Latest news with #DubaiMunicipality
Gulf Business
13 hours ago
- Automotive
- Gulf Business
Dubai: New parking plans launched for students, educators
Image credit: Dubai Media Office (Picture used for illustrative purposes) Dubai's largest provider of paid public parking, Read- Students can now subscribe for just Dhs100 per month, granting access to roadside and plot parking in Zones A, B, C, and D within a 500-meter radius of their educational institutions. Staff members of private educational institutions are also eligible for the same Dhs100 monthly rate, providing cost-effective parking near their workplaces. In addition, Parkin has introduced a subscription plan for multi-storey parking, starting at Dhs735 per month. This option offers convenient access to parking near homes, offices, and key city destinations, easing daily commutes and supporting urban mobility. The launch of these plans was shared in a post on Parkin's official X (formerly Twitter) account. Parkin introduces new subscriptions designed for students, educators, and multi-storey parking access, with flexible options to suit your daily needs. Discover them now on our app or at — ParkinUAE (@ParkinUAE) In a related development, Dubai Municipality signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Parkin on July 9, 2025, aimed at boosting the operational efficiency and service quality of the emirate's public parking infrastructure. The agreement outlines collaboration in key areas, including the development of planning and regulatory standards, streamlining of permit procedures, and data sharing to enhance service optimization. As part of the MoU, Parkin will also manage selected free public parking facilities currently owned by Dubai Municipality, further expanding its smart parking network, These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to enhance urban infrastructure and improve the daily commute experience for residents across Dubai.
Web Release
18 hours ago
- Business
- Web Release
6 Ways the UAE Government Is Using AI to Deliver Smarter Public Services
AI is revolutionising how governments serve their people, and in the Middle East, nowhere is this more evident than in the UAE. With AI expected to contribute nearly 14% of the UAE's GDP by 2030, the government has adopted a proactive, strategic blueprint for integration, building dedicated platforms and mechanisms designed to capture AI's full potential. As one of the first nations in the region to embrace AI, the UAE has strategically embedded its use across public services, from legal systems to urban planning, to build a data-driven, immersive, and future-ready government that transforms citizen experiences. Alfred Manasseh, COO & Co-Founder of Shaffra, dives into the key ways the UAE government is putting AI to work across its public service ecosystem. 24/7 Virtual Assistants for Public Queries These intelligent bots use natural language processing and machine learning to answer questions, guide users through applications, and provide real-time updates. From digital avatars that greet visitors on official portals to chatbots integrated across service websites, this approach reduces wait times and relieves pressure on human agents. Citizens benefit from faster, more consistent support, while government teams can focus on complex, high-value issues. These tools are already operational across various ministries, streamlining workflows and elevating the standard of public interaction. Metaverse Government Offices The Ministry of Economy has launched a full-scale virtual replica of its Abu Dhabi headquarters, accessible to anyone, anywhere. Visitors can enter using a virtual ticket, attend meetings, network through avatars, and even sign legally binding agreements. Audio-enabled customer service agents offer a more immersive experience than traditional web portals. This initiative goes beyond novelty; it ensures accessibility, convenience, and round-the-clock support. As global business becomes more borderless, the UAE's metaverse office signals a bold step toward future-ready governance. AI in Urban Planning and Infrastructure Dubai Municipality is using AI-enhanced Building Information Modelling (BIM) and geographic data analytics to optimise land usage and improve urban infrastructure. These tools help planners design eco-efficient buildings, align with green goals, and reduce resource consumption. With AI, design time is projected to drop by 40% , and resource efficiency may improve by 35%. This smart integration allows cities to grow sustainably, keeping pace with rapid urbanisation without compromising on quality or aesthetics. The UAE's approach is becoming a blueprint for AI-driven development worldwide. Smart Service Delivery via Predictive Analytics Initiatives by the Digital Dubai Authority have set the foundation for high-quality data governance and AI deployment. AI systems sift through massive data sets to forecast service demand, detect patterns, and make proactive decisions. This results in smarter resource allocation and more personalised citizen services. Whether predicting traffic congestion, public health needs, or social support requirements, AI enables public institutions to move from reactive to anticipatory service delivery, building citizen trust and satisfaction through reliable, timely interventions. Automating Licensing and Legal Services The Legislative Intelligence Office maps national legislation, integrates it with real-time economic data and court rulings, and suggests amendments accordingly. This could cut legislative drafting time by up to 70%. Additionally, the UAE is rolling out AI legal advisors and bots that guide citizens through family law and other legal processes. The country is also benchmarking against global standards by linking to international policy research centres. These tools are helping the government stay agile, ensure legal consistency, and improve public access to justice. AI-Powered Virtual Employees Supporting Citizens 'Aisha' is a generative AI assistant deployed by the Ministry of Justice to offer legal advice, draft applications, and answer court-related queries using an extensive legal database. Stationed in courts, Aisha interacts with both the public and legal professionals. Aisha can also write requests, generate audio and visual content, and provide case-based advice informed by millions of historical cases, far beyond the experience of any individual legal practitioner. Companies like Shaffra deploy AI employees to handle repetitive tasks such as data entry, reporting, and customer queries, freeing up human teams for strategic, high-impact work. Some clients report up to a 40% increase in output and improved employee satisfaction. By embedding AI into its very core, the UAE government isn't just adopting technology; it is reimagining governance. The country stands as a regional leader in digital public services, setting benchmarks in efficiency, innovation, and citizen satisfaction.
