Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has opened a new 600-metre bridge comprising four lanes at the intersection of Al Qudra Road and the link road connecting Arabian Ranches with Dubai Studio City, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing development of the Al Qudra Road corridor.

The bridge forms part of a wider project aimed at improving traffic flow along one of Dubai’s key east–west transport routes. According to an RTA media report, the corridor extends from its intersection with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, passing through Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street and Emirates Road, and continuing along Al Qudra Road.

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The newly opened bridge is designed to ease congestion at a critical junction, improving traffic flow between Al Qudra Road and the connecting road serving Arabian Ranches and Dubai Studio City. RTA said the upgrade increases road capacity by 191 percent, from 6,600 vehicles per hour to 19,200 vehicles per hour, while reducing waiting times at the intersection by 55 per cent, cutting delays from 113 seconds to 52 seconds.

Further bridge openings scheduled

As part of the same development programme, RTA announced that it will open the northern (left-side) bridge at the intersection of Al Qudra Road and Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street on 15 February. The 700-metre structure provides two lanes in each direction and will be operational while construction continues on the southern (right-side) bridge.

Once open, the bridge will serve traffic travelling along Al Qudra Road towards Al Qudra City, as well as vehicles heading in the direction of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, further easing pressure on surrounding road networks.

Leadership directives and long-term vision

Mattar Al Tayer, director-general and chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority, said the Al Qudra Road Development Project reflects Dubai’s broader vision for infrastructure growth.

“Al Qudra Road Development Project is being implemented in line with the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and under the follow-up of 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, to complete the development of road network infrastructure,” Al Tayer said.

He added that the project supports smoother mobility for residents and visitors, keeps pace with Dubai’s sustained urban expansion, and addresses the emirate’s growing development and population needs.

Reduced travel times and expanded capacity

Al Tayer said the project includes upgrading several key intersections and constructing bridges with a total length of 2,700 metres, in addition to widening and improving existing roads over a total stretch of 11.6 kilometres.

“These improvements will increase road capacity and cut journey time by 70 percent, reducing travel time from 9.4 minutes to 2.8 minutes,” he said, noting that the development will serve residential and development areas accommodating an estimated 400,000 residents and visitors.

He also described Al Qudra Road as one of the most important projects undertaken to strengthen Dubai’s east–west road corridors.

“The project, extending from its intersection with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road to Emirates Road, serves several major development areas, most notably Arabian Ranches 1 and 2, Dubai Motor City, Dubai Studio City, DAMAC Hills, Mudon, and The Sustainable City,” Al Tayer said.

Safer roads and smoother traffic flow

According to RTA, the upgrades are expected to improve traffic efficiency at strategic intersections, reduce congestion, and shorten travel times between key destinations. The project is also designed to ensure smoother, uninterrupted traffic flow along Al Qudra Road towards Emirates Road and onwards to Al Qudra City, and vice versa.

In addition, RTA said the improvements will enhance road safety standards and support urban growth and economic activity across the communities served by the corridor.

Major intersection upgrades underway

Beyond the newly completed bridge linking Al Qudra Road with Arabian Ranches and Dubai Studio City, the project includes a comprehensive upgrade of the intersection between Al Qudra Road and Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street.

This phase involves the construction of a 700-metre bridge providing four lanes in each direction, as well as auxiliary lanes along side ramps, with two lanes per ramp, to ensure seamless traffic flow without affecting the main carriageway.

RTA is also constructing a 500-metre bridge to serve traffic moving from Al Qudra Road to Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street towards Jebel Ali, along with a 900-metre bridge for traffic heading towards the city centre and Dubai International Airport.

The authority is further developing three kilometres of service roads on both sides of Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street to improve connectivity with surrounding development projects.

Once completed, the intersection upgrade is expected to increase road capacity from 7,800 vehicles per hour to 19,400 vehicles per hour and reduce waiting time by 85 percent, cutting delays from 393 seconds to 60 seconds.

Wider road enhancements across the corridor

The project also includes upgrading Al Qudra Road from its intersection with Emirates Road to the existing roundabout serving key development communities, including Town Square Dubai, Mira Developments, and DAMAC Hills 2.

Works involve widening Al Qudra Road by increasing the number of lanes in both directions along a 3.4-kilometre stretch within the developers’ zone. RTA is also constructing a new 4.8-kilometre road in the southern section of the area, linking it directly to Emirates Road to improve entry and exit movements for nearby developments.

Additional lanes are being added on both sides of Emirates Road over a total length of 4.8 kilometres, further strengthening connectivity across the area.

