News

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.

Ajman , October 5, 2026 : A legal seminar organised by the Ajman Arbitration Centre, affiliated with Ajman Chamber, discussed updates to the “Regulation on the Registration of Arbitrators and Experts at the Ajman Arbitration Centre for the Year 2026” and the criteria and requirements for registering arbitrators and experts.

Organised in cooperation with the Higher Institute for Legal Training and the Emirates Association for Lawyers and Legal Professionals, the seminar sought to enhance knowledge of arbitration practices and support the development of specialised legal competencies.

Hindi Obaid Al Matrooshi, Secretary-General of the Ajman Arbitration Centre, attended the seminar via video conference, alongside specialists in the legal and arbitration fields and experts from relevant professional disciplines.

Al Matrooshi highlighted the importance of the seminar amid the growing role of arbitration as an effective means of resolving commercial disputes swiftly and flexibly, stressing the need for competent, experienced and specialised arbitrators and experts who meet clear and objective standards in line with developments in the economic sector and the needs of the business community.

He explained that registration as an arbitrator at the Ajman Arbitration Centre is open to experienced professionals in commercial, financial, engineering, accounting, legal and other technical and professional fields.

Al Matrooshi said, “Updating the Regulation and clarifying the mechanisms for its application represents a significant step in developing the arbitration system in the Emirate of Ajman, and providing a specialised base of competent and experienced arbitrators and experts. This enhances confidence in dispute resolution procedures, supports the provision of a more stable and transparent business environment, and boosts the Emirate’s attractiveness for investment and business.”

The seminar covered the Regulation on the Registration of Arbitrators and Experts, including the frameworks and procedures governing registration, the criteria for classifying and selecting arbitrators and experts, and mechanisms for renewing registration.

Participants exchanged knowledge and expertise and raised questions about registration, classification and renewal procedures, helping clarify the provisions of the Regulation and its implementation mechanisms and enhance the readiness of arbitrators and experts to meet its requirements.

Dubai , October 4, 2026 : Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin
Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and
Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Executive Council of
Dubai, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will organise the
inaugural Dubai International Electric Vehicle Exhibition and
Conference 2026 (EV World 2026) from 10th to 12th November 2026 at
Dubai World Trade Centre, under the theme: Driving a Smart and
Sustainable Mobility Future.
The event forms part of Dubai’s vision to accelerate the shift towards a
smarter, more sustainable transport system and consolidate the emirate’s
position as a global hub for mobility innovation. It also reflects RTA’s
commitment to accelerating the adoption of green mobility solutions,
anticipating future mobility trends, and harnessing advanced technologies
to develop an integrated transport system that supports sustainability and
emissions-reduction goals.
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board
of Executive Directors, Roads and Transport Authority, said: “The
inaugural Dubai International Electric Vehicle Exhibition and
Conference 2026 (EV World 2026) reaffirms Dubai’s standing as a global

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hub for innovation and the future economy, and as a platform that brings
together companies, investors, developers and decision-makers to chart
the future of a sector experiencing rapid growth and fundamental shifts in
technology, business models and value chains.”
Rapid Transition
Al Tayer added: “The global public transport sector is undergoing a rapid
transition towards electric and new energy vehicles, driven by major
advances in battery technology, clean energy, charging infrastructure,
artificial intelligence and autonomous systems. This transformation is
creating significant economic and investment opportunities for cities
capable of building an integrated ecosystem that combines flexible
regulatory frameworks, advanced infrastructure, innovation and public-
private partnerships.
“Dubai has strong competitive advantages that position it to play a pivotal
role in this transition, supported by an environment that attracts
investment, talent and global companies, as well as a strong capacity to
adopt future technologies and translate them into real-world applications.
RTA has adopted the ‘Zero-Emissions Public Transportation in Dubai
2050’ strategy, becoming the first entity in the Middle East to establish a
long-term strategy for transitioning to net-zero-emission public transport
by 2050.”
Showcasing the Latest Innovations
Al Tayer continued: “EV World 2026 will serve as an international platform
for exchanging expertise, forging partnerships and showcasing the latest
innovations in electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, charging and
sustainable energy technologies, smart infrastructure, air mobility and
autonomous systems. The participation of more than 300 local and
international companies, authorities and organisations reflects growing
interest in Dubai as a promising market and a hub for developing future
mobility solutions.”
He added: “Through this event, we aim to deepen collaboration with
leading global companies, research and development centres, and
specialised institutions; attract advanced technologies and high-value
investments; and support the development of an integrated economic
ecosystem for electric and smart mobility. This will help reduce emissions,
enhance the efficiency and sustainability of the transport system, support
Dubai’s goals of building a more competitive and sustainable economy,
and improve quality of life for current and future generations.”

