News

Dubai South’s Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH) announced that Avia Solutions Group (ASG), the Dublin-based aviation services company and the world’s largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider, will set up its new regional headquarters within the aerospace hub. The move marks a significant step in ASG’s global expansion strategy and underscores Dubai’s growing role as a center for aviation innovation and services.

The new facility, scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 2027, will accommodate up to 800 professionals and serve as a regional and global collaboration hub for the company. The site will feature modern offices, meeting facilities, and shared services supporting ASG’s operations in ACMI leasing, cargo charters, cybersecurity, digital marketing, and aviation insurance.

In addition, the complex will include an Agentic AI innovation hub - a first-of-its-kind initiative by ASG aimed at attracting international talent and advancing digital transformation in aviation.

H.E. Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South, said the decision reinforces Dubai’s position as a destination for multinational corporations seeking to expand in the Middle East. “Welcoming Avia Solutions Group to Dubai South strengthens the emirate’s standing as a global aviation capital, in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,” he said.

Gediminas Ziemelis, Founder and Chairman of Avia Solutions Group, described MBRAH as “one of the most advanced and integrated aviation ecosystems in the world,” adding that the new headquarters will help the company meet regional demand, attract skilled professionals, and enhance global efficiency.

Avia Solutions Group employs more than 14,000 professionals and operates a fleet of 209 aircraft across six continents. Its portfolio spans aircraft leasing, maintenance, ground handling, pilot training, charter operations, and aviation media and events.

Located within Dubai South, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub provides a dedicated ecosystem for aerospace and aviation businesses, including airlines, MROs, and private aviation companies. The hub aims to advance Dubai’s long-term goal of becoming a leading global aviation hub.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Fresh off a landmark season on the global cycling circuit, UAE Team Emirates XRG arrived in Dubai this week for a celebratory visit to the Emirates Group Headquarters. The stop marked the team’s first following their return from competition and underscored the close partnership between Emirates Airline and the UAE-based cycling team.

Led by world number one and four-time Tour de France champion Tadej Pogačar, the delegation included João Almeida, ranked fifth globally, alongside Florian Vermeersch, Jay Vine, Johnatan Narváez, and Tim Wellens. Team CEO Mauro Gianetti also attended. Emirates Airline President Sir Tim Clark welcomed the riders and congratulated them on a season defined by record victories and international acclaim.

Employees of Emirates, many of whom are cycling enthusiasts, met the athletes and celebrated the team’s accomplishments, reflecting the airline’s continuing commitment to sports development and national representation.

Emirates has served as co-title sponsor of UAE Team Emirates XRG since the team’s establishment in 2017 and renewed its partnership earlier this year.

To conclude the season, the team will take part in a community ride on Al Hudayriat Island on October 30, 2025.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has directed the development of GITEX TechCation 2026 into the world’s largest event focused on technology and artificial intelligence.

The event, set to take place from December 7 to 11, 2026, at Expo City Dubai, will be held under the supervision of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council. It will integrate technology, business, tourism, and culture into a citywide experience aimed at global participants.

As the first event of its kind, GITEX TechCation is designed to position Dubai as a year-end destination for innovation and investment, hosting leading technology firms, startups, and investors in an immersive, citywide format that extends beyond traditional exhibition halls.

The Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), organiser of GITEX, has signed a strategic partnership with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) to support and amplify the new format. The agreement enables GITEX to tap into Dubai’s hospitality and cultural networks to offer extended itineraries for international attendees and promote the emirate as a global destination for business and leisure.

DET’s CEO, Issam Kazim, said the new event aligns with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, aimed at positioning Dubai among the world’s top three cities by 2033. Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President at DWTC, described GITEX TechCation as a redefinition of global tech events, leveraging Dubai’s urban infrastructure and appeal.

The initiative follows sustained growth in Dubai’s international profile. The city ranked No.1 in Tripadvisor’s global Travelers’ Choice Awards for three consecutive years (2022–2024) and continues to lead in foreign direct investment, topping global rankings in Greenfield FDI projects for the first half of 2025.

The MICHELIN Guide 2025 features 119 Dubai restaurants, with 19 awarded stars, and two named among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, highlighting the city’s growing influence in lifestyle and culture - key pillars of GITEX TechCation’s design.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and President of the International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing, has appointed Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan as Chairman of the Emirates Falcons International Cup.

Sheikh Zayed, who also serves as Vice President of both the UAE Falcons Federation and the International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing, will oversee the newly launched international championship, which aims to promote falcon racing globally under the UAE’s leadership.

Sheikh Ahmed also directed the formation of the championship’s Supreme Organising Committee, to be chaired by Rashid bin Markhan, Secretary General of both federations. The committee will be responsible for the planning and execution of the event, which will be held annually in different countries, starting with Kuwait in December 2025.

Four subcommittees - Referees, Appeals, Technical, and Registration, Protocol and Logistics - will report to the Supreme Committee to ensure the operational delivery of the event.

