The inaugural Dubai Mall Festival of Fashion (DMFOF) will begin on January 29. The two-day event will bring together global cultural icons and haute couture to the world’s most visited shopping destination.

Organisers confirmed that internationally acclaimed designer Reem Acra will serve as the headline couture designer for the festival’s marquee runway show.

The event, taking place from January 29–30, marks the launch of a new annual platform intended to cement Dubai’s status as a global fashion capital.

Dubai Mall Festival of Fashion: Highlights

The two-day programme begins tomorrow with a curated series of masterclasses and panel discussions at the Dubai Mall Grand Atrium, featuring leaders from the global fashion and beauty industries.

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Day one, hosted at Dubai Mall’s Grand Atrium, centres on practical masterclasses spanning makeup, styling, modest fashion, accessories, fragrance, and translating runway trends into everyday wear, led by leading regional and global creatives.

Day two shifts the focus to the future of luxury, with discussions on AI’s impact on fashion, the rise of regional powerhouses, and the growing intersection of creativity, capital, and brand building, before culminating in a high-profile awards night.

The centerpiece of the second day will be Reem Acra’s exclusive couture presentation at 8pm.

Acra will showcase a substantial collection, including her signature bridal creations and selected looks from her label.

The festival will reach its climax on the evening of January 30 at the Armani Hotel, where Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is scheduled to appear in person to receive the “Global Style Icon” award.

Khan, whose career spans over 100 films and a global box office exceeding $1bn, is being recognised for his unparalleled influence on international style and culture.

The Dubai Mall, which opened in 2008 and spans 1.2 million square metres, has increasingly positioned itself as a hub for luxury since the 2018 inauguration of its Fashion Avenue.

The Festival of Fashion is the latest move by the emirate to bridge international luxury with regional influence and innovation.

Dubai Municipality has launched a global challenge to construct the world’s first residential villa built entirely using robotic construction systems, marking a major step in the emirate’s push to transform the future of building and infrastructure development.

The project will be delivered through a local and international consortium led by Dubai Municipality and comprising more than 25 advanced technology companies and academic institutions, according to a WAM report. The initiative is designed to develop scalable construction models that can be applied globally, while improving productivity, sustainability, and build quality across the sector.

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By spearheading the challenge, Dubai aims to further position itself as a global hub for advanced construction technologies, particularly in the areas of automation, robotics, and next-generation building systems.

Global partnerships drive innovation

The robotic villa project will be implemented in partnership with Zacua Ventures and the Würth Group, with the participation of leading construction robotics companies alongside local contractors and engineering firms. The collaboration reflects a growing convergence between technology providers, traditional construction players, and public-sector entities in addressing long-standing industry challenges.

The announcement was made during an event marking the activation of the Construction Innovation and Research Centre, known as 04 ConTech Valley, in partnership with Expo City Dubai. The activation followed the signing of an agreement to establish a dedicated centre for innovation and research in construction materials, systems, and technologies.

The centre is intended to support the development of next-generation construction solutions, urban systems, and future city infrastructure, reinforcing Dubai’s long-term commitment to innovation-led urban development.

Global ConTech investment accelerates

During the event, Dubai Municipality also launched the Global ConTech Report in collaboration with Zacua Ventures. The report analyses the accelerating global adoption of construction technologies and projects that investments in the sector will exceed $30 billion by 2033, with an annual growth rate of 17.5 per cent.

According to the report, labour shortages remain one of the most pressing challenges facing the global construction industry. This shortage is driving increased investment in technologies such as robotics and additive manufacturing, as companies seek to improve efficiency and reduce reliance on manual labour.

The report also highlights the most prominent technologies shaping the future of the sector, including artificial intelligence, robotics, infrastructure technology, and prefabrication.

Building an integrated construction ecosystem

As part of its broader strategy, Dubai Municipality launched the ConTech Working Group in collaboration with Dubai Chambers. The group brings together government entities, developers, contractors, technology providers, investors, and researchers to support innovation and efficiency across the construction sector.

To further strengthen the ecosystem, Dubai Municipality signed three cooperation agreements with Zacua Ventures, the Dubai Future District Fund, and LAB Ventures. These agreements aim to support startups by facilitating access to projects, enhancing engagement across the sector, and strengthening research, development, and investment in future technologies. The partnerships are also designed to attract construction technology companies from around the world to Dubai.

