Your local mosque parking lot is get about to become a green hub. Dubai’s Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) has signed a major deal to bring electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to mosque parking spaces across the city.

The 8-year agreement was signed (April 8), with the Emarat EV Charging Stations Company (UAEV). This move turns mosque parking areas into convenient spots for residents to power up their cars during prayer times or visits.

This isn’t just about a few plugs; it’s a full-scale smart infrastructure project:

• Advanced Tech: Installation of modern, high-speed charging units.
• Smart App: A dedicated digital application will show you exactly where the nearest available mosque charger is in real-time.
• Easy Payments: Secure, integrated smart payment systems for a seamless experience.
• Continuous Care: UAEV will handle all maintenance and performance monitoring.
  

This initiative follows just days after the announcement of 600 new supercharging spaces being installed at public parks and beaches.

• Community Hubs: Mosques will now serve as multi-functional spaces that support sustainable mobility.
• Environmental Goals: The project supports the UAE’s mission to have 50% of vehicles on the road be battery-electric by 2050.

Finding a charger in Dubai is getting much easier. By integrating clean energy into community spaces like mosques, Dubai is making eco-friendly living a natural part of daily life.

Sci-fi is officially reality in Dubai. The RTA has launched its fleet of 100 autonomous taxis, now roaming the streets of Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah.

How to book your ride

Dubai has partnered with global tech giants Apollo Go (Baidu) and WeRide to make booking as easy as ordering a pizza. You can find them on:

• The Uber App: WeRide vehicles are integrated directly into the Uber platform.
• The Apollo Go App: Operated in cooperation with the Dubai Taxi Company.

Where can you ride?

Currently, the service is focused on two of Dubai’s most iconic coastal districts:

• Jumeirah
• Umm Suqeim

How safe are autonomous cabs?

Before hitting the road, these vehicles underwent “extensive testing” to navigate real-world traffic.

• The Tech: They use AI, advanced sensors, and HD digital mapping.
• The Smart City: The taxis are designed to process data in real-time, handling intersections, traffic signals, and pedestrians without a human behind the wheel.

This rollout is part of Dubai’s long-term goal to lead the world in self-driving transport. If you’re in Jumeirah, your next Uber might just be a robot.

The Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) has proposed making membership mandatory for all 12 million Pakistanis living abroad, carrying a fee of Rs10,000 (approx. Dh130).

Syed Qamar Raza, Chairman of the OPF, said that the proposal has been approved by the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and is now awaiting final sign-off from the Prime Minister.

Membership fees

• Cost: Rs10,000 for a 5-year membership.
• Who it affects: All Pakistanis living in the UAE, Gulf, the Middle East, and worldwide.
• The goal is to generate finances that allow the OPF to better serve the diaspora and introduce new welfare facilities.

The move comes as overseas Pakistanis continue to provide a massive boost to the national economy. Remittances are expected to hit an all-time high of $41–42 billion this year.

The OPF is a non-profit designed to resolve challenges for the diaspora. If approved, this nominal fee will create a massive fund aimed at protecting and supporting the millions of workers who keep Pakistan’s economy afloat.

Meanwhile, the Federal Cabinet has officially cleared the way for overseas Pakistanis to import used cars up to three years old. The new rules focus on two main pathways. Gift Scheme – for sending a vehicle to a family member back home, and Transfer of Residence (TR) Scheme – for those moving back to Pakistan permanently.