News

Dubai , October 13, 2026: The Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment (DDSE) at Digital Dubai has launched the Labour Force Survey 2026 for the Emirate of Dubai, targeting 5,000 citizen and resident households, to provide comprehensive and up-to-date indicators on labour market conditions and support the development of data-driven economic and social policies and decision-making.

The survey is part of the Establishment’s efforts to develop an integrated statistical ecosystem that enhances Dubai’s readiness for the future economy. It aims to monitor and measure the key characteristics of the labour force, covering economic participation rates, employment and unemployment levels, the occupational composition of the workforce, educational attainment, and the sectors and economic activities in which workers are engaged.

It will also provide detailed information on job seekers and job-search methods, contributing to the design of initiatives and programmes that support human capital development and enhance the alignment of skills with the evolving needs of the labour market.

The survey sample was designed using a robust statistical methodology that accounts for Dubai’s demographic and geographic diversity, as well as the characteristics of the target groups, ensuring that the findings accurately represent all segments of the emirate’s population and provide a robust statistical foundation for evidence-based planning and anticipating future changes.

Younus Al Nasser, Chief Executive of DDSE at Digital Dubai, said, “In the era of the digital economy and AI, accurate statistical data have become essential to developing public policies, improving planning efficiency, and enabling more agile and proactive decision-making.”

He added, “The Dubai Labour Force Survey 2026 is part of a comprehensive vision adopted by the Establishment to provide an accurate and up-to-date picture of the labour market, enabling decision-makers to understand economic and social changes, measure the impact of policies, and anticipate future needs.”

Al Nasser said, “The survey outputs support the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), and reinforce Dubai’s position as one of the world’s best cities to live, work, and invest in. They will also advance the priorities of the Dubai Social Agenda 33 by providing reliable data that helps develop policies and programmes that promote empowerment, equal opportunities, and quality of life.”

DDSE urged selected households and individuals to cooperate with the field teams and provide the required information accurately. It emphasised that the participation of households and individuals is critical to the reliability of the survey results and their ability to provide an accurate picture of labour market conditions.

The Establishment said the survey will be conducted through multiple channels, including phone calls, email and text messages, as well as field visits by accredited field researchers.

It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting participants’ privacy and the confidentiality of the information provided, noting that the data collected will be used for statistical purposes only, in accordance with applicable legislation and approved standards, and that no personal information or identifiable data relating to participants will be disclosed.

Sharjah , October 13, 2026 : Dubai Maritime City (DMC) has signed 18 new leases in the first nine months of 2026, covering over 572,000 sq. ft of industrial and commercial space and generating six times more revenue than the same period last year.

Ship repair and marine manufacturing have emerged as the fastest-growing segments at DMC. Businesses at DMC lease under one of two structures: a one-year agreement renewable annually or a 25-year Musataha agreement, under which they can develop their own ship repair or shipbuilding workshop on the site.

Companies taking prebuilt units this year are already operational, while plots secured under Musataha agreements are in the construction phase.

The new leases reflect continued confidence in Dubai as a long-term base for regional and international markets, with 72 percent of the leases signed post February.

Ahmed Al Hammadi, COO of DMC, said, “Companies are choosing to build their facilities here, take on long-term commitments and invest in equipment and infrastructure, which tells us Dubai gives them the certainty they need to plan ahead. For shipowners and operators, that translates into deeper repair capacity, shorter turnaround times and more of the services they need in one place.”

Dubai ranks first in the Arab world and 11th globally in the Leading Maritime Cities (LMC) Report by DNV and Menon Economics.

Earlier this year, DMC also launched its second Maritime Business Centre, an AED160 million premium commercial tower that expands Grade A office capacity within Dubai’s maritime and trade ecosystem.

Dubai , October 12, 2026 : In his capacity as the Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, issued Decision No. (24) of 2026 forming the Board of Directors of the Economic Security Centre of Dubai.

The Board is chaired by Talal Humaid Belhoul, while Awad Hader Al Muhairi serves as Vice Chairman.

Members of the Board include Tamim Mohammed Al Muhairi, Dr. Riyadh Mohammed Belhoul, Saif Obaid Al Mansouri and Faisal Mohammed Al Awadhi, in addition to the CEO of the Center.

The dcision is effective from the date of its issuance and will be published in the Official Gazette.

