News related to
City

Dubai hosted the first public manned flight of Aridge’s Land Aircraft Carrier over Palm Jumeirah, a demonstration that showcases the vehicle’s dual-mode driving and flying capabilities and signals ambitions for the Gulf as an early adoption market.

The modular vehicle, combining a ground “mothership” with a detachable two-seat aerial unit, lifted off from the grounds near the Waldorf Astoria before reattaching and driving away. Aridge said the flight marks a milestone in its plan to roll out consumer deliveries in the Middle East by 2027.

Company executives reported that 600 units have already been pre-ordered by GCC firms, including UAE’s Ali & Sons Group, Kuwait’s Al-Sayer, and Qatar’s Almana, pushing the global tally past 7,000. The firm expects deliveries to begin in 2026 from a new facility in Guangzhou, capable of producing 10,000 vehicles annually.

Aridge’s modular design addresses a common challenge in flying car development: how to balance driving performance, storage, and aerial capability. The ground vehicle acts as a mobile energy platform and storage base, while the air module docks and undocks autonomously. The air unit’s control system uses a single-stick interface managing ascent, speed, and stability with built-in safety constraints such as geofencing.

This version is the fifth generation of the platform, evolving from earlier prototypes demonstrated in Dubai in 2022. For mass adoption, regulatory certification is pivotal: the UAE granted a special flight permit, allowing the test flights to proceed. Aridge’s air module has already received civil aviation type certification in China.

The startup forecasts a market worth of US $41 billion for China’s eVTOL sector by 2040, while projecting Middle East demand to reach about $11 billion. Executives say technological advances—shortened development cycles and lower costs—are making what once seemed science fiction increasingly viable.

Despite the showpiece flight, challenges remain. Integrating city air traffic management, ensuring safety for public use, and building air-ground infrastructure—such as landing pads, vertiports, and regulatory frameworks—are hurdles in most jurisdictions. Some analysts caution that even with promising prototypes, wide adoption may lag until certification, cost reduction, and public trust converge.

In the Gulf region, regulatory openness is proving advantageous: the UAE’s willingness to issue experimental permits positions it as a testbed, attracting innovators who might struggle to get approval elsewhere. Meanwhile, Aridge is lining up partnerships and agreements across the GCC to support sales, operations, and maintenance in local markets.

Dubai has launched a new permit scheme that enables free-zone companies to conduct business within its mainland, a move designed to dismantle long-standing regulatory barriers between jurisdictions and unlock new commercial opportunities.

Under Executive Council Decision No. 11 of 2025, the “Free Zone Mainland Operating Permit” allows companies already holding a Dubai Unified Licence to apply for mainland access digitally via the Invest in Dubai platform. The permit spans six months, priced at AED 5,000, and may be renewed under the same terms. The scheme applies initially to non-regulated sectors such as technology, consulting, design, professional services and trading. Companies granted the permit must maintain distinct financial records for mainland operations and will incur a 9 per cent corporate tax on revenues generated onshore.

Dubai Business Registration and Licensing Corporation, part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, has partnered with the Dubai Free Zone Council to administer the framework. Ahmad Khalifa Al Qaizi Al Falasi, CEO of DBLC, described the initiative as a step toward “regulatory modernisation” and a more seamless investor experience. Dr Juma Al Matrooshi, Assistant Secretary-General at the Free Zones Council, said the permit enhances Dubai’s competitiveness by combining the flexibility of free zones with access to domestic markets.

Authorities expect the permit to benefit over 10,000 existing free-zone firms, adding 15–20 per cent to cross-jurisdiction business activity in its first year. Businesses can now tap domestic trading avenues and contend for government tenders previously off-limits to entities without a mainland presence. Existing free-zone staff may serve mainland operations, eliminating the need for new hiring under those permits.

