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Dubai Municipality has launched what it describes as the world’s first smart self-service laboratory for testing the purity of precious metals, including gold, silver, and platinum. The autonomous device, revealed at GITEX Global 2025, is designed to operate without human intervention and delivers results in under one minute using spectroscopic analysis, X-ray technology, and artificial intelligence.

The Smart Gold and Jewellery Testing Lab is a product of collaboration between Dubai Central Laboratory and the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group. The initiative supports Dubai’s broader strategy to position itself as a leader in advanced technology and as a global hub for precious metals trade.

Dr. Naseem Mohammed Rafi, Acting CEO of the Environment, Health and Safety Agency at Dubai Municipality, said the device was developed specifically for the municipality by a technical team from Dubai Central Laboratory. “This innovation establishes a new global standard for speed, precision, and reliability in laboratory testing for this sector,” she said.

The device’s design prioritizes both accuracy and safety, incorporating features such as remote monitoring, self-calibration, and automated maintenance. Eng. Hind Mahmoud Ahmed, Director of the Dubai Central Laboratory Department, said the lab system integrates fully with existing digital infrastructure and includes built-in emergency response capabilities.

The first unit will be installed at Dubai’s Gold Souk in Deira, with plans for wider deployment across other strategic locations. Dubai Municipality stated the project is part of a larger effort to enhance the emirate’s laboratory services, ensure product compliance, and protect consumer interests in line with international standards.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Global Village, Dubai’s flagship multicultural entertainment and retail destination, opens its 30th season on Wednesday, introducing a broad array of new attractions and experiences. The season will run until May 10, 2026.

This milestone year includes the participation of 30 pavilions representing over 90 cultures. The venue now hosts more than 3,500 retail outlets, over 250 food and beverage options, more than 40,500 live shows, and over 200 rides, games, and attractions.

Fernando Eiroa, CEO of Dubai Holding Entertainment, said the destination has grown from a local concept into “a true international phenomenon,” citing last season’s attendance of over 10.5 million guests. “As we mark the milestone of Season 30, we are excited to open our doors once again with an unparalleled mix of attractions, shopping, dining and world-class entertainment experiences,” he said in a statement.

Expanded Dining, Attractions and Entertainment

This season introduces upgrades across several zones. The newly branded Asia Boulevard, formerly Road of Asia, returns with expanded dining and retail options. Dessert District, a revamped version of the Railway Market, offers a curated dessert experience. Fiesta Street also returns with additional space and kiosks, while Happiness Street features a redesigned canopy for improved ambience.

Among the new thrill attractions are York Bikes, Toronto Tornado, Desert Dashers, Cape Glider, Rio Rocket and The Little Wonderers. The Dragon Kingdom, an immersive walkthrough experience, debuts with 11 themed rooms. Meanwhile, the Horror Hotel - a revamped version of the previous haunted house - offers a more elaborate set-up and updated effects.

A new floral installation, Gardens of the World, will span from the Egypt to the Iran pavilions, showcasing international floral arrangements and global landmark miniatures. At Arabian Square, a commemorative cake monument marks the 30th season.

Live Performances and Shows

More than 450 performers from 30+ nationalities will appear throughout the season. The live show roster includes Retumbar, Red Hot Chili Pipers, Mayumana, Burn the Floor, Dhol Foundation, and Swan Lake. In-house productions such as Haunted House, Boom Bollywood, and Slam return, along with child-focused performances by characters like Care Bears and PJ Masks.

A new stunt production titled Fast Live Spectacular features high-impact action sequences including drift battles, fire effects, and vehicle stunts. Nightly light and fire shows continue by Dragon Lake and near the main stage, with fireworks displays scheduled every Friday and Saturday at 9 p.m.

As Global Village enters its third decade, it continues to reinforce Dubai’s reputation as a destination for inclusive, large-scale entertainment.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

SÃO PAULO - GITEX, the global technology exhibition brand based in Dubai, will launch its first Latin American edition in São Paulo, Brazil, on March 16-17, 2027. The event marks a significant expansion into a region whose digital economy is projected to reach $950 billion by 2026, according to PCMI.