Abudhabi , October 12, 2026 : The UAE Cabinet, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has approved the federal general budget for the years 2027–2029, totaling AED292.5 billion, reflecting a 28.3% increase compared to the preceding three-year period. The federal budget for the 2027 fiscal year was approved with estimated total expenditures of AED90.1 billion, as part of the budget plan for the years 2027–2029.

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said, “Today, we approved the Federal General Budget for 2027 to 2029 with total expenditures of AED292.5 billion, up 28.3% on the previous three years, and the 2027 budget with expenditures of AED90.1 billion. Our priorities are fixed and have not changed: education, health, housing, social services, and the quality of life and stability of our citizens. Under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, we will keep consolidating our gains, protecting our achievements and working to build the best life.”

The announced federal budget is part of the ongoing efforts to develop the government financial planning system, as well as enhance efficiency and ensure the sustainability of funding for priority government programmes and projects.

Of the 2027 budget, the Cabinet allocated AED34.6 billion (38.4%) to Social Development and Pensions, AED29.1 billion (32.3%) to Government Affairs, AED17.8 billion (19.7%) to Federal Expenses, AED5.6 billion (6.2%) to Financial Assets and Financial Investments, and AED3 billion (3.4%) to Infrastructure and Economic Resources.

Main sectors covered by the new federal budget include community protection and safety; the economy of the future; future-oriented education; employment and empowerment; health and quality of life; leadership, government affairs, and international relations; as well as industry, technology, energy, infrastructure, culture, media, and sports.

The federal general budget for the years 2027-2029 embodies the UAE’s commitment to long-term sustainable financial planning, enhancing the efficiency of resource management and directing spending towards the sectors most closely linked to national priorities. The UAE government approach ensures the continuity of implementation of strategic projects and programmes, and supports the achievement of the country’s development, economic and social goals.

The approval of the budget confirms the UAE government’s keenness to achieve a balance between current development requirements and investment in future opportunities and to establish a government financial system characterized by flexibility, efficiency and sustainability. It supports the continuation of the comprehensive development process and enhances the UAE’s position among the most advanced and prosperous countries in the world.

Dubai , October 12, 2026 : H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council, opened today the 25th edition of ‘The Airport Show 2026’ at Dubai World Trade Centre. Running until 14 October, the event brings together more than 150 exhibitors from over 30 countries, showcasing the latest innovations and advanced solutions in airport development, digital transformation, aviation security and sustainability.

On this occasion, H.H. Sheikh Mansoor said that Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a global aviation hub by developing advanced infrastructure and adopting innovative technologies to enhance efficiency, competitiveness, and sustainable growth. Sheikh Mansoor also highlighted the role of aviation in driving economic growth and connecting global markets, noting that Dubai continues to invest in its airport ecosystem to keep pace with growth in travel and trade, improve service quality and enhance the passenger experience.

Sheikh Mansoor further emphasised the role of ‘The Airport Show’ in facilitating knowledge exchange, strengthening international partnerships and showcasing the latest innovations in digital transformation, artificial intelligence and sustainability, supporting efforts to improve airport efficiency, security and safety.

During the tour, H.H. Sheikh Mansoor was accompanied by Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai; and Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South.

Sheikh Mansoor visited the pavilions of Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects, Smiths Detection, Empower, Schneider Electric, Emaratech, dnata, Amadeus, Dubai Air Navigation Services, Vanderlande, ADB SAFEGATE, NAFFCO Aviation, Dubai Police and the German pavilion.

H.H. commended the international participation and innovations on display, highlighting the exhibition’s role in strengthening partnerships and advancing the aviation sector.

Meanwhile, Khalifa Al Zaffin said that Dubai’s aviation sector had grown rapidly, with Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects playing a pivotal role in planning and developing airport infrastructure, strengthening the emirate’s position as a global aviation hub connecting East and West.

Al Zaffin added that Dubai continues to strengthen its global standing through the development of Al Maktoum International Airport. The airport’s first phase is expected to begin operations in 2032, with an annual capacity of 150 million passengers. Upon completion, capacity will rise to 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of air cargo annually, with construction progressing rapidly.

Suzanne Al Anani, CEO of Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects, said the Airport Show was launched 25 years ago with the vision of bringing regional and international aviation leaders together to exchange expertise, build partnerships and showcase the latest innovations. It has since grown into a prominent international event for the sector.

She added that the 25th edition continues to strengthen partnerships with leading global companies and explore emerging technologies to support Dubai’s airport expansion projects, develop infrastructure and shape the future of aviation.

