Dubai Times

Dubai Implements Smart Parking Systems Around Schools to Ease Traffic Congestion

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, working with education authorities, has introduced smart parking and traffic coordination systems in school zones. The measures aim to reduce congestion during peak drop-off and pick-up hours.

Dubai Tourism Sector Reports High Occupancy Ahead of Peak Summer Season

Luxury hotels and resort operators across Dubai are reporting strong booking levels ahead of the summer holiday period. Demand is being driven by affluent travellers from South Asia and the Gulf region.

Mubadala Invests in Global Quantum Computing Startups to Expand Technology Portfolio

Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Investment Company has made new investments in international quantum computing firms. The move aligns with its long-term strategy focused on advanced technologies and microelectronics.

Dubai Health Authority Approves AI Diagnostic Trials in Public Healthcare System

The Dubai Health Authority has authorised controlled trials of artificial intelligence diagnostic tools in selected public hospitals. The programme aims to improve early detection and screening processes in clinical care.

Emirates NBD Expands Wealth Management Services Amid European Capital Relocation

Emirates NBD has broadened its private banking and wealth advisory services in Dubai. The expansion responds to growing inflows of high-net-worth individuals relocating capital from European financial centres.

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority Connects Solar Power to Data Centre Infrastructure

The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority has integrated solar energy from the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park into new data centre corridors. The system will supply renewable baseline power for high-density computing operations.

Dubai International Financial Centre Expands Digital Asset Licensing Framework for Blockchain Firms

The Dubai International Financial Centre has introduced updated licensing rules for Web3 and blockchain companies. The framework is designed to provide clearer regulatory pathways for digital asset firms operating within the financial hub.

Dubai Real Estate Market Maintains Strong Momentum Driven by Foreign Capital Inflows

Luxury property sales in Dubai, including developments on Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Hills, continue to show strong demand. Market activity is being supported by sustained investment flows from European and South Asian family offices.

Air and Logistics Operators Reroute Networks as Middle East Airspace Pressures Intensify

International airlines and cargo carriers operating through Dubai International Airport are adjusting flight paths and extending routes to maintain safe operations. The rerouting reflects ongoing disruptions in regional airspace conditions.

Dubai Advances Cashless Transition as Parkin Removes Cash Payments From Parking Network

Dubai’s municipal parking operator Parkin has begun fully phasing out cash payments across its on-street parking system. Transactions will now be processed through digital apps, QR codes and SMS platforms as part of the emirate’s cashles...

UAE Declares Paid Public Holiday for Hijri New Year Across Public and Private Sector

The UAE has confirmed Monday, June 15, as a paid public holiday for Hijri New Year. The announcement grants employees across all emirates a three-day weekend spanning both public and private sectors.

Saudi Aramco Cuts Asia Oil Prices by $6 per Barrel Amid Regional Market Competition

Saudi Aramco has reduced its official light crude prices for Asian buyers by $6 per barrel for July shipments. The adjustment reflects intensifying competition among Gulf producers amid shifting regional export dynamics.

UAE Launches Certified Sustainable Aviation Fuel Testing Hub Through MENA Biofuels and Saybolt Partnership

MENA Biofuels and certification specialist Saybolt have launched a new testing hub in the United Arab Emirates for sustainable aviation fuel. The facility is designed to support certification processes and accelerate commercial adoption ...

UAE Expands VAT Refund Scheme for Homebuilders to Support Residential Construction

The Federal Tax Authority has broadened its VAT refund programme for Emirati homebuilders, allowing wider eligibility across construction-related expenditures. The measure has been backdated to January 1 to support housing affordability ...

Dubai Adds VAT to Parking and Toll Systems as Municipal Transport Fees Are Standardised

Dubai’s Parkin and Salik systems have incorporated a 5% value-added tax across parking and road toll services. The change applies to all commuter tariffs, permits and digital payment systems as part of a broader fiscal standardisation ef...

UAE Introduces Enhanced Border Health Screening for Travellers from Central African Countries

The National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority has introduced stricter entry screening measures for travellers arriving from or recently visiting the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan. The protoco...

UAE Hosts Global AI Governance Talks at World Economic Forum Regulatory Roundtable in Abu Dhabi

Senior policymakers and business leaders met in Abu Dhabi under a World Economic Forum platform focused on regulation in the “intelligent age.” Discussions centred on artificial intelligence governance, digital infrastructure standards a...

UAE Mandates First-of-Month Salary Payments for Private Sector Under Wage Protection System Update

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has introduced a requirement for all private sector employers to pay wages by the first day of each month. The updated Wage Protection System includes penalties and potential corporate do...

United Arab Emirates Lowers Legal Age of Adulthood to 18 in Nationwide Legislative Reform

The United Arab Emirates has implemented a federal decree reducing the legal age of adulthood from 21 to 18. The reform aligns civil, criminal and labour frameworks and grants individuals full legal capacity to manage financial and corpo...

Abu Dhabi Maintains Crude Export Stability as ADNOC Reroutes Flows via Fujairah Pipeline Network

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company has kept crude exports steady at 2.6 million barrels per day by redirecting shipments through the Fujairah pipeline terminal, which has a capacity of 1.8 million barrels per day. The company also expanded s...

