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Abudhabi , October 28, 2026 : Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, said the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and Canada is expected to contribute approximately US$8.7 billion to the UAE’s gross domestic product (GDP) and increase UAE exports to Canada by around US$11.8 billion by 2033, highlighting its anticipated positive impact on both countries’ economies, trade and investment.

In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the occasion of the agreement’s signing, Al Zeyoudi said it was the first CEPA the UAE had signed with a G7 member country. He noted that work with other G7 countries had been completed, but the agreement with Canada was the first to be signed within the group.

He explained that the agreement provides for extensive trade liberalisation, covering approximately 99% of the total value of existing bilateral trade and 97% of all tariff lines.

Al Zeyoudi said the agreement builds on strong bilateral trade performance, with non-oil trade reaching approximately US$4.2 billion last year, representing growth of more than 22%. Trade also grew by 18% in the first half of this year compared with the corresponding period last year.

He noted that a wide range of goods would benefit from the agreement, particularly existing UAE exports to Canada, including iron, aluminium, metals, gold, certain electronic products, pharmaceuticals and food products.

Canadian exports to the UAE, including machinery, electronic equipment, spare parts and food products, would also benefit, with opportunities for further manufacturing and re-export to global markets.

Al Zeyoudi emphasised that the agreement places significant importance on services and investment, pointing to the scale of UAE investments in Canada. He recalled the announcement of US$50 billion in planned UAE investments in Canada during the Canadian Prime Minister’s visit to the UAE last year.

He also said UAE and Canadian companies are currently engaged in trade and investment negotiations valued at US$15 billion.

Existing investments are concentrated in the energy sector, a key pillar of bilateral relations, as well as logistics, supported by DP World’s investments and strong presence in Canada, alongside real estate and various infrastructure projects.

Al Zeyoudi said current investment priorities include data centres, which are expected to play a major role in the next phase of investment. He added that numerous agreements and memoranda of understanding would be announced under the partnership, sustaining momentum in bilateral relations.

He also highlighted Canadian investments in the UAE across real estate, logistics and energy, alongside investment funds supporting Canada’s expansion into the wider region through the UAE.

Al Zeyoudi underscored the opportunities the agreement offers small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs, as well as its focus on service sectors that facilitate business operations for companies and entrepreneurs based in the UAE, while safeguarding the interests of both countries.

He explained that Canada views the UAE as a gateway to the Middle East and Africa in particular, while the UAE sees Canada as a gateway for expanding its investments in Canada and accessing the US market.

Sharjah , October 28, 2026 : The University of Sharjah (UoS) hosted the 23rd International Conference on Computer Systems and Applications (AICCSA 2026), a four-day gathering focused on advances in computing, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies.

Organised in cooperation with the Association for Computing Machinery and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the conference provided a forum for researchers, academics, and specialists to present their latest findings and innovations and discuss the future of computer systems and their applications.

The programme featured 77 research papers presented by researchers from 41 countries, reflecting the international breadth and scientific calibre of contributions. It also included specialised technical sessions, keynote addresses by leading experts and academics, virtual workshops, and a competition showcasing research and graduation projects by students in the University’s College of Computing and Informatics.

Prof. Maamar Bettayeb, Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies at UoS, emphasised the importance of international research and academic cooperation in computer science and emerging technologies.

Hosting the conference, he said, aligned with the University’s 2030 strategy, which prioritises digital transformation, innovation, and the development of research expertise.

Prof. Bettayeb further highlighted the rapid advances in AI and intelligent systems, stressing the need to develop these technologies according to standards that ensure security, privacy, and reliability. He also underscored the role of universities in translating research findings into practical solutions that support sustainable development and a knowledge-based economy.

Prof. Mohammed Adel Serhani, Acting Dean of the College of Computing and Informatics at UoS, described the conference as an important opportunity to strengthen research cooperation and exchange scientific expertise. He noted the growing role of AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and emerging technologies in reshaping societies and economies.

