Dubai Today: Dirham Exchange Rates and Weather — 18.09.2026

03

Sports 16.09.2026

2027 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar announced

DUBAI, 16th September, 2026 (WAM) -- The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile and Formula One Management have announced, following approval by the World Motor Sport Council, the 2027 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar, featuring 24 Grands Prix across 22 countries and 10 Sprint events.Pre-season testing will take place in Bahrain from 24th to 27th February before the Championship returns there for the first race, followed by Saudi Arabia.The calendar then moves to Australia, Japan, and China, followed by the Miami and Canadian Grands Prix. The European leg includes Formula 1’s return to Portugal in June, after Monaco, with Türkiye rejoining the calendar in October between Azerbaijan and Singapore.The closing phase of the season features races in Austin, Mexico City, São Paulo, and Las Vegas, before the final two rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.Bringing together historic venues and major global destinations across five continents, the 2027 calendar reflects Formula 1’s continued growth as a global sport and entertainment platform while supporting its long-term sustainability goals through a more efficient geographical flow of events across the season.Due to the continued success and strong demand for the format, the number of Sprint events has increased from six to ten for 2027, delivering even more competitive action across the season for fans, promoters, broadcasters, and partners.Bahrain, Australia, Japan, Monaco, and Abu Dhabi will host Sprint events for the first time, with fans set to enjoy two thrilling qualifying sessions in Monaco as the drivers show their world class skill and precision on the narrow streets of Monte Carlo. Sprint events will also return to Montréal, Silverstone, Monza, São Paulo, and Lusail.Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, said, “The 2027 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar is a strong reflection of the global appeal and continued growth of our sport. With twenty-four Grands Prix across five continents, the return of Portugal and Türkiye, and the opportunity for an expanded Sprint programme, the calendar combines tradition, innovation, and fan engagement while maintaining the highest sporting standards.Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, said, “The 2027 calendar brings together some of the most iconic circuits and vibrant cities in the world, creating an incredible stage for another unforgettable season of Formula 1. We are thrilled to welcome Portugal and Türkiye to the championship and to expand Sprint racing to ten events, giving our fans even more intensity, drama, and the wheel-to-wheel action that make our sport so special."

04

Sci-Tech 16.09.2026

Dubai Electronic Security Centre unveils SARAAB, new cybersecurity initiatives at GISEC Global 2026

DUBAI, 16th September, 2026 (WAM) -- The Dubai Electronic Security Centre (DESC) unveiled three new initiatives on the opening day of its participation at GISEC Global 2026, as part of its ongoing efforts to address emerging cyber threats, develop specialised capabilities, and strengthen Dubai’s cyber resilience.At the forefront of the new initiatives is SARAAB, an open-source artificial intelligence model developed entirely by an Emirati team at DESC to detect deepfake videos. It is the first model of its kind developed by a government entity in the Arab region.SARAAB will be made available through developer platforms, enabling AI engineers, cybersecurity experts, and researchers to test, build on, and contribute to its development, as deepfake technologies continue to advance and pose growing challenges to digital trust and security.DESC also launched the Dubai Cyber Skills Framework, which provides a unified reference for qualifications, certifications, training pathways, and career progression for professionals across the sector.The framework serves cybersecurity professionals, employers, academic institutions, and training providers, providing a common methodology for measuring and developing competencies in line with internationally recognised standards.DESC also announced the ISR Auditor Certification Programme, which equips auditors and information security professionals to assess compliance with the Information Security Regulation through a consistent methodology and clearly defined standards.The programme focuses on the practical application of auditing and evidence assessment, contributing to greater efficiency and quality in auditing practices across Dubai.Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani, Chief Executive of the Dubai Electronic Security Centre, said, “Dubai continues to establish an advanced model for cybersecurity, built on anticipating change, developing national capabilities, and transforming challenges into opportunities for innovation and progress. We believe that leadership in this field is not achieved simply by keeping pace with change, but by anticipating it and contributing to shaping its future.”He added, “The initiatives we are launching today embody this approach and reflect our ambition to develop solutions and expertise that originate in Dubai and create an impact beyond its borders, supporting its vision for a secure and sustainable digital future.”DESC invites visitors to GISEC Global 2026 to experience SARAAB and explore its latest initiatives at the DESC stand in Hall 5 at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai, from 16th to 18th September 2026.

