City embodies this transformation through an integrated masterplan designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, centred on walkable neighbourhoods, interconnected public spaces and facilities that strengthen social cohesion and support a balanced lifestyle.

The integration of climate-neutrality-ready infrastructure, smart systems and resident-focused planning is a key factor attracting investors seeking stable assets with sustainable returns, as well as families looking for a residential environment that combines stability and long-term quality of life.

Al Huraimel stressed that Sharjah is strengthening its position as a real estate destination through an approach focused on long-term value, thoughtful urban planning and sustainable development as a strategic choice. He noted a clear trend towards developing connected neighbourhoods and integrated projects that meet future residents’ needs and evolving aspirations.

He pointed to sustained demand for high-quality freehold developments that combine accessibility with stable long-term returns. This trend is characterised by carefully structured developments that integrate residential, cultural and social uses within a comprehensive environment that enhances quality of life and fosters a strong sense of community.

He explained that Khalid Bin Sultan City is being delivered through a phased development plan, with the first handovers scheduled for 2029. The first phase will include a selected collection of townhouses and villas within one of the city’s first residential neighbourhoods near Khor Fakkan Road.

For his part, Raed Kajoor Al Nuaimi, Chief Executive Officer of Alef Group, told WAM that, supported by the continued backing of Sharjah’s leadership and the strong confidence of Alef Group’s shareholders, the company had moved forward decisively with the launch of Linar.

“We remain confident in the resilience of Sharjah’s real estate market and its ability to overcome regional and global challenges while delivering projects that keep pace with the sector’s evolution,” he said.

He noted that Linar embodies the proactive and ambitious vision of the Group’s founder, the late Sheikh Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi, which focused on developing integrated destinations that combine architectural innovation, enhanced quality of life and sustainable investment value.

The launch of Linar in Al Mamzar reflects strategic shifts in Sharjah’s real estate sector. Demand is no longer focused solely on purchasing a residential unit, but increasingly on securing a fully integrated lifestyle that includes quality design, health and wellness facilities, community spaces, accessibility and a holistic living experience.

The project responds directly to these changing requirements and highlights the growing appeal of waterfront developments, which have become among the most sought-after and highest-value real estate assets, particularly given the limited availability of land in such prime locations.

In this context, the strategic memorandum of understanding signed between Alef Group and BEEAH supports this direction by focusing on the exchange of expertise and knowledge to advance sustainable and climate-positive urban development in Sharjah.

Under the agreement, Alef Group contributes its real estate development expertise to support BEEAH’s projects, while benefiting from BEEAH’s comprehensive environmental management ecosystem to achieve sustainability objectives and enhance quality of life across all developments.

Dubai , June 21, 2026 : Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed 30%
of the 14.5 km dedicated Bus and Taxi Lanes Project, which is being
implemented across 6 key streets: Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber
Al Sabah Street, 2nd December Street, Al Satwa Street, Al Nahda
Street, Omar Bin Al Khattab Street, and Naif Street. Upon
completion, the total length of dedicated bus lanes in Dubai will
increase to 20.6 km.
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the
Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority,
stated that dedicated bus and taxi lanes are a key enabler of
Dubai’s sustainable mobility targets. They support efforts to make
public transport the preferred and more attractive choice for daily
mobility by providing fast, regular, and reliable services.
Al Tayer added: “The project ranks among the world’s leading
practices and successful transport policies for encouraging residents
to use public transport instead of private vehicles. It targets shorter
journey times, improved adherence to bus schedules, better taxi
arrival times, and lower direct and indirect operational costs, while
also supporting greater public transport uptake across the
community, smoother integration across transport modes, and

2

reduced polluting emissions. Collectively, these outcomes advance
the strategic goal of integrated Dubai, enhance quality of life, bring
happiness to public transport users, and reinforce Dubai’s standing
as a world-leading city in seamless mobility and urban
sustainability.”
He added: “The expansion of dedicated bus lanes will reduce bus
journey times on routes using these lanes during peak hours by
24% to 59%, while improving expected bus arrival times by 28% to
56%. Bus journey times are expected to fall by 59% on Naif Street,
54% on Al Satwa Street, 50% on Omar bin Al Khattab Street, and
38% on Al Nahda Street. Bus arrival times are also expected to
improve by 56% on 2nd December Street, 52% on Sheikh Sabah Al
Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah Street, 48% on Al Satwa Street, and 42%
on Omar bin Al Khattab Street.”
Beyond speed and reliability, Al Tayer noted that the expanded
lanes are expected to encourage residents and visitors to use public
buses, with ridership projected to increase by up to 30% on some
streets. The expansion will also reduce the number of buses
required to serve these routes due to the journey time savings
achieved.
He explained that the current expansion builds on the major success
achieved across the previous three phases of dedicated bus lanes.
These phases helped reduce journey times on some bus routes by
around 5 minutes per bus, marking a 24% improvement in journey
time, while also increasing satisfaction levels among passengers,
bus drivers, and taxi drivers.
It is worth noting that RTA previously implemented 6.1 km of
dedicated bus lanes. These included a separate lane for buses and
taxis on Khalid bin Al Waleed Street, extending 4.3 km in both
directions from the intersection of Khalid bin Al Waleed Street with
Al Mina Street to just before its intersection with Zaa’beel Street.
The works also covered sections of Naif Street extending 500
metres, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah Street from Al
Satwa Roundabout to Sheikh Rashid Street extending 900 metres,
and Al Ghubaiba Street from its intersection with Al Mina Street to
Street 12 extending 400 metres.

