Dubai Times

Farizon Tests Electric Van Cooling Performance With Ice-Block Drive Across Dubai

Chinese commercial vehicle maker Farizon drove an electric van carrying a large block of ice through Dubai in a public demonstration intended to showcase battery thermal management in extreme heat.

Emirates Offers Complimentary Dubai Attraction Access With Eligible Return Flights

Emirates launched a winter promotion giving qualifying passengers free access to attractions including Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark, the Lost World Aquarium and city sightseeing tours worth up to 535 dirhams.

Global Village to Open 31st Season on October 14

Dubai’s Global Village will reopen on October 14 with expanded food, entertainment and international pavilion offerings for its 31st season.

Dubai Miracle Garden to Reopen on October 8

Dubai Miracle Garden will reopen for its seasonal run with more than 150 million flowers spread across 72,000 square meters ahead of the autumn school break.

Dubai Schools to Observe Unified Nine-Day Autumn Mid-Term Break

Dubai’s education regulator confirmed a standardized autumn break for private schools following UK, IB and American curricula, with the core holiday running from October 19 through October 23.

UAE Expands Industrial AI Use Across Energy, Ports and Utilities

IFS introduced artificial intelligence tools for maintenance, supply chains and equipment management across heavy-asset industries in the UAE, including energy, ports and utilities.

Abu Dhabi Government Departments Expand Use of Microsoft Copilot

Municipal and civil-service agencies in Abu Dhabi began deploying Microsoft Copilot tools across administrative functions as the emirate works toward wider automation of government services by 2027.

Wizz Air to Resume Low-Cost Services to Dubai and Abu Dhabi From October 24

Wizz Air announced the return of scheduled routes connecting European hubs with the UAE, adding lower-cost travel options ahead of the winter tourism season.

Philippine Airlines Restarts Direct Manila-Dubai Flights

Philippine Airlines resumed scheduled services between Manila and Dubai International Airport, expanding direct travel options between the Philippines and the UAE.

Dubai Activates New Salik Toll Gate at Business Bay Crossing

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority opened a new four-dirham Salik toll gate at Business Bay Crossing to manage congestion and encourage motorists to use alternative routes.

Dubai Tightens Escrow Rules for Off-Plan Property Developments

The Real Estate Regulatory Agency introduced stronger governance and escrow-accounting requirements intended to protect investor funds as conditions in the off-plan housing market evolve.

Dubai Rises to 17th Globally and First in Arab World for Real Estate Transparency

Dubai climbed 11 places to rank 17th worldwide and first in the Arab world in a global property transparency index, reflecting stronger regulation and greater market openness.

Dubai Ruler Appoints Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita to Chair Humanitarian Authority

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum issued Decree No. 26 of 2026 appointing Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita as chairman of the Dubai Humanitarian Authority, succeeding Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani.

Abu Dhabi Prepares to Host AI Everything Expo Ahead of 2027 Digitization Target

Abu Dhabi is preparing for the October 6 opening of AI Everything, bringing together more than 400 technology companies, policymakers and industry leaders as the emirate advances plans for AI-enabled government services.

UAE Raises October Fuel Prices as Global Energy Costs Climb

The UAE Fuel Price Committee increased retail rates for October, taking Super 98 petrol to 4.40 dirhams per litre and diesel to 4.80 dirhams amid higher international crude prices.

Etihad Rail Launches Passenger Service Linking Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Fujairah

The UAE’s national railway network inaugurated passenger operations connecting major emirates, expanding intercity transport options and adding a new rail link between Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.

Dubai Opera Announces October Cultural Programme

Dubai Opera released its October schedule featuring theatre, ballet and music performances aimed at attracting local audiences and international cultural visitors.

Dubai Sports Council Expands Autumn and Winter Competition Calendar

Dubai’s sports programme will include Dubai Basketball fixtures, international padel tournaments and golf events across the emirate during the coming months.

Dubai Unveils October Entertainment Programme

Dubai’s tourism authorities announced an autumn events calendar featuring concerts, the Dubai Comedy Festival and international electronic music performances.

