Millions of “Neomians” will live in this Saudi megacity by 2030.

According to the project’s head of tourism, millions of people will live in Saudi Arabia’s $500 billion future metropolis, Neom, by 2030.

Arrivals are anticipated to start in 2024.

Within the next ten years, two million “Neomians” should reside in the city, according to Andrew McEvoy, who spoke with The National.

Speaking outside of the Arabian Travel Market, which is presently taking place at Dubai’s World Trade Center, was Mr. McEvoy.

“As our first tourism assets open in 2024, you will see a lot of movement,” Mr. McEvoy stated.

“Work has already begun, and the tourism initiatives will launch at that point.”

Numerous tourist destinations, such as the Trojena mountain destination, will be located in Neom.

It is scheduled to open in 2026 and will feature mountain biking, a ski slope, and watersports facilities. Additionally, an interactive nature reserve will be included.

Neom is intended to be a smart city that runs on renewable energy.

The Wall Street Journal claims that because of previously disclosed plans that included flying taxis, holographic teachers teaching classes, and an artificial moon, it has drawn attention from all over the world.

Neom will be governed independently of the laws governing the rest of Saudi Arabia, according to Mr. McEvoy. This will increase its attractiveness to tourists and those thinking about moving there, he claimed.

Many people find it appealing because it offers the opportunity to virtually start from scratch in the creation of a new nation, he said.

“It’s a great way to get motivated for your career, and the Public Investment Fund will help make it happen.”Neom shall be regarded as a nation inside a nation, possessing its own sovereign territory and economic zone. The laws and regulations must align with the goals of the people we are trying to draw to this area to live and work.

Additionally, he stated that the locals would be referred to as “Neomians” rather than Saudis.

About 2,000 Neomians and 10,000 construction workers already reside there, according to Mr. McEvoy.

“We’re already drawing in a lot of experts in the energy, water, and health sectors who will be relocating here to live and work.”

Selling alcohol is a possibility.

In an effort to draw tourists and business from abroad, he also declined to rule out the sale of alcohol. He declared, “It’s definitely not off the table” to alcohol.

“We must match what competing destinations are offering if we want to be competitive.”

He added that the project is on track to be car-free by 2030.

“There will be a slight period of transition, but the city is being built to be completely car-free,” Mr. McEvoy stated.

Many of the modes of transportation of the future, such as electric hybrids, are already available, and we’re testing concepts like flying taxis.

“This is about supplying the travel of the future.”

An additional key area of emphasis for the project is sustainability. According to Mr. McEvoy, younger people are driving this because they are more committed to halting climate change than previous generations were.

“A new generation of young Saudis is driving this with a strong embrace of a new future, with Neom serving as a beacon of that future,” the statement reads.

In Al Wathba, Sheikh Khaled launches a Dh1.1 billion housing project.

The Al Wathba housing project in Abu Dhabi was officially opened by Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed.

The 875,000 square meter development, which cost more than Dh1.1 billion, will provide 347 new homes for citizens.

In addition to allotted land for commercial and community facilities, it comprises fifteen parks and four mosques that can accommodate 1,725 people each.

Sheikh Khaled was given an update on the project and given a tour of the eco-friendly house designs during the inauguration.

According to Sheikh Khaled, the housing project will guarantee stability and growth while providing for the needs of Abu Dhabi’s Emirati population.

The UAE is dedicated to giving Emiratis decent housing, and this new development is a part of that commitment.

A Dh2.74 billion housing support plan for Emiratis residing in the capital was approved this year by Sheikh Khaled. President Sheikh Mohamed’s orders will be followed in providing assistance for 1,800 citizens.

Under the program, low-income retirees and the surviving family members of mortgage holders will not be obliged to repay housing loans.

As part of the initiative, housing loans will also be given to eligible citizens.

The Middle East Properties Development of the Year award goes to Azizi Developments.

Leading commercial developer in the United Arab Emirates, Azizi Developments, was honored with the esteemed “Middle East Properties Developer Of The Year” title at the 10th Property Counselors and Developers Summit, an elite assembly of key industry players.

This recognition is a tribute to Azizi Developments’ outstanding qualities in project creation, innovative construction, and project delivery. It also emphasizes the developer’s commitment to providing unparalleled living experiences to end users and local and foreign investors.

The Honorable Dr. Mohammed Saeed Al Kindi, Hon. former Minister of Environment and Water, presented the award to Mr. Farhad Azizi, CEO of Azizi Developments. Senior members of Azizi Developments escorted Mr. Azizi to the ceremony.

The esteemed “Middle East Properties Developer Of The Year” award was given to Azizi Developments, a top private builder in the United Arab Emirates, at the 10th Property Consulting and Developers Summit, an elite assembly of key industry players.

The remarkable project development, inventive construction, and project execution skills of Azizi Developments are demonstrated by this award. Moreover, it emphasizes the developer’s commitment to providing unparalleled living experiences to end users and local and foreign investors, all while prioritizing client centricity.

Upon receiving the award from the Honorable Dr. Mohammed Saeed Al Kindi, Hon. former Minister of Environment and Water, Mr. Farhad Azizi, CEO of Azizi Developments, was escorted to the ceremony by senior members of the company.

