Dubai Times

UAE Launches Youth Water Initiatives Ahead of 2026 United Nations Water Conference

The UAE has unveiled new global youth initiatives on water cooperation in preparation for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, which the country will co-host with Senegal in Abu Dhabi.

Dubai Culture Chair Sheikha Latifa Pursues Innovation and Cultural Partnerships in Sweden

Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum concluded official meetings in Sweden focused on strengthening cooperation in innovation, creative industries and cultural exchange to expand Dubai's international cultural profile.

Dubai Court Hands Jail Sentence and Driving Ban in Road Rage Case

A Dubai court has sentenced a driver to three months in prison and suspended his licence for one year following a dangerous road rage incident, reinforcing the emirate's strict approach to road safety enforcement.

UAE Sends Emergency Aid to Earthquake-Hit Communities in the Philippines

The UAE Aid Agency has dispatched food, water, medical supplies and temporary shelter materials to communities in the southern Philippines affected by a magnitude seven point eight earthquake that injured more than four hundred people.

UAE Energy Ministry Expands Program to Cut Consumption in Government Buildings

The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has completed the first phase of an energy-saving programme covering three hundred sixty government buildings, with a second phase involving one billion dirhams of investment as part of the count...

New UAE Civil Code Strengthens Good-Faith Rules for Commercial Negotiations

Federal Decree-Law Number 25 of 2025 has introduced a duty to negotiate in good faith and other reforms designed to increase transparency and legal certainty during the pre-contractual stages of real estate and commercial agreements.

Apptunix Expands GCC Operations With New UAE-Based Development Teams

Mobile app developer Apptunix has established new teams in the UAE to provide localized support for digital transformation projects across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman.

UAE Launches Step of Hope Initiative for Gaza Amputees

The UAE has introduced a humanitarian campaign to provide prosthetic limbs and advanced rehabilitation services to Palestinians in Gaza who have suffered amputations during the ongoing conflict.

Thirty-Two Emiratis Join Specialized National Artificial Intelligence Training Programme

A new group of thirty-two Emirati nationals has begun a seven-month programme focused on developing strategic AI projects and strengthening the country's domestic talent pipeline for the digital economy.

Gulf Central Banks Hold Interest Rates in Line With the US Federal Reserve

Central banks across the Gulf Cooperation Council, including the UAE Central Bank, have kept interest rates unchanged to preserve currency stability and manage capital flows, although borrowing costs are expected to remain elevated.

UAE Construction Industry Shifts Toward Large-Scale Infrastructure Projects

Government investment in transport, energy, water and data center developments is driving a strategic pivot in the UAE construction sector away from residential real estate and toward major infrastructure projects, including the Dubai Me...

UAE and France Expand Cooperation in Tourism, Aviation and Small Business Development

UAE Economy and Tourism Minister Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri and French minister Serge Papin met in Paris to deepen aviation links and SME partnerships as the number of French companies operating in the UAE has risen by forty-four percent.

Dubai Establishes Longevity Authority to Advance Healthcare and Medical Innovation

Dubai has launched a dedicated Longevity Authority to attract global research talent and companies focused on healthy lifespan extension and advanced wellness technologies as part of its ambition to become a leading healthcare innovation...

UAE Accelerates Integration of Agentic Artificial Intelligence Across Government

Following directives from President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, federal entities are rapidly adopting Agentic Artificial Intelligence technologies to improve administrative efficiency and automate complex decision-making processes.

UAE Denies Reports of Three Billion Dollar Fund Transfer to Iran

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has rejected media reports alleging that three billion US dollars was transferred from the UAE to Iran, describing the claims as categorically false.

UAE Condemns Iranian Missile and Drone Attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced renewed attacks by Iran against Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan, reiterating its opposition to actions that threaten regional security and calling for respect for sovereignty and good-neighborly r...

UAE Calls for Dialogue and Protection of Maritime Routes Following US-Iran Memorandum

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has backed diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between the United States and Iran, stressing the importance of international law and safeguarding maritime corridors including the Strait of Hormuz for r...

Real Estate and Gold Hybrid Investment Products Gain Momentum in the UAE

New products that connect real estate rental returns with investments in gold are gaining traction, highlighting the continued development of the UAE's fintech sector and growing investor interest in diversified asset exposure.

Energy-Efficient Data Infrastructure Takes Center Stage at Dubai Technology Summit

The upcoming Data Centre Infrastructure and Innovation Summit will focus heavily on energy-efficient cooling and power systems as the UAE pursues ambitious net-zero targets and expands its digital infrastructure.

Dubai Expands Inclusive Sports Programming for People of Determination

The Active Summer initiative includes dedicated activities for People of Determination, reflecting Dubai's efforts to ensure its sports and wellness programs remain accessible and inclusive.

Dubai Sports World Returns With Two Months of Indoor Competitions

Dubai Sports World, the city's largest indoor sports event series, will run from June 27 to August 25 and offer a broad program of competitions and activities designed to keep residents active during the summer months.

Dubai Sports Council Launches Active Summer Fitness Program Across the City

Running through August 31, the Active Summer initiative includes indoor and outdoor sports events, tournaments and community activities designed to encourage physical activity among residents of all ages.

Dubai Mallathon Sets Guinness World Record With More Than 40,000 Participants

The Dubai Mallathon, an indoor walking and running series staged in air-conditioned shopping malls, has set a Guinness World Record for the largest event of its kind after attracting more than 40,000 participants.

