reporter
Ashik Ahmed
Technology and Innovation Writer
Ashik Ahmed covers smart city infrastructure, consumer tech, digital services, and the gadgets transforming everyday life in the UAE.
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Stories by Ashik Ahmed
du 6G trials achieve 1.5 Gbps in Abu Dhabi, boosting UAE innovation
du 6G trials in Abu Dhabi delivered up to 500 metres coverage and near‑1.5 Gbps speeds, highlighting the UAE’s drive toward next‑generation telecoms.
19 Aug 2026
David Krumholtz Announces Retirement, Calls Acting Profession Dull
David Krumholtz, the 48‑year‑old actor with more than 140 credits, announced his retirement on Threads, saying the acting profession has lost its gleam.
19 Aug 2026
Taqa raises oil and gas capex to $2bn
Taqa has increased its capital expenditure on oil and gas as total spending reaches $2 billion.
19 Aug 2026
Contractor net profit hits $58.2 million winning Sphere Abu Dhabi project
The contractor’s net profit climbed to $58.2 million after securing the Sphere Abu Dhabi project, marking a significant financial boost.
18 Aug 2026
UAE CEPA programme fuels record non‑oil exports
The UAE CEPA programme has lifted non‑oil exports to $123.3 billion as the country signs 38 trade deals across Asia, Africa and Europe.
18 Aug 2026
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Links to Fortnite for Park Guests
Disney and Epic Games have linked the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run ride to a new Fortnite adventure, giving park guests a fresh weekend option.
17 Aug 2026
Hamdan bin Zayed issues Resolution No. 2 to protect Abu Dhabi species
Hamdan bin Zayed has issued Resolution No. 2 of 2026, setting out measures to protect all native and migratory species and their habitats in Abu Dhabi.
16 Aug 2026
Global South Utilities opens 50MW solar plant in CAR
Global South Utilities opened a 50MW solar plant in the Central African Republic, a project that will increase electricity generation by over 60% and serve more than 300,000 households.
14 Aug 2026
UAE AI strategy praised for global ranking edge, BCG says
UAE AI strategy is distinguished by a system‑wide approach, BCG’s Akram Awad says, giving the nation a clear edge in global AI and smart‑city rankings.
14 Aug 2026
Tag Markets joins Dubai’s expanding fintech ecosystem
Tag Markets is reported by Gulf Business to be fitting into Dubai’s growing financial technology ecosystem, underscoring the city’s expanding fintech landscape.
14 Aug 2026
Daikin Experience Centre Opens in Dubai
Daikin Middle East & Africa has opened its renovated Daikin Experience Centre in Jebel Ali to display smart HVAC-R solutions.
14 Aug 2026
Sheikh Zayed Road widening adds lane, lifts capacity by 17%
The Roads and Transport Authority finished a 2‑km widening of Sheikh Zayed Road, adding a new lane near Burj Khalifa‑Dubai Mall Metro Station and raising capacity by 17%.
12 Aug 2026
DEWA commissions 793 new 11kV substations in H1 2026
DEWA commissioned 793 new 11kV substations in H1 2026 to back Dubai's growth, according to the Dubai Media Office.
11 Aug 2026
Q Mobility, Parkin advance smart parking
Q Mobility and Parkin are advancing smart parking integration across Abu Dhabi and Dubai locations.
11 Aug 2026
e& introduces NetSecure360 for business security
e& has launched NetSecure360, a new solution designed to help businesses secure their networks against threats.
11 Aug 2026
Dubai Municipality AI to issue building permits automatically
Dubai Municipality introduced an AI system to issue building permits for villas in minutes, reducing processing times.
11 Aug 2026
Dubai to host inaugural Environment Conference
Dubai will host its first Environment Conference & Exhibition in September under the patronage of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
11 Aug 2026
DEWA Adds 793 Substations to Support Dubai Growth
DEWA commissioned 793 new 11kV substations across Dubai during the first half of 2026 to bolster infrastructure.
10 Aug 2026
Dubai Police e-crime platform hits 1.4m visits
Dubai Police's e-crime platform has drawn more than 1.42 million visitors since launching in July 2025 to combat online fraud.
10 Aug 2026
YAS Marina Circuit launches YAS Verse gaming destination in Abu Dhabi
YAS Marina Circuit has opened YAS Verse, a new gaming destination in Abu Dhabi, expanding the emirate's entertainment offerings.
8 Aug 2026
Prophet's Birthday holiday set for August 28 in UAE
The UAE has confirmed a three-day weekend for the Prophet's Birthday on Friday, August 28, 2026, ahead of the school term.
8 Aug 2026
Dr Sheen Gurrib Champions AI for Dubai Careers
Dr Sheen Gurrib and Shweta Scott highlight how AI tools can unlock creativity and boost productivity for professionals in Dubai.
8 Aug 2026
Family offices back clean energy in July
Family offices directed 15% of investments toward clean energy in July, backing startups like Antora Energy and Hephae Energy Technology.
7 Aug 2026
Abu Dhabi Authorities Clamp Down on Unwanted Calls
Abu Dhabi authorities have taken action against telemarketers, issuing fines and disconnecting numbers for cold-calling violations. Residents are urged to report unwanted calls.
7 Aug 2026
Applus+ UAE launches offshore rig services in Somalia
Applus+ UAE has started offshore rig service operations in Somalia, providing testing and certification to support an offshore drilling exploration programme.