London / Abu Dhabi ​, June 18 , 2026 :  Adeeb Ahamed, Managing Director of LuLu Financial Holdings, has been appointed to The Wall Street Journal CEO Council, an invitation-only network of business leaders convened by the WSJ Leadership Institute.

The appointment was announced during the CEO Council Summit held in London on June 9–10, which brought together senior executives from across industries to discuss the global economic outlook, leadership, innovation, technology and geopolitics. The summit serves as one of the flagship gatherings of the CEO Council community and attracts leaders from some of the world’s most influential companies and institutions.

As a member of the CEO Council, Adeeb will join a global network of chief executives and business leaders who engage in ongoing discussions on the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of business. Through a series of summits, peer forums and leadership exchanges, members contribute perspectives on issues ranging from economic growth and technological transformation to corporate leadership and resilience in an increasingly complex world.

Commenting on the appointment, Adeeb Ahamed said: “I am honoured to join The Wall Street Journal CEO Council and contribute to a community of leaders focused on navigating the profound changes reshaping the global economy. At a time when technology, demographics and geopolitics are redefining how businesses operate, the ability to  engage with perspectives and participate in meaningful dialogue has never been more important. I look forward to sharing insights from the markets and communities we serve.”

Adeeb is the Managing Director of LuLu Financial Holdings, one of the leading financial services groups operating across the GCC, Indian subcontinent and Asia-Pacific region. Under his leadership, the Group has expanded its footprint across multiple markets while investing in digital innovation, cross-border payments, foreign exchange and financial inclusion initiatives.

Beyond his role at LuLu Financial Holdings, he is a prominent voice on issues relating to financial inclusion, migration-linked economies, digital transformation and cross-border commerce. He currently serves as Chair of the FICCI Arab Council and regularly participates in international forums focused on business, technology and economic cooperation.

His appointment to The Wall Street Journal CEO Council reflects the growing relevance of perspectives from emerging markets and the increasing importance of cross-border financial ecosystems in the global economy.

The WSJ Leadership Institute’s CEO Council is an invitation-only community designed to facilitate dialogue among senior executives through exclusive events, peer-to-peer exchanges and discussions on the issues shaping business and society.

Indian Government’s new Personal Income Tax Act of 2025 makes income tax easy and simple for Indian nationals – including NRIs, who are exempted from personal income tax on their income outside India

Dubai , June 18, 2026 : Simplified tax structure makes economy transparent and sustainable, officials told more than 300 accounting professionals and delegates at the Tax 360° – Navigating India, UAE & International Tax Landscapes Conference, organised by the Dubai Chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).

“Ten years ago, we didn’t talk about tax in the UAE. However, we are now well into the tax environment – that brings in transparency, integrity and good governance into the economy. It tells who you are. So, tax is good for business and economy,” Abdulqadir Obeid Ali, Chairman of the UAE Internal Auditors’ Association, said in his address.

“A fifth of the Fortune 500 companies are run by Chartered Accountants – who are the backbone of any business. There is no way a machine or Artificial Intelligence will take up such an important profession. The AI can’t replace accountants. In fact, accountants will become more relevant and their work will become more relevant in the coming years.”

India’s total Personal Income Tax collection reached IN₹11.56 trillion in the 2024-05 financial year, higher than IN₹10.42 trillion Corporate Tax collected the same year – the first time Income Tax revenue outperformed Corporate Tax in India.

CA Rishi Chawla, Chairman of the Dubai Chapter of the ICAI, said, there are a number of similarities between the tax structures of the UAE and India. “There are lots of similarities between the new tax landscape of India and the UAE.”

“The Indian Income Tax system in 2025 is increasingly aligned with the aspirations of a fast-growing economy. Driven by technology, transparency, and simplification, the focus is shifting from enforcement to facilitation. As taxpayers embrace digital compliance and businesses navigate a dynamic economic environment, the tax framework continues to play a pivotal role in supporting growth, encouraging investment, and strengthening the nation’s fiscal foundation,” he added.

The number of people paying income tax in India reached 91.9 million in 2025-06 financial year. Indian Government collected IN₹6.16 trillion in Personal Income Tax in the first two quarters of 2025-06 financial year, much higher compared to the IN₹4.76 trillion in Corporate Tax collected during the same period last year.

Dr. Dharm Singh Meena, IRS First Secretary, Economic Affairs Wing, Embassy of India, “The UAE-India bilateral trade has already surpassed US$100 billion, as the two countries deepen strategic partnerships. However, we are also seeing a more transparent and simplistic approach in the tax landscape of both the countries that is encouraging.”