The debut edition, GITEX LATAM, is organized by the Dubai World Trade Centre and KAOUN International, in partnership with São Paulo’s municipal development agency, ADESAMPA. The event will be held at Distrito Anhembi, one of Brazil’s largest event venues.

São Paulo Mayor Ricardo Nunes welcomed the announcement, calling the event “a regional-first gateway” for connecting local companies with global opportunities. “This platform will connect pioneering startups, unicorns, and enterprises with international markets,” he said.

Brazil, Latin America’s largest economy, has emerged as a leader in digital public infrastructure. More than 150 million Brazilians use digital IDs, and the country continues to expand access to centralized digital services. Market research firm IMARC Group estimates Brazil’s ICT market will reach $259 billion by 2033, while Grand View Horizon projects the country’s AI sector will grow to nearly $100 billion over the same period.

Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International and Executive Vice President at DWTC, described Brazil as a “vibrant cornerstone” of the Latin American tech ecosystem. She said GITEX LATAM would help “unlock unprecedented access to capital, knowledge, tech, and talent” in the region.

The launch follows GITEX’s recent global expansion into 14 cities, with São Paulo becoming the latest addition to a network that includes technology hubs across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The move also reflects broader momentum in Latin America, where emerging markets and developing economies are expected to generate $6.8 trillion in GDP by 2025, according to the International Monetary Fund.

São Paulo, already recognized as Latin America’s top-ranked startup ecosystem by StartupBlink’s 2025 index, has attracted more than $33.5 billion in venture capital over the past decade. The city is home to 11 unicorns and a startup ecosystem valued at $113 billion, according to Real Instituto Elcano.

Rodrigo Goulart, São Paulo’s Municipal Secretary of Economic Development and Labour, emphasized GITEX’s potential to strengthen international tech partnerships and promote investment. “We are inspired to cultivate investor confidence and empower entrepreneurs as well as new talents,” he said.

GITEX LATAM’s announcement came during GITEX GLOBAL 2025, held in Dubai from October 13–17. Brazil was named the official Country Partner at the event, represented by ApexBrasil and more than 50 startups. City Hall of São Paulo led a separate delegation featuring over 10 local ventures. Chile and Ecuador also joined for the first time, alongside participants from over 180 countries.

The development follows the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro in late 2024, where Brazil and the United Arab Emirates reaffirmed strategic cooperation in areas including AI, climate change, agriculture, and renewable energy.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) released its latest report, The Future of Alternative Investments, the fifth in its Future of Finance series. The report details the rapid global expansion of alternative investments, with assets under management tripling over the past decade to exceed $20 trillion.

The findings position Dubai as a key gateway for investors targeting alternative assets in emerging markets. Institutional investors, high-net-worth individuals, and family offices are increasing allocations to private equity, private credit, real estate, infrastructure, hedge funds, and digital assets. This growth is driven by demand for portfolio diversification, inflation protection, and uncorrelated returns.

Emerging markets, including Dubai, are identified as major growth engines. These markets benefit from faster GDP growth compared to developed economies, younger populations, and accelerated adoption of innovative technologies. The report highlights sectors such as artificial intelligence, sustainable infrastructure, and digital assets as central to economic development in these regions.

Regulatory clarity in Dubai and other emerging markets is facilitating greater acceptance of cryptocurrencies and tokenization. Additionally, sustainability-linked infrastructure projects are becoming a significant focus for investment.

DIFC’s infrastructure, legal framework, and ecosystem support its role as a global hub for alternative investments. The Centre hosts over 440 wealth and asset management firms, including 85 hedge funds - 69 of which manage more than $1 billion - forming the largest cluster of such firms in the region.

The DIFC Funds Centre provides tailored services, including Special Purpose Vehicles and family office structures, to assist investors navigating cross-border opportunities. This platform aims to support fund managers in scaling operations and accessing regional growth sectors.