He also called for interdisciplinary research and international partnerships among universities, research institutions, and industry to address challenges involving information security, privacy, and the responsible use of technology. Such cooperation, he said, helps turn scientific innovations into practical solutions that serve society.

The keynote addresses covered a range of subjects. Prof. Ernesto Damiani discussed recent advances in intelligent systems, cybersecurity, big data analytics, and privacy protection, while Dr. Basel Soudan examined the role of intelligent robots and drones in search-and-rescue operations during disasters.

Other conference sessions addressed intelligent systems, AI and its applications; cybersecurity and privacy; 6G and future networks; data science and machine learning; natural language processing; quantum computing; cloud and distributed computing; blockchain; and digital twins. Other topics included sustainable computing and the use of digital technologies across different sectors.

Announced at the Dubai AI Festival, the platform brings AI-powered capabilities across marketing, sales and customer support to Solopreneurs and SMBs

Dubai , October 28, 2026 : Dubai, 28 th October: Jio Haptik, a global leader in Agentic AI-powered customer experience
solutions and a Reliance Jio company, today announced the UAE launch of SOLO, an AI Business
Team designed to help solopreneurs and small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) manage
and grow their businesses with AI. With the goal to empower more than two million
solopreneurs and small businesses over the next two years the launch extends Haptik’s AI
capabilities to a broader base of entrepreneurs, bringing practical AI-powered business support
to those who may not have the resources to build dedicated teams.
With SMEs accounting for approximately 95% of businesses in the UAE, many entrepreneurs
have to wear multiple hats to keep their businesses running. From home bakers and boutique
owners to salon operators, independent consultants, fitness coaches and small retailers,
entrepreneurs often juggle marketing, lead generation, sales and customer support alongside
their core work. As AI adoption moves from experimentation to practical applications, SOLO can
help bridge this gap by making capabilities traditionally associated with larger enterprises more
accessible to smaller businesses.
Commenting on the launch, Ahshad Jussawalla, CEO of Jio Haptik, said: ““The opportunity with
AI is not just to help businesses become more efficient, but to rethink what a small team can
achieve. An entrepreneur should not have to choose between growing the business and keeping
up with the everyday work that growth demands. We see a future where individuals and small
teams can build ambitious businesses with AI working alongside them. The UAE, with its thriving
entrepreneurial ecosystem and focus on digital innovation, is an important market for us as we
work to make AI more accessible to businesses of all sizes, in line with the broader ambitions of
the UAE’s AI Strategy 2031.”
AI has learned to talk. Now it has to work. SOLO is built around this shift, moving beyond AI
tools that simply answer questions to an AI Business Team that can understand context,
respond to customer needs and take action across everyday business workflows.
The platform features two AI teammates: Tara, for marketing, and Ved, for sales and customer
support. Together, they help entrepreneurs manage activities such as creating marketing
content, responding to customer enquiries, following up with potential leads and handling

customer conversations across channels including WhatsApp and Instagram. By supporting
recurring tasks and workflows, SOLO aims to give entrepreneurs more time to focus on
business strategy, customer relationships and growth, without the cost and complexity of
building dedicated teams.
Building on its initial momentum in India, SOLO is now expanding to the UAE, leveraging Jio
Haptik's existing presence and partnerships in the region. The expansion marks an important
step in extending AI-powered business support to entrepreneurs beyond India. As the platform
evolves, the company plans to explore additional languages and new markets, with a focus on
making AI teammates accessible to businesses of different sizes across geographies.
​ 

Dubai , October 28, 2026 : The eighth edition of the Adventure and Camping Exhibition opened today at Expo Al Dhaid, bringing together more than 200 specialised companies and brands showcasing a diverse range of products and equipment tailored to the needs of camping, outdoor adventure and desert excursion enthusiasts. The exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to explore the latest products and prepare for the upcoming outdoor and camping season.

The exhibition was inaugurated by H.E. Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), in the presence of H.E. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, and H.E. Mohammed Musabah Al Tunaiji, Director of Expo Al Dhaid, alongside several officials and representatives of participating companies.

