Dubai Times

Dubai International Retains Position as World’s Busiest International Airport

Dubai International Airport remained the world’s busiest hub for international passenger traffic in September, according to aviation data provider OAG.

Sheikh Mohammed Says UAE Will Continue Major Projects Despite Global Uncertainty

Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said the UAE will press ahead with development projects, economic reforms and government initiatives without waiting for more favorable international conditions.

Standard Chartered Launches Institutional Bitcoin and Ether Spot Trading in Dubai

Standard Chartered has begun offering deliverable spot trading in Bitcoin and Ether to institutional clients through its Dubai International Financial Centre branch, becoming the first systemically important global bank to provide the re...

Arada Partners With Syrian Sovereign Fund on $7 Billion Development Near Damascus

Sharjah-based developer Arada has announced a four-million-square-meter project near Damascus with Syria’s sovereign wealth fund, including plans for 11,000 homes.

UAE Condemns Iranian Attack on Kuwait as Gulf Security Tensions Rise

The United Arab Emirates has formally condemned an Iranian attack on Kuwait, reaffirming its commitment to the security of neighboring Gulf Cooperation Council states amid escalating regional tensions.

UAE Weather Begins Gradual Shift Toward Autumn

The National Center of Meteorology reported persistent late-summer humidity but said temperatures are beginning a gradual seasonal decline across coastal and desert areas.

Dubai Luxury Retailers Prepare Autumn Collections for International Shoppers

Major fashion brands at Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates are preparing seasonal launches aimed at affluent overseas visitors during the coming festive period.

Dubai Mallathon Concludes After Three-Month Indoor Fitness Programme

The Dubai Sports Council wrapped up its summer initiative offering free air-conditioned walking and jogging routes inside participating shopping centres during the hottest months.

Dubai Prepares for Busy Autumn Business and Tourism Calendar

Event organisers are gearing up for major international conferences and gatherings at the Dubai World Trade Centre as the emirate enters its peak autumn events season.

Sharjah Orders Fee Exemptions and Refunds for Affected Private-School Students

Authorities in Sharjah implemented directives providing education fee relief and refunds for eligible students as part of measures supporting family access to schooling.

Dubai Culture Expands Flexible Rental and Licensing Support for Creative Sector

Cultural operators are receiving deferred municipal lease obligations and simplified temporary exhibition permits designed to reduce operating barriers for arts and creative businesses.

Ras Al Khaimah Plans New Eco-Resorts and Adventure Tourism Projects

Tourism authorities announced hospitality partnerships for mountain lodges and nature trails as the emirate seeks to expand its sustainable and experience-focused travel offering.

Museum of the Future Closes Temporarily for Major Exhibition Redesign

Dubai’s Museum of the Future suspended public access on September 1 while its interactive galleries undergo a substantial overhaul centred on new immersive technology experiences.

Abu Dhabi Prepares for International Life Sciences and Biotechnology Summits

Research organisations and healthcare investors are finalising programmes for upcoming conferences focused on genomics, pharmaceuticals and life sciences innovation.

Keeta Resumes Drone Food Deliveries in Dubai Silicon Oasis

The delivery platform restarted autonomous aerial food services from Silicon Central Mall, transporting meals within designated areas of Dubai Silicon Oasis.

Dubai Future Foundation Opens Global AI and Urban Innovation Challenges

International startups are being invited to propose artificial intelligence and smart-city technologies, with selected projects eligible for funding and pilot opportunities in Dubai.

Emirates and Flydubai Expand Codeshares and International Frequencies

Dubai-based airlines announced additional services and broader codeshare connectivity to major European and Asian destinations as they expand international networks.

Dubai Health Authority Expands Screening and Telehealth Services

Community clinics are broadening cardiovascular and metabolic screening while integrating artificial intelligence tools into diagnostic and telehealth services.

Dubai Police Expands AI-Assisted Traffic Monitoring for School Return

Authorities deployed smart traffic systems and additional patrols on major roads as students returned to classrooms and peak-hour congestion increased.

e& and du Accelerate 5G-Advanced and Fibre Network Upgrades

The UAE’s major telecom operators are expanding high-speed mobile and fibre infrastructure across new residential and commercial districts to support broadband and enterprise cloud demand.

Dubai Continues Economic Support for Hospitality and Small Businesses

Existing stimulus measures continue to provide relief through exemptions including hotel municipality fees and tourism dirham charges as authorities seek to support business competitiveness.

Dubai Extends Construction Permit and Housing Loan Validity

Dubai Municipality lengthened validity periods for active building permits and Mohammed bin Rashid Housing Establishment loans, giving citizens and developers more time to complete projects.

UAE Revises Nafis Salary Support and Introduces Child Allowance

New rules for Emiratis working in the private and banking sectors restructure salary support and add a monthly allowance of 600 dirhams for each eligible child.

