Latest news with #Vision2071
Zawya
26-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Gensler launches City Pulse 2025
New data from 33,000 residents worldwide reveals how cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi can turn attraction into long-term loyalty Based on insights from 33,000 residents in 65 cities across six continents, including deep participation in Dubai and Abu Dhabi Attraction and retention are not the same. Cities must understand both to ensure long-term vitality. Place attachment is a resilience strategy. Emotional connection keeps residents rooted, even when affordability or services fluctuate. The future-ready city isn't the most built, it's the most connected. Community, identity, and belonging drive urban success. Dubai, United Arab Emirates — Gensler, the global architecture, design, and planning firm, has released its City Pulse 2025 report, a global study first on urban migration and place attachment. Based on insights from 33,000 residents in 65 cities across six continents, including deep participation in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the report provides city leaders with a people-first alternative to traditional city rankings. The survey reveals that while cities in the UAE top global charts in satisfaction, future growth will require deeper investment in community, identity, and belonging to retain residents over the long term. Tim Martin, Co-Managing Director & Principal at Gensler Middle East, said: 'UAE cities are some of the most admired globally for their quality of infrastructure and ambition. But as we look to the future, especially with Vision 2071 and 'We the UAE 2031' in mind, the challenge is not just to attract talent, but to root it. Long-term city vitality will depend on how emotionally connected residents feel, to their neighborhoods, to public life and to the idea of staying for decades.' City Pulse: A New Framework for Measuring Urban Vitality City Pulse 2025 is the first global index to frame cities as emotional ecosystems, not just economic engines. It offers an alternative lens for assessing city performance, one focused on how people feel about where they live, rather than simply what services are provided. In an era shaped by climate risk, affordability pressures, and demographic shifts, the study presents a new framework for understanding how cities can attract, and more importantly, retain people over the long term. The findings reaffirm that attraction and retention are not the same. While many cities are successful in drawing new residents with jobs, safety, and amenities, the factors that lead to people staying are different, driven by emotional connection, belonging, and place attachment. The study also reinforces Gensler's commitment to impact-led, city-scale urban design that is informed by robust research into what residents actually want from their cities. Through this work, Gensler aims to support city leaders and planners in shaping communities that are resilient, connected, and future-ready. Dubai and Abu Dhabi Rank Among the Most Satisfying Cities Worldwide According to the survey, 91% of Dubai residents and 92% of Abu Dhabi residents say they are 'satisfied' or 'very satisfied' with their city - among the highest satisfaction scores globally. In comparison, satisfaction in London stands at 76%, Tokyo at 63%, and New York at 69%. Yet satisfaction alone does not ensure retention. The City Pulse 2025 report reveals that the strongest predictors of residents staying long-term include feelings of pride, joy, and a sense of home. In contrast, practical aspects such as healthcare quality or job opportunities ranked much lower in determining whether people choose to stay. Affordability and Belonging Are the Next Frontiers While UAE residents value safety, infrastructure, and opportunity, affordability is emerging as a key consideration, mirroring global concerns. The report identifies cost of living as the single most important factor globally when deciding to move to a new city. For the UAE, this is particularly relevant as the country continues its efforts to attract and retain global talent under national frameworks like the Golden Visa and UAE's Talent Pass. As competition intensifies, offering a compelling value proposition, both economic and emotional, will be essential. Tim Martin added: "If the last two decades were about building world-class infrastructure, the next era must be about building world-class belonging. A truly magnetic city is one people don't just move to, it's one they stay in, raise families in, and feel deeply connected to. That's the opportunity for the UAE." To explore the full global report, visit: About Gensler At Gensler, the value of our work stems from its positive impact on the human experience. We are a dynamic and collaborative design firm uniting creativity, research, and innovation to solve complex problems for our clients. Our work challenges conventional ideas about architecture and the built environment. We aren't just designing buildings — we are reimagining cities and places that make a difference in people's lives. Founded in 1965, Gensler has built a team of 6,000 professionals who partner with clients in over 100 countries each year. Everything we do is guided by our mission: to create a better world through the power of design. About the Gensler Research Institute The Gensler Research Institute is dedicated to advancing knowledge on the relationship between design, business performance, and human experience. Through global studies and local insight, the Institute provides strategies that drive impact in a fast-changing world. Media Contact: Rochelle Alphonso rochelle@
Al Etihad
22-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi ranks second globally in resident satisfaction
22 May 2025 20:59 KHALED AL KHAWALDEH (ABU DHABI) Abu Dhabi has emerged as one of the world's most admired cities, ranking second globally in resident satisfaction, according to Gensler's newly released City Pulse 2025 findings. The report aims to provide an alternative metric for measuring emotional connection alongside factors like liveability and economic City Pulse 2025 report — based on insights from over 33,000 residents across 65 cities on six continents — found that 92% of Abu Dhabi residents were 'satisfied' or 'very satisfied' with their city, the second highest after Shanghai. Dubai ranked fourth with a score of 91%. 'UAE cities are some of the most admired globally for their quality of infrastructure and ambition,' said Tim Martin, Co-Managing Director and Principal at Gensler Middle East. Finding a Sense of Home Gensler's analysis suggests that satisfaction alone does not equate to loyalty. Residents are most likely to stay in places that not only provide top-class amenities but also those that foster strong emotional ties, including joy, pride, and a sense of home.'If the last two decades were about building world-class infrastructure, the next era must be about building world-class belonging,' Martin added. 'A truly magnetic city is one people don't just move to — it's one they stay in, raise families in, and feel deeply connected to. That's the opportunity for the UAE.'Martin said this insight is especially relevant for Abu Dhabi as it aligns with national strategies like 'We the UAE 2031 and Vision 2071', both of which aim emphasise human-centric growth and talent retention. He highlighted that the country had already taken proactive steps through Golden Visa programmes and innovation clusters designed to attract global talent. Gensler's report frames cities not just as economic engines but as 'emotional ecosystems.'Their findings show that one in three people globally is considering leaving their city, and the most important factor keeping them rooted isn't job opportunities or public services — it's whether they feel emotionally at its success, Martin cautioned that Abu Dhabi was not immune to global trends. The report highlights affordability as the top global factor influencing residents' decisions to move. With rising living costs, even cities with high satisfaction scores must address economic inclusion to maintain long-term appeal, the report said. Gensler said that for Abu Dhabi, this means expanding beyond traditional infrastructure metrics and investing in community cohesion, accessible housing, and inclusive design that invites all residents to participate in city life.'As we look to the future, especially with Vision 2071 and 'We the UAE 2031' in mind, the challenge is not just to attract talent, but to root it,' Martin said. 'Long-term city vitality will depend on how emotionally connected residents feel, to their neighbourhoods, to public life and to the idea of staying for decades.'
