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Hamdan bin Mohammed, Maktoum bin Mohammed issue directives to set up task force to track digital economy

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DUBAI (WAM) – Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, reviewed vital technology trends in the Metaverse and issued directives to form a task force to track the latest developments in the digital economy.

The move is part of the directives issued by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, during the previous meeting of the Dubai Council.

Sheikh Mohammed had directed the formation of a higher committee to supervise technological developments in the emirate and oversee developments in the digital economy, contributing to enhancing Dubai’s status as the best city in the virtual space thanks to innovative services and its advanced regulatory and legislative framework.

Sheikh Hamdan said the formation of the higher committee to oversee technological advances in Dubai reflects the farsighted vision of father, who always looks ahead and takes proactive and prompt decisions to harness potential opportunities. The decision would cement Dubai’s status as a key city in the metaverse, he added.

Sheikh Hamdan noted that the committee had started work on key pillars and the objectives of the Dubai Metaverse Strategy. Based on data and information, the strategy aims to increase the contribution of the metaverse sector to Dubai’s economy to US$4 billion by 2030 and increase its contribution to Dubai’s GDP to 1 percent.

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During the meeting, Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Teleworking Applications and Chairman of The Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, outlined how Dubai stands to benefit from the metaverse in a way that enables it to generate business opportunities beyond its physical borders.

The committee aims to implement metaverse technologies that can help improve the performance of resident surgeons by 230 percent and increase the productivity of engineers by 30 percent, in addition to supporting 42,000 jobs to become virtual.

Dubai plans to become a key player in the virtual world and is developing a regulatory and legislative framework for the sector. It is also launching projects and initiatives that will further raise its stature in the virtual world.

The committee is currently working on identifying opportunities and challenges and continuing the development of the legislative framework that covers future requirements of all sectors. In addition, the committee is working on qualifying human capital to be able to excel in the virtual world.

The metaverse is a virtual-reality space where users interact with computer-generated environments and other users. It combines elements of social media, augmented reality, virtual reality, video games, cryptocurrencies, and other advanced technologies.

Current estimates expect business revenues from the metaverse could grow from US$180 billion to US$400 billion by 2025.

Earlier this month, Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) said it had entered the metaverse with the establishment of its Metaverse HQ, making it the first regulator to have a presence in the emerging digital space. Expanding VARA’s resources to a borderless audience is part of Dubai’s strategy to create a prototype decentralised regulator model.

It also aims to make it accessible to government and industry leaders, other authorities and virtual asset service providers to help shape the future digital economy. VARA’s MetaHQ will utilise The Sandbox platform, an Ethereum blockchain-based application that allows users to create, sell and purchase digital assets.

 

 

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    Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, right, and brother Sheikh Maktoum took an overview of the vision and strategy ahead for the digital economy. WAM

  • Dubai-digital-economy

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Parents, take note: Dubai Police warn about teens riding motorbikes after Iftar in residential areas

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As Ramadan evenings get busier, Dubai Police are warning parents about a rise in teenagers riding motorcycles and recreational bikes in residential areas, especially after Iftar.

Why this matters

Police say many teens are:

  • Riding without proper safety measures
  • Using service roads and neighbourhood streets
  • Putting themselves at risk of collisions with cars or pedestrians

Residential areas are often filled with families, children and elderly residents during Ramadan nights, making the danger even greater.

What parents should know

Authorities have already:

  • Impounded motorcycles
  • Summoned parents
  • Filed official police reports

This behaviour is considered a legal violation and can have serious consequences.

What you can do

  • Talk to your children about road safety and legal responsibilities
  • Ensure any bike use follows UAE traffic laws
  • Supervise younger teens, especially during busy evening hours

Residents can report unsafe riding via the 901 hotline (‘We Are All Police’ service) or through the Dubai Police app.

A quick conversation at home today could prevent a serious accident tomorrow.

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Foodilicious: A new Dubai-based TV series that brings Ramadan culinary traditions and cultural stories to screen

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A new Ramadan television series is bringing communities together across the GCC, not through debate or drama, but through the shared experience of Iftar.

Haier presents Foodilicious, produced by Rigel Global Media, which premiered in February and airs every Saturday at 7:30pm (GST) on Zee TV, with streaming available on demand.

The English-language lifestyle series blends Iftar traditions, chef-led dining, hospitality features and cultural storytelling, reflecting the diversity that defines Ramadan in Dubai and across the Middle East.

More than a food show

Unlike conventional cooking programmes, Foodilicious positions food as a narrative tool.

Founder and CEO Abhishek K. Mishraa said the editorial approach mirrors news storytelling,  rooted in real life, cultural context and human experience.

The show was developed alongside Creative Head Puneet Verma and storyteller Aryaman Singh, who brought a contemporary lens to Ramadan traditions to connect with younger audiences.

Their goal? To treat food as memory, devotion and belonging, not just spectacle.

Familiar face fronts the series

Hosting the show is Lokesh Dharmani, radio jockey at City 101.6 FM, whose warm, conversational style anchors the format.

Behind the scenes, Production Manager Mukesh Dubey and Line Producer Tanim Ayub lead operations, while digital strategy is managed by social media personality Altamash Iqbal.

Backed by global brand support

The series is presented by Haier Gulf Electronics LLC, signalling growing brand investment in culturally resonant Ramadan programming, a season known for some of the region’s highest TV viewership figures.

Ramadan in the UAE brings together Emiratis, expats and visitors from across the world. By showcasing Iftar tables, chefs, hospitality experiences and shared traditions, Foodilicious aims to reflect that diversity on screen.












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Huge relief for drivers: New Dubai bridge cuts travel time to 1 minute

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Commuters using one of Dubai’s busiest corridors just got a major upgrade.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has officially opened a new 1,000-metre bridge linking Sheikh Zayed Road to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street, slashing journey times from six minutes to just one minute.

And this is only part of a much bigger transformation.

What’s the new bridge?

  • It spans 1,000 metres
  • Has two lanes
  • Handles up to 3,000 vehicles per hour
  • Connects traffic from Sheikh Zayed Road towards Al Karama and Deira

It’s the third bridge completed under the wider World Trade Centre Roundabout Development Project.

Two earlier bridges opened in February 2026, improving traffic from 2nd December Street towards Sheikh Rashid Street and Al Majlis Street.

Why this intersection matters

The World Trade Centre Roundabout is one of Dubai’s most critical traffic nodes. It connects five major roads:

  • Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street
  • Sheikh Rashid Street
  • 2nd December Street
  • Zabeel Palace Street
  • Al Majlis Street

It also serves key destinations like:

  • Dubai World Trade Centre
  • Dubai International Financial Centre

More than half a million residents and visitors rely on this corridor daily.

From 12 Minutes to 90 Seconds

When the full five-bridge project is completed:

  • Average delays will drop from 12 minutes to 90 seconds
  • That’s a 92% reduction
  • Free-flow traffic will operate in multiple directions
  • The existing roundabout will become a signalised junction

Two additional bridges, connecting traffic from Sheikh Rashid Street and Al Majlis Street towards 2nd December Street, are set to open in October.

Who benefits most?

  • Daily commuters heading to Deira and Karama
  • Residents in Zabeel, Al Satwa, Al Jafiliya and Al Mankhool
  • Businesses in DIFC
  • Event attendees at Dubai World Trade Centre

For drivers, the impact is immediate. For central Dubai’s traffic grid, the biggest gains are still coming later this year.

If you drive this stretch daily, you’ll likely feel the difference from your very next commute.

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