Dubai Times

UAE Launches National Pledge Campaign to Strengthen Civic Engagement and Unity

A nationwide “Pledge & Commitment” campaign has been launched across the UAE to encourage residents and citizens to express support for national leadership. The initiative is designed to foster unity and civic participation across the co...

Dubai Launches School Zone Parking System in Partnership With KHDA

Parkin and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority have introduced a new parking system for school zones across Dubai. The initiative aims to reduce congestion around schools and improve parking affordability for parents and staff.

Dubai Advances Dh2 Billion Therme Wellness Project in Zabeel Park

Construction is underway on the Dh2 billion Therme Dubai project in Zabeel Park, which will feature a large indoor botanical garden. The development is expected to attract around 1.7 million visitors annually once completed in 2028.

Abu Dhabi Invests Dh9 Billion in New Schools, Universities and Hospitals Infrastructure

As part of its broader infrastructure expansion, Abu Dhabi has earmarked Dh9 billion for new education and healthcare facilities. The investment is intended to support population growth and expand access to essential public services.

Abu Dhabi Allocates Dh11 Billion Stormwater and Climate Resilience Programme

Abu Dhabi has advanced a Dh11 billion package focused on stormwater management and climate resilience infrastructure. The programme includes dams, water storage systems, and flood protection projects to improve preparedness for extreme w...

Dubai Launches Ghaf Woods Forest Community With 35,000 Trees Planned

Majid Al Futtaim has introduced Ghaf Woods, a new residential development near Global Village designed around a forest-centric concept. The project will include around 35,000 trees and aims to integrate nature-based living into an urban ...

UAE Sovereign Wealth Funds Consolidate Assets Under New Abu Dhabi Holding Structure

The UAE’s sovereign wealth ecosystem, now exceeding $2.3 trillion, is undergoing structural consolidation with the creation of L’imad Holding Company in Abu Dhabi. The entity will oversee more than 250 subsidiaries across aviation, energ...

Dubai Advances “Future Loop” Pedestrian and Transit Bridge Project Linking Key Landmarks

Construction continues on Dubai’s “Future Loop,” a pedestrian bridge designed to connect major city landmarks including the Dubai World Trade Centre, the Museum of the Future, and DIFC. The project aims to create a continuous urban mobil...

UAE Lowers Legal Age of Adulthood to 18 Under New Civil and Legal Framework

The UAE has officially set the legal age of adulthood at 18, aligning financial, civil, and criminal responsibility standards. The change is intended to simplify legal definitions and support young adults in managing their personal affairs.

Dubai Expands Parkin Parking Management to Major Retail and Leisure Destinations

Parkin has extended its parking management and enforcement services to major Dubai destinations including Dubai Mall, Dubai Hills Mall, and Marina Mall. The system introduces real-time monitoring and stricter enforcement of designated pa...

Dubai Expands Salik Toll System with 5 Percent VAT Applied to Fees and Charges

Dubai’s Salik toll system now includes a 5 percent VAT on all gate usage fees and tag activation charges. The change is part of recent fiscal adjustments implemented across the city’s transport pricing framework.

Abu Dhabi Introduces Smart Parking Integration Through Darb App

Q Mobility has launched a new smart parking system in Abu Dhabi that integrates directly with the Darb app. The service automates parking payments and removes the need for physical tickets or manual transactions.

Dubai Property Market Reaches Record Quarterly Value as Broad International Demand Strengthens

Dubai’s property market has seen record transaction levels driven by strong off-plan activity and commercial real estate demand. Investors from over 113 nationalities contributed to the surge, reflecting continued international confidenc...

Dubai Metro Blue Line Renderings Reveal Major Expansion Across Fast-Growing Districts

New design renderings of the Dubai Metro Blue Line highlight one of the city’s largest public transport expansions to date. The line will connect key residential and academic areas, extending the reach of Dubai’s metro network into rapid...

