In line with directives from Dubai’s leadership to enhance road infrastructure and public transport in support of urban development, population growth, and quality of life, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded a contract for the Al Mustaqbal Street Development Project.

Read-Sheikh Zayed to Al Khail just got faster: Dubai’s RTA completes new road project

The Dhs633m project extends from the intersection with Za’abeel Palace Street to Financial Centre Street. Once completed, it is expected to significantly improve traffic flow, cut travel times, and enhance access to key business and residential districts in central Dubai, a WAM report said.

The development includes the construction of 1,700 metres of bridges and tunnels, and the widening of Al Mustaqbal Street from three to four lanes in each direction. These upgrades will increase the road’s capacity by 33 per cent, from 6,600 to 8,800 vehicles per hour in both directions, and reduce average travel time from 13 minutes to 6 minutes.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, stated that the project is part of a broader plan that includes the ongoing development of the Trade Centre Roundabout. “Construction began in the last quarter of last year and aims to support several key commercial, residential, and development zones,” he said.

Serving key hubs: DWTC, DIFC, Downtown and beyond

Al Tayer emphasised the strategic importance of the project for several landmark areas. “The Al Mustaqbal Street Development will serve the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), which has hosted major exhibitions like GITEX, Arabian Travel Market, Arab Health, Gulfood, and the Transport Exhibition for over four decades.”

He added that the project will also improve access to the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a leading hub for the financial sector in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. The upgrades are expected to benefit nearly half a million residents and visitors, and enhance connectivity to prominent districts such as Za’abeel, Downtown Dubai, and Business Bay.

Key infrastructure components include:

• Three new tunnels, totaling 1,200 metres, at the intersection of Al Mustaqbal Street and Trade Centre Street:
  • A three-lane tunnel toward Deira (4,500 vehicles/hour)
  • A two-lane bidirectional tunnel between Deira and Jebel Ali (3,000 vehicles/hour)
  • A single-lane tunnel serving the One Central development (1,500 vehicles/hour)
• A 450-metre two-lane bridge for traffic from DWTC to Za’abeel Palace Street
• Widening of Al Mustaqbal Street over a 3.5-kilometre stretch to four lanes in each direction

Additional upgrades will include the construction of free-flowing ramps to improve traffic at intersections with Exhibition Street and Trade Centre Street, as well as a pedestrian bridge over Al Sukook Street and upgrades to existing junctions along the corridor.

Creating safer, more connected urban spaces

Beyond vehicle traffic improvements, the project also introduces enhancements to the urban environment. These include upgraded pedestrian walkways, a dedicated cycling track, and decorative lighting—all aimed at promoting safety, accessibility, and visual appeal. The plan also features new public spaces designed to foster community engagement and support vibrant, inclusive urban living.

Al Tayer noted that the development integrates with a larger master plan that includes the full reconstruction of the Trade Centre Roundabout—one of Dubai’s most critical intersections.

“This junction connects Sheikh Zayed Road with five key arterial roads: Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street, Sheikh Rashid Road, 2nd December Street, Za’abeel Palace Street, and Al Mustaqbal Street,” he explained.

The roundabout upgrade will include:

• Five new bridges totaling 5,000 metres
• Conversion of the existing roundabout into a surface-level intersection to improve traffic between Sheikh Zayed Road and 2nd December Street, and between Al Mustaqbal Street and Sheikh Zayed Road (southbound)
• A second-level bridge for free-flowing traffic from Sheikh Zayed Road to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street

These changes aim to improve connectivity for key destinations including DWTC, DIFC, and the wider Deira area.

Part of a broader network expansion

The Al Mustaqbal Street and Trade Centre projects are being developed in tandem with several other major road infrastructure initiatives. In Q4 of 2024, the RTA also launched the Oud Metha and Al Asayel Streets Development Project, which involves upgrading four key intersections through the construction of bridges totaling 4,300 metres and 14 kilometres of roadway.

This parallel development is designed to serve residential and commercial zones where the population is projected to exceed 420,000 by 2030. It is expected to reduce average travel time by 50 per cent, from 20 minutes to just 10 minutes.

In addition, the RTA recently completed phases of the Al Khail Road Development Project, which included 3,300 metres of new bridges and the widening of lanes across 6,820 metres. Spanning seven locations, the project has cut travel times by 30 per cent and boosted capacity by nearly 19,600 vehicles per hour.

Together, these interconnected projects reflect Dubai’s broader commitment to building a smart, efficient, and future-ready transport network capable of meeting the city’s ambitious urban growth and mobility goals.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has issued Law No. (7) of 2025, establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for contracting activities in the emirate.

