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Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) added 1,000 megawatts of clean energy capacity in 2025, marking a significant step in the expansion of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park and Dubai’s broader energy transition.

The new capacity forms part of the 1,800-megawatt sixth phase of the solar park, one of the largest renewable energy projects in the region. According to DEWA, the milestone reflects steady, phased development designed to strengthen the resilience of Dubai’s power system while meeting rising demand linked to population and economic growth.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, DEWA’s managing director and chief executive, said the progress aligns with the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, to accelerate the shift toward renewable energy. He noted that the project supports long-term planning and operational stability.

The expansion is consistent with the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy and the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, which targets 100 percent of installed power generation capacity from clean energy sources by mid-century.

Launched in 2012, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park has now reached a total production capacity of 3,860 megawatts. By 2030, capacity is expected to exceed 8,000 megawatts, surpassing the original target of 5,000 megawatts. DEWA estimates that the project will reduce carbon emissions by more than 8.5 million tonnes annually.

DEWA said it tendered the seventh phase of the solar park in 2025. The remaining 800 megawatts of the sixth phase are scheduled to come online by the fourth quarter of 2026.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Alexander Agafiev

Alexander Agafiev is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, chaired a Cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi to review the federal government’s record since he assumed office in 2006.

Senior members of the UAE leadership attended the meeting, which focused on institutional reforms, economic performance and policy initiatives over the past 20 years. Sheikh Mohammed said the federal government had issued more than 16,000 resolutions and allocated over AED 1.1 trillion in budgets during that period, reshaping government operations, modernising infrastructure and streamlining public services.

According to figures reviewed by the Cabinet, federal spending grew by 167 per cent between 2006 and 2026, while real GDP rose by 94 per cent from 2006 to 2024. Non-oil foreign trade increased nearly sixfold, reaching about AED 3 trillion in 2024, with non-oil exports rising sharply over the same period. Education, healthcare, social development and housing accounted for the largest shares of government expenditure.

The Cabinet highlighted a series of long-term strategies launched since 2007, including Vision 2021, Centennial 2071, the “Preparing for the Next 50 Years” programme, and the “We Are the UAE 2031” plan. It also reviewed reforms in government performance management, legislation, artificial intelligence policy and digital governance, including the launch of a unified federal legislation platform and the establishment of a Regulatory Intelligence Office in 2025.

Ministers also discussed recent policy updates, including healthcare services for People of Determination, the Circular Economy Policy 2031, and the National Strategy to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. The Cabinet reviewed progress under the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031 and approved several international agreements, including air services and economic cooperation accords.

Sheikh Mohammed said the UAE’s development model has gained international recognition, with the country ranking first globally in hundreds of performance indicators, and reaffirmed the government’s focus on long-term growth and institutional reform under the leadership of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Dubai Municipality and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) have launched a joint initiative to plant 20,000 trees in parks, residential areas and educational institutions across the emirate. The programme coincides with the 20th anniversary of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum assuming leadership of Dubai.

The initiative will involve public and private entities, schools, universities and community members, with the aim of expanding green cover and encouraging participation in environmental stewardship. Dubai Municipality has identified several locations for planting, including Al Barsha South, Al Barsha Pond Park, Al Aweer’s Nakheel Park, the Quranic Garden in Al Khawaneej, Al Mizhar Second, Nad Al Sheba’s Blossoms Park, Al Safa Park in Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim, Al Quoz Pond Park and Al Warqa’a 3.

Under the plan, participating schools and universities will register the number and types of trees they intend to plant through KHDA. The authority will then coordinate with Dubai Municipality to supply saplings and oversee implementation.

Officials said the initiative supports the emirate’s broader sustainability agenda, including the Dubai Green Project, the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033 and the Dubai Urban Master Plan 2040. The programme is intended to increase green spaces, improve environmental conditions and integrate sustainability into community and educational settings.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Alexander Agafiev

Alexander Agafiev is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.

flydubai has selected ZestIoT to digitise aircraft turnaround operations at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and across its network, as the Dubai-based carrier continues to expand its operations.

