Set to open in December 2025 in Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Cultural District, the Zayed National Museum will honor the legacy of the UAE’s Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The museum will showcase over 300,000 years of history through rare artefacts, immersive exhibits, and interactive galleries—celebrating Emirati identity, heritage, and Sheikh Zayed’s visionary values.
Emirates is set to accept cryptocurrency payments through Crypto.com Pay starting next year. This move, alongside blockchain initiatives by the Dubai government, reinforces Dubai’s growing role as a global leader in digital assets and innovation across aviation, real estate, and governance.
The UAE will introduce four new visa categories from August 10, 2025, for AI professionals, event visitors, gaming industry workers, and cruise tourists. Aimed at boosting innovation and tourism, the move aligns with the country’s global vision. Freelance visa applications are temporarily suspended.
The UAE has launched a new AI-powered government performance system designed to save over 250,000 work hours annually. Using real-time data, predictive insights, and deep analytics, the system supports the “We the UAE 2031” vision and aims to improve service delivery, planning, and future readiness.
Emirates Driving Company has launched the UAE’s first carbon-neutral driver training programme, ‘Green Drive’, in partnership with climate-tech firm CarbonSifr. This initiative offers students a sustainable driving experience by offsetting all emissions from practical lessons, marking a pioneering step in eco-friendly education and mobility.
Retake exams for UAE public and private school students following the Ministry of Education curriculum conclude on Thursday, with final results set to be announced on July 14. The Ministry has confirmed that no changes will be allowed once the results are released, and certified digital certificates will be issued for all eligible students.
The UAE has introduced major visa reforms in 2025, featuring an AI-powered Salama platform to streamline applications and new long-term visas for global talent. These include the Blue Visa for environmental experts, Golden Visas for gaming and healthcare professionals, and Creative Visas for digital artists—positioning the UAE as a hub for innovation and growth.
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority has partnered with Pony.ai to launch autonomous taxi trials by the end of 2025, aiming for a full commercial rollout in 2026. The initiative supports Dubai’s goal to make 25% of all trips driverless by 2030, positioning the city as a global leader in smart, sustainable mobility.
Emirates plans to let passengers pay with cryptocurrencies through a new deal with Crypto.com, targeting younger, tech-savvy travelers. Set to launch next year, this move aligns with Dubai’s rise as a crypto hub and reflects the airline’s push to offer modern, flexible payment options alongside traditional methods.
The UAE Ministry of Education has introduced a clear process for students transferring from British to American curriculum schools. Aimed at ensuring smooth academic transitions, the guidelines vary by grade level and are designed to standardize procedures, support families, and maintain academic continuity across private schools.
Boxing legend Ricky Hatton, 46, is making a professional comeback in Dubai on December 2, 2025, after 13 years. He’ll face UAE’s first pro boxer, Eisa Al Dah, in an eight-round middleweight bout titled “Destiny in the Desert.” The fight marks Hatton’s return to the ring and a major moment for UAE boxing.
Dubai-based startup XPANCEO has raised $250M to develop the world’s first smart contact lens with AR, health tracking, night vision, and more. Valued at $1.35B, it’s now the UAE’s 12th unicorn. The lens aims to replace all personal devices with a single wearable powered by AI, biosensors, and nanotechnology.
