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UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received the Rulers of the Emirates, Crown Princes, Deputy Rulers, Sheikhs and senior officials on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha.

The leaders exchanged Eid greetings and expressed wishes for the continued prosperity, security and stability of the UAE and its people.

Among those received by the President were His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah; His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah; His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain; and His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.

The gathering was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, along with Crown Princes and Deputy Rulers from across the Emirates.

Those extending Eid greetings also included His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Minister of Defence; His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah; and other senior members of the ruling families.

The meeting was also attended by several ministers, senior officials and Sheikhs, including Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed also received Eid well-wishers including officials, citizens and guests of the UAE.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Andrew Shelepnytsky

Andrew Shelepnytsky is an Editor of Dubai Voice.

The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is accelerating its digital transformation initiatives by integrating artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics across its operational framework. Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, stated that the organization is prioritizing technology infrastructure to align with Dubai’s objective of becoming a leading smart city.

Al Tayer emphasized that the deployment of AI is intended to enhance service sustainability, optimize operational efficiency, and improve proactive decision-making. These efforts are centered at the Technology Operation Control Centre (TOCC), a hub that provides 24-hour monitoring and support for the RTA’s technical systems, including servers, databases, and digital applications.

The TOCC functions through an integrated model that manages over 200 server-hosting units and processes more than 500 support requests daily. The facility is divided into specialized units, such as the IT Support Centre and the Operations Monitoring Centre, which utilize automated systems to monitor performance and identify potential operational challenges before they impact service delivery.

Recent upgrades to the centre have modernized the authority's technical environment, resulting in the facility receiving a Tier III classification - a global standard for data centre reliability, service continuity, and operational readiness. According to the RTA, this infrastructure is critical to maintaining high standards of cybersecurity and ensuring the continuous availability of smart mobility services throughout the city.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Andrew Shelepnytsky

Andrew Shelepnytsky is an Editor of Dubai Voice.

Xsolla, a global video game commerce firm, has entered into a strategic partnership with the Dubai Films and Games Commission (DFGC) to bolster the video game industry in the Middle East and North Africa. The collaboration, announced at the GamesBeat Summit 2026 in Los Angeles, aims to provide Dubai-based developers with improved access to international markets and essential infrastructure.

The agreement integrates Xsolla’s suite of commerce tools - including direct-to-consumer storefronts and payment processing systems - with the commission’s mandate to establish Dubai as a global hub for game development and publishing. Key components of the partnership include the launch of a joint studio accelerator program based in Dubai, the co-production of market intelligence regarding the gaming sector, and the creation of pathways to connect regional developers with industry leaders and flagship global events.

Faisal Kazim, Games Commissioner for the DFGC, stated that the initiative is designed to provide local developers with the necessary infrastructure to scale their operations globally. Representatives from Xsolla noted that the investment reflects the region's rapid growth as a video game market and its increasing role in the broader international media and technology sector.

Both organizations have indicated that they expect to release further details regarding specific joint programming and regional activations in the coming months.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Andrew Shelepnytsky

Andrew Shelepnytsky is an Editor of Dubai Voice.

Art Dubai concluded its 20th-anniversary special edition on May 17, drawing more than 25,000 visitors to the Madinat Jumeirah. Held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the four-day event focused on the institutions, galleries, and artists that have defined the region’s creative sector over the past two decades.

The 2026 edition featured a revised, more concentrated format with approximately 75 presentations, including over 45 commercial galleries. Despite the smaller scale compared to previous years, organizers reported high levels of engagement and steady sales. The fair’s programming emphasized regional perspectives, with roughly 60 percent of participating galleries hailing from the UAE and the wider Middle East.

This year marked a significant shift in the fair’s accessibility, as organizers offered free admission to the public for the first time in the event's history. Strategic partnerships with the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and A.R.M. Holding supported the fair's efforts to foster community engagement during a period of regional instability.

Exhibitors and collectors noted a focus on regional collaboration. Presentations spanned contemporary, modern, and digital art, accompanied by the 20th edition of the Global Art Forum, which explored themes of cultural transition. Institutional presence remained international, with participants from over 20 countries, including contributions from the MoMA in New York and the Busan Museum of Art.

Organizers have announced that the 2027 edition of Art Dubai is scheduled to return to Madinat Jumeirah from April 7-11, 2027.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Andrew Shelepnytsky

Andrew Shelepnytsky is an Editor of Dubai Voice.

Emirates has finalized the first retrofit of its two-class Airbus A380 fleet, marking a progression in the airline’s multi-billion dollar cabin renovation program. The refurbished aircraft, registered as A6-EUX, has entered service on the Dubai-Birmingham route featuring a new three-class configuration.

The reconfiguration includes 76 Business Class seats, 56 Premium Economy seats - now introduced to the upper deck - and 437 Economy Class seats. The project required the removal of 120 Economy seats to accommodate the updated cabin layout, necessitating structural modifications to galleys, overhead bins, and electrical and plumbing systems. Emirates Engineering reported that the project required approximately 35,000 man-hours and over 2,500 individual parts.