Gulf Business
20 hours ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
Must know: 6 ways that the UAE is using AI to serve its people
Image credit: Supplied Artificial intelligence is at the heart of the UAE's government modernisation agenda. AI is projected to contribute nearly 14 per cent of the UAE's GDP by 2030, according to global estimates, and the nation is acting swiftly to unlock its full potential. The following six areas exemplify how the UAE government is already putting AI to work to reshape public services. Read- 1. Virtual assistants for round-the-clock public support AI-powered virtual assistants are increasingly present on government platforms, handling a wide range of citizen queries. These bots use natural language processing and machine learning to deliver instant, 24/7 support. From helping residents navigate forms to answering real-time questions, these tools reduce wait times and improve user satisfaction. Chatbots and avatars are active across various government ministries, streamlining service delivery and enabling human staff to focus on more complex, value-added issues. 2. Metaverse-based government offices In a regional first, the Ministry of Economy has launched a fully interactive metaverse office—a virtual replica of its headquarters in Abu Dhabi. Through this platform, users can attend meetings, network, and even sign legally binding documents, all from remote locations. This initiative combines convenience with innovation. Virtual ticketing, avatar-based interactions, and audio-enabled services create a next-generation user experience that showcases the UAE's commitment to accessible, always-on governance. 3. AI in urban planning and infrastructure development Dubai Municipality is deploying AI tools such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and geospatial analytics to revolutionize urban planning. These technologies enable smarter resource allocation, greener building design, and enhanced sustainability outcomes. By using AI to cut design times by up to 40 per cent and improve efficiency by 35 per cent, the municipality is leading the way in AI-driven city building. These efforts align with national sustainability goals and position Dubai as a model for smart infrastructure globally. 4. Predictive analytics for smarter service delivery The Digital Dubai Authority has pioneered data governance frameworks that underpin predictive AI models. These models analyze vast datasets to anticipate public service demands—from traffic flow to healthcare requirements—and guide real-time decisions. By moving from reactive to proactive governance, AI enables more effective resource distribution and personalized citizen engagement, thereby increasing trust in public services. 5. Automation of licensing and legal services The UAE's Legislative Intelligence Office is using AI to map national laws, monitor court rulings, and recommend legislative updates in real time. This could reduce policy drafting timelines by as much as 70 per cent. AI legal bots are also becoming increasingly accessible to the public. From helping residents navigate family law to linking with global legal standards, these tools ensure improved access to justice and more agile regulatory responses. 6. AI-Powered virtual employees supporting the judiciary 'Aisha', a generative AI assistant developed by the Ministry of Justice, is setting a new standard for legal support. It provides real-time legal advice, drafts court applications, and even generates multimedia explanations based on a deep legal knowledge base. Stationed in courts, Aisha supports both legal professionals and the public. Meanwhile, private companies such as Shaffra are deploying virtual employees to handle tasks like data entry and customer service, improving output and job satisfaction across sectors. 'Some clients report a 40 per cent increase in output after implementing AI solutions,' says Alfred Manasseh, COO & co-founder of Shaffra. UAE on its way to become a global leader in AI The United Arab Emirates has made its ambition clear: to become a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) by 2031. This vision, outlined in the national AI Strategy, is not merely aspirational—it is backed by structured initiatives, concrete objectives, and a robust multi-stakeholder approach to implementation. Aligned with the UAE Centennial 2071 vision, which aims to position the nation as the best country in the world by its 100th anniversary, the AI Strategy is a cornerstone of long-term national transformation. The UAE's multinational, tech-forward population forms a strong foundation for this transformation. As early adopters of emerging technologies, the country's communities are well-positioned to support, pilot, and scale AI innovations, attracting global talent to conduct research and drive implementation on UAE soil. 8 strategic pillars driving the UAE AI strategy The AI Strategy outlines eight core objectives that guide implementation across sectors: Build a reputation as an AI destination: Establish the UAE as a hub for AI development, research, and innovation. Increase competitive edge in key sectors: Apply AI to boost productivity and global competitiveness in priority industries. Create a fertile AI ecosystem: Encourage entrepreneurship, research collaboration, and innovation through enabling environments. Enhance customer services with AI: Leverage AI to improve citizen experiences and government efficiency. Attract and train AI talent: Develop a future-ready workforce capable of thriving in an AI-driven job market. Advance research collaborations: Link world-class AI research to the needs of critical national industries. B uild supporting infrastructure and data systems: Provide accessible data and smart infrastructure to test, scale, and refine AI solutions. Ensure strong governance and regulation: Uphold ethical AI practices with clear laws, data privacy standards, and regulatory oversight. Economic Impact: AI as a regional powerhouse According to a The Middle East is expected to claim approximately 2 per cent of this global AI dividend, equivalent to $320 billion by 2030. Notably, the UAE and Saudi Arabia are leading the regional AI charge: Saudi Arabia is projected to accrue $135.2bn in AI-related gains, accounting for 4 per cent of its GDP. The UAE is expected to see the largest relative impact, with AI contributing nearly 14 per cent of its 2030 GDP. This impressive growth—estimated at 20–34 per cent annually—is fueled by substantial investment in AI R&D, innovation infrastructure, and public-private collaboration. Both countries rank in the top 50 globally on the Global Innovation Index, a reflection of their focused efforts to become future-ready economies through advanced technologies. Looking ahead: A region poised for disruption AI is not just transforming how governments function—it's disrupting entire markets and reshaping business models. The current wave of digitization is only the beginning. With AI in play, tomorrow's regional leaders may be startups or companies that don't yet exist today. By setting a strong strategic foundation, the UAE is seizing its moment in the AI revolution. With the right nurturing, public policy, and innovation support, the nation could unlock even greater economic returns and establish itself as a global model for AI-driven transformation. In a world where technological evolution is constant, the UAE's proactive, inclusive, and far-sighted approach to AI stands as a bold blueprint for others to follow.