Approximately 40,000 units, valued at several billion US dollars, are presently being built by Azizi with the goal of delivery by 2027. Due to its large land bank, strategic partnerships with major master developers in Dubai, and reputation for building the second-tallest skyscraper in the UAE, the company has developed world-class real estate in MBR City, the Palm Jumeirah, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Hospital City, South Dubai, Al Furjan, Studios City, Sports City, and Downtown Jebel Ali.

In Q3 2023, Trakhees estimates a 19% increase in transactions in special development regions.

Setting a new record in 2023 when compared to 2022 in terms of license transactions is a major milestone for the Ports, Customs and Border Protection and Free Zone Corporation’s regulatory body, the Department of Planning and Development – Trakhees.

This accomplishment encompassed over 14,000 transactions in the corporation-supervised special development sectors during the third quarter of this year, representing a 19% growth rate.

According to Trakhees CEO Abdulla Belhoul, the department is assiduously striving to improve its role in attracting investment and produce measurable and favorable outcomes in terms of commercial growth rates. This covers the quantity of services rendered and transactions carried out annually at the Ports, Customs and Border Protection and Free Zone Corporation-affiliated special development regions.

These initiatives, which seek to create an investment climate that will support business expansion and growth, are consistent with Dubai’s economic strategy and vision. The findings of the Licensing Department’s third-quarter reports validate this accomplishment.

Belhoul also pointed out that, with 134 more licenses issued this year than the previous, International City is now the top spot on the list of places with the most local license transactions. Palm Jumeirah is positioned in third place, behind Jumeirah Village Circle and Palm Jumeirah in the following ranking.

The Director of Trakhees’ Licensing Department, Dr. Hamad Rahma Al Falasi, emphasized the department’s efforts to establish Dubai as a top international investment destination.

This is accomplished by fostering a culture of performance excellence, enabling services to guarantee client pleasure, and drawing in additional strategic alliances that support company expansion in the division’s supervised areas.

With 13,695 transactions in total during the third month of 2023, there has been a notable increase in the number of commercial licensing deals. In the third trimester of this year, there were almost 900 requests for operations in the free zones, and 200 company names were registered. In addition, a 29% growth rate was demonstrated by the issuing of 145 issuance licences and 138 first approvals.

The statistics also showed a discernible rise in the demand for the Licensing Department’s local license services.

In the third quarter, about 9,000 transactions were completed to get government services. With 5,072 transactions overall, the Workplace Health Card service came in first place, a 90 percent increase over the same period last year. There were 434 Credit Card transactions as well.

Dr. Al Falasi praised the PCFC’s hard work in enabling services and transactions to fulfill the dreams of entrepreneurs in the Emirate and guarantee Dubai’s position as the leading location for private and corporate business ventures.

The Virtual Assets Regulation Authority of Dubai grants WadzPay its initial approval.

An innovative finance startup clears the path for its UAE launch by standing out from hundreds of applications with blockchain-based technology offerings that have distinctive features.

A major milestone in WadzPay’s quest to earn a Virtual Assets Service Provider (VASP) Licence for digital asset services and operations has been reached with the company’s “Initial Approval” from Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA).

“We are incredibly grateful for the initial blessing from VARA,” WadzPay’s founder and group CEO, Mr. Anish Jain, stated. “This acknowledgement highlights our dedication to providing innovative solutions based on blockchain technology that not only transform but also follow the strictest legal guidelines. We are appreciative of the chance to support the development of the UAE’s fintech industry.”

WadzPay can now begin preparing to provide virtual asset products and services under the VASP Licence for Transfer & Settlements and Broker/Dealer operations. This first authorization is a significant milestone.

Mr. Khaled Moharem, Director of WadzPay’s MENA region, said, “Getting VARA’s initial authorization is an indication to our unwavering commitment to regulatory and operational excellence.” “We have established a strong ecosystem that not only satisfies but beyond industry norms, ensuring that users in the UAE have a secure and effective gateway to virtual assets. We are ready to go live, strictly adhering to VARA’s guidelines, and bringing in an age of safe and easy access to the virtual asset world.”

WadzPay notes that although the initial clearance is a significant milestone, it remains in the stage of obtaining the VASP license and its final authorization from VARA. This development is an important step toward getting the approval from the relevant authorities to operate fully in the UAE and commercialize its creative products and solutions.

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

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.

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

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.

Dubai Health Authority and the Emirati Human Resource Development council in Dubai sign an agreement

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by the Dubai-based Emirati Human Resource Development Council (EHRDC) & the Dubai Health Authority ( DHA ) to strengthen collaboration and quicken Emiratization activities in the healthcare industry.

In accordance with the MoU, both sides will offer incentives to organizations and businesses that give Emiratis job possibilities as well as educational and certification programs for Emiratis to refine their skills while contributing to the ongoing advancement and modernization of the health care industry.

Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, the Director-General of the Dubai Human Resources Department and Deputy Chairman of the Dubai EHRDC, and Awad Saghir Al Ketbi, the Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority, signed the Memorandum of Understanding.

