Dubai’s business community is mourning the death of veteran entrepreneur Vasu Shroff, widely known as the emirate’s “Textile King”, who passed away on April 26 at the age of 85.

Shroff died at his residence in Satwa on Sunday morning, according to local media reports, marking the end of a decades-long career that helped shape Dubai’s retail and textile landscape.

He was the founder of Regal Traders (later Regal Group), one of the UAE’s earliest textile businesses, established in 1952. Over the years, the company grew into a diversified retail and distribution group, contributing significantly to the development of Dubai’s garment trade sector.

A pioneer of the UAE’s early business ecosystem, Shroff belonged to the generation of entrepreneurs who arrived in Dubai during its pre-oil and early development years and played a role in transforming it into a global commercial hub.

Beyond business, he was widely recognised for his philanthropic contributions, particularly within the Indian expatriate community. His initiatives included support for schools, temples, and community institutions, alongside broader charitable efforts across the UAE.

In a statement cited by media reports, the Regal Group described him as a “guiding force” whose legacy would continue through the organisation’s values and foundations.

Dubai’s transport and delivery sector has demonstrated strong operational resilience and efficiency, reinforcing its position as a global logistics hub, according to members of the Dubai Delivery Business Group.

The group, which operates under the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, said continuity in last-mile delivery services highlights the emirate’s ability to sustain operations and meet rising demand from consumers and businesses despite global challenges.

Members attributed this performance to proactive government support, advanced infrastructure and close coordination between public and private sector stakeholders, alongside agile regulations and ongoing investment in technology.

Mehreen Inderyas, chairwoman of the Dubai Delivery Business Group, said: “The emirate’s agile regulatory framework and strong public-private collaboration have enabled rapid response to external disruptions.”

She added that diversified supply chains, strategic location and digital capabilities have helped maintain efficiency across last-mile operations, noting that the sector remains well positioned to scale further through continued investment in fleet expansion, warehousing and technology.

Dubai’s logistics sector operates with continuity under stress

Shahid Nadeem, MD of Zone Delivery Services, said: “Dubai’s logistics sector doesn’t just grow; it operates with continuity under stress, which is the real differentiator.”

He pointed to long-term investment, centralised coordination and the adoption of technologies such as AI, micro-fulfilment and multi-modal logistics as key enablers of resilience.

Manoj Tiwari, founder and CEO of Express Vulcan Delivery Services, said: “Dubai’s last-mile ecosystem is already operating at a high level of efficiency. What’s more impressive is its ability to scale.”

He added that optimised routing and data-led demand planning position the sector to meet growing expectations without compromising speed or reliability.

Ahmed Mahmoud Ahmed Youssef, CEO of R A M Delivery Services, said: “Dubai’s success comes from strong infrastructure, flexible government regulations, and advanced digital systems.”

He said delivery companies are able to scale operations quickly and maintain service continuity during periods of high demand, supported by continued investment in smart logistics and fleet expansion.

Suhail Pirani, managing partner of Bolt Delivery Services, said: “Guided by the unwavering leadership, preparedness, and swift action of the UAE Government, stability and normalcy were never compromised.”

Lloyd Andrew Hayes, owner and CEO of Speedy Delivery Services, said: “Real-time alerts, area-specific guidance, and vigilance zones directly helped us deploy riders safely and keep operations running. As a UK investor, moments like these remind me exactly why I built here.”

He added that regulatory clarity and structured frameworks continue to support investor confidence and reinvestment in the sector.

Shaival Shah, director of Outsourcing at Adecco, said: “Dubai’s ability to sustain uninterrupted delivery operations is underpinned by a highly efficient ecosystem that combines strong government support, advanced infrastructure, and a flexible workforce model.”

Industry leaders said the sector remains robust and adaptable, supported by an enabling environment that allows operators to sustain services, scale operations and innovate, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global benchmark for efficiency in transport and logistics.

Read: FedEx’s Kami Viswanathan on building resilient supply chains in an era of constant disruption

Dubai is accelerating its transformation into a global benchmark for smart mobility, deploying artificial intelligence and big data analytics to proactively manage its road network while delivering measurable gains in safety and efficiency.

According to a WAM report, the emirate has achieved a road quality performance score of 96.65 per cent, underscoring its leadership in infrastructure excellence and sustainable mobility. The strategy combines advanced monitoring technologies with predictive maintenance systems, ensuring road conditions are assessed and addressed without disrupting traffic.

At the core of the initiative are sophisticated tools such as laser-based crack detection and specialised devices measuring the International Roughness Index (IRI). These feed into a central Pavement Management System (PMS), enabling real-time evaluation and precise maintenance scheduling.

Authorities say the approach has “significantly boosted infrastructure quality, safety, and operational efficiency,” while also improving driving comfort and reducing risks associated with road surface deterioration. The driving comfort index has risen to 89 per cent, reflecting smoother journeys and improved traffic flow.

Data-driven systems enhance mobility

Dubai’s model leverages the “5Vs” framework of big data, volume, velocity, variety, veracity, and value, to support intelligent asset management. This enables authorities to predict deterioration trends, prioritise interventions, and implement both short- and long-term maintenance strategies.

Complementing this, the AI-powered “iTraffic” system analyses live traffic data and forecasts movement patterns, allowing for immediate responses to congestion. Real-time solutions are displayed on smart signage across the emirate, helping ensure seamless travel.

Proactive management also extends to road assets through LiDAR technology, which has enabled the creation of a highly accurate infrastructure database. Officials report that this has streamlined maintenance planning, reduced operational costs, and contributed to a 95 per cent score in the road asset quality index.