World Health Expo (WHX) Labs in Dubai, formerly known as Medlab Middle East, will celebrate 25 years of innovation at its 2026 edition, reinforcing its position as the region’s leading laboratory and diagnostics event and a key pillar of the world’s largest healthcare gathering.

Held from February 10–13 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), WHX Labs in Dubai will coincide with World Health Expo (WHX) in Dubai, creating an unparalleled global platform for healthcare dealmaking, collaboration and knowledge exchange. The event is held under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, underscoring the nation’s commitment to delivering world-leading healthcare and advancing scientific excellence.

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Marking a quarter century of progress, the 2026 edition will be staged under the theme “25 years of laboratory innovation: Uniting Communities for better health”, bringing together global laboratory leaders, innovators and policymakers to address some of the most pressing challenges facing healthcare systems worldwide.

A quarter century of growth and global influence

Over the past 25 years, WHX Labs in Dubai has evolved from a regional laboratory exhibition into a global marketplace for diagnostics, laboratory science and precision medicine. In 2025 alone, the event generated $621m in business and attracted 27,853 professional visits, reflecting its growing commercial and strategic relevance to the global healthcare ecosystem.

Building on this momentum, the 2026 edition is expected to host more than 800 exhibitors from over 40 countries and welcome more than 35,000 professional visits. The scale of participation highlights Dubai’s role as an international convening hub for healthcare innovation and reinforces WHX Labs Dubai’s position as a catalyst for cross-border collaboration.

“Having been at the forefront of the laboratory industry in the UAE over the past 25 years, WHX Labs in Dubai continues to drive the future of healthcare,” said Tom Coleman, group exhibition director, Informa Markets Healthcare. “Over the course of four days, the 2026 edition will unite laboratory experts, healthcare leaders, innovators and technology providers from around the world at DWTC, delivering new possibilities in global healthcare diagnostics.”

Launch of two summits signals a strategic expansion

A defining feature of WHX Labs in Dubai 2026 will be the launch of a new flagship conference: the AMR Leaders’ Summit, designed to expand the event’s role as a global platform for advancing healthcare innovation and policy alignment.

This launch signal a strategic expansion beyond traditional laboratory disciplines, reflecting the growing importance of genomics, data-driven medicine and antimicrobial resistance in shaping the future of global healthcare delivery.

From Diagnostics to a global health vision: Medlab evolves into WHX Labs

After more than 25 years of establishing itself as the leading laboratory diagnostics platform in the Middle East, Medlab is evolving. The transition to WHX Labs in Dubai marks not just a rebrand, but a strategic expansion of purpose.

“Healthcare is changing at an unprecedented pace,” said Coleman. “The convergence of diagnostics, digital health, data, therapeutics, and population health means laboratories can no longer be viewed in isolation.”

The new WHX identity reflects this reality. WHX Labs is positioned not merely as a diagnostics exhibition but as a core pillar of a global health ecosystem. The rebrand allows the conversation to shift, from products to systems, from testing to outcomes, and from regional relevance to global leadership.

WHX is more than a single event. In Dubai, WHX Labs operates alongside WHX Dubai and WHX Leaders as part of an interconnected platform spanning policy, investment, innovation, and clinical delivery. “This approach places laboratories at the center of healthcare decision-making rather than at the periphery,” Coleman explained, highlighting a vision that positions the region as a hub for the future of integrated healthcare.

Spotlight on antimicrobial resistance as a global health threat

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) will take centre stage at WHX Labs in Dubai 2026, reflecting its growing urgency as a global health and economic challenge. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), AMR could cause up to 10 million deaths annually by 2050 and add as much as $1trn in global healthcare costs within the next 25 years.

AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses and fungi evolve to resist medications, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of severe illness, disability and death. The misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in humans, animals and agriculture remain the leading drivers of resistance, compounded by systemic gaps and a limited pipeline of new drugs.

While investment in research and development increased by 10 per cent between 2017 and 2019, progress continues to lag behind funding for diagnostics, highlighting the need for coordinated, multidisciplinary solutions.

AMR Leaders’ Summit to bridge research and implementation

A flagship launch for 2026, the AMR Leaders’ Summit, held from February 12–13, will convene scientists, clinicians, policymakers and innovators to help bridge the gap between research and real-world implementation.

The summit will be chaired by Dr Wael Elamin, medical director, Environmental Sciences, M42, with co-chairs including Professor Abiola Senok, chair of Basic Medical Sciences and Professor of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases at MBRU; Dr Kavita Diddi, president of the Emirates Society of Clinical Microbiology; and Dr Seema Oommen, section head of Microbiology and Infectious Molecular at Burjeel Medical City.

