Month: October 2023

Entertainment

The first electric bike race in the UAE will be hosted by Dubai Sports Council.

head dubai October 30, 2023 No Comments

The Dubai Sports Council and the Association for Micromobility and Sport have announced the establishment of the Dubai Electric Scooters Cup, the premier event showcasing e-scooter racing and micro-mobility potential. The Uae Electric Scooter Cup, which will take place on December 16, 2023, as a capstone event for the UAE’s Year of Sustainability, will bring together the top scooterists in the world to compete on the quickest electric scooter across Dubai’s streets.

Sixteen of the best male and female racers will compete head-to-head in a knockout race at over 100 kph to vie for the title of the inaugural Dubai scooter Cup Champion, celebrating sustainability, innovative mobility, safety, and diversity.

With a top speed of almost 140 kph, the RS-Zero DXB version is the quickest electric race motorcycle in the world and was created especially for the Uae Electric Scooters Cup. It has cutting-edge technology, a lean angle of more than 58 degrees, and is made to provide the best possible performance for professional athletes.

The growth of micromobility as a thrilling new racing discipline and a more environmentally friendly mode of urban transportation is being led by the International Federation for Micromobility and Sport. The aim of this partnership with the Dubai Sport Council in order to organize the inaugural Dubai Electric Scooters Cup is to lead the way in technological, infrastructural, and safety advancements within the rapidly expanding micromobility industry.

The Federation for Micromobility, or and Sport President, Alex Wurz, stated, “I’m excited to take this significant step in a city that is looking for new mobility alternatives. This one-of-a-kind event will highlight the possibilities of micromobility—racing through future cities in close quarters while maintaining the highest safety standards. This historic agreement between the Federation and Dubai Sports Council portends great things for the future.

The Dubai Sports Council’s secretary-general, Saeed Mohammed Hareb, stated: “The Dubai Electric Scooters Cup will be the ultimate e-scooter racing competition and an exhibition for cutting-edge e-technology.” It gives us great pleasure to collaborate with the Association on the security and assimilation issues facing the micromobility industry.

Business

The ‘New Horizons’ initiative includes a commercial expedition to East Africa organized by the Dubai International Chamber.

head dubai October 30, 2023 No Comments

One of the three chambers that operate under Dubai Chambers, Dubai International Chamber, has finished getting ready to go on a focused trade expedition to East Africa in November. Under the ‘New Horizons’ project, the chamber will lead a group of businesses based in Dubai to Kenya and Rwanda in order to facilitate the growth of the chamber’s membership into international markets.

The team was given a special briefing in the headquarters of Dubai International Chamber, presided over by Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, the president and chief executive officer of Dubai Chambers. The mission’s agenda, which includes B2B interactions between Dubai businesses and the counterparts in Kenya and Rwanda, was discussed by the participants during the conference.

The Dubai International Chamber is assisting its members in launching their business ventures in new areas through the New Horizons program. The project is in line with the organizations’ strategic goal of encouraging private sector globalization in order to increase non-oil foreign trade to a value of AED 2 trillion by 2026.

According to Lootah, the Dubai Chamber is committed to offering its members fresh chances for expansion in important, strategically important areas across the globe. By means of these missions, our aim is to stimulate enterprises situated in Dubai to embrace audacious plans that bolster their growth strategies and prospects for prosperity.”

“Organizing bilateral investor conferences to discuss business relationships and strategic collaboration in targeted sectors is one of the mission’s key objectives,” he continued. Our goal is to make sure Dubai-based businesses take advantage of the investment prospects in these emerging areas. B2B meetings, field trips, and enlightening conversations and debates with members of the public and commercial sectors in these nations are all part of our visit.”

In order to investigate prospects for investment, cooperative economic alliances, and new trade agreements, New Horizons plans specialized trade missions to certain international markets and arranges conferences and events there. These missions also offer excellent chances to network with leaders in the public and corporate sectors in order to fortify global alliances and promote economic expansion.