Salmaan Jaffery, Chief Business Development Officer at DIFC Authority, emphasized Dubai’s strategic positioning: “Emerging markets offer compelling opportunities driven by infrastructure needs, digital asset adoption, and innovation. DIFC provides the legal, regulatory, and operational clarity to connect investors with these high-growth markets.”

The report was unveiled at the Fixed Income Alternatives Conference in Dubai, the region’s first event dedicated to fixed income alternative investments, hosted by DIFC and DealCatalyst.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) announced today that astronaut Mohammad AlMulla has successfully completed the European Space Agency’s (ESA) CAVES training program in Italy. The two-week course took place in the Molise and Campania regions, involving an international group of astronauts from ESA, NASA, and JAXA.

CAVES - short for Cooperative Adventure for Valuing and Exercising human behaviour and performance Skills - is designed to simulate space mission conditions by placing participants in an underground environment. The program emphasizes teamwork, technical skills, and psychological resilience in a setting that mimics spaceflight challenges, including isolation, confined quarters, and limited resources.

During the training, AlMulla and his colleagues engaged in technical instruction, outdoor exercises, and a multi-day subterranean expedition where they lived and worked without external contact. The curriculum focused on exploration techniques, mapping, scientific research, communication, leadership, stress management, and decision-making.

Completion of the CAVES program provides AlMulla with critical experience applicable to future space missions and strengthens international cooperation in human spaceflight efforts.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Dubai T100 has revealed its 2025 race course and maps, set against the city’s iconic landmarks including the Burj Khalifa. The event, scheduled for November 13–16, is part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) and is positioned as a major international triathlon and fitness weekend.

The race begins at Jumeirah 3 Beach - Sunset, with participants cycling past Meydan Racecourse and finishing with the Burj Khalifa in view. The weekend offers events for all fitness levels: the Duathlon Relay (5 km run, 22 km bike, 5 km run) and the Sprint Race (750 m swim, 20 km bike, 5 km run) take place on November 15, while the 100KM T100 Triathlon (2 km swim, 80 km bike, 18 km run) is scheduled for November 16.

In addition to the triathlons, the Music Run returns on November 15, a 5K fun run set to music designed to encourage community participation regardless of fitness level.

Dubai Sports Council Secretary General Saeed Hareb emphasized the event’s role in promoting physical activity across the emirate, describing it as a blend of elite competition and grassroots engagement. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, highlighted how the race showcases Dubai’s landmarks and supports the city’s goal of becoming a global fitness hub.

The event weekend will also feature live music, food, and activations, aiming to create a festival atmosphere. Organizers said further details will be announced in the coming weeks.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Alexander Agafiev

Alexander Agafiev is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.

The Dubai Land Department (DLD) introduced the first phase of its ‘Digital Sale’ service via the Dubai Now app during GITEX Global 2025. This new service enables users to complete real estate sale and registration transactions fully online, marking a significant advancement in Dubai’s digital transformation efforts.

The initiative aligns with Dubai’s broader economic and real estate strategies, including the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033. By enabling 24/7 transaction processing through electronic signatures via the UAE Pass app, the service aims to streamline procedures while maintaining high standards of security, transparency, and trust.

Through this platform, sellers can create and electronically sign sale contracts, which buyers then complete online. Payments are transferred to a dedicated account, and ownership certificates are issued instantly within the app. The service supports properties located in freehold areas, including residential units, commercial units, and residential townhouses, provided they are mortgage-free, owned by a single party, and that both buyer and seller have valid Emirates IDs and active UAE Pass accounts.

This development is part of the DLD’s efforts to digitize real estate transactions fully and support Dubai’s goal of building a knowledge-based, sustainable digital economy. It also aims to enhance the emirate’s appeal as a global destination for real estate investment by improving operational efficiency and customer experience.

Additionally, at GITEX Global 2025, the DLD showcased its Real Estate Instant Registration Platform, which provides real-time data on property transactions across Dubai, further promoting transparency in the market.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Dubai Culture & Arts Authority has announced the start of registration for the third Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Forum, scheduled for October 26 and 27 at Al Khayat Avenue, Al Quoz. The event, themed “Passion, Profit, Possibilities,” will focus on the intersection of creativity and business.