The airline will deploy ZestIoT’s Turnaround Management Platform to provide real-time visibility into ground operations and support data- and AI-driven decision-making. The system is designed to improve coordination during aircraft turnarounds, strengthen operational predictability and support on-time departures.

Mohamed Hassan, Senior Vice President of Airport Services and Cargo at flydubai, said the adoption of digital tools is aimed at maintaining efficiency as the airline grows its network and flight schedule.

flydubai currently serves more than 135 destinations in 58 countries with a fleet of 97 Boeing 737 aircraft. At DXB, the airline operates an average of 370 flights a day, making it one of the airport’s major operators.

ZestIoT said the partnership reflects a broader shift toward real-time, prediction-based management of daily airline operations. The company will support flydubai with a platform that integrates multiple data sources to improve coordination among operational teams.

The collaboration is intended to enhance turnaround performance while supporting flydubai’s wider operational and passenger service objectives.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Alexander Agafiev

Alexander Agafiev is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.

Intersec 2026, a major international exhibition for the security, safety and fire protection industries, opens next week in Dubai, marking the largest edition in the event’s 27-year history. The exhibition is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council.

The event will take place from Jan. 12 to 14, 2026, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Organisers expect more than 1,200 exhibitors from over 60 countries and more than 50,000 trade visitors, reflecting sustained global demand across security and resilience sectors.

This year’s edition has expanded by nearly 12,000 square metres to a total gross exhibition area of 65,000 square metres, including indoor halls and outdoor demonstration zones. National pavilions from countries including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Singapore, Sweden, China, Turkey and South Korea are participating, highlighting the exhibition’s growing international footprint.

Intersec 2026 is structured around five core sectors: homeland security and policing, cybersecurity, commercial and perimeter security, fire and rescue, and health and safety. Together, they address the operational and policy challenges facing governments, businesses and critical infrastructure operators amid rising physical, digital and environmental risks.

A central component of the event is its expanded conference programme, which features more than 250 speakers across multiple platforms. The International Security Leaders’ Summit will convene senior officials and executives to discuss issues such as artificial intelligence governance, crisis leadership, public-private cooperation and national security strategy.

Specialised conferences will also focus on fire and rescue, health and safety, and cyber resilience. Topics include fire prediction and life-safety systems, workforce protection, behavioural safety, data sovereignty and cyber crisis preparedness. Additional technical forums and workshops will provide regulatory and operational perspectives, alongside professional certification programmes for security supervisors and managers.

Intersec 2026 will also introduce invitation-only executive roundtables led by PwC and Kearney, bringing together senior leaders from government, industry and technology for closed-door discussions on sector-wide challenges. Live demonstrations, immersive response scenarios and the Intersec Awards 2026 will run alongside the exhibition.

The event is supported by UAE authorities including the General Command of Dubai Civil Defense and the Security Industry Regulatory Agency, reinforcing its alignment with national safety and resilience priorities.

Intersec 2026 runs from Monday, Jan. 12, through Wednesday, Jan. 14, at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

The Creators Dubai Desert Classic will return for its second edition on January 17 and 18, bringing together 16 leading sports content creators for a two-day golf competition at Emirates Golf Club. The event, the largest creator-led golf tournament in the Middle East, mirrors the format of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic and is designed to expand the tournament’s digital reach.

The competition will be played over two rounds of stroke play. The opening round will take place at night on the Faldo Course, followed by a final round on the Majlis Course, which will host the professional field days later. The expanded weekend format builds on the inaugural edition, which generated more than 13 million views for a single video and contributed to an estimated 192 million impressions through related influencer content.

Participants in this edition include creators from the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Europe. Organizers say the event reflects changes in how golf audiences engage with the sport, with digital platforms playing a growing role alongside traditional broadcasts.

The Creators Dubai Desert Classic precedes the 37th Hero Dubai Desert Classic, scheduled for January 22 to 25 at the same venue, featuring a field that includes Tyrrell Hatton, Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, Viktor Hovland, Dustin Johnson, Shane Lowry, Joaquín Niemann, and Pádraig Harrington.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Alexander Agafiev

Alexander Agafiev is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.