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Broad Participation
The event is expected to attract more than 300 local and international
companies, authorities and organisations, over 30 business partners, and
70 speakers from organisations specialising in sustainable transport,
along with more than 10,000 industry specialists and interested visitors.
Participants will showcase the latest solutions and technologies in electric
vehicle manufacturing and operations, battery management, hydrogen
fuel cells, sustainable energy technologies, fast-charging stations, smart
infrastructure, unmanned aerial vehicles and autonomous systems, as
well as digital solutions and artificial intelligence applications that enhance
the efficiency of future mobility systems.
Preparations Gather Momentum
Preparations for the event are gathering pace in collaboration with local
and international partners, as efforts continue to deliver an inaugural
edition that reflects Dubai’s position as a global hub for innovation and
advanced technologies in transport and mobility.
Al Tayer met with Dr Zhang Yongwei, Chairman of China EV100, to
explore opportunities for cooperation and expand international
partnerships in electric vehicles, new energy vehicles, and smart and
sustainable mobility.
The meeting explored ways to deepen cooperation in support of the
Dubai International Electric Vehicle Exhibition and Conference 2026
and strengthen its role as a regional platform connecting government
entities, global companies and leaders across the mobility sector.
The two sides also discussed opportunities to exchange expertise in
electric vehicles and smart and sustainable mobility, and to forge strategic
partnerships with leading Chinese institutions and companies across the
new energy vehicle ecosystem and future transport technologies.
Preparations for the event also included the signing of a cooperation
agreement with China EV100, China’s electric vehicle alliance, aimed
at expanding the participation of Chinese companies and institutions in
the exhibition and conference, strengthening cooperation in industry,
technology, and research and development, and connecting China’s
advanced capabilities with the growing investment and commercial
opportunities across the UAE and the wider region.

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The Organising Committee also conducted a series of promotional visits
and international meetings in China, Germany, Belgium and India to raise
awareness of the event, attract specialised companies and institutions,
expand its network of international partners, and broaden the participation
of key players across electric vehicles, batteries, charging infrastructure,
clean energy and smart technologies.
Integrated Platform for Investment and Innovation
Building on this strong local and international momentum, the Dubai
International Electric Vehicle Exhibition and Conference 2026 is
reinforcing its role as a leading platform bringing together stakeholders
from across the electric mobility ecosystem, from manufacturers, investors
and infrastructure developers to government entities and smart
technology providers. In doing so, it strengthens Dubai’s position as a
global hub for electric and smart mobility and supports the development of
an integrated ecosystem for partnerships, investment and innovation in
sustainable transport.
The event offers an opportunity to strengthen dialogue across the sector,
explore investment and partnership opportunities, and address the
challenges associated with the wider adoption of electric vehicles,
including the development of charging infrastructure, battery
management, vehicle-grid integration, and the advancement of
technologies and systems supporting electric mobility.
The exhibition and conference also underscore Dubai’s drive to build an
integrated electric mobility ecosystem that extends beyond vehicles
themselves to encompass infrastructure, technology, energy, smart
systems, specialised talent and investment partnerships, further
strengthening the emirate’s readiness for the next phase of transformation
in the transport sector.
Supported by Dubai’s strategic location, advanced infrastructure,
extensive experience in operating clean-energy vehicles and broad
network of international partnerships, the event will further strengthen the
emirate’s position as a global hub for developing, testing and adopting
electric and smart mobility solutions, while supporting efforts to build a
more sustainable and efficient future for transport and mobility.
Zero-Emission Public Transport
RTA continues to strengthen the emirate’s position as a global capital for
sustainable and environmentally friendly mobility through an integrated