He said the new Personal Income Tax Act 2025 builds on the Income Tax Law of 1961 and simplifies it and makes tax filing easy for taxable professionals in India.

“The Personal Income Tax Act 2025 has ushered in a new era in simplifying the personal tax regime in India and as a result we are witnessing a surge in personal tax revenue that has exceeded the corporate tax collection in India for the first time. This is the result of the new Personal Income Tax Act of 2025 that makes tax easy to understand and file,” he said.

“The new income tax is half in size and removes all the complexities of taxes that used to make tax payment very complicated. The government’s primary goal was to provide greater tax certainty, reduce disputes and litigation and simplify the law by making it ‘reader-friendly’ for all taxpayers, making compliance easier by making it concise and lucid. The number of chapters has been reduced to 23 from 47, while the number of sections has been reduced to 536 from 819 and the total word count has been halved to 260,000 words in 2025 from 512,000 words in 1961!”

Non-Resident Indians’ (NRIs) income from their businesses and professional work outside India are exempted from the Personal Income Tax.

The session on Tax Updates in UAE, India and International Taxation provided participants with a concise overview of key developments shaping the tax landscape. The discussion covered recent updates in UAE taxation, important changes under the Indian Income Tax framework for 2025, and practical insights into international tax matters, including the application of Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs). The session highlighted the growing importance of staying abreast of tax developments and understanding their implications for businesses and professionals operating across jurisdictions.

CA Neeraj Teckchandani CEO & Director Apparel Group, said, businesses will have to adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their operations. 

“We manage 2,600 stores involving 85 brands with 27,000 professionals across 14 countries. Apparel Group has come a long way in the last three decades, from franchise business to licenses having a number of Intellectual Properties (IPs) under our portfolio.

“During every crisis, we have invested in technology to scale up the business – making it more effective and smarter. During the recent regional uncertain times, we have sharpen our focus on finding solution moving from E-Commerce to AI-Commerce that is making business smarter.”

ICAI is the largest professional body of Chartered Accountants across the world with over 1,000,000+ students and around 450,000+ members. ICAI has a wide network with five Regional Councils, 176 Branches, 54 Overseas Chapters, and 31 representative offices across the globe. And among 54 overseas chapters, ICAI Dubai Chapter is the largest and most vibrant chapter of ICAI. Of the 8,000 Indian Chartered Accountants active in the UAE‘s private sector, 1,400+ are currently leading businesses in senior positions.

Sharjah, June 17 , 2026 : A collection of rare manuscripts spanning centuries of scientific inquiry, scholarship and cultural exchange has gone on display at the House of Wisdom (HoW) in Sharjah as part of
the Manuscripts Exhibition – Sustainable Identity and Development, organised in
collaboration with United Arab Emirates University (UAEU).
Part of UAEU’s Golden Jubilee celebrations, the exhibition builds on a nationwide cultural
tour of one of the university’s most valuable collections. Through leading cultural venues
across the UAE, the initiative highlights the role manuscripts have played in preserving and
documenting these civilisations.
Running until 26 June, the exhibition showcases the enduring value of Arab and Islamic
manuscripts as repositories of knowledge that have preserved scientific heritage,
documented intellectual achievements, and carried learning across generations.
His Excellency Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Advisor to the UAE President and Chancellor
of UAEU, attended the opening, alongside Marwa Al Aqroubi, Executive Director; H.E. Prof.
Ahmed Ali Al Raeesi, Vice Chancellor of UAEU; Prof. Ali Hilal Al Naqbi, Chancellor of the
University of Khorfakkan; Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of American University of Sharjah
(AUS); as well as UAEU students, distinguished guests, and researchers and
enthusiasts of scientific and cultural heritage.
A journey through language, science, and jurisprudence

The exhibition features fifty rare manuscripts from UAEU’s collections, spanning multiple
fields. The collection features a diverse selection of manuscripts, treatises, and
scholarly works that played a significant role in shaping Arab and Islamic civilisation
across a wide range of disciplines, including the Holy Qur’an and Qur’anic studies,
Arabic language and literature, astronomy, medicine, engineering, mathematics, and
other scientific fields.
Organised around three themes, it highlights the breadth of scholarship that flourished. The
first explores Quranic studies and the Arabic language; the second examines astronomy,
geography, and timekeeping, showcasing Arab and Muslim contributions to the study of the
universe; and the third focuses on theoretical and applied sciences, including medicine,
mathematics, engineering, chemistry, and agriculture.
The exhibition takes visitors on an intellectual journey spanning nearly five centuries
of scientific and scholarly achievement, highlighting the interconnectedness of
diverse fields of knowledge and their contributions to societal advancement. It also
offers a rare opportunity to explore the history of authorship, manuscript copying,
and learning, and to discover the ideas and innovations that enriched human
civilisation. Through this journey, the exhibition underscores the central role of
knowledge in shaping both human development and civilisation across the age .

