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Chief Scientist discusses collaboration with UAE in innovation and technology

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 16, 2024

Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation, and Technology Demetris Skourides attended a meeting at the Dubai Chamber recently, where the foundations were laid for collaboration, particularly in the areas of innovation and technology.

Skourides met with Hans Larsen from the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy and George Partasides, Commercial Counsellor of the Cyprus Trade Centre in the UAE.

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The meeting laid the foundations for exciting collaborations, particularly in the areas of innovation and technology, according to a post on the Cyprus Trade Centre in Dubai’s LinkedIn page. “We discussed the upcoming participation of leading Cypriot companies at GITEX GLOBAL 2024 (October 14-18) in Dubai, where they will showcase their cutting-edge solutions, digital services and IT applications at Cyprus national pavilion,” it added.

“Together, we are opening new doors for Cypriot businesses to expand into the UAE and vice versa since Cyprus has a high-level success to European Funds.”

Cyprus is positioning itself as a gateway for research and innovation, which in turn provides UAE companies with seamless access to Europe’s dynamic digital ecosystem. “Through initiatives like the Cyprus Innovation Initiative, we aim to create mutual value by connecting our vibrant ecosystems, strengthening Cyprus’ presence on the global digital map,” the post said.

Following the success of this meeting and the fruitful exchange of ideas, the aim is to arrange further engagements, including a meeting with a high level UAE delegation and the Cyprus delegation during Expand North Star/GITEX in October.

“Looking forward to continuing this journey of deeper collaboration between our countries, where Cyprus can serve as a crucial link for the UAE to Europe,” the post concluded.

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Cyprus Construction Trends: Permit Count Slips While Value and Scale Surge in 2025

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 11, 2025

The Cyprus Statistical Service (Cystat) has reported a notable shift in the construction landscape for 2025. The latest figures reveal a modest 1.9% decline in building permits issued in March compared to the same month last year, signaling a nuanced trend in the nation’s developmental activities.

Permit Count Decline in March

In March 2025, authorities authorised 572 building permits—down from 583 in March 2024. The permits, which total a value of €361.5 million and cover 296,900 square metres of construction, underscore a cautious pace in permit approval despite ongoing projects. Notably, these permits are set to facilitate the construction of 1,480 dwelling units, reflecting an underlying demand in the housing sector.

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Q1 2025: Growth in Value, Construction Area, and Dwelling Units

While the number of permits in the first quarter (January to March) decreased by 15.8% from 1,876 to 1,580, more significant, economically relevant metrics saw robust growth. Total permit value surged by 21.7%, and the authorised construction area expanded by 15.6%. Additionally, the number of prospective dwelling units increased by 16.7% compared to the corresponding period last year. This divergence suggests that although fewer permits were issued, the scale and ambition of the approved projects have intensified.

New Regulatory Framework and the Ippodamos System

Since 1 July 2024, a pivotal transition has taken place in permit administration. The responsibility for issuing permits has moved from municipalities and district administration offices to the newly established local government organisations (EOAs). The integrated information system, Ippodamos, now oversees the licensing process, streamlining data collection on both residential and non-residential projects across urban and rural areas.

Comprehensive Data Collection for Enhanced Oversight

The Ippodamos system categorises construction projects using the EU Classification of Types of Construction (CC). This platform gathers extensive data on the number of permits authorised, project area and value, and the expected number of dwelling units. It covers a broad spectrum of construction activities—from new builds and civil engineering projects to plot divisions and road construction—while excluding renewals and building divisions. The thoroughness of this new regulatory structure promises greater operational transparency and more informed decision-making for policymakers and industry stakeholders.