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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.

Crime

Lost in Dubai, found in Pakistan: YouTuber reclaims AirPods after one-year hunt

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In one of the more bizarre tales of tech tracking and international travel, British YouTuber Miles Routledge, better known online as Lord Miles, has finally recovered a pair of stolen AirPods, a full year after losing them in a Dubai hotel.

The 24-year-old content creator, who’s known for his offbeat adventures, announced on social media that he had travelled to Pakistan to reclaim the missing earbuds, which he first misplaced during a 2023 stay in Dubai.

From Dubai to Jhelum

It all started when Routledge took to social media to share his frustrating experience; his AirPods were stolen while he was waiting for a visa in Dubai. According to him, the earbuds vanished shortly after housekeeping staff entered his hotel room. Using Apple’s “Find My” app, he began tracking the missing device, which eventually led him to a rather unexpected location: near the “2nd Wife Restaurant” in Jhelum, Pakistan.

“They got stolen from my hotel in Dubai and made their way to Pakistan,” he posted on social media. 

“I enabled Lost Mode and kept playing the ‘Find Me’ sound whenever they were in use. I’m going to get a police officer, storm the area, get back my AirPods, and film it all.”

Police Get Involved

After his post went viral, Pakistan’s Jhelum Police took notice. A team was assembled to trace the AirPods, eventually leading to a local man who admitted to having them, but claimed he bought the device in Dubai, unaware they were stolen.

Routledge eventually landed in Pakistan and worked with local authorities to retrieve the AirPods. “An announcement from the Pakistan Jhelum Police Chief, the Inspector General and Lord Miles regarding the stolen AirPods. I have my AirPods back after 1 year,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter), alongside photos of the retrieval.

Social Media Buzz

The saga has captivated social media users across platforms, with many amused by the lengths the YouTuber went to recover a gadget that retails for less than Dh1,000. Still, for Routledge, it was about the principle more than the price tag.

Routledge thanked the local police for their efforts. He was also treated to lunch at a restaurant, where he was surrounded by media. “There were 20 cameramen and journalists from every Pakistani news channel, turns out this is a national news story. I’ve been recognised several times by strangers,” he wrote in another tweet. 

(Inputs: NDTV, HT)

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UAE Central Bank issues gold and silver coins to honour founding fathers

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The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has released limited-edition commemorative gold and silver coins to mark the “Zayed and Rashid” campaign, celebrating the enduring legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the visionary leaders who laid the foundation of the UAE.

This special issuance aims to honour the founding fathers, reinforce national identity, and instill a sense of loyalty and pride in future generations.

Coin Details:

Gold Coin

  • Weight: 40 grams
  • Diameter: 40 mm
  • Obverse: Portrait of Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid
  • Reverse: UAE national emblem with “Central Bank of the UAE” in Arabic and English
  • Availability: Exclusively at the Central Bank headquarters in Abu Dhabi

Silver Coin

  • Weight: 50 grams
  • Diameter: 50 mm
  • Obverse: Portrait of the two leaders
  • Reverse: UAE national emblem, name of the Central Bank in Arabic and English, and the phrase “Commemorative Coin” in Arabic
  • Availability: Online via the Central Bank’s website

Honouring a national legacy

Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the CBUAE, said: “We proudly announce the issuance of these commemorative coins, which embody the meanings of loyalty and belonging to the national legacy left by the founding leaders.

This issuance marks the Zayed and Rashid campaign, aiming to solidify the values of unity and development upon which our nation was founded, and to highlight inspiring milestones in their journeys.”

Balama added that the initiative underscores the Central Bank’s commitment to preserving UAE history and ensuring that the values of the nation’s founders are passed on to future generations.

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Dubai launches Dh650 million Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary upgrade 

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In a major push for urban sustainability and eco-tourism, Dubai Municipality has unveiled a Dh650 million development project to transform the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, to attract 250,000 to 300,000 visitors annually,  a six-fold increase from current numbers.

The announcement, made on Monday, confirms that the first phase of the project has been awarded and will be completed by the end of 2026.

A sanctuary at the heart of the city

Nestled just minutes from Dubai’s city centre, Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the region’s most important wetland reserves. It is internationally recognised as a BirdLife International Important Bird Area (IBA). It is home to more than 450 species of flora and fauna, including migratory birds, marine life, and rare vegetation.

Popular observation spots include:

  • Flamingo Hide – for iconic views of greater flamingos
  • Mangrove Hide – ideal for spotting grey herons, spoonbills, kingfishers, and even ospreys

First phase: Expanding ecosystems and blue spaces

Phase one of the development focuses on expanding and enhancing the sanctuary’s natural environment:

  • 144% increase in water body area, growing to 74 hectares
  • 10 hectares of new mudflats (salt flats) to support migratory birds
  • 60% rise in carbon dioxide absorption, improving environmental resilience

What’s next in phase two?

The second phase will introduce more green spaces, native vegetation, and enhanced habitats to attract additional wildlife and further boost biodiversity. The plan also includes:

  • Upgraded walkways and bird hides
  • New educational signage and visitor infrastructure
  • A commitment to engaging, sustainable exploration for families, tourists, and students

Why it matters

This ambitious project reflects Dubai’s broader commitment to sustainability, conservation, and eco-education, making Ras Al Khor not just a refuge for wildlife but a living classroom and green escape within the city.

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