Following the opening ceremony, the dignitaries toured the exhibition halls, exploring the products and equipment showcased by participating companies. They were introduced to the latest camping and outdoor equipment, vehicle modifications and accessories, as well as a wide selection of outdoor essentials designed to combine practicality and comfort while meeting the needs of adventure and exploration enthusiasts.

Running until 1 November 2026, the exhibition serves as a specialised destination bringing together an extensive range of camping and outdoor products under one roof. It enables visitors to discover participating brands, compare available products and equipment, and engage directly with exhibitors to learn about product features and select options that best suit their needs.

The exhibition also allows visitors to explore a variety of options for preparing their outdoor trips, from essential camping supplies to specialised vehicle equipment and accessories for desert excursions. This helps visitors plan their outdoor experiences and choose equipment suited to different types of trips.

The diversity of exhibitors further provides visitors with the convenience of exploring multiple products in one location rather than searching across different retail outlets.

H.E. Mohammed Musabah Al Tunaiji, Director of Expo Al Dhaid, said: “The Adventure and Camping Exhibition provides a platform that connects outdoor and exploration enthusiasts with specialised companies offering the products and equipment they need. With growing interest in outdoor experiences and an increasingly diverse range of related products, we are committed to delivering an exhibition that enables visitors to explore available options first-hand, compare products and interact directly with exhibitors, helping them make informed decisions that meet their needs and aspirations.”

He added: “The participation of more than 200 companies and brands brings greater diversity to the products and solutions on display, while providing businesses with a valuable platform to showcase their offerings and reach their target audiences.

“We aim to continue developing the exhibition and enhancing its appeal to visitors and exhibitors alike, reinforcing its position among specialised events that combine community interests with commercial opportunities while delivering a practical and comprehensive experience for camping and adventure enthusiasts.”

Through the exhibition, Expo Al Dhaid continues to provide a platform connecting specialised companies with consumers, facilitating direct engagement, increasing product visibility and expanding market reach. The event also offers a dedicated shopping experience for those interested in camping, desert excursions and outdoor adventures.

Strategic merger brings together complementary expertise, professional excellence and a shared vision to strengthen audit, assurance, tax, technology and advisory services across the UAE, GCC and international markets.

Dubai, October 28, 2026 : Evas Constantin and Mac & Ross, two UAE-based audit and professional services firms, have announced their strategic merger to form CPAC IMEA, representing India, the Middle East and Africa.  Operating under the CPAC Global brand and international network, the merger marks a significant milestone in the firms’ shared journey towards building a stronger, more integrated professional services organisation, combining their expertise and resources to accelerate growth, expand their regional and international presence, and deliver greater value to clients across these markets.

The GCC countries introduced Value-Added Tax and Corporate Tax in recent years that require professional tax and compliance advisory services. The new tax laws, systems and processes create demand for trained tax professionals and tax advisory to support help more than 1.4 million businesses to file tax returns every year in the UAE.

Registered accounting firms in the UAE grew to 396, and chartered accountants reached 1,103 by late 2025 as reported by the UAE Ministry of Economy. The UAE’s finance and accounting outsourcing market was valued at US$663.6 million in 2024, expanding rapidly due to the introduction of the 9 percent corporate tax, evolving VAT regulations, and rising compliance demands.

The GCC auditing services market value is estimated to reach US$7.09 billion in 2025, which is nearly half of the Middle East’s US$15.22 billion auditing market, according to Fortune Business Insights.

Supporting this evolving market environment, the merger seeks to create a more capable and competitive professional services organisation, equipped to support businesses of varying sizes and across multiple industries.

Established in Dubai in 2014, Evas Constantin has evolved from a boutique accounting and audit practice into a well-established professional services firm, with a strong presence across the UAE through its offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, alongside an international footprint in India and Switzerland. 

Mac & Ross, founded in Dubai, UAE, in 2010, has similarly built a strong reputation in the professional services sector, progressively expanding its operations and capabilities across the UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Together, the two firms bring complementary strengths, extensive industry experience and established regional and international networks, providing a solid foundation for the growth and expansion of CPAC IMEA.

