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Dubai FinTech Summit to convene with more than 5,000 experts

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Dubai continues to solidify its reputation as a global hub for FinTech and Innovation ahead of the Dubai FinTech Summit taking place on 8 and 9 May this year under the patronage of Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE; and President of the Dubai International Financial Centre.

Last year, investment in DIFC’s FinTech and innovation community exceeded $615 million and the total number
of active firms in the sector grew 36 per cent to 686.

The Fintech and Innovation sector in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region is growing at pace with a market value forecasted to double in size from $135.9 billion in 2021 to $266.9bn in 2027 according to DIFC FinTech Hive’s 2022 FinTech Report.

The Dubai FinTech Summit will provide the perfect environment for connecting start-ups, investors and industry leaders tapping into this opportunity as they advance in the region and beyond.

Organised by DIFC, the leading international financial hub in the (MEASA) region, the Summit will bring together 5,000 global FinTech and technology experts to discuss innovations and challenges in the sector, as well as spotlight all things impacting the future of finance – from Web 3.0, Metaverse and Blockchain to decentralised finance,
regulation and policymaking, and the greater need for increased financial inclusivity.

Visitors will also be able to meet more than 100 FinTech exhibitors and join a series of panels and fireside chats. The Dubai FinTech Summit will take place at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai.

The event will host esteemed local voices such as Abdullah Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC. The impressive roster of speakers at the summit include Bill Winters, Group CEO of Standard Chartered; Brad Garlinghouse, CEO of Ripple; Melissa Guzy, co-founder and managing partner of Arbor Ventures; and Michael Shaulov, CEO of Fireblocks; among others.

Currently home to 60 per cent of all FinTech companies based in the GCC, Dubai and DIFC is being recognised as a global centre for innovation, with its unique ecosystem and comprehensive approach to business, driving not only the future of finance but increasingly the future economy. As per MAGNITT, FinTech start-ups in MENA recorded a 183 per cent year-over-year growth in funding in 2021.

Highlighting the impact of the growing FinTech sector in the region, Mohammad Alblooshi, Head of DIFC Innovation Hub and FinTech Hive said: “The demand for FinTech services has grown significantly in the last few years, powered by digital technologies and innovation across sectors. In recent years, DIFC has successfully cemented its position as the finance and innovation hub in the MEASA region by offering the most comprehensive FinTech and venture capital environments. In line with its vision to drive the future of finance, DIFC has created lucrative opportunities for start-ups, global players, and unicorns to set up base in the Emirate.

“I’m confident that the Dubai FinTech Summit, organised by DIFC, will soon become the premier platform allowing us to capture the industry’s attention and fulfil our vision of making Dubai a new home for the future of FinTech and finance,” he said.

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July 1 deadline: UAE ministry reminds firms to meet Emiratisation targets or face penalties

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The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has issued a final reminder to private sector companies with 50 or more employees: meet your mid-year Emiratisation targets by Monday, July 1, 2025, or face monthly fines.

Compliance Checks Begin July 1

Starting July 1, the ministry will begin verifying that:

  • Emirati employees are officially registered with approved pension funds
  • Monthly contributions are being paid in full

Companies failing to comply will be fined Dh9,000 per month for every unfulfilled Emiratisation slot for the first half of the year.

Support and Opportunities for Firms

MoHRE noted that the UAE’s strong economy and job market make it easier than ever to meet hiring goals. Support programmes like Nafis continue to assist companies in attracting qualified Emirati talent.

New Rule for Smaller Firms

The ministry also reminded companies with 20 to 49 employees, especially in 14 key economic sectors, that they are required to hire at least one Emirati by the end of 2025.

These sectors include:

  • Information & communications
  • Finance
  • Healthcare
  • Real estate
  • Manufacturing
  • Transportation & logistics
  • Hospitality
  • Education
    … and more.

More than 12,000 companies are affected by this rule, and electronic notifications have already been sent.

Act Now to Avoid Penalties

MoHRE urges companies to act without delay and ensure full compliance with Emiratisation policies as the government continues to build a more inclusive and diversified national workforce.

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How these UAE cities are winning the war on mosquitoes with smart technology

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Abu Dhabi is taking mosquito control to the next level, using AI-powered smart traps that are transforming how the city monitors and manages mosquito populations, and the results are impressive.