The company’s assets under management (AUM) grew 67 percent year-on-year to Dh1 billion or ₹26.31 billion, driven by investment activity across India and Dubai

Dubai , June 17 , 2026 : Nisus Finance Services Co Limited, a leading alternative investment and urban infrastructure platform, reported a 109.61 percent jump in its total income to Dh54.24 million (US$14.78 million or ₹1.41 billion) in the financial year ending March 31, 2026, up from Dh25.91 million (US$7.06 million or ₹673 million) in financial year ending March 31, 2025 with strong growth in the UAE market.

Its strong operational growth, platform expansion and sustained profitability come from the UAE operations despite temporary geopolitical disruptions during the fourth quarter. 

Nisus Finance’s core business of fund management and transaction advisory reported a 108 percent jump in year-on-year Profit After Tax (PAT) at Dh26 million (US$7.10 million or ₹677.60 million), and Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Debt and Amortisation (EBITDA) of Dh37.14 million (US$10.12 million or ₹965 million) with EBITDA margins reaching 70.5 percent. 

The company’s assets under management (AUM) grew 67 percent year-on-year to Dh1 billion(US$275.81 million or ₹26.31 billion), driven by investment activity across India and Dubai, strategic exits and continued traction in private credit and urban infrastructure opportunities. 

Key Financial Highlights: Consolidated (Core Business, excluding NCCCL) 

The fourth quarter saw a temporary moderation in revenue due to deferred investment activity linked to geopolitical developments in West Asia. However, the company stated that the impact was event driven and not structural in nature, with several India and UAE transactions expected to spill over in FY27. 

In August 2025, Nisus Finance acquired a majority stake in New Consolidated Construction Company Limited (NCCCL), one of India’s oldest and most respected construction firms that accelerated its growth and expansion both in India and the UAE in later months.

Founded in 1946, NCCCL is among India’s longest-running Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) companies, with a track record spanning nearly eight decades. Over the years, it has delivered more than 200 million square feet of projects across residential, commercial, IT parks, hospitals, industrial facilities, and data centres. With an active order book valued at over Dh1.15 billion, the company has consistently worked with some of the most prominent developers and corporations in India.

On a consolidated basis, including NCCCL, Nisus Finance reported total income of Dh220.82 million(US$60.17 million or ₹5.74 billion) and Profit After Tax of Dh31.96 million (US$8.71 million or ₹830.8 million) for FY26. 

Key Financial Highlights: Consolidated (Including NCCCL) 

Nisus acquired NCCCL during FY26 that helped it to continue to strengthen the group’s integrated infrastructure platform. Since the acquisition, the business added new orders worth over Dh461.68million (US$125.80 or ₹12.00 billion) till May 26, providing healthy medium-term execution visibility. 

During the year, Nisus Finance also significantly expanded its international investment platform. Its Dubai-focused AUM grew 223 percent year-on-year to Dh583.24 million (US$158.92 million or ₹15.16 billion), driven by investments across income yielding residential assets and high-yield growth opportunities. Despite temporary disruptions arising from the West Asia conflict during Q4, the company said its UAE portfolio remained resilient, reporting zero impairment, and continued Net Asset Value (NAV) appreciation across key investments. 

Dr. Amit Goenka, Chairman & Managing Director of Nisus Finance, said, “FY26 was a defining year for Nisus Finance. We scaled the platform meaningfully while continuing to remain resilient through a period of global uncertainty. Despite temporary disruptions in cross-border investment activity during the fourth quarter, we exceeded our revenue guidance for the year and maintained strong profitability. 

“Both our India and UAE businesses continued to see healthy momentum, while the acquisition of NCCCL has further strengthened our integrated urban infrastructure strategy. We are entering FY27 with a strong pipeline across fund management, structured credit, redevelopment and infrastructure opportunities.” 

During the year, the company also expanded multiple strategic initiatives, including preparations for Ni-YAM, its hybrid credit and asset appreciation platform, along with plans for SM REIT structures and GIFT City feeder platforms. Nisus Finance said it remains focused on capital preservation, disciplined underwriting and long-term value creation, while continuing to expand its cross-border investment and advisory capabilities. 

With a diversified business model spanning fund management, transaction advisory, strategic investments and infrastructure execution, the company believes it is well-positioned to benefit from the growing demand for alternative capital and urban infrastructure financing across India and the GCC region.

Dubai’s First 125 PPM Deuterium-Depleted Drink Addresses the Root Cause of Fatigue, Brain Fog, and Slow Recovery at the Cellular Level

​Dubai , June 17 , 2026 : ​  Cancro, pioneers of Advanced Hydration in the UAE and India, announced its deuterium-depleted drink (DDW) as a transformative daily ritual for women seeking sustainable improvements in energy, cognitive performance, skin health, hormonal balance, and cellular longevity. Cancro removes the hidden metabolic burden that accumulates in the body with every ordinary sip.

Women face unique physiological challenges, from hormonal fluctuations and post-partum recovery to the demands of high-performance careers and active lifestyles. Cancro was formulated to address these demands at their most fundamental source, the water powering every cell.

“Deuterium is a naturally occurring heavy isotope of hydrogen present in all water. While its concentration seems small, roughly 3 in every 10,000 molecules, its cumulative effect inside the body is significant. Deuterium slows down the mitochondrial ATP synthase motor, the biological engine that produces energy in every cell. The result is a cellular drag that manifests as persistent fatigue, mental haze, sluggish metabolism, and impaired recovery,” said Arsh Mehta, Founder of Cancro at Cancro.

