Dubai Times

Dubai Reaffirms Commitment to D33 Economic Agenda to Double GDP by 2033

Government and industry leaders are continuing to promote Dubai’s D33 strategy, which focuses on expanding advanced technology, developing human capital, and strengthening the emirate’s position in global trade and investment networks.

Dubai Expands Summer 2026 Cultural and Sports Calendar With Global Events

Dubai is hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 fan zones, the Beat The Heat DXB concert series, and indoor fitness initiatives including the Dubai Mallathon, offering residents and visitors a wide range of climate-controlled activities during the ...

Dubai Launches Summer Events Campaign to Sustain Tourism and Retail Activity

Dubai Summer Surprises and other seasonal programs are bringing retail promotions, restaurant events, entertainment activities, and family experiences across the city as authorities seek to maintain visitor engagement during the summer p...

Dubai Advances Major Airport, Metro, and Urban Development Projects Under Long-Term Growth Plans

Dubai continues to develop major infrastructure initiatives including the thirty-five billion United States dollar expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport, the planned Gold Line Metro project, and the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan t...

Dubai Signs Partnership With Deutsche Bank to Strengthen Global Investor Engagement

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism has reached an agreement with Deutsche Bank to improve international investor access and support the emirate’s Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to expand Dubai’s role as a global business...

UAE Economy Expected to Maintain Strong Momentum Through Third Quarter of 2026

Standard Chartered forecasts continued expansion in the UAE business sector during the third quarter of 2026, supported by resilient non-oil activity, strong domestic demand, and improving regional trade conditions reflected in recent pu...

UAE Condemns Missile and Drone Attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait as Gulf Security Concerns Rise

The United Arab Emirates has expressed strong support for Bahrain and Kuwait following renewed missile and drone attacks, while regional leaders continue to focus on protecting Gulf stability amid rising tensions and broader security con...

The AI Invoice Shock: Layoffs Didn't Save Managers Money — They Cost Them More

The AI Invoice Shock: Layoffs Didn't Save Managers Money — They Cost Them More

THEY THOUGHT Al WAS FREE LABOR. THEN THE BILL CAME: A new global survey suggests many corporate executives who expected artificial intelligence to reduce costs are instead facing soaring computing bills and unpredictable usage-based pric...

Concern: Sexually Transmitted Bacterium Among Men Develops Antibiotic Resistance

A new UK study found that sexually transmitted strains of Shigella spread more than twice as fast as other strains and show substantially higher antibiotic resistance, prompting calls for updated clinical guidance and targeted prevention...

Passenger Partially Pulled Out of Ryanair Jet After Cabin Window Fails Mid-Flight

A Ryanair Boeing 737-800 returned safely to Thessaloniki after a cabin window became dislodged during climb, causing rapid decompression and injuring a passenger seated beside the damaged window.

United Arab Emirates Simplifies Business Licensing for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

The Ministry of Economy has introduced a unified digital licensing platform that enables small and medium-sized businesses to obtain municipal and federal approvals within twenty-four hours, reducing administrative burdens for new compan...

United Arab Emirates Space Agency Expands International Cooperation on Mars Research

The United Arab Emirates Space Agency has agreed to collaborate with European and Japanese partners on a future mission to study the Martian atmosphere, building on the country's previous space exploration efforts.

Dubai Earns Record Recognition from International Culinary Guides

Restaurants and chefs across Dubai received a record number of international gastronomy awards, reinforcing the city's growing reputation as a global destination for fine dining and multicultural cuisine.

United Arab Emirates Adds Generative Artificial Intelligence to National School Curriculum

The Ministry of Education has introduced compulsory instruction in generative artificial intelligence and digital ethics for all secondary school students to better prepare graduates for an increasingly technology-driven economy.

Dubai Hosts Global Summit on the Future of Urban Mobility

Government officials, technology companies, and industry leaders have gathered in Dubai for a three-day conference showcasing innovations including autonomous aerial taxis and next-generation public transport systems.

United Arab Emirates Launches National Strategy to Modernize Water Desalination

The government has unveiled a new strategy to upgrade desalination plants by expanding the use of reverse osmosis technology and renewable energy to reduce the carbon footprint of water production.

United Arab Emirates Banks Report Strong Profit Growth on Digital Banking Demand

Leading banks reported double-digit second-quarter profit growth, supported by continued adoption of digital banking services and expanding demand for private wealth management.

Dubai Completes First Phase of Major Waste-to-Energy Facility

Dubai Municipality has brought the first phase of its waste-to-energy plant into full operation, enabling the facility to process thousands of tonnes of municipal waste each day while generating electricity for the national grid.

United Arab Emirates Introduces Fast-Track Residency for Science and Technology Specialists

The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship has launched a new Golden Residency pathway for experts in quantum computing, advanced biotechnology, and space exploration to strengthen the country's research and innovation base.