Dubai College of Tourism, part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, has marked five years since the launch of its online Dubai Tour Guide Programme, which has certified more than 2,400 licensed tour guides from over 50 nationalities. The programme provides the only official certification required to work as a tour guide in Dubai under licensed tourism companies.

The milestone comes amid continued growth in the city’s tourism sector. From January to November 2025, Dubai welcomed 17.55 million international overnight visitors, a 5 percent increase year on year. The fully online programme is designed to support rising demand by expanding the pool of trained guides and maintaining consistent service standards for visitors. It is open to UAE residents aged 18 and above and is currently offered in English and Mandarin.

Delivered through self-paced online modules, assessments, and virtual examinations, the course enables graduates to work full-time, part-time, or freelance. The initiative aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, and aims to strengthen workforce development in tourism, with a particular focus on encouraging Emirati participation while supporting a diverse, resident-led visitor experience.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Emirates NBD has completed a $1 billion dual-tranche sustainable bond issuance, the largest of its kind by a financial institution globally and the largest blue bond issued in the UAE and the Gulf. The offering, issued under the bank’s Euro Medium Term Note program, consists of a $300 million blue bond with a three-year maturity and a $700 million green bond with a five-year maturity.

Proceeds from the bonds are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically climate action and the protection of marine ecosystems. The issuance follows Emirates NBD’s Sustainable Finance Framework, updated in November 2025, and adheres to the International Capital Market Association’s Green Bond Principles, as well as emerging standards for blue bonds.

The transaction drew strong demand from international investors focused on environmental, social and governance strategies. T. Rowe Price, a global asset manager active in ocean- and water-related investments, participated in the blue tranche. The bonds will be listed on Euronext Dublin and Nasdaq Dubai.

The deal was arranged by a syndicate led by Emirates NBD Capital and Citibank, alongside major international banks. Legal advisers included Clifford Chance for the issuer and Linklaters for the banks.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Senior officials from across Dubai’s government took part in a tree-planting campaign at the Quranic Garden in Al Khawaneej as part of an initiative to plant 20,000 trees across the emirate. The program, led by Dubai Municipality and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), marks the 20th anniversary of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s leadership of Dubai.

The event brought together directors general and chief executives from key government entities, alongside students and community members. The initiative aims to expand green spaces, improve urban landscaping, and support environmental sustainability in line with the Urban Environment pillar of the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033.

Dubai Municipality is overseeing implementation, supplying a range of ornamental and fruit-bearing trees and shrubs, and identifying planting sites across parks and neighborhoods, including Al Barsha, Nad Al Sheba, Jumeirah, Al Quoz, and Al Warqa’a. The municipality is also using smart irrigation and monitoring systems to ensure efficient water use and long-term plant health.

KHDA is coordinating the participation of schools and universities, while Furjan Dubai, the community partner, is organizing resident and volunteer involvement. Together, the entities aim to embed environmental responsibility across government, education, and local communities as part of a broader effort to enhance Dubai’s urban environment.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Alexander Agafiev

Alexander Agafiev is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.

Emirates is accelerating the rollout of its Premium Economy cabin as it introduces retrofitted Boeing 777s and new Airbus A350 aircraft on dozens of routes worldwide. By July 1, the airline plans to offer its latest onboard products, including Premium Economy, on more than 84 routes spanning Europe, North America, Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Middle East.

Key near-term additions include new or expanded daily A350 services to Copenhagen, Phuket, and Cape Town. From June 1, Emirates will add a second daily Dubai–Copenhagen flight. From July 1, third daily services to Phuket and Cape Town will begin, all operated by A350 aircraft featuring Premium Economy alongside updated Business and Economy cabins. The added frequencies are aimed at meeting expected summer travel demand and improving global connectivity through Dubai.

The airline is also deploying Premium Economy aircraft to cities including Rome, Taipei, Barcelona, Mexico City, Brisbane, Addis Ababa, and Karachi, with a mix of A350s and retrofitted Boeing 777 variants entering service between January and May. Additional upgrades are planned across the Gulf, South Asia, and Africa, as Emirates continues to standardize its premium offering across the fleet.

Tickets are available through Emirates’ direct channels and travel agents. Aircraft deployment timelines may shift depending on refurbishment schedules.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.