Dubai Times

Modern Slavery Decisions Broaden the Al Fayed Inquiry’s Frame

At least five women who say they were abused by Mohamed Al Fayed have received formal recognition as victims of modern slavery, adding official weight to the trafficking dimension of the wider investigation.

FIFA’s Retreat Leaves a Larger Question Over Who Guards the Game

Gianni Infantino has abandoned a private-investment plan for football’s most valuable commercial rights, but the revolt it provoked has widened into a dispute over FIFA’s power, process and future leadership.

Dubai Hosts Global Sports Events as International Entertainment Sector Expands

Dubai continues to attract major esports tournaments, combat sports competitions, and international sporting events, supported by modern venues and its growing role as a global entertainment destination.

Dubai Launches AI Integration Across Public Administration and Municipal Operations

Dubai authorities are introducing artificial intelligence systems across government services to streamline operations, reduce processing times, and improve interactions between residents and public institutions.

Dubai Real Estate and Financial Sectors Benefit From Continued International Capital Inflows

Foreign investment continues to support Dubai’s property and financial markets, with investors drawn by business-friendly policies, residency options, and access to regional opportunities.

Dubai Financial Markets Attract New Technology Listings and International Investment

The Dubai Financial Market and Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange continue to attract investors through technology listings, state-backed offerings, and increased participation from regional and global funds.

Dubai Tourism Records Strong Visitor Growth Through Events and Hospitality Expansion

Dubai has reported record international tourism activity supported by global events, expanded hospitality capacity, cruise tourism, and growing recognition of its culinary sector.

Abu Dhabi Expands Saadiyat Cultural District With Major Museum Projects

Abu Dhabi is completing major cultural developments including the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum, expanding the Saadiyat Cultural District as a center for international art, heritage, and tourism.

Dubai Virtual Assets Regulator Tightens Crypto Licensing and Compliance Rules

Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority has introduced updated requirements for cryptocurrency and Web3 companies, focusing on anti-money laundering controls, investor protection, and stricter marketing standards.

UAE Updates School Curriculum With Mandatory AI Literacy and Coding Education

The UAE Ministry of Education has introduced artificial intelligence literacy, coding, and digital citizenship programs across primary and secondary schools to prepare students for technology-focused careers.

Dubai Unveils Palm Jebel Ali Development as Waterfront Expansion Accelerates

Nakheel has awarded major construction and marine engineering contracts for Palm Jebel Ali, a large waterfront project expected to add more than 110 kilometers of coastline with luxury residences, resorts, and smart infrastructure.

Dubai Metro Blue Line and Etihad Rail Highlight UAE’s Regional Transport Expansion

Major transport projects across the UAE, including Dubai’s Metro Blue Line and Etihad Rail’s passenger network, are expanding urban mobility and improving connections between major population centers.

Abu Dhabi Global Market Expands Financial Free Zone to Al Reem Island

Abu Dhabi Global Market has extended its jurisdiction to Al Reem Island, significantly expanding its operating area to support growth among asset managers, family offices, hedge funds, and fintech companies.

UAE Corporate Tax Framework Enters Full Implementation With Nine Percent Rate

The UAE Ministry of Finance has finalized regulations for its federal corporate tax system, applying a nine percent rate on taxable profits above AED 375,000 while maintaining incentives for qualifying free zone businesses.

Dubai Economic Agenda D33 Advances Plans to Expand Trade, Manufacturing, and Digital Growth

Dubai has launched new initiatives under its Economic Agenda D33 focused on expanding international trade, developing advanced manufacturing, accelerating digital transformation, and strengthening the emirate’s position as a global busin...

DP World Expands Smart Port Automation and Global Logistics Operations

Dubai-based logistics company DP World is investing in automated terminals, digital supply chain platforms, and inland logistics facilities to strengthen its global trade network connecting Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

UAE Strengthens Cybersecurity With AI-Powered National Threat Intelligence Platform

The UAE National Cyber Security Council has launched an artificial intelligence-driven threat intelligence hub to monitor risks affecting critical infrastructure, financial systems, and government networks through real-time information s...

Dubai Health Authority Expands AI Healthcare and Genomic Medicine Programs Across UAE

Dubai Health Authority and the Ministry of Health and Prevention are integrating artificial intelligence diagnostics and population genomics into healthcare systems to support personalized medicine, early disease detection, and biotechno...

Dubai Future Foundation Introduces Generative AI Guidelines Across Government Services

The Dubai Future Foundation has released implementation guidance for government agencies adopting generative artificial intelligence, with plans to use AI tools to improve public services, emergency response, and administrative efficiency.

ADNOC Commits $15 Billion to Decarbonization and Global Energy Expansion Projects

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company is investing in carbon capture, low-carbon technologies, clean hydrogen, and international liquefied natural gas assets as it expands its energy strategy while maintaining hydrocarbon production.

Etihad Rail Completes Preparations for Passenger Services Across the UAE

Etihad Rail has completed key milestones for its national passenger network, which will connect major cities, industrial zones, and border areas while improving travel links between Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and the Northern Emirates.

UAE Expands Renewable Energy Projects Through Solar and Clean Technology Investments

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority and Masdar are advancing major renewable energy projects, including expansions at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, as the UAE works toward its long-term clean energy targets.

Emirates Reports Record Financial Performance as Airline Expands Global Network

Emirates Group has announced record revenue and profit results, supported by strong international travel demand, increased capacity, premium cabin investments, and continued expansion of Dubai’s global aviation role.

