Dubai Times

UAE Space Sector Deepens Participation in European Space Agency Missions

UAE research institutions have confirmed involvement in upcoming European Space Agency missions, reinforcing the country’s growing role in international space research and scientific collaboration.

UAE Expands Broadband and Digital Infrastructure to Support Rural Connectivity

New national investments are expanding high-speed broadband access across underserved regions, supporting digital inclusion and strengthening the UAE’s broader digital economy strategy.

Dubai Accelerates Digital Health Platform to Reduce Specialist Waiting Times

The UAE Ministry of Health has launched a nationwide digital booking system for specialist care, aiming to streamline referrals, reduce waiting times and improve efficiency across public healthcare services.

UAE Education and Vocational Training Expansion Supports Industrial Workforce Demand

Cities including Dubai and Abu Dhabi are expanding vocational and technical training programmes in partnership with industry to meet rising demand for skilled labour in advanced manufacturing and technology sectors.

UAE Launches AI and Digital Infrastructure Strategy Focused on Resilience and Security

UAE businesses are increasingly prioritising digital resilience, with organisations conducting infrastructure audits to strengthen data sovereignty, operational continuity and long-term system stability amid heightened regional risk awar...

Emirates and Etihad Expand Passenger Insurance Coverage Amid Regional Volatility

Major UAE carriers Emirates and Etihad have updated insurance offerings for international travellers, introducing expanded coverage and clearer terms as part of efforts to maintain passenger confidence during regional uncertainty.

Dubai Expands Electric Parking and School Zone Traffic Management Systems

Parkin is introducing new parking and traffic systems around school zones in partnership with education authorities, aiming to reduce congestion, improve safety and offer discounted rates for parents and school staff.

UAE Advances Renewable Energy and Grid Modernisation to Support AI Growth

The UAE is accelerating solar and wind development alongside major grid upgrades, including Dubai’s multi-billion-dirham smart grid programme, to strengthen domestic energy supply and support growing digital and industrial demand.

UAE Data Centre Capacity Set to Double as AI and Cloud Demand Surges

The UAE’s data centre sector is expected to double in capacity by 2030, driven by rising demand for artificial intelligence and cloud computing infrastructure, with industry leaders gathering in Dubai to focus on energy-efficient and sec...

Commercial Real Estate Growth Accelerates in Dubai Business and Logistics Hubs

New Grade A office developments in Business Bay and Jebel Ali are expanding Dubai’s commercial property supply as startups, SMEs and multinational companies continue relocating operations to the UAE.

Dubai Property Market Expands With New Residential Projects Across Key Districts

Dubai’s real estate sector continues steady development in 2026 with new residential launches in areas including Jumeirah Village Circle and the Dubai Design District, featuring smart-home systems and wellness amenities aligned with long...

UAE Applies Five Percent VAT to Parking Fees and Salik Toll Charges

A new five percent Value Added Tax now applies to all parking services and Salik toll transactions across the UAE, including permits and activation fees, marking a broad adjustment to urban mobility-related charges.

Dubai Eliminates Cash Payments for Public Parking Under Digital Mobility Push

Parkin has fully phased out cash payments at parking meters in Dubai as part of the city’s digital transformation drive, requiring motorists to use mobile apps, SMS services or Nol cards for all parking transactions.

UAE Enforces Strict Wage Payment Deadlines Under Updated Labour Compliance Rules

Private sector employers registered with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation must now ensure wages are paid by the first day of the following month, with any delayed payments officially classified as late under newly enforc...

UAE Positioned as Global Leader in Industrial AI Adoption, Siemens Report Says

A Siemens report highlights the UAE as a leading hub for autonomous and AI-driven infrastructure, with industry executives projecting rapid transformation in infrastructure operations within three years and citing national smart grid and...

US Strikes on Iranian Facilities Heighten Security Tensions Across the Gulf Region

The United States carried out strikes on Iranian missile and radar installations following an attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting heightened security measures across the UAE as officials monitor regional esca...

Dubai Emergency Alerts Trigger Brief Public Alarm After Technical Malfunction in Warning System

Residents across Dubai and Abu Dhabi received sudden emergency alerts warning of a potential missile threat on June 26, briefly prompting concern before authorities confirmed the messages were caused by a technical malfunction in the nat...

Dubai Expands Rural and Desert Cultural Tourism Through New Falcon Market Development Strategy

The Falcon Market project forms part of a wider Dubai strategy to develop rural and desert areas, broadening the emirate’s tourism offering beyond its urban centres.

Dubai Tightens Public Beach and Open Space Safety Rules Ahead of Peak Summer Period

Dubai authorities have introduced stricter safety guidelines for beaches and public spaces, including regulated swimming times and bans on hazardous materials to improve safety during the summer season.

Dubai Continues Tourism and Business Recovery After Earlier 2026 Regional Disruptions

Dubai is sustaining its recovery in tourism and business activity following earlier regional tensions, supported by incentives and liquidity measures aimed at reinforcing its role as a leading Gulf hub.

Emirates Issues Peak Season Travel Advisory as Passenger Volumes Rise at Dubai Airport

Emirates has advised passengers to arrive early at Dubai International Airport during the summer travel peak as higher passenger volumes are expected to cause congestion and delays.

International Airlines Expand and Resume Flight Routes to Dubai Ahead of Summer Peak

A number of international airlines are restoring and increasing flight frequencies to Dubai, supporting the emirate’s recovery in tourism and aviation connectivity heading into the summer season.

Al Habtoor Group Launches Grade A 1970 Office Tower in Business Bay

Al Habtoor Group has launched the 1970 Office Tower in Al Habtoor City, designed as a low-density premium commercial development targeting corporate headquarters in Business Bay.

