News

Chance of a lifetime for Dubai’s blue-collar workers to be entrepreneurs

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3 years ago

March 15, 2022

Staff Reporter

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Consultancy firm A&A Associate offers cost of business licence to winners of Holi reality show

A Dubai company is offering three talented blue-collar workers this Holi the chance of a lifetime to become entrepreneurs.

Not gold, not cash, not handouts but free licence to operate a business anywhere in the UAE. That’s exactly what consultancy firm A & A Associate is dishing out in prizes to winners of the reality contest it is hosting at a Jebel Ali labour accommodation on Thursday, March 17 ahead of the Indian festival of colours.

“We wanted our colour for this Holi to be blue, literally! And so we thought of empowering at least three blue collar workers of Dubai this year with exactly what they might need to chase their dreams,” said Robin Philip, Director, Assurance & Business Advisory of the Dubai-based firm that specialises in business setup across the UAE.

“One challenge we have often felt most who harbour dreams of becoming an entrepreneur encounter is getting started and if we can help at least three less privileged in a city like Dubai with all the necessary firepower right at the start of their entrepreneurial journey, then I think it’s a job well begun,” added Philip, who helped establish A&A’s business setup division in December 2019 buoyed by the then rising business sentiment, almost nine years after the company first began operations as an auditing and accounting firm in Al Qiyadah.

“We have been setting up close to 200 new businesses in the country every month and are expecting that number to even double later this year. And yet most of them are either from the affluent class or with high disposable incomes.

Nobody thinks about those who earn a lot less and lack the confidence perhaps to start a new business. We wanted to stoke a fire in them and supercharge their dreams of becoming their own bosses,” said Philip, whose company is offering three business licences in prizes for winners of this Thursday’s first-of-its-kind reality show open to Dubai’s low wage earners.

Pakistani worker Mohammed Ehsan, who is helping A&A Associate organise the show at Kingpin Properties’ Hamad Buti camp as its camp boss, said this was an unbelievable opportunity for his peers. “I have lived in this country for six years, but I have never seen or been a part of something potentially life-changing like this for people like us. This is so exciting,” said the 38-year-old of the competition that will see 10 select workers demonstrate a special talent in front of a packed house at his camp on Thursday.

Entry to the Holi Reality Show is free for all blue-collar workers of Dubai earning less than Dh3,000 and registrations are open until Wednesday, April 16 on website: https://www.aaconsultancy.ae

Education

Dubai Police Academy launches one-year master’s in cybersecurity

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1 hour ago

August 26, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Dubai Police Academy has unveiled a new master’s degree in cybersecurity, the first of its kind among police colleges in the Arab world. The one-year programme, which begins in December 2025, comes with tuition fees of Dh60,000 and is open to both UAE citizens and residents.

Dr Ebtsam Al Awadhi, Director of Graduate Studies at the academy, said the degree will cover four key areas: policies and management, digital forensics, digital infrastructure and security, and scientific research and publishing. Unlike traditional police academic programmes that usually take two to three years, this one is designed to be completed in a single year, requiring 30 credit hours across three semesters and a summer term.

Eligibility/Admission
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in law, security sciences or a related field from a university recognised by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. At least five years of professional experience in cybersecurity is required, alongside English proficiency (IELTS 5.5, TOEFL CBT 5.5, TOEFL IBT 550, or equivalent). Candidates must also pass an academic exam and a personal interview.

Industry-driven approach
Dr Saeed Al Rashdi, a cybersecurity expert, said the programme has been designed in line with market needs. “Practical training will take the largest share, supported by theoretical study, and industry specialists will deliver the teaching,” he explained.

Cybercrime expertise
Dubai Police has been at the forefront of tackling digital crime, with its Criminal Data Analysis Centre working alongside the CID to use AI and advanced systems for detecting criminal hotspots and predicting cyber threats. The force has successfully disrupted high-value cyber fraud operations, including tracking a gang behind a multi-billion-dirham scam.

Graduates of the new programme will be well-placed to support such missions, with strong prospects for roles in the cybersecurity sector, and potentially within Dubai Police’s own cybercrime units.

Registration is now open on the Dubai Police Academy website, with the first intake expected to include 15–20 students.

News

Dubai Ruler renames Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Charitable Establishment

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2 hours ago

August 26, 2025

Michael Gomes

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In his capacity as Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, has issued a new decree to rename the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Charity and Humanitarian Establishment.

The organisation will now be officially known as the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Charitable Establishment.

The foundation, first established in 1997, continues to run humanitarian and charitable initiatives in the UAE and abroad. Its work includes supporting education, health, culture, social welfare, religion, and relief efforts for communities affected by crises and disasters.

It also provides financial aid to families in need, supports patients with medical treatment, and offers assistance to students and educators.

The Establishment will remain under the supervision of Dubai’s Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department and the Community Development Authority, ensuring compliance with local laws regulating charities and fundraising.

The decree took effect upon its publication in the Official Gazette.

Companies

Dubai warns engineering firms over costly villa designs

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2 hours ago

August 26, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Dubai Municipality has issued warnings to several engineering consultancy offices after finding that they exaggerated structural designs for citizens’ villas.

According to officials, these inflated designs went against the Dubai Building Code and led to unnecessary construction costs for property owners, without any real engineering need.

The move is part of the Municipality’s efforts to regulate Dubai’s construction sector and protect residents from extra financial burdens. Consultancy offices across the emirate had already been reminded through circulars to strictly follow approved engineering standards.

Eng. Maryam Al Muhairi, CEO of the Buildings Regulation and Permits Agency, said:

“Compliance with the Dubai Building Code is not only a legal requirement but also a professional and ethical responsibility. The goal is to ensure safe, high-quality construction without forcing citizens to pay more than necessary.”

She added that Dubai Municipality will continue to monitor consultancy offices and contractors to prevent excessive use of building materials, including steel, and ensure construction remains efficient, safe, and cost-effective.

Repeat offenders could face disciplinary measures, including poor annual evaluations or even suspension. Earlier this year, two consultancy offices were banned from licensing new projects for six months due to violations.

By cracking down on such practices, Dubai Municipality says it aims to strengthen the emirate’s construction sector, cut waste, and support sustainable urban growth.