Recognized as the UAE’s premier platform for creative entrepreneurship, the forum gathers entrepreneurs, cultural leaders, artists, designers, chefs, and investors to discuss opportunities within the creative economy. It aims to support the growth of creative industries while reinforcing Dubai’s role as a global cultural hub.

Aligned with the initiative ‘The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World,’ the forum will include keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, and performances. Topics will cover culture as economic capital, mentorship, placemaking, and investment strategies. The program is designed to equip participants with practical skills and connections to advance their ventures.

Open to entrepreneurs, startups, investors, and professionals in the cultural and creative sectors, the forum encourages wide participation.

As part of the event, the Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Competition received over 120 submissions. Seven finalists will present their ideas to a panel of experts, competing for a total prize pool of AED 160,000. Awards include AED 80,000 for first place, AED 50,000 for second, and AED 30,000 for third, along with in-kind support for project development.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

In the elegant setting of the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, a landmark event unfolded on Saturday, October 11. Titled “The Ocean Meets Art”, the evening was hosted by Blue & Sport Alliance Monaco (BSA) and brought together a distinguished group of diplomats, scientists, artists, and philanthropists - all united by a common cause: the protection of the world’s oceans and polar regions.

Conceived and led by BSA’s President and Founder, Isidoro Miele, the event represented far more than a ceremonial gathering. It was a deliberate attempt to bridge disciplines - science and art, policy and culture - to address the accelerating environmental threats facing marine ecosystems. “Art speaks to the heart, science enlightens the mind, and from their meeting, conscience is born,” Miele said in his opening remarks, setting the tone for the evening.

The event drew high-level participation from across Europe’s diplomatic and scientific communities. In attendance was Her Excellency Emanuela Ruosi, Ambassador of Italy to the Principality of Monaco, and Raphaël Ghiandai, Administrative and Financial Director of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, a longstanding advocate for marine and polar conservation.

Also present were senior figures from key maritime institutions, reflecting the technical depth of the evening’s agenda. These included Rear Admiral Luigi Sinapi, Director of the International Hydrographic Organization and Vice-President of BSA Monaco; Rear Admiral Fabrizio Orengo, Director of the Italian Hydrographic Institute; Rear Admiral Giosuè Allegrini, naval engineer, historian, and art critic; and Commander Maurizio De Marte, head of the Italian Navy’s polar mission High North 24.

The evening opened with a scientific roundtable focused on climate and maritime challenges, including ocean warming, polar ice melt, and rising sea levels. This was followed by an artistic performance designed to evoke the fragility and beauty of the marine world - an expression of the central theme that intellectual insight must be paired with emotional connection to inspire meaningful action.

A highlight of the program was the intervention by Tom Woods, President and Founder of the NGO Help Save The Med, who delivered a compelling testimony on the urgent need to protect the Mediterranean Sea. Emphasizing international cooperation and citizen engagement, Woods underscored the importance of moving from awareness to action in marine conservation.

Support for the event came from key private-sector partners and long-time allies of BSA Monaco. Among them was Marcello Pica, CEO of Mama Shipping, Vice-President of the Monegasque Chamber of Shipping, and a member of the BSA board. Pica, a principal sponsor of the event, was joined by philanthropist Mikhail Nefedov, whose continued backing of climate-focused initiatives was acknowledged with gratitude during the evening.

What made “The Ocean Meets Art” distinct was its ambition to create new coalitions. By bringing together military officers and environmentalists, cultural figures and hydrographers, the event embodied a new model of engagement - one in which the tools of science are amplified by the voice of culture and the reach of diplomacy.

In a time of escalating environmental crises, BSA Monaco reaffirmed its mission: to forge partnerships across disciplines, unite expertise and creativity, and defend the fragile beauty of our shared marine world.

Monaco - with its historic commitment to oceanic stewardship - once again proved itself a stage where science and society can meet, and where real collaboration begins.

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced 11 advanced technology projects at GITEX Global 2025, underscoring its strategic push into artificial intelligence and data-driven mobility. The event, hosted at Dubai World Trade Centre from October 13–17, brings together over 6,800 companies from 180 countries and more than 400 government entities.

