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Dubai World Trade Centre Authority (DWTCA) has launched a new framework allowing companies registered in the DWTC Free Zone to issue multiple classes of shares, a move aimed at enhancing capital structuring and corporate governance. The initiative provides businesses with greater flexibility to scale, attract investment, and innovate, reinforcing Dubai’s role as a global business hub and supporting the emirate’s economic agenda, D33, which seeks to double the economy by 2033.

Under the framework, companies can now offer a variety of share classes beyond ordinary shares, including preference, founder’s, restricted, and tiered structures such as class A/B/C/D shares. These shares can be structured in a company’s Memorandum of Association to define rights and restrictions related to dividends, voting powers, transfer conditions, and redemption or conversion options, while safeguarding minority shareholders. The framework also includes governance measures designed to maintain transparency and protect shareholder interests.

Abdalla Al Banna, vice president of Free Zone Regulatory Operations at DWTC Free Zone, described the reform as a step toward “setting a new industry standard for capital structuring in the region.” He emphasized that flexible corporate structures enable companies to balance control, raise capital, and retain talent while supporting Dubai’s vision as a leading global business destination.

The differentiated share classes allow companies to attract investors with varying risk profiles, protect founders’ long-term vision, support family office succession planning, and incentivize employees through equity-based compensation. Ordinary shares remain the default, but companies now have the option to adopt more complex structures to support sustainable growth.

This framework complements recent expansions within DWTC Free Zone, including the 2024 extension to One Za’abeel, a sustainable development by the Investment Corporation of Dubai. The Free Zone offers full foreign ownership, simplified licensing, a 0% corporate tax rate, and regulatory support, hosting businesses across more than 40 sectors.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Dubai will host the 12th edition of the Dubai International Air Chiefs Conference (DIACC) on November 16, 2025, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The event, organized by the UAE Ministry of Defence, will convene more than 100 official delegations, making it the largest gathering of air force chiefs and commanders since the conference began in 2003.

Major General Rashed Mohamed Alshamsi, Commander of the UAE Air Force and Air Defence, said all preparations are complete. Scheduled a day before the Dubai Airshow 2025, the conference provides a platform for senior air force leaders, defence officials, and manufacturers to address emerging challenges in air and space defence.

“The conference serves as a council for air and air defence forces shaping the future of air and space superiority while exploring strategic deterrence tools in an era of rapid technological change,” Alshamsi said. He emphasized the UAE’s commitment to military readiness, defence coordination, and joint operations that support regional and global security.

The 2025 conference theme, “Hypersonic Edge,” focuses on future operational concepts for airpower, technological superiority, and multi-domain integration. Participants will discuss hypersonic technologies, artificial intelligence, unmanned aerial systems, air and space integration, the evolution of the future fighter, military alliances, and the UAE Air Force’s readiness for innovation and strategic partnerships.

DIACC’s agenda includes high-level panel discussions and strategic sessions supported by major global defence and aerospace companies. Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement is the National Industry Enablement Partner, EDGE Group is the Strategic Partner, and Airbus serves as Premium Partner. Platinum sponsors include Northrop Grumman, RTX Collins Aerospace, and Lockheed Martin, with Gold sponsors such as Saab Technologies, MBDA, Dassault Aviation, Thales, Boeing, and General Atomics.

Since its inception, DIACC has become a global forum for air force commanders to discuss trends in air and space warfare, anticipate future tools of conflict, and strengthen international defence collaboration.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

DP World and the DP World Tour have announced an extension of their title partnership through 2035, solidifying one of the most significant agreements in professional golf. The renewed deal ensures that DP World remains both Title Partner and Official Logistics Partner for more than a decade, marking the largest agreement in the Tour’s history.

The original partnership, established in 2022, saw the rebranding of the European Tour to the DP World Tour. Since then, the Tour has expanded to 42 tournaments across 26 countries, featuring record prize funds and a growing global audience. The collaboration has played a central role in positioning golf as a more international and accessible sport.

Guy Kinnings, Chief Executive Officer of the DP World Tour, said the extended partnership reflects both commercial success and operational integration. “DP World’s expertise in global logistics has become essential to our tournament operations,” Kinnings said. “Their renewed investment demonstrates confidence in the Tour’s growth, our fan engagement, and the long-term potential of the game.”

