News

Dubai Properties, a subsidiary of Dubai Holding Real Estate, has finalized construction contracts valued at approximately AED 1.1 billion to expand its Villanova master development. The agreements, awarded to Metac General Contracting Co. LLC, authorize the commencement of La Tilia, a new residential phase comprising 850 townhouses within the Dubailand district.

The project is divided into two distinct stages. Phase 1 will consist of 410 units, while Phase 2 is set to deliver an additional 440 homes. The inventory is scaled for the mid-market and upper mid-market segments, featuring 500 three-bedroom and 350 four-bedroom residences.

The expansion follows the completion of 3,834 homes previously delivered at Villanova. According to Khalid Al Malik, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding Real Estate, the contract award is a response to sustained buyer demand for integrated suburban communities. The development strategy emphasizes proximity to major arterial road networks and established social infrastructure.

La Tilia is designed with a Mediterranean-inspired architectural framework. The master plan prioritizes pedestrian-focused urban design, incorporating dedicated cycling tracks, walking paths, and integrated retail facilities.

Muhammad Sadiq Abdullah, General Manager of Metac General Contracting Co., stated that the firm’s mandate focuses on the execution and timely completion of the two phases. Located in the Dubailand corridor, the project continues the densification of one of Dubai’s primary residential zones, aligning with the city’s broader infrastructure and population growth requirements.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Andrew Shelepnytsky

Andrew Shelepnytsky is an Editor of Dubai Voice.

In the rarefied world of Middle Eastern high fashion, the dialogue between heritage and modernity is often loud, yet few speak it with the structural precision of Rami Al Ali. As the 2026 season unfolds, the Dubai-based couturier has emerged not just as a designer, but as a primary architect of the region’s global aesthetic identity. His latest work signifies a broader shift in the Dubai design landscape: a move away from ornamental excess toward a disciplined, sculptural minimalism that resonates from the ateliers of d3 to the runways of Paris.

Al Ali’s recent collections have become a case study in the "new couture," where traditional craftsmanship is filtered through contemporary engineering. His signature technique - the manipulation of heavy satins and delicate tulles into silhouettes that mimic the city’s own skyline - has garnered international acclaim, bridging the gap between the historic salons of Europe and the burgeoning creative hubs of the United Arab Emirates.

A Narrative of Craftsmanship

The designer’s 2026 trajectory is defined by a commitment to the "slow fashion" movement within the luxury sector. By integrating hand-embroidered details with laser-cut technology, Al Ali is addressing a global demand for garments that function as wearable art.

His influence extends beyond the runway. Al Ali has been instrumental in the "Designed in Dubai" initiative, which aims to standardize the quality of regional production to meet global export requirements. This institutional focus on craftsmanship over commercial speed has allowed Dubai-based couture to maintain its relevance in an increasingly volatile global luxury market.

The Global Ambassador

As Dubai solidifies its status as a fashion capital, the role of the individual designer has transitioned from local dressmaker to global ambassador. Al Ali’s consistent presence on the Paris Couture Week calendar has provided a blueprint for other regional houses, proving that the "Dubai look" is a serious contender in the high-fashion hierarchy.

In the 2026 landscape, the success of the industry is no longer measured solely by local consumption, but by its ability to influence the global conversation. Through his meticulous attention to form and his refusal to rely on transient trends, Rami Al Ali remains the definitive voice of this sophisticated new era.

Photo credits: Rami Al Ali

Andrew Shelepnytsky

Andrew Shelepnytsky is an Editor of Dubai Voice.

The traditional arrival at Dubai’s luxury coast has long been a matter of valet stands and marble lobbies. However, a new partnership between maritime operator D-Marin and MEREX Investment is shifting the point of entry offshore. With the launch of an exclusive anchorage zone at J1 Beach, the city is formally integrating its maritime infrastructure with its high-end culinary scene, allowing yacht owners to transition from deck to dining room via the sea.

The service provides a logistical bridge between the water and the shore. Once anchored in the designated zone, guests are ferried by a dedicated D-Marin tender to a private jetty. This sea-gate provides immediate access to a collection of 13 world-class restaurants and beach clubs, effectively turning the offshore area into a functional extension of the beach.