Vijay Mohan, Managing Partner of CPAC Global, said: “This is much more than a merger of two professional services firms. It is the coming together of people, experience, values and a shared vision for the future. By bringing Evas Constantin and Mac & Ross together under CPAC Global, we are building a stronger and more capable organisation that will create greater opportunities for our professionals and deliver enhanced value to our clients globally.

“Our collective strengths will help us to strengthen our presence in India, UAE, Saudi Arabia, the rest of the GCC and in the African countries and Switzerland. In the next few months, we plan to open new offices in the Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, India and Kenya.”

CPAC Global is an international audit, tax, accounting, and business advisory firm that operates across Southeast Asia, East Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Established in 2012, its global headquarters is based in Singapore. With a team of 250 professionals, it serves 2,500 clients across the world.

Dheeraj Ranasaria, Managing Partner of CPAC Global, said: “As the UAE and the wider GCC continue to advance their tax and regulatory frameworks, businesses increasingly require professional advisers who can provide integrated solutions across audit, taxation, technology, financial reporting, compliance and strategic advisory services.

“By combining our professional expertise, established client relationships and technological capabilities under CPAC Global, we will be better positioned to support our clients as they navigate these changes.”

The merger will help CPAC Global to align itself with the UAE Government’s vision for the best practices and help the accounting industry to play a bigger and better role.

The combined organisation intends to invest in talent development, digital transformation, technological capabilities and specialised advisory services to meet the changing expectations of businesses and regulators.

Dubai , October 28, 2026 : UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, today received the flydubai crew members involved in the in-flight incident on 30 September.

Their Highnesses praised the crew’s courage and professionalism in ensuring the safety of passengers and securing the aircraft, affirming that protecting people’s safety and security remains a top priority for the UAE.

The meeting was attended by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE; H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region; H.H. Sheikh Saif bin Mohammed Al Nahyan; H.H. Sheikh Suroorbin Mohammed Al Nahyan; H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Zayed for Good Foundation; Lt. General H.H. Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; H.H. Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zayed Authority for People of Determination; H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Adviser to the UAE President; H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group;

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence; along with a number of sheikhs, senior officials, and guests.

Dubai, October 28, 2026 : Binghatti Capital Limited, a Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA)-regulated investment management firm, today announced the successful completion of the investment strategy of Binghatti Pinnacle Development Fund LP (the “Fund”), delivering a 194% net internal rate of return (IRR) and a 2.3x net equity multiple to its external limited partners, after applicable fees, fund expenses and carry.

The Fund raised approximately US$29 million and pursued a single-asset, build-to-sell strategy, developing a mixed-use project comprising 178 units with an achieved gross development value of approximately US$115 million. Approximately 90% of units were sold before project completion, with contracted sales exceeding US$90 million.

The outcome reflects the combination of disciplined investment management, strong off-plan demand and the execution capabilities of Binghatti’s established development platform.

Ahmed Binghatti, Executive Chairman of Binghatti Capital, commented:

“Binghatti Pinnacle demonstrates how our development expertise and investment management capabilities can work together to create value for investors. Our focus is on selecting the right opportunities, delivering with discipline and translating development success into realised investor returns. This result marks an important milestone in building Binghatti Capital’s track record.”

Shehzad Janab, Senior Executive Officer of Binghatti Capital, commented:

“Successful development investing requires discipline across the entire investment lifecycle—from underwriting and capital deployment to construction, sales and distributions. Pinnacle’s 194% net IRR and 2.3x net equity multiple demonstrate both the value created and the speed at which capital was returned to investors. Maintaining execution momentum through heightened regional uncertainty was central to achieving this outcome.”

Having achieved its investment objectives and completed distributions to limited partners, the Fund is undergoing formal liquidation, subject to completion of the remaining regulatory and administrative requirements.

Dubai , October 27, 2026 : Dubai, ​October 27, 2026​ : Zimaya Properties, a Dubai-based boutique real estate developer, has announced the launch of Lawncrest, an AED 185 million residential development in Dubai Production City, as the Dubai-based developer continues to expand its presence in the emirate’s real estate market.