Travel & Explore

Israel to be granted entry into the US visa waiver program

head dubai October 28, 2023 No Comments

According to authorities, the Biden administration is scheduled to declare on Wednesday that it will accept Israel into the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP), granting Israeli nationals entry without a visa starting on November 30.
The decision marks a victory for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s religious-nationalist government, whose ties with Washington have been strained over its plans to restructure the court and its policy toward the Palestinians. Israel’s Foreign Ministry stated on Monday that the decision was expected.
Washington needs countries to meet requirements on counterterrorism, law enforcement, immigration enforcement, document security, and border management in order to be admitted to the program that grants visitors a 90-day visa-free stay.
All US travelers must be treated equally by all countries, regardless of the other passports they may possess.
For Israel, this entails granting Palestinian Americans unrestricted access to its airports and during their travels through the occupied Palestinian territories.
With reference to what they claim are decades of discriminatory treatment of Arab Americans and harassment at Israel’s borders, some Palestinians have protested against Israel’s admission into the VWP.
Israel has facilitated Palestinian Americans’ access to its borders and the Israeli-occupied West Bank during a trial period that began on July 20.
According to a US official, there are between 45,000 and 60,000 Palestinian Americans residing in the West Bank. According to an Israeli official, the number is actually closer to 70,000–90,000 Palestinian Americans globally, of which 15,000–20,000 live in the West Bank.
With the addition of Croatia in 2021, there are currently 40 countries in the VWP, with more being joined on a sporadic basis.
On September 8, Secretary of State Antony Blinken received a letter from a group of fifteen US senators expressing grave concerns that Israel was not treating US citizens equally.
In an attempt to prevent Israel from joining the program, the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security on Tuesday.
Due to procedural issues, a US judge in Detroit refused an emergency motion, stating that the department was not given enough notice of the complaint.
The White House said in August 2021 that it was collaborating with Israel to get the country included to the Visa Waiver Program.

Technology

A new contest has been introduced to support up-and-coming digital innovators.

head dubai October 25, 2023 No Comments

Ma’amel Code, a new competition launched by the Center of Digital Entrepreneurship this week, aims to empower Saudi university students and encourage a fresh wave of digital entrepreneurship.

The competition, an initiative of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, aims to develop creative digital concepts into viable enterprises, supporting the development of the digital generation.

The ministry’s head of digital innovation, Yousef Abu Bakar, stated that CODE was committed to empowering and assisting start-ups and entrepreneurs in the technology sector.

CODE has established six laboratories throughout the Kingdom, including ones at Princess Nourah University, King Saud University, Qassim University, Dar Al-Hekma University, King Khalid University, and King Faisal University. The organization operates through its branches in several Saudi universities, according to Abu Bakar.

These labs give considerable support to external and university-based initiatives and companies, with highly qualified teams with strong technological expertise.

One of the most prominent initiatives in the range of activities that CODE has presented is the Ma’amel Code competition.

It is designed to support projects headed by students. The procedure is simple: groups of students from every university can offer their creative ideas by visiting the competition page with the help of a technological expert.

The most promising concepts are shortlisted through a thorough evaluation procedure. After being admitted, students go through a quick training course that aims to improve their spirit of competition and ease communication between the labs and the institutions.

In addition to receiving monetary awards, winners will have access to a range of services provided by the laboratories, allowing them to pursue their entrepreneurial goals.

Every CODE office has a bustling atmosphere full of tech startups, initiatives, and ambitious people ready to take use of the many services available.

Because of its participation in the “Tech Growth” initiative, CODE is positioned as an executive partner that supports tech companies—especially small and medium-sized ones—in their efforts to expand into new markets.

The MVP Lab initiative is one of the support programs offered by the collaboration. This initiative provides non-refundable support to incubated startups in the amount of SR150,000 ($40,000), with the goal of promoting the creation of various digital solutions and tech business models.

According to Abu Bakar, there are three further events planned after the Ma’amel Code competition.

These upcoming events, which will all be revealed later and involve various partners and technologies, are sure to further stoke rivalry among college students and CODE’s esteemed partners.

Technology

Fund Neom invests $100 million in Pony.ai to progress Mena’s self-driving car technology.

head dubai October 25, 2023 No Comments

The autonomous car solutions startup Pony.ai has received a $100 million investment from the Neom Investment Fund, a recently established division of Neom, the megacity in Saudi Arabia.

Neom said in a statement on Wednesday that as part of the investment, a joint venture will be established between the California-based Pony.ai and Neom to develop, produce, and supply autonomous, or self-driving, vehicles and infrastructure.

It added that all of these will be utilized in Neom and other significant Mena markets.

According to data from start-up tracker Crunchbase, Pony.ai has now received $1.3 billion in funding overall thanks to the NIF’s investment, making it a unicorn (a start-up valued at more than $1 billion).
The investment supports Neom’s objectives to provide hyperconnected and sustainable transportation inside the $500 billion development, according to Majid Mufti, CEO of the NIF.

The autonomous driving technology from Pony.ai is now available, and we’re thrilled to be able to use it in Neom soon, the spokesperson stated.