Though the permit removes many structural hurdles, certain limitations and compliance obligations remain. Firms dealing in regulated activities—such as banking, healthcare, education or financial services—must still secure approvals from relevant regulators. The new scheme prohibits its use for entities within the Dubai International Financial Centre, which remains under a distinct legal regime.

The resolution introduces three permitted pathways: establishing a branch physically in the mainland, setting up a branch that operates out of the free zone, or obtaining a temporary permit for limited operations. All applications require consent from both DET and the corresponding free-zone authority. The permit regime mirrors the requirements of Resolution No. 11, which mandates separate bookkeeping and compliance under federal and local laws.

Dubai’s regulatory architecture has evolved in recent years: free zones traditionally offered full foreign ownership and streamlined processes, but lacked direct access to local markets. To counter that gap, companies often had to replicate operations via separate mainland entities or dual licences—a burden that increased costs and administrative duplication.

The new permit scheme thus signals a strategic pivot toward harmonising the city’s jurisdictional divide. Corporate law specialists note that simpler structures reduce overhead, ease governance challenges and mitigate tax or substance-test scrutiny. As one regional legal adviser put it, “Businesses can now use a single platform to expand rather than duplicating corporate filings.”

The pricing and validity terms are notable. The six-month, AED 5,000 permit is significantly more affordable and flexible than establishing a full mainland company, lowering the threshold for smaller firms and startups to experiment with onshore operations. The 9 per cent tax rate aligns with federal rules that apply to mainland income, while free-zone revenues remain eligible for preferential regimes.

Dubai — DOOGEE is rolling out a bold “Tech For Nature” showcase at GITEX GLOBAL 2025, positioning itself at the intersection of rugged devices and sustainability. From 13 to 17 October, the company will host its exhibit at booth A40 in Hall 13, where its outdoor-oriented hardware and eco-aware design features will be on full display.

DOOGEE describes the exhibit as centred around its “Tech Impact” zone, a curated space meant to demonstrate how its devices can withstand extreme conditions while serving the needs of explorers, scientists, and rescue personnel. The lineup includes models engineered for shock, heat, immersion, and drops — with features aimed at bridging utility and resilience.

Among the highlight products is the V Max Play, which pairs a high-capacity battery with a 200 MP main camera and integrates a mini projector for on-the-go displays. DOOGEE also plans to exhibit the S200 Ultra, built with aluminium-titanium alloy framing and a rear display for rapid glanceable information. Wearables and peripheral devices are similarly designed for outdoor resilience: the Anywise W1 Pro watch offers dual-band GPS, 5ATM water resistance, and offline map capability, while BoneAir Swim provides bone conduction audio under IP68 waterproof rating.

The firm frames “Tech For Nature” as both a mission and a product philosophy—suggesting that its devices should “coexist with nature” rather than merely tolerate it. In its public communications, DOOGEE emphasises use of sustainable materials and energy-efficient design elements. For instance, it references the use of recycled coffee grounds in casing composites and UV-responsive surfaces that shift hues with ambient light.

DOOGEE is no stranger to rugged or niche technology showcases. Earlier in 2025, the company participated in GITEX Europe, where it spotlighted AI-enhanced rugged devices and wearables built for industrial and outdoor environments. The Dubai event, by contrast, marks its largest commitment yet to the consumer-facing “outdoor tech” narrative.

Analysts note that DOOGEE is entering a competitive space where brands like CAT, Ulefone, and Blackview already target the rugged market segment. To distinguish itself, DOOGEE appears to lean into hybrid positioning: ruggedness plus eco credentials. “The idea is to appeal to users who don’t want to sacrifice environmental sensibility for durability,” commented one industry observer.

GITEX GLOBAL 2025 is itself a major platform: this 45th edition of the event draws participants across AI, quantum, data centres, and startup ecosystems. DOOGEE’s exhibit is aligned with the trend of hardware firms emphasizing sustainability, resilience, and experience-driven product showcases.

