GCC

Kuwait , February 24 , 2026 : The State of Kuwait is celebrating its 65th National Day this year, marking the occasion after a landmark development year in 2025 that reflected the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Emir of Kuwait, to build a prosperous nation advancing steadily toward the future.

Kuwait’s progress has been underpinned by a solid economic foundation, humanitarian and diplomatic leadership, and a growing international standing.

The publication “State of Kuwait: Deep-Rooted Foundations and Steps Toward the Future,” issued by the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf, highlights Kuwait’s achievement of significant financial and investment surpluses, supported by sovereign wealth fund assets exceeding $1 trillion and banking sector assets surpassing 100 billion Kuwaiti dinars.

The figures underscore the resilience of the financial system and sustained international confidence in the national economy.

The report notes that the Kuwait Stock Exchange posted gains of more than 9.6 billion dinars, reinforcing investor confidence and the country’s investment appeal. Kuwait also ranked 19th globally in the National Brand Value Index, with national brand value equivalent to around 9 percent of GDP — among the highest ratios worldwide.

In innovation, Kuwait placed among the world’s top 10 in the Global Innovation Index (GII 2025), supported by advances in digital infrastructure and progress across key pillars, including 5G technologies, mobile internet speed, government digitalisation, and digital workforce efficiency. The country’s sovereign credit ratings remained in the high category with a stable outlook, further strengthening its global economic standing.

In 2025, Kuwait recorded several notable milestones, including performing the longest-distance transcontinental robotic surgery, achieving the highest daily gas production rate in 90 years at the Jaza Offshore Field, and announcing major archaeological discoveries on Failaka Island. Progress was also reported in civil aviation safety standards and in the development of public health laboratories in line with international benchmarks.

Kuwait continued to reinforce its role as a global humanitarian hub, maintaining its long-standing engagement in international relief efforts. Diplomatically, it registered its first United Nations resolution under its name in fields related to innovation, marking a further step in its international engagement.

The country also marked 45 years as a cornerstone member of the Gulf Cooperation Council, having hosted eight GCC summits that contributed to economic and regulatory integration, including steps toward the GCC common market, financial market coordination, unified environmental and logistics systems, and broader Arab economic cooperation.

Sharjah , February 24, 2026 : Sharjah will participate in ITB Berlin 2026—the world’s largest trade event specialising in the travel and tourism sector—taking place from 3rd to 5th March 2026.

The participation will be under the umbrella of the Sharjah Pavilion. The delegation, alongside the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), includes 20 entities from the emirate’s public and private sectors.

During the exhibition, the delegation will highlight tourism and development projects aimed at supporting sector growth and increasing its contribution to the economy. Sharjah will also promote its range of tourism offerings across the city, Central Region and Eastern Region.

The participation also highlights Sharjah’s integrated cultural ecosystem, which includes various specialised museums, nature reserves, archaeological and historical sites, forts and castles, as well as destinations and sites listed under UNESCO heritage. In addition, Sharjah’s distinctive beaches and waterfronts—key attractions for visitors—reflect the diversity of the emirate’s tourism experience.

The participation also underscores the variety of hotel accommodation experiences that distinguish the emirate.

Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, said participation in ITB Berlin forms part of efforts to strengthen Sharjah’s presence in international markets and expand partnerships, particularly in Europe.

Al Midfa added, “This participation is of particular importance given the status of the European market as one of the main tourism source markets, including the German market, which has shown growing interest in cultural and eco-tourism and authentic experiences—an alignment with the assets and strengths of Sharjah.”

Sharjah’s participation in ITB Berlin aims to strengthen its presence on the international tourism scene and to highlight the diversity of its tourism products and its cultural and natural assets and distinctive tourism experiences.

Through this participation, the emirate seeks to consolidate its position as a leading destination for family and leisure tourism, and explore opportunities for cooperation and partnerships with European markets—particularly the German market—given that it is among the key tourist source markets.