The most recent development in Pony.ai’s regional expansion is its arrival in Neom. It just become a member of the Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry cluster in Abu Dhabi, where it will be able to test-drive its newest technology at the Yas Island testing zone.
Separately on Wednesday, the NIF said that, following the completion of an investment in a series A funding round for the US company, it has grown to become the single-largest shareholder in electric seaglider ground effect craft producer Regent.

The investment’s value was not disclosed by Regent or the NIF. According to Crunchbase data, Regent has raised $87 million in five fundraising rounds.

According to Terry Wong, Neom’s executive director of land mobility, Regent is anticipated to “provide a fresh approach to coastal transportation in Neom, both passenger and freight, connecting key destinations along 468km of coastline, and reflect our belief in zero-carbon technologies.”
Among the businesses in the initial round of investments made by the NIF to launch the fund’s activities were Pony.ai and Regent.

The other businesses include game software developer Animoca Brands, aquaculture start-up BlueNalu, and aerospace manufacturer Boom Technology.

The NIF stated that more information regarding the investments in these businesses is anticipated soon.

As civilization moves toward the next generation of transportation systems, self-driving cars are becoming more and more popular because of the cutting-edge technologies that enable them to function even with little assistance from humans.
They are regarded as a significant player in the market for “smart mobility,” which combines data-driven solutions with cutting-edge technology to build effective, sustainable, and user-centered transportation systems.

The NIF was introduced on Tuesday, with the creation of jobs in the Red Sea development and Neom’s advancement being two of its objectives.

With a “clear focus on pioneering growth companies and next-generation industries,” it will invest globally through mergers and acquisitions and venture capital in technological start-ups, with the goal of developing 14 priority areas.

Neom plays a significant role in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, a major economic diversification initiative that places a strong emphasis on technology.
The NIF will concentrate on creating investments for the private sector and will make direct investments to create solutions that will be tested and developed at Neom before being exported to other countries.

It stated that it will create collaborations and joint ventures with global corporations, institutional investors, and Neom entrepreneurs.

Additionally, in order to “safeguard returns for the shareholder and investors through portfolio synergies and will underpin Neom’s long-term financial sustainability,” the fund will take on the role of portfolio manager for Neom’s sector assets and firms.

Neom and innovators, as well as institutional investors, will benefit from “de-risking opportunities for them to participate in creating core global growth businesses and a thriving economy” in the mega-city according to the NIF’s approach.

Food & Beverages

Seven eateries showcasing Qatar’s gastronomic offerings

head dubai October 23, 2023 No Comments

Qatar is home to individuals from more than 100 different nations, and its diverse dining scene, which features a wide spectrum of influences, reflects this rich diversity.
Khalid Sharq
Within a century-old house with its own small museum, this quaint Doha restaurant is conveniently located just a short stroll from the busy Souq Waqif. For breakfast, guests can take a seat at a table in the palm-shaded courtyard or relax in a glass-walled, climate-controlled cube while enjoying elaborate plates laden with traditional fare like shakshuka-style eggs and bajella (beans). Savor slow-cooked harees and hamsset rubbian, a flavorful, dry stew of shrimp stewed in the house’s special spice mix, throughout supper.

Alba
Located within the luxurious Raffles Hotel, this fine-dining establishment features unique white truffles that are only grown in the Alba region of Italy. Three-Michelin-star chef Enrico Crippa creates the menus, and chef Antonino D’Alessio and his Doha culinary team bring each dish to life and onto your plate.

El Talleh Bayt
The ideal time to secure a position on this Katara Hills institution’s breeze-catching rooftop is early in the evening. The crowds have been drawn to Bayt El Talleh’s home-style Levantine favorites for some time now. In summer, the crisp green fattoush and the refreshingly fresh harra’ osba’a salad with lentils, lemon, and pomegranate are a great combination. Kids love the fried pastry rolls filled with fluffy cheese and sweet mahalabiya (milk pudding) flavoured with rosewater. Locals go straight for the set menu to hit all the highlights.

The sumptuous restaurant, which is led by head chef Pino Lavarra, provides a genuine Michelin-starred dining experience. Savor its delectable dishes, which feature sophisticated flavors such as the risotto with black olive crumble or the beef with green peas, truffle, and onion cookies.

Chef Noof Al Marri’s menu at Desert Rose Café is a multi-sensory delight. Every Qatari fusion dish served here has a secret ingredient. For example, Al Marri’s crispy omelette and ragag labna are enhanced with ghee (clarified butter) infused with turmeric and fenugreek, while the flavorful chicken madrouba has extra veggies added. As befits the cafe’s location inside Jean Nouvel’s desert rose structure at the National Museum of Qatar, everything is plated with modern elegance. Highly recommended is the coffee that has been combined with rosewater.