Yuvraj Narayan, Group Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of DP World, said the extension reinforces the company’s belief in sport as a connector of markets and communities. “This long-term commitment underlines our vision to make golf more inclusive and sustainable,” Narayan said, citing initiatives such as the DP World India Championship, which will return in 2026 with plans to become a regular fixture on the Tour calendar.

As part of the agreement, DP World will remain Title Partner of the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai - the season-ending Rolex Series event that crowns the Race to Dubai Champion - and will serve as Official Partner to an additional 15 tournaments each season.

Both organizations will continue joint programs that broaden access to golf, including DP World’s Second Life initiative and global Clubhouse programme, which refurbish equipment and repurpose shipping containers into community facilities.

DP World’s association with the Tour began in 2009 as a presenting partner of the Race to Dubai finale. The renewed partnership represents the latest phase in a long-term collaboration linking global trade and professional sport.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Dubai Municipality has opened registration for the fifth season of the Farmers’ Market, reaffirming its commitment to supporting Emirati farmers and advancing local agricultural sustainability.

The initiative, which gathers Emirati farmers and local producers on a single platform, allows participants to showcase their products directly to residents and visitors. It also provides comprehensive support to enhance farm productivity, expand local agricultural output, and strengthen sustainable farming practices - key pillars in Dubai’s long-term environmental and economic strategy.

The market will return to Quranic Park in Al Khawaneej from December 6, 2025, to February 8, 2026, operating every Saturday and Sunday. The previous season saw a 49 percent rise in visitor numbers, underscoring the market’s growing appeal as a community hub that connects consumers with local produce in an engaging, family-oriented setting.

This season, 41 Emirati farmers and 16 local producers and agricultural suppliers are set to participate, offering a diverse range of fresh and organic goods. The initiative aligns with Dubai Municipality’s broader mission to empower local farmers through training programs, advisory services, and logistical support - efforts that collectively reinforce food security and responsible consumption.

“The Farmers’ Market is more than a venue for trade; it is a civic experience that strengthens community ties, supports national production, and promotes sustainable lifestyles,” said Mohammed Ahli, Acting Director of the Public Parks and Recreational Facilities Department at Dubai Municipality.

The upcoming season will feature educational workshops, interactive sessions, and cultural activities designed to engage visitors of all ages. Registration for interested farmers and producers is now open on the Dubai Municipality website with submissions due by November 20, 2025.

The previous edition welcomed over 102,000 visitors, providing an essential platform for local farmers and producers to connect directly with consumers and highlight the importance of supporting homegrown agriculture.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Dubai’s economy continued its strong upward trajectory in the first half of 2025, with gross domestic product rising 4.4% to AED 241 billion. In the second quarter alone, the emirate’s GDP increased 4.7%, reaching AED 122 billion, according to official data.

Growth was broad-based, led by human health and social work activities, which expanded 20% in the first half of the year, contributing 1.4% to GDP. The construction sector added AED 16 billion in value, growing 8.5% year-on-year and accounting for 6.7% of the emirate’s GDP. Real estate activity rose 7% in H1, financial and insurance services grew 6.7%, and information and communications expanded 5.3%. Accommodation and food services increased 4.9%, aligned with a 6% rise in international visitors to 9.88 million. Wholesale and retail trade, the largest sector, contributed AED 57.4 billion to GDP, up 4.4%. Other sectors collectively grew 1.8%.

Dubai’s leadership attributed the performance to long-term planning, strategic public-private collaboration, and policies fostering innovation and competitiveness. Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum emphasized that the growth reflects the vision of Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, noting the role of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) in translating strategic objectives into measurable outcomes.

Officials highlighted Dubai’s resilience and adaptability in a shifting global economy. Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, said the results underscore the city’s ability to attract investment, talent, and enterprise while advancing homegrown capabilities. Digital Dubai’s leadership pointed to the role of digital transformation and technology adoption in supporting sustained growth.

The Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment is recalibrating GDP and other key indicators to align with international standards, integrating new administrative and field data to provide a more accurate and transparent picture of the emirate’s economic performance.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Alexander Agafiev Macambira

Alexander Agafiev Macambira is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.