The initiative is held under the directives of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and under the patronage of Sheikh Ahmed. Organisers say the event reflects the UAE’s continued commitment to preserving and promoting traditional sports on a global stage.

The first edition will take place in Kuwait from December 4 to 7, featuring seven races in the Farkh category. The final race will see the top five falcons from each breed - Pure Jeer, Jeer Shaheen, Qarmoosha, and Jeer Taba - compete for total prize money of AED500,000.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), met with Ana Paula De Jesus Assis, Senior Vice President and Chair of IBM EMEA, to discuss advancing cooperation in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

The meeting focused on aligning efforts to support Dubai’s digital transformation strategy and the goals outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which seeks to position the emirate among the world’s top digital economies.

Senior officials from DEWA attended the meeting, including Marwan Bin Haidar, Executive Vice President of Innovation and the Future; Waleed bin Salman, Executive Vice President of Business Development and Excellence; Mohammed Bin Sulaiman, CEO of Moro Hub - a subsidiary of Digital DEWA; and Moza Alshamsi, DEWA’s Chief Information Security Officer.

Al Tayer underscored DEWA’s commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships with global technology firms, with a focus on deploying advanced AI and cybersecurity systems. He outlined DEWA’s ongoing projects aimed at becoming the world’s first AI-native utility by integrating artificial intelligence across its core operations.

The discussions also reviewed existing collaboration between IBM and Moro Hub, including the use of IBM’s QRadar platform to support cybersecurity operations. Moro Hub, an IBM-certified Managed Services Partner, currently offers Security Operations Centre as a Service, enabling rapid threat response and continuous monitoring for clients.

Both parties are considering expanding their partnership to include AI applications through the IBM Watson platform, with a view to increasing operational efficiency, enhancing customer experience, and supporting broader digital transformation efforts.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Under the new rules, delivery riders will be prohibited from using the two leftmost lanes on roads with five or more lanes and the leftmost lane on roads with three or four lanes. No restrictions will apply to roads with two lanes or fewer.

The policy is aimed at reducing traffic accidents involving motorcycles and ensuring the safety of riders and other road users. According to Dubai Police data, delivery motorcycles were involved in 962 traffic accidents in 2025, up from 854 the previous year. More than 78,000 traffic violations were issued to delivery riders in the first nine months of 2025 alone.

Hussain Al Banna, CEO of the Traffic and Roads Agency at RTA, said the new regulation is the result of extensive coordination with public and private sector partners. “The decision is based on detailed traffic studies and technical standards aligned with global best practices,” Al Banna said. “It supports the goals of Dubai’s Economic Agenda (D33) by improving safety while enabling continued growth in the delivery sector.”

Delivery riders caught violating the new lane restrictions will face escalating penalties: AED 500 for a first offence, AED 700 for a second, and permit suspension after a third. Speeding violations will also be penalized, starting at AED 200 for the first offence and rising to AED 400 by the third.

Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Operations Affairs at Dubai Police, said the decision supports the emirate’s five-year Traffic Safety Strategy. “Motorcycles are among the most vulnerable vehicles on the road,” he said. “Restricting their access to high-speed lanes will improve traffic control and reduce serious accidents.”

Authorities will install new signage to indicate restricted lanes and will launch a public awareness campaign in coordination with delivery companies. Companies that demonstrate consistent compliance will be recognized under the “Delivery Sector Excellence Award,” part of an effort to promote higher safety standards and service quality in the industry.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

The A350 service brings Emirates’ latest cabin designs to Oslo, including updated Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class interiors. The aircraft now operates daily on the EK159/160 route, providing passengers in Norway with upgraded options when traveling to Dubai and onward to more than 145 destinations worldwide.

Since launching flights to Oslo in 2014, Emirates has become a key carrier for Norwegian travelers heading to the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Australia. The addition of the A350 signals a new phase in the airline’s strategy to grow market share in Northern Europe.

To mark the occasion, Emirates held an official event at Oslo Airport, attended by airline executives and local officials, including Pierfrancesco Carino, Emirates Vice President for Commercial Operations in North and West Europe; Terje Grue, Country Manager for Norway; and Majid Al Matrooshi from the UAE Embassy in Norway. Also present were Ståle Lien Hansen, Mayor of Ullensaker Municipality, and Dorothy Billett, Senior Vice President for Terminal Operations at Avinor.

“This is an important step in strengthening our presence in the market,” said Grue. “Travellers from Oslo will now be able to enjoy an entirely new level of comfort, whether flying to Dubai or beyond.”

Premium Economy, featured on the A350, offers 40 inches of seat pitch, an 8-inch recline, adjustable headrests, and full leg and footrests. Seats are upholstered in cream leather with fold-out woodgrain tables and 13.3-inch personal screens. Amenities include in-seat charging, amenity kits on select flights, and a globally exclusive sparkling wine, Chandon Vintage Brut 2017.

The A350’s introduction adds capacity while enhancing the onboard experience, targeting a growing segment of travelers seeking elevated service without the cost of full Business Class.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.