Latest news with #D33EconomicAgenda
Arabian Post
09-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Parsons to Steer Dubai Metro Blue Line Rollout
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Parsons Corporation has been appointed by Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority as the Project Management Consultant for the forthcoming Metro Blue Line, under a five-year agreement. The firm will lead design evaluation, procurement facilitation, construction oversight, testing and commissioning, ending with the handover of the system. The line is projected to enter service by September 2029, covering 30 km with 14 stations, and is a core part of Dubai's D33 Economic Agenda geared towards completing the city's next-generation transport network by 2033. The Metro Blue Line, spanning from Centrepoint on the Red Line through Creek station on the Green Line and reaching Academic City, is expected to serve up to 320 000 passengers daily. It will connect key zones such as Mirdif, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Creek Harbour and Festival City, reinforcing the mobility framework outlined in the 2040 Urban Master Plan. ADVERTISEMENT Pioneering the metro's expansion, the Blue Line received approval on 24 November 2023 from Dubai's Vice President and Ruler, reflecting a total investment of AED 18 billion. This strategic vision anticipated a launch coinciding with the metro's 20th anniversary. Parsons brings to this contract more than 80 years of global infrastructure and transport systems expertise, and over six decades of regional presence. In Dubai, the firm has supported RTA projects since 2005—from the Metro Red and Green lines and Route 2020 to the Intelligent Traffic Systems Centre and Infinity Bridge—delivering over 100 roads, bridges and tunnels. Chief among Parsons' tasks is aligning technical design with RTA standards, streamlining tender processes, supervising contractor performance, and ensuring operational readiness through rigorous testing. Their involvement utilises advanced project controls to ensure on-time, safe delivery—a critical measure as Dubai moves toward its D33 viability targets. In his capacity as President, Infrastructure EMEA, Pierre Santoni emphasised the importance of Parsons' long-standing local partnership and its commitment to delivering 'innovative technology' and 'world‑class transportation systems' in collaboration with the RTA team. Malek Ramadan Mishmish, Director of Rail Planning and Project Development at the RTA, welcomed Parsons aboard, citing their established delivery record in the emirate and reaffirming Dubai's aspiration to embrace 'smart and sustainable transportation' in line with its ambitions to become the world's 'smartest and happiest city'. The Blue Line is positioned to deepen the integration of Dubai's transport ecosystem, with interchange stations at Centrepoint and Creek enabling connectivity across the Red, Green and Blue lines, and future linkages into the Etihad Rail network. As an element of the broader D33 Economic Agenda and the 2040 Urban Master Plan, it is expected to redefine sustainable urban mobility and support anticipated demographic expansion. Risks inherent to large-scale infrastructure development include potential for budget escalation, complex oversight and synchronization with civil contractors. However, Parsons' selection underscores the RTA's continued confidence in its capacity to deliver against these challenges, building on its proven project delivery lineage in Dubai. With completion forecast by 2029, the Blue Line aims to expand the daily ridership beyond current figures—around 755,000 across the Red and Green lines in 2024—with 320,000 passengers expected to onboard the new route alone.
Hi Dubai
03-07-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Silicon Oasis Hosts Inaugural Middle East Edition of Doers Summit
Dubai Silicon Oasis has signed an agreement with The Doers Company to bring the Middle East's first edition of the Doers Summit—formerly Reflect Festival—to Dubai, marking a significant expansion of one of Europe's leading startup and tech events. Set to take place at Dubai Silicon Oasis, the Summit is expected to draw over 3,000 participants, including hundreds of startups, venture capital firms, and innovation leaders from across the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. The event aims to accelerate cross-border collaboration, drive investment, and foster entrepreneurial growth across the region. The agreement was signed at the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) headquarters in the presence of senior officials, including His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ. The Summit's format will focus on curated matchmaking, storytelling-driven sessions, and immersive networking environments designed to facilitate long-term partnerships. Badr Buhannad, Deputy Director General of Dubai Silicon Oasis, emphasized that hosting the Summit aligns with Dubai's D33 Economic Agenda, supporting the city's push toward global economic and digital leadership. 'This partnership reinforces our role in enabling knowledge-based industries and attracting future-focused ventures,' he said. With its roots in Limassol and Athens, the Doers Summit has built a reputation as a bridge between continents. Organizers say launching in Dubai reflects the region's growing momentum in innovation and venture capital, making it a natural next step for the platform's expansion. The Dubai edition will feature dedicated community zones, side events, and informal lounges aimed at encouraging collaboration in a relaxed, high-impact setting. News Source: Dubai Media Office
Hi Dubai
03-07-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Launches First-Time Home Buyer Programme to Boost Property Ownership and Economic Growth
