Business

Dubai Municipality receives ‘Level 3 International Foresight Accreditation’

Dubai Municipality has received the Level 3 International Foresight Accreditation, becoming the first municipality worldwide to obtain this distinction. The accreditation was granted by the Global Innovation Management Institute in recognition of institutions that demonstrate advanced capabilities in structured foresight assessment and future preparedness, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a global centre for future foresight.

Dubai Municipality achieved this accreditation at the Level 3 maturity of the GIMI S4 Future Foresight Maturity Model, one of the established assessment frameworks used to evaluate the leadership of governments and organisations in the field of future foresight. This level represents systematic foresight, which focuses on embedding foresight within institutional and strategic planning processes, supported by recognised tools, structured methodologies, and continuous performance monitoring.

By obtaining this accreditation, Dubai Municipality has demonstrated its leadership as a government entity with a high degree of maturity in foresight practices, applying global standards in scanning future trends, conducting strategic scenario analysis, supporting proactive planning, and strengthening long-term readiness. The Municipality has also shown strong capabilities in identifying strategic strengths and developmental opportunities that contribute to building a forward-looking roadmap that enhances resilience and future preparedness.

Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, said: “Future foresight is a leadership and governance approach that has become part of Dubai’s identity, driven by its belief that the future is a source of strength for nations and societies. We are proud to earn this accreditation, which reaffirms our strategy to be a leading municipality for a global city, and to contribute to shaping Dubai as a city of the future: innovative, flexible, sustainable, and offering the highest quality of life.”

This accreditation further strengthens Dubai’s position as a global centre for future foresight and reinforces government excellence standards through full alignment with them. It supports the harmonization of foresight practices across Dubai Government, enhances the measurement of institutional foresight maturity, and enables the development of a clear roadmap for continuous improvement. The achievement also advances innovation practices and future-driven decision-making, supported by Dubai Municipality’s integrated system of organizational agility and flexibility, which reinforces its leadership while elevating readiness and competitiveness across innovation and future-readiness indicators.

The Global Innovation Management Institute is an international non-profit organisation headquartered in the United States, dedicated to developing and disseminating best practices in innovation and future foresight across governments, corporations, and institutions worldwide. The Institute issues international accreditation certificates, develops standardised evaluation models, and enables public and private entities to enhance their future readiness and strengthen organisational maturity.

WAM

Business

Two major parks planned in Riyadh

Authorities in the Saudi capital have unveiled plans to develop two expansive public parks covering more than 310,000 square metres as part of a broader push to increase green spaces across the city.

The Riyadh Region Municipality confirmed on Wednesday that the new developments will be situated in the eastern and southern districts of the capital. The project is designed to transform the city’s urban landscape, shifting away from traditional park layouts toward integrated “urban destinations” that cater to both recreation and environmental sustainability.

Central to the design is a scenic valley that will serve as a functional and visual anchor for both sites. According to municipal officials, the parks are intended to bolster the city’s “urban fabric” by providing high-quality public areas that align with the quality-of-life goals set out in the Saudi Vision 2030 framework.

The facilities planned for the 317,200-square-metre footprint are extensive. Beyond standard greenery, the sites will feature a golf course, multi-purpose sports fields, and dedicated jogging tracks. Families will have access to children’s play areas and water features, while the inclusion of a theatre and designated event spaces suggests the parks will double as cultural hubs for the local community.

“These parks represent high-quality developments aimed at expanding public spaces across the capital,” the municipality said in a statement. The announcement noted that the projects would also include a range of commercial amenities, including restaurants and cafés, to ensure the parks remain active throughout the day.

This latest initiative follows a series of large-scale environmental projects in the Kingdom, where officials are increasingly prioritising “livability” as Riyadh undergoes population and infrastructure expansion. The municipality highlighted that the design focuses on “environmental sensitivity,” incorporating innovative greening techniques to manage the arid climate while maintaining sustainable water use.

Business

Prince William to Official Visit Saudi Arabia in February

Britain’s Prince William is set to visit Saudi Arabia for the first time in an official capacity, Kensington Palace announced on Wednesday. The trip is scheduled from February 9 to 11, 2026.

Strengthening Ties Between the UK and Saudi Arabia

According to Kensington Palace, the visit comes as the UK and Saudi Arabia mark growing trade, energy, and investment partnerships. It also coincides with celebrations of nearly a century of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

A First for the Duke

This will be Prince William’s first official trip to Saudi Arabia, highlighting the importance of the country in the UK’s international relations and economic strategy.

What to Expect

While details of the itinerary haven’t been fully released, the visit is expected to include meetings with Saudi officials and discussions on trade, investment, and energy collaboration.

The visit signals a continued focus on strengthening ties between London and Riyadh, while marking a historic moment in Prince William’s international engagements.

Business

Japan tourist arrivals hit record 42.7 million in 2025

Tourists to Japan hit a record 42.7 million in 2025, exceeding 40 million for the first time, Japan’s Tourism Minister, Yasushi Kaneko, told a press conference.

Total spending by inbound tourists reached 9.5 trillion yen ($60 billion) over the year, also ‌a record high.

WAM