Smarter, Cleaner, More Effective

Unlike traditional mosquito traps, Abu Dhabi’s smart traps don’t rely on chemicals. Instead, they mimic human body emissions, releasing carbon dioxide and a chemical scent similar to human skin, to attract blood-seeking female mosquitoes. Once close, a fan draws the mosquitoes into a net, safely trapping them for analysis.

Each trap is equipped with high-precision sensors and wireless connectivity, allowing it to transmit real-time data, including the number of mosquitoes caught, temperature, humidity, and time, to a central cloud-based system.

AI at Work for Public Health

Using artificial intelligence, the data collected is instantly analysed via smart dashboards. This enables mosquito control teams to identify high-risk areas, peak activity times, and how environmental factors like heat and humidity influence mosquito behaviour, all without the need for on-ground chemical spraying.

Game-Changing Results

Since the smart trap network launched in 2020, Abu Dhabi has seen:

  • 400% increase in mosquito capture efficiency (from 60 mosquitoes per traditional trap to 240 per smart trap),
  • A 42% drop in identified breeding sites,
  • Significant improvement in tracking mosquito populations and seasonal trends.

Dubai has Also Installed Smart Traps to Protect Residents

Dubai had earlier this year rolled out smart traps to protect its residents from insect-borne risks.

237 Smart Traps Installed Across Dubai

Dubai Municipality recently announced the deployment of 237 smart traps in key locations across the emirate, forming part of its proactive efforts to improve public health and enhance pest control systems.

The traps have been strategically positioned in:

  • Residential and commercial neighbourhoods
  • Industrial zones
  • Markets and public parks
  • Areas near water bodies and public facilities

Powered by the Sun, Driven by Data

What makes these traps truly smart? They run on clean solar energy and provide real-time mosquito activity data. By continuously monitoring insect populations, Dubai’s pest control teams can respond more quickly and accurately, especially during the winter season, when mosquito reproduction spikes due to favorable conditions.

A Unified, Tech-Driven Public Health Strategy

Together, Abu Dhabi and Dubai are setting a regional benchmark in sustainable, tech-powered public health protection. While Abu Dhabi’s network has already led to a 400% improvement in mosquito capture efficiency and a 42% drop in breeding sites, Dubai’s new deployment complements the national push toward smarter, cleaner pest control.

By harnessing innovation and sustainability, the UAE is building safer cities, where data, AI, and clean energy play a key role in protecting public health.

Why It Matters

With climate change, urban expansion, and the rise of pesticide-resistant mosquito strains, smarter, sustainable solutions are essential for protecting public health.

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Road diversions in Dubai and Sharjah: What motorists need to know

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If you’re driving in or between Dubai and Sharjah over the next few weeks, take note, major road diversions are in place due to ongoing infrastructure upgrades.

Dubai: Umm Al Daman Underpass Diversion

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced a temporary diversion at the Umm Al Daman Underpass on Dubai–Al Ain Road, starting Friday, June 28. The closure will last for two months as the RTA carries out essential upgrades to rainwater and groundwater drainage systems, as well as road resurfacing, to improve driving conditions.

Alternative Route:
Motorists heading towards Dubai are advised to use the Umm Nahad Bridge (Intersection 4), where a U-turn has been set up to maintain smooth traffic flow.

The RTA is urging all drivers to plan ahead, follow posted signs, and allow extra travel time during the diversion period.

Sharjah: Al Intifadah Road Closure

Meanwhile, in Sharjah, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has begun the first phase of a major infrastructure development project, resulting in the closure of a key section of Al Intifadah Road (toward Al Corniche Road) from Friday, June 27, to Sunday, July 27.

The closure is part of Sharjah’s long-term plan to upgrade roads and enhance traffic flow in high-density areas.

Detours in Place:
Traffic will be diverted via Jamal Abdul Nasser Street and nearby internal roads in Al Majaz 2. SRTA has posted detailed maps of the alternative routes on its official social media platforms.

Drivers are encouraged to:

  • Follow all traffic signs and instructions around the area.
  • Avoid the affected roads where possible.
  • Use pre-announced alternate routes to prevent congestion.

For live updates and detour maps, commuters can check the SRTA website or scan the QR code posted around the affected area.

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