Sharjah has seen growth in European visitors in recent years, with their share of total hotel guests rising to 20 percent in 2025 from 16 percent in 2024. The emirate aims to build on this momentum and further increase visitor numbers.

Dubai , February 24 , 2026 : Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is set to organise the
inaugural Dubai International Electric Vehicle Exhibition and
Conference 2026, scheduled to take place from 10 th to 12 th
November 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, under the theme
“Driving a Smart and Sustainable Mobility Future.” The event will
bring together a broad spectrum of companies operating in the
electric vehicle (EV) and sustainable mobility sector, alongside
decision-makers, experts, and specialists from around the world.
The exhibition is expected to attract over 300 local and international
companies, authorities, and organisations, showcasing their latest
innovations and solutions in the fields of EV manufacturing and
operation, as well as smart infrastructure. It will also bring together
over 30 business partners from specialised entities operating in the
sustainable transport sector and autonomous vehicle software. The
event is anticipated to welcome more than 10,000 specialist visitors
and interested participants, while the accompanying conference will
feature a distinguished line-up of speakers, including leaders and
experts in EVs, advanced technologies, and smart mobility.
Hosting this event is in line with RTA’s vision: ‘The World Leader in
Seamless and Sustainable Mobility’, and stems from its strategic
direction to develop an integrated and safe transport system built on

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innovation and advanced technologies. The exhibition also aims to
highlight the latest innovations and services that enhance customer
experience in line with the top international practices. The exhibition
further aligns with local and global trends to advance sustainable
transport and accelerate the shift towards zero-emission mobility
solutions. It reflects RTA’s future readiness and efforts to strengthen
research, development and innovation, as well as to build a flexible
technological infrastructure that supports the transition towards a
more sustainable and efficient transport ecosystem.
The main objectives of the Dubai International Electric Vehicle
Exhibition and Conference include supporting the national agenda
and strategies aimed at the transition towards zero emissions,
foremost among them the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions
Strategy, the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy, and the UAE Net Zero
Strategy 2050. The event also seeks to support RTA’s strategic
goals and objectives, attract high-quality investments, and promote
circular economy initiatives, particularly in the fields of recycling EV
batteries and developing more efficient and sustainable solutions for
the transport system.
Dubai International EV Conference and Exhibition offers
government and private sector entities, investors, and individuals the
opportunity to explore advanced solutions in sustainable and future
mobility. These include electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft
(eVTOL), drones, and autonomous systems. The event also serves
as a global platform highlighting the latest technologies and
innovations in the EV sector, including manufacturing technologies
and equipment, battery management systems, hydrogen fuel cells,
and sustainable energy solutions. This is complemented by smart
infrastructure solutions, featuring the latest fast-charging
technologies, solar energy panels, and the core components shaping
the EV market.
The accompanying conference will feature a comprehensive
programme of parallel activities, including specialised panel
discussions, technical workshops, and hands-on demonstrations
showcasing electric mobility solutions and future transport models.
These activities aim to strengthen partnerships and accelerate
opportunities for cooperation and investment between the public and
private sectors in sustainable mobility. The programme will also
include a hackathon designed to stimulate innovation and support
the development of practical, scalable solutions.

Dubai , February 23 , 2026 : In the true spirit of the holy month of Ramadan, Gemini Property Developers, a Dubai-based boutique developer and the real estate arm of Gemini Energy Group, is continuing its longstanding tradition of supporting the dedicated and essential workforce community during Ramadan by distributing 30,000 Iftarmeals in labour camps. 

Gemini Property Developers has, for several consecutive years, distributed thousands of Iftar meals to workers across the UAE. This year, the initiative will deliver more than 30,000 meals to the workforce across the industrial areas and labour camps of Dubai, throughout the holy month.

The initiative reflects the company’s strong Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment and aligns with the UAE’s national UAE Year of Family, reinforcing values of unity, compassion, and shared responsibility.

