Dubai Municipality has launched a sweeping initiative to install electric vehicle (EV) supercharging stations across 600 parking spaces in public parks, beaches, and recreational facilities, marking a significant push toward sustainable mobility in the emirate.

Backed by an investment of Dhs150m, the project is being implemented in partnership with Emarat EV Charging Stations Company (UAEV), according to a WAM report.

Officials say the initiative reflects Dubai’s ongoing efforts to develop future-ready public spaces that promote sustainability while enhancing quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

Driving sustainable mobility in everyday spaces

The project aligns with the emirate’s long-term urban planning strategies, including the Greenery and Parks Strategy 2040, positioning public spaces as key enablers of Dubai’s sustainable mobility ecosystem.

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By integrating EV charging infrastructure into high-footfall destinations such as parks and beaches, authorities aim to make clean transportation more accessible while improving the overall visitor experience. The initiative is also closely tied to the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, encouraging private sector participation in building sustainable urban infrastructure.

The first phase of the rollout will see 75 EV supercharging stations installed across 150 parking bays over the next two years.

These stations will be strategically distributed across major destination parks, neighbourhood parks, and public beaches to ensure wide geographic coverage and ease of access.

Authorities say the rollout will prioritise high-traffic locations and community hubs, catering to both residents and tourists.

Officials highlight strategic importance

Senior officials underscored the importance of the initiative in advancing the UAE’s clean mobility ambitions.

Eng Sharif Al Olama, undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and chairman of UAEV, said: “Through our partnership with Dubai Municipality, UAEV is proud to expand access to EV charging infrastructure across key community destinations, including parks, markets, and public facilities.”

“By integrating charging solutions into everyday locations, we are making sustainable mobility more convenient and accessible for everyone,” he added. “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to supporting the UAE’s clean mobility ambitions and enhancing quality of life across the community.”

Badr Anwahi, CEO of the Public Facilities Agency at Dubai Municipality, echoed this sentiment, stating: “This initiative reflects Dubai Municipality’s commitment to transforming public spaces into integrated, future-ready environments that support evolving lifestyles and sustainable mobility.”

“By embedding EV charging infrastructure across parks and beaches, we are enabling residents and visitors to make more environmentally responsible choices as part of their daily routines,” he added.

Ali Al Darwish, acting CEO of UAEV, also highlighted the broader impact of the collaboration. “This partnership allows UAEV to expand EV charging infrastructure into everyday community spaces, making sustainable mobility more accessible,” he said.

The project represents a key milestone in advancing UAEV’s ambitions and supports the transformational initiative, ‘A Global Market for Electric Vehicles.’

It also aligns with the UAE’s long-term vision to accelerate the transition to sustainable mobility, contributing to the national target of increasing EV adoption to 50 per cent of the total vehicle fleet by 2050.

In addition, the initiative supports major policy frameworks such as the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative and the UAE Energy Strategy 2050.

Reimagining public spaces

Beyond infrastructure, the initiative reflects a broader shift in how public spaces are designed and utilised across Dubai.

Officials say parks and beaches are increasingly being reimagined as smart, sustainable environments that integrate recreation with modern mobility solutions and environmental responsibility.

Visitors will be able to charge their vehicles while enjoying outdoor activities such as sports, family outings, children’s play areas, and waterfront experiences. This seamless integration is expected to encourage more residents to adopt EVs by making charging a natural part of everyday life.

Dubai Municipality has also extended an open invitation to private sector partners, investors, and innovation-driven companies to participate in shaping the next generation of public infrastructure. Through strategic partnerships, the Municipality aims to integrate advanced technology, sustainability, and service excellence into public environments.

Officials say this collaborative approach will ensure long-term operational efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced user experiences.

Dubai Municipality reiterated its commitment to investing in innovative solutions that ensure public spaces remain inclusive, accessible, and environmentally responsible for future generations.

Dubai has unveiled a major new culinary campaign, ‘Dubai, A Fine Way to Dine’, bringing together some of the city’s most celebrated restaurants with exclusive, limited-time discounts of up to 50 per cent.

Launched by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the citywide initiative runs until April 19 and aims to make Dubai’s renowned dining scene more accessible to residents and visitors alike. The programme encourages diners to explore a curated selection of restaurants while fostering shared experiences across the emirate.

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Dubai’s gastronomy sector, long considered a cornerstone of its global appeal, continues to reflect the city’s cultural diversity. With nearly 200 nationalities calling Dubai home, the culinary landscape draws on a wide spectrum of international flavours and traditions, earning widespread global recognition.

Top-tier restaurants join limited-time offers

The campaign features an impressive lineup of dining destinations, including MICHELIN-starred and Bib Gourmand venues. Participating restaurants include Avatara, Trèsind Studio, Il Ristorante – Niko Romito, TakaHisa, Jun’s, The Guild, CÉ LA VI, Manāo, 21grams, and COYA, among others.