“These results demonstrate that integrating smart technologies and big data is a fundamental pillar for modern road management,” the report noted, highlighting Dubai’s continued focus on balancing efficiency, sustainability, and safety.

Truck accidents drop sharply

In a parallel development, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) reported a 20 per cent reduction in truck-related traffic accidents in 2025, attributing the decline to enhanced safety systems, infrastructure upgrades, and tighter regulatory frameworks.

In a statement, the RTA said the improvement reflects “integrated efforts to enhance road safety, upgrade infrastructure, and refine regulatory frameworks for the logistics transport sector,” reinforcing both competitiveness and sustainability.

Key initiatives included the installation of rear under run protection systems on trucks to minimise severe collisions, alongside specialised training programmes designed to improve driver performance. Authorities also strengthened rapid response mechanisms to quickly clear broken-down trucks from main roads, reducing hazards and congestion.

The UAE has approved the establishment of a National Industrial Resilience Fund valued at Dhs1bn (approximately $272m), aimed at strengthening supply chain resilience, localising critical industries, and enhancing the country’s economic security.

The decision was announced during a UAE Cabinet meeting chaired by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, as part of a broader push to accelerate industrial growth and reduce reliance on external supply chains.

HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said, “We took decisions to accelerate the UAE’s industrial growth… We are launching an Dhs1bn fund to strengthen resilience, expand local production, secure supply chains, and scale the use of artificial intelligence across production and operations.”

The fund will support the localisation of more than 5,000 critical products, strengthen industrial supply chains, and enhance self-sufficiency across priority sectors. It will also focus on improving industrial readiness for essential goods, ensuring continuity of supply, and advancing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in forecasting and risk management.

He added, “We made the National In-Country Value Programme mandatory across all government entities and national companies, and strengthened the presence of UAE-made products. Our target is clear. Fully localise more than 5,000 critical products… We reviewed preparations for “Make it in the Emirates 2026” in Abu Dhabi next month, bringing together global investors and industry leaders.”

The fund’s resources will be allocated in line with national priorities, including food security and key industrial sectors such as manufacturing, primary metals, mechanical, electrical and chemical industries, pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients, medical supplies, advanced technology, and construction.

Alongside the fund, the Cabinet approved amendments to the National In-Country Value Programme, transitioning it from an incentive-based model to a mandatory framework across federal entities and companies in which the government holds at least 25 per cent. The move is designed to direct procurement towards local products, strengthen supply continuity, and reinforce national industrial capabilities.

In parallel, a new policy was approved to increase the visibility of UAE-manufactured products across retail outlets and digital platforms. The first phase will focus on essential goods with scalable local production, including bottled water, dairy products, eggs, poultry, bread, flour, vegetable oils, and seasonal produce.

The Cabinet also reviewed preparations for the fifth edition of the “Make it in the Emirates” platform, scheduled to take place from May 4 to 7 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). The event is expected to attract more than 120,000 visitors and over 1,000 exhibitors across 12 industrial sectors, with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) accounting for 61 per cent of participants.

Additional initiatives set to be launched at the event include a Start-ups Hub, a Quality Infrastructure Platform, and the “House of Industry,” a national museum documenting the UAE’s industrial development.

To further support the sector, the Cabinet approved the formation of a National Industrial Data Committee, chaired by Hasan Jassim Al Nowais, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology. The committee will focus on improving access to industrial data, strengthening integration across national systems, and enabling real-time insights to support decision-making.

Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, said, “These decisions reflect the leadership’s vision to advance a more resilient and sustainable national industrial model, built on the localisation of critical industries, the strengthening of supply chains, and directing demand towards national products. They also support the accelerated adoption of artificial intelligence across production and planning processes, enhancing the competitiveness of the industrial sector and reinforcing its contribution to economic growth.”

Read: Dubai rolls out Dhs1bn support package: easing costs, boosting businesses

Dubai Lynx, in collaboration with Middle East Communications Network (MCN) and its agencies, said on Monday it has launched the MENA edition of its ‘See It Be It’ leadership programme, aimed at accelerating women into senior roles across the creative, media and marketing industries.

The initiative, titled “See It Be It: Connects,” will take place on October 7, during Dubai Lynx Creativity Week.

Applications opened on Monday and will close on September 9.

The programme is delivered in partnership with industry stakeholders, including Unilever, Nestlé, Emirates, Snap, and the Advertising Business Group, alongside regional agencies and platforms.

Originally launched at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in 2014, See It Be It is designed to support women in the global creative industry.

Organisers said it has grown into a network of more than 150 creatives, with 75 per cent of participants promoted within 12 months and 63 per cent now working at creative director level or above.

The MENA edition will focus on three core pillars: confidence, resilience and adaptability, and negotiation. It will include sessions addressing leadership challenges, career progression, burnout, cultural intelligence and inclusive leadership.

Priya Sarma, head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Unilever GCC, Turkey, Pakistan and Bangladesh, said advancing women into leadership was a business imperative, adding that gender-balanced leadership improves innovation and decision-making.

Lizzie Dewhurst, chief communications officer at MCN, said the programme aims to accelerate women into leadership roles and strengthen the regional creative industry’s talent pipeline.

Kamille Marchant, director of Dubai Lynx, said fewer than 30 per cent of creative directors globally are women, citing industry research, and added that regional initiatives are needed to drive structural change.

Eleni Kitra, CEO and executive director of the Advertising Business Group, said collaboration across the industry is essential to build long-term progress in female leadership.

The programme is open to women with at least five years of experience in the creative marketing industry.

Participants must be based in, or able to travel to, Dubai.