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strategy aimed at achieving a full transition to zero-emission public
transport by 2050.
RTA is translating this future-focused vision into action through a
comprehensive framework spanning vehicles, public buses and marine
transport, in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and UAE Net
Zero 2050 Strategy.
As part of its efforts to modernise the taxi and limousine sectors, RTA has
increased the share of environmentally friendly hybrid vehicles in Dubai’s
taxi and limousine fleet to more than 72%. Electric vehicles now account
for 19% of the fleet, exceeding the target set for 2026. RTA has also
developed an ambitious operational plan to convert the entire taxi and
limousine fleet to electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles by 2040.
In parallel, RTA is expanding the testing and deployment of autonomous
electric vehicles in collaboration with leading global companies, while
developing advanced fast-charging infrastructure across public parking
areas and major transport facilities.
Advanced Electric Buses
In the public bus sector, RTA has made significant progress in replacing
conventional buses with advanced electric models specifically designed to
operate in the region’s climatic conditions. RTA continues to conduct
operational trials of the latest fast-charging and opportunity-charging
technologies, while equipping bus stations with renewable energy
systems and high-capacity power supply equipment to ensure efficient
and sustainable round-the-clock operations.
RTA’s efforts also extend beyond land transport to the marine transport
sector, which has undergone a major transformation through the
development of traditional abras and modern marine transport modes
operating across Dubai Creek and Dubai Water Canal using
environmentally friendly electric and hydrogen-powered propulsion
systems. These modes help reduce carbon emissions and noise pollution
while preserving the heritage identity of Dubai’s iconic marine transport
and providing passengers and tourists with a smooth, quiet travel
experience that enhances quality of life.

Abudhabi , October 2, 2026 : The Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development (DCD) has launched the Jiran volunteer programme to help new residents settle into life in Abu Dhabi and build connections within their local communities.

Launched in collaboration with the Emirates Foundation and in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the programme was unveiled during the Liveability and Investment Exhibition (LIVEX 2026), organised by the Department of Municipalities and Transport.

Jiran, the Arabic word for “neighbours”, aims to provide new residents with a welcoming environment that reflects the UAE’s values of hospitality while introducing them to services, opportunities and amenities in their neighbourhoods. The initiative forms part of DCD’s efforts to enhance quality of life and strengthen community connections across the emirate.

The programme will be supported by volunteers recruited and trained by the Emirates Foundation to welcome new residents, answer questions and provide practical information on government services, schools, healthcare facilities, community spaces and other essential amenities.

Volunteers will also introduce residents to local initiatives and events, while information resources will provide an introduction to Abu Dhabi’s culture and way of life. New arrivals will receive welcome gifts featuring locally made products and have direct access to trained volunteers as points of contact.

The programme will initially be rolled out across Yas Island, Saadiyat Island and Al Reem Island in partnership with ADREC and ADGM. The pilot phase will assess its impact and refine its approach before expansion to other areas of Abu Dhabi.

Mohammed Hilal Al Balooshi, Executive Director of the Community Engagement and Empowerment Sector at the Abu Dhabi DCD, said, “The Jiran programme reflects DCD’s vision of building stronger, more connected communities by encouraging meaningful relationships and a culture of community participation. As Abu Dhabi continues to welcome people from around the world, initiatives such as Jiran help new residents get to know their local communities and feel a sense of belonging from day one.”

Al Balooshi added, “The Jiran programme demonstrates an innovative approach to community engagement by encouraging residents to play an active role in welcoming and supporting new arrivals. The programme also embodies the UAE’s values of solidarity, cooperation and tolerance, while helping to strengthen quality of life and reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as an inclusive and welcoming place for everyone who calls it home.”

Rashed Abdulkarim Al Blooshi, CEO of the Registration Authority (RA) of ADGM, said, “ADGM is committed to building a vibrant and connected community that supports the people who live, work and thrive within our jurisdiction. Through our partnership in the Jiran programme, we are pleased to help welcome new residents, foster meaningful community connections and contribute to an inclusive resident experience that reflects Abu Dhabi’s exceptional quality of life.”

Ghazi Saeed Al Ateibi, Executive Director of the Real Estate Transactions Sector, said, “The strength of a real estate market is not measured by transactions alone, but by its ability to create places where people choose to live, settle and build their future. As custodian of Abu Dhabi’s real estate sector, our mandate gives us an important role in supporting that wider ambition, including through collaboration across government.”

Mohamed Al Hosani, Director of the Leadership and Empowerment Department at Emirates Foundation, said, “Through Jiran, we are recruiting and equipping volunteers to provide a welcoming and supportive experience for new residents, helping them get to know their communities and settle into life in Abu Dhabi from their very first steps.”

The Emirates Foundation will recruit and train volunteers, oversee the programme’s implementation and support its future expansion across Abu Dhabi.