The UAE has launched Make it in the Emirates 2026 as part of efforts to strengthen local manufacturing, improve supply chain resilience and expand the country’s advanced industrial sector.

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said the platform reflects the UAE’s vision for a “more resilient and sustainable national industrial model”, with continued investment in industry, artificial intelligence and technology.

In a message shared on X, Sheikh Mohamed said the UAE will continue to build strategic partnerships and strengthen local capabilities to boost global competitiveness.

The initiative comes as the UAE pushes to reduce dependence on global supply chains amid ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainty.

Officials said more than 150 strategic commodities have already been studied, with alternative sourcing plans identified to maintain supply during global disruptions.

A key goal of Make it in the Emirates 2026 is to encourage more local production inside the UAE while attracting industrial investment and advanced manufacturing technologies.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, also attended the event in Abu Dhabi, highlighting the growing role of UAE-made products and Emirati talent in shaping the country’s industrial future.

The event has brought together around 1,200 exhibitors across 12 key sectors, including aerospace, defence, energy, pharmaceuticals, mobility and sustainable materials.

As geopolitical tensions and conflicts intensify across the world, a growing global initiative is calling for renewed focus on peace, dialogue and shared human values.

The I Am Peacekeeper Movement is stepping up efforts ahead of the upcoming Billionaires for Peace Conclave, scheduled to take place in Dubai this May.

Founded by humanitarian leader Huzaifa Khorakiwala, the movement promotes seven core values — truth, gratitude, forgiveness, love, humility, giving and patience — as the foundation for inner harmony and lasting global peace.

“Peace is not merely the absence of conflict. It is a shared responsibility rooted in how we live, act and lead,” Khorakiwala said. “In a world facing unprecedented challenges, aligning our values with our actions is more important than ever.”

Global movement for peace

Launched in Dubai, the I Am Peacekeeper Movement aims to unite individuals, institutions and communities under a shared mission of harmony and mutual understanding.

The initiative has rapidly expanded into a global platform engaging millions of advocates worldwide through digital campaigns, grassroots networks and international events.

Organisers say the upcoming Billionaires for Peace Conclave will bring together influential leaders, entrepreneurs and changemakers to explore ways to advance peace-building, ethical leadership and global cooperation.

Building on a global peace summit

The initiative builds on the momentum generated by the Global Justice Love & Peace Summit held in April last year.

The summit brought together 10 Nobel Peace Laureates on a single stage and concluded with the release of a Peace Charter encouraging global solidarity, dialogue and values-driven leadership.

Organisers say the movement’s focus on “lived values” aligns closely with the UAE’s longstanding commitment to tolerance, coexistence and cross-cultural dialogue.

With Dubai hosting the upcoming conclave, supporters hope the city will once again serve as a global platform for conversations on peace and shared human responsibility.

About the movement

The I Am Peacekeeper Movement is a global initiative founded by Dr Huzaifa Khorakiwala to promote universal peace through core human values. Launched in Dubai, the movement engages communities worldwide through advocacy, education and international events such as the Global Justice Love & Peace Summit and the Billionaires for Peace Conclave.

More information is available at: www.i-am-peacekeeper.com

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has confirmed free public parking on Thursday, January 1, 2026, giving residents a small but welcome New Year bonus. The exemption applies to all public parking zones, except multi-storey parking facilities and Al Khail Gate (N-365). Regular parking fees will resume on Friday, January 2.

Alongside free parking, the RTA has released a full breakdown of transport and service timings for the New Year holiday, urging residents and visitors to plan and rely on public transport where possible.

Dubai Metro and Tram timings

To manage heavy holiday crowds, Dubai Metro services on both the Red and Green Lines will run non-stop for nearly 43 hours. Trains will operate continuously from 5am on Wednesday, December 31, until 11.59pm on Thursday, January 1.

The Dubai Tram will also extend its operating hours, running from 6am on December 31 through to 1am on Friday, January 2, making it easier for commuters and revellers to move around popular areas.

Bus services and intercity routes

Dubai bus schedules will vary during the holiday, and passengers are advised to check the S’hail app for real-time updates.

For those travelling between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, there are important changes:

• Route E100 (Al Ghubaiba–Abu Dhabi) will be suspended from the afternoon of December 31 until January 4, 2026
• The last trip will depart at 12 noon from Abu Dhabi and 2pm from Al Ghubaiba
• Passengers should instead use Route E101 from Ibn Battuta Bus Station
• Route E102 will continue operating from Ibn Battuta from 2pm on December 31 until the end of the day

RTA services and testing centres

All Customer Happiness Centres and vehicle testing centres will be closed on January 1, reopening on January 2. However, Smart Customer Happiness Centres at Al Barsha, Al Twar, Al Kifaf and RTA headquarters will remain open 24/7.

Marine transport

Timings for abras, ferries and water taxis will be available on the RTA website, with services adjusted to meet New Year demand.

With free parking, extended metro hours and special bus arrangements in place, the RTA is encouraging everyone to plan and enjoy a smooth start to 2026.