Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca was transformed into a global stage on Thursday Night as the FIFA World Cup 2026 officially got underway, marking the beginning of the biggest edition in the tournament’s history.

A vibrant opening ceremony showcased a blend of Mexican culture, music and modern spectacle, with performances from international stars including Shakira and Burna Boy. The ceremony was designed to reflect both the heritage of the host nation and the global nature of the tournament, which for the first time will be staged across three countries — Mexico, the United States and Canada.

Before the first whistle of the competition, the atmosphere inside the historic stadium reached a crescendo as thousands of fans filled the stands, waving flags and lighting up the arena in a sea of colour. The Estadio Azteca, already steeped in football history, has now become the first venue in the world to host matches across three separate FIFA World Cups, having previously staged the 1970 and 1986 finals.

In a further highlight of the ceremony, Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli performed the tournament’s official anthem, adding a classical flourish to an evening otherwise defined by high-energy performances and large-scale choreography.

FIFA officials described the opening event as a “symbolic bridge between continents”, underlining the expanded format of the 2026 tournament. For the first time, the World Cup will feature 48 teams — up from 32 — and a total of 104 matches, spread across 16 host cities across North America. The expansion is intended to increase global participation and bring the tournament to a wider range of supporters.

Immediately after the ceremony, hosts Mexico faced South Africa in the tournament’s opening match, kicking off what is expected to be a month-long football spectacle. The match began under heavy security and heightened global attention, with millions watching around the world.

The expanded format has also brought logistical challenges, with teams required to travel across vast distances between venues in multiple countries. Organisers have emphasised investments in transport infrastructure, stadium upgrades and sustainability measures aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of the tournament.

The 2026 edition also arrives at a time when football’s global profile continues to grow rapidly, with record broadcast deals, increased digital streaming access and heightened commercial interest from sponsors. Analysts expect the tournament to break previous viewership records, particularly given its tri-nation hosting model and expanded team lineup.

Estadio Azteca itself remains one of football’s most storied venues. It famously hosted Brazil’s Pelé lifting the trophy in 1970 and Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” and “Goal of the Century” performances in 1986. Its role in opening the 2026 tournament has been widely seen as a nod to football’s rich history in Mexico, while also signalling a new era for the sport.

As fireworks lit up the Mexico City skyline following the ceremony, attention now turns to the next phase of the tournament’s opening schedule, with matches set to continue across North America in what promises to be the most geographically expansive World Cup ever staged.

For fans, players and organisers alike, the message from Mexico City was clear: the world’s biggest sporting event has begun, and it is set to be bigger, broader and more ambitious than ever before.

Dubai is set to accelerate its push to become a global artificial intelligence powerhouse after Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum unveiled an ambitious strategy aimed at embedding next-generation AI across the emirate’s private sector.

Chairing a meeting of Dubai’s Higher Committee for Future Technology Development and the Digital Economy, Sheikh Hamdan approved a series of initiatives designed to strengthen Dubai’s position as a leading hub for digital innovation, talent, and advanced technologies.

At the centre of the plans is an executive programme to promote the adoption of Agentic AI—autonomous AI systems capable of carrying out tasks, making decisions, and managing operations with minimal human intervention.

“Our goal is for Dubai to become the world’s leading hub for developing and deploying advanced AI solutions,” Sheikh Hamdan said, stressing the crucial role of the private sector in driving the emirate’s technological transformation.

The programme aims to support 295,000 businesses across Dubai, develop 100 specialised AI assistants over the next two years, and facilitate the establishment of 50 Agentic AI companies.

Sheikh Hamdan said AI was becoming a key driver of economic growth and competitiveness, adding that future success would depend on moving beyond traditional AI tools towards more autonomous and capable systems.

The committee also approved Dubai’s hosting of the 50th International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) World Finals in November 2026. The event, regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious student programming competitions, is expected to attract 140 teams from more than 70 countries.

In a further effort to attract skilled professionals, Sheikh Hamdan endorsed the launch of the Dubai Global Talent Network, a platform designed to connect international talent with ties to the emirate and engage them in future development projects.

Among other initiatives approved was a Digital Twin System for Dubai Police, which will use advanced digital modelling and real-time data analysis to enhance surveillance and operational decision-making. The pilot phase will cover 150 cameras across the city.

The meeting also reviewed progress across several flagship digital economy projects. Dubai’s SME digital trade initiative, developed in partnership with Amazon, has reached more than 105,000 companies, surpassing its 2026 target ahead of schedule.

Meanwhile, the Ignyte entrepreneurship platform has attracted over 36,000 users, while the Dubai AI Campus now hosts more than 400 specialist firms and has trained over 1,500 participants through its AI Academy.

Officials also highlighted the rapid growth of Dubai Founders HQ, which has attracted more than 1,100 members and 500 startups within nine months of its launch. Startups within the network have collectively secured more than AED200 million in funding.

The meeting was attended by senior government officials including Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, alongside leaders from Dubai’s technology, economic development, and innovation sectors.

Dubai-based developer Emaar Properties on Thursday announced plans for a landmark Dh200 billion master-planned development that it says will redefine urban living in the emirate. Spanning more than 4.5 million square metres of gross floor area, the project is expected to accommodate nearly 150,000 residents and become one of the largest mixed-use communities ever undertaken by the company.

The master development will feature a blend of residential towers, ultra-luxury villas and mansions, Grade-A office spaces, retail destinations, hospitality offerings, and a wide range of civic and cultural amenities.

While Emaar did not disclose the location of the project, the number of residential units, or a timeline for sales launches, the developer described it as a “city within a city” and one of its most ambitious undertakings to date.

“What we are about to reveal is our most extraordinary dream yet: a place where the finest architecture, the most immersive landscapes and the most advanced thinking about how people live come together in one magnificent vision,” said Mohamed Alabbar, Founder of Emaar Properties.

“This development reflects our deep confidence in the future of the UAE. This is Emaar at its most ambitious, and Dubai at its most inspiring,” he added.

Iconic Views and Luxury Living

According to Emaar, the residential towers will offer panoramic views of some of Dubai’s most recognisable landmarks, including Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah.

At the heart of the luxury offering will be an exclusive gated villa enclave featuring expansive five- and six-bedroom residences as well as signature mansions. The homes will be complemented by private gardens, cascading water features and resort-style amenities.

Designed Around the 20-Minute City Concept

The masterplan will be connected to Dubai’s metro network and developed around the principles of the “20-minute city”, enabling residents to access essential services and daily conveniences within a short walk.

The community will integrate smart mobility infrastructure, intelligent building systems and advanced digital connectivity. Features will include EV-friendly pathways, app-based community management and data-driven public services.

Schools, healthcare facilities, mosques, cultural venues and retail centres will be strategically located within walking distance of residential neighbourhoods.

Extensive Green and Blue Spaces

A key feature of the project will be its expansive open spaces, including parks, swimmable lagoons, lakes, linear gardens and water streams woven throughout the community via shaded walkways and dedicated cycling tracks.

A central district park will serve as the development’s social and recreational hub, offering sports courts, event lawns, splash parks, beach areas and outdoor wellness facilities.

Five Distinct Lifestyle Zones

The masterplan will be organised into five character-driven districts, each designed with a unique identity and lifestyle proposition.

Among them will be a Business Hub catering to corporate and entrepreneurial activity, an Urban District focused on vibrant city living, a Young Families Cluster designed for active and creative lifestyles, and a Family Living Zone centred on community-oriented residential experiences.

Emaar said further details, including the project’s location and launch timeline, will be announced at a later stage.