Strategy and standards for the future

Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, director-general of Dubai Municipality, said the adoption of advanced construction technologies represents a cornerstone of Dubai’s vision to develop a more efficient, sustainable, and resilient construction sector, guided by a comprehensive and future-focused construction technology strategy.

He noted that the activation of 04 ConTech Valley, the launch of the ConTech Working Group, the signing of agreements with capital partners, and the announcement of the robotic villa challenge collectively underscore Dubai Municipality’s commitment to strengthening innovation across the construction industry.

In collaboration with Sobha Realty, Dubai Municipality also launched the 70–70 Strategy for 2030, which aims to shift 70 percent of construction to off-site manufacturing while achieving at least 70 percent automation within factories by 2030. The strategy is expected to enhance quality, efficiency, and sustainability across the sector.

During the event, public- and private-sector partners and construction technology startups discussed opportunities and challenges within the construction ecosystem and outlined a roadmap for future development. Dubai Municipality also accredited China State Construction Engineering Corporation for its modular construction system, while AMANA announced plans to adopt modular systems to develop shared workspaces for youth within public facilities.

In line with the UAE Digital Economy Strategy and the Central Bank of the UAE’s push to build a secure, inclusive and innovation-driven payments ecosystem, the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has introduced the region’s first biometric payment solution using facial and palm recognition technologies.

The initiative has been developed through the CBUAE’s Sandbox Programme and Innovation Hub at the Emirates Institute of Finance (EIF), in collaboration with Network International, a leading fintech across the Middle East and Africa.

Proof of concept at Dubai Land Department

Currently in its Proof-of-Concept phase, the biometric payment solution is being demonstrated at the Dubai Land Department, enabling customers to complete payments by authenticating their identity through facial or palm biometrics. The approach removes the need for physical cards or mobile devices, offering a fully contactless payment experience.

The solution is enabled by Network International and powered by PopID, combining biometric authentication with secure payment processing infrastructure.

Read: Murat Cagri Suzer on Network International’s blueprint for an AI-driven cashless society

Commenting on the initiative, Saif Humaid Al Dhaheri, Assistant Governor for Banking Operations and Support Services at CBUAE and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the EIF, said, “The Central Bank of the UAE reaffirms its commitment to driving innovation and supporting the nation’s digital transformation. The introduction of biometric payment solutions represents a strategic step to delivering more secure and seamless payment experiences, setting new benchmarks for trust and convenience in financial transactions, while aligning with the UAE’s vision of building a world-leading, innovation-driven digital economy.”

Advancing the future of payments

Murat Cagri Suzer, group chief executive officer, Network International, said, “Network International is proud to lead the way in facilitating biometric payments, working closely with the Central Bank of the UAE to build a future-ready payments ecosystem. Biometric payments represent the next frontier in digital commerce, combining convenience, security, and efficiency. We thank the Central Bank of the UAE for their visionary leadership and trusted partnership as we advance the UAE’s position as a global hub for financial innovation and a digital-first economy.”

The pilot reflects the CBUAE’s broader efforts to test emerging payment technologies within controlled environments before potential wider deployment, reinforcing the UAE’s ambition to remain at the forefront of next-generation financial services and digital payments innovation.

Nigel Farage used an appearance in Dubai this week to deliver a familiar message: Britain is in decline and Reform UK is positioning itself as the political force to reverse it.

Farage, the leader of Reform UK, is in the UAE this week as part of a visit that included a closed-door lunch with high-net-worth individuals and a private evening event in Dubai on Tuesday.

He was joined by former Conservative chancellor Nadhim Zahawi, who recently defected to Reform, and property tycoon Nick Candy, a Reform supporter.

Invitations were sent to a select group of expatriates and Emiratis.

“What I’ve noticed is that nearly all of London now lives in Dubai,” Farage told the crowd.

“They fled for a variety of reasons, and one of the reasons is a bloke called Sadiq Khan, who is the Mayor of London. It is a complete disaster. Law and order is collapsing, we’re taxing everybody out of the country,” he said.

Looking ahead, Farage struck a more optimistic note — at least for Reform supporters.

“When we’re in government, some of the Brits will come back to London. At least I hope some of you might come back to London for some of the year,” he said.