Dubai has unveiled a major new initiative to support first-time property buyers, offering Emiratis and expatriates easier access to homeownership through preferential pricing and customised mortgage solutions. Launched jointly by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the First-Time Home Buyer Programme is designed to stimulate real estate demand and contribute to the emirate's long-term economic agenda. The initiative supports the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033 and the D33 Economic Agenda, which aim to double the real estate sector's contribution to GDP. The programme provides early access to new property launches, discounted unit prices, and mortgage products tailored by participating banks including Emirates NBD, Mashreq, and Dubai Islamic Bank. Properties priced up to AED5 million from developers such as Emaar, DAMAC, Nakheel, and Azizi will be available under the scheme. Available to all UAE residents aged 18 and above who do not currently own a freehold residential property in Dubai, the programme is part of a wider push to promote social inclusion, economic resilience, and community development. Senior officials including Majid Al Marri of DLD and Hadi Badri of DET announced the initiative at a press event, highlighting its potential to drive sustainable urban development and strengthen Dubai's position as a global real estate hub. Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of DET, noted that the programme would increase market liquidity and investor confidence. Omar Bu Shehab, Director-General of DLD, called it a strategic step towards a more inclusive and transparent property market. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Khaleej Times
02-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dubai universities offer new degrees, scholarships to lure international students
Several leading universities in Dubai are stepping up efforts to help the emirate achieve its ambitious goal of having international students make up 50 per cent of total university enrolments by 2033. With continued investments in global education partnerships and progressive strategies, Dubai is rapidly establishing itself as a premier global hub for higher education, according to university leaders. Dr Cedwyn Fernandes, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Director, Middlesex University Dubai, said, "With over 6,300 students from more than 127 nationalities, we are already one of the most internationally diverse campuses in the region. The number of international students at Middlesex University Dubai is expected to cross 50 per cent of the total number of students in 2026." He added, 'We are expanding our footprint in high-potential global markets through targeted digital outreach, in-person roadshows, and strengthened education agent networks. We have announced the launch of a range of new highly innovative undergraduate and postgraduate programmes beginning in September 2025.' University officials noted that the new degree offerings have been designed in alignment with Dubai's D33 Economic Agenda, which focuses on enhancing the city's role as a global hub for talent, innovation, and economic growth. 'The University is expanding its MBA portfolio with a few new pathways: Artificial Intelligence and Business Analytics, Aviation Management, Hospitality and Events Management, Real Estate, and Sustainability,' Fernandes explained. Policies such as the introduction of longer-term student visas, post-study work options, and access to the UAE Golden Visa are also seen as key enablers, matching the expectations of a globally mobile student population. At the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD), the momentum is already evident. UOWD President, Professor Mohamed Salem, said, 'UOWD, the largest QS Top 200 ranked university in Dubai, is firmly on track. In 2024, 55 per cent of new enrolments came from students already in the UAE, while 45 per cent were sourced via agents and direct overseas applications. UOWD rolled out since then enhanced international recruitment strategies tailored to key regions and early indicators for 2025 show strong momentum. If this trend continues, we expect UOWD to reach the 50 per cent international enrolment benchmark well ahead of the 2033 target.' Canadian University Dubai (CUD) is also expanding its global footprint through international partnerships. Dr Adam Fenech, Provost, CUD said, 'We are expanding academic partnerships with Canadian top-tier universities to create dual degrees, exchange programs, and academic bridge pathways. These partnerships offer students both the opportunity to begin their studies in Dubai and complete them abroad or vice versa offering flexibility and global exposure.' He added that expanding scholarship opportunities remains a priority. 'We are actively enhancing our scholarship portfolio to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and global diversity. This includes increasing the number of merit-based scholarships, launching targeted regional awards, and introducing new scholarships for programs aligned with Dubai's future economy, such as sustainability, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship.' BITS Pilani Dubai Campus, one of the oldest Indian universities in the emirate, is also placing emphasis on affordability and access. Prof. Swarnalatha Rajaguru, Associate Dean, Admissions and Marketing, said, 'We understand that cost can be a key factor for international students, so we're expanding our scholarship programs to recognize talent from across the globe. We want to support bright, motivated students—whether they excel academically, lead in their communities, or bring unique perspectives to our campus. These scholarships are part of our broader effort to make our university more accessible to top talent.'
Hi Dubai
01-07-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Holding Seals Deal with Select Group to Develop Landmark Projects at Palm Jebel Ali and d3
Dubai Holding has partnered with Select Group and Emirates Strategic Investments Company (ESIC) to develop major new projects at Palm Jebel Ali and Dubai Design District (d3), marking a significant move to shape Dubai's future urban and waterfront landscapes. This agreement represents Dubai Holding's first third-party land sale at Palm Jebel Ali and underscores its ambition to unlock long-term value across its master developments. The collaboration aims to deliver high-end residential, hospitality, and mixed-use communities in two of the city's most iconic districts. At Palm Jebel Ali, Select Group will develop luxury waterfront residences and hospitality offerings, setting new standards for upscale coastal living. Meanwhile, the d3 project will introduce a vibrant, design-forward urban community that blends innovation, culture, and contemporary city life. Khalid Al Malik, CEO of Dubai Holding Real Estate, said the partnership supports Dubai's vision of becoming a global lifestyle and investment hub. Select Group Chairman Rahail Aslam echoed this, calling the acquisition a key step in their expansion strategy into Dubai's growth corridors. Both projects align with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the D33 Economic Agenda, reinforcing Dubai's commitment to sustainable growth and innovation. Planning is underway, with more details to follow. News Source: Dubai Media Office
