Latest news with #ExecutiveCouncilofDubai
Gulf Today
25-07-2025
- Health
- Gulf Today
Hamdan launches ‘Dubai Mallathon' to transform shopping malls into fitness hubs
Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, on Thursday launched Dubai Mallathon, a community-driven initiative aimed at promoting public health by encouraging all members of society to engage in daily physical activity during the summer. The initiative is set to transform shopping malls across Dubai into organised health and fitness tracks during morning hours, from 7:00 to 10:00am, from Aug.1 to 31. As part of the initiative, dedicated walking and running tracks will be introduced in seven of Dubai's major shopping destinations, including Dubai Mall, Dubai Hills Mall, Springs Souk, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, Mall of the Emirates, and Dubai Marina Mall. Dubai Mallathon is aligned with the goals of the Year of Community, the Dubai Social Agenda 33, and Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 33, which aim to provide the highest standards of living, residential services, and cultural and sporting events while celebrating the UAE's cultural, architectural and environmental heritage. Sheikh Hamdan said Dubai seeks to set new global benchmarks in wellbeing by making fitness an integral part of daily life. Through meaningful initiatives that bring the community together, the city aims to foster a sense of connection, encourage healthier lifestyles, and create a more vibrant, supportive social life, he added. "With the Dubai Mallathon, we're turning familiar spaces into places that inspire movement, connection, and better habits. "We want everyone in Dubai to feel they can stay active and energised in welcoming spaces built with their needs in mind. This reflects our broader commitment to placing people and families at the heart of our development plans.' He encouraged the public to take part in the Dubai Mallathon, describing it as a simple and accessible way to embrace healthier habits and engage with the community."Every step you take moves us closer towards a healthier Dubai,' he said. "This is a shared journey. We are all partners in transforming our city into the world's best place to live, work, and visit.' Sponsored by the Ministry of Defence and held in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council, the Dubai Mallathon initiative targets all segments of society, including youth, senior citizens, residents, children, and shopping mall to foster an active lifestyle in a supportive setting, the initiative incorporates motivational tools such as fitness-tracking systems, health awareness stations, dedicated children's areas, and guided stretching exercises. This community-driven experience not only encourages participation but also raises awareness about the importance of a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. Dubai Mallathon also seeks to make the most of the vast, underutilised indoor spaces in major malls by transforming them into safe and dynamic sporting environments. This approach offers a practical solution to the challenges of summer heat. With air-conditioned spaces and advanced infrastructure, shopping malls provide an ideal setting for exercise, removing the barrier of extreme heat and encouraging residents to maintain their physical fitness year-round. The initiative also features the 'Walk for Better Health' programme, organised by Dubai's Community Development Authority in collaboration with malls in the emirate. Participation in Dubai Mallathon is free of charge and can be completed by registering through the official website: Upon registration, participants will receive a digital card confirming their enrolment in the initiative. Dubai Mallathon also features collaborations with restaurants and retail outlets, which will offer special deals that align with the initiative's goals of promoting a balanced and active lifestyle, encouraging better nutritional choices and supporting individuals in adopting long-term, sustainable healthy habits. WAM
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
New marriage leave policy in Dubai: What Emirati government employees need to know
To qualify for Dubai's new marriage leave, employees must marry a UAE citizen and submit a certified post-2024 marriage contract/ Image generated using AI for illustrative and creative purposes TL;DR Emirati government employees in Dubai get 10 working days of paid marriage leave. The leave applies only if the spouse is also a UAE citizen. A certified marriage contract dated after Dec 31, 2024 is required. Leave is flexible, can be split or combined with other leave. Policy takes effect from January 1, 2025. In a move that reflects the UAE's ongoing efforts to support its citizens' quality of life and family values, a new decree issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, grants 10 working days of fully paid marriage leave to Emirati employees working in various government sectors across Dubai. The decree introduces clear eligibility criteria, flexible usage options, and broad applicability across different government and semi-government entities. The policy, which takes effect from January 1, 2025, focus on employee wellbeing, work-life balance, and support for strong family foundations, aligning with wider national goals around social cohesion and citizen happiness. Who the Marriage Leave Applies To The decree, officially titled Decree No. (31) of 2025, applies specifically to UAE nationals employed in various sectors of the Dubai government ecosystem. This includes: Government departments in the Emirate of Dubai Judicial authorities Military personnel (excluding candidates) Employees working in free zones and special development zones Institutions such as the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Additionally, the scope may be expanded in the future to cover other categories, subject to approval by the Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai. The decree also provides for the issuance of further implementation decisions by the Executive Council to facilitate its rollout across entities. Eligibility and Conditions To qualify for marriage leave, Emirati employees must meet specific eligibility conditions as outlined in the decree: Completion of Probation: The employee must have successfully completed the probation period, as defined under their organization's human resources regulations. Marriage to a UAE Citizen: The marriage must be to a UAE national, reinforcing