Visitors at booth A40 will have hands-on access to the full “Tech For Nature” suite, including tablets, phones, wearables, and audio gear. DOOGEE is also promoting discounts on first orders for attendees and encouraging media and partners to trial devices on-location. Beyond demonstration, the firm is signalling intention to gear up distribution and service channels in regions where demand for rugged outdoor gear is rising.

By Girish Linganna In a move that would have seemed unthinkable just a few years ago, Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi arrived in New Delhi on October 9 for an eight-day official visit that marks a watershed moment in India’s foreign policy. His meetings with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, followed by visits to […]

The article The Price Of Pragmatism: What India Gains (And Loses) By Courting The Taliban appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

India is dispatching over 450 technology firms and startups to GITEX Global 2025 in Dubai, anchoring the India Pavilion under the aegis of ESC. The pavilion will span multiple halls and spotlight more than 100 Indian enterprises across sectors such as AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, IoT, smart mobility, fintech and digital infrastructure. Organisations will also engage in high-stakes networking, investor roundtables and B2B matchmaking.

GITEX Global 2025, running from 13 to 17 October at the Dubai World Trade Centre, draws more than 6,800 tech companies and some 2,000 startups from about 180 countries. It is expected to be the largest edition to date, integrating themes such as physical AI, quantum computing, biomedicine and semiconductor innovation. Across the co-located Expand North Star event, over 1,200 investors managing assets exceeding US$1.1 trillion will scout opportunities among scale-ups and unicorns.

The India Pavilion marks a concerted push to convert India–UAE strategic frameworks into tangible tech commerce. With the India–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and the Local Currency Settlement System operational, cross-border ICT trade has surged. Bilateral trade crossed US$100 billion during fiscal year 2024–25, and electronics exports alone reached US$3.7 billion, positioning the UAE as a key destination for Indian hardware shipments.

At a preparatory briefing, Kamal Vachani, ESC’s regional director for Dubai, described the pavilion as more than a display — “a living showcase of India’s tech prowess and growing synergy with the UAE.” ESC’s CEO, Gurmeet Singh, noted that many participating companies are MSMEs or first-time exporters, and that the pavilion aligns with India’s ambition to emerge as a global electronics hub.

India’s strategy at GITEX goes beyond sheer numbers. Firms are bringing solutions purpose-built for global markets — from smart city platforms to blockchain-enabled supply chains. The pavilion will host curated sessions on cross-border compliance, regulatory alignment, and scalable deployment across Middle Eastern and African markets.

For the UAE, the event reinforces its vision of acting as a global nexus for innovation and capital. Major corporate names such as G42, e&, IBM, AMD, Huawei, Microsoft, Oracle and Amazon Web Services will anchor the exhibitions. New entrants including Cerebras, Tata Electronics, Qualcomm and Tenstorrent will attempt to break in. The show also emphasises future-critical infrastructure: hyperscale data centres, quantum systems, and semiconductor roadmaps are front and centre.

Globally, one of the event’s linchpin themes is the maturation of AI into domain-specific systems. The AI Semicon track will address sovereign technology imperatives in chip design, while the Quantum Expo will present fault-tolerant architectures. At the intersection of AI and healthcare, companies like Mammoth Biosciences and Paradromics will illustrate how gene-editing and neurotech are being reimagined. Robotics firms will showcase humanoid prototypes and autonomous “robocars,” underscoring the pivot to “physical AI.”

Strategic partnerships form a parallel narrative. India and the UAE are finalising memorandum exchanges via the UAE-India Business Council to deepen collaboration across fintech, logistics, digital infrastructure and state-level investment. The CEPA Start-up Series launched earlier this year in New Delhi underscores a joint intent to foster innovation-led cross-border growth.

Macau has unveiled an integrated resort-hospital at Studio City, combining high-end medical services with entertainment in a move aimed at redefining medical tourism. The facility, operated by Hong Kong’s iRad in partnership with Melco Resorts, features on-site MRI and CT capabilities within a 15,000 sq ft footprint — a first of its kind globally.