Dubai Approves Dh431 Million Marina Bridge Project to Ease Traffic Around Key Business Districts

A Dh431 million bridge linking Sheikh Zayed Road with Dubai Harbour is now 90 percent complete, with authorities expecting it to ease congestion in Dubai Marina and Media City. The project is part of wider efforts to improve traffic flow...

New Wage Protection Rules Require UAE Employers to Pay Salaries by First Day of Each Month

The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has introduced updated wage protection rules requiring private sector employers to pay salaries by the first day of each month. The policy strengthens enforcement of labour compliance...

Dubai Rolls Out Cashless Parking Mandate as Cash Payments Are Phased Out Across City Network

Dubai’s parking system has fully transitioned away from cash payments, requiring users to pay through the Parkin app, nol cards, or SMS. The shift is part of the emirate’s wider digital payments strategy aimed at streamlining urban mobil...

Abu Dhabi Freezes Residential and Commercial Rent Increases to Stabilise Property Market

The Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre has suspended rent increases on lease renewals across residential, office, and commercial properties until further notice. The measure is intended to support market stability and provide cost certainty fo...

Dubai Maintains Global Lead in Greenfield Foreign Direct Investment for Fifth Consecutive Year

Dubai has retained its position as the world’s top destination for greenfield foreign direct investment, recording 1,253 new projects and extending its five-year lead. The performance supports the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to...

Etihad Rail Confirms Passenger Services Launch on June 30, 2026

Etihad Rail has announced that its first passenger services will begin operations on June 30, 2026, marking a major milestone in the UAE’s national transport network. The launch is expected to reshape inter-emirate connectivity and expan...

UAE Deploys Agentic AI Across Public Services in Large-Scale Government Digitalisation Push

The UAE government has begun rolling out Agentic AI across public sector services nationwide, marking one of the most extensive deployments of advanced automation in government operations globally. The initiative aims to streamline admin...

UAE Property Market Hits Record Dh252 Billion in Quarterly Transactions as Foreign Investment Surges

The UAE property market recorded a 31 percent year-on-year increase in transactions in the first quarter of 2026, reaching a record Dh252 billion. Dubai’s off-plan segment and commercial office sales led the growth, with investors from m...

Abu Dhabi Launches Dh200 Billion Infrastructure Programme Covering More Than 600 Projects

Abu Dhabi has unveiled a sweeping infrastructure plan led by the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre, spanning over 600 projects across housing, transport, and community development. The programme is designed to expand urban cap...

UAE Streamlines Emirates ID Application Tracking Through Enhanced Digital Services

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security has improved its digital platforms, enabling residents to track Emirates ID applications in real time. The upgrade is part of ongoing efforts to expand e-governme...

UAE Clarifies Notice Period Rules for Employees Resigning During Probation

The UAE government has issued clarification on notice period requirements for employees resigning during probation. The guidance is intended to improve labour market transparency and support smoother employment transitions.

Dubai Roads and Transport Authority Expands Mobile Vehicle Inspection Service

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority is promoting its mobile vehicle inspection service, allowing residents to complete vehicle checks at home. The service is part of wider efforts to digitise transport-related public services.

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority Launches Summer Energy-Saving Tools for Residents

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority has introduced digital tools and guidance to help residents reduce electricity and water consumption during peak summer months. The initiative aims to support energy efficiency and lower household co...

UAE Introduces Basic Health Insurance Scheme Starting at 320 Dirhams in Northern Emirates

The UAE has launched a basic health insurance scheme offering coverage from 320 dirhams in the Northern Emirates. The initiative aims to expand access to essential healthcare services for residents.

UAE Instant Payment System “Aani” Sees Rapid Adoption Across Digital Transactions

The UAE’s “Aani” instant payment system is gaining widespread adoption, allowing users to transfer money using mobile numbers. The platform is part of the country’s broader push toward digital financial infrastructure.

Rare Manuscripts Exhibition in UAE Showcases Legacy of Arab Science and Scholarship

A new UAE exhibition is displaying rare manuscripts documenting the history of Arab science and scholarship. The collection highlights the region’s historical contributions to global knowledge and scientific development.