Held alongside the Airport Show will be the 13th edition of the Global Airport Leaders’ Forum, the Women in Aviation Middle East Conference, Airport Security Middle East, and the Air Traffic Control (ATC) Forum. Together, these events will provide a comprehensive platform to discuss the key challenges and opportunities facing the aviation industry and showcase innovative solutions that will help shape the future of airports worldwide.

`Dubai , October 12, 2026 : In a global first, etisalat UAE has become the first operator to commercially launch 2×2 uplink MIMO with carrier aggregation for smartphones.

The new capability enables up to three times upload speed for compatible smart phones exclusively on etisalat UAE’s 5.5G network. The technology enables greater capacity and bandwidth to communicate and upload high-resolution photos, share videos, send large files faster, and use a growing range of AI-powered applications more quickly.

The 2×2 uplink MIMO sends two streams of data simultaneously, while carrier aggregation combines network capacity across different frequency bands. Together, these technologies allow the device to send more data at once and increase upload performance.

Marwan Bin Shakar, Chief Technology Officer, etisalat UAE, said: “Mobile experiences are changing. Smartphones are no longer primarily consuming content; they are creating, sharing and increasingly sending richer data to AI and cloud applications in real time. That changes what we need from the network. By bringing this capability to smartphones for the first time globally, we are increasing upload capacity where it matters and ensuring our 5.5G network is ready for how customers will use their devices next.”

The advancement comes as the latest smartphones are increasingly designed around richer content, cloud services and AI capabilities. Many of these experiences depend not only on how quickly a phone can receive information, but also on how quickly it can send it.

For example, when a user asks AI assistant to interpret an image, analyse a document or respond to what their camera is seeing, that content first needs to be uploaded. Getting greater upload capacity can get that content to the cloud faster, helping make these interactions more responsive.

The launch reflects etisalat UAE’s continued investment in 5.5G, ensuring that network performance keeps pace with the rapidly evolving capabilities of smartphones and the applications customers use on them. As mobile experiences become increasingly data-rich and connected, etisalat UAE continues to evolve its network to support how customers create, communicate and interact through their devices, while building the foundation for the next generation of mobile experiences, turning network innovation into everyday value through faster uploads, richer sharing and support for the next generation of AI experiences.

While mobile networks have traditionally focused on enhancing downlink capacity, the way customers use their smartphones is creating a growing need for stronger uplink performance. As customers increasingly share high-resolution photos, videos and other rich content, uplink capacity can become a limiting factor.

By introducing 2×2 uplink MIMO and Carrier Aggregation, etisalat UAE is addressing this emerging need, enabling faster uploads and a more responsive experience for today’s data-intensive applications.

Dubai , October 10, 2026 : In his capacity as the Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, issued Law No. (20) of 2026 establishing the Dubai Orchestra Foundation.

The Foundation aims to advance the arts and orchestral music in Dubai, strengthen the emirate’s regional and international cultural standing, preserve local artistic heritage, and showcase the UAE’s musical excellence. It will also support the development of Dubai’s musical infrastructure, nurture local talent and contribute to the growth of orchestras across the emirate. Through these efforts, the Foundation will further strengthen the creative economy, reinforce Dubai’s position as a leading destination for culture, arts and cultural tourism, and encourage investment in the music and performing arts industries.

The Law sets out the Foundation’s key responsibilities, including establishing a local orchestra, participating in performances in the UAE and abroad, promoting Emirati musical heritage and supporting emerging talent, including People of Determination. The Foundation will develop an annual calendar of musical events, build local and international partnerships, support music education and production, host international orchestras, and strengthen collaboration with orchestras and cultural institutions around the world.

Under the Law, the Foundation will be governed by a Board of Trustees and supported by an executive body. The Board will comprise a Chairman, Vice Chairman and members with relevant expertise, appointed by the Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. Its responsibilities include overseeing the Foundation’s operations, approving key policies, plans and budget, and appointing the CEO and Artistic Director.

According to the Law, the executive body will comprise the CEO alongside administrative, financial and technical

staff. The CEO will report directly to the Board and will be responsible for managing the Foundation’s Day to day operations and implementing its approved plans and programmes.

The Law also requires government entities to cooperate with and support the Foundation in carrying out its responsibilities, in accordance with the relevant regulations and directives of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, and the Community Development Authority. The Chairman of the Board will issue the decisions required to implement the Law.

The Law takes effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.