A Global Shoreline

The J1 Beach district has been curated as a high-density hub of international lifestyle brands. The destination draws heavily from the aesthetic of the French Riviera, Tulum, and New York, offering a licensed environment that caters to a globalized palate. Key establishments defining the space include Gigi Rigolatto, an Italian-inspired enclave bringing Mediterranean elegance to the Gulf; Sirene by Gaia, a Greek-led concept focused on high-concept coastal dining; and Bâoli, a renowned brand that bridges the gap between sophisticated gastronomy and evening social scenes.

Located just a short distance from the 160-berth D-Marin Port De La Mer, this new anchorage service reinforces the "marina-as-a-lifestyle" model. For the superyacht clientele, it offers a refined, day-to-night transition that avoids the friction of urban traffic.

The Superyacht Hub Ambition

This expansion brings D-Marin’s portfolio to five marinas within the emirate, signaling a deeper integration of maritime services into Dubai’s broader tourism and entertainment strategy. By establishing world-class anchorage destinations alongside traditional berthing, Dubai is solidifying its position as a global superyacht hub.

In the 2026 landscape, the Contributor to Dubai’s coastal economy is the realization that the most prestigious way to experience the city is no longer by road, but by the wake of a tender.

Photo credit: D-Marin

Alexander Agafiev

Alexander Agafiev is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.

Dubai South Properties has awarded an AED 2 billion contract to Mohammed Abdulmohsin Al Kharafi & Sons LLC for the development of multiple phases of HAYAT, a luxury master-planned community. The project, which spans 10 million square feet, represents a significant expansion of the residential portfolio within the Dubai South district.

Located in proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport, the HAYAT development is designed to integrate approximately 2,500 residential units. The architectural master plan includes a diverse range of housing options, including one- to five-bedroom apartments, townhouses, semi-detached villas, and standalone mansions. The project emphasizes minimalist design and flexible living spaces intended to provide residents with increased privacy.

The development is positioned as a wellness-oriented community, featuring a community lake, lagoons, and shaded walking trails. Infrastructure within the master plan includes a retail boulevard, a community mall, and various fitness and recreation facilities. The site offers direct connectivity to major transport arteries, including Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road, as well as the Jebel Ali Free Zone and the Dubai South Free Zone.

Nabil Al Kindi, Group CEO of Dubai South, stated that the project aligns with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. According to Al Kindi, the appointment of the contractor is a critical step in meeting investor commitments following strong market demand since the project’s launch in 2025.

Construction is scheduled to commence in the second quarter of 2026. The initial phases of the HAYAT project are expected to reach completion by 2028. Existing amenities in the surrounding Dubai South ecosystem currently include a GEMS Founders School, a 50,000-square-foot hypermarket, and public bus routes connecting to the Expo Metro station.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Alexander Agafiev

Alexander Agafiev is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.

Dubai’s taxi and e-hail limousine sectors recorded strong growth in 2025, driven by rising passenger demand, fleet expansion and increased use of digital booking platforms, according to Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority.

The taxi sector served 209.02 million passengers during the year, up 4.2 percent from 200.65 million in 2024. The number of taxi trips also rose by 4.2 percent, reaching 120.1 million compared with 115.3 million the previous year. The sector operates a fleet of 14,476 vehicles.

Adel Shakeri, Director of Planning and Business Development at the RTA’s Public Transport Agency, said the use of e-hail platforms continued to expand. About 45 percent of taxi trips were booked through digital platforms in 2025, a 13 percent increase from 2024, reflecting a shift away from traditional street hailing.

The fleet grew by 600 vehicles during the year, representing a 6 percent increase. According to the RTA, 90 percent of the taxi fleet is now hybrid or electric. The authority aims to transition to a fully electric taxi fleet by 2040 as part of the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050.

Service upgrades introduced in 2025 included leather seating, in-car fresheners and digital roof lights. The RTA also implemented new performance indicators and introduced artificial intelligence tools to support lost-and-found services and driver safety compliance. More than 75 percent of taxi trips recorded an estimated arrival time of under 3.5 minutes.