the decree's focus on supporting Emirati families. Marriage Date Criteria: The marriage contract must be: Certified by a competent authority within the UAE Dated after December 31, 2024 Documentation: A certified copy of the marriage contract must be submitted only once when applying for the leave. How the Leave Can Be Used The decree provides flexibility in how employees can use their marriage leave: The leave may be taken all at once or in separate parts. It must be used within one year from the date of the marriage. It can be combined with other leave types, as per the HR policies of the respective employer. If the employee is unable to take the leave due to national or reserve service, the unused portion may be: Deferred and used within one year after returning to work. Extended, if military personnel are called to duty during the leave period. Additionally, if an employee transfers to another government department, their unused marriage leave is preserved and remains valid under the new department. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More Undo Salary, Leave Protection, and Exceptions During the marriage leave period, eligible employees will receive their full gross salary, which includes not just base pay but also all allowances and financial benefits specified under their organization's HR rules. The decree makes it clear that employees on marriage leave cannot be recalled to duty, except in the case of military personnel whose services may be required. In exceptional situations, where personal circumstances prevent an employee from taking their leave within the year, they may request a deferral to the following year. This is subject to approval by their direct supervisor, and the reasons provided must be valid and compelling. The decree overrides any previous legislation that conflicts with its provisions and is slated for publication in the Official Gazette to ensure legal clarity and public accessibility. The Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai is tasked with issuing all necessary decisions to operationalize the new policy across applicable entities. FAQs: Q. Who is eligible for the marriage leave? Only UAE national employees working in Dubai government entities, including free zones and the judiciary. Q. When does the policy come into effect? The policy is effective starting January 1, 2025. Q. Is the leave paid? Yes, the leave is fully paid, including all salary allowances and benefits. Q. Can I take the leave in parts? Yes, you can take it all at once or in separate parts within one year of marriage. Q. What documents are needed to apply? A certified marriage contract dated after December 31, 2024, must be submitted once when applying.
Hi Dubai
30-06-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Hamdan bin Mohammed Approves Strategic Policies to Boost Dubai's Global Competitiveness
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, has approved a series of new strategic policies and development projects aimed at strengthening Dubai's role as a global hub for education, innovation, sustainability, and governance. Chaired by Sheikh Hamdan, The Executive Council of Dubai approved wide-ranging initiatives during its latest meeting at Emirates Towers. These include policies focused on higher education, career guidance, air quality, corporate dispute resolution, and construction governance — all aligned with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Education Strategy 2033. The Council endorsed a major project to attract top global universities, aiming to position Dubai among the world's top 10 student destinations by 2033. The initiative targets having international students make up 50% of total enrolments, with the higher education sector expected to contribute AED5.6 billion to Dubai's GDP. An Academic and Career Guidance Policy was also approved to support students in making informed career decisions. Led by the KHDA, the policy sets key targets including 90% employment for Emirati graduates within six months of graduation and enhanced collaboration between schools, universities, and employers. To further bolster Dubai's legal and business environment, the Council greenlit the Dubai International Mediation Centre, designed to offer globally recognised, cost-efficient dispute resolution services and attract foreign investment. Environmental sustainability was another key focus, with the approval of the Air Quality Strategy 2030. The plan aims to ensure 90% of days meet clean air standards by the end of the decade, with targeted reductions in major pollutants. Lastly, the Governance Policy for Government Construction Projects was introduced to standardise processes, boost transparency, and optimise public spending. The policy supports Dubai's ambition to raise government investments to AED700 billion over the next decade. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Dubai's ambitious education reforms: New student visas, scholarships, jobs for 90% of graduates; vision 2033
The recent Executive Council meeting in Dubai, approved reforms on student visas, scholarships, graduate jobs, air quality, construction governance, and international mediation under Vision 2033/ Image: DXB media office In a pivotal meeting of the Executive Council of Dubai, chaired by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister, a comprehensive set of new policies was approved to reshape the emirate's education, environment, legal framework, and infrastructure governance. Aimed at achieving Dubai's strategic goals for 2030 and 2033, the initiatives include expanded student visas, employment pathways for 90% of graduates, clean air targets, and the launch of an international mediation centre, marking a bold step in Dubai's long-term vision for innovation, sustainability, and global competitiveness. Bold New Vision for Education and Youth Empowerment Dubai has introduced a sweeping set of policies that mark a transformative shift in the emirate's education and development landscape. These initiatives, approved by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister, aim to: Attract global talent through enhanced student visa systems Provide international scholarships Guarantee that 90% of students secure suitable employment after graduation 'Youth are the architects of the future, shaping it with their awareness, optimism, and openness to the world,' said Sheikh Hamdan. 