Announced by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance, the Ministry of Finance’s 2027–2029 Strategic Plan outlines a roadmap focused on agile fiscal policies, AI-powered services, and data-driven decision-making.

The strategy seeks to modernize government financial operations while enhancing customer experience through proactive, technology-enabled services. According to Sheikh Maktoum, the plan is designed to support long-term economic resilience while expanding opportunities for international financial and economic cooperation.

“We launched the Ministry of Finance’s 2027–2029 Strategic Plan, guided by a future-focused vision that enhances the efficiency of government financial operations and reinforces the UAE’s global leadership,” Sheikh Maktoum said in a post on X.

The plan is built around six strategic objectives: strengthening fiscal sustainability and resilience, maximizing the efficiency of government financial resource management, achieving global leadership in government financial performance, developing proactive and sustainable fiscal policies, reinforcing international partnerships, and expanding avenues for global financial cooperation.

“The strategic plan is built on an integrated vision that adopts agile and innovative fiscal policies and solutions, while elevating customer experience through proactive, data-driven and AI-powered services. It also strengthens impactful partnerships and expands avenues for financial and economic cooperation,” Sheikh Maktoum said.

A key pillar of the strategy is the adoption of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and data analytics, to improve service delivery and support more informed policymaking.

The initiative aligns with the UAE’s broader ambition to build a future-ready economy and strengthen its competitiveness as a global hub for business, investment, and innovation.

Sheikh Maktoum also emphasized that the strategy builds on the development vision established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, placing people at the center of the country’s long-term growth agenda.

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Saudi Telecom Co. (stc) and Public Investment Fund-backed Humain have extended their memorandum of understanding by six months to establish a joint venture focused on developing artificial intelligence data centers in Saudi Arabia.

According to a filing on Tadawul, the extension follows the expiry of the original agreement signed in December and provides additional time to complete regulatory, operational and commercial requirements ahead of finalizing the venture.

The proposed partnership will be established through stc subsidiary Digital Centers for Data and Telecommunications Co. (Center3), with Humain holding a 51% stake and stc owning the remaining 49%.

The joint venture aims to develop and operate AI-focused data centers with a planned capacity of up to 1 gigawatt. The project’s initial phase is expected to deliver up to 250 megawatts of capacity, subject to customer commitments.

stc said the extension reflects the scale and strategic importance of the project and will allow both parties to complete remaining negotiations and regulatory procedures. The company added that tangible progress has been made in finalizing the venture’s commercial, operational and regulatory framework.

The initiative is intended to support Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation ambitions by expanding advanced digital infrastructure and strengthening domestic AI capabilities.

It also aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives and the National Strategy for Data and AI, which seeks to position Saudi Arabia among the world’s leading data- and AI-driven economies.

The planned venture will combine Center3’s data center infrastructure, operational expertise and regional connectivity with Humain’s focus on developing end-to-end AI capabilities, supporting the deployment of high-capacity, low-latency infrastructure.

stc said the extension currently has no material financial impact and that further updates will be disclosed as the project progresses.

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The International Affairs Office at the UAE Presidential Court has launched “Zayed,” an artificial intelligence-powered spokesperson designed to communicate the office’s initiatives, strategic priorities and international engagements across digital platforms.

The initiative marks a new approach to institutional communication, using AI technologies to deliver information and strategic messaging in a more dynamic, accessible and interactive format.

According to the office, the launch aligns with the UAE’s broader efforts to integrate advanced technologies into government operations and public engagement initiatives.

Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Head of the International Affairs Office at the UAE Presidential Court, said the initiative reflects the country’s vision of harnessing innovation to strengthen communication and engagement with diverse audiences.

She added that the launch of Zayed demonstrates the office’s commitment to adopting emerging technologies to enhance outreach and build more meaningful connections across generations.

The initiative also supports the objectives of the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, which aims to position the country as a global hub for AI, advanced technologies and next-generation government services.

Through the AI-powered platform, the International Affairs Office seeks to broaden public engagement and provide a more accessible channel for communicating its work, programmes and international activities.

The office said Zayed will help expand the reach of its communications while creating new opportunities to engage younger audiences through innovative digital formats.

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Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector continued its rapid expansion in 2025, with total tourism spending reaching a record SR304 billion ($80 billion), highlighting the industry’s growing contribution to the Kingdom’s economic diversification ambitions under Vision 2030.

According to the Ministry of Tourism’s 2025 Annual Statistical Report, total tourism expenditure, including both domestic and international spending, increased by 7% compared to 2024, while the total number of tourists reached approximately 123 million, reflecting a 6% year-on-year increase.

Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb said the sector’s record performance reflects the impact of ongoing efforts to position tourism as a key pillar of Saudi Arabia’s economy.

“The figures in the 2025 annual statistical report reflect the growing economic impact of the sector, clearly demonstrated by the Kingdom recording its highest-ever total tourism spending, both domestic and international,” he said.

Al-Khateeb attributed the sector’s progress to the support of the Kingdom’s leadership and the implementation of the National Tourism Strategy, which aims to transform tourism into a major driver of economic growth and development.

Beyond visitor numbers, the report highlighted tourism’s increasing role in the broader economy. The sector’s direct contribution to gross domestic product reached 4.9% in 2024, up 14% from the previous year.

The industry also contributed to a travel surplus of SR49.4 billion in Saudi Arabia’s balance of payments during 2025, with travel accounting for more than 61% of total services exports.

International tourism continued to gain momentum, with 29.3 million inbound visitors generating SR176.6 billion in tourism spending. Domestic tourism remained a significant contributor, with 93.3 million local travelers spending SR127.1 billion during the year.

The report also points to a shift in travel patterns. Overnight stays for non-religious purposes accounted for approximately 52% of all inbound tourism in 2025, up from 44% in 2019, reflecting the Kingdom’s expanding leisure, entertainment, and business tourism offerings.

Employment within the tourism sector also saw substantial growth. The industry employed approximately 1.03 million people in 2025, while Saudi women accounted for 47% of tourism jobs held by Saudi nationals, a significant increase from just 5% in 2018.

The ministry said the figures demonstrate tourism’s growing social and economic impact, from job creation and destination development to improving quality of life and expanding opportunities for Saudi talent.

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The UAE is introducing new restrictions on youth access to social media, becoming the latest country to tighten regulations around children’s online activity.

A new Cabinet resolution will prohibit children under the age of 15 from creating or using personal social media accounts, marking a significant shift in the country’s approach to digital safety. Social media companies operating in the UAE will have up to 12 months to gradually implement the new requirements in coordination with government authorities.

The policy arrives amid growing concerns about the impact of social media on children’s mental health, academic performance, and overall development. According to data from a 2024 survey, children in the UAE spend an average of 3 hours per day on social media platforms.

Researchers and child-development specialists have increasingly linked excessive social media use among young users to higher rates of anxiety, attention-related challenges, academic difficulties, and, in some cases, delays in speech and language development.

A TIERED APPROACH TO YOUTH ACCESS

While children under 15 will be barred from accessing social media platforms, the new framework creates a separate category for teenagers aged 15 and 16.

Under the rules, users in that age group will be allowed access to social media services, but with enhanced safeguards built into their accounts. These protections include age-appropriate content controls, restrictions on potentially harmful material, and limits on interactions with unknown users.

Platforms will also be expected to introduce tools that regulate screen time and usage duration, while expanding parental-control features designed to give families greater oversight of online activity.

The government said the measures are intended to create a digital environment better aligned with the developmental needs and safety requirements of younger users.

PART OF A BROADER GLOBAL TREND

The UAE’s move reflects a growing international effort to regulate children’s access to social media. Governments in countries including Australia, the United Kingdom, and Malaysia have introduced or explored legislation aimed at increasing protections for minors online.

For technology companies, the UAE’s regulations will likely intensify pressure to strengthen age-verification systems and redesign platform features for younger audiences. The implementation period provides companies with a year to adapt their products and compliance processes before the standards take full effect.

As policymakers around the world debate the role of social media in children’s lives, the UAE’s decision signals a stronger regulatory stance that prioritizes digital safety and parental oversight over unrestricted access.

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The Gulf Organization for Research & Development (GORD), the Global Carbon Council (GCC), and the Environment Protection and Development Authority (EPDA) of Ras Al Khaimah have signed a strategic partnership to advance climate action, strengthen carbon markets, and support sustainable urban development across the region.

The tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Dr. Yousef M. Alhorr, founding chairman of GORD and GCC, and Dr. Mohammed bin Yousif Al Madfaei, director general of EPDA.

The agreement brings together three complementary areas of expertise: GORD’s research and sustainability advisory capabilities, GCC’s internationally recognized carbon crediting framework, and EPDA’s regulatory role in environmental protection and conservation within Ras Al Khaimah.

The partnership comes as governments and businesses across the Gulf step up efforts to meet climate targets while exploring new financing mechanisms for decarbonization. A key focus of the collaboration will be the development of climate action initiatives and carbon asset programs, including greenhouse gas emissions inventories, third-party verification systems, and carbon neutrality frameworks.