Al Etihad
17-03-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Rabdan Academy first higher education institution in UAE to earn Validated by EFQM Certificate
17 Mar 2025 17:08 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Rabdan Academy has been awarded the Institutional Excellence Certificate by the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM), becoming the first higher education institution in the UAE to achieve this distinguished milestone reflects the academy's deep commitment to excellence, continuous improvement, and global best practices. By implementing the EFQM Excellence Model, Rabdan Academy has strengthened its approach to institutional development, ensuring long-term impact and sustainable Excellency James Anthony Morse, President of Rabdan Academy, said: 'The academy's receipt of this prestigious certificate reflects its unwavering commitment to institutional excellence across all its operations. It highlights the tireless efforts made to achieve its strategic aspirations as a leading educational, training and research institution, providing an integrated academic and professional environment for individuals and organisations, and delivering added value to its students and partners.'Rabdan Academy is committed to providing an exceptional educational experience through its dual learning system, which seamlessly integrates academic and professional components within a dynamic, interactive environment. This approach spans key areas such as safety, security, defence, emergency preparedness and crisis management, all in alignment with the highest standards of quality and institutional excellence. It not only enhances the academy's reputation locally and internationally but also solidifies its position as a trusted partner in its fields of expertise.'Earning the EFQM certification reinforces Rabdan Academy's role in supporting the UAE's national strategies by preparing highly skilled professionals for future challenges. It also reflects the academy's commitment to building sustainable partnerships that enhance education, training and research—contributing to the UAE Vision 2071 for a safer and more resilient evaluation report commended the academy for achieving advanced levels in various areas, including institutional innovation, partnership development, operational process improvement and efficiency enhancement. It also praised the academy's ability to implement continuous improvement using the RADAR methodology, ensuring sustainable and tangible long-term the Validated by EFQM certification, Rabdan Academy is poised to continue its journey towards achieving the highest standards of institutional excellence. The academy plans to enhance its use of digital analytics, develop performance indicators, and expand the application of best global practices. Rabdan Academy aims to focus on innovation and increase its investments in scientific research and development to ensure sustained excellence and strengthen its position as a leading Emirati educational institution both locally and globally. This achievement follows Rabdan Academy's recent success in the QS Stars global university rating, where it received the highest 5-star rating in six main categories: education, facilities, employability, global engagement, academic development, and governance. This marks a significant improvement in four new categories compared to the 2022 evaluation results.
Express Tribune
24-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Dubai introduces AI system for quicker, easier visa renewals
Listen to article The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai has introduced a new artificial intelligence platform, 'Salama,' aimed at revolutionising the efficiency and accessibility of residency services. The announcement was made during the Fourth Annual Media Council, held under the theme "Media Vision Shaping the Future," and attended by senior officials, including Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA Dubai. Salama is designed to simplify the residency process for individuals, offering a fast, seamless platform to manage residency-related tasks. Through the platform, users can renew or cancel residency permits, make payments, and complete other transactions without the need for traditional paperwork. This AI-powered system aims to support the UAE's Vision 2071 and Dubai's broader Digital Transformation Strategy, aligning with the government's goal of providing more accessible and efficient services. Lieutenant General Al Marri highlighted the platform's role in redefining government services. 'Digital transformation is not just about building services; it's about improving customer experiences, government performance, and fulfilling the leadership's goal of accessible services,' he said. The Salama platform is tailored to meet the needs of residents by offering features like quick responses to visa inquiries and facilitating transactions without requiring visits to service centres. Future developments will extend the platform's capabilities to support companies as well. Colonel Khalid bin Madia Al Falasi, Assistant Director General of the Digital Services Affairs Sector at GDRFA Dubai, elaborated on the platform's advanced capabilities, saying, 'The launch of Salama marks a shift in how users engage with government services.' He added that the AI system uses sophisticated algorithms to provide quick, accurate services, processing requests in just seconds. Currently available for individuals, the Salama platform offers services primarily for renewing or cancelling residency permits, with plans to expand to include company-related services in the future. The service is accessible through smart channels and UAE Pass, making it easy for users to complete tasks. During the forum, a live demonstration showed how quickly users can renew residency permits; one applicant completed the process in just a few seconds. Once logged in, the system automatically recognises the user's data, displays details of dependents, and offers an easy renewal process. After selecting the renewal option and making payment, the renewed permit is sent directly to the user's registered email. The platform supports more than 40 languages, with more to be added in the future. Each transaction takes only 10-20 seconds, providing a faster, user-friendly service. Through Salama, residents can now renew visas in record time, enhancing convenience and efficiency in Dubai's residency services.