The e-hail limousine sector also expanded. Trips increased by 25 percent, rising from 32.8 million in 2024 to 41 million in 2025, while ridership reached 71.4 million passengers. The growth was supported by the addition of 35 limousine companies and around 2,500 vehicles.

About 15,000 vehicles now operate on the e-hail limousine platform, with 83 percent of trips achieving arrival times of under 3.5 minutes. Electric vehicles account for 18 percent of the limousine fleet.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Alexander Agafiev

Alexander Agafiev is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, met in Dubai with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah.

The meeting was attended by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Olympic Committee; and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

During the meeting, the leaders exchanged Ramadan greetings and expressed prayers for the continued prosperity, security and stability of the United Arab Emirates and its people.

Discussions focused on national development priorities, initiatives aimed at improving quality of life, and support for key sectors aligned with the country’s long-term objectives.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid emphasized the importance of continued cooperation and coordination among the emirates to advance development and strengthen the UAE’s global standing.

The meeting also underscored the themes of solidarity, mutual support and community cohesion associated with the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Alexander Agafiev

Alexander Agafiev is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.

In the global economy of sport, attention often follows medals and scorelines. Less visible, but increasingly consequential, are the places where athletes prepare when no cameras are present. Over the past two decades, Dubai has emerged as one of those places - less a spectacle than an infrastructure of performance.

This is not an accident of branding. Dubai hosts established international competitions across tennis, golf, rugby and endurance sports, events sanctioned by global federations and embedded in official professional calendars. These tournaments did not arrive fully formed; they followed sustained investment in facilities, logistics and sports governance that meet international standards. Athletes come because the conditions allow them to work, not because the spotlight demands it.

Elite performance today is shaped as much by recovery and data as by raw talent. Dubai’s appeal lies in its integration of sports medicine, climate-controlled training environments and year-round access to facilities. These are not luxuries but necessities in an era when careers are longer, margins are thinner and injury prevention can define success. The city’s role mirrors a broader shift in global sport: preparation has become as decisive as competition.

For regional athletes, the implications are particularly significant. Access to world-class infrastructure at home reduces the historical need to relocate abroad for development. This matters not only for individual careers but for the sustainability of sporting ecosystems. National programs in the Gulf increasingly emphasize long-term athlete development, aligning with models used by established sporting nations.

Dubai’s influence does not rest on rewriting the rules of sport, but on respecting them. Its rise reflects a pragmatic understanding shared across elite athletics: performance follows systems, not slogans. As global sport continues to professionalize, cities that invest quietly and consistently in those systems will shape outcomes long before the podium.

Photo credits: Today’s Golfer. DP World Tour Championship 

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Under the patronage and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, the Private Office of His Highness the Ruler of Dubai organised desert cycling races for women and men on 31 January and 1 February as part of the Al Salam Cycling Championship.

The races were held at Al Marmoom Reserve in the Saih Al Salam area and formed part of the championship’s tenth season, held under the theme “Ten Years of Achievements and Success.” The Higher Organising Committee designed a technically demanding course requiring competitors to race on mountain bikes while wearing protective gear and carrying essential equipment, reflecting the challenges of desert terrain.

The combined prize pool for the two races totalled AED455,000, which organisers described as the largest prize offering for desert cycling races worldwide.

The women’s desert race covered a distance of 20 kilometres and included two categories: Emirati women and an open category for all nationalities. The men’s race followed the next day over 52 kilometres and featured two special challenges with dedicated cash prizes.

Omair bin Juma Al Falasi, Director General of the Private Office of His Highness the Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee, said the championship continues to prioritise inclusivity by offering competitions that engage a broad range of participants while aligning with developments in the sport. He noted that desert cycling presents distinct physical and technical demands compared to road racing.

The desert races marked the fourth and fifth events of the championship’s tenth season. Earlier events included the “Security and Safety” race for Emirati cyclists organised in cooperation with Dubai Police, the Ruler of Dubai Court Race held for the second consecutive year, and a women’s race at Al Marmoom Reserve featuring international competitors.