Dubai Fitness Challenge 2026 Begins Citywide Preparations

Dubai has started community fitness activations ahead of the annual Dubai Fitness Challenge, including dedicated activity zones and preparations for large events such as Dubai Run.

Dubai Municipality Expands Solar Street Lighting and Smart Irrigation

Municipal authorities are deploying solar-powered lighting and automated irrigation systems across newer residential communities including Dubailand and Jumeirah Village Circle.

UAE Expands Mangrove Restoration and Blue Carbon Projects

Environmental agencies launched new coastal conservation projects in Abu Dhabi and Dubai aimed at planting millions of mangrove saplings and increasing natural carbon storage.

Dubai Police Deploy AI-Enabled Traffic Drones

Dubai Police integrated autonomous drones with municipal traffic-control systems to monitor congestion, respond to incidents and improve traffic flow on major roads.

Dubai Restricts Heavy Trucks on Major Roads During Peak Hours

Traffic authorities imposed peak-hour truck bans on Amman Street, Airport Street and parts of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road to reduce congestion during morning and evening commuting periods.

UAE Hosts Islamic Finance and Digital Economy Summits

Financial institutions and sovereign wealth advisers gathered in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for industry events projecting global Islamic finance assets could reach $10.5 trillion by 2030.

Dubai Airport Show 2026 Prepares to Host Global Aviation Industry Leaders

Dubai aviation authorities completed preparations for the Airport Show at Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together suppliers, regulators and technology companies focused on airport infrastructure.

Dubai Prepares for Autumn Tourism Peak as Major Attractions Reopen

Tourism venues are increasing operations for October, including the reopening of Dubai Miracle Garden and preparations for the emirate’s nine-day school mid-term break.

UAE to Open Electronic Visa Centre in Beirut

The Foreign Ministry will launch a digital visa processing centre in Beirut in October to simplify travel and residency applications for Lebanese nationals seeking to enter the UAE.

UAE Startup MetisJean Launches Sovereign AI Platform for Regional Companies

MetisJean introduced a locally hosted artificial intelligence platform designed to help UAE businesses deploy machine learning systems while meeting domestic data sovereignty requirements.

Dubai Ruler Appoints Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita to Lead Dubai Humanitarian Authority

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum issued a decree appointing Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita as chairman of the Dubai Humanitarian Authority, succeeding Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani.

Etihad Rail Partners With Q Mobility and Parkin on Smart Parking at Passenger Stations

Etihad Rail, Q Mobility and Parkin agreed to integrate automated parking systems and micro-mobility facilities around passenger stations on the national rail network.

Global Logistics Companies Expand Warehousing and Cold-Chain Capacity in Dubai Industrial City

International logistics operators are increasing storage capacity in Dubai Industrial City to serve rising pharmaceutical, e-commerce and perishable food demand across the Middle East.

Foreign Buyers Account for More Than 42% of New Property Purchases in Dubai’s Southern Corridors

International investors made up more than 42% of new acquisitions in emerging Dubai South and off-plan developments, according to Dubai Land Department registration data.

Dubai South Studio Apartment Sales Jump 185%

Studio apartment transactions in Dubai South rose 185%, reflecting strong investor demand for residential projects near Al Maktoum International Airport.

UAE Cybersecurity Council Tightens Cloud Security Guidance

National cybersecurity authorities issued stronger requirements for financial institutions and cloud providers, including expanded security audits and zero-trust network controls.

Dubai Chamber and Assolombarda Expand Italy-UAE Business Links

Italy’s Assolombarda industrial association plans to open a permanent Dubai office as non-oil trade between the two markets surpasses $13.91 billion.

Emirates Launches Daily Non-Stop Dubai-Helsinki Flights

Emirates began year-round daily service between Dubai and Helsinki, creating the UAE’s only continuous direct air connection with Finland.

Workday Opens Dubai Headquarters as UAE Enterprise AI Adoption Reaches 72%

Workday inaugurated a regional headquarters in Dubai as company research showed artificial intelligence adoption among UAE businesses reaching 72% across HR, finance and IT functions.