Dubai , January 15, 2026 : Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai has signed a sponsorship agreement with Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), to be the Organising Partner of the Dubai International Project Management Forum (DIPMF) for the years 2027- 2029. The agreement
underscores the strength of the partnership between the two entities, and their joint commitment to support one of the most important intellectual and knowledge platforms that contribute to strengthening Dubai’s position as a global capital for project management and sustainable development.
The agreement was signed by HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA; and HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA; and entails that DEWA will be the Organising Partner of the Dubai International Project Management Forum (DIPMF) in its 12th, 13th, 14th editions.
This builds on the significant success achieved by the forum in the previous editions, which attracted more than 17,000 participants from approximately 50 countries, and featured over 400 keynote sessions, workshops, filed visits, and specialised training programmes. These
achievements have established the forum as a leading global platform for knowledge exchange and building capacity in the project management field. HE Mattar Al Tayer has expressed his appreciation for the continued partnership with DEWA in
organising the forum, which is held under the patronage of HH 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. This partnership represents
strategic dimension in the forum’s journey, as an international platform for exchanging expertise
and shaping the future directions in delivering mega projects. Furthermore, this partnership
reflects the two entities’ shared belief in the importance of building an advanced knowledge
ecosystem for project management that supports Dubai’s vision for global leadership.
“Thanks to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice
President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and the follow-up of His Highness
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai has succeeded in developing a
global modal for planning and implementing strategic projects. Dubai’s infrastructure, transport,
energy, and urban development projects have become a global benchmark for efficiency,
sustainability and innovation. The forum plays a key role in transferring this leading experience
to the international community and enhancing the capabilities of corporates and individuals to
manage projects in accordance with the highest global standards,” HE Mattar Al Tayer said.
“The rapid transformation in AI, digitalisation and sustainability are reshaping the concepts of
project management worldwide. This makes the forum’ role more important than ever in
enabling leaders, decision-makers, and project managers to anticipate the future and adopt
innovative tools and technologies that enhance execution efficiency and achieve better
economic and social returns,” HE Mattar Al Tayer added.
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer confirmed that DEWA’s participation as an Organising Partner
of the DIPMF reflects its commitment to supporting innovation and utilising artificial intelligence
(AI) in the fields of project management, energy and sustainable infrastructure, given their
pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency of planning and implementation and achieving optimal
utilisation of resources in line with the highest international standards. He noted that DIPMF
represents a significant platform for exchanging global expertise and strengthening
collaboration between the public and private sectors, in line with the UAE’s sustainable
development goals.
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer said: “Guided by the vision and directives of His Highness
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and
Ruler of Dubai, and through the follow-up 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 has become a leading global
platform for hosting major events that enhance international dialogue on sustainability,
accelerate the transition to a green economy and facilitate the exchange of best practices in the
implementation and management of major projects, particularly in infrastructure and clean and
renewable energy, in which Dubai holds global leadership and consistently tops international
competitiveness indicators.”
“We are pleased to sign this partnership agreement with the Roads and Transport Authority to
support DIPMF, in line with the strategic partnership between DEWA and RTA. Our efforts are
integrated to realise the vision of the wise leadership to strengthen Dubai’s position as a leading
platform for sharing expertise and showcasing innovative solutions in sustainability and major
project management. This contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals,
enhancing quality of life and employing innovation and advanced technologies, especially AI,”
added HE Saeed Al Tayer.
GCC
Mumbai , January 15 , 2026 :Air India Express has introduced a limited-period promotional offer providing discounted excess baggage options for passengers travelling from select Middle Eastern countries to India, reinforcing its commitment to delivering enhanced value and convenience to international travellers.
The offer enables guests flying from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates to pre-book 5 kg or 10 kg of additional check-in baggage at preferential rates. The promotion is valid for bookings made up to 31 January 2026, with travel permitted between 16 January and 10 March 2026, subject to availability.
Passengers can avail of the offer through the airline’s official website (www.airindiaexpress.com), mobile application, and all major booking platforms, during the booking process.
Under the scheme, excess baggage is available at the following rates:
- BHD 0.2 from Bahrain
- KWD 0.2 from Kuwait
- OMR 0.2 from Oman
- QAR 2 from Qatar
- SAR 2 from Saudi Arabia
- AED 2 from the UAE
The discounted baggage options can be purchased in 5 kg and 10 kg increments and apply across all fare categories, including Xpress Value, Xpress Lite, Xpress Flex, and Xpress Biz. The offer is applicable exclusively at the time of booking.
Air India Express currently offers a minimum check-in baggage allowance of 30 kg on these routes across fare types, except for Xpress Lite, the airline’s zero check-in baggage fare. With the addition of up to 10 kg under this promotion, passengers can now travel with up to 40 kg of check-in baggage, facilitating greater ease in carrying gifts, essentials, and personal belongings when travelling to India.