Dubai Private Education Sector Adds 26 New Schools and Early Learning Centres

Seven schools and 19 early childhood centres opened for the new academic year, adding nearly 17,000 student places to Dubai’s private education system.

UAE Banks Report Strong Capital and Liquidity Buffers

Domestic financial institutions reported solid capital adequacy and healthy credit demand as the Central Bank maintained close oversight amid shifting global economic conditions.

Murban Crude Holds Near 106 Dirhams as Hormuz Security Remains in Focus

Energy traders in Dubai monitored volatile global oil markets while Murban crude remained near 106 dirhams a barrel and naval forces continued overseeing commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

UAE Cabinet Approves National Ecotourism Policy and Reviews Land Restoration Progress

The Cabinet approved a national ecotourism policy while reporting that protected reserves have expanded to 55 sites and large numbers of native trees have been tagged and protected.

UAE Expands Wind, Water and Renewable Infrastructure Push

Federal authorities are accelerating solar-powered desalination and underground water-storage projects as part of efforts to strengthen long-term water security against climate pressures.

Dubai Launches Monthly Rent Payment System Without Interest

Dubai introduced a residential rental mechanism allowing tenants to spread annual housing payments over 12 monthly instalments without interest instead of relying on large upfront cheques.

UAE Introduces Minimum Excise Tax for E-Cigarette Liquids

A minimum excise price of one dirham per millilitre took effect on September 1 for electronic smoking liquids, creating a new tax baseline across common vaping product sizes.

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Meets AMD Chief Lisa Su on AI and Semiconductor Cooperation

Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed held talks with AMD Chair and Chief Executive Lisa Su on advanced computing infrastructure, semiconductor supply chains and artificial intelligence research.

UAE Introduces National Rules for Testing and Licensing Autonomous Vehicles

The federal government approved technical standards, safety inspections and operating protocols for self-driving vehicles as the country develops a formal regulatory framework for autonomous transport.

UAE Raises Petrol and Diesel Prices for September

The UAE Fuel Price Committee increased Super 98 petrol to 3.80 dirhams a litre, Special 95 to 3.69 dirhams and diesel to 4.30 dirhams, raising transport costs nationwide.

Etihad Rail to Launch Abu Dhabi-Dubai Passenger Service on September 30

Etihad Rail plans to begin passenger operations between Mohamed bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi and Al Yalayis in Dubai, with the journey expected to take 57 minutes.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi Airports Face Disruptions Amid Middle East Tensions

Airlines at Dubai International and Zayed International airports reported schedule changes, delays and a limited number of cancellations as heightened security conditions complicated regional air routes.

UAE Cabinet Approves 32 AI Advisers for Government Policy and Performance

The UAE Cabinet approved the deployment of 32 specialised artificial intelligence advisers to analyse legislation, assess policy effects and monitor government performance around the clock.

Dubai Opera Announces Winter Season Featuring London Symphony Orchestra

Dubai Opera unveiled a winter programme including a regional residency by the London Symphony Orchestra alongside international pop and theatre performances.

Dubai Drone Show Over Burj Al Arab Sets Three Guinness World Records

A display involving 5,000 synchronised illuminated drones above the Burj Al Arab set three Guinness World Records and drew widespread attention online.

UFC Announces October Championship Fight in Abu Dhabi

The Ultimate Fighting Championship confirmed a title bout at Etihad Arena on Yas Island in October as Abu Dhabi continues to use major sporting events to attract international visitors.

LVMH Plans Immersive Luxury Pavilion in Dubai Design District

LVMH announced plans for a multi-brand retail and hospitality development in Dubai Design District combining luxury boutiques, augmented-reality displays and VIP experiences.

UAE Space Agency Sets 2028 Launch Window for MBR Explorer Asteroid Mission

UAE space officials finalised the planned trajectory and launch window for the MBR Explorer, keeping the spacecraft on schedule for a 2028 mission to the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

UAE Tests Laser-Equipped Drones for Cloud Seeding

The National Center of Meteorology deployed autonomous drones equipped with lasers in cloud-seeding operations across the Northern Emirates, testing an alternative to conventional chemical flare methods.

Salik and Talabat Report Record Second-Quarter Profits

Dubai-listed Salik and Talabat reported record quarterly earnings supported by population growth and consumer spending, helping lift trading activity and foreign institutional interest on the Dubai Financial Market.

Emirates NBD Launches Generative AI Wealth Management Adviser

Emirates NBD introduced an artificial intelligence-powered retail investment adviser designed to generate personalised portfolio recommendations for digital banking customers.

Flydubai Adds Five Southeast Asian Destinations

Flydubai announced direct services to five additional cities in Southeast Asia as the airline expands its regional network and targets rising tourism and business travel demand.