05

Business 16.09.2026

Aldar, Mubadala expand investment in Masdar City with acquisition of Masdar City Square

ABU DHABI, 16th September, 2026 (WAM) -- Aldar and Mubadala Investment Company (‘Mubadala’) have jointly acquired Masdar City Square for AED918 million, through their joint venture established in 2024.The transaction further scales the partners’ high-quality, income-generating real estate portfolio, now valued at AED4.7 billion within Masdar City, one of the region’s leading hubs for clean energy, artificial intelligence, advanced research and sustainable urban development.Masdar City Square comprises more than 47,000 sqm of net leasable area across seven office buildings. Completed in the first quarter of 2026, the complex is 99% occupied by a high-quality tenant base that includes TAQA, the Department of Energy, Emirates College and Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence.The acquisition further strengthens Aldar’s commercial portfolio, while deepening the JV’s presence in Masdar City which continues to develop as a leading sustainable urban community and business destination with a highly diversified ecosystem. Located near Zayed International Airport and with direct access to major highway networks connecting Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Masdar City Square is strategically positioned within one of Abu Dhabi’s key business districts.Talal Al Dhiyebi, Group Chief Executive at Aldar, said, “Abu Dhabi’s strong economic fundamentals and continued investment in future-focused industries are attracting businesses, institutions and talent from around the world, supporting sustained demand for high-quality commercial real estate. Masdar City is an important part of that growth story, with a distinctive ecosystem built around clean energy, technology, artificial intelligence and advanced research.Masdar City Square adds a high-quality, highly occupied asset to our joint venture with Mubadala as we continue to scale our presence in this strategically important destination.”Ali Eid AlMheiri, Executive Director, Diversified Assets, UAE Investments Platform at Mubadala, said: “Investing in the infrastructure of future-focused sectors is central to how Mubadala’s UAE Investments Platform builds long-term economic value in Abu Dhabi. Masdar City Square is a newly completed commercial asset with near-full occupancy and a high-quality institutional tenant base that reflects Mubadala's disciplined investment approach. Through our joint venture with Aldar, we are assembling a real estate portfolio that strengthens the operating environment for knowledge-driven industries, advances the UAE’s Net Zero ambitions, and contributes to the continued diversification of the UAE economy."Ahmed Baghoum, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar City, said, “Sustainability is central to the design of the complex, which is designed to achieve LEED Platinum and WELL Gold certifications and features solar photovoltaic systems and passive cooling techniques. It also adds a net-zero energy HQ office building, currently serving as Abu Dhabi Department of Energy’s HQ, to the joint venture’s portfolio. Connected to Masdar City’s wider commercial and lifestyle ecosystem, the acquisition advances Masdar City’s vision for a connected, sustainable community that supports investment, innovation and growth, creating lasting value for Abu Dhabi.”The acquisition is the latest transaction under a Masdar City focused joint venture created by Aldar and Mubadala in 2024, which included the acquisition of 17 assets within the Masdar City Green REIT and The Link at Masdar City, which completed in Q1 2026. With the addition of Masdar City Square, the joint venture now holds a diversified portfolio spanning more than 158,000 sqm of net leasable commercial space occupied by a high-quality tenant base that includes IRENA, Masdar, Siemens, G42, and the UAE Space Agency with a weighted average unexpired lease term of approximately 5.2 years. The portfolio also includes over 1,400 residential units, which are fully occupied.