The campaign commenced in Al Quoz, widely regarded as the heart of Dubai’s industrial community, before expanding to additional labour accommodations across the Emirates. The company’s senior leadership, including Chairman Sudhakar R. Rao and Managing Director Prabhakar R. Rao and Executive MD Aishwarya S. Rao, personally visited labour camps to share Iftar with workers—an expression of gratitude to those whose dedication and resilience underpin the nation’s growth.

“Ramadan reminds us that progress is built not only with ambition, but with empathy,” said Sudhakar R. Rao, Chairman of Gemini Property Developers. “This initiative is our way of standing beside the workforce that contributes every day to the development of our cities.” Beyond meal distribution, the initiative aims to inspire a broader culture of giving within the private sector and contribute to the UAE’s longstanding humanitarian legacy.”

With over 30 years of international experience across diverse industries—including energy and real estate—Gemini Property Developers brings a legacy of precision, discipline, and quality to Dubai’s property market. 

“Our foundation in the energy sector has shaped our commitment to performance, reliability, and uncompromising standards. With our upcoming real estate project in Dubai, a 29-storey premium residential tower featuring 455 units that is strategically located in Business Bay, we continue our focus on boutique, premium developments,” he added.

The project features thoughtfully designed layouts, generous spaces, high-quality finishes, and strong lifestyle amenities — complemented by extensive greenery, including landscaped areas within the development and a public park adjoining the project on two sides.

Dubai , February 23 , 2026 : Dubai Municipality announced that the Ramadan Souq 2026, held on Old Baladiya Street within Deira Grand Souk, achieved record success, welcoming 1.82 million visitors. The event recorded growth of 12.4%, attracting more than 200,000 additional visitors compared with the 2025 season, supported by an authentic heritage-inspired atmosphere and a diverse programme of cultural, community and interactive entertainment activities.

The strong turnout reflects Dubai Municipality’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the market’s position as one of the emirate’s most prominent annual community and heritage events. The souq coincided with the “Al Welfa” season, which promotes family cohesion and celebrates Emirati cultural and social traditions. It also contributed to stimulating tourism and economic activity in historic markets while supporting small and medium-sized enterprises through a community-driven platform that encourages family participation, promotes economic sustainability and reinforces the role of traditional markets as key cultural and tourism destinations.

Participants in the market — including traditional souk shop owners, traders, entrepreneurs and People of Determination — recorded a 35% increase in sales, driven by strong visitor engagement and a rich programme of activities featuring heritage performances, interactive competitions, handicraft workshops and kiosks showcasing local products. Community initiatives and partnerships with several government and private entities further enhanced the market’s appeal, attracting residents and visitors to experience one of Dubai’s leading celebrations of Emirati heritage within its historic trading hubs.

Asem Al Qassim, Director of the Architectural Heritage and Antiquities Department at Dubai Municipality, said: “These results reflect Dubai Municipality’s continuous efforts to activate historic districts and heritage markets, transforming them into vibrant destinations that blend authenticity with modernity. The initiative contributes to reviving local heritage, highlighting authentic Emirati values, and sharing them with residents and visitors while supporting the Municipality’s objectives of preserving Dubai’s architectural and historical identity and strengthening its position on the global urban heritage map. Ramadan Souq will continue to evolve in the coming seasons through qualitative initiatives aimed at attracting traders and visitors and further maximising its social, economic and cultural impact.”

Ramadan Souq 2026 also witnessed a significant expansion in accompanying activities compared with 2025, supported by a wider range of workshops and interactive experiences for different age groups. New activations introduced this year included a henna corner, face painting, a traditional gypsum workshop, a planting workshop and Arabic calligraphy sessions, in addition to a dedicated children’s play area — further strengthening the event’s family-friendly appeal and broadening audience participation.

This expansion reflects Dubai Municipality’s commitment to continuously enhancing the visitor experience and developing the event from a seasonal heritage market into an integrated community platform that combines entertainment, cultural learning and support for traditional crafts and skills — reinforcing its sustainability and positioning it among Dubai’s most prominent Ramadan events.

