Dubai’s popular budget-friendly attraction, Global Village, is set to reopen for its 28th season on Wednesday, October 18, a week earlier than usual.
The park offers access to 27 country pavilions, an Emirati heritage area, live shows, a kids’ theater, and impressive fireworks displays on Fridays and Saturdays. Additional attractions include the Carnaval Zone with rides, games, and attractions, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!, Snowfest Ice Rink, and various interactive experiences.
Ticket prices have been updated, with Value tickets starting at AED22.5 online (AED25 at the gate) and Any Day tickets at AED27 online (AED30 at the gate).
Ladies and families have exclusive access on Tuesdays, except on public holidays.
Dubai Municipality officials are actively working on implementing drone deliveries by next year.
The Dubai Horizon System, part of the Dubai Digital Twin project, aims to create a detailed digital representation of Dubai in both 2D and 3D. This will enable strategic planning of drone routes and landing spots. Maitha Al Nuaimi, Director of the Geographic Information Systems Center, emphasized the importance of this project for services like drone deliveries of parcels, medicines, and food.
The rapid urban transformation of Dubai posed challenges in integrating data, but progress has been made. The project has also utilized drones and AI for building inspections, improving efficiency in identifying violations.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is introducing a facial recognition payment system for public transport. This technology, utilizing AI and metaverse tech, will be showcased at GITEX 2023.
It allows users to pay fares on Dubai Metro, Tram, buses, taxis, and marine transport using facial recognition, eliminating the need for tickets or cards. Users’ facial images will be converted to bio data for direct account deductions, aiming to enhance efficiency and reduce cash handling.
Other innovations include a digital vehicle plate transfer system, a 3D-printed eco-friendly Abra, and predictive parking using AI and big data.
The RTA’s focus is on digital advancement and autonomous transport, with plans to transform 25% of Dubai’s transport into autonomous journeys by 2030.
The Governor of Herat Province, Noor Mohammad Islamjar, visited the UAE field hospital in Afghanistan to assess the condition of those affected by a recent earthquake in northern Afghanistan.
The hospital, established by the Ministry of Defense, is actively providing surgical services to save the lives of the injured. It offers essential healthcare services to earthquake victims.
Medical teams are collaborating with nearby hospitals for necessary transfers, blood units, medical supplies, and surgeons to ensure comprehensive healthcare.
This UAE relief effort reflects the country’s commitment to humanitarian aid and addressing urgent global issues.
The Emirates Red Crescent Authority has established 26 donation centers across the UAE to collect aid for families affected by the Israel-Gaza war. These centers, located in various cities including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and others, are open daily from 8 am to 6 pm. They accept donations of food, medical supplies, hygiene products, as well as items like blankets, nappies, and milk powder. The authority also encourages online donations through their website.
This initiative is part of the Compassion for Gaza campaign, which collaborates with charities, volunteer centers, and the private sector to gather essential supplies for Palestinian families impacted by the conflict. Additionally, the UAE plans to coordinate with the Egyptian government and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees to distribute relief boxes to women and children in Gaza. The death toll on both sides of the conflict has exceeded 4,000. Over 11 tonnes of essential supplies have been sent from Dubai to Egypt and Lebanon to aid those affected. Here is a list of donation centers in different UAE cities:
Dubai:
ERC headquarters in Al Garhoud area
ERC warehouses in Al Quoz area
Abu Dhabi:
Donation tent at Airport road in front of Carrefour
Al Marina donation tent in front of Al Marina
Al Shahama tent in front of Bani Yas co-operative society
Al Najda Street tent beside Abu Dhabi Distribution Company
Khalifa City tent
Al Shawamikh City in front of Lulu Express
Bani Yas City in front of Lulu Hypermarket
Bani Yas City in front of Bani Yas Co-operative society
Sharjah:
ERC headquarters in Al Rahmaniya area
ERC office in Al Nekhailat area
Ras Al Khaimah:
ERC headquarters in Dafan Al Khor area
Ras Al Khaimah donation tent
Al Dhait South donation tent
Al Rams donation tent
Sha’am donation tent
Al Mairid donation tent
Fujairah:
ERC headquarters in Al Faseel area
Dubai Islamic Bank donation tent at Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Sharqui 83
Ajman:
ERC headquarters in Meshairef area
Al Dhafra:
Zayed City office
Al Dhanna City in Al Ruwais area
Al Sila’ area
Al Ain City:
ERC warehouses in Al Markhaniah
Umm Al Quwain:
ERC headquarters at Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street
The transition of airlines to the new terminal will occur in three phases from November 1 to November 14. Etihad Airways will conduct a ceremonial flight on October 31 before starting operations.
The terminal, covering 742,000 square meters, is one of the world’s largest and will double the airport’s capacity, handling up to 45 million passengers annually. It will also significantly expand the airport’s passenger and cargo capacity.
The terminal will feature advanced biometric touchpoints, streamlined services, and a wide range of shopping and dining options. Additionally, it incorporates eco-friendly measures to reduce water consumption and lower carbon emissions.