By reducing deuterium load to 125 PPM, Cancro creates optimal conditions for the body to function as it was designed to. For women specifically, this translates into six measurable health benefits:• Sustained Energy Without the Crash: Optimised mitochondrial efficiency means consistent vitality throughout the day • Sharper Mental Clarity: The brain is 75% water. Deuterium-depleted hydration supports neural pathway precision, helping women stay focused and articulate through demanding schedules.• Accelerated Recovery: Efficient cellular hydration accelerates tissue repair — supporting faster bounce-back from workouts, illness, post-partum recovery, and daily physical stress.• Metabolic Harmony: Lower deuterium levels create a cleaner biochemical environment, supporting hormonal and metabolic balance, particularly important during menstrual cycles, perimenopause, and menopause.• Radiant Skin & Anti-Aging Benefits: By protecting the fidelity of DNA replication and cellular integrity, Cancro supports the body’s own anti-aging mechanisms — contributing to clearer skin, deeper sleep, and a healthier glow from within.• Optimised Longevity: Consistent deuterium depletion over time supports healthy aging at the molecular level, reinforcing cellular health well into later life.

Cancro goes beyond standard DDW by enriching its formulation with Curcumin and Iodine extracts — two nutrients with well-established roles in women’s health

Dubai , June 15 , 2026 : Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has approved the five-
year plan 2026–2030, covering the construction of 31 pedestrian
bridges and tunnels across key locations in Dubai. Sites were selected
following detailed technical and field studies that considered
population density, integration with land uses, proximity to tourist and
economic destinations, and connectivity with public transport stations.
The plan aims to improve traffic flow, enhance pedestrian safety, and
enable pedestrians and cyclists to crossroads safely.
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the
Board of Executive Directors, Roads and Transport Authority, affirmed
that the continued expansion of pedestrian bridge infrastructure
reflects the directives of the wise leadership to enhance traffic safety,
provide a safe and sustainable mobility environment for all road users,
and make Dubai a pedestrian and cyclist-friendly city. He added that

these efforts also support the emirate’s quality-of-life and contribute to
the happiness of residents and visitors.
Al Tayer noted that the number of pedestrian bridges and tunnels has
grown from 26 in 2006 to 178 by the end of 2025, an increase of
585%. The 31 pedestrian bridges and tunnels planned for completion
by 2030 will span several key locations, most notably Sheikh Zayed
Road, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, Al Ittihad Road and
Omar bin Al Khattab Street.
His Excellency said: “Existing and planned pedestrian bridges form an
integrated pathway network linking residential communities across
Dubai with key destinations and encouraging residents to use
sustainable soft mobility modes for first and last-mile journeys.
Pedestrian bridges and tunnels have played a significant role in
enhancing traffic safety, with the pedestrian fatality rate falling from 9.5
deaths per 100,000 population in 2007 to 0.22 deaths in 2025, a
decline of 98%.”
“They have also contributed to measurable gains across key
indicators, with residents’ satisfaction with Dubai’s pedestrian
infrastructure reaching 88%, pedestrian trips increasing from 307
million in 2023 to 326 million in 2025, a rise of 6%, and cycling trips
increasing from 46.6 million in 2024 to 57.3 million in 2025, a rise of
23%.”
Completed Bridges
RTA has recently completed three pedestrian and cycling bridges. Two
were constructed on Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road, providing
strategic links for pedestrian, cycling and e-scooter tracks across Al
Sufouh and Dubai Hills, extending through Dubai Internet City, Barsha
Heights and Al Barsha 3.
Both bridges feature distinctive architectural designs inspired by
surrounding environments. Sheikh Zayed Road bridge draws on
themes of interconnection and continuity through interwoven lines,
while its open structural form offers unobstructed view of the
surrounding towers and skyline. Al Khail Road bridge draws inspiration
from the light-lines cast by the sun’s rays, giving the pathway a
smooth, flowing character and offering pedestrians and cyclists a
sense of calm, away from road noise, with the sun’s path integrated
into the overall architectural concept.

