Dubai Times

Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodríguez Sign Prenup Protecting Their Separate Fortunes

The newlyweds chose a separation-of-assets regime before their private Portuguese wedding, while a separate, long-reported agreement is said to guarantee Rodríguez about £85,000 a month if they split.

Google Launches Pixel 11 With Gemini AI at the Center of Its Hardware Strategy

Dubai Summer Surprises Enters Final Week With Flash Sales and Ten-Dirham Dining Deals

The 29th Dubai Summer Surprises programme is heading toward its August 30 finale with final-week retail promotions, flash sales and ten-dirham dining offers across participating venues.

Emirates Offers Discounted International Fares for Students

Emirates has launched discounted international fares for students aged 16 to 31 ahead of the 2026-2027 academic year, with additional baggage allowances and flexible booking options.

Dubai Prepares New Indoor Attractions for the Winter Tourism Season

Dubai Parks and Resorts is developing new climate-controlled attractions and immersive rides as part of multi-million-dirham expansions intended to strengthen the city’s year-round tourism offering.

Sharjah Offers Relief Measures to Support Small and Medium-Sized Businesses

Sharjah authorities have introduced targeted financial relief and fee waivers for small and medium-sized enterprises to help businesses absorb the effects of recent regional disruptions.

Abu Dhabi Strengthens Environmental Rules for Protected Habitats and Native Species

New regulations from the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi increase protections for wildlife and sensitive ecosystems across desert and coastal areas beyond established nature reserves.

UAE Allocates $10 Million in Emergency Aid to Climate-Affected Communities in Colombia

The UAE government has committed $10 million in humanitarian assistance to communities in Colombia affected by severe climate-related disasters and infrastructure damage.

UAE Gender Balance Strategy Expands Opportunities for Women in Leadership and Business

Federal institutions say the UAE Gender Balance Strategy is continuing to drive policy changes supporting career progression, board representation and entrepreneurial funding for women.

UAE Introduces Accident-Free Day Campaign Ahead of School Return

Federal traffic authorities are preparing a nationwide Accident-Free Day campaign for August 31, with motorists who register safety pledges eligible for a four-point reduction on their traffic records.

Abu Dhabi Extends Housing Loan Activation Period for Citizens by Two Years

Abu Dhabi authorities have given Emirati housing beneficiaries an additional two years to activate government-backed residential loans, providing more time for families planning home construction.

UAE and Mastercard Select Six AI Startups for Lighthouse Programme

The UAE Artificial Intelligence Office and Mastercard have selected six artificial intelligence startups, including Loyyal and zypl.ai, for a four-month programme focused on scaling financial technology and enterprise applications.

Dubai Police Warns Youth About Malicious Links in Online Gaming Chats

Dubai Police has warned parents and young gamers about suspicious links circulated through gaming chat rooms that can be used to steal personal data and initiate unauthorized contact.

UAE Expands Wildlife Protection Beyond Designated Nature Reserves

The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi has strengthened legal protections for native species and fragile habitats outside formal reserves, covering vulnerable desert and coastal areas.

Dubai Land Department Tightens Real Estate Data and Broker Oversight

Dubai Land Department has introduced new data analytics and audit measures to monitor property transactions, protect investors and identify fraudulent or unverified brokerage listings.

Dubai Customs Seizes More Than 70 Million Illicit Cigarettes Bound for Europe

Dubai Customs intercepted more than 70 million counterfeit and illicit cigarettes concealed in cargo containers destined for European markets, using risk-profiling and inspection systems at the emirate’s ports.

UAE Launches Nationwide Music Licensing Framework for Creative Industries

The UAE has introduced a streamlined framework for music royalties and licensing aimed at protecting copyright holders while establishing clearer operating costs for hospitality venues, cafes and live entertainment businesses.

Dubai Expands On-Demand Bus Service to 20 More Residential Areas

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has extended its smart on-demand bus network to 20 additional residential districts, improving first- and last-mile connections to metro stations and commercial areas.

UAE Sets August 31 Start Date for the 2026-2027 School Year

Public and private schools across the seven emirates are preparing for the unified academic year start on August 31, with municipal authorities also planning traffic measures around the return to school.

Etihad Airways Expands International Capacity as Travel Demand Rises

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways is increasing flight frequencies and adding long-haul aircraft on European and Asian routes to accommodate stronger international passenger demand.

UAE Raises August Petrol Prices as Global Energy Markets Shift

The UAE Fuel Price Committee raised August 2026 rates, setting Super 98 at 3.60 dirhams per litre and Special 95 at 3.49 dirhams per litre in response to global energy market movements.

Masdar Accelerates Global Renewable Energy Expansion Toward 100 Gigawatts by 2030

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company Masdar is expanding renewable energy projects across Asia, Africa and Europe as it works toward its target of 100 gigawatts of clean-energy capacity by 2030.

Dubai Property Market Adds 186 New Developers in Seven Months

Dubai Land Department data shows that 186 new real estate development companies entered the emirate’s market between January and mid-August, indicating continued investor activity in the property sector.

UAE Non-Oil Private Sector Growth Reaches Four-Month High

The UAE’s seasonally adjusted Purchasing Managers’ Index rose to 52.7, according to S&P Global, supported by stronger new orders, employment growth and improving confidence across the non-oil economy.