Dubai Duty Free Reports Strong Raffle Demand Amid Sustained Summer Passenger Flow

Dubai Duty Free continues to see strong participation in its raffle programs, reflecting steady passenger traffic and ongoing retail engagement through June.

Aldar Unveils Eco-Conscious Al Ghadeer Gardens Community Between Abu Dhabi and Dubai

Aldar Properties has launched Al Ghadeer Gardens, an eco-focused residential community designed around wellness and nature along the strategic corridor linking Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Samana Developers Launches 28-Storey Business Hub in Jebel Ali Economic Corridor

Samana Developers has unveiled a new 28-storey Business Hub in Jebel Ali, offering office space, co-working facilities, and wellness amenities aimed at startups and SMEs in a growing commercial zone.

Dubai Expands Smart Parking Systems to Major Shopping Centres Including Dubai Hills Mall

Parkin has extended its AI-driven parking systems to retail destinations including Dubai Hills Mall and Marina Mall, improving traffic flow and accessibility, including for People of Determination.

UAE Banks Barred From Using WhatsApp for Customer Service Under New Data Security Rules

Financial institutions in the UAE are now prohibited from using messaging apps such as WhatsApp for customer support, as regulators push banks toward secure, approved communication channels.

Dubai Tightens Building Safety Rules to Address Overcrowding in Shared Residential Housing

Dubai has introduced stricter regulations on shared accommodation, including occupancy limits and tracking systems, aimed at improving safety and reducing overcrowding in residential buildings.

UAE Lowers Legal Age of Adulthood to 18 Under Updated Civil Transactions Law

The UAE has set the legal age of adulthood at 18 Gregorian years under new civil legislation, aligning standards for financial, legal, and criminal responsibility nationwide.

Mandarin Oriental to Manage Ultra-Luxury Mansions Near Al Ras Al Akhdar Presidential Area in Abu Dhabi

A new ultra-luxury residential project near the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi will be managed by Mandarin Oriental, featuring standalone mansions with heritage-inspired architecture and beachfront access.

World Cup 2026 Boosts Dubai Hospitality Sector With Higher Hotel Occupancy and Venue Demand

Dubai’s hospitality and nightlife sectors are seeing increased activity during the 2026 World Cup period, with higher hotel occupancy and stronger demand for entertainment venues.

Dubai Launches Global AI-Powered Park Design Competition for New Urban Green Space

Dubai will open an international competition inviting designers and AI specialists to create a new public park using generative AI and data-driven planning to improve sustainability and user experience.

Dubai Phases Out Cash Payments for Public Parking Under Full Cashless Mobility Strategy

Cash payments for public parking in Dubai have been discontinued, with digital options including the Parkin app and nol cards now serving as the primary payment methods.

Dubai Introduces 5% VAT on Salik Tolls Parking Fees and Tag Services

Dubai motorists will now pay a 5% value-added tax on Salik tolls, tag activations, and public parking services as part of updated federal tax compliance measures.

Dubai Launches Dh50 Million Falcon Market Project to Celebrate Emirati Heritage and Falconry

Dubai Municipality will build a Dh50 million Falcon Market inspired by falcon wings, combining retail, veterinary services, and exhibition spaces dedicated to preserving falconry as part of Emirati cultural heritage.

Dubai Creek to Undergo Eight-Kilometre Night Lighting Upgrade Across Heritage Waterfront Areas

Dubai Creek will receive a major lighting transformation spanning eight kilometres, aimed at enhancing heritage districts, waterfront walkways, and architectural landmarks as part of a broader urban development plan.

UAE Enforces New Salary Payment Deadline Requiring Private Sector Wages by First Day of Month

The UAE has introduced updated labour rules requiring private companies to pay employee salaries by the first day of each Gregorian month, strengthening wage protection and compliance standards.

Dubai Government Reintroduces Flexible Summer Working Hours for Public Sector Employees

The Dubai Government has reinstated its Flexible Summer initiative from June 29 to September 10, allowing public sector employees to choose between two work schedules to manage extreme seasonal heat.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi Luxury Property Launches Accelerate With New High-End Residential Projects

Luxury real estate activity has intensified across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with new launches including Mandarin Oriental Mansions in Abu Dhabi and Oxford Cove in Dubai’s JVC district attracting continued investor interest.

Dubai Parking Authority Parkin Installs AI Monitoring Cameras Across Key Districts

Parkin has deployed more than 500 AI-powered cameras in major Dubai districts including Burj Khalifa and Trade Centre 1 to automate parking enforcement and support the emirate’s digital and cashless transformation agenda.

UAE Deploys Agentic AI Across Public Services in First Phase of Government-Wide Rollout

The UAE has begun deploying “Agentic AI” across public sector services following a directive from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, with early implementation already underway in government customer service operations.

UAE Expands Visa-on-Arrival Access to Six Additional Countries Including Thailand and Indonesia

The United Arab Emirates has widened its visa-on-arrival program to include travelers from Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya, and South Africa, aiming to streamline entry from key international markets.

Etihad Rail Sets June 30, 2026 Launch for Passenger Services Linking Abu Dhabi and Fujairah

Etihad Rail will begin passenger operations on June 30, 2026, marking a key milestone in the UAE’s national rail strategy with initial routes connecting Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.

Sheikh Hamdan Approves AI-Powered Urban Projects Including Dubai Creek Lighting Overhaul and Falcon Market

Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has approved a set of urban initiatives, including an AI-driven public park design challenge, a new Falcon Market, and an eight-kilometre lighting upgrade along Dubai Cr...