Among the key RTA projects showcased are a Smart Vehicle Network, aerial taxis, autonomous trams, and predictive inspection systems - all designed to modernize transport services and improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at RTA, said the initiatives reflect Dubai’s broader strategy to position itself as a global leader in smart, AI-powered urban mobility. “We are committed to applying emerging technologies to improve operational performance and enhance quality of life,” he said.

AI-Driven Traffic and Inspection Systems

The Smart Vehicle Network, developed at the Dubai Intelligent Traffic Systems Centre, integrates Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems to manage traffic in real time. It has already reduced delays by 25% and cut operational costs by up to 30%.

AutoCheck 360, an automated vehicle inspection system, uses AI and computer vision to reduce inspection time from 17 minutes to 7. It is one of the first fully integrated systems of its kind in the region.

Smart Mobility and Infrastructure

RTA also highlighted a Smart Mobility Platform that monitors and manages school buses, delivery bikes, and other commercial fleets using IoT sensors and AI analytics to enhance safety and compliance.

The Safe Tracks Rail Inspection System, the first of its kind regionally, uses laser scanning and intelligent analytics to identify rail defects, reducing inspection time by 70% and improving metro safety.

The Trackless Tram system uses GPS, LiDAR, and AI to navigate virtual tracks without physical rails -offering a lower-cost, autonomous public transport solution adaptable to urban environments.

Urban Air Mobility and Digital Platforms

The aerial taxi, currently in trial phase, offers point-to-point transport with flight times such as 10 minutes from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah. It will be integrated with other public and personal mobility options.

RTA is also advancing its digital service platforms. The S’hail app offers multimodal trip planning and smart notifications, while the RTA Dubai app consolidates licensing, parking, fines, and other services. Smart kiosks with live video access to customer service agents are being deployed across the city.

Building AI Capability

The RTA’s AI Factory serves as a research and development hub focused on machine learning and intelligent systems, supporting the agency’s 2030 goal to become a global leader in AI mobility solutions.

RTA’s participation at GITEX 2025 demonstrates how government infrastructure can evolve through practical applications of AI, IoT, and data analytics.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Alexander Agafiev

Alexander Agafiev is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.

Start-ups operating within in5, Dubai’s flagship entrepreneurship incubator, have collectively raised over AED 9 billion in funding since its launch in 2013. The milestone was announced during Expand North Star 2025, held from October 12–15 at Dubai Harbour.

The new figure marks a 14% increase over total funding raised as of October 2024 and reflects the growing appeal of Dubai’s innovation ecosystem. in5 is operated by TECOM Group PJSC and supports early-stage companies across four key sectors: technology, media, design, and science.

Since its establishment, in5 has supported more than 1,100 start-ups. Its sector-specific facilities include in5 Tech in Dubai Internet City, in5 Media in Dubai Production City, in5 Design in Dubai Design District (d3), and in5 Science in partnership with Dubai Science Park.

“The AED 9 billion milestone reflects the strength of in5’s ecosystem and its alignment with Dubai’s innovation strategy,” said Majed Al Suwaidi, Senior Vice President at TECOM Group. The incubator supports the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to position Dubai among the top global cities for economic growth and innovation.

In the first half of 2025, in5 hosted 94 events offering mentorship, advisory sessions, and investor engagement opportunities. Companies showcased at Expand North Star included Bellboy, an AI-driven hospitality automation platform; Gainz, a fintech venture focused on private credit; and MyGatePass, a visitor management solution using UAE Pass integration.

Recent funding rounds from in5-based ventures include AED 22 million for Halo AI, AED 5.5 million for Wittify AI, and AED 1.8 million for Armoir, a luggage-tech start-up. in5 Tech also hosts the in5 Investor Hub, a dedicated space for investors to engage with emerging companies.

TECOM Group, which operates 10 business districts in Dubai, including Dubai Internet City and Dubai Science Park, continues to play a central role in advancing the city’s knowledge-based economy.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office