Farage described the current moment as a “remarkable period” in British politics.

Reform UK has led opinion polls for much of the past year, although support has softened in recent weeks. YouGov polling shows backing for the party at around 25 per cent, down from highs of 29 per cent. A general election does not need to be held until mid-2029.

‘Massive historical change going on’

His combative, populist style — often compared to that of US President Donald Trump — was on full display in Dubai.

“Unlike the UAE, where you’re booming, we’re in decline. Britain is broken. Nothing works anymore. We’re led by incredibly weak and totally useless and characterless men and women in politics,” Farage told the audience of several hundred.

“There’s a massive historical change going on, and Reform is that historical change. And we’re optimistic. We’re bullish. We know we can turn the situation round, make Britain attractive, make London attractive. And actually, a stronger Britain will be an even better partner for all of you here. It will work for both of us,” he said.

As Reform’s electoral prospects have improved, it has begun to attract senior figures from the Conservative Party. Zahawi, a former chancellor and long-serving Tory, is among the highest-profile defectors.

Zahawi was born in Iraq but fled to the UK as a refugee from Saddam Hussein’s regime. He reportedly spends a significant amount of time in Dubai, where he owns property, according to Bloomberg.

Addressing the same Dubai audience, Zahawi framed his return to frontline politics as a personal reckoning.

“I thought I was long retired from politics, except my wife always suspected, because I remain tax domiciled in the UK, that I wanted to go back into politics. And the choice was very simple, and actually Nigel referred to it when we did our press conference together, which is: you’re either going to fight or you’re going to flee. And I’ve chosen to fight,” Zahawi said.

“We have to fight. We have to reclaim England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Why? Because it matters. And that matters to everybody here. Many of you here, and I’ve spoken to you tonight, have assets in the UK, have businesses in the UK. And I have to tell you, if you put country before party, you will come down to only one conclusion, which I came to, which is that we had to get behind Nigel Farage and Reform to get rid of the shower that is the government,” he said.

Referring to the Labour government that took office in 2024, Zahawi echoed Farage’s argument that Britain is on the wrong trajectory.

“My old party took about 14 years to reach the level of chaos and civil war and civil strife that we’ve seen within the space of 14 months. The country deserves better.”

“Many of you here — and I’ve spoken to you tonight — have assets in the UK, have businesses in the UK,” Zahawi said.

Zahawi’s comments come against the backdrop of growing concern in the UK about high-net-worth individuals leaving the country, following the Labour government’s decision to end non-domicile tax benefits in April 2025.

Under the new rules, the UK moved from an open-ended tax break for non-doms to a four-year window, after which qualifying individuals are taxed on their worldwide income and gains.

Many of those affected have chosen to relocate to the UAE in recent years.

Wealth migration firm Henley & Partners estimates that the UAE recorded a net inflow of 9,800 dollar millionaires in 2025, with collective investable wealth of around $63bn.

By contrast, the UK experienced a net loss of 16,500 high-net-worth individuals last year, collectively holding an estimated £66bn in liquid investable assets, according to Henley & Partners.

Meanwhile, Farage will return to London following a further event, hosted by GB News, on Wednesday 28 January in Dubai.

An Emirates flight from Dubai to Newcastle was diverted to Edinburgh on January 27 after adverse weather conditions disrupted landing operations in northern England, causing a significant delay for passengers.

The Boeing 777-300ER, operating as flight EK35, was scheduled to land at Newcastle International Airport shortly after 11.20am local time. Flight tracking data shows the aircraft circled over the Newcastle and Sunderland area before abandoning its approach and diverting north to Scotland.

According to data from FlightRadar24, the aircraft made two unsuccessful landing attempts before the flight crew activated the 7700 emergency transponder code. The code is a standard aviation signal used to indicate a general emergency or urgent situation and allows air traffic control to prioritise the aircraft and coordinate appropriate responses.

The activation of the 7700 code does not point to a specific issue and can be used in a range of scenarios, including technical concerns, medical situations, or operational challenges linked to weather conditions.

Following the aborted landing attempts, the aircraft diverted to Edinburgh, where it landed safely without further incident. The plane remained on the ground at Edinburgh Airport for approximately two hours before resuming its journey to Newcastle.

The flight eventually arrived at its original destination with a delay of around three hours and 15 minutes.

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