The UAE government today announced the establishment of a significant new fund aimed at boosting the artificial intelligence (AI) sector across the Emirates. Launched under the umbrella of the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, the multi-billion dirham fund is designed to provide crucial seed and growth funding to both local and international AI startups looking to establish or expand their presence in the UAE.The initiative is part of the UAE's broader strategy to become a global leader in AI and digital technology. The fund will offer more than just financial support; it will also provide startups with access to mentorship programmes, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and collaboration opportunities with leading research institutions and corporations within the UAE.Officials stated that the fund will focus on attracting startups working on cutting-edge AI applications across various sectors including healthcare, finance, energy, and logistics. The goal is to accelerate the development and deployment of AI technologies that can contribute to economic diversification, create high-skilled jobs, and enhance the quality of life for residents. Applications for the first round of funding are expected to open in late summer 2025.- Headline: Global Music Fest Announced- Short Description: Mega international music festival confirmed for Dubai later this year. Tickets on sale soon! Get ready.- Long Description: Music lovers in the UAE have reason to celebrate with the official announcement today of a major international music festival set to take place in Dubai. While the full lineup is yet to be revealed, organisers have confirmed that the festival will feature a diverse array of global superstars across multiple genres, promising something for everyone.The event is scheduled for late November 2025 and will be held at a purpose-built outdoor venue near Expo City Dubai, designed to accommodate tens of thousands of attendees each day. This festival aims to further cement Dubai's position as a premier global entertainment destination.Early bird tickets are expected to go on sale within the next few weeks, with details on pricing and ticket outlets to be released shortly. The announcement has already generated significant buzz online, with fans speculating about which major artists might be headlining. The festival is anticipated to attract a large number of tourists, providing a boost to the local hospitality and tourism sectors. Residents are advised to secure their tickets early due to expected high demand.- Headline: New Metro Expansion Ready- Short Description: Latest phase of Dubai Metro expansion completed and operational from today, May 31. Improves connectivity.- Long Description: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai today announced the successful completion and immediate operational launch of the latest phase of the Dubai Metro expansion project. As of May 31, 2025, several new stations and extensions are now open to the public, significantly enhancing connectivity to previously underserved areas.This phase specifically extends the Green Line further into the Academic City and Dubai Silicon Oasis areas, adding three new stations: Innovation Hub, University District, and Silicon Park. The extension aims to provide easier access to educational institutions, residential communities, and business parks, reducing reliance on private transport and alleviating traffic congestion in these growing areas.The new stations feature state-of-the-art facilities, including retail outlets, prayer rooms, and improved accessibility for people of determination. Integrated bus routes will connect the new stations to surrounding neighbourhoods. The RTA highlighted that this expansion is a crucial step in realising Dubai's vision for a fully integrated and sustainable public transportation network, encouraging more residents and visitors to use the metro for their daily commute. Schedules and route maps have been updated online and at all metro stations.- Headline: Golden Visa Criteria Tweaked- Short Description: Minor adjustments made to Golden Visa criteria for certain categories. Aimed at attracting specific talents.- Long Description: The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) today announced minor updates to the eligibility criteria for specific categories under the UAE's Golden Visa residency program. The changes, effective from May 31, 2025, are part of the government's ongoing effort to attract and retain top global talent and investors in key sectors critical to the UAE's future growth.The adjustments primarily affect the criteria for specialised talents in fields such as digital technology, healthcare research, and environmental science. While specific details are being published on the ICP's official website, preliminary information suggests slight modifications to required qualifications, minimum income thresholds for certain professionals, and potentially new pathways for entrepreneurs in specific high-priority industries.The Golden Visa program, which offers long-term residency visas of up to 10 years, has been highly popular since its introduction. These updates are intended to make the program even more attractive to individuals who can significantly contribute to the UAE's knowledge-based economy and innovation ecosystem. Applicants are advised to consult the official ICP website for the precise details of the updated requirements for their specific category.- Headline: Major Solar Park Phase Ready- Short Description: Key phase of the world's largest solar park in Dubai completed, adding significant capacity.- Long Description: DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) today announced a major milestone in the development of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the world's largest single-site solar park. Phase 5 of the park, which utilises the latest solar photovoltaic bifacial technologies with single-axis tracking, has been successfully completed and is now fully operational as of May 31, 2025.This phase adds a substantial 900 megawatts (MW) to the park's total capacity, bringing it closer to its target of 5,000 MW by 2030. The completion of Phase 5 significantly boosts Dubai's renewable energy portfolio and contributes directly to the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to source 100% of Dubai’s total power output from clean energy sources by the middle of the century.The project was developed using an Independent Power Producer (IPP) model, attracting international investors and demonstrating the UAE's commitment to public-private partnerships in driving sustainability initiatives. The increased capacity from Phase 5 will provide clean energy to thousands of residences and businesses, helping to reduce carbon emissions and enhance the UAE's environmental credentials on a global stage. Further phases of the solar park are already under construction, underscoring the nation's rapid progress in transitioning to a green economy.