Dubai will host the inaugural Women’s Triathlon World Cup on December 7, 2025, marking the first international triathlon event dedicated exclusively to female athletes. The competition will take place on Dubai Islands under the auspices of World Triathlon, in coordination with the Dubai Sports Council and the UAE Triathlon Federation.

The championship will feature three race formats - Professional, Sprint, and Super Sprint - covering swimming, cycling, and running. Distances for the Professional and Sprint categories are 750 meters of swimming, 20 kilometers of cycling, and 5 kilometers of running. The Super Sprint, aimed at beginners and age-group participants, includes 400 meters of swimming, 10 kilometers of cycling, and 2.5 kilometers of running. A team category will also be included, allowing three female athletes to compete across different disciplines within the Sprint and Super Sprint categories.

Dubai Sports Council officials said the event aligns with the emirate’s broader strategy to promote women’s participation in sports and establish Dubai as a leading international sports destination.

World Triathlon, formerly the International Triathlon Union, described the event as strategically important to expanding the sport’s reach among women. World Triathlon President Antonio Fernandez Arimany praised Dubai’s commitment to supporting female athletes and called the event a “real transformation in the global sports landscape by empowering women and expanding their participation in endurance sports.”

Registration for athletes 18 and older, of all nationalities, is open through the official event website until December 3, 2025. Organizers said the inaugural race will serve as a platform for future women-focused triathlon events worldwide.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

More than 5,000 participants converged on Hatta Dam this weekend for Dubai Stand Up Paddle 2025, presented by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), marking the largest edition yet of the Dubai Fitness Challenge’s flagship outdoor event.

Held over two days, the event drew paddlers, kayakers, and outdoor enthusiasts to the clear waters of Hatta, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Hajar Mountains. The expanded weekend format was designed to give participants more time to explore the region’s hiking trails, dining venues, and adventure activities, turning the competition into a broader wellness experience for families and individuals alike.

Free training sessions were offered for all skill levels, with safety briefings and full equipment provided. Beyond paddleboarding, participants enjoyed complimentary kayaking and sunset yoga sessions led by professional instructors, combining physical activity with mindfulness as the sun set over the mountains.

On land, an entertainment zone offered family-friendly attractions, including a bouncy castle, face painting, and refreshments. The event’s informal mascot - a giant inflatable duck - became a popular photo spot throughout the weekend.

His Excellency Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, said the two-day expansion “allowed even more people to experience this unique combination of fitness, nature, and community.” Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), called the event “a demonstration of how fitness becomes transformative when experienced in nature.”

The Dubai Stand Up Paddle is organized by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and the Dubai Sports Council, presented by RTA, in partnership with Decathlon and Hatta Kayak, and supported by several government entities including Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality, and the Ministry of Education.

The Dubai Fitness Challenge continues later this month with Dubai Run, presented by Mai Dubai, on November 23 along Sheikh Zayed Road, followed by the inaugural Dubai Yoga at Zabeel Park on November 30.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Dubai’s creative arm of the Government Media Office, Brand Dubai, has launched the 12th edition of its Flag Garden at its permanent site in Jumeirah Beach, Umm Suqeim 2. The installation is part of the city’s ‘National Month’ campaign and aligns with the #ZayedAndRashid initiative, introduced under the direction of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council.

The 2025 display features 11,000 UAE flags arranged to form large-scale portraits of the nation’s founding leaders, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. The installation spans 60 meters in height and 90 meters in width, symbolizing national unity and loyalty to the UAE’s founding values.

Shaima Al Suwaidi, Director of Brand Dubai, said the Flag Garden “is one of Dubai’s most prominent national events, bringing together art, creativity, and national symbolism.” She noted that the garden, now in its 12th year, reflects the city’s ongoing tribute to the Founding Fathers and serves as a focal point for the wider ‘National Month’ campaign.

Mahra Alyouha, a member of the #ZayedAndRashid campaign organizing committee, described the garden as a “national icon and a prominent tourist attraction,” drawing thousands of residents and visitors.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Bentley Reid, the employee-owned wealth manager, has officially opened a Dubai office under the name Bentley Reid (DIFC) Limited. The firm is incorporated within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and has received a Category 4 regulatory licence from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA).