The law marks a major step in enhancing governance and transparency within Dubai’s contracting sector and aligns with the emirate’s long-term development goals and international best practices, a WAM report said.

Designed to unify and strengthen oversight, the legislation introduces standardised processes for contractor classification, licensing, accountability, and supervision. It also supports the broader objectives of Dubai’s economic strategy and sustainable growth ambitions.

New oversight committee formed

A central feature of the law is the creation of the Contracting Activities Regulation and Development Committee, which will be formed through a decision by the Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. Chaired by a representative from Dubai Municipality, the committee will include members from various government entities involved in contracting regulation.

The committee will oversee the implementation of the new law, determine the regulatory authority for each contracting activity, and propose new policies or legislation for the sector. It will also mediate jurisdictional disputes between oversight bodies, develop a sector-wide code of ethics, and coordinate efforts with both public and private stakeholders.

Additionally, the committee is tasked with reviewing and acting on recommendations from relevant authorities to ensure continuous development of the sector.

Scope and exemptions

The law applies to all contractors operating in Dubai, including those within special development zones and free zones, such as the Dubai International Financial Centre. However, contracting work related to airports and associated infrastructure is excluded, as are any other activities exempted by the Executive Council based on the committee’s recommendations.

Digital oversight system

Dubai Municipality has been assigned responsibility for developing and managing an integrated electronic system that will serve as a central registry for all contracting activities. The platform will be linked with the “Invest in Dubai” portal to streamline processes and improve accessibility.

The municipality is also charged with classifying contractors involved in construction, building, and demolition work, issuing professional competency certificates, and preparing a code of conduct for technical personnel in the sector.

Contractor requirements and penalties

Under the new law, contractors must operate within the limits of their approved classification and comply with all relevant legislation. Unauthorised subcontracting or exceeding approved technical or financial capacities is strictly prohibited.

Violations may incur fines ranging from Dhs1,000 to Dhs100,000. Repeat offenses within a year could see penalties doubled to a maximum of Dhs200,000. Other disciplinary actions may include temporary suspension from operations for up to one year, downgrading of classification, removal from the official registry, cancellation of commercial licenses, and de-registration of technical staff, including revocation of their professional certifications.

Compliance period and enforcement

All contractors operating in Dubai at the time the law takes effect must regularise their status within one year. This period may be extended by the committee for an additional year if needed. Contractors whose registrations expire during this transition will be allowed to renew them, provided they submit a declaration pledging compliance with the new law.

Any previous legislation that conflicts with Law No. (7) of 2025 will be annulled. The new law will come into force six months after its publication in the Official Gazette.

Huawei unveiled its latest flagship devices, the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series and the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5, at a product launch event in Dubai under the theme “Fashion Next”.

The event also marked the announcement of the XMAGE Awards 2025 and Huawei’s return to the Grand Palais in Paris for Paris Photo 2025.

The HUAWEI Pura 80 Series drew immediate attention with its advanced imaging technology and distinctive design.

The Pura 80 Pro and Pura 80 Ultra feature a one-inch Ultra Lighting HDR camera paired with Ultra Chroma pixel-level colour calibration, offering high-resolution clarity and faithful colour reproduction.

Huawei Pura 80 Ultra features an advanced dual telephoto camera

The Pura 80 Ultra debuts the industry-first switchable dual telephoto camera, enabling impressive zoom versatility through a combination of large sensors and dual telephoto lenses.

The series also showcases Huawei’s focus on design, blending eastern and western aesthetics with a glazed monochrome-inspired finish.

Alongside the smartphone series, Huawei launched the new MatePad 11.5, aimed at students and professionals. Featuring a 2.5K FullView Display with PaperMatte technology, the tablet offers enhanced eye comfort and usability.

A slim 6.1 mm body houses a 10,100 mAh battery and supports the HUAWEI M-Pencil (3rd generation) with magnetic wireless charging.

The device includes upgraded apps such as Huawei Notes and GoPaint for creativity and productivity.

XMAGE Awards 2025

Huawei also formally launched the XMAGE Awards 2025, which began accepting global entries on June 11.

Now in its eighth year, the competition includes eight photography categories such as So Far So Close, Good Night, and Faces, and introduces a new “XMAGE 100” format.

Entries will be judged on technical merit, emotional impact, and artistic expression by a newly expanded global panel.