“Antimicrobial resistance is no longer a future risk, it is a present and growing threat to global health security,” said Dr Elamin. “Tackling AMR requires alignment across policy, diagnostics, clinical practice and innovation. The AMR Leaders’ Summit at WHX Labs in Dubai is designed to move beyond discussion and drive practical solutions that enhance surveillance, support responsible antimicrobial use and protect patient outcomes worldwide.”

Global policy, innovation and One Health in focus

The opening day of the AMR Leaders’ Summit will focus on global and national responses to AMR, featuring keynote insights from the WHO and regional public health leaders. Sessions will explore technology and innovation, genomics, equity in AMR policy, and how hospital practices are expected to evolve by 2028.

Dr Souha Kanj, professor of Medicine and chair of the Infection Control and Prevention Program at the American University of Beirut, will deliver the opening keynote, addressing antimicrobial resistance in conflict zones.

“Policy discussions focus on national action plans, regulatory frameworks, and governance structures,” she said, “while acknowledging that many countries, particularly those affected by conflict or economic instability, struggle to fully implement global AMR recommendations.”

The second day will shift attention to leadership, innovation and One Health approaches, highlighting lessons from Africa and the Middle East in genomic surveillance, epidemiology and environmental determinants of AMR. Open-mic sessions and networking opportunities will encourage dialogue and reinforce the summit’s goal of coordinated, actionable outcomes.

Scientific excellence and industry leadership on display

WHX Labs in Dubai will also host the 25th Annual Laboratory Management and Medicine Congress, featuring eight CME-accredited scientific conference tracks, including laboratory management, haematology, clinical chemistry, clinical microbiology, molecular diagnostics, histopathology, lab quality management, and blood transfusion medicine and cell therapy.

Led by 250 global thought leaders and laboratory specialists, the congress reflects the event’s 25-year journey under the theme “Celebrating the past and empowering the future of lab quality through innovation and global benchmarking.”

Attendees will also participate in interactive workshops led by industry experts from MGI Tech, Sysmex and Snibe, offering hands-on insights and networking opportunities.

Global marketplace for diagnostics and laboratory solutions

The exhibition will showcase advancements across eight dedicated laboratory sectors, including disposables, diagnostic tests, imaging and diagnostics, laboratory devices, healthcare and general services, laboratory equipment, laboratory instruments, and reagents and chemicals.

Global healthcare leaders confirmed for the event include Abbott, Al Borg Diagnostics, Beckman Coulter, Biomerieux, Dedalus, PureLab, Randox, Sansure, Siemens Healthineers, Snibe Diagnostic, Sysmex Middle East and World Data Exchange, among others.

WHX Labs in Dubai will run alongside World Health Expo (WHX) in Dubai, held from February 9–12 at Dubai Exhibition Centre, further reinforcing its role within the world’s largest healthcare gathering.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a software story. It is fast becoming an energy and infrastructure challenge, one that is reshaping how grids are designed, financed, and operated around the world. As hyperscalers race to deploy ever-larger AI data centres, power demand is jumping from tens of megawatts to hundreds, even approaching the gigawatt scale, with load patterns that behave nothing like traditional industrial users. In many mature markets, grid capacity, permitting timelines, and equipment bottlenecks are now emerging as the real brakes on AI growth.

Against this backdrop, the Middle East is positioning itself as a serious contender for next-generation AI infrastructure, backed by energy scale, capital, and faster execution. In this interview, Mohamed Almasry, EVP for the Middle East and Africa at Hitachi Energy, unpacks why AI workloads are fundamentally different from anything grids have dealt with before, where the world’s most acute capacity constraints are forming, and what it will take for regions like the GCC to turn AI ambition into a reliable, long-term infrastructure reality.

AI data centres are emerging as one of the fastest-growing sources of electricity demand globally. From Hitachi Energy’s analysis, what makes AI workloads fundamentally different from traditional data centre demand when it comes to grid stress and reliability?

AI workloads combine very large power demand with rapid, unstable load behaviour, which puts new pressure on the grid. Traditional data centres typically operate at 1 to 10 megawatts with steady demand. AI data centres are built on a much larger scale, typically ranging from 100 to 500 megawatts, with some approaching a gigawatt, driven by energy-intensive training, higher rack densities, and cooling requirements.

The primary challenge is the rapid fluctuation of demand. Training AI involves supplying algorithms with large, carefully curated datasets so they can learn to identify patterns, generate predictions, and continuously improve their accuracy through repeated cycles of feedback and refinement. These fast swings make it harder to manage frequency, voltage, and power quality, which is why some operators classify AI data centres as non-conforming loads, meaning they don’t behave like normal, predictable power users.