UAE and India Strengthen Economic Partnership as Non-Oil Trade Reaches Record Levels

The UAE and India have recorded historic growth in non-oil trade under their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, supporting greater investment flows, supply chain integration, and expanded trade cooperation between the two econ...

UAE Advances Digital Dirham Trials as Central Bank Expands Digital Currency Development

The Central Bank of the UAE has moved forward with Digital Dirham implementation, completing cross-border liquidity tests and integrating retail payment systems aimed at improving transaction efficiency and strengthening digital financia...

Dubai Launches $8 Billion Tasreef Project to Expand Flood Protection Infrastructure

The Dubai Government has started the Tasreef stormwater project, a major underground drainage network designed to increase the city’s water management capacity by 700 percent and protect residential, commercial, and transport infrastruct...

Dubai Real Estate Market Draws Record Foreign Investment as Global Demand Rises

Dubai’s property sector continues to attract strong international capital, with record transaction activity driven by luxury waterfront developments, commercial real estate demand, flexible residency policies, and interest from investors...

UAE Investment Firm MGX Deploys Billions Into Global Artificial Intelligence and Semiconductor Projects

Abu Dhabi-backed technology investment company MGX is committing tens of billions of dollars toward artificial intelligence infrastructure, semiconductor supply chains, and advanced data centers through partnerships with international te...

UAE Expands Golden Visa Access and Introduces Blue Residency for Global Talent and Sustainability Leaders

The UAE Cabinet has widened eligibility for the 10-year Golden Visa to include artificial intelligence researchers, investors, exceptional students, and technology entrepreneurs, while creating Blue Residency for individuals contributing...

Dubai Launches $4.9 Billion Metro Blue Line to Expand Urban Transport Network

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has awarded contracts for the 30-kilometer Metro Blue Line, which will connect major communities including Dubai Creek Harbour, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Academic City while supporting population grow...

Dubai Approves $35 Billion Expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport Into World’s Largest Aviation Hub

Dubai has launched a $35 billion expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport, designed to handle up to 260 million passengers annually with 400 aircraft gates, five runways, and advanced automated systems as operations gradually shift ...

Dubai Summer Surprises Moves Into Final Week With Events Continuing Through September

Dubai Summer Surprises 2026 has entered its final week, with major sales campaigns ending while entertainment, dining and family attractions continue across the emirate.

UAE Conducts 110 Cloud-Seeding Missions as Weather Patterns Bring Rain Forecasts

The UAE National Centre of Meteorology has carried out 110 cloud-seeding missions since the start of 2026 as authorities monitor expected scattered rain and convective clouds in eastern and southern regions.

Abu Dhabi Hosts 2026 Ju-Jitsu World Championship With More Than 1,500 Athletes

The 2026 Ju-Jitsu World Championship is taking place in Abu Dhabi from August 1 to 9, bringing together more than 1,500 competitors and strengthening the emirate’s position as a global martial arts venue.

MBRSC Highlights UAE Space Programs at COSPAR 2026 in Italy

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre is presenting UAE space achievements at the COSPAR 2026 scientific assembly in Florence, including the Emirates Mars Mission, Lunar Mission and national astronaut program.

Dubai Gold Prices Fall as Retail Demand Remains Strong

Gold prices in the UAE declined by up to AED 1.25 per gram, supporting continued demand for jewelry and bullion purchases among consumers in Dubai and Sharjah.

UAE Government Prepares for Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday Public Holiday

Public and private sector employees in the UAE are expected to receive a holiday marking Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday on August 25, 2026, with a possible shift to August 24 under consideration to create a longer weekend.

Abu Dhabi Investment and Real Estate Activity Continues to Attract Global Buyers

Foreign investors from 116 nationalities participated in Abu Dhabi’s real estate market during the first half of 2026, with overseas investment exceeding the total recorded for the entire previous year.

UAE President and Ukraine President Discuss Maritime Security Cooperation

UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed maritime route security, food supply protection and possible UAE support for European maritime stability, including in the Black Sea region.

UAE Digitizes Educational Certificate Attestation Service

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has moved educational certificate attestation fully online, allowing recognized documents to be processed within two hours to support students and graduates.

Dubai Transport Network Handles 348 Million Passenger Journeys in First Half of 2026

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority reported that public transport, shared mobility services and taxis carried approximately 348.1 million passengers in the first half of 2026, with the Dubai Metro remaining the most-used transport opt...

Federal Tax Authority Seizes More Than Three Million Non-Compliant Excise Goods Packages

The UAE Federal Tax Authority and Dubai Police seized 3.58 million non-compliant excise goods packages during the first half of 2026, leading to AED 82 million in tax liabilities and penalties.

UAE Removes Fifteen Business Fees to Reduce Costs for Companies

The UAE Capital Market Authority has eliminated fifteen business and market-related fees, including charges linked to investment funds and advertising approvals, while introducing a new AED 75,000 fee for IPO prospectus approvals.

UAE Approves Merck Cholesterol Drug Lipfendra for National Use

The UAE has approved Merck’s Lipfendra cholesterol treatment, becoming the second country to authorize the daily pill after clinical trials showed significant reductions in LDL cholesterol levels.

UAE Airlines Adjust Some Routes as Regional Security Concerns Increase

Emirates, Etihad Airways and Air Arabia have announced changes to selected flights involving Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia as regional tensions increase, while most UAE operations continue with passengers advised to monitor updates.