This development marks a deliberate pivot in Macau’s strategy to reduce its dependence on gambling revenues by cultivating alternate growth sectors. The resort hospital offers health screening, diagnostic imaging, longevity treatments, aesthetic services and medical concierge offerings, positioning itself as a premium healthcare destination linked to leisure.

Melco’s chairman and CEO, Lawrence Ho, described the facility as both “the world’s first and Macau’s only hospital with MRI and CT facilities within an integrated resort,” emphasising its alignment with the local government’s “1+4” economic diversification framework. The facility is located inside Studio City, one of Melco’s flagship casino-resorts.

The Macau administration has endorsed the venture as part of a broader push to transform the city into “one centre” that integrates tourism, medical services and other growth industries. The hospital is expected to attract visitors who might extend their stays and spend more across the city’s hospitality and leisure ecosystem.

While the resort hospital is a novel concept, Macau already maintains a public health infrastructure comprising three hospitals: Conde S. Januário, Kiang Wu and Macau University of Science and Technology Hospital. The new facility, however, is unique in being embedded within a casino resort environment and dedicated primarily to elective, wellness and diagnostic services.

Industry observers note that iRad’s entry signals confidence in the region’s potential to capture high-value medical travellers — especially those seeking convenience, privacy and a fusion of health and leisure experiences. Hong Kong’s leading imaging diagnostics group, iRad, became part of Black Spade Capital’s portfolio in 2021, positioning it to spearhead this cross-border integration.

Some specialists caution that success will depend on regulatory approvals, insurance linkages, and quality accreditation. Converting high net-worth travellers into medical tourists requires trust in outcomes, cost transparency and continuity of care. Macau’s public hospitals already contend with capacity pressures; the resort hospital will need to clarify patient referral protocols and emergency support linkages.

Dubai — Hytera Communications unveiled a slate of artificial intelligence-driven communication tools designed specifically for public safety, law enforcement and defence sectors in the Gulf region, ahead of its showcase at GITEX Global 2025.

At the heart of Hytera’s push is a vision of integrated, mission-critical communications that fuse voice, video, and data streams with AI analytics to improve situational awareness, incident response speed and evidence handling.

The company will debut the P60 Smart PoC Radio, a compact device marrying push-to-talk over cellular capability with 3GPP-aligned mission-critical services. This enables frontline users to stream video, send data, and communicate via voice over a single radio interface. Also on display will be the SC700 LTE Body Camera, built for continuous field operation with extended battery life, high-definition video capture and advanced noise reduction in audio. The SC700 is integrated with Hytera’s upgraded Digital Evidence Management system, which automates evidence ingestion, classification and secure sharing while preserving a chain of custody.

Hytera also plans to demonstrate its Intelligent Mobile Enforcement Solution, an ecosystem combining body cameras, in-vehicle video units and AI models for real-time analytics such as facial recognition and licence plate detection. From command centres, data from multiple sensors can be aggregated and visualised to support dispatch decisions and resource allocation.

According to Stanley Song, Vice President at Hytera, the Middle East market represents one of the fastest growing regions for professional communication technologies. He emphasised that public safety systems must go beyond simple coverage — they must protect the integrity of data, location privacy, and resilience against cyber threats. Given the rising challenges of urban security, cross-border crime and regional instability, Song argued that interoperable, secure, AI-augmented communications can help authorities maintain continuity under stress.

Hytera’s roadmap reflects broader shifts in the mission-critical communications sector. Competing firms are also embedding AI capabilities and federated data architectures so that frontline devices act as sensors, not just radios. In parallel, regional governments in Gulf Cooperation Council states are investing heavily in smart city, surveillance and emergency response infrastructures, creating receptive demand for advanced solutions.

Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund ADQ has shown preliminary interest in acquiring a majority stake in SAC, the operator of Catania Airport in Sicily, sources said, as investor focus intensifies on Italy’s regional infrastructure.