These new initiatives will put the UAE in the lead in global financial architecture and reinforce the country’s position in innovation and financial technology

Dubai​, October 09, 2026​ : The UAE Central Bank is currently executing 35 financial projects that, once implemented, will change the way consumers use money, according to officials and experts who spoke at a conference titled: The Future of Money, organised by the Dubai Chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).

“The real meaning of money has changed a lot in the last three decades – from bank notes to ‘plastic money’ or credit and debit cards and we have now entered into an environment of cashless transactions,” CA Rishi Chawla, Chairman of the Dubai Chapter of the ICAI, said in his opening remarks at the conference.

“In the coming years, digital currencies are going to change the way we see and use money. In fact the meaning of money is also changing as we embrace the Fourth Industrial Revolution where everything is going to become digital and virtual – including money. This is why, we need to examine the changing financial landscape and adjust our way of dealing with money.”

The UAE has already implemented 104 financial projects under the Phase I of its Financial Infrastructure Transformation (FIT) Programme in recent years to adapt to the changing global financial eco-system since the COVID-19 pandemic, including the launch of the UAE Switch – the domestic payment gateway. 

The FIT Programme aims to support financial services sector, promote digital transactions, and enable the UAE’s competitiveness to become the financial and digital payment hub and a centre of excellence for innovation and digital transformation through encouraging innovation and collaboration as well as competition in the financial sector.

Jamal Al Saleh, Secretary-General of the UAE Banking Federation (UBF), says, “As per the UAE Government’s Vision, all public services will be available on smartphones. The banks in the UAE are also aligning and evolving in line with the government’s vision by embracing technology and integrating the latest fintech solutions into their payment systems to offer maximum flexibility to their customers.

“The UAE Central Bank is now getting ready to roll out the Phase II of the FIT Programme that will bring the digital currency into the UAE payment gateway – that will change the way consumers make payment for their purchases.

“The UAE Central Bank, the UBF and the banks are currently working on to introduce E-guarantees and E-Cheques – that will change the entire payment eco-system as businesses are now registering for E-Invoicing as well.”

An e-cheque (electronic check) is a digital version of a paper check that moves funds directly between bank accounts using electronic networks like the Automated Clearing House (ACH) system. According to Nacha (the governing body for the US ACH network), the entire network handled 35.2 billion transactions valued at US$93 trillion in 2025.

He said, the way Artificial Intelligence (AI) is growing, the country needs to regulate the AI sector and the auditing and financial community needs to cope up with AI as well.

The conference, attended by more than 500 members of ICAI, featured keynote addresses by eminent speakers who appraised the audience on the speed in which AI is changing the economic environment.

Abdallah Abu-Sheikh, Founder & CEO Mal, UAE, said, “We are witnessing a tectonic shift in work driven by AI. People no longer need to know how to design, compute or calculate. There are AI tools to do that.

“Today, your bank account will tell you when to apply for a loan and how much loan your business might need to seek to manage growth. Most accounting firms will become a trading platform – to raise bills as accounting will be managed by AI tools. Your bank account will self-audit itself. So, we are entering a completely new world of automation driven by AI.”

With more than 3,200 members, ICAI Dubai Chapter is the largest business group in the UAE. Established in 1982, it is also the largest, most active and award-winning chapter among the 44 overseas chapters of ICAI. It has registered a phenomenal growth in membership has exceeded 3,200 members who represent more than 1,550 multinationals and other companies.

In order to fully automise payment and auditing, businesses will rely on regulated digital escrow eco-system for transparency and accountability in business transactions.

Parvez Akram Siddiqui, Co-Founder of TrustIn, said: “TrustIn is a first-of-its-kind fully digital, regulated escrow-as-a-service platform, making secure transaction infrastructure accessible to the mass market across services, marketplaces, supply chains, M&A and other commercial use cases.”

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.

When the going gets tough, the team Atrangi did what Dubai does best — they Dubai’d it. For owner Aziz Merchant and Chef Ritu Dalmia, this year’s MICHELIN recognition is also a story about resilience. The year brought extraordinary challenges for the hospitality industry. Atrangi chose to stay open and did not make anyone redundant. It did not place its employees on unpaid leave.

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Dubai,  October 08, 2026​ : Three years after opening its doors at Jumeirah Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah, Atrangi by Ritu Dalmia has once again been recognised in the Michelin Guide as a Michelin Selected Restaurant, marking its 3rd consecutive year of recognition since opening in 2023.