06

Emirates News 16.09.2026

Emirates, KHDA partner to position Dubai as top destination for pursuing higher education

DUBAI, 16th September, 2026 (WAM) -- Emirates and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to partner on key initiatives advancing Dubai's ambition to become a leading global destination for higher education, international students, and lifelong learning.The partnership supports the goals of Dubai’s Education 33 (E33) strategy by enhancing student accessibility, strengthening international connectivity, and promoting the City of Students game changer and Study Dubai programme in key global markets.The MoU was signed on the sidelines of Arabian Travel Market 2026 by Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer and Dr Wafi Dawood, CEO of Strategic Development Sector at KHDA.Under the MoU, Emirates will develop travel programmes which include a wide range of benefits and privileges for students at KHDA-regulated private higher education institutions. The Emirates and KHDA student proposition includes specially tailored fares, additional baggage and greater flexibility when booking their travel to and from Dubai and across the Emirates network. Faculty and teaching staff will access travel benefits through the Emirates Academic Programme. The airline will also provide dedicated travel support for students on the Hamdan bin Mohammed Scholarship Programme.Emirates will also join Study Dubai student recruitment missions and international activation events alongside KHDA, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and TECOM Group, promoting Dubai as an attractive global study destination in key markets within the Emirates network. Emirates and KHDA will also share insights on international student travel flows and coordinate on jointly marketing Dubai as a leading higher education destination.Adnan Kazim said, “Emirates is proud to support KHDA’s efforts in positioning Dubai as a top global destination for students to pursue higher education. Global connectivity, a compelling value proposition and promotional efforts will underpin that goal, and our network of close to 140 destinations puts us in a strong position to attract more students, bring them and their families to Dubai anytime of the year and on repeat journeys to support them throughout their studies. It will also help us build a loyal base of younger travellers and a connection that endures long after graduation. By keeping Dubai among the most connected cities in the world, Emirates supports Dubai’s Economic Agenda (D33) strategy across tourism, trade, logistics and now education."Dr Wafi Dawood said, "Attracting and retaining global talent is central to the vision of E33 strategy. This partnership with Emirates supports that ambition by making Dubai more accessible and attractive to students worldwide. Through enhanced travel benefits, greater flexibility and improved connectivity, we are helping to create a seamless learning journey from enrolment through to graduation. At the same time, Emirates' global network will strengthen the reach of our Study Dubai programme, enabling us to connect with prospective students in key international markets and showcase the opportunities available across Dubai's higher education sector. Together, we are creating a more connected and rewarding student experience.”Education is a key initiative under Dubai's Economic Agenda (D33) and is delivered through the Education 33 (E33) strategy. Under its City of Students game changer, E33 aims to increase the proportion of international students enrolled in Dubai’s higher education institutions to 50% by 2033. The strategy also seeks to position Dubai among the world’s top 10 student cities and increase education tourism tenfold.Emirates has also signed an MoU with the International Consultants for Exhibitions and Fairs (ICEF), the leading B2B network in international education, becoming its preferred airline for education travel. The MoU was signed on the sidelines of ATM. ICEF operates across more than 100 countries, connecting accredited education agencies with institutions worldwide through its events, training programmes and market intelligence platforms, including ICEF Monitor.Under the partnership, Emirates and ICEF will collaborate to develop dedicated travel propositions for ICEF-accredited agencies and their student customers travelling across the airline's network, with plans to explore booking support and account management for ICEF member organisations. The partnership will also see co-branded campaigns targeting international students and education professionals, alongside Emirates’ presence at major ICEF events in Berlin, Dubai and the US, further strengthening the airline's visibility within the global education community.The agreement also extends to training and market intelligence. Emirates will participate in ICEF Academy programmes for education agents, share insights on student travel and destination trends, and contribute to ICEF conferences with speaking and industry partnership opportunities.Together, the partnerships reinforce Dubai's role as a global education hub and a natural connecting point for students travelling between home and campus.

07

Tourism 16.09.2026

Dubai’s Global Village launches VIP packs for Season 31 with Dh31,000 surprise

This season's VIP Packs feature a collectible Global Village Story Book design, celebrating the destination's remarkable journey through a premium keepsake

08

Business 16.09.2026

Dubai named world number one for fintech, moves up in global rankings

Emirate also climbs to second place for professional services and sixth for reputation, as DIFC-driven innovation cements its financial hub status