STC Group CEO Khaled Biyari said the region is brimming with young people who are creative and capable of contributing to the positive transformation of the region’s economies when given the right environment.
Biyari was speaking at the opening session of the “Building Digital Economies in the Arab World” forum titled “The Digital Arab World, the Most Important Challenges and Opportunities” organized by the World Economic Forum (WEF) in the UAE.
He said both the government and the private sector in the Kingdom are focused on business incubators and the rapid development of the digital economy through young leaders, contrary to the prevailing view that the region is not attractive enough for talents and creators.
Biyari, who is a member of the Regional Business Council (RBC), said digital transformation provides many opportunities to speed up the region’s economies to cope with global transformation. This, he said, would help governments and companies to efficiently work hand in hand, and provide growth opportunities, which in turn would reduce dependence on natural resources.
He said investment in digital infrastructure such as advanced networks, data centers and platforms is important, given the large number of projects currently underway in the Kingdom.
Arab leaders from the public and private sectors who participated in the forum called for accelerating the shift in economic strategies in Arab countries in line with the digital and technical transformations taking place in the world’s economies. They pointed out that the leaders of public and private sectors are required to adopt new methodologies in education and economy to create an economic system that is suitable for the fourth industrial revolution, especially through investment in technology and digital infrastructure.
STC CEO stresses on investment in digital infrastructure for economic transformation
STC CEO stresses on investment in digital infrastructure for economic transformation
Meraas unveils Dubai Design District residential masterplan
Meraas, a member of Dubai Holding Real Estate, has unveiled an expanded residential masterplan for Dubai Design District, transforming the district into one of Dubai’s most desirable creative-led waterfront neighborhoods. The development will introduce contemporary canal-front living, cultural quarters, public green spaces and walkable urban streets, creating a fully integrated community where global talent can live, work and innovate.
Located between Downtown Dubai and Dubai Creek, the enhanced masterplan spans 18 million square feet of land. Designed and delivered by Meraas, the neighborhood blends residential, cultural, retail and hospitality experiences, reinforcing Dubai’s ambition to strengthen its position as a global center for design, innovation and culture, in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. The residential expansion also responds to increasing market demand, following the strong performance of recent launches and growing interest from both local and international buyers seeking design-led, well-connected waterfront communities.
A defining feature of the new masterplan is the Design Line, a fully shaded, pedestrian-first spine that seamlessly connects the entire district. Activated through public art, creative installations, community spaces and landscaped green corridors, it will support walkable, human-centric living while strengthening d3’s identity as one of Dubai’s most design-forward urban neighborhoods. The masterplan is also targeting LEED Silver community certification, with sustainable mobility, enhanced connectivity, energy-efficient design and integration with natural landscapes, including visual links to Dubai Creek and the Ras Al-Khor Wildlife Sanctuary.
Five distinct areas will shape the character of the new neighborhood. Along the canal, the first will introduce contemporary residences and boutique hospitality set against an activated waterfront promenade. The urban core will unite residential offerings with curated retail and dining, integrated with d3’s established global creative ecosystem. A third area will become the cultural heart of the community, featuring performance venues and mid-rise residences overlooking the d3 Bowl. Another will offer a wellness-focused residential setting defined by parks, sports facilities and a mangrove-inspired landscape. The final area will become a center for creativity, with galleries, studios and loft-style spaces designed to support collaboration, creativity and artistic production.
Khalid Al-Malik, chief executive of Dubai Holding Real Estate, said: “Expanding the Dubai Design District masterplan into a fully integrated creative neighborhood is a significant step in advancing the ambitions of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. This development strengthens Dubai Design District’s position as a global benchmark for design-focused urban living and reaffirms Dubai’s status as a destination of choice for long-term investment, talent and innovation.”
Momentum around the district continues to accelerate. Meraas’ recent residential releases at d3 have attracted exceptional demand, including the rapid sell-out of Atelis, a 280-unit waterfront tower, and the successful launch of The Edit, a three-tower development offering 557 design-led homes.
With its expanded vision, new residential offering and distinctive creative identity, the enhanced d3 masterplan will establish the district as one of Dubai’s most inspiring and globally relevant neighborhoods — a place where creativity shapes everyday life and where the world’s creative community can truly belong.