Tatel
Tatel puts up an amazing blend of sophisticated dining and a warm, welcoming mood that embodies its Spanish flavors. It offers waterfront views at the recently constructed Al Maha Island. Tatel opens in Beverley Hills, Madrid, and Ibiza and brings its innovative culinary concept, live music, and inventive cocktails to Doha.

Al Shomous Shay
Nearly two decades ago, Shams Al Qassabi, a favorite chef in Qatar, became the first woman to operate a business in Souq Waqif. Local chef Noof Al Marri says if her, “She inspired me and other women in Qatar to follow our passions and share our traditional food with the world.” Famous dishes from Qassabi include crispy ragag bread dusted with zataar, eggs scrambled with tomato, and keema, a spiced mincemeat eaten with chapati.

Development in Dubai

Dubai Airshow Oversight Board meets at a meeting hosted by the UAE Space Agency to discuss recent advancements.

head dubai October 21, 2023 No Comments

The the United Arab Emirates Airshow Advisory Board was established by the UAE Space Agency to examine the most recent advancements and prospects for engagement in the forthcoming Dubai Airshow, which is scheduled to take place from the month of November 13 to 17, 2023, at the Dubai International Central Airport (DWC).
Those present included Salem Al Qubaisi, the Director General of the UAE Space Agency, Ibrahim Hamza Al Qasim, the Deputy Director General of the UAESA, Sarah Al Amiri, the minister of State for Education for the Public and Innovative Technology and Chairperson of the UAE Space Agency, Omran Sharaf, Assistant the minister of Foreign Affairs for advanced Science and Technology, Mikail Houari, the president of Airbus in the region of the Middle East and Africa, and others.

As technology develops and as we progress toward investing in the aerospace and aviation industries, Sarah Al Amiri stated: “The UAE aspires, through an effective approach, to utilize sophisticated technology for the space industry and to make large investments in development and research. To establish worldwide leadership and open up new frontiers in this crucial industry, innovation and technical development are at the forefront of our efforts.
“We depend on sustainable dreams and strategies that promote local industries and improve the national economy, by benefited from local assets and knowledge and Emiratization efforts in the manufacturing industry through the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ campaign and our trailblazing space projects,” Sarah Al Amiri continued.

Al Amiri continued, “As the UAE moves toward embracing the exploration of space, we are taking steps to turn these space possibilities into exciting possibilities for investment and opening up fresh avenues for international collaboration during the annual Dubai Airshow, while providing imaginative commercial space-related services that satisfy the needs of the market.”
Al Amiri commended the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center (MBRSC), Mubadala, Yahsat, and a number of research and educational institutions, for being partners with UAESA in the space business.

She emphasized the significance of their ongoing contributions in aiding teamwork to realize the UAE’s bold aspirations for space.
Joint cooperation is essential for obtaining brilliance and distinction, according to Salem Al Qubaisi.

Results that transcend expectations arise from combining efforts and harmonizing visions.
“Effective interaction and collaboration are essential to ensuring that both spectators and exhibitors at the Dubai Airshow have an outstanding experience,” Salem Al Qubaisi continued.
The conference covered a wide range of subjects, such as the most recent advancements, the exhibition’s goals for fostering international cooperation and communication, and the investment of national and international aerospace firms in the UAE. As a result, investments are attracted, the national economy is strengthened, and the UAE is experiencing a comprehensive growth renaissance. This supports environmentally friendly growth in the space & aviation industries.

Development in Dubai

The City of Dubai opens a one-stop shop for the construction industry.

head dubai October 21, 2023 No Comments

The ‘Build in Dubai’ platform, a complete collection of services specifically designed for the building industry, was unveiled by the Dubai Municipality. Through this effort, Dubai’s swift digital transformation in a variety of industries is highlighted, demonstrating the Municipality’s dedication to leading innovation through cutting-edge smart technology.

Properties owners, developers, advisers, and contractors are all catered to by the platform. It is essential to making projects more environmentally friendly and improving Dubai’s reputation as one of the world’s leading building hubs.

The municipality is leading the way in the construction industry’s digital transformation by creating a roadmap to implement Building Information Modelling, or BIM, in the emirate, working with partners to provide the necessary building information, and developing a “digital twin” of Dubai.

The new platform conforms with the demands of the “Digital City Experiences” offered by the Dubai Digital Authority, which provide property owners with an inclusive online experience throughout the development process. It provides access to specifics about their projects, including information about the land and buildings involved, the stages of construction, a directory of construction experts, educational contract blueprints, and a list and rating system for registered consultant and contractors.

