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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

Chief Storyteller – Abhishek Sengupta Storytelling has been at the heart of everything I’ve done for nearly two decades, whether it’s captivating audiences with breaking news, crafting compelling video narratives, or writing columns with just the right amount of sarcasm and spice. I’ve been an award-winning investigative journalist, content creator, media strategist, and accidental commentator on everything from falafels to foldable laptops. My career has taken me across 60 countries, four World Cups between two sports, and one unforgettable ‘journalistic’ saga. Along the way, I’ve produced over 1,000 minutes of multimedia content, interviewed corporate top bosses, grilled ministers, while helping UAE’s longest-running English daily Khaleej Times ride the digital wave. All along, I’ve only tried (and occasionally succeeded) in making audiences laugh, think, and occasionally say, “Wait, that was actually interesting” —proving that even in today’s world, storytelling isn’t just alive; it’s thriving, quirky, and kicking up a storm.

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Dubai’s flamingo paradise closes for major Dh650-million makeover

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Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, one of Dubai’s hidden gems and a haven for birdwatchers, has temporarily closed to make way for a stunning new upgrade, part of a Dh650-million development project set to transform the wetlands into a world-class eco-destination.

More Water, More Wildlife

The first phase of the redevelopment is already underway, with completion expected by the end of next year. It includes a massive 144% expansion of water bodies, boosting their total size to 74 hectares.

Alongside this, 10 hectares of new mudflats will be added, essential feeding grounds for migratory birds, supporting marine biodiversity and rare plant life.

Nature Gets a Boost

Phase two will focus on enhancing native vegetation and creating improved wildlife habitats to attract even more bird species. Visitor facilities are also set for an upgrade, giving nature lovers a better, more immersive experience.

The sanctuary is already known for its iconic pink flamingos in winter, as well as osprey, grey herons, and black-winged stilts. The reserve is fully fenced, offering safety for wildlife and serenity for guests.

Eco-Friendly Vision

Once complete, the new sanctuary is expected to increase carbon dioxide absorption by 60 per cent, giving a powerful green boost to Dubai’s environment.

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Skip the flight, catch the ferry: Pakistan–Oman set to launch sea service

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Pakistan and Oman are moving closer to launching a direct ferry service between Gwadar and the Sultanate, as part of renewed efforts to strengthen maritime cooperation, enhance trade, and build regional connectivity.

The developments came during a high-level meeting on Thursday between Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, and the Ambassador of Oman to Pakistan, Fahad bin Sulaiman bin Khalaf Al Kharusi.

Maritime Trade in Focus

Both sides reaffirmed their deep-rooted diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties and discussed plans to accelerate cooperation in the maritime sector. Minister Chaudhry highlighted that Pakistan’s exports to Oman via sea ports reached $224 million in 2024, but stressed the potential to significantly increase this figure through joint initiatives.

Gwadar-Oman Ferry Could Unlock Billions

A major highlight of the meeting was the proposal to launch a direct ferry service from Gwadar to Oman, which Chaudhry said could unlock $10–15 billion annually for Pakistan through trade expansion, transit revenue, and investment inflows.

Potential New Ferry Routes

  • Based on current and past plans, potential ferry routes from Pakistan include:
    • Karachi to Gwadar
    • Gwadar to Muscat (Oman)
    • Karachi to Muscat (Oman)
    • Karachi to Chabahar (Iran)
    • Gwadar to Chabahar (Iran)
    • International excursion tours
    • Local city operation within Karachi 
    • Past Sea Routes that Were Proposed
  • There have been past discussions and reports about ferry services between Pakistan and other regions but they have yet to become a reality:
    • Dubai-Karachi Ferry Service: A luxury ferry service between Karachi and Dubai was approved in 2006, with Gulf Dream Cruise being the first operator. This service was planned to take two days and cost $549 for a round trip. However, the feasibility of a regular ferry service for fast passenger transfers was questioned due to the affordability of flights.
    • India-Dubai: The Indian government had granted permission for the launch of a cruise ferry service connecting Kerala and Dubai in 2023. The ferry service operating on the Beypur-Kochi-Dubai route, would prvide connectivity between Dubai and Kochi, within just three days and enable expats in the UAE to carry 10 times more luggage and travel at a lower cost than airlines. The ticket was expected to cost at around Dh450.
    • Iran Ferry Service: There was a plan to launch a ferry service between Karachi/Gwadar and Chabahar in Iran, primarily to facilitate pilgrims and offer a safer alternative to road travel.

Maritime Training & Human Capital Development

Chaudhry also proposed offering specialised training and scholarships for Omani students at the Pakistan Marine Academy, which is being upgraded to university status. The goal: to foster long-term maritime collaboration and build shared human capital in marine sciences and navigation.

Strong Cultural Ties and Diaspora Links

Ambassador Al Kharusi welcomed the proposals and highlighted the strong cultural connections between the two nations. He noted that Urdu remains widely spoken and understood in Oman, reflecting historic social bonds, and praised the Pakistani community’s role in Oman’s development.

The ambassador also backed greater B2B (business-to-business) engagements to unlock new trade and investment opportunities between the two countries.

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Bangladeshi electrician wins Dh25 million in Abu Dhabi Big Ticket Draw

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A Bangladeshi expat living in the UAE has won the Dh25 million grand prize in Big Ticket’s latest draw held on Thursday, July 3.

Mohammed Naser Balal, a 43-year-old electrician who has lived in the UAE for 14 years, took home the life-changing amount after his ticket 061080 was announced as the winning number in Big Ticket Draw No. 276.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Balal shared: “I’ve been buying tickets every single month for the past 12 years, always dreaming I’d win. Today, that dream came true.”

Balal, who purchased the ticket with five friends, plans to split the prize with them and build a home for his family in Bangladesh.

Indian Family Wins Nissan Patrol

In the same draw, an Indian family from Kerala won a Nissan Patrol. Geethammal and her son, now based in Dubai, were overjoyed as the ticket, purchased under her husband’s name, secured them the luxury car. Her husband has been living in the UAE for 30 years and was the first in the family

What’s Next in Big Ticket’s July Promotion?

  • Dh20 million grand prize up for grabs in the August 3 live draw
  • Weekly e-draws every Thursday in July, offering Dh50,000 to four winners
  • Buy 2, Get 1/2/3 Free ticket bundles (online & at airport counters)
  • Luxury car draws: Range Rover Velar (Aug 3) and BMW M440i (Sep 3)
  • Big Win Contest: Buy 2+ tickets between July 1–24 to enter and win between Dh20,000 and Dh150,000 at the live draw

Tickets can be purchased at www.bigticket.ae, Zayed International Airport, or Al Ain Airport.

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