The championship also includes a photography contest organised in collaboration with the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award, with winners to be announced at the conclusion of the season.

The Al Salam Cycling Championship is organised in cooperation with several strategic partners, including Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality, the Roads and Transport Authority, the Dubai Sports Council, the Government of Dubai Media Office, the UAE Cycling Federation, Dubai Sports Channel, and Dubai Film.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Alexander Agafiev

Alexander Agafiev is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.

Dubai has built one of the world’s most concentrated and diversified retail landscapes, positioning shopping not as a side attraction but as a central pillar of its economy and global brand.

Retail contributes a significant share to Dubai’s non-oil GDP, supported by a combination of large-scale malls, traditional markets, and a steady flow of international visitors. The city is home to more than 60 shopping malls, including The Dubai Mall - one of the largest malls globally by total area - as well as Mall of the Emirates, which introduced indoor skiing to the retail experience in the Middle East. These complexes function as mixed-use destinations, combining shopping with dining, entertainment, and tourism infrastructure.

Dubai’s appeal as a shopping hub is reinforced by its role as a global trade and logistics center. Its ports, free zones, and air connectivity have enabled international brands to establish regional headquarters and flagship stores in the city. Luxury labels, mass-market retailers, and emerging designers operate side by side, reflecting Dubai’s position at the intersection of Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Alongside modern retail, traditional souks remain active parts of the commercial fabric. The Gold Souk, Textile Souk, and Spice Souk in historic areas such as Deira continue to serve residents and visitors, offering goods that reflect long-standing trading practices. These markets coexist with newer developments, underscoring Dubai’s approach of layering growth onto existing commercial traditions rather than replacing them entirely.

Seasonal retail events have further shaped consumer culture. The Dubai Shopping Festival, launched in 1996, remains one of the city’s most prominent annual events, drawing international visitors with promotions across retail, hospitality, and entertainment sectors. Such initiatives align with broader tourism strategies aimed at sustaining year-round visitor traffic.

Dubai’s retail sector has also adapted quickly to changing consumer behavior. E-commerce adoption has accelerated, while physical stores increasingly emphasize experience, convenience, and integration with digital platforms. Government-led initiatives supporting smart services and cashless payments have reinforced this shift.

Taken together, Dubai’s shopping ecosystem reflects the city’s broader economic strategy: diversification, scale, and connectivity. Retail in Dubai is not simply about consumption, but about positioning the city as a global marketplace - one that continues to evolve with consumer trends while remaining rooted in its trading history.

Photo credits: Wikipedia. Dubai Mall

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

DMCC, in partnership with Dubai real estate developer Sweid & Sweid, has announced the launch of BAY360, a new mixed-use lifestyle destination in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT).

Planned as a neighbourhood and community hub, BAY360 will introduce a range of essential retail, dining, wellness and recreational amenities intended to support everyday life in the district. The project forms part of DMCC’s broader programme to upgrade shared spaces across JLT, with a focus on improving accessibility, connectivity and overall liveability.

The development will be built on a portion of Lake D, with most of the lake retained as a central feature. The design prioritises integration with the surrounding waterfront, enhancing pedestrian movement and activating public areas while maintaining the open, lakeside character of the site.

BAY360 will be anchored by a 22,000-square-foot Spinneys supermarket. Additional components include cafés and restaurants, some with lake-facing outdoor terraces, as well as medical facilities, lifestyle retail, rooftop padel courts and family-oriented outdoor spaces. The project will also include an underground car park with approximately 300 spaces.

Beyond the site itself, DMCC and Sweid & Sweid will implement improvements around Lake D to enhance connectivity across JLT. These include a redesigned pedestrian route linking the metro station to the opposite side of the lake and improved access to JLT Park. Planned upgrades to the lake edges will add greenery, seating and walkways.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DMCC, said the project reflects DMCC’s long-term strategy to strengthen the quality and functionality of JLT’s public realm. Maher Sweid, Managing Partner of Sweid & Sweid, said BAY360 represents the company’s third project in the district and builds on its ongoing investment in JLT, with completion targeted for the end of 2027.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.