The organizations will also work to strengthen regional capacity for Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which enables countries and organizations to trade carbon credits and collaborate on emissions-reduction projects. The initiative is expected to help public and private sector entities navigate the rapidly evolving global carbon market.

“True decarbonization demands more than localized emission reduction targets,” said Dr. Alhorr. “It requires rigorous asset registries, robust greenhouse gas verification protocols, and structured frameworks aligned with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Through this partnership, we are creating a model that connects environmental governance with global market integrity while advancing sustainable urban planning and nature-based solutions.”

Beyond carbon finance, the collaboration will focus on creating technical guidelines and best practices for sustainable buildings, climate-resilient infrastructure, and master-planned urban developments. The partners will also launch professional training programs, technical workshops, and knowledge-sharing initiatives to build climate expertise across the region.

Dr. Al Madfaei said the partnership aligns with EPDA’s vision of strengthening environmental protection and resource sustainability for future generations. He added that the technical and market expertise provided by GORD and GCC would support the emirate’s climate ambitions while introducing globally recognized standards to local initiatives.

The agreement also includes plans for joint research, environmental studies, and industry events. By combining scientific expertise, regulatory oversight, and carbon market infrastructure, the three organizations aim to create a stronger foundation for climate resilience and sustainable growth in the region.

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Dubai may see more than $272.3 billion worth of new real estate projects launched over the next five years, driven by population growth, foreign investment, and large-scale development plans, according to W Capital.

The firm said continued population growth, rising foreign investment and the rollout of large-scale developments by major property developers are expected to drive the projected expansion.

Walid Al Zarooni, Chief Executive Officer of W Capital Real Estate, said the recent announcement by Emaar Properties of a $54.4 billion development project in Dubai signals a new phase of urban and investment growth in the emirate and supports expectations of further mega-project launches.

According to Al Zarooni, the forecast is based on projects already announced by leading developers, historical project launch trends and development plans aligned with Dubai’s economic agenda and D33 strategy, which target population growth and urban expansion.

He said Dubai’s property market is increasingly shifting towards integrated cities, mixed-use developments, business hubs and community-focused projects incorporating sustainability principles and smart infrastructure, reflecting evolving investor and resident demand.

Al Zarooni added that population growth and Dubai’s ability to attract global talent, entrepreneurs and investors continue to support demand across residential, commercial and hospitality segments, providing developers with greater visibility for long-term expansion plans.

He also highlighted Dubai’s regulatory framework, infrastructure, economic stability and business environment as key factors underpinning its position as a global real estate investment destination.

Major infrastructure projects and ongoing investments in transport and public services are expected to create additional momentum for the sector, opening opportunities for new urban developments and investment areas, he said.

Al Zarooni said the scale of projects currently being announced reflects sustained confidence among developers and investors in Dubai’s long-term growth prospects and points to continued urban expansion across the emirate in the coming years.

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His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has launched a new initiative titled “Dubai-it”, aimed at embedding the emirate’s distinctive culture of rapid execution, excellence and results-driven performance across government institutions and businesses.

The initiative will be rolled out across public sector organizations and companies in Dubai as part of efforts to strengthen a culture of efficient delivery, innovation, and measurable outcomes. Sheikh Mohammed announced the program through his account on X.

In his remarks, Sheikh Mohammed said Dubai’s approach to work is built on achieving exceptional results within ambitious timelines while maintaining the highest standards of quality and precision. He emphasized that speed and quality are not mutually exclusive, describing “Dubai-It” as a model that combines swift execution with tangible, visible results.

The initiative aims to pass Dubai’s work philosophy on to future generations and establish it as a lasting institutional culture across the emirate. It encourages organizations to adopt practices centered on implementation, accountability, and continuous achievement.

Sheikh Mohammed said the program would serve as a foundation for Dubai’s next phase of growth and development, building on the emirate’s long-standing principle of turning plans and commitments into action.

A video accompanying the announcement highlighted Dubai’s transformation over recent decades, tracing its evolution into a global city and presenting “Dubai-It” as an extension of the mindset that has driven its development.

The initiative reflects Dubai’s continued focus on execution, innovation and competitiveness, principles that have underpinned its emergence as a leading global hub for business, tourism and investment.

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Dubai Municipality has launched its Specialised Asset Management Strategy 2026–2030, introducing a new framework designed to enhance the management, sustainability, and long-term value of government assets across the emirate.

The strategy is part of a broader asset management framework that also includes the General Asset Management Strategy, which establishes the Municipality’s overarching direction and institutional principles for asset management. Together, the two strategies aim to strengthen planning, governance, operational efficiency, maintenance, lifecycle management, and long-term value creation.

