Latest news with #HamdanbinMohammed
CairoScene
15 hours ago
- General
- CairoScene
AED 650 Million Wildlife Sanctuary to Be Built in Ras Al Khor
Dubai has approved a AED 650 million project to transform Ras Al Khor into a world-class wildlife sanctuary, aligning with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and environmental conservation goals. Jul 01, 2025 Dubai has approved a AED 650 million project to develop Ras Al Khor into a world-class wildlife sanctuary, with the aim of preserving biodiversity and enhancing the city's natural landscape. The project aligns with the goals of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and will be led by the Dubai Municipality under the supervision of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council. The new sanctuary will cover an area of 1,400 hectares and is set to feature eco-tourism infrastructure, education zones, and visitor facilities - all designed with environmental sustainability in mind. It will also protect and expand natural habitats for hundreds of species, including the iconic flamingos the area is known for. Officials said the development is hoped to enhance Dubai's status as a leader in urban sustainability and nature conservation. The site will serve both as a protective zone for wildlife and an accessible destination for eco-tourism and community engagement. The Ras Al Khor project reflects broader efforts by Dubai to balance rapid urban development with long-term ecological stewardship.
What's On
2 days ago
- Business
- What's On
Dubai completes first air taxi test flight
Dubai has officially completed the first successful air taxi test flight, taking a major leap toward the future of urban travel. Announced by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, the flight marks a key milestone in the city's journey to launching commercial air taxi services. Dubai has successfully completed the region's first test flight of the Joby Aerial Taxi. Conducted through a collaboration between the Roads and Transport Authority and Joby Aviation, the test flight marks a major step toward launching full operations next year. The all-electric… — Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) June 30, 2025 First announced in 2024, the air taxi, developed by US-based Joby Aviation, is an electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft that could one day whizz passengers across the city in just minutes, skipping traffic and reducing emissions at the same time. The trial flight is part of a wider collaboration between Joby Aviation and Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), and is designed to fast-track the emirate's position as a global hub for future mobility and smart infrastructure. So, when can we use it? This futuristic mode of transport is expected to offer fast, clean, and quiet city commutes, think flying from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah in under 10 minutes. No traffic jams, no emissions, just a smooth ride above the beautiful city skyline. While there's still some testing, regulatory checks, and infrastructure work to be done, the full-scale launch is on track for 2026. Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is working closely with Joby Aviation to ensure everything from safety to passenger experience is ready to go. So, while we're not hailing flying taxis just yet, the countdown has well and truly begun. Up, up and away we go. Image: Joby Aerial Taxi > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Al Etihad
5 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Hamdan bin Mohammed approves new policies to boost education and environmental standards in Dubai
26 June 2025 22:10 DUBAI (ALETIHAD)His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, on Thursday approved an array of key strategic policies and projects during a meeting of The Executive initiatives spanning areas such as higher education, career guidance, air quality, corporate dispute mediation, and governance in the construction sector aim to reinforce Dubai's standing as a global centre for academia, business, and sustainable Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, attended the meeting, held at Emirates Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed said, 'Youth are the architects of the future, shaping it with their awareness, optimism, and openness to the world. Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai continues to empower young people with knowledge and skills, providing them with world-class academic, practical, and research opportunities. Our goal is to make Dubai a destination for outstanding students from around the world and an incubator for innovation.'His Highness said, 'Dubai is home to 37 international university branches and we plan to attract more as we position ourselves as one of the world's top 10 cities for students. By attracting the world's best academic institutions and enhancing research and development, we are supporting the objectives of the Education Strategy 2033 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.'His Highness congratulated students who successfully completed their secondary education this year and wished success to those aiming to complete their studies, as well as to those preparing for the next stage of their lives. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed said, 'We have approved the Academic and Career Guidance Policy in Dubai, which supports schools and universities with career advice services. The policy will empower students to identify career paths and transition from education to the workforce, while fostering partnerships between schools, universities, and businesses.'His Highness also highlighted Dubai's global role as a trusted mediator in addressing commercial disputes by approving the Dubai International Mediation Centre Highness also approved the Air Quality Strategy 2030, which aims to help preserve Dubai's environment and biodiversity, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for Highness emphasised the importance of continuing to strengthen governance in the public sector, 'We have approved the Governance Policy for Government Construction Projects to further enhance government performance in partnership with the private sector, in line with the highest standards and best practices.' Attracting Top Global Universities The Executive Council approved a project aimed at attracting top global universities, with the goal of establishing Dubai as a leading global centre for higher education. The project, led by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), envisions that, by 2033, international students will comprise 50% of all university enrolments in the emirate. Further, the higher education sector is