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SeaBubbles, Al Masaood Power to manufacture flying boats in UAE

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It may look like a futuristic prop from a sci-fi movie, but visitors to Dubai International Boat Show 2022 need not adjust their sets – the UAE’s first flying boat is a reality and could soon be manufactured locally, courtesy a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed at the region’s largest and most-popular leisure marine event.

Inspired by the Emirates’ pearl-diving heritage, the sustainability-focused X-Pearl – a brainchild of innovative French firm SeaBubbles – is powered by a hybrid hydrogen-electric propulsion system and retractable foils, and available for purchase. While scaled models of both its flagship H2 and the X-Pearl were unveiled on Wednesday at Dubai Harbour, the company hopes to have the limited-edition UAE model zipping along Dubai Creek, Dubai Canal, or Abu Dhabi Corniche before next year’s COP28.

That vision moved one step closer at the 28th edition of the Dubai International Boat Show as SeaBubbles capitalised on the nautical showpiece to ink an MoU with local solutions provider Al Masaood Power Division. The agreement will see both parties collaborating to pilot and assess the performance of hydrogen-powered flying boats, manufacture and maintain operations in the Emirates, and retrofit existing boats with SeaBubbles’ sustainable powertrain system.

“The Dubai International Boat Show is iconic, so it felt like the perfect opportunity to reveal the X-Pearl to an international audience and showcase that we are moving towards this ecological transition together with Al Masaood,” said Virginie Seurat, Vice President of SeaBubbles. “The MoU agreement marks another step forward in terms of driving hydrogen mobility in the UAE. With COP28 coming to the Emirates next year, we are very excited to strengthen our local ties.”

SeaBubbles’ crafts can carry up to 12 passengers and a pilot, making them ideal for a range of water mobility solutions: electric passenger vessel, zero-emission water taxi, VIP shuttle, or even for inter-city transfers. By producing minimal wake and water disturbance, it also provides a solution for eco-tourism sightseeing tours in protected areas such as the Eastern Mangroves wetland reserves.

“This is the return of the Dubai International Boat Show after two years, so while the show starts a new cycle, we also start something new and exciting with this partnership with SeaBubbles,” said Rasso Bartenschlager, General Manager of Al Masaood Power Division. “The X-Pearl, by emitting only water, demonstrates our commitment to sustainable solutions and we are honoured to sign this ground-breaking partnership that will help drive green mobility for future generations.”

SeaBubbles’ innovative tech promises a more ecological future courtesy of its hydrogen fuel cells, which generate the electricity supply for the internal systems and propulsion pods, while a battery pack supports it during flight. This hybrid concept ensures 100 per cent reliance on renewable energy sources, while its foils reduce wetted surface area and thus power usage, leading to a craft 35 per cent more power-efficient than a regular boat. Both the H2 and the X-Pearl can reach speeds of up to 50kph.

Dubai International Boat Show 2022 runs until March 13 at Dubai Harbour, the event’s Venue Host and VIP Registration Partner.

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Dubai Police to distribute Iftar at 7 key traffic spots as part of ‘Ramadan Without Accidents’ drive

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Dubai Police has launched a citywide road safety campaign for the Holy Month, urging motorists to slow down and avoid rushing home in the minutes before sunset.

The initiative, titled ‘Ramadan Without Accidents’, is part of Dubai Police’s annual Ramadan outreach and aims to reduce speeding and reckless driving during the critical pre-Maghrib period, a time when traffic incidents typically increase.

Lieutenant Colonel Abdul Rahman Al Falasi, Director of the Traffic Awareness Department at the General Department of Traffic, said officers will be distributing Iftar meals to motorists at key junctions shortly before sunset. The move is designed to ease pressure on drivers who may feel compelled to speed to break their fast on time.

“Road safety remains a top priority, particularly during Ramadan when traffic patterns shift, and some motorists feel urgency to reach their destinations before Iftar,” he said, urging residents to plan journeys, stick to speed limits and exercise patience behind the wheel.

Locations for meal distribution:

  • City Walk intersection
  • Al Satwa roundabout
  • Al Madina Mall
  • Century Mall
  • American Hospital Dubai
  • Al Mizhar 4
  • Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre intersection in Al Khawaneej

The campaign also includes a strong community component. Four volunteer initiatives will run throughout Ramadan, with 679 volunteers, including Dubai Police personnel and members of the public, currently registered on the Dubai Police Volunteer Platform.

Volunteers will support field activities, awareness campaigns and community engagement efforts, reinforcing the shared responsibility for safer roads during the holy month.












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Dubai residents can now access electricity and water services directly through ChatGPT

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Dubai residents can now manage electricity and water services simply by asking questions on ChatGPT, after Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) expanded its customer support onto the AI platform.

DEWA says it is the first government utility in the world to provide services directly through an artificial intelligence system, moving beyond traditional websites and mobile apps.

Through ChatGPT, customers can:

  • Check and review bills
  • Access account details
  • Get billing support
  • Locate nearby EV Green Charger stations
  • Find Customer Happiness Centres, including opening hours and contact details

More services are expected to be added gradually.

DEWA’s Managing Director and CEO, Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, said the initiative reflects a broader shift toward embedding services within global AI platforms to deliver faster, more intuitive and proactive customer experiences.

Officials confirmed the system operates within DEWA’s existing governance, privacy and security framework, with safeguards in place as additional features roll out.

The move supports Dubai’s wider strategy to position itself as a global hub for artificial intelligence and sustainable innovation, integrating AI across public services to enhance accessibility and efficiency.












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Ramadan in UAE: Ajman announces 100per cent remote work on Fridays 

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Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, the Ajman Department of Human Resources has launched the “Ajman Ramadan with the Family” initiative, introducing 100 per cent remote work on Fridays for all government entities during the Holy Month.

The move supports the objectives of the UAE’s Year of Family, aiming to strengthen work-life balance, enhance employee wellbeing, and encourage stronger family connections during Ramadan.

As per the circular issued to government departments:

  • Monday to Thursday: 9am to 2.30pm
  • Friday: 9am to 12pm (fully remote)

The decision reflects the leadership’s focus on creating a flexible work environment that recognises the unique rhythm of Ramadan while maintaining institutional efficiency and productivity.

The department noted that the initiative aligns with the Ajman Government’s broader strategy to implement sustainable, flexible work policies that empower human capital and foster social cohesion.

The announcement places Ajman among the emirates actively tailoring working models during Ramadan to prioritise employee wellbeing and family engagement.

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