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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 electric vehicle drivers get relief as Tesla rolls out free charging stations across the country

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Tesla has rolled out free Supercharging across key locations in the UAE and wider Gulf, offering immediate relief to electric vehicle (EV) users during a period of regional uncertainty.

The initiative, which took effect at midnight local time, covers more than 30 charging stations across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.

The decision came after an appeal from an Emirati Tesla owner and reflects the company’s broader approach during crises, providing free charging support to affected communities.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has previously stated that the company enables free Supercharging during challenging times to help drivers stay mobile without added cost.

UAE coverage

The UAE has the largest number of activated stations, spanning major cities, highways, and residential areas.

Abu Dhabi

Al Dhanna, Al Maryah, Al Mirfa, Masdar Central Park, Masdar City Centre, Yas Mall (Hypermarket LG & Main Entrance)

Dubai

Abu Hail, Al Habtoor City, Dubai Hills (Grand Atrium & Storm Coaster), Dubai Mall Za’abeel, Mall of the Emirates, Meadows Village, Wadi Al Safa, Wafi City

Northern Emirates

Ajman City Centre, Al Ain, Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, Fujairah, Hatta

Key Highways

Jebel Ali corridor (both Abu Dhabi-bound and Dubai-bound)

Sharjah

City Centre, Rahmania Mall, Suyoh Mall

Ras Al Khaimah

Al Naeem Mall

Other parts of the Gulf

Saudi Arabia

Dammam, Riyadh, Jeddah (including Al Ajawad Street and Al Amir Sultan), Taif

Qatar

Doha Festival City

Tesla’s move highlights how EV infrastructure can play a critical role during disruptions, ensuring mobility, reducing costs, and supporting communities when it matters most.

With the UAE already leading EV adoption in the region, the expanded free charging network is expected to benefit a growing number of drivers during the Eid travel period and beyond.

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UAE announces Eid prayer timings, bans open-air prayer grounds

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As the UAE prepares for Eid Al Fitr, authorities have confirmed that prayers will be held exclusively in approved mosques across the country, with no arrangements for open-air prayer grounds this year.

The move comes as part of precautionary measures aimed at ensuring the safety and smooth flow of worshippers during one of the most significant occasions in the Islamic calendar.

Mosque-only prayers for safety

Authorities clarified that Eid prayers will not take place in outdoor spaces or traditional Eid prayer grounds. Instead, worshippers are advised to attend designated mosques, where entry and exit will be carefully managed.

Teams of officials and volunteers will be deployed to oversee crowd movement and prevent congestion, ensuring an orderly and safe prayer experience.

Prayer timings across the UAE

The official prayer timings for Eid Al Fitr in the seven emirates are as follows:

  • Abu Dhabi: 6:43am
  • Dubai: 6:40am
  • Sharjah: 6:39am
  • Ajman: 6:39am
  • Umm Al Quwain: 6:39am
  • Ras Al Khaimah: 6:37am
  • Fujairah: 6:36am

Residents are encouraged to arrive early and follow guidance from authorities.

Preparing for a smooth Eid

Authorities say preparations are underway to ensure the holiday is observed safely and smoothly, with a focus on public safety and community well-being.

With clear guidelines, set timings, and coordinated efforts in place, residents across the UAE can look forward to a peaceful and well-managed Eid celebration.

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Eid Al Fitr begins on Friday in UAE as crescent moon not sighted

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The UAE has officially announced that Eid Al Fitr will begin on Friday, March 20, following the non-sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon on Wednesday evening.

The decision was made by the country’s Moon-sighting Committee, confirming that Ramadan will complete 30 days this year before the festive celebrations begin.

30 days of Ramadan

The sighting of the Shawwal crescent marks the end of Ramadan and the start of Eid Al Fitr, one of the most significant celebrations in the Islamic calendar. As the moon was not sighted, the holy month will run its full course, with Eid commencing the following day.

Public sector holidays

The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) has announced that public sector employees will observe the Eid break from Thursday, March 19, through Sunday, March 22. Work will resume on Monday, March 23.

Private sector holidays

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation confirmed that private sector employees will begin their Eid holidays on Thursday, March 19, lasting until Sunday, March 22.

Time for celebration

Eid Al Fitr marks the end of a month of fasting, reflection, and community, bringing families and communities together in celebration.

With the official dates confirmed, residents across the UAE can now prepare for the festivities and holiday period.

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