'Dubai continues to empower young people with knowledge and skills, providing them with world-class academic, practical, and research opportunities. Our goal is to make Dubai a destination for outstanding students from around the world and an incubator for innovation.' By 2033, the emirate intends for international students to make up 50% of its total university enrolment. Today, Dubai is home to 37 international university branches, and it plans to host over 70 higher education institutions, including 11 universities ranked in the global top 200, by that target year. Notable universities already operating in Dubai include: Curtin University Dubai and University of Wollongong in Dubai, both in the QS World University Rankings 2026 Top 200 University of Birmingham Dubai, ranked among the top 100 international universities University of Manchester Dubai, placed in the global top 50 Led by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the higher education enhancement strategy is expected to contribute Dh5.6 billion to Dubai's GDP. To realize this, authorities are rolling out: Upgraded student and graduate visa systems New work visas for graduates Enhanced international scholarship programmes Targeted efforts to attract prestigious universities Development of university clusters Strengthened regulatory frameworks Launch of a Higher Education Investment Fund Formation of the Dubai Scientific Research Network Employment-Driven Academic Reforms A major highlight of the reforms is the Academic and Career Guidance Policy, which aims to streamline the transition from education to employment. This new policy, also led by KHDA, targets the following milestones: 90% of Emirati graduates employed within six months of graduation 80% of educational institutions to provide effective career guidance services 70% of students to secure admission or jobs aligned with their top three choices The policy is central to achieving the goals of the broader Education Strategy 2033, and it encompasses: Clear career guidance guidelines for schools and universities Parental and student engagement initiatives Integrated career information platforms Entrepreneurship programmes and life skills camps Strategic partnerships with local and international accredited universities and training institutes Environmental Goals and Public Health Initiatives Parallel to the educational and economic strategies, Dubai has launched the Air Quality Strategy 2030, an ambitious plan to improve air quality and safeguard public health. The strategy aims for Dubai to meet clean air standards on 90% of days by 2030, by: Cutting PM2.5 concentrations to 35 micrograms per cubic metre Reducing other pollutants like carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and ground-level ozone This initiative is led by the Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority, with support from a wide array of agencies, including: Dubai Municipality Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Dubai Airports Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation DP World Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology Emirates Global Aluminium Legal and Infrastructure Reforms to Support Growth Dubai International Mediation Centre Project This new project reinforces the emirate's role in international legal affairs, providing cost-effective, efficient, and globally recognised dispute resolution services. Co-developed by the Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department and ADR Centre, a prominent European mediation institution, the centre is expected to: Enhance investor confidence Attract foreign direct investment Create jobs in mediation and arbitration Boost Dubai's standing in global competitiveness indices, especially in alternative dispute resolution Governance Policy for Government Construction Projects Also approved during the Executive Council meeting was a new governance framework for construction projects, led by the Dubai Department of Finance. It will: Introduce a three-tiered categorisation for projects: Below Dh200 million Dh200–500 million Above Dh500 million Standardise and streamline planning and approvals Improve fiscal efficiency and transparency Support the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 goal of growing government spending from Dh512 billion (past decade) to Dh700 billion (next decade) Establish a five-year project portfolio to prioritise impactful developments
Dubai Eye
27-06-2025
- Business
- Dubai Eye
Dubai unveils policies to boost education, environmental standards
The Executive Council of Dubai has approved a series of strategic policies and projects aimed at strengthening the emirate's position as a global hub for education, business and sustainable development. These initiatives cover a wide range of sectors including higher education, career guidance, air quality, corporate dispute mediation and construction sector governance. The approvals came during a meeting of The Executive Council, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and the UAE's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence. Sheikh Hamdan highlighted the importance of empowering youth, stating that Dubai continues to invest in world-class academic and research opportunities. He noted that the emirate is home to 37 international university branches, with plans to attract more as part of the Education Strategy 2033 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. His Highness also congratulated students who completed their secondary education this year and wished success to those continuing their studies or beginning their careers. Among the key announcements: Academic and Career Guidance Policy: A new framework to support schools and universities in delivering career counselling, helping students transition from education to employment while fostering links with the business sector. Dubai International Mediation Centre: An initiative to position Dubai as a trusted global hub for corporate dispute resolution. Air Quality Strategy 2030: Aimed at protecting the environment and biodiversity while improving quality of life for residents. Governance Policy for Government Construction Projects: Designed to strengthen public-private partnerships and raise standards in government-led construction. Hamdan bin Mohammed approves an array of key strategic policies and projects during a meeting of The Executive Council. The initiatives spanning areas such as higher education, career guidance, air quality, corporate dispute mediation, and governance in the construction sector… — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) June 26, 2025