Louvre Abu Dhabi Hosts International Yoga Day Gathering Promoting Wellness and Culture

Louvre Abu Dhabi marked International Yoga Day with a large public gathering at the museum. The event highlighted the institution’s role as a cultural space promoting wellness and community engagement.

Etihad Rail Passenger Launch Expected to Boost Northern Emirates Economic Activity

The upcoming Etihad Rail passenger service is expected to stimulate economic activity in the Northern Emirates by improving connectivity and supporting the development of logistics hubs. Analysts expect reduced travel times to support bu...

UAE Introduces Social Media Restrictions for Children Under 15 to Strengthen Digital Safety

The UAE has implemented new rules restricting social media use for children under the age of 15. The policy is part of broader efforts to enhance online safety and protect minors from digital risks.

UAE Expands Shariah-Compliant AI Development Frameworks in New Technology Initiatives

The UAE is advancing research programmes focused on integrating Shariah-compliant and ethical frameworks into artificial intelligence systems. The effort aims to align AI development with national values and regulatory principles.

UAE Urges Diplomacy Following US–Iran Memorandum of Understanding on De-escalation

Following a US–Iran memorandum of understanding, the UAE has called for continued diplomacy and dialogue to reinforce regional stability. Officials say sustained engagement is essential for long-term security in the Gulf.

UAE Leaders Congratulate Philippines on Independence Day and Highlight Bilateral Ties

UAE leadership has sent congratulatory messages to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Philippine Independence Day, underscoring strong bilateral relations and the importance of the Filipino community in the UAE.

UAE Condemns School Shooting in Tacloban City and Reaffirms Opposition to Violence

The UAE government has strongly condemned a school shooting in Tacloban City, Philippines. The statement reiterates the country’s opposition to violence and its support for safe educational environments globally.

UAE Expresses Solidarity With Qatar Following Ras Laffan Industrial Explosion

UAE leadership has conveyed support to Qatar after an explosion at Ras Laffan Industrial City that resulted in casualties. The message underscores continued emphasis on regional cooperation and safety following the incident.

UAE Sends 76 Tonnes of Medical Aid to Democratic Republic of Congo Amid Ebola Outbreak

Dubai has coordinated the delivery of more than 76 tonnes of emergency medical supplies to the Democratic Republic of Congo in response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak. The shipment supports international health efforts as confirmed cases ...

Dubai Economic Initiatives Package Extended Through June to Support SMEs and Tourism Sector

Dubai’s Executive Council has extended its economic support package through June 2026, maintaining measures such as fee deferrals and customs facilitation. The programme continues to support SMEs and tourism-related businesses amid shift...

Emirates Named Best Airline Worldwide at 2026 Business Traveller Middle East Awards

Emirates has been awarded Best Airline Worldwide at the 2026 Business Traveller Middle East Awards, reinforcing its position in global aviation and its role in supporting Dubai’s tourism and transit hub strategy.

UAE Modernises Over 35 Economic Laws to Boost Business Competitiveness and Digital Trade

The Ministry of Economy and Tourism says more than 35 economic laws have been updated over the past five years, covering areas including digital trade, family businesses, and consumer protection. The reforms are designed to improve compe...

UAE Launches Global Youth Water Initiative Ahead of 2026 UN Water Conference

The UAE has introduced new youth-focused initiatives on global water security ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference. The programme aims to strengthen science-based policymaking and expand youth participation in water management solutions.

Dubai Retains Global No. 1 Ranking for Greenfield Foreign Direct Investment in 2025

Dubai has maintained its position as the world’s leading city for Greenfield FDI in 2025, according to international rankings. The result underscores continued investor confidence in Dubai’s regulatory environment and ability to attract ...

UAE Rejects Claims of $3 Billion Transfer to Iran as US–Iran De-escalation Talks Progress

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denied reports alleging a $3 billion transfer to Iran, describing the claims as false. The statement comes as regional diplomacy continues to evolve following US–Iran discussions on de-escalation.