Connect with us

News

Fintech world’s best minds converge at inaugural Dubai Summit

Published

on

Spread the love

Dubai is set to host the first-ever Dubai Fintech Summit on May 8 and 9 under the patronage of Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE.

The event will take place at Madinat Jumeirah and will bring together over 5,000 global Fintech C-suite executives and technology experts to discuss the latest innovations and challenges in the sector.

———————————————————————————————————————————-

As a reader of www.headline.ae, grab an exclusive 10% discount on tickets purchase.

Use the code DFS23HL

———————————————————————————————————————————-

The Summit will feature a lineup of distinguished speakers from both local and international arenas. Notable speakers include Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, and chief executives Bill Winters, Brad Garlinghouse, Piyush Gupta, Jenny Johnson and Brian Armstrong from Standard Chartered, Ripple, DBS Bank Singapore, Franklin Templeton and Coinbase respectively, among others.

Mohammad AlBlooshi

Mohammad Alblooshi, head of organisers DIFC Innovation Hub and Fintech Hive, underscored the importance of the summit. “Nearly 60% of all Fintech companies in the GCC are currently based in the city. With the industry growing at an unprecedented rate, it is crucial for stakeholders to gather and discuss the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The Dubai Fintech Summit promises to bring together the most prominent figures in the industry, with an agenda that will captivate and inspire audiences worldwide.”

The global Fintech sector is rapidly growing and is predicted to be valued at $305 billion globally by 2025, according to Research and Markets, an intelligence and market analysis firm.

In the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, the industry is expected to double in value from $135.9 billion in 2021 to $266.9 billion in 2027, according to a 2022 report by DIFC Fintech Hive.

The DFS will offer a unique platform for startups, investors, and industry leaders to connect and capitalise on the growing Fintech market in the region and beyond. The DFS will feature a series of panel discussions, fireside chats, and over 100 Fintech exhibitors.

There are over 800 Fintech startups worth $15.5 billion in the MEASA region alone, according to data by dealroom.co. Dubai alone is home to over 20% of the world’s Fintech businesses, according to a report by Mordor Intelligence.

Mastercard’s 2022 Digital Payments Index report reveals that digital payments are gaining traction in the MENA region. More than 85% of respondents reported using at least one emerging payment method in the past 12 months, indicating a shift away from cash-based transactions. Among MENA countries, the UAE stands out as being ready to embrace a cashless society. According to the event’s co-host sponsor Visa, 52% of UAE consumers are already cashless or plan to be by 2024.

The DFS will offer attendees a platform to participate in discussions and exchange ideas on emerging trends, regulatory frameworks, and future possibilities.

The event will feature discussions on a range of topics, including ‘Building the Economies of the Future’, ‘Crypto and the Evolving Regulatory Framework’, ‘The World of Finance: Where are the Women?’, and ‘Building a Resilient and Sustainable Financial Sector in the Age of Disruption’. Participants will have the opportunity to gain valuable insights on these critical issues from industry leaders and experts.

News

UAE residents invited to join public moon sighting in Dubai

Published

on

Spread the love

Dubai residents will have the chance to take part in a traditional moon sighting event this weekend as authorities prepare to confirm the start of Dhu Al Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar and the lead-up to Eid Al Adha.The

The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department announced it will host a public moon-sighting event on May 17 at Jebel Nazwa Trail, with observations beginning at 5pm.

The sighting of the Dhu Al Hijjah crescent will determine the official start of the Hijri month and confirm the dates for Eid Al Adha in the UAE.

Eid Al Adha holiday dates expected soon

If the crescent moon is sighted on the evening of Sunday, May 17, then Dhu Al Hijjah will begin on Monday, May 18.

Astronomers say this is currently the most likely scenario, which could also pave the way for a six-day Eid Al Adha holiday in the UAE.

The UAE’s official moon sighting committee will announce the final decision shortly after sunset, following observations from accredited observatories, field teams and public testimonies across the country.

Why the moon sighting matters

The Islamic calendar follows lunar cycles rather than the solar-based Gregorian calendar, meaning the start of each month depends on the visibility of the crescent moon.

Sunday, May 17, marks the 29th day of Dhu Al Qa’dah, the 11th month in the Hijri calendar. The next month, Dhu Al Hijjah, includes the Hajj pilgrimage and Eid Al Adha celebrations observed by Muslims worldwide.

Authorities have urged members of the public to participate in the event and experience one of Islam’s long-standing traditions firsthand.

Continue Reading

News

Dubai adds four new neighbourhoods to free Bus On Demand network

Published

on

Spread the love

Getting around Dubai just became easier and cheaper for commuters in some of the city’s busiest neighbourhoods.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has expanded its popular Bus On Demand service to four new areas: Al Qusais, JVC, Al Warqa’a and Dubai Investments Park.

Even better, the service is currently being offered free of charge in the newly added zones as part of the latest rollout.

The app-based service allows residents to book small shared buses directly from their location to their destination, offering a flexible alternative to traditional public transport.

How Dubai Bus On Demand works

Using the Bus On Demand app, passengers can request a ride similar to booking a taxi, but at a much lower fare. The buses can carry up to 13 passengers and operate without fixed bus stops inside service zones.

The service now covers 15 Dubai neighbourhoods, including:

  • Al Barsha 1, 2 and 3
  • Al Karama
  • Al Mankhool
  • Al Nahda
  • Al Qusais
  • Al Rigga
  • Al Warqa’a
  • Barsha Heights
  • Business Bay
  • DIFC
  • Dubai Academic City
  • Downtown Dubai
  • Dubai Investments Park
  • Dubai Silicon Oasis
  • Jumeirah Village Circle
  • Oud Metha
  • Port Saeed

Timings and fares

The service operates:

  • Monday to Thursday and Saturday: 5am to midnight
  • Friday: 5am to 1am
  • Sunday: 8am to midnight

Standard fares are:

  • Dhs5 per trip
  • Dhs4 for additional passengers on the same booking
  • Dhs7 for interzone travel
  • Dhs2 within Business Bay

Interzone routes available

Passengers can also travel between selected neighbouring areas through six interzone routes:

  • Al Barsha – Barsha Heights
  • Al Rigga – Port Saeed
  • Al Karama – Oud Metha
  • Al Karama – Al Mankhool
  • Business Bay – Downtown Dubai
  • Dubai Silicon Oasis – Dubai Academic City

Continue Reading

News

UAE announces Eid Al Adha break for public sector

Published

on

Spread the love

The UAE has announced a week-long Eid Al Adha holiday for federal government employees, with public sector workers set to enjoy a five-day break later this month.

Federal Authority for Government Human Resources confirmed that holidays for federal entities will begin on Monday, May 25, and continue until Friday, May 29, with work resuming on Monday, June 1.

A separate announcement for private sector workers is expected soon from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

Meanwhile, Dubai authorities will host a public moon-sighting event for the Dhu Al Hijjah crescent on May 17 at Jebel Nazwa Trail.

The event is being organised by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department and will begin at 5pm, before sunset observations take place.

Astronomical calculations suggest Eid Al Adha is likely to begin on Wednesday, May 27, although official confirmation will depend on the moon sighting.

Continue Reading

Popular

© Copyright 2025 HEADLINE. All rights reserved

https://headline.ae/