What's On
2 days ago
- General
- What's On
Dubai is looking a lot greener after this Dhs190 million makeover
While Dubai is best known for its skyscrapers and desert dunes, its green spaces are quickly becoming a standout feature. This is all thanks to the Dubai Municipality, who are placing an importance on the Green Dubai initiative – one that aims to make Dubai more green and beautiful in line with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. The Dubai Municipality completed a series of landscaping and afforestation projects across major intersections and roadways in Dubai during the first half of the year. The entire project was valued at Dhs190 million. The green makeover spanned several locations including the intersection of Al Khail Road with Latifa bint Hamdan Street; the intersection of Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Street with Tripoli Street; Sheikh Rashid Street from the junction with Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street to Al Mina Road; Sheikh Zayed Road from the 7th Interchange (entry point to Dubai from Abu Dhabi); and Al Khawaneej Street at the intersection with Al Amardi Street. Over 300,000 trees and seedlings were planted along with over 222,000 square metres of ground covers and flowers. It includes the incorporation of smart, sustainable irrigating systems with underground pumps. It is connected to remote-controlled networks, enabling real-time monitoring and water-use efficiency to ensure sustainability – a very important factor for the UAE. Dubai green project – Dubai Municipality Native trees were selected, including sidr, ghaf, and neem, alongside ornamental varieties including chorisia, washingtonia, royal poinciana, millingtonia, albizia, and bougainvillea. Speaking on the project, His Excellency Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality said the new project forms part of the municipality's ongoing efforts to enhance the urban and aesthetic appeal of Dubai and increase the sustainability and attractiveness of public spaces. It also supports the urban environment pillar of Dubai's Quality of Life Strategy 2033. He added, 'Our aim is to reinforce Dubai's distinctive urban and aesthetic identity and solidify its position as a leading sustainable global city. We seek to offer a vibrant and healthy living environment that upholds the highest standards of quality of life for residents and visitors while maintaining a harmonious balance between the urban, architectural, and environmental landscape.' The landscaping project also adds a more colorful aesthetic touch to the city's unique urban design. The intersection of Al Khail Road and Latifa bint Hamdan Street is also fitted with vertical lighting inspired by traditional Arab architecture. The lights integrate with the landscape design and can change colour to mark national occasions. What is Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan? In 2021, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai announced the 'Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan' which mapped out a comprehensive future map for sustainable urban development in the city. It is in alignment with the UAE's vision for the next 50 years, with a focus on enhancing people's happiness and quality of life. When speaking on the project, the Ruler of Dubai stated, 'Our goal is for Dubai to be the best city for life in the world.' Read more here. Images: Dubai Municipality > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Filipino Times
2 days ago
- General
- Filipino Times
Dubai completes AED 190M greening projects; over 300K plants added
Dubai Municipality has completed five major landscaping and beautification projects across the city, amounting to AED 190 million, covering 3 million square meters. The locations of the completed projects include the intersection of Al Khail Road with Latifa bint Hamdan Street and the intersection of Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Street with Tripoli Street. Other areas include Sheikh Rashid Street to Al Mina Road, the Dubai entrance from Abu Dhabi along Sheikh Zayed Road, and the Al Khawaneej–Al Amardi Street intersection. Over 300,000 trees and seedlings were planted, along with more than 222,000 square meters of ground covers and flowers. Smart irrigation systems were also introduced, using underground pumps and remote control technology to save water and space. According to the Municipality, these sustainable designs and systems will help the city stay cooler and greener, especially in public areas. 'We seek to offer a vibrant and healthy living environment that upholds the highest standards of quality of life for residents and visitors, while maintaining a harmonious balance between the urban, architectural, and environmental landscape,' Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, said. This supports the Green Dubai initiative and the 2040 Urban Master Plan. By early 2025, the city had more than 5.5 million trees and seedlings and nearly 9 million square meters of green areas. In 2024 alone, the Municipality planted an average of 600 trees per day to expand green spaces across the emirate.