This development aims to bolster Abu Dhabi’s position as a global business and tourism hub, as part of broader efforts to diversify the economy beyond oil reliance.
In collaboration with Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Muscle Show, Dubai Active and Dubai Active Industry will return this Novemberfor its seventh year, with its biggest and most epic line-up of fitness talent, live events and competitions
Reigning and 4x Mr. Olympia Champion Chris Bumstead, and legendary bodybuilders Big Ramy, Dexter Jackson and Flex Wheeler to headline Dubai Muscle Show
Dubai Active welcomes superstar fitness trainers Kayla Itsines, Krissy Cela and Kelsey Wells, in addition to Chris Williamson and bestselling author and personal trainer, James Smith, who returns for 2023
The Middle East’s biggest annual fitness and wellness exhibition, which includes Dubai Muscle Show, Dubai Active and Dubai Active Industry, returns to Dubai this November to unite all areas of the fitness industry with an action-packed, three-day exhibition that will run from Friday 24th to Sunday 26th November 2022.
Returning for 2023, with its most impressive line-up of talent and activities to date, the event boasts a line-up featuring renowned figures in the world of fitness. This includes the reigning champion of Mr. Olympia, Chris Bumstead, along with superstar fitness trainers Kayla Itsines, Krissy Cela, and Kelsey Wells. Also making a welcome return due to popular demand is James Smith, two-time bestselling author, motivational speaker, and the world’s fastest-growing online personal trainer will join Chris Williamson for an unmissable evening performance as they headline Dubai Active. The expo will also feature a diverse schedule of workout classes and the largest assembly of exhibitors to date.
In collaboration with Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Muscle Show, Dubai Active and Dubai Active Industry will take over Dubai World Trade Centre for the seventh time, with an expectant attendance of 35,000 visitors to showcase more than 400 exhibitors of world-leading sports nutrition, fitness, wellness and bodybuilding brands from 40 countries.
An unmissable event in the Dubai calendar, visitors are invited to join 600 inspirational athletes and health and fitness influencers from around the globe for the entire three-day event and ticket holders will get to attend motivational and educational talks, as well as take part in meet and greets with some of the fitness industry’s biggest names. There will also be the chance to watch some of the most exciting competitions such as the Middle East’s biggest bodybuilding competition, the Dubai Muscle Classic, WODXB Functional Fitness and Calisthenics.
The excitement doesn’t stop there! Over the jam-packed three days, visitors will be able to take part in a back-to-back schedule of exciting group fitness classes, witness unmissable business seminars from leading exhibitors and have the chance to get their hands on thousands of free sample giveaways and special discounts.
Tom Reece, Marketing Director at IEG Events, organizers of the exhibition commented on its return:“As we embark on the seventh year of Dubai Active, Dubai Active Industry, and Dubai Muscle Show, we are thrilled to unveil an even more extraordinary chapter. This year promises to be a testament to our unwavering commitment to the fitness and wellness industry. With each passing year, we continue to improve the experience by fostering global partnerships and bringing the biggest names in the industry to Dubai. We anticipate a year of inspiration, collaboration, and transformative impact, as we provide a platform that ignites passion and knowledge for fitness and health in the Middle East.”
Highlights at each of this year’s shows include:
Dubai Muscle Show
The Middle East’s leading international fitness and bodybuilding show will return for 2023 with a brand new set of headliners that include the hottest name in Bodybuilding right now, four-time and reigning Mr. Olympia Champion Chris Bumstead. In addition, Dubai Muscle welcomes back legendary bodybuilders; two-time Mr. Olympia Big Ramy, Dexter Jackson, Flex Wheeler and many more!
Every year, Dubai Muscle Show brings together like-minded lifters from around the world and this year will be no exception. Attendees will get the chance to discover and sample the latest supplements, apparel and equipment from more than 300 leading brands, as well as attend speaker sessions and exclusive meet-and-greets with the headliners.
This year, visitors can experience the new Dubai Muscle Talks Stage Presented by Optimum Nutrition, which will host Q&A’s and guest poses and talks from some of the biggest names in the Bodybuilding World. Witness over 600 competitors in the prestigious Dubai Muscle Classic and engage in combat sports with Boxing and Muay Thai alongside Team Nogueira. In addition, visitors are invited to step into a dedicated Bodybuilding-only hall, encapsulating the essence of sculpting the human form.
Dubai Muscle Show will also give attendees the chance to try new products and see the latest equipment in fitness with Platinum Sponsor New Rock Sports and Basix, Gold Sponsor Panatta , Dubai Muscle Talks Stage Sponsor Optimum Nutrition and Ecommerce Sponsor Noon Minutes.
Dubai Active
This year’s addition of Dubai Active brings some of the biggest names in celebrity personal training to the Middle East, making it the best edition to date. Celebrity fitness trainers Kayla Itsines, Krissy Celaand Kelsey Wells will headline the event this year and host their unmissable group workouts in the new Optimum Nutrition Arena.