The awards will culminate at the Grand Palais in Paris during Paris Photo 2025, under the theme “The World, You and Me”.

Huawei’s presence at the renowned photography fair underscores its ambition to blend innovation with artistry.

AD Ports Group has launched operations of its Central Asian logistics joint venture, GulfLink, in partnership with KTZ Express, the freight arm of Kazakhstan Railways.

GulfLink is jointly owned by AD Ports Group (51 per cent) and KTZ Express (49 per cent), the multimodal transport and logistics subsidiary of Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ).

The venture is designed to support trade flows across the region by developing international transport corridors and boosting Kazakhstan’s role in the global logistics system.

Key link to AD Ports Group’s strategy for the Middle Corridor route

“We are pleased to announce the commencement of operations for our GulfLink joint venture with KTZ Express in Kazakhstan, one of Central Asia’s fastest growing economies, and a key link in our strategy to upgrade the Middle Corridor route,” said Abdulaziz Zayed AlShamsi, regional CEO of AD Ports Group.

“This initiative will help turn the corridor into a major East-West trade artery linking consumers and manufacturers in Asia and Europe.”

The new venture offers cargo connectivity from Central Asia through Pakistan, Türkiye, the Arabian Gulf and the Indian subcontinent.

GulfLink aims to provide more resilient and efficient supply chains for regional and international customers.

Damir Kozhakhmetov, general director and chairman of the Management Board at KTZ Express, called GulfLink “a bold, value-enhancing joint venture” that would provide “a new level of unique, end-to-end connectivity for Kazakhstan regionally and globally”.

Kazakhstan, where approximately 70 per cent of freight moves by rail, plays a pivotal role in regional logistics. KTZ, with 16,000km of rail lines, is one of Central Asia’s largest and most strategic state-owned enterprises.

Kamal Huseynov, CEO of GulfLink, said the new entity will bring value to customers through innovation and the integration of logistics resources from both parent companies.

GulfLink will play a crucial role

GulfLink is also expected to play a key role in reviving the Middle Corridor, a strategic East-West trade link connecting China and Europe through Central Asia.

AD Ports Group has pledged investments of over $775m in Kazakhstan and is working on several initiatives including a grain terminal and a multipurpose terminal at Kuryk Port.

The group’s growing Central Asian logistics network complements its maritime and port assets in Türkiye and Pakistan, as it continues to position itself as a global trade enabler across key emerging corridors.

du, the leading telecom and digital services provider in the UAE, announced an expanded strategic collaboration with Disney+, the streaming platform from The Walt Disney Company. As part of the renewed partnership, du will offer 12 months of complimentary Disney+ access to customers with home wireless subscriptions, reinforcing its mission to deliver enhanced value and entertainment.

Premium streaming for every household

The enhanced offering gives du customers access to a vast library of Disney+ content, including blockbuster films, award-winning TV series, and exclusive Disney+ Originals. The platform features content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and Star – Disney’s general entertainment brand. From classic animation and documentaries to comedies and critically acclaimed dramas, Disney+ continues to appeal to audiences of all ages.

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Karim Benkirane, Chief Commercial Officer at du, said: “We have extended our collaboration with Disney+ to elevate the entertainment experience for every du subscriber. With a wide range of acclaimed movies, series, and Originals at their fingertips, our customers can enjoy world-class entertainment whenever they choose. We are also thrilled to see Disney’s presence grow in the region and the UAE with a brand-new Disney destination on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, bringing iconic stories and magical experiences to life like never before.”

Stronger regional ties with global brands

The partnership not only boosts du’s service offerings but also supports Disney’s growth in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Vasilis Iliopoulos, vice president and country manager, The Walt Disney Company MENA, added: “We are delighted to build on the strong relationship we share with du. Our collaboration not only delivers on the promise of exceptional entertainment to customers but also reflects du’s innovative spirit and customer-first philosophy. We anticipate that this strengthened bond will extend the magic of Disney+ to a broader audience, which remains a cornerstone of our growth strategy in the MENA region.”

User-friendly features with family in mind

To ensure a safe and personalised experience, Disney+ includes robust parental controls. Users can manage mature content access through PIN-protected profiles and dedicated kids’ profiles, providing families with greater peace of mind. The platform supports up to four concurrent high-quality streams, unlimited downloads on 10 devices, and the ability to create up to seven personalized profiles.

From the laughs of Modern Family and the drama of Grey’s Anatomy to upcoming blockbusters like Moana 2 and Mufasa: The Lion King, du subscribers now have more ways than ever to enjoy premium entertainment at home.