The platform also includes the most recent technology advancements, including intelligent inspection and the use of artificial intelligence, as well as automatic auditing of structure designs utilizing Building Information Modeling (BIM), for which Dubai is a world leader in implementation.

Throughout the whole building construction process, the platform, which is currently being created in phases, will provide a number of crucial services for real estate owners, developers, professionals, and contractors.

These services will cover all phases, including purchasing the property, designing the building, obtaining construction permits, and carrying out the construction work, as well as the additions, alterations, upkeep, and demolition phases, as well as the completion and connection to services phases.

The new platform will house all construction-related services, according to the Dubai Municipality. Services from the Dubai Transportation and Roads Authority (RTA), the Dubai Water and Electricity Authority (DEWA), the Mohammed bin Rashid Buildings Establishment, among others the Dubai Land Department, the Dubai Customs, the the United Arab Emirates Multi Commodity items Centre (DMCC), the Dubai Growth Authority, as well as those from telecommunications firms Etisalat and du, will also be included.

Travel & Explore

The biggest free fun run in the world, Dubai Run, is now accepting registrations.

head dubai October 20, 2023 No Comments

Registration for the most popular free fun run in the world, the Dubai Run, has opened, according to the Dubai Department of the Economy and Tourists and by Dubai Sports Council.

On Sunday, November 26, the final weekend of the annual Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC 2023), over 200,000 individuals are anticipated to line up for an incredible run along the famous Sheikh Zayed Road and Dubai’s Downtown. This will be the event’s fifth iteration.

Runners and fitness fans from every walk of life can now sign up and reserve their space in this massive metropolitan celebration of wellness, physical activity, and community, regardless of their age or degree of skill. The free run is sponsored by Sun & Sand Sports and presented by Mai Dubai.

Last year, a record 193,000 athletes, joggers, and walkers took part in the Dubai Run, and 2023 is expected to be even greater. There will be two separate routes available to participants, both of which begin on the Sheikh Zayed Road. The 5-km City Family course, which is ideal for families and joggers of all abilities, will begin close to the Museums of the Future and lead participants past some of Dubai’s most recognizable landmarks, including the Dubai Opera, the Dubai Mall, and Burj Khalifa.

The 10-km Sheikh Zayed Road route, which starts at Sheikh Zayed Road and travels to Dubai Canal before turning around and ending at Al Mustaqbal Street at the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC), is an alternative for more seasoned runners.

Travel & Explore

OYO offers a 60% holiday discount to visitors to Dubai.

head dubai October 20, 2023 No Comments

On Monday, the international hospitality technology startup OYO announced discounts of up to 60% for Indian travelers traveling to Dubai for the holiday season. They can reserve a room at one of the OYO locations in Dubai.
In Dubai, OYO Smart & OYO Homes are located in popular areas like Marina, the Business Bay, Jebel Ali, Sports City, and Discovery Garden. OYO has an inventory of over 130 properties. Visitors may reserve their stay in OYO apartments in Dubai till December 31, 2023, during the period of the holiday discounted offer for Indian travelers, which runs from October 11 to December 31, 2023.

By entering into the the OYO app or a website consumers can access this discount. Next, they must choose the city and the package they would want to purchase.

The program is in line with Dubai’s efforts to draw more tourists from India, particularly from growing metropolises like Jaipur, Lucknow, Guwahati, Bhubaneswar, and Chandigarh.
Speaking about the discounted rates offered by OYO to Indian visitors, Karan Ashok, Head of OYO Middle East, stated, “We are looking forward to welcoming our visitors from India during the holiday season. The OYO holiday discount program for Dubai is only accessible for a short period of time. We want to make sure that every visitor from India has a special experience in Dubai, therefore we provide discounts, flexible booking choices, and free services.
For many Indian travelers, Dubai has served as a dream vacation spot because of its top-notch attractions, upscale shopping, and breathtaking scenery. The Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, and the Palm Jumeirah, the largest man-made island, are both located there.

Dubai has developed into a mecca for foodies, with everything from distinctive coffee shops to pricey bean-to-bar chocolate businesses.
According to a survey by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, India is the #1 source nation for international travelers. In the first quarters of 2023, there were an expected 46 lakh overnight visitors from outside the country, up from about 39 lakh visitors in the corresponding period of 2022.
According to the research, India likewise emerged as the most important source market for international travelers, accounting for almost 800,000 travelers, closely followed by Russia (470,000), the United Kingdom (390,000), and Saudi Arabia (350,000).