Dubai continues to attract homebuyers and investors from across the world, supported by its international appeal and long-term development vision. Against this backdrop, Zimaya is progressing with its residential portfolio, with Lawncrest marking the company’s fifth residential project in Dubai.

Zimaya Properties focuses on developing homes that combine practical layouts, quality finishes and considered design. The company has launched five projects to date, four of them have sold out, according to the developer. Its management team brings more than 30 years of combined experience in real estate, design, planning and construction delivery.

Located in Dubai Production City, Lawncrest comprises 183 residential units across a ten-storeybuilding, with views of the greens of Jumeirah Golf Estates. The development offers studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, emphasizing efficient use of space, natural light and functional layouts. Its location provides access to key destinations and established residential communities across Dubai.

Prices at Lawncrest start from AED 595,000 for a studio, with additional options available for buyers seeking larger homes. The project offers payment options intended to provide flexibility for purchasers, while its residential features include a focus on quality finishes and contemporary living.

Zimaya also emphasizes the design and features incorporated into its developments. The company collaborates with renowned interior designers and established brands, including Teka for kitchen appliances, and has partnered with Technogym to enhance residents’ lifestyle experiences. Home automation solutions further support the company’s focus on functional, modern homes.

According to Zimaya Properties, nearly 50 percent of Lawncrest’s units were sold within the first three weeks of launch. The company views the initial response as an encouraging sign as it continues to develop projects aligned with buyer preferences and market demand.

Looking ahead, Zimaya Properties has several projects in the pipeline, including a beachfront residential development on Dubai Islands, a boutique commercial project in Arjan, and further opportunities in Dubai Production City and beyond. 

The initial response to Lawncrest reflects continued confidence in Dubai’s real estate market and its appeal to buyers from diverse nationalities, including UAE residents and international investors. This resilience further strengthens Zimaya’s confidence in the market and its commitment to contributing to Dubai’s evolving real estate landscape.

Dubai , October 27, 2026 :  LuLu Financial Holdings (LFH), a leading global financial services group offering cross-border payments, currency exchange and financial technology solutions, has partnered with Purpleplum, a financial technology company providing digital banking infrastructure for banks, fintechs and enterprises, to reshape how financial services are delivered to businesses in the UAE. The partnership brings Purpleplum’s core-agnostic orchestration platform into LuLu Money Business, LFH’s SME-focused financial services proposition. By connecting existing banking infrastructure, payment rails, financial products and operational workflows, the collaboration aims to simplify how businesses transact, access financial services and manage their financial operations.

The partnership was formalised in the presence of Adeeb Ahamed, Managing Director, LuLu Financial Holdings; Kalyan Karteek Sadasivuni, Co-founder, Purpleplum; and Sai Sandeep Sadasivuni, Co-founder, Purpleplum, alongside senior leaders from both organisations.

The first phase supports LuLu Money Business’s banking proposition for SME and enterprise customers. It brings together digital business accounts issued by ruya, an Islamic bank licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE, alongside payments, cards, cross-border remittances and WPS/payroll services through a single digital experience. The digital account-opening journey is supported by agentic AI workflows, with thousands of registered business applications currently under review.

The deployment builds on LuLu Exchange’s established network and longstanding relationships with businesses across the UAE. Its WPS and salary administration services already support an extensive network of businesses and employees across the UAE.

Building on this reach, LuLu Money Business aims to move beyond individual payment and remittance transactions to address a wider range of financial needs, with the ambition of building a more connected financial ecosystem for SMEs.

The opportunity is significant in a market where SMEs account for nearly 95% of companies. According to the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism, the country has approximately 1.33 million SMEs, which contribute 63% of GDP and account for more than 85% of private-sector jobs.

Adeeb Ahamed, Managing Director, LuLu Financial Holdings, said: “With LuLu Money Business, our focus is on making everyday financial services simpler, more connected and easier to manage for SMEs. Through our partnership with Purpleplum, we are combining its modular, core-agnostic orchestration platform with our existing infrastructure to modernise how these services are delivered and unlock greater value from established financial rails. This gives us the flexibility to introduce new capabilities over time, deepen our financial relationships with businesses and expand what LuLu Money Business can offer as their needs evolve.”