expected to contribute approximately Dh5.6 billion to Dubai's initiative aims to establish Dubai as one of the world's top 10 cities for students, with over 70 higher education institutions envisaged by 2033, including 11 ranked within the top 200 globally. Currently, Dubai is home to 37 international universities, such as Curtin University Dubai and University of Wollongong in Dubai, both ranked in the QS World University Rankings 2026 top 200, as well as the University of Birmingham Dubai, ranked among the top 100 international universities, and the University of Manchester Dubai, which is ranked among the top achieve these goals, the project will usher in improvements to student visa systems, new international scholarships, work visas for graduates, strategies to attract prestigious universities, besides promote impactful university clusters, regulatory frameworks to ensure quality, a Higher Education Investment Fund, and the Dubai Scientific Research Network. Academic and Career Guidance Policy The Executive Council approved the Academic and Career Guidance Policy to support secondary school students in making informed decisions about their futures. Led by the KHDA, this policy aims to assist students in enriching their academic and professional paths while contributing to the objectives of the Education Strategy 2033. The policy will enhance career advice services in schools and facilitate students' transition into the workforce. It sets ambitious targets, aiming for 90% of Emirati graduates to find employment within six months of graduation, ultimately enabling 90% of the general student population in Dubai to find employment aligned with their respective field of it envisages that 80% of education providers will be able to offer effective career advice services, and that 70% of graduates will gain entry into one of their top three university or career key initiatives approved during the meeting include the Dubai Framework for Academic Guidance and Career Readiness in Educational Institutions, new standards for career advice services, career guidance guidelines for schools and universities, parents and students engagement programmes, information platforms on universities and the job market, entrepreneurship programmes, life skills camps, and partnerships with accredited local and international universities and training institutes. Air Quality Strategy 2030 Dubai's Air Quality Strategy 2030 aims to achieve clean air standards 90% of the time by 2030, thus helping enhance public health and environmental strategy provides for sector-specific targets and initiatives to reduce fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations to 35 micrograms per cubic metre, while also addressing other key pollutants such as carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and ground-level by the Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority, the strategy is to be implemented in partnership with relevant entities including Dubai Municipality, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the Supreme Council of Energy, Dubai Airports, the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, DP World, the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Emirates Global Aluminium. Dubai International Mediation Centre The Executive Council also endorsed the Dubai International Mediation Centre project, which aims to strengthen Dubai's legal infrastructure by offering cost-effective, efficient, and internationally recognised dispute resolution services. The project will contribute to enhancing investor confidence, attracting foreign direct investment, and creating new jobs in the domains of mediation and by the Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department and ADR Centre (a leading mediation institution in Europe), the project will support Dubai's rankings in global competitiveness indices, most notably the availability of alternative dispute resolution methods as measured by the Civil Justice Project. Governance Policy for Government Construction Projects The Council also approved the Governance Policy for Government Construction Projects, led by the Dubai Department of Finance, which aims to standardise procedures, enhancing transparency and reliability in the approval and implementation of government construction projects. It introduces a unified framework categorising projects into three tiers based on cost: below Dh200 million, between Dh200–500 million, and above Dh500 policy promises to significantly improve planning tied to the financial and economic impact of projects and directs fiscal resources towards priority goals, ensuring sustainable economic growth and also aligns with the goal of increasing government spending from Dh512 billion over the past decade to Dh700 billion in the next decade, as part of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. Additionally, the establishment of a five-year project portfolio will prioritise resources and ensure high-impact development.
Time Out Dubai
20-06-2025
- Business
- Time Out Dubai
7 Dubai visa changes you need to know in 2025
It's no secret that Dubai is one of the best places in the world to live and visit. In the past year, the emirate has introduced a number of new Dubai visa changes and initiatives to make it easier to extend your stay, visit the city and even move with a long-term residence visa. Whether you're interested in moving to Dubai or are looking at extending your stay, it's always worth knowing about the latest visa news. Here's what you need to know. The Blue visa has launched The 10-year blue visa has officially been launched (Credit: Canva) First announced in May of 2024, the blue visa was only officially launched in February 2025. Holders can get The blue visa is a 10-year residence visa aimed towards people who have made a significant positive contribution to the environment inside or outside the UAE. It will be given to supporters of environmental action, including members of international organisations and companies, global award winners, distinguished activists and researchers. The visa is an extension of the highly sought-after UAE golden visa system and the green residency permit which have both been in place for some time. After launching in February, applicants across the world will have 24/7 access to the blue visa service on the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security. Nurses to get golden visas Hamdan bin Mohammed issued directives to grant golden visas to nursing staff employed with Dubai Health who have served for more than 15 years. The decision comes in recognition of their invaluable contributions to the community and their crucial role in advancing the quality of… — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) May 