The sale process is not yet formally launched; however, ENAC is evaluating a draft tender expected to receive approval by late October to set the transaction in motion. Under the plan, between 51 % and 66 % of SAC would be sold. The asset is valued at between €500 million and €600 million, underpinned by projected core earnings in excess of €30 million.

SAC, controlled by local authorities and chambers of commerce, manages both Catania–Fontanarossa—Italy’s fifth busiest airport by traffic—and Comiso Airport in southern Sicily. The operating concession runs through 2049. The Sicilian airport served over 12.3 million passengers in 2024.

Privatisation of Sicily’s airports has been under discussion since 2022, when SAC appointed Mediobanca to advise on structuring the deal. Local shareholders have recently approved calls for an international tender and adopted updated industrial plans to attract private capital, while pledging to retain a qualified minority stake.

Antonino Belcuore, special commissioner of the Chamber of Commerce of South and East Sicily, welcomed ADQ’s interest, stating that it underscores the strategic importance of the asset and aligns with the broader push for privatisation in Sicily. ADQ declined to comment; SAC and ENAC have not issued responses.

ADQ currently holds investments spanning transport and logistics, including interests in Abu Dhabi Airports and Etihad Airways, and manages a portfolio worth approximately US$251 billion. Analysts say its appearance among suitors signals growing appetite from Gulf-based capital for stable, long-term infrastructure assets in Europe.

Observers flag that the EU and Italy are increasingly receptive to foreign capital inflows into infrastructure, particularly where public budgets remain constrained. The potential deal dovetails with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s agenda to deepen ties with Gulf states, exemplified by agreements under which the UAE committed to invest US$40 billion across strategic sectors in Italy.

Should ADQ or another bidder proceed to formal offers, the Catania sale could set benchmarks for airport privatisations in southern Europe. Authorities will need to balance investor returns with preserving public oversight, territorial interests, and aviation safety standards.

Local stakeholders—including regional governments and municipalities—are expected to negotiate protections within the concession framework to safeguard continuity of services, employment, and regional development. Meanwhile, potential bidders are assessing traffic trends, inflation, regulatory risk, and concession duration as they size their offers.

The sale of SAC would open a new chapter in Italy’s ongoing wave of airport privatisations, which has involved assets in the UK and across European markets. That backdrop provides precedent and comparators for valuation, regulatory design, and deal structures.

Abu Dhabi Airports, Al Hail Holding and technology partner Xare have signed a memorandum of understanding to pilot a regulated digital wallet for inbound visitors at Zayed International Airport, aiming to streamline payments and reinforce the UAE’s digital economy ambitions.

The three parties will also collaborate on smart mobility and sustainable infrastructure projects that integrate AI-driven transport systems and next-generation payment platforms. Abu Dhabi Airports will supply operational support and infrastructure, while Al Hail Holding, via its affiliates including Zand Bank and Index Exchange, will provide regulatory and financial structuring. Xare is tasked with the technological integration of wallet, merchant and partner interfaces.

Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, described the initiative as a shift in role for airports: “Airports are evolving from gateways into platforms for seamless digital commerce. Through our partnership … we will pilot cashless, next-generation payment technologies that simplify every step of the traveller journey and redefine convenience, sustainability and financial access.”

Hamad Jassim Al Darwish, CEO of Al Hail Holding, emphasised the alignment with UAE policy goals: “By combining our expertise in governance, regulatory engagement and financial services with Abu Dhabi Airports’ operational capabilities, we will deliver solutions that benefit travellers and contribute to national economic growth.”

Xare’s co-founder Milind Singh noted that the firm’s existing stack—covering instant onboarding, programmable payments and merchant connectivity—positions it to deliver monetisation options and novel traveller experiences across airports and city ecosystems.

Within the MoU, a joint steering committee will guide development and execution. Abu Dhabi Airports will integrate the wallet systems into its broader ecosystem, Al Hail Holding will coordinate with regulators and manage financial arrangements, and Xare will build the interface connecting travellers, merchants and payment rails.