According to Dubai Municipality, the framework adopts a more integrated approach to public asset management, supporting service quality, improving resource utilization, enhancing spending efficiency, and ensuring infrastructure remains aligned with the city’s future development needs.

The Specialised Asset Management Strategy focuses on creating a more proactive asset management ecosystem that spans planning, development, operations, and maintenance. It prioritizes stronger governance, improved data quality, long-term planning, and predictive approaches that can extend asset lifecycles, improve performance, and enhance readiness to meet the evolving needs of residents and businesses.

Meanwhile, the General Asset Management Strategy serves as an umbrella framework guiding asset-related decision-making across technical, financial, and operational functions, while promoting greater coordination between government entities and internal departments.

Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, said the two strategies provide a roadmap for sustainable and comprehensive asset management aligned with international standards.

“The Specialised Asset Management Strategy and the General Asset Management Strategy represent a clear roadmap that strengthens Dubai Municipality’s institutional approach to the sustainable and comprehensive management of its assets,” he said.

Bin Ghalita added that the initiative reflects the Municipality’s commitment to adopting modern asset management practices that support sustainability, improve service efficiency, and maximise long-term value.

“Dubai Municipality’s assets are a fundamental pillar of the city’s prosperity and growth,” he said. “Our goal is to continuously maximise their value—from advanced infrastructure to public facilities, recreational destinations, and community assets—to make Dubai more sustainable, pioneering, and liveable.”

Nasser Bu Shehab, CEO of the Planning and Governance Sector at Dubai Municipality, said the development of the two strategies reflects a proactive approach to strengthening institutional readiness and preparing for future requirements.

He added that the framework will improve asset-related decision-making, establish clearer priorities, and strengthen coordination among entities responsible for managing public assets.

The launch reflects the growing role of government assets in supporting economic growth, meeting the needs of a growing population, strengthening infrastructure, improving service delivery, and enhancing quality of life across Dubai.

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Agentic AI is moving from experimentation to deployment in aviation, with a new report from Amadeus, supported by Microsoft, suggesting the technology could transform customer service, digital commerce, operations, marketing, and personalization. Based on interviews with airlines including Azul Linhas Aéreas, Icelandair, and Southwest Airlines, the report argues that agentic AI systems are now mature enough to be deployed across predictable, high-impact workflows.

The research identifies five areas where airlines can already begin creating value.

One of the most immediate opportunities is automated voice rebooking. According to the report, AI agents can manage flight changes, propose alternative itineraries, explain fare differences, and process payments while handling multiple customer interactions simultaneously. Amadeus said the technology has already been successfully tested and is ready for production deployment.

Another key opportunity is “agentic commerce,” where AI assistants help travelers plan, book, and manage personalized trips across airline channels. The report also points to growing opportunities for airlines to engage with third-party AI assistants such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot as these tools become increasingly embedded in consumer decision-making.

Marketing is also expected to evolve, with AI agents capable of identifying opportunities, generating content, allocating budgets, and evaluating campaign performance. Meanwhile, operational teams could use networks of AI agents to support aircraft turnaround management, maintenance planning, crew scheduling, and other critical processes.

Operational efficiency is also emerging as a major use case. The report outlines how teams of AI agents could support aircraft turnaround management by monitoring maintenance requirements, crew schedules, refueling activities, and other operational processes to create coordinated action plans. Icelandair and Southwest Airlines are already exploring AI-enabled decision-support systems to improve planning and operational performance.

The fifth use case focuses on personalization, enabling airlines to move beyond static rules and fragmented customer data to deliver more relevant offers and experiences.

“We expect agentic AI to improve almost every airline workflow, from network planning to customer service,” said Cyril Tetaz, Executive Vice President of Airline Solutions at Amadeus. “As a trusted system of record in travel, we facilitate travel industry connectivity and orchestration at scale, and this new technology will help us accelerate progress toward a smoother, more connected journey.”

Beyond specific use cases, the report highlights the importance of strong data foundations, clear governance frameworks, and prioritizing applications that deliver measurable business value through revenue growth, efficiency gains, or cost reductions.

Julie Shainock, Global Managing Director for Travel, Transport and Logistics at Microsoft, said the industry is approaching a pivotal moment. “2026 will be a defining year for agentic AI in aviation,” she said. “Over the next 18 months, most airlines will move from exploration to real-world deployment, embedding agents across the traveler journey and core operations.”

As airlines face increasing pressure to improve efficiency while meeting rising customer expectations, the report suggests agentic AI could become one of the industry’s most significant technological shifts, reshaping both customer experiences and airline operations.

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