The UAE has 26,795 restaurants and cafes, including 13,000 in Dubai, according to a latest report. As of the 2026 selections, there are 178 total Michelin-recognised restaurants across the UAE, including 122 in Dubai and 56 in Abu Dhabi.

The UAE food service market reached nearly US$8.71 billion to US$23.21 billion in 2025 (with the broader food products market valued at US$15.68 billion), driven by heavy tourism, an expatriate population of over 200 nationalities, and rapid tech integration

The Michelin Guide unveiled the fifth edition of its Dubai selection at a ceremony held at Atlantis The Royal. With 122 restaurants representing 38 cuisine types, this edition celebrates Dubai’s growing global culinary credentials. From homegrown neighbourhood eateries to glamorous fine dining destinations, the selection reveals a culinary scene that continues to develop and expand apace.

For Atrangi, three consecutive years of Michelin recognition is not simply a measure of what happens on the plate. It represents four years of consistency, creativity and an unwavering commitment to its guests, its people and its craft. But in 2026, the recognition carries a deeper meaning.

For owner Aziz Merchant and Chef Ritu Dalmia, this year’s Michelin recognition is also a story about resilience. The year brought extraordinary challenges for the hospitality industry, with regional uncertainty and war-related crises placing pressure on travel, tourism, consumer confidence and businesses across the region.

Atrangi chose to stay open. The restaurant did not close for a single day. It did not make a single member of its team redundant. It did not place its employees on unpaid leave. And it did not delay or reduce salaries. Instead, Atrangi continued to welcome guests, operate its kitchen and dining room, introduce a new menu and, most importantly, stand together with the team that has been at the heart of its journey since opening.

That decision reflects something deeply aligned with the character of the city in which Atrangi operates. Dubai has built its success on resilience — the ability to face uncertainty, adapt quickly and keep moving forward.

Dubai’s leadership has consistently placed agility, collaboration and resilience at the heart of the emirate’s economic and tourism strategy. In 2026, economic-support measures introduced by the Dubai Government further demonstrated the importance placed on helping businesses and the hospitality sector navigate challenging circumstances while sustaining growth.

Aziz Merchant, Owner of Atrangi by Ritu Dalmia, said: “Dubai teaches you not to give up. We have been fortunate to operate in a city led by wise, caring and decisive leadership that understands the importance of business continuity, hospitality and, above all, people.”

Since opening in 2023, Atrangi has remained a Michelin Selected restaurant for three consecutive years. Its culinary identity is deeply rooted in India, but shaped by memories rather than convention. Chef Ritu Dalmia draws inspiration from the kitchens, traditions and stories of grandmothers from different Indian communities, creating food that is as much about emotion and memory as it is about technique.

Chef Ritu Dalmia said: “Atrangi has always been about the emotion behind food. This year reinforced for us that hospitality is ultimately about people. We are incredibly proud of our team, and to have remained together through a difficult period makes this year’s Michelin recognition especially meaningful. Our 2026 story resonates deeply with the values that have helped define Dubai as a global destination.”
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Dubai , October 9, 2026 : The Customer Council of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) hosted a dialogue session at Al Ghubaiba Bus Station, attended by a group of bus, marine transport and Dubai Metro users, to hear their views, suggestions and future expectations. Participants were welcomed by several CEOs, directors, managers and employees from the relevant RTA agencies and sectors.

The session reflects RTA’s commitment to strengthening direct communication channels with public transport users, taking notice of their views and expectations on the services provided, studying them, and offering appropriate solutions to enhance customer experience and boost happiness and satisfaction level with RTA services.

During the session, participants were introduced to key services, initiatives, communication channels and digital applications available to them. The session aimed to engage public transport users in service development by giving feedback, needs and suggestions first-hand. These insights are studied with a view to improving the mobility experience and align services with the needs of various community segments.

The Council discussed several topics and proposals related to bus and marine transport services. Key suggestions included increasing the frequency of trips and buses on selected high-demand routes, adding more air-conditioned bus shelters, broadening the range of uses for nol cards, studying an extension of Dubai Metro operating hours, boosting marine transport trips, and introducing new routes and services.

At the close of the session, customers expressed appreciation for RTA’s organisation of such dialogue sessions, which offer an opportunity for direct engagement with RTA officials and for sharing comments and suggestions. They also commended RTA’s commitment to listening to public transport users and involving them in the ongoing development of services and enhancement of the mobility experience in Dubai.