As part of the initiative, diners can take advantage of a range of promotions, including discounted à la carte menus, business lunches, and specially curated set menus. The scale of the offers marks one of the most significant efforts yet to open up premium dining experiences to a broader audience.

Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), part of DET, emphasised the role of food in connecting communities.

“Dubai’s gastronomy sector has become more than a pillar of our economy; it’s a platform that connects our community,” he said. “With so many nationalities calling Dubai home, our restaurants, cafés, and culinary festivals become spaces where cultures converge, stories are shared, and connections are forged.”

He added: “This latest initiative provides more of our residents and visitors with an opportunity to sample the city’s culinary excellence, and discover why it has become so acclaimed globally.”

Strengthening Dubai’s culinary reputation

The initiative also underscores Dubai’s growing status as a global culinary capital, where internationally acclaimed brands operate alongside thriving homegrown concepts.

This dynamic ecosystem continues to evolve, blending innovation with tradition while reinforcing the city’s reputation for quality and authenticity.

For further information regarding the initiative and the restaurants participating as well the promotions, please visit: finediningdubai.com

Kempinski Hotels, Europe’s oldest luxury hospitality group, said on Thursday it had acquired the Augustine Hotel in Prague, marking its first property purchase in more than 50 years.

The wholly owned acquisition reflects a strategic shift by the Geneva-based group toward a more asset-heavy portfolio, allowing it to control operations and guest experiences at landmark properties. Kempinski last made a purchase in 1970 with Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich.

Located in Prague’s historic Malá Strana district beneath Prague Castle, Augustine Hotel occupies part of the Augustinian Monastery of St. Thomas, a site with more than 800 years of history.

The property has 101 rooms, including 20 suites, restaurants, bars, a spa and fitness center, meeting space, and outdoor terraces and gardens. It combines preserved architectural heritage with contemporary five-star standards.

Read: Kempinski’s Barbara Muckermann on inclusion, expansion and human connections

Kempinski of the Future

Barbara Muckermann, CEO of Kempinski Group, said the acquisition offered a rare opportunity to secure a heritage asset in a top-tier European luxury destination. “Augustine Hotel, Prague is not only an ideal addition to Kempinski’s heritage-led, global portfolio, it is set to become the first truly physical and experiential representation of the Kempinski of the Future,” she said.

Kempinski CFO Gordon Drake said direct ownership allows the group to reposition the hotel as one of the finest in Prague and create long-term value from the asset.

Under Kempinski ownership, Augustine Hotel will operate under a white label from April 1, 2026, until late 2026.

The company plans design-led refurbishments of rooms and public spaces while preserving the building’s historic character. The property will be reflagged as Kempinski later in 2026.

Kempinski was advised by A&O Shearman, Hill International, Alvarez & Marsal and Christie & Co Erste Bank provided senior debt for the acquisition.

The Kempinski Group, founded in 1872, operates 75 hotels and residences in 33 countries and has more than 25 projects under development worldwide.

The UAE is set for a spell of unsettled weather this weekend, with the National Center of Meteorology (NCM) forecasting rain, strong winds and rough sea conditions across the country through April 8.

A low-pressure system is expected to bring a mix of light rainfall, blowing dust and high humidity levels, particularly from Saturday into Sunday, when conditions are forecast to peak.

Rain and strong winds to hit multiple areas

Light rainfall is expected from Sunday morning, mainly over islands and coastal areas, with scattered showers also likely across northern and eastern parts of the UAE.

At the same time, northwesterly winds are set to strengthen, reaching speeds of 40–50 km/h. These winds are expected to kick up dust and sand, significantly reducing horizontal visibility, especially in open and inland areas.

Humidity levels could reach up to 90 per cent overnight and into early mornings, increasing the likelihood of fog or mist in coastal and internal areas.

Rough seas and safety warnings

Sea conditions are expected to deteriorate, particularly on Sunday.

The Arabian Gulf will be rough to very rough at times, with wave heights of up to 2.1 metres, while the Oman Sea is also forecast to see rough conditions during the peak of the system.

Authorities have urged motorists to drive with caution due to reduced visibility and to follow any adjusted speed limits. Mariners are advised to monitor official updates and avoid offshore activity during rough conditions.

The unsettled weather is expected to ease gradually into early next week.

This article has been updated following further statements from the Dubai Media Office.

Authorities in Dubai said on Saturday morning said no fire or injuries were reported from debris falling on the facade of a building in the city’s Marina area following an aerial interception.

This is according to a post on X by the emirate’s media office.

Later on Saturday morning, the Dubai Media Office confirmed that an interception had also occurred around Dubai’s Internet City with debris falling on the facade of the Oracle building. No injuries were reported.

Since the Iran war started on 28 February, the UAE’s military has intercepted more than 95 per cent of all missiles and drones.

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• Article compiled with Reuters.