Major International Airlines Resume Dubai Routes for Summer Travel Season

Several global airlines, including Turkish Airlines and Aeroflot, are restoring services to Dubai during June and July, reinforcing the emirate's position as one of the world's leading international aviation hubs.

Cebu Pacific to Resume Flights to Dubai International Airport in July

Budget carrier Cebu Pacific Air will restart services to Dubai International Airport at the beginning of July, strengthening air links for tourists and the Filipino community as the airport continues expanding capacity.

Dubai Introduces Five Percent VAT on Public Parking Charges

Parkin has implemented a five percent value-added tax on all public parking tariffs as part of an updated pricing structure for Dubai's parking network.

Dubai Introduces New Parking Management System Around Schools

A partnership between Parkin and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority is introducing new school-zone parking systems designed to ease traffic congestion, simplify administration and reduce parking costs for parents and teachers.

Parkin Expands Parking Enforcement to Major Dubai Malls

Parkin has taken over parking enforcement operations at major destinations including Dubai Mall, Dubai Hills Mall and Marina Mall, integrating real-time monitoring to improve the management of designated parking spaces.

Dubai Accelerates Transition to Cashless Parking Payments

Dubai is moving fully away from coin-operated parking systems, with motorists now required to pay through the Parkin mobile application or SMS-based payment services.

PRYPCO Mint Adds Gold Reinvestment Option to Tokenized Real Estate Platform

The property investment platform PRYPCO Mint now allows investors to reinvest rental income from tokenized real estate into gold, reflecting increasing demand for diversified and fractional investment products.

Sobha Realty Introduces Drone Delivery Infrastructure Across Residential Communities

Sobha Realty has announced that drone delivery facilities will become a standard feature in its developments, highlighting growing competition among Dubai developers to offer advanced lifestyle amenities.

Dubai South and Jumeirah Village Circle Record Strong Residential Sales Activity

Recent market transactions indicate healthy demand in Dubai South and Jumeirah Village Circle, with investors continuing to favor modern residential developments offering liquidity and long-term growth potential.

Dubai’s Luxury Off-Plan Property Market Maintains Strong Momentum

Property market data for May and June 2026 showed continued strength in Dubai's luxury off-plan segment, with projects from developers including Azizi and DAMAC generating robust transaction activity and broad investor demand.

Dubai Holding Real Estate and Commercial Bank of Dubai Launch New Home Financing Program

A new partnership between Dubai Holding Real Estate and Commercial Bank of Dubai aims to expand mortgage access for buyers in Dubai Holding communities and support sales in the mid- to upper-end housing market.

Construction Sector Faces Cost Risks From Strait of Hormuz Tensions

Analysts warn that geopolitical risks surrounding the Strait of Hormuz could increase the cost of imported construction materials, including steel and glass, potentially affecting budgets and delivery schedules for large property develop...

New UAE Private Sector Payroll Rules Require Salaries to Be Paid by the First of Each Month

Updated labor regulations that took effect in mid-June require private-sector employers to process wage payments by the first day of every month, tightening compliance requirements across the UAE labor market.

Dubai to Host Data Centre Infrastructure and Innovation Summit in Late June

Dubai will host the Data Centre Infrastructure and Innovation Summit on June 29 and 30, focusing on secure and energy-efficient digital infrastructure in support of the UAE Vision 2031 and Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050.

UAE Lowers Legal Age of Adulthood From 21 to 18

A new federal decree-law has reduced the legal age of adulthood in the UAE to 18, aligning civil and criminal responsibility standards and granting young adults greater control over their financial and legal affairs.

Moody’s Reaffirms UAE’s Aa2 Credit Rating With Stable Outlook

Moody’s Ratings has maintained the UAE's Aa2 long-term issuer ratings for local and foreign currency debt, citing the country's diversified economy and strong ability to absorb shocks despite ongoing regional instability.

Emaar Unveils $55 Billion Mega-Project in One of the Region’s Largest Property Commitments

Dubai-based developer Emaar Properties has announced a new $55 billion project, marking one of the biggest single-developer investments in the region and underscoring long-term confidence in Dubai's real estate and infrastructure pipeline.

UAE Stock Markets Reach Three-Month Highs on Optimism Over US-Iran Peace Agreement

The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and Dubai Financial Market rallied after reports of a major peace agreement between the United States and Iran, as easing regional tensions boosted investor confidence and supported a rebound in market s...

UAE Bans Social Media Accounts for Children Under 15 and Mandates Age Verification

The UAE Cabinet has prohibited children under 15 from creating or operating social media accounts and has given platforms 12 months to implement robust age-verification measures aimed at improving online safety and protecting children's ...

Dubai Tech Forums Spotlight Shift Toward AI-Driven Digital Finance

Industry leaders gathering in Dubai are discussing the future of digital finance, with a growing focus on agentic artificial intelligence and its potential to reshape financial services beyond traditional fintech models.

du Partners With Dubai “SME in a Box” Programme to Support Startup Growth

Telecom operator du has joined Dubai’s “SME in a Box” initiative, providing integrated digital connectivity solutions designed to help startups and small businesses scale more efficiently.

UAE and United States Presidents Discuss Energy and Security Cooperation at G7 Summit

The UAE President and the US President met on the sidelines of the G7 summit to discuss regional stability, energy cooperation and joint investment opportunities in emerging technologies.