Sheikh Zayed Road bridge spans 528 metres, while Al Khail Road
bridge extends 501 metres. Both bridges are 5 metres wide,
comprising a 3-metre track for bicycles and e-scooters and a 2-metre
pedestrian walkway.
The third completed bridge is located on Al Manara Street in Al Quoz
Creative Zone, supporting the smooth movement of pedestrians and
cyclists within the area and to surrounding attractions. Its design
incorporates aesthetic elements that align with the visual identity of the
zone’s facilities and surroundings. The bridge is 45 metres long and
5.5 metres wide, with a clearance of 6 metres above asphalt level. It
also includes two ramps, one on either side, each extending 210
metres.
Bridges Under Construction
RTA is currently constructing three additional pedestrian bridges, two
of which rank among Dubai’s largest pedestrian and cycling bridges
and are now in their final stages of construction.
The first is located on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road at Tunis
Street–Al Nahda intersection, linking Muhaisnah 1 with Al Twar and
extending onwards to Al Mamzar Beach. The bridge is 554 metres
long and 5.6 metres wide, with a clearance of 12.5 metres above
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road.
The second crosses Dubai–Al Ain Road, linking Wadi Al Safa 4,
known as Liwan, with Nad Hessa in Dubai Silicon Oasis. The bridge is
730 metres long and 5.6 metres wide, with a clearance of 7.8 metres
above Dubai–Al Ain Road.
The third is being constructed as part of Al Mustaqbal Street
Development Project. Located on Al Sukook Street, the bridge
features a design that complements the urban fabric of Dubai’s Central
Business District. It is 44 metres long, 4.6 metres wide and 6.5 metres
high, and includes lifts, staircases and an electromechanical systems
room. Completion is expected in the first quarter of 2027.
Pedestrian Safety
RTA places the highest priority on pedestrian safety as a key pillar of
Dubai’s safe and sustainable transport system. The construction of
pedestrian and cycling bridges forms part of the Dubai Traffic Safety

Strategy, which aims to achieve Zero Fatalities and position Dubai
among the world’s leading cities in traffic safety.
RTA is expanding its pedestrian bridge network in line with the highest
international standards in design and construction, while incorporating
creative and aesthetic elements. The bridges are equipped with
advanced systems, including electromechanical, alarm, fire-fighting
and remote monitoring systems, along with other safety and security
features. Select bridges also include dedicated cycling tracks and
bicycle parking facilities.

 UAE’s advanced regulatory environment and digital infrastructure position it at the centre of the global tokenisation wave, enabling wider investor access and cross-border capital flows

• Built to bridge traditional finance and Web3, Blockmaze combines regulatory frameworks, compliance and institutional-grade infrastructure to bring global assets on-chain

Dubai, June 11, 2026: The UAE is emerging as one of the world’s leading tokenisation and blockchain hubs, supported by its advanced digital infrastructure and progressive regulatory environment. 

As global financial markets enter a new era of digital transformation, regulated infrastructure providers such as Blockmaze are helping bridge the gap between traditional finance and blockchain by enabling real-world assets (RWAs) to move on-chain in a trusted and compliant way. This shift has the potential to expand access beyond the UAE’s current base of 2.4 million registered public equity investors through fractional ownership, while attracting global investment into world-class assets.

Blockmaze is one of the largest regulated ecosystems for tokenised assets, providing ready-to-launch solutions for issuers, institutions, brokers, exchanges, and financial platforms looking to participate in the next era of regulated digital finance. Built for compliant players, by compliant players, Blockmaze combines technology, licensing, compliance and regulatory capabilities across payments, investment services and digital asset infrastructure to bring traditional assets on-chain in a trusted and compliant way, as global finance moves towards regulated Web3 infrastructure. More than US$2 trillion worth of assets could move on-chain by 2030, according to McKinsey.

Tokenisation and Real-World Assets (RWAs) represent the next evolution of financial markets by bringing traditional assets onto blockchain infrastructure. The current crypto market is approximately US$3 trillion, while traditional global investable assets represent an estimated US$600+ trillion opportunity spanning stocks, bonds, real estate, gold, commodities, and other financial assets.

Real estate assets worldwide are estimated to be worth approximately US$300 trillion, while stocks and bonds represent about US$200 trillion, and gold represents US$31 trillion worth of opportunity for investors.

RWA tokenisation will significantly expand investor participation as corporates and asset owners begin tokenisingassets through regulated on-chain infrastructure. This will help democratise and internationalise access to investment opportunities through cross-border participation, supported by regulated infrastructure providers such as Blockmaze, which operates across 45 territories.

Tajinder Virk, Co-Founder and CEO, Finvasia Group and Blockmaze, says, “The next wave of financial adoption will not be defined only by new digital assets. It will be defined by how much of the existing financial world can be brought on-chain in a trusted, compliant, and accessible way.

“As AI becomes a larger participant in the global economy, financial infrastructure will also need to evolve. The future will depend on how real-world assets are bought, sold and exchanged digitally — supported by tokenisedassets that are verifiable, liquid and accessible.”

“Tokenised RWAs are creating a new paradigm. Today, only a very small portion of the US$600 trillion opportunity has been tokenised- with less than 0.01 percent penetration. Almost the entire market is still ahead of us. But the future of tokenisation is not about creating more tokens — it is about creating assets that represent real ownership, regulatory trust and long-term value.”

“Assets that were historically illiquid, geographically restricted, or institutionally gated can now be restructured as digitally accessible instruments for a wider investor base.”

Puneet Mangla, Chief Operating Officer of Blockmaze, says, “At the core of Blockmaze’s infrastructure is verifiable ownership — ensuring tokenised assets are connected to a real asset, real issuer, real jurisdiction and real rights. Blockmaze’s Proof of Reserve (POR) framework verifies tokens against their underlying assets, creating confidence that every token represents something tangible and enforceable in the real world.