The digital wallet aims to offer travellers a secure, cashless method to pay for airport services and possibly retail, while also exploring stablecoin or digital-asset payments as part of the architecture.

Beyond payments, the partnership targets smart mobility upgrades across airport operations. Anticipated efforts include AI-enabled systems, intelligent transport technologies and infrastructure enhancements to increase efficiency, safety and environmental performance across Abu Dhabi’s airport network.

The project aligns with the UAE’s Digital Economy Strategy and Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, which prioritise adoption of advanced fintech, digital assets and sustainable infrastructure across sectors.

Lyft Inc. has entered into a partnership with the autonomous vehicle company Tensor Auto Inc. to introduce a fleet of robotaxis across North America and Europe by 2027. The companies aim to reshape the transportation landscape, focusing on the future of urban mobility. Lyft’s venture into the robotaxi market signals a significant step towards embracing fully autonomous driving technologies, which could revolutionise urban transport systems globally.

Under the terms of the agreement, Tensor Auto will provide the necessary technology to power the autonomous vehicles, while Lyft will manage the operations, including fleet logistics, ride-hailing services, and customer-facing platforms. The collaboration is set to leverage Lyft’s extensive experience in the ride-hailing industry, which already covers a wide range of urban markets in both regions. This partnership marks a key milestone in the journey towards making driverless cars a reality, aiming to deliver more efficient and eco-friendly transportation alternatives.

Lyft’s move into robotaxis comes as the autonomous vehicle market is experiencing a rapid surge in interest, with several major players such as Tesla, Google’s Waymo, and others investing heavily in the technology. These vehicles are designed to operate without human intervention, using a combination of sensors, cameras, and advanced artificial intelligence to navigate city streets. By eliminating the need for drivers, robotaxis promise to cut costs, reduce congestion, and lower emissions, aligning with the growing demand for greener urban transport solutions.

The rollout of robotaxis is expected to be gradual, with Lyft planning to initially deploy a limited number of vehicles in select cities. The fleet will be integrated with Lyft’s existing app, allowing customers to book rides as they would with traditional cars. While the service will begin with a small fleet of vehicles, Lyft and Tensor Auto anticipate expanding the network as regulatory frameworks for autonomous vehicles evolve and urban infrastructure adapts to accommodate driverless cars.

Lyft’s decision to enter the autonomous ride-sharing market comes at a time when the company is looking to diversify its services beyond traditional ride-hailing. The potential of robotaxis could be a game changer in terms of profitability and service efficiency. As the global shift towards sustainability grows stronger, self-driving electric vehicles like these offer a promising solution to reduce carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.

Tensor Auto, a leader in autonomous driving technology, has been a key player in the development of self-driving solutions for both private and commercial transportation. The company has been refining its autonomous system, focusing on the safety, reliability, and efficiency of its vehicles. Tensor Auto’s vehicles are equipped with state-of-the-art sensors and machine learning algorithms designed to enable smooth navigation in complex urban environments. These innovations are expected to be central to the success of the Lyft robotaxi initiative.

While many of the logistics regarding the fleet’s operation remain in development, key challenges will include regulatory approvals, vehicle safety standards, and ensuring that autonomous systems can navigate the dynamic nature of urban environments. Several regions, including parts of Europe and North America, have already started the process of revising their traffic laws to accommodate self-driving vehicles, with pilot programs and test sites being established in cities like San Francisco and London.

Experts suggest that the integration of robotaxis could lead to significant shifts in how people approach urban mobility. With the promise of safer, more reliable, and more affordable transportation, the expansion of driverless cars could be particularly beneficial in densely populated cities, where congestion and pollution are persistent challenges. Lyft and Tensor Auto’s collaboration could set a new benchmark for the future of transportation, one that is driven by sustainability and technological advancement.