This aircraft is the first of 15 two-class A380s slated for modernization. While the inaugural retrofit required two months of labor, Emirates expects subsequent upgrades for this specific aircraft type to be completed in 30 days, with the full sub-fleet scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.

The broader retrofit program, which commenced in 2021, has expanded from an initial scope of 120 aircraft to 219. To date, Emirates Engineering has completed work on 95 aircraft, including 42 A380s and 53 Boeing 777s. As part of its sustainability efforts, the airline has implemented an upcycling initiative to repurpose materials removed during the cabin interior replacements into consumer goods and educational items.

Sir Tim Clark, president of Emirates Airline, stated that the program aims to standardize the onboard product across the carrier’s fleet through a process of continuous cabin interior updates.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Alexander Agafiev

Alexander Agafiev is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.

The inaugural Apex Games, a hybrid fitness competition combining running and functional fitness challenges, will take place on June 6 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Organizers have confirmed that registration for the event is at capacity, with more than 1,200 participants registered across individual, doubles, and team categories.

The event is being developed by CAP Sports and DXB LIVE. To support the technical requirements of the competition, organizers have established a partnership with Technogym, which will serve as the Official Technical and Performance Partner. Under this agreement, the company will provide the equipment necessary for the fitness stations integrated into the race format.

The Apex Games format involves four running stages interspersed with functional fitness challenges designed to assess endurance, strength, and speed. Following the June launch, organizers intend to expand the competition, with plans currently in development to hold four additional events across the region for the second season.

Nick Cartwright, CEO of CAP Sports, stated that the initiative is intended to establish a sporting brand rooted in the UAE. Representatives from DXB LIVE noted that the event aligns with broader efforts to promote active lifestyles and expand the region's sports event calendar.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Andrew Shelepnytsky

Andrew Shelepnytsky is an Editor of Dubai Voice.

Global investor services group IQ-EQ announced that its subsidiary Gordian Capital has received regulatory approval from the Dubai Financial Services Authority to establish operations at Dubai International Financial Centre.

The licence allows Gordian Capital to provide a range of institutional fund services within or from DIFC, including managing collective investment funds, advising on financial products, arranging custody, arranging investment deals and managing assets. The company has also received approval to operate a fund platform.

The expansion marks Gordian Capital’s entry into the Middle East as part of IQ-EQ’s broader growth strategy across Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Gulf region. The firm said the Dubai operation will support institutional investment professionals seeking regulated operational infrastructure while enabling clients to focus on investment management.

Founded in 2005, Gordian Capital has launched more than 115 funds across private and public market strategies and currently manages approximately US$22 billion in assets. Its client base includes institutional asset managers, hedge funds, family offices and corporates investing across sectors including private equity, infrastructure, venture capital and real estate.

Gordian Capital operates across Singapore, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Melbourne. The company was acquired by IQ-EQ in July 2025, expanding the group’s regulated fund platform capabilities across Asia-Pacific alongside existing operations in France, Luxembourg, Ireland and the United Kingdom.

Mark Voumard, founder of Gordian Capital and Managing Director and Head of Fund Platform and Solutions, Asia and Middle East at IQ-EQ, said the new licence would provide institutional managers with a regulated pathway to establish a presence in DIFC while meeting operational and compliance requirements.

Richard Surrency, Group Chief Commercial Officer at IQ-EQ, described the approval as a significant step in the group’s Middle East expansion plans, citing the UAE’s growing position as a mature financial market.

Salmaan Jaffery, Chief Business Development Officer at DIFC Authority, said Gordian Capital’s arrival would strengthen DIFC’s asset management ecosystem and reinforce its position as a regional hub for institutional fund platforms.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Alexander Agafiev

Alexander Agafiev is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.

Amazon MGM Studios has announced the global release of Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan: Ghost War, a new feature film whose key scenes were shot in Dubai in collaboration with the Dubai Media Council and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).

The production marks another international film project supported by Dubai as it seeks to strengthen its position as a global hub for media and entertainment production. Filming was conducted under the oversight of the Dubai Film Development Committee, established by the Dubai Media Council to support the growth of the emirate’s film sector.

The film premiered globally on Prime Video on Wednesday.

Shot in early 2025, the production uses several Dubai locations as part of its international espionage storyline. Featured sites include Dubai Marina, Al Seef, One&Only One Za’abeel, Emirates Towers, the Gate Avenue district in DIFC, Burj Park and desert locations across the emirate.

The cast includes John Krasinski in the lead role, alongside Sienna Miller, Wendell Pierce and Michael Kelly. The film is directed by Andrew Bernstein and produced by Sunday Night’s John Krasinski and Allyson Seeger, with Andrew Form. It is produced in association with Paramount Pictures and Skydance.

Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and Director General of the Government of Dubai Media Office, said the project reflects Dubai’s long-term strategy to build an advanced media ecosystem supported by production infrastructure, streamlined processes and creative talent.

Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing and Chairman of the Dubai Film Development Committee, said the collaboration highlights Dubai’s ability to integrate entertainment, tourism and culture while supporting international productions.

The Dubai Film Development Committee said it continues to coordinate with government entities and industry partners to facilitate filming and production requirements across the emirate.

Production support for the film involved several public and private sector entities, including Dubai Police, the Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Municipality and Emirates Airline.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Andrew Shelepnytsky

Andrew Shelepnytsky is an Editor of Dubai Voice.

This May, the glamour of the French Riviera reaches a new crescendo as Monaco’s most prestigious social tradition crosses the border into Cannes. On May 16, the iconic Hôtel Le Majestic will host the Grand Ball of Princes and Princesses Monte-Carlo, timed to coincide with the energy of the Cannes Film Festival.

The gala serves as a royal tribute to the Principality of Monaco and the enduring elegance of Grace Kelly. Under the theme “A Hollywood Dream in Royal Splendor,” the event seeks to unite the refined heritage of the Monegasque court with the cinematic brilliance that defines the Croisette.

An Immersive Universe of Elegance

The Grand Ball is designed as an immersive journey beyond reality. The evening will feature a majestic atmosphere characterized by exquisite gala dining and a refined scenography. Performances by internationally acclaimed dancers, musicians, and artists are set to transform the venue into a living masterpiece of art and emotion.

Gentlemen will appear in tuxedos, tailcoats, or ceremonial uniforms, while ladies are invited to wear opulent ball gowns adorned with tiaras.

A Legacy of Philanthropy

The splendor of the evening is matched by its mission of generosity. In keeping with the spirit of the event, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Princess Grace of Monaco Foundation. This contribution continues the late Princess’s legacy of supporting culture and humanitarian causes.

Gathering distinguished guests and lovers of excellence from around the globe, the Grand Ball of Princes and Princesses Monte-Carlo stands as a transformative experience. It represents an unforgettable night where the magic of Monte-Carlo meets the brilliance of Cannes, leaving an everlasting impression on the international social calendar.

Andrew Shelepnytsky

Andrew Shelepnytsky is an Editor of Dubai Voice.

Nakheel, part of Dubai Holding Real Estate, has awarded a contract valued at AED 527 million ($143 million) to Al Nasr Contracting Company for infrastructure works on Island B at Dubai Islands.

The contract covers the development of core infrastructure needed to enable future residential, hospitality and mixed-use projects. Works include roads, water supply systems, electricity and telecommunications networks, as well as drainage and sewage systems. The project will also integrate with the district cooling network and coordinate technically with infrastructure on Island A.

The investment marks a construction milestone for Dubai Islands, a large-scale coastal development aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. Officials describe the infrastructure as critical to supporting long-term population growth and economic diversification.

“This contract reflects disciplined execution against one of Dubai’s most important coastal masterplans,” said Khalid Al Malik, chief executive of Dubai Holding Real Estate.

Dubai Islands spans 18.6 square kilometers across five interconnected islands. The development is planned to include about 57 kilometers of coastline, with 21 kilometers of beachfront. It is expected to accommodate more than 231,000 residents across approximately 49,000 homes, alongside resorts, marinas, retail and leisure facilities.

Island B is a central part of the masterplan, requiring foundational infrastructure to enable future construction.

Jean Nicolas El Helou, chief executive of Al Nasr Contracting Company, said the firm aims to deliver infrastructure aligned with Dubai’s growth objectives.

The islands will be connected to mainland Dubai through three bridges linked to the Al Shindagha Corridor, with Dubai International Airport located within 10 kilometers and Downtown Dubai within 15 kilometers.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Andrew Shelepnytsky

Andrew Shelepnytsky is an Editor of Dubai Voice.

Dubai Taxi Company has secured 600 additional taxi plates through a recent auction held by the Roads and Transport Authority, extending its lead as the largest taxi operator in Dubai and raising its market share to 47 percent.

The acquisition will expand the company’s fleet from 6,217 to 6,817 vehicles. The rollout of the new taxis is scheduled to begin in July 2026 and will proceed in phases, a plan the company says is intended to preserve operational efficiency and maintain service standards while responding to rising demand for transport services.

According to Mansoor Rahma Alfalasi, the expansion reflects continued growth in Dubai’s mobility sector and the company’s strategy to scale its operations in line with the city’s urban development. He said the phased deployment is designed to optimize asset use, strengthen financial performance, and sustain service quality.

The move aligns with broader government efforts to build an integrated and technology-driven transport system, while supporting the objectives of Dubai’s Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to reinforce the city’s global standing in infrastructure and urban services.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Andrew Shelepnytsky

Andrew Shelepnytsky is an Editor of Dubai Voice.