The future of tokenisation cannot only depend on technical validation — it requires legal recognition. Blockmaze is designed to build this bridge between Web2 and Web3 finance by combining blockchain infrastructure with regulatory alignment and institutional governance.”

For traditional financial institutions, tokenisation creates the opportunity to significantly expand market access by adding global assets, improving liquidity, enabling fractional ownership and creating new digital investment experiences for clients.

“Fractionalisation removes minimum ticket sizes that price out retail investors; instant settlement eliminates the 2-day clearing lag that ties up capital; and 24/7 markets create new opportunities beyond traditional exchange hours — these changes can transform how global assets are accessed and traded,” Puneet Mangla adds.

Highlighting the broader market shift, Tajinder Virk says, “Tokenisation is no longer a future concept — it is becoming a structural transformation in global finance. Institutions that combine innovation with regulatory readiness will be best positioned to participate in the next evolution of capital markets.”

With world-class physical infrastructure, an advanced digital ecosystem, and progressive regulation, Dubai and the UAE are well positioned to become a global hub for investment through blockchain tokenisation.

The UAE tokenisation strategy is a government-backed blueprint to transition tangible assets such as real estate, gold, and private credit into digital assets on the blockchain. Managed by distinct regulatory frameworks, it enables fractional ownership, boosts market liquidity, and solidifies the UAE’s status as a premier global virtual asset hub.

The UAE’s approach moves beyond speculative crypto, with increasing focus on regulated stablecoin rails and digital asset infrastructure. The strategy can support faster and more efficient direct conversions between Dirham (AED) and U.S. dollar stablecoins, improving transaction speed and capital efficiency for institutional cross-border treasury movements.

Puneet Mangla adds, “With regulatory ecosystem spanning across 45 territories including the UAE, Blockmaze is ready to accelerate tokenisation and enable UAE-origin tokenised assets to reach investors across multiple markets. This will boost cross-border investment and further strengthen the UAE’s position as a global tokenisation and blockchain hub.”

Instead of solving only one piece of the puzzle, Blockmaze connects all the key layers needed to make tokenized asset offerings work: Issuance, Compliance workflows, Custody support, Audit proofs, Payments and acquiring, Fiat-to-crypto settlement, Liquidity access, Exchange infrastructure and White-label solutions.

Blockmaze is being built to bridge the gap between global assets and global access in a compliant and regulated manner. There are three key pillars underpinning Blockmaze’s approach to enabling the US$600 trillion opportunity:education, purpose-built infrastructure and institutional-grade trust.

As tokenisation enters mainstream finance, Blockmaze is helping financial institutions, asset owners, brokers and B2B platforms understand not only the technology, but the commercial opportunity it creates. Through industry engagement, partnerships and direct collaboration, Blockmaze is supporting traditional financial players as they prepare for the transition to on-chain assets.

Markets are governed by different jurisdictions. Each jurisdiction has custom infrastructure needs for enabling on-chain RWAs. Blockmaze works closely with asset owners, brokers, exchanges, CFD platforms, and payment providers to understand their tokenisation needs. Blockmaze tailors infrastructure solutions based on those needs, while keeping regional compliance standards in mind.

Beyond issuance, Blockmaze supports the complete lifecycle of tokenised assets through compliance workflows, custody support, audit reporting, reserve management, payments, liquidity access and exchange infrastructure – creating the foundation needed for regulated real-world asset tokenisation to scale globally.

The majority of the US$600 trillion opportunity is concentrated in Asia, Europe, and the GCC — markets where Blockmaze already holds regulatory clearance and licenses to issue tokenised assets. This regulatory positioning is a structural head start and Blockmaze can already operate in the jurisdictions that represent the largest share of the global tokenisable asset universe, while many market participants continue building their regulatory pathways. 

Through 2026 and beyond, Blockmaze’s focus is on educating and helping B2B financial businesses adopt tokenisation and upgrade their product offerings — meeting institutions where they are, not where the technology wants them to be. The infrastructure is live, the licenses are in place, and the pipeline of institutional partners is building — 2026 marks the transition from preparation to execution.

With a complete vertical integration stack spanning issuance, custody, liquidity, payments, compliance and regulatory infrastructure, Blockmaze enables issuers and institutions to launch tokenised products without having to build the ecosystem themselves.

Its ready-to-launch solutions for issuers, institutions, brokers, exchanges, and financial platforms cover tokenisedstocks, CFDs, gold, real estate, and white-label infrastructure. By integrating payment, compliance, custody, and regulatory frameworks into a single stack, Blockmaze delivers institutional-grade governance without the institutional overhead.

The next era of tokenisation will not be defined by who creates tokens fastest — it will be defined by who creates assets that are trusted, legally recognised, and built to last.

Puneet Mangla concludes, “For tokenisation to reach institutional scale, trust will matter more than technology alone. The winners will be the platforms that can connect innovation with regulation, compliance and investor protection.”