Your white paper points to a growing mismatch between AI ambitions and grid capacity in North America, Europe and parts of Asia. Where are the most acute bottlenecks appearing, and how serious is the risk of delays or outright refusals for new AI projects?

The tightest bottlenecks are in regions where AI data centres are clustering fastest. In Europe, grid capacity is near its limits in hubs like Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Dublin. In parts of Asia, including Tokyo and Mumbai, developers are securing power years in advance. In North America, similar clustering is pushing some regions to capacity, while China is shifting AI infrastructure west to ease constraints in eastern cities.

The main risk is delay rather than cancellation. The IEA estimates up to 20 per cent of data centre capacity could face connection delays between 2025 and 2030. AI projects move quickly, while grid permitting can take five to ten years and delivery of equipment like transformers now takes two to four years. As a result, some operators are capping capacity or tightening connection rules by classifying AI data centres as non-conforming loads. Access to power is becoming the binding constraint, and even on-site generation cannot be built fast enough to match AI deployment.

The GCC is increasingly being positioned as a viable home for hyperscale AI infrastructure. What specific factors give the region an edge in supporting 100 to 500 megawatt data centres at scale?

The GCC’s edge comes from combining large-scale energy availability with fast, integrated infrastructure delivery. Proximity to generation matters for AI data centres, as existing grids were not designed for AI’s scale or volatility. The region can site facilities near power sources, including renewables, improving reliability and reducing congestion.

Financing and execution are also critical. Sovereign wealth funds can directly support multi-gigawatt compute, grid, and generation projects, avoiding delays seen elsewhere. This is reinforced by regional grid interconnection and access to large sites near high-capacity transmission corridors. AI is also a national priority across the Gulf, enabling faster permitting and long-term planning around hyperscale demand.

You highlight extreme load volatility during AI model training, with demand jumping sharply within seconds. How should grid design, transmission planning and storage strategies evolve to handle this new reality?

Grids can no longer treat AI data centres as steady loads. AI training creates fast, industrial-scale demand swings, requiring more power electronics, digital controls, and power-quality technologies to maintain stability. This is driving demand for high-voltage switchgear, disconnectors, and generator circuit breakers designed for dynamic operation.

Transmission planning needs to shift from one-off connections to cluster-based approaches, while storage and flexibility must become core infrastructure. Battery energy storage is essential on-site and on the grid to smooth rapid load changes, especially where AI is paired with renewables. Technologies like STATCOMs, voltage regulators, and harmonic filters are increasingly important to protect equipment and maintain power quality, which is why AI energy hubs are emerging to support grid stability rather than strain it.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE are pushing to align national AI strategies with energy and grid expansion plans. How important is this policy coordination in attracting long-term AI investment, and where do you see gaps that still need to be addressed?

This coordination is essential for sustained AI investment, and while countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE share ambitious AI aspirations, it reinforces the need for each to pursue strategies tailored to their own national priorities and local contexts. Saudi Arabia is treating AI as critical infrastructure under Vision 2030, linking data centres to renewables and grid expansion. The UAE has closely integrated its AI strategy with its energy policy.

For investors, this alignment between AI strategy, energy planning, and grid development provides greater clarity and significantly reduces both connection risk and regulatory uncertainty. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are each advancing their own coordinated national strategies, just as any country would, providing long‑term clarity on power availability, infrastructure readiness, and policy direction. These parallel, locally driven efforts create the stability and predictability needed to attract multi‑year, high‑capital AI investments. At the same time, continued enhancement of long‑range, cluster‑level planning and further harmonisation of digital frameworks across the GCC region would provide even greater confidence for large‑scale, long‑term AI commitments.

For hyperscalers and investors evaluating AI projects in the Gulf, what practical lessons from Hitachi Energy’s global work should influence site selection and long-term infrastructure planning?

From our global experience, successful AI sites depend first on real grid readiness at scale. Hyperscalers need firm, long-term capacity commitments and clear grid reinforcement plans, not just initial connection offers. The Gulf’s advantage over long-queue markets only holds if expansion is planned early and aligned with AI demand. On-site solar and energy storage can also improve resilience and cost stability.

Regulatory certainty matters just as much. Sites in established digital or free zones with streamlined permitting significantly reduce execution risk. Long-term planning must also account for climate and scalability, including proven cooling solutions and grid designs that can grow toward the gigawatt scale. Finally, connectivity is critical. Proximity to subsea cables, internet exchanges, and talent ecosystems supports low latency today and long-term integration into regional AI infrastructure.

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The Cyber Security Council in UAE has urged individuals and online users to strengthen the protection of their financial information, warning that financial data remains one of the primary targets for cybercriminals seeking to steal assets belonging to individuals, companies, and institutions.