Dubai Municipality organises the Ramadan Souq annually as a destination that brings families and communities together through a shopping and entertainment experience that combines traditional Ramadan preparations with cultural and community activities. The initiative forms part of the Municipality’s wider efforts to support tourism, entertainment and commercial activity across Dubai while encouraging engagement with public facilities and historic destinations.

Dubai , February 23,2026 : Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) honoured 80 driving
instructors for their outstanding performance in delivering their
duties, along with four driver training centres that achieved the
highest results in the approved targets for driver training services
and recorded the highest pass rates in knowledge, smart yard, and
road tests. The recognition took place during a ceremony held at
RTA headquarters, attended by representatives from Dubai Police
General Headquarters and driver training centres.
Ahmed Mahboob, CEO of the Licensing Agency at RTA, affirmed
during the ceremony that the initiative to honour outstanding
instructors and driver training centres stems from RTA’s
commitment to achieving its strategic objectives related to health,
safety, security, customer happiness, and strengthening partnership
with the private sector. These efforts contribute to reinforcing a safe
transport environment and delivering innovative and sustainable
services that elevate the customer experience to world-class
standards.
He added that the Drivers Licensing Department at the Licensing
Agency conducts annual evaluations of instructors and selects
distinguished performers based on approved assessment criteria
and in accordance with a comprehensive and advanced policy for
driver training and licensing delivered through a digital platform.
Exceptional institutes that achieved the highest targets in driver
testing services are also honoured through joint coordination

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between RTA and Dubai Police General Headquarters to achieve
the objectives of the strategic partnership in traffic safety.
Mahboob congratulated the honourees on their distinguished
performance and commended the efforts of driver training and
qualification service providers, including institutes and driving
instructors, for achieving the highest pass rates in knowledge, smart
yard, and road tests. He praised their professional performance,
which merits recognition, and highlighted the strong level of
competition among the winners, whether instructors or driver
training centres, reflecting their commitment to continuously
enhancing the services provided.
The list of recognised driver training centres included Belhasa
Driving Centre, Emirates Transport Driving Institute, Bin Yaber
Driving Institute, and Excellence Driving School.
For their part, the honoured instructors and driver training centres
expressed their appreciation for the recognition and reaffirmed their
commitment to continuing to achieve the best results in their future
duties.

Dubai, February 22, 2026 : The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded the contract for Phase II of the Hessa Street Development project, as Phase I prepares to open in April 2026.

Key Highlights

• Serves: 650,000 residents across 10 major communities, including Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), Al Barsha South, Arjan, Dubai Science Park, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Emirates Hills and others
• Capacity doubled: From 4,000 to 8,000 vehicles per hour in each direction
• Journey time reduced: From 24 minutes to 5 minutes
• Major infrastructure: 8,835 metres of bridges and a 480-metre tunnel
• Sustainable mobility: 10.4 km cycling and e-scooter track linking Dubai Hills and Dubai Motor City

Phase II Overview

Phase II covers a 3 km stretch between Al Khail Road and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road. The project includes major interchange upgrades, new multi-level ramps, collector roads, and a 480-metre tunnel serving traffic from JVC toward Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road.

The development will also widen Al Hadaeq Street into a dual carriageway and convert roundabouts into signalised intersections to improve traffic flow.

His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer said the project complements Phase I and supports Dubai’s growing urban development, with roads in the corridor currently handling around 500,000 trips daily.

Phase I Progress

Phase I — set to open fully in April 2026 — upgraded four major intersections along Hessa Street, expanded the road from two to four lanes in each direction, and introduced a 13.5 km cycling track linking Al Sufouh to Dubai Hills.

A key 1,000-metre bridge opened in December 2024, reducing travel time between Hessa Street and Al Khail Road from 15 minutes to three minutes.

Project Impact

Once complete, the full Hessa Street Development will significantly ease congestion, enhance connectivity between major residential districts, and support Dubai’s long-term infrastructure and sustainable mobility goals.