Times of Dubai

Dubai has opened registration for the UAE SWAT Challenge 2027, inviting elite tactical and rapid-response teams from around the world to compete from January 23 to 27. The five-day event at Training City in Al Ruwayyah will feature five demanding challenges testing tactical, physical and technical skills. The competition has also earned Guinness World Records recognition for attracting the largest number of countries to a SWAT competition.

Dubai’s underground transport ambitions are getting a major boost. The Boring Company has raised $3 billion in fresh funding, with UAE-based investors among the backers, as it prepares for large-scale underground infrastructure across the country. The company says the investment will support more than 150 kilometres of tunnels, building on its Dubai Loop project and its existing passenger operations in Las Vegas.

Wizz Air is returning to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and UAE travellers could see more competitive airfares as the ultra-low-cost carrier increases competition. Travel agents estimate a potential 10–20% downward pressure on economy fares on directly competing routes. Flights to Budapest are currently listed from Dh289 from Dubai and Dh449 from Abu Dhabi, with operations set to begin on October 25.

UAE schools are expanding scholarship opportunities for the 2026–27 academic year, and top grades aren’t the only route to financial support. Awards are increasingly recognising students in sport, performing arts, leadership and character, with some scholarships covering up to 50% of tuition fees. Schools including Arcadia, GEMS, Regent International and Rugby School Dubai are among those offering merit-based opportunities.

Dubai’s culinary scene is gearing up for its biggest night yet. 🍽️ The MICHELIN Guide Dubai will unveil its fifth annual restaurant selection on October 6 at Atlantis The Royal. Chefs, restaurateurs and hospitality leaders will gather for the ceremony, followed by an after-party featuring signature creations from MICHELIN-recognised restaurants, including Row on 45, avatāra, Hōseki, Glass Hostaria and Berenjak. ⭐

Dubai is stepping up its ambitions to become a leading global media hub as the Dubai Media Council reviews final preparations for the Arab Media Summit 2026. The September 15–17 summit will feature eight specialised forums, while new initiatives in film and media scholarships aim to nurture the next generation of talent.

Dubai RTA has announced a 50% discount on driving licence services for People of Determination. The offer covers new licences, renewals, adding categories and replacing lost or damaged licences. Sanad Card holders and eligible People of Determination cardholders can benefit, with applications reviewed within three working days.

Dubai has launched “Click and Travel”, a mobile immigration service allowing GDRFA officers to process passengers in around 12–15 seconds. Using facial recognition, fingerprints and electronic passport reading, the system has already processed 31,373 passengers during its pilot. The service is now available to citizens, residents, GCC nationals and visitors.