CEO Peter Clark has relocated with his family from the United Kingdom to Dubai to oversee the new operation, which is based in DIFC’s newly established Funds Centre. Clark highlighted the firm’s experience with high-net-worth international clients, particularly in Hong Kong, and described the Middle East expansion as a natural extension of the company’s growth over the past four decades.

Salmaan Jaffery, Chief Business Development Officer at DIFC Authority, welcomed Bentley Reid to the financial hub, noting that the firm’s UK and European presence aligns with DIFC’s strategy to attract global wealth and investment managers.

Dubai has increasingly become a focal point for affluent families. A Henley & Partners report shows that, as of the end of 2024, the city had the highest concentration of wealth in the Middle East. The UAE is projected to welcome roughly 9,800 new millionaires in 2025, surpassing traditional financial centres such as London and Singapore. DIFC hosts over 1,000 family-related entities, including 120 family offices managing $1.2 trillion in global assets, reinforcing its position as a hub for ultra-wealthy clients.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Alexander Agafiev Macambira

Alexander Agafiev Macambira is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.

The Emirates Group reported a record profit for the first half of the 2025-26 financial year, marking the fourth consecutive year of half-year profitability gains. The airline and travel services conglomerate posted a profit before tax of AED 12.2 billion (US$ 3.3 billion) and a profit after tax of AED 10.6 billion (US$ 2.9 billion), a 13 percent increase from the previous year.

Revenue for the Group rose 4 percent to AED 75.4 billion (US$ 20.6 billion), while EBITDA reached AED 21.1 billion (US$ 5.7 billion), up 3 percent from the same period last year. Cash reserves increased to a record AED 56.0 billion (US$ 15.2 billion) at the end of September, supporting aircraft deliveries, debt servicing, and dividends. The Group also completed the final AED 2 billion (US$ 545 million) dividend payout for the 2024-25 financial year.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, said the results reflect strong customer demand and global travel resilience despite geopolitical and economic challenges. The Group’s workforce grew 3 percent to 124,927 employees to support expanding operations.

Emirates Airline

Emirates expanded its network to 153 airports across 81 countries and territories, launching services to Danang, Siem Reap, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou, and increasing connectivity with 28 additional weekly flights to six cities. Five new A350 aircraft joined the fleet, while 23 aircraft underwent interior retrofits, extending the airline’s Premium Economy offering to 61 cities.

Passenger traffic rose 4 percent to 27.8 million, with an average seat factor of 79.5 percent. Emirates SkyCargo carried 1.25 million tonnes of freight, up 4 percent, while launching Emirates Courier Express for door-to-door shipping. Airline profit before tax reached AED 11.4 billion (US$ 3.1 billion), up from AED 9.7 billion (US$ 2.6 billion) last year. Revenue increased 6 percent to AED 65.6 billion (US$ 17.9 billion), while operating costs grew 4 percent.

The airline also invested in brand visibility through sponsorships with FC Bayern Munich, Real Madrid Basketball, the ATP Tour, and other sports properties. Environmental initiatives included sustainable aviation fuel usage at 37 airports and joining the Aviation Circularity Consortium.

dnata

dnata recorded half-year revenue of AED 11.7 billion (US$ 3.2 billion), a 13 percent increase, and profit before tax of AED 843 million (US$ 230 million), up 17 percent. Profit after tax rose 22 percent to AED 697 million (US$ 190 million), with EBITDA reaching AED 1.4 billion (US$ 372 million).

Airport services remained the largest revenue contributor at AED 5.5 billion (US$ 1.5 billion), supported by 450,903 aircraft turns and 1.59 million tonnes of cargo handled. Flight catering and retail operations grew 11 percent to AED 4.1 billion (US$ 1.1 billion), while travel services revenue increased 11 percent to AED 2.0 billion (US$ 538 million).

dnata made strategic investments, including 800 new ground support equipment units valued at US$ 110 million, expanded its airport hospitality brand in the U.K., and acquired a minority stake in WonderMiles, a booking platform. The company also entered sports sponsorship, supporting Dubai Basketball.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.