As summer temperatures rise and demand for local luxury escapes continues to grow, The Heart of Europe combines world-class hospitality, immersive European-inspired experiences, and live FIFA World Cup 2026 screenings to create one of the UAE’s most distinctive staycation offerings with festivals

UAE; June 11, 2026 : Football fans in the UAE can enjoy the FIFA World Cup matches from June 11 till July 19, 2026, at a new destination — The Heart of Europe, Dubai’s premier island staycation destination located on The World Islands – while enjoying day-long festivities that keep the guests mesmerised with festivals, including Tunaria and Portofino.

Running for 39 days across Canada, USA and Mexico, the FIFA World Cup 2026 – the Greatest Show on Earth – this year is the largest in history involving 48 countries vying for the most prestigious honour – the World Cup. It will be watched by billions of football fans across 196 countries. The matches will be held from 11:00 pm till 10:00 am UAE time – ideal for football lovers to book a staycation on the Heart of Europe Island, enjoy festivities during the day time and watch football overnight, to make it more memorable.

The Heart of Europe is inviting residents of the UAE to experience a unique summer getaway that combines luxury hospitality, waterfront entertainment, immersive cultural experiences with live FIFA World Cup 2026 screenings. The experience transforms The Heart of Europe into a vibrant social hub where guests can combine the excitement of live football with the relaxation of a luxury island retreat.

Hosted at Stardust, one of the destinations’ signature entertainment venues, the FIFA World Cupexperience will feature live screenings in an energetic waterfront setting complemented by gourmet dining, live entertainment, beachside experiences, and premium hospitality. The concept has been designed for residents seeking an alternative to traditional sports venues, allowing them to enjoy the tournament while embracing a complete island lifestyle experience.

Beyond football, visitors can immerse themselves in The Heart of Europe’s growing calendar of lifestyle experiences. Guests can enjoy the on-going Portofino Festival, inspired by the charm, culture, and elegance of the Italian Riviera, featuring authentic cuisine, music, performances, and immersive entertainment experiences throughout the summer. The festival follows the success of Tunaria, The Heart of Europe’s signature bluefin tuna culinary experience inspired by Mediterranean fishing traditions. Following overwhelming guest response, Tunaria continues every Friday, offering visitors the opportunity to witness the traditional tuna-cutting ceremony, enjoy curated seafood experiences, and discover one of the destination’s most distinctive culinary attractions.

Together, these experiences reinforce The Heart of Europe’s vision of transforming hospitality into an experience-led destination where culture, gastronomy, entertainment, and leisure seamlessly come together.

Mr Josef Kleindienst, Founder and Chairman of Kleindienst Group, said The Heart of Europe was created to offer UAE residents a destination they can truly call their own.

“There are similar island retreats across Europe where people escape to enjoy nature, culture, hospitality, and entertainment. We wanted to bring that same spirit to Dubai while creating a destination that reflects the city’s diversity and global outlook. The Heart of Europe was designed to unite people through experiences and create a sense of belonging that keeps guests coming back,” Josef Kleindienst said.

“The FIFA World Cup is one of the world’s greatest celebrations of togetherness. It brings people from different nationalities and cultures together through a shared passion. At The Heart of Europe, guests will be able to experience that excitement while enjoying an extraordinary island destination inspired by some of Europe’s most iconic locations.”

“Our goal has always been to elevate The Heart of Europe beyond a hospitality destination. Through experiences such as Portofino Festival, Tunaria, and now the FIFA World Cup celebrations, we continue to create meaningful experiences that connect people through culture, entertainment, food, music, and shared moments. This is what transforms a stay into a memory,” he added.

The programme has been launched at a time when staycations continue to gain popularity among UAE residents. With many travellers seeking convenient and experiential escapes closer to home, The Heart of Europe provides a destination that combines leisure, entertainment, hospitality, and culture in one extraordinary location.

Situated just six kilometres from Dubai’s mainland and accessible via a 30-minute boat ride from mainland Dubai, The Heart of Europe offers visitors a unique island escape inspired by the architecture, culture, and lifestyle of Europe’s most celebrated destinations. The development encompasses six themed islands featuring luxury hotels, beachfront experiences, entertainment venues, and innovative attractions.

Among its most recognised attractions is the climate-controlled Raining Street, which recreates the experience of a refreshing European rainfall in the heart of the Gulf summer. It is the only outdoor dinner show in Dubai. Visitors can also enjoy Monaco Beach, waterfront dining, live performances, poolside experiences, and a growing calendar of lifestyle events throughout the year.

As demand for experiential tourism and luxury staycations continues to grow, The Heart of Europe is positioning itself as the ideal destination for residents seeking a refreshing summer retreat without travelling abroad. By combining world-class hospitality with one of the world’s most anticipated sporting events, alongside signature experiences such as Portofino Festival and Tunaria, the destination offers guests the opportunity to enjoy the best of Europe without leaving the UAE.

This summer, The Heart of Europe invites residents to discover a destination where every stay becomes a celebration of hospitality, culture, entertainment, gastronomy, and unforgettable island living.

Guests staying at voco™ Dubai Monaco can also enjoy every match from the comfort of their private balcony. Whether cheering on a favorite nation, enjoying match-day dining experiences, or relaxing between fixtures by the pool, guests can experience the FIFA World Cup 2026 in a setting unlike anywhere else in the UAE.