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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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UAE Eid warning: Dubai Police announce strict penalties for illegal fireworks

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Following a similar alert issued in Abu Dhabi, Dubai Police has warned residents against the use and trade of fireworks during Eid Al Adha celebrations, stressing the serious dangers they pose to public safety.

Authorities said fireworks can quickly turn festive gatherings into dangerous situations, causing injuries, fires and damage to property. Dubai Police warned that accidents linked to fireworks can result in severe burns, amputations and permanent disabilities.

The warning comes as police forces across the UAE step up public safety campaigns ahead of the Eid holidays, urging families not to allow children to handle fireworks or purchase them from illegal sellers.

Dubai Police also reminded residents that trading in fireworks without a licence is a criminal offence under UAE law.

Under Federal Decree Law No. 17 of 2019 concerning weapons, ammunition, explosives and hazardous materials, violators can face imprisonment for at least one year and fines of no less than Dh100,000, or both.

Authorities have urged the public to celebrate Eid responsibly and report illegal fireworks sales or suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.

Dubai Police called on community members to cooperate with authorities and prioritise safety during Eid celebrations by avoiding all forms of illegal fireworks activity.

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UAE weather for Eid: Temperatures to hit 48°C during holidays

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The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has forecast hot weather across the UAE throughout the Eid Al Adha holiday period, with temperatures expected to climb as high as 48°C in inland areas.

According to the forecast covering May 25 to May 31, inland regions will experience particularly intense daytime heat, while coastal areas and islands are expected to remain relatively hot. Weather conditions will generally stay fair, with occasional partly cloudy skies over the eastern parts of the country.

Night-time and early morning conditions are expected to be more moderate, although humidity levels will rise in some coastal areas, increasing the possibility of fog or light fog formation on Monday and Friday mornings.

Winds are forecast to be light to moderate overall but becoming active at times during the daytime, especially in open areas where blowing dust may reduce visibility.

Sea conditions in both the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea are expected to remain slight throughout the holiday period.

The NCM said maximum temperatures could range between 35°C and 43°C along coastal areas and islands, while inland regions may see highs of 43°C to 48°C. Mountainous areas are expected to remain comparatively cooler, with temperatures between 28°C and 35°C.

Residents have been advised to avoid prolonged direct exposure to sunlight during peak daytime hours, particularly during outdoor Eid activities.

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Dubai freezes private school fees for academic year 2026–27

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The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has confirmed that private school fees across Dubai will remain unchanged for the 2026–27 academic year following a leadership directive aimed at supporting families and maintaining stability in the education sector.

The decision was issued under the guidance of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, and comes as part of wider measures designed to strengthen Dubai’s private education system while easing financial pressure on parents.

The announcement follows approval of Dubai’s second economic incentives package worth Dh1.5 billion, bringing the total value of recent support measures introduced across the emirate to Dh2.5 billion.

Financial support for schools and nurseries

As part of the latest package, private schools regulated by KHDA will receive several forms of operational support, including deferred licence renewal fees and delayed payment of fines.

Early childhood centres will also benefit from exemptions on licence renewal fees, fines and Dubai Municipality market fees.

Additional support from Knowledge Fund Establishment will include partial rent exemptions and extended rent-free periods for centres currently under development.

Authorities said the measures are intended to help education providers maintain operational stability while ensuring families continue to have access to affordable learning options.

Stability for families

Officials said the fee freeze and support measures aim to balance the needs of both families and education providers while reinforcing long-term confidence in Dubai’s education system.

Additional measures announced include temporary freezes on rent increases, deferred rental payments and suspension of certain contractual penalties for education institutions

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