Dubai International Airport Begins Major Infrastructure Upgrade

Dubai Airports has started a significant modernization programme at Dubai International Airport, expanding Terminal Three baggage handling facilities and upgrading airside operations to increase airport capacity.

Masdar Advances Major Solar Expansion in Abu Dhabi's Western Region

Masdar has launched the next phase of a flagship solar power project that will add significant generating capacity to the national grid and support the United Arab Emirates' carbon neutrality goals for 2050.

Dubai Financial Services Authority Licenses Three New Digital Asset Providers

The Dubai Financial Services Authority has approved three additional digital asset service providers, further expanding the emirate's regulated cryptocurrency and blockchain ecosystem.

United Arab Emirates Introduces AI-Powered Traffic Management Across Major Highways

The Ministry of Interior has activated an artificial intelligence traffic management system on Sheikh Zayed Road and the E11 highway to improve traffic flow, shorten accident response times, and optimize road capacity in real time.

Dubai Multi Commodities Centre Records More Than Three Thousand New Business Registrations

The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre exceeded its first-half targets after attracting more than three thousand new companies, with strong growth from commodity trading, technology, and digital asset businesses.

Emirates Expands Long-Haul Network with Airbus A350 Aircraft

Emirates has deployed its newest Airbus A350 aircraft on key long-haul routes linking Dubai with destinations in East Asia and South America, increasing premium travel capacity during the busy summer season.

Mubadala Commits Multi-Billion-Dollar Investment to Regional Renewable Energy Projects

Mubadala has announced a major investment in large-scale solar and wind developments across Central Asia and North Africa, expanding the United Arab Emirates' renewable energy portfolio while supporting regional energy security.

Dubai Property Market Posts Record Monthly Transaction Volume in 2026

The Dubai Land Department reported its strongest monthly property sales on record in June, driven by sustained international demand for off-plan luxury developments and continued inflows of high-net-worth buyers into master-planned commu...

United Arab Emirates Launches National Artificial Intelligence Strategy to Strengthen Domestic Capabilities

The United Arab Emirates has introduced a new federal artificial intelligence framework focused on developing locally built large language models, expanding domestic cloud infrastructure, and attracting leading global researchers through...

Key Trends to Watch

Regional security risks are increasing as United States-Iran tensions create uncertainty around Gulf stability and energy shipping routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz.

Islamic State Activity Shifts Toward Africa as Regional Security Concerns Increase

Security reports indicate that Islamic State operations have increasingly moved toward Africa, which accounted for eighty-six percent of the group’s global activity in early 2026 amid ongoing investigations into regional attacks.

UAE and Qatar Strengthen Diplomatic Cooperation Through High-Level Call

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, held a diplomatic discussion with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister to reinforce cooperation between the two countries.

UAE Highlights Water Security as Key Priority for Long-Term Economic Stability

The United Arab Emirates has emphasized water resilience as an important foundation for economic stability at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference 2026, highlighting ongoing efforts in sustainable resource management.

Dubai Government Introduces Flexible Summer Working Schedule for Public Employees

The Dubai Government Human Resources Department has launched a reduced summer working schedule with flexible arrangements designed to support employee well-being while maintaining public service standards.

Dubai Launches Flexi Rent Scheme to Offer Tenants More Flexible Payment Options

The Dubai Land Department has introduced a rental programme with twelve real estate companies that allows monthly payment arrangements and aims to reduce financial pressure on residents.

Armenia Extends Visa-Free Entry for UAE Residents Until July Twenty Twenty-Seven

The Armenian Tourism Committee has extended visa-free travel arrangements for UAE residents, allowing easier access to Armenia as a holiday destination through July 2027.

UAE Extends Visa Compliance Grace Period for Travellers Affected by Disruptions

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security has introduced a grace period allowing people affected by recent travel disruptions to regularize their visa status without penalties.

Dubai Summer Surprises Festival Returns to Support Tourism and Retail Activity

Dubai’s annual summer shopping and entertainment festival has returned with promotions and events aimed at residents and international visitors during the school holiday period.

Abu Dhabi Economic Development Department Partners With Liwa University on Digital Economy Skills

The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and Liwa University have signed a cooperation agreement focused on applied research, market intelligence, and developing talent for the UAE’s future digital economy.

UAE Data Centre and Cloud Summit Highlights AI Infrastructure and Energy Challenges

The UAE Data Center Infrastructure and Cloud Summit 2026 brought together government and industry leaders to discuss AI-ready infrastructure, cloud strategies, high-performance computing, and the energy requirements needed for advanced a...

Japanese Investment Firm Kasumigaseki Capital Establishes Dubai Presence With New Business Platforms

Japanese real estate investment and development company Kasumigaseki Capital has expanded into Dubai through three local platforms, citing the UAE’s regulatory environment and economic outlook while managing assets valued at more than ei...