The chairman of the EHRDC in Dubai, Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori and stated: “The healthcare industry is a critical foundation for human life. The quantity and caliber of services offered, as well as this sector’s impact on the national economy, have improved significantly in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates as a whole. The success of the United Arab Emirates as a whole, as well as Dubai in particular, is contingent upon the involvement of its citizens in this sector. even though Emirati talents successfully contribute to the sector’s plan of action and its economic growth, there is an economic imperative to further availability the healthcare industry with specialized Emirati abilities in various fields.

The Uae Health Authority’s dedication to assisting the Emirati Human Resource Development Council in Dubai is demonstrated by this arrangement, he continued.

It serves as a framework for coordinating our efforts to realize the vision of responsible leadership in creating a healthcare industry that is in line with future demands and where citizens strategically contribute. This will enable students to develop a career path that suits their goals and takes advantage of their skills in this crucial industry. Additionally, it gives the private healthcare industry a chance to gain from the value addition that Emirati talent brings.

According to Al Ketbi, the MoU serves as a catalyst for localization plans and objectives in general and the localization of the healthcare industry in particular. Additionally, it provides a significant incentive for healthcare organizations and facilities to broaden their hiring options for national cadres in a variety of specializations.

The Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy offers Emiratis courses in mobile application development.

The Emirati Training Academy’s foundational phase has been started by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, which is one of the three chambers functioning under Dubai Chambers. The cutting-edge online training course, which is a component of the “Create Apps in Dubai” project, is made to give talented UAE citizens the information and abilities needed to pursue a rewarding career in developing mobile apps.

The program’s self-paced courses expand on the program’s initial phase, which debuted in August, by offering a thorough learning experience with two unique tracks focusing on both iOS and Android app development. Those who successfully finish this stage of the program will have an opportunity to apply for a course. Participants are able to complete one or both tracks.

Visit the following URL to submit an application to the training program’s upcoming phase: createapps.ae/en/programs/emirati-training-academy

The feedback we have gotten about the Emirati Education Academy has been tremendously encouraging, said Saeed Al Gergawi, the vice president of the Dubai Chamber of the Digital Economy. The program’s upcoming foundational phase will give an engaging, in-depth curriculum on creating and creating apps, building on this success.

Al Gergawi continued, “The Emirati Training Academy advances the emirate’s forward-looking ambition to convert Dubai into a prominent player in the worldwide digital industry. It is a component of the ‘Create Apps of Dubai’ initiative.

We understand how important it is to take advantage of new opportunities, and we believe that this top-notch training program will help us develop a skilled and knowledgeable group of Emirati programmers and app developers, establishing Dubai as one of the most flexible and technologically diverse digital hubs in the entire world.

The foundational component of the program will concentrate on providing students with the technical, customer service, and user interface skills necessary to develop mobile applications successfully. The extensive curriculum includes specialized courses covering app advertising and monetisation, quick developing prototypes, and introductions to important programming languages, in addition to iOS and Android app design approaches. The goal of the Emirati Training Academy is to help participants develop their abilities and business ideas by guiding them via courses led by knowledgeable Emirati teachers.

The program’s goal is to produce well-rounded developers who are well-versed in the market and users’ needs and are ready for the real-world difficulties of the app development industry. In addition to gaining the knowledge required to work as iOS and Android developers, students will also acquire skills that will greatly improve their chances of landing a job in the wider technology industry.

The Emirati Training Academy, which is only open to UAE citizens of all ages who reside in any of the seven Emirates, aims to educate and improve Emiratis so that participants can launch their own business endeavors. His Royal Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince for Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, introduced it earlier this year.

DUBAI ESTABLISHES NEW PROGRAM TO SUPPORT FAMILY BUSINESSES MORE.

In an effort to maintain continuity and generational shifts, the new curriculum, the Dubai Family Business Administration curriculum, aims to empower new family enterprises.

Dubai has launched a new initiative to support family companies, which are an essential component of the regional economy. Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed, the deputy ruler, deputy prime minister, and minister of finance, made the announcement.

According to a statement on Zawya, the new curriculum, the Dubai Family Business Administration curriculum, seeks to empower new family enterprises in an effort to ensure continuation and generational shifts. It was jointly introduced by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development and the Dubai Centre for The family Businesses.

The deputy ruler stated on X, previously known as Twitter, “Family companies are integral to Dubai’s economic prosperity, and by strengthening them, we strive to accomplish the goals stated in economic cities globally.” According to the UAE Department of Economy, over 70% of employees work for family firms, and 90% of private-sector businesses are family-owned.

Family businesses in Dubai provide 40% of the city’s GDP. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, president and chief executive officer of the Dubai Chambers, emphasized the significance of family-owned enterprises in Dubai’s aspirations for sustainable development. He emphasized the management program’s contribution to developing second-tier competences, boosting Dubai’s competitiveness, and making it a sought-after location for business.

The Dubai Centre for Family-owned companies was established by Dubai Chambers to provide family-owned businesses with leader transition, planning for succession, and growth training. Sheikh Maktoum added in a statement that “this program is an expansion of a series of programs and plans aimed at assisting family-owned enterprises, and its success indicates the development of Dubai’s business community.”