5 Aug 2026
Dubai claims global No. 2 spot in AI and intelligent tech race
Dubai says it has secured the global No. 2 position in the AI and intelligent technology race, highlighting its rapid tech advancement.
5 Aug 2026
Fujairah launches integrated industrial registry
Fujairah will develop an integrated, unified industrial registry aimed at simplifying business registration and data management across the emirate.
5 Aug 2026
Dubai to Host 22nd Edition of IPS 2026 Next September
Dubai will host the 22nd edition of IPS 2026 in September, according to recent announcements.
5 Aug 2026
Alif Holding Appoints Dr. Jasem Al-Mansory CEO
Alif Holding has appointed Dr. Jasem Al-Mansory as CEO to oversee its intelligent industrial technology operations in Abu Dhabi.
2 Aug 2026
Jack Nicholson’s Six-Decade Film Journey Highlights
Jack Nicholson’s six‑decade career, marked by twelve Academy Award nominations and three Oscar wins, showcases timeless performances worth revisiting this weekend.
1 Aug 2026
Dubai Intelligent Cities Index places city second after London
Dubai Intelligent Cities Index ranks the emirate as the world’s second most intelligent city, underscoring its AI‑driven smart city progress.
1 Aug 2026
Trader Kassam Prepares Billion-Dollar Millennium Cub
Hedge fund trader Kassam is preparing a billion-dollar investment named the Millennium Cub, as reported by Bloomberg UAE.
1 Aug 2026
Dubai Airport Smart Gates Precheck Tool Checks Eligibility
Travelers can now use a new precheck tool to scan their passport online and find out if they’re eligible for Dubai Airport Smart Gates, speeding up immigration.
31 Jul 2026
Alif Holding launched to drive AI industrial solutions in Abu Dhabi
Alif Holding, the new AI industrial group based in Abu Dhabi, will develop intelligent software and equipment for government and critical sectors, aligning with the UAE AI Strategy.
30 Jul 2026
Tom Holland and Zendaya together at Spider-Man: Brand New Day premiere
Tom Holland and Zendaya shared the spotlight on the red carpet for the UK debut of Spider-Man: Brand New Day film.
30 Jul 2026
Emaar Development partners with ADCB to simplify home financing in Dubai
Emaar Development teams up with ADCB to provide up to 50% pre‑approval financing and rates starting at 3.49% for Dubai homebuyers, easing the purchase process.
29 Jul 2026
Dubai Basketball signs Mamadi Diakite on multi-year deal
Dubai Basketball has signed Mamadi Diakite to a multi-year contract following his stint with Baskonia.
29 Jul 2026
RTA electric bicycles service expands to seven new Dubai areas
RTA electric bicycles service expands across Dubai with seven new locations, extending a pilot that recorded 99% customer satisfaction and aligning with the Commercial Transport and Logistics Strategy 2030.
28 Jul 2026
Sunny Deol dedicates Batwara 1947 to mothers ahead of trailer launch
Sunny Deol honored his mother, Prakash Kaur, on Instagram, dedicating the film Batwara 1947 to all mothers as the trailer premieres on July 28, 2026.
28 Jul 2026
Dubai pet shelter opens in Warsan with digital adoption platform
Dubai pet shelter opens in Warsan, providing full veterinary care and a new digital platform that simplifies adoption for residents.
27 Jul 2026
Pre-Fall 2026 Trends to Refresh Your Wardrobe This Weekend
Discover the top pre-fall 2026 trends—silk scarves, architectural leathers, vibrant pinks, lace details and clear silhouettes—ready for your weekend wardrobe.
26 Jul 2026
Rove Hotels Teams Up as Official Hospitality Partner for Indie Soulfest
Rove Hotels will host Indie Soulfest attendees, providing easy access to rooms near the Coca‑Cola Arena for the July 26 concert, with tickets starting from AED 99.
24 Jul 2026
National Experts Program advances UAE AI talent strategy
The National Experts Program is being utilized to advance the UAE's strategy for artificial intelligence talent.
24 Jul 2026
Abu Dhabi activates Waterway Monitoring Centre
Abu Dhabi's Waterway Monitoring Centre has commenced operations to enhance maritime safety using predictive analytics.
22 Jul 2026
UAE Presidential Court launches Zayed AI spokesperson
Zayed, the new AI‑powered spokesperson launched by the UAE Presidential Court’s International Affairs Office, aims to modernise the court’s digital outreach.
20 Jul 2026
Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ draws on ancient epics and modern myth
Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ blends Homeric epics, Roman poetry and modern parallels, shaping a cinematic retelling of ancient myth.
20 Jul 2026
Drivers misunderstand Dubai left-lane rules
Reports indicate that most drivers misunderstand the regulations governing the left lane on Dubai highways, according to recent findings.
20 Jul 2026
ADIC appoints BlackRock veteran to head real assets
ADIC, Abu Dhabi’s investment council, has hired a BlackRock veteran to head its real assets unit, underscoring a push into tangible investment areas.
18 Jul 2026
UAE to Integrate AI in Drug Regulation
UAE will use AI to oversee drug approvals and monitoring, a move that could streamline regulatory processes and improve public health safeguards.
16 Jul 2026
Tabby Launches Fee-Free Banking with 3% Cashback
Tabby’s new Tabby Cash account offers zero fees and 3% cashback until November 2026, making it a top choice for UAE residents seeking flexible banking.
16 Jul 2026