MGX Co-Leads Major Strategic Funding Round for Databricks

Abu Dhabi-based technology investment firm MGX has co-led a major funding round for data and artificial intelligence company Databricks, extending the UAE’s investment push into advanced technology.

UAE Sends Additional 683 Tonnes of Humanitarian Aid to Gaza

The UAE has dispatched another 683 tonnes of food, medical supplies and relief materials to civilians in Gaza as part of its continuing humanitarian assistance.

UAE Strengthens Maritime Trade Security Amid Ongoing Gulf Tensions

Federal authorities and diplomatic channels are maintaining alternative trade routes and supply-chain measures across Gulf maritime corridors as regional security tensions continue to pose risks to trade and critical infrastructure.

UAE Extends Corporate Tax Relief for Small Businesses Through 2029

The UAE Ministry of Finance has extended corporate tax relief for eligible small businesses and start-ups with annual revenues of up to three million dirhams through December 2029, helping preserve liquidity for smaller enterprises.

Dubai Customs Places Among Global Top 10 Percent on Multiple Competitiveness Measures

Dubai Customs improved its international rankings in 2026 through technologies including the Smart Risk Engine, advanced cargo screening and streamlined trade procedures across the emirate’s ports.

UAE Expands Artificial Intelligence and Genomics in Shift Toward Early Disease Detection

The UAE healthcare system is integrating artificial intelligence, genomics and precision medicine to identify risks such as chronic disease, sepsis and pregnancy complications before symptoms appear.

UAE Space Agency Confirms Deep-Space Communications Test for Asteroid Mission

The United Arab Emirates Space Agency has confirmed successful telemetry testing with a deep-space probe traveling toward the asteroid belt, marking a technical milestone for the country’s interplanetary research program.

Al Ain Expands Smart Farming Technologies to Improve Water Efficiency and Food Production

Agricultural authorities in Al Ain are deploying artificial intelligence crop monitoring and automated hydroponic irrigation systems to conserve water and increase domestic agricultural output.

Dubai Launches Global Design Grant to Attract International Creatives and Fashion Entrepreneurs

Dubai’s Culture and Arts Authority has created a multi-million-dirham program offering financial support, workspace and mentorship to international designers and digital artists establishing operations in the emirate.

UAE Federal National Council Approves Stronger Consumer Protections for Online Shopping

New e-commerce rules will require greater pricing and transaction transparency, faster refunds and stronger cybersecurity protections for consumers across the United Arab Emirates.

Sharjah Launches Eco-Tourism Resort Network Along Protected Coastal Wetlands

Sharjah has opened a network of low-impact luxury lodges and conservation centers intended to expand nature tourism while protecting mangrove ecosystems along the Arabian Gulf coast.

Dubai International Financial Centre Reports Record Influx of Wealth Funds and Family Offices

The Dubai International Financial Centre says an unprecedented number of hedge funds, private equity firms and family offices are establishing regional operations in the financial district.

Dubai Museum of the Future Opens Exhibition on Space Exploration and Mars Settlements

The Museum of the Future has launched an interactive exhibition exploring orbital habitats and potential Martian settlements in collaboration with international space agencies.

Mubadala Partners With Semiconductor Firm to Establish Research Hub in Abu Dhabi

Mubadala Investment Company has formed a joint venture to develop a semiconductor design and research facility in Abu Dhabi, supporting the United Arab Emirates’ ambitions in advanced technology and chip development.

Dubai Police Expands Predictive Analytics and Facial Recognition Across Public Safety Network

Dubai Police has introduced a new command infrastructure using real-time data analysis and automated surveillance to support emergency response, traffic management and citywide security operations.

Abu Dhabi Investment Authority Leads Global Acquisition of Data Center and Power Assets

The sovereign wealth fund is leading a consortium acquiring digital data centers and renewable energy transmission assets in North America and Europe, expanding its international infrastructure portfolio.

UAE Expands Private-Sector Training Programs for Emirati Workers

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has launched a nationwide skills program with global technology companies to provide digital and artificial intelligence training to thousands of Emirati employees in the private sector.

DP World Partners to Upgrade Logistics Infrastructure at East African Ports

DP World has signed an agreement covering upgrades to cargo handling, customs digitalization and intermodal transport links at major maritime gateways in East Africa.

Dubai Accelerates Autonomous Taxi and Delivery Trials Across Major Urban Districts

The Roads and Transport Authority is conducting expanded tests of driverless commercial taxis and delivery vehicles in downtown and Marina areas as Dubai pursues its goal of increasing the share of passenger trips made through autonomous...

Abu Dhabi Mandates Precision Medicine Protocols Across Major Healthcare Networks

Abu Dhabi health authorities have required accredited hospitals to incorporate genomic sequencing and personalized medicine into standard clinical procedures, expanding the use of advanced medical technologies across the emirate’s health...

Emaar Properties Reports Record Quarterly Sales as Demand for Luxury Off-Plan Homes Surges

Emaar Properties recorded exceptionally strong sales from new residential developments, with demand supported by wealthy international buyers moving to the United Arab Emirates.

Dubai Future Foundation Hosts Global Summit on Artificial Intelligence Ethics and Governance

More than five hundred technology executives, policymakers and experts gathered in Dubai to discuss governance of autonomous systems, data privacy and responsible artificial intelligence deployment.