Dubai, January 14 , 2026 : Mohamed Ali Alabbar, Founder of Emaar and Noon and Chairman
of Eagle Hills, praised the large-scale and diverse projects delivered
by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) across infrastructure, public transport and other vital sectors, affirming that
these achievements have played a direct role in consolidating Dubai’s position as a global city and a leading economic, urban and commercial hub.
Alabbar made this statement during an interview conducted with him by media personality Jamal Al Mulla on the sidelines of the 11th Dubai International Project Management Forum 2026, which took place on 14 and 15 January and is organised annually the RTA. The forum brings together wide participation from companies, institutions, experts, decision-makers and specialists, in addition to academic and scientific institutions from the UAE, the region and around the world.
Alabbar said, “Infrastructure and public transport projects, alongside the strategic initiatives delivered by the Roads and Transport Authority with high efficiency, have played a key role in ensuring the success of real estate and urban development projects, including those developed by Emaar.”
He added, “Dubai is a beautiful city and a global icon. What has further enhanced its beauty and distinction are the projects delivered by the RTA, which have kept pace with population growth and the remarkable urban expansion witnessed by the emirate.”
Speaking about project management at Emaar, Mohamed Ali Alabbar said, “The company places strong emphasis on responding
to market needs, based on its conviction that housing represents one of the most fundamental pillars of human and family life,
providing comfort, reassurance and security. Emaar is committed to 2 achieving an integrated balance between construction projects, green spaces and essential services, given their direct impact on residents’ daily quality of life.” He continued, “As a leading real estate developer in the UAE and globally, we place the highest importance on corporate reputation.
We are committed to representing our beloved country abroad and reinforcing its esteemed standing by delivering real estate projects distinguished by innovative design, durability and comfort, alongside the premium post-completion services we provide.”
Alabbar said, “The success of real estate developers is founded on integrity, excellence and transparency in the execution and
management of projects, as well as on delivering credible developments that meet the needs of different segments of society,
both within the UAE and internationally. A successful real estate developer must also possess a comprehensive
understanding of modern living requirements, a high level of artistic sensibility, and strong capabilities in managing relationships with government entities, partners, stakeholders and investors, given their pivotal role
in generating financial returns, supporting economic growth and contributing to higher gross domestic product.”
Dubai , January 14 , 2026 : Zoho Corporation, a global technology company, today announced the launch of its data centres in UAE in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The data centres form a part of AED 100 million investment in the UAE that the company had announced in 2023. The data centre will host solutions from Zoho Corporation’s two key brands: ManageEngine (enterprise IT management) and Zoho (cloud business solutions).
“The opening of our data centres is part of our ongoing investment in the UAE, which remains one of the largest markets in the region for both ManageEngine and Zoho brands,” said Shailesh Davey, Co-founder and CEO, Zoho Corporation. “With this move, Zoho Corporation will be enabling businesses store their data locally, strengthening data sovereignty, and supporting National Cybersecurity Agenda. Furthermore, 100+ solutions across Zoho and ManageEngine, will enable businesses of all sizes, and government and semi-government organisations adopt cloud technology for digital transformation in nearly every area of operation, and help Dubai become a digital economy line with Dubai Vision 2030.”
The data centres have also received certification from CSP Security Standard Certificate by DESC (Dubai Electronic Security Center). This qualifies Zoho Corporation to serve government and semi-government entities in addition to local businesses. As part of this, the data centres are also compliant with: ISO 27001, ISO 22301, ISO 27017 and CSA STAR Level 2 Certificate for data centres. In addition, the company’s Dubai office has received ISO 27001 certificate.
Growth Momentum of Zoho
Zoho has grown by 38.7% in 2025 in UAE, and expanded its partner network by 29% in the same period. It has further increased its employee count by 35% last year to serve the needs of its increasing customer base, and expanded into a larger office. The key solutions driving Zoho’s growth are: Customer Experience platform (Zoho CRM, Desk and Zoho CRM Plus), Zoho Books (VAT-compliant and FTA-approved accounting software), Creator (low-code app development platform), Zoho Workplace (communication and collaboration platform), and Zoho One (all-in-one suite of 55+ products).
In the past five years, Zoho has invested AED 80 million on enabling over 7000 businesses in their digital transformation journey through various partnerships such as those with DET and Dubai Culture. In the past few years, Zoho has seen a steady upmarket growth in the country, 48% in 2025, led by its strong platform capabilities that allow enterprises achieve faster time to value and lowers their total cost of ownership.
Growth Momentum of ManageEngine
ManageEngine has grown by 20% in 2025 in the UAE, led by its continued focus on the enterprise sector. The brand has strengthened its local presence, including through the partner network, to support the increasing adoption of its solutions across both private and government organizations. The key solutions driving the growth are: Endpoint Central (unified endpoint management), ServiceDesk Plus (unified service management) and Site24x7 (cloud-based observability platform).
In the recent years, growth in the UAE for ManageEngine has been particularly strong in BFSI, government and public sector, and manufacturing, fuelled by cloud adoption, which is growing at nearly 35% in the region for the brand’s cloud solutions. This trend reflects a broader shift toward cloud-first strategies, as organizations prioritise scalability, agility, and faster innovation.