12, 2025 The highly sought-after golden visa has been granted to nurses in Dubai. Granting holders a 10-year residence, the golden visa is awarded to those who work every day to make Dubai such a great place to live. To coincide with International Nurses Day, observed annually on May 12, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence of the UAE issued a directive to grant nurses golden visas. Nursing staff who have served Dubai Health for more than 15 years will be issued with the long-term residency visa in recognition of their invaluable contributions to the community. The nursing golden visa rewards those who have played a crucial role in advancing the quality of healthcare services in the emirate. Influencers to get golden visa help The Creators HQ in Dubai will help people get a UAE influencers golden visa (Credit: Canva) If you're a content creator then you could be in line for a special long-term residency in the UAE. The influencer golden visa has been rolled out following the 1 Billion Followers Summit in January 2025. Influencers, photographers, writers and more content creators who push the boundaries of creativity and innovation are able to apply via the newly established Creators HQ. The Creators HQ will assist up to 10,000 online personalities with getting their hands on a long-term residence permit. Criteria for applicants to qualify include a proven track record of impactful or creative work and strong potential for contributing to the UAE's creative community. New AI-assisted Dubai visa application Dubai has introduced a new AI-powered digital platform which will make it easier and quicker to renew Dubai visas. Salama will allow people living in the emirate to renew their existing Dubai visa within minutes. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs launched the platform on Monday February 24 to improve the efficiency of government services. Available services include renewing and cancelling the residency of sponsored persons and finding the answers to questions. Dubai visa rules expanded for Indian nationals Indian nationals are now able to get a visa-on-arrival in Dubai and the rest of the UAE following an expansion to the visa rules. Indian passport holders with valid residency permits from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and South Korea will now be able to get a visa upon entry at all UAE ports including Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central. Previously rules were expanded to allow Indian nationals with valid European Union, United Kingdom and United States of America permits to also obtain a UAE visa-on-arrival. It means that there is now much less hassle for Indian travellers coming to Dubai. Golden visa for teachers introduced The golden visa is now available to educators (Credit: Adobe Express) Announced on Saturday October 5 in 2024, World Teachers' Day, educators are now able to get their hands on a golden visa. It is available to exceptional educators who have demonstrated outstanding performance and made significant contributions to Dubai's private education sector. Applicants need to meet a certain set of criteria to qualify including success in raising the quality of education at institutions they've worked at and having a positive impact on the wider educational community. The full set of criteria can be found on the Knowledge and Human Development Authority site. It's quicker to get a work visa The work bundle changes outlined (Credit: Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security UAE) Introduced in summer of 2024, the UAE work bundle means it's now quicker to go through the process of applying for a visa. As part of the government's plan to eliminate bureaucracy, the application process has now been reduced from one month down to five days. Previously you needed 16 documents to apply for a residency visa but now you need just five. Life in Dubai In pictures: Dubai then and now See just how much the city has changed through the decades UAE public holidays All the details on the official public and private sector holidays here New restaurants in Dubai that you need to visit right now From casual eats to fine dining, there's bound to be a new venue you'll want to try
Time Out Dubai
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
Dubai orchestra project: Everything you need to know
Conducting sticks at the ready — Dubai has just launched its very own orchestra project and it sounds very cool (see what we did there). If you're a budding musician (or have one in the family), you'll be pleased to know the city is about to put a huge amount of funding and time into elevating local talent. Announcing the news on Tuesday June 18, the Government of Dubai explained that it wants to promote Emirati music and culture around the world, through the creation of an orchestra project. A post on X from the Dubai Media Office read: 'Under the directives of Hamdan bin Mohammed, the Executive Council has approved the 'Dubai Orchestra' project with the aim of enhancing the presence of Emirati arts and culture on the global stage, reinforcing Dubai's position as a global centre for culture and an incubator for creativity, and elevating the efficiency of Dubai's arts sector.' Under the directives of Hamdan bin Mohammed, the Executive Council has approved the 'Dubai Orchestra' project with the aim of enhancing the presence of Emirati arts and culture on the global stage, reinforcing Dubai's position as a global centre for culture and an incubator for… — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) June 18, 2025 According to the new project's outlines, there are a number of goals to be achieved in the coming years, including making 50 percent of orchestra members Emirati talent by 2033. Hoping to showcase musical talent to the world, the project has been designed to: Attract exceptional talent Inspire and empower homegrown creatives Stimulate the arts sector and drive its growth Nurture a creative environment that advances the local music sector Support Dubai's Creative Economy Strategy and the Dubai Social Agenda 33 To ensure the goals are met by 2033, there will be a series of new youth-focussed music programmes, as well as new partnerships with community organisations across the city. New educational opportunities for promising and emerging talent will be created, as well as promoting the UAE's musical heritage on stages around the world. In other Dubai news 20 surprising things your Emirates ID chip knows about you And no, it's not just your name It's official: UAE announces Islamic New Year public holiday for all employees Calendars at the ready Dubai Metro Blue Line: Here's where the 14 new stations will be located What to expect when the route arrives