In a statement reported by the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the council called on users to exercise heightened caution when handling financial data online and to ensure that such information is properly secured at all times.

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The council stressed that every step taken to safeguard personal and financial data across cyberspace significantly reduces the risk of falling victim to cyber threats, online fraud, and identity theft. These attacks may involve direct attempts to access bank accounts and financial records or indirect methods such as gaining unauthorised access to personal accounts, including email, before stealing financial information.

Weekly awareness campaign highlights growing threats

As part of its weekly awareness campaign, the Cyber Security Council underscored the importance of constant vigilance to prevent fraudulent attacks targeting financial and banking data. It noted that cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting technological advancements to deceive users.

The council warned that fraudsters now use sophisticated methods to impersonate the logos and identities of banks and trusted financial institutions, often through fake advertisements or misleading messages designed to lure users into sharing sensitive information.

Individuals were advised to verify messages received through email, text, or social media and to avoid engaging with untrusted entities outside official banking channels. The council emphasised that secure payment methods should always be used and cautioned against storing financial information on electronic devices such as mobile phones or personal computers.

Behaviour changes needed to reduce financial risk

The council also stressed the need for users to change behaviours related to the use of financial data online. Recommended measures include regularly monitoring bank accounts, avoiding saving card details on devices, and refraining from interacting with suspicious advertisements or links.

It added that individuals, companies, and institutions must take proactive steps to prevent identity theft and fraudulent transactions, which can result in significant financial losses if left undetected.

According to the council, 60 per cent of cyberattacks begin with the theft of login details. It urged users to avoid storing sensitive passwords on inadequately secured devices and to regularly review privacy settings on personal electronics.

Strong passwords and secure networks essential

The Cyber Security Council advised individuals to delete untrusted applications, enable two-factor authentication, and ensure that operating systems and software are updated regularly. These steps, it said, play a critical role in reducing vulnerabilities that cybercriminals exploit.

The council also cautioned against using open or free Wi-Fi networks for banking activities or financial transactions, noting that such networks are often unsecured and susceptible to breaches. Users were encouraged to create strong, unique passwords for banking and financial service accounts and to enable instant bank alerts to receive real-time notifications of account activity.

Such alerts allow users to respond quickly and report suspicious activity immediately in the event of a breach or electronic fraud.

Rising digital risks demand constant awareness

Reaffirming its guidance, the council highlighted the importance of remaining vigilant before clicking on electronic links or sharing personal or financial information. It noted that rapid technological development has increased both digital convenience and cyber risk, making sustained awareness essential.

Cybersecurity, the council added, has become one of the major challenges in the digital space. The preventive measures outlined complement ongoing government efforts to address digital challenges associated with rapid technological advancement.

The Cyber Pulse awareness campaign, launched for the second consecutive year across social media platforms, supports the UAE’s efforts to build a secure cyberspace. The campaign aims to protect users from growing digital risks, promote a culture of cybersecurity, enhance digital awareness among families and individuals, and strengthen cybersecurity practices to ensure the safety and privacy of citizens and residents amid the country’s rapid digital transformation.

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has taken a major step in digital government innovation by launching its official services and customer experience through the ChatGPT Apps Directory.

The move signals a shift in how public services are delivered, positioning artificial intelligence (AI) at the center of customer engagement while reinforcing Dubai’s role as a global technology leader.

According to a WAM report, DEWA is now the first government entity and the first utility worldwide to offer its services directly through AI platforms, going beyond traditional websites and smart applications to meet customers where they increasingly operate.

A new era of government services

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA, said the initiative represents a fundamental transformation in service delivery.

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“The ‘AI Integration and Operating Services’ initiative is a pivotal step in our journey to reshape government services in the AI era, transitioning from traditional digital interaction models to a comprehensive service system integrated with global AI platforms,” Al Tayer said.

He added that the integration allows users to access DEWA services through intelligent conversational interfaces, including ChatGPT and multi-agent systems.

Seamless access and future expansion

“Launching DEWA’s services through ChatGPT Apps Directory strengthens our pioneering role in adopting advanced smart solutions and delivering resilient, proactive and secure services,” Al Tayer said, noting that the initiative supports Dubai’s ambition to be a global hub for AI and sustainable innovation.

Through the ChatGPT platform, DEWA customers can access services such as bill inquiries, account details, billing support, EV Green Charger locations, directions to the nearest charging station, and information on Customer Happiness Centre locations, working hours and contact channels.

DEWA said additional services will be rolled out gradually, in line with its governance, security and privacy framework.