The longer-term roadmap for LuLu Money Business includes working-capital lending, invoice and trade financing, corporate credit, receivables and payables management, accounting and financial automation, and additional banking and treasury services. These planned capabilities would enable SMEs to address a wider range of financial needs through a more integrated digital experience.

The technology has been designed for potential deployment across multiple markets, creating opportunities to extend LuLu Money Business’s SME proposition beyond the UAE into LuLu Financial Holdings’ wider footprint, including the GCC, India and Asia-Pacific, subject to local regulatory and business requirements.

Purpleplum plans to build a stronger presence in the region over the next 12 to 24 months, with the UAE serving as its regional base. The company plans to expand partnerships with banks, fintechs and financial-services businesses across the GCC and wider region, while growing its local team and ecosystem of technology and financial-services partners. 

Kalyan Karteek Sadasivuni, Co-founder & Managing Director, Purpleplum, said: “The Middle East is rapidly redefining the future of digital banking, driven by progressive regulation, forward-thinking institutions and a strong appetite for technological advancement. AI will play an increasingly important role in how financial institutions operate and deliver services. By combining AI-first banking infrastructure with a strong on-ground presence and local team, we aim to be a long-term technology and infrastructure partner for regional banks, fintechs and enterprises looking to build, launch and scale modern financial products faster.”

Purpleplum also plans to continue investing in its AI-native banking infrastructure, with AI becoming a core layer across the financial-services lifecycle – from customer onboarding and servicing to operations, compliance, payments and decision-making. The roadmap includes AI agents and intelligent workflows for banks and businesses, alongside capabilities across Islamic banking, embedded payments, trade finance, corporate lending and other financial services. The goal is to help financial institutions automate complex processes, improve customer experiences and launch and operate new financial products with greater speed and efficiency.

Dubai, October 27, 2026 : In support of Dubai Metro assets sustainability
RTA Completes 40% of Dubai Metro Lighting
Replacement Project, With Over 44,700 Units
Delivering annual electricity savings of over 14 million kWh

Dubai. Roads and Transport Authority. 27 September 2026:
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), has completed 40% of
the Lighting Replacement Project at Dubai Metro stations and
facilities, having replaced 17,880 conventional lighting units out of
44,700 with energy-efficient LED technology. The project forms part
of RTA's efforts to raise energy efficiency and develop Dubai Metro's
infrastructure according to the best sustainable operational practices,
thereby reducing environmental impact and enhancing the efficiency
of the public transport system.
The project is implemented in collaboration with Keolis MHI, the
company responsible for operating and maintaining Dubai Metro and
Dubai Tram, and aimed at enhancing energy efficiency, reducing
operation and maintenance cost, as well as carbon emissions, and
improving the sustainability of Metro facilities.
Phases 1 and 2 covered installing energy-efficient LED lighting at
footbridges and various passenger and operational areas across the
Red and Green Line stations. Works are progressing on Phase 3 to
upgrade lighting systems in the remaining facilities, including car
parks, tunnels, extension buildings, and power distribution stations,
in line with the set schedule.
Dawood Alrais, Director of Rail Maintenance at the Rail Agency,
RTA, said: "This step signifies a strategic investment in the
sustainability of Dubai Metro's assets, as the joint efforts have played
a crucial role in delivering a cost-effective solution that contributes to
reducing energy consumption, maintenance requirements, and
environmental impact," affirming that replacing the lighting units will
improve their quality and reliability, thereby enhancing the passenger
travel experience.
The new lighting units have an operational lifespan of up to 11 years
under continuous operation, compared to about one year for
conventional bulbs. This avoids 12 to 13 replacement cycles and
saves 6 to 7 man-hours per unit over its operational lifecycle, in
addition to reducing maintenance requirements and costs. Upon the
project's completion in 2027, electricity consumption is expected to
reduce by more than 14 million kWh annually.