Due to popular demand, Dubai Active also welcomes back two-time Sunday Times bestselling author and personal trainer, James Smith for a meet and greet alongside new headline guest podcaster and youtuber Chris Williamson.
Renowned for bringing together the biggest celebrity trainers, studio classes, fitness brands and expert speakers in the industry, this year’s Dubai Active will be full of opportunities for attendees to level up their fitness knowledge, build self-confidence, learn more about their health and nutrition, and take part in meaningful discussions around topics such as female empowerment in the Middle East, diversity and inclusion in the wellness industry, mental health, wellbeing and more. Visitors will also have the chance to take part in unlimited free workout classes, interactive workshops and inspirational talks led by expert speakers.
New this year, experience the pulse-pounding action of WODXB, Dubai Active’s cutting-edge Functional Fitness Competition that challenges and inspires. Dubai Active will host fitness, yoga and meditation classes that will be led by some of Dubai’s most loved gyms and studios. In addition, experience the captivating rush of the Calisthenics competition presented by Gravity Gym, a testament to raw athleticism and power.
Attendees will be able to sample and shop exclusive ranges from over 150 leading brands in fitness, apparel, beauty and nutrition, with Optimum Nutrition, Hydration Partner Actiph Water and Ecommerce Sponsor Noon Minutes.
Dubai Active Industry
The Middle East’s only international fitness, wellness and sports tradeshow is set to host over 150 of the world’s leading fitness and wellness B2B brands that specialise in technology, education and equipment.
A facilitator for business development, networking, education and training opportunities across the fitness and wellness ecosystem, Dubai Active Industry gives attendees exclusive access to insider knowledge through its networking functions, summits and talks that include the Middle East Fitness Business Summit, Future Wellness Summit and Exercise Professionals Summit.
This year’s Dubai Active Industry will welcome speakers from across the globe including Krissy Cela, Forbes 30 under 30 CEO, Founder of OnerActive and Evolve You and Jack Thomas, Founder and CEO of The Fit Guide, who will be launching the official rating guide for gyms, as well as numerous names from gym operators, brands and distributors.
Dubai Active Industry will showcase some of the world’s leading brands such as; Fitness Business Summit Title Sponsor, Self Esteems Brands and Platinum Sponsor Myzone, as well as Official Education Sponsor Active IQ, and Panatta, AKI Fitness and Matrix to name a few.
Dubai Muscle Show, Dubai Active and Dubai Active Industry is organised by Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) in collaboration with Dubai Sports Council. IEG are also organisers of Rimini Wellness in Italy, one of the premier events in the world within the fitness, wellness, and sport sectors.
For more information about the exhibition and for the latest news, updates and tickets please visit,
Indian entrepreneur Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries, has reclaimed his position as India’s wealthiest individual, amassing a total wealth of $92 billion this year, a $4 billion increase.
This surpasses Gautam Adani, who held the top spot last year but experienced a significant decline of $82 billion in fortunes following a negative report by US short-seller Hindenburg Research.
Climbing two positions to reoccupy the third spot is software magnate Shiv Nadar, with a net worth of $29.3 billion. Savitri Jindal ($24 billion) takes the fourth spot, followed by Radhakishan Damani ($23 billion) in fifth place. Among the notable gainers this year are Inder Jaisinghani, whose fortunes nearly doubled to $6.4 billion, and Pharma siblings Ramesh and Rajeev Juneja, who saw a 64% boost from the listing of their company, Mankind Pharma, last May.
The combined wealth of India’s top 100 richest individuals barely changed this year, totaling $799 billion, slightly lower than the $800 billion in 2022, according to Forbes.
According to Oman’s Minister of Heritage and Tourism, Salem bin Mohammed Al Mahrooqi, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) governments have unanimously accepted a unified tourist visa.
The Schengen-style visa will make regional travel easier. While no formal implementation date has been set, the plan will be presented in November in Muscat at a gathering of regional interior ministers.
The visa will be issued after all of the appropriate systems are in place. Visitors will be able to utilise a single visa to visit all six GCC countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, streamlining regional travel.
This programme is anticipated to not only make travel easier, but also to increase tourism throughout the GCC.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed and US President Joe Biden both emphasised the critical need for humanitarian relief to be sent to people affected by the Israel-Gaza war.
They urged for protected passageways to guarantee relief reaches people caught up in the crisis in a phone conversation. They asked the world community to band together in calling for caution and an immediate cessation of violence.
Both presidents emphasised the importance of civilian protection as well as the need for peace, stability, and security in the Middle East. Sheikh Mohamed further requested that $20 million be sent to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.
The conflict’s death toll is approaching 2,500. The Israeli military verified around 1,200 dead and over 2,700 injuries in Israel, while the Gaza Strip claimed over 1,200 casualties. According to the UN organisation OCHA, about 338,000 people have been displaced in Gaza.
UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed met with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian to address the humanitarian crisis, emphasising the essential need for civilians’ safety and warning against rising violence for regional peace and stability.
He asked the international community to unify against extremism and violence in order to avoid disastrous repercussions for the area and its people.