Middle East Energy Security Holds as UAE Condemns Regional Missile Strikes and Reinforces Maritime Stability Measures

The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned reported Iranian missile and drone attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan, calling them a violation of state sovereignty and a threat to regional maritime stabili...

Deliveroo Expands Beyond Food Delivery With Restaurant Reservations in Dubai

The launch of a restaurant booking feature reflects a broader trend among technology platforms in Dubai to integrate hospitality and lifestyle services within existing consumer apps.

UAE Borrowers Continue to Navigate a Higher Interest Rate Environment

Financial institutions remain cautious on lending conditions as households and businesses wait for lower borrowing costs, despite continued strength in the broader UAE economy.

Premium Sports Experiences Fuel Growth for UAE Digital Platforms

Companies such as Seatsy are benefiting from rising demand for exclusive sports and entertainment experiences, reflecting growing consumer spending on live events and premium hospitality offerings.

UAE Accelerates Shift Toward Unified Government Digital Services

Authorities are expanding the use of shared digital platforms across government agencies to deliver faster, more integrated services for residents, businesses and public-sector users.

Dubai Expands Tourism Strategy With New Niche Travel Concepts

The emirate is exploring initiatives including floating conferences and Suez Canal-focused leadership cruises as it seeks to attract specialized business and leisure travelers beyond traditional luxury tourism.

Corporate Hiring Becomes More Selective Across the Gulf

Recruitment firms report companies remain active in the labor market but are concentrating hiring on artificial intelligence, project delivery and senior leadership positions rather than broad workforce expansion.

Gulf Aviation Executives Express Confidence Despite Operational Challenges

Industry leaders say strong summer travel demand should support recovery across the aviation sector even as airlines continue to navigate disruptions linked to regional instability.

Major Mixed-Use Developments Move Into Construction Phase in Dubai

Large-scale projects backed by Brookfield and Alshaya are entering active construction, adding premium office and residential space as demand for high-quality real estate continues to grow.

Tech Founders Cite Abu Dhabi Ecosystem as Key Growth Driver

Startup founders at Hub71 said access to funding networks and strategic partnerships has played a critical role in scaling their businesses, distinguishing Abu Dhabi from more fragmented innovation markets.

Dubai Police AI Push Aligns With Wider Smart Government Strategy

The expansion of AI-powered policing tools forms part of Dubai’s broader effort to build a proactive digital government model, with authorities seeking to improve public services through greater automation and data-driven decision-making.

UAE Real Estate Sector Projected to Reach $811 Billion by 2031

Long-term forecasts suggest the country’s property market could expand to $811 billion by 2031, supported by large mixed-use developments and a regulatory framework designed to enhance investor confidence.

UAE Industrial Property Rents Rise Amid Strong Logistics Demand

Industrial rents increased 12.8% in the first quarter of 2026, indicating that manufacturers and logistics operators continue to absorb higher operating costs while maintaining demand for warehouse space.

Industrial Real Estate Demand Shifts Toward Sustainable Facilities

Property consultancy data show rising demand for energy-efficient industrial assets across the UAE, with businesses increasingly favoring modern facilities as industrial leasing activity continues to expand.

UAE and Saudi Arabia Intensify Competition for Logistics Leadership

New logistics investment platforms and expanding airline networks underscore growing competition between the two Gulf economies as both pursue infrastructure-led diversification strategies beyond oil.

Oil Market Focus Turns to Strait of Hormuz Shipping Risks

With oil prices remaining near $100 per barrel amid regional military tensions, energy and logistics companies in the UAE are closely monitoring shipping conditions through one of the world's most important trade corridors.

Dubai Infrastructure Summit Draws Rising Interest From Global Investors

The International Property Show 2026, scheduled for September at Dubai World Trade Centre, is attracting heightened attention as investors look to opportunities in urban development, infrastructure and cross-border real estate markets.

UAE Strengthens Position as a Leader in AI Governance Adoption

A recent study found the UAE is advancing rapidly in implementing artificial intelligence governance frameworks, placing it ahead of many international peers as businesses expand AI deployment across key industries.

Sharjah Promotes Ports as Safe Haven for Regional Supply Chains

Sharjah FDI Office is positioning Port Khalid and Hamriyah Port as reliable logistics hubs for global businesses seeking operational continuity and greater resilience amid disruptions to international trade networks.

South African Investment Into Dubai Surpasses $272 Million

Investment flows from South Africa into Dubai have exceeded $272 million, while bilateral trade has risen 265% to $8 billion, reinforcing Dubai’s growing position as a gateway for African capital and commerce.

Abu Dhabi Startups Showcase New AI Applications at Hub71 Impact 2026

Entrepreneurs presented artificial intelligence solutions for healthcare, digital marketing and advanced manufacturing, highlighting Abu Dhabi’s role in supporting deep-tech companies through funding, mentorship and strategic partnerships.

Middle East Airlines Extend Flight Disruptions Amid Regional Tensions

Several international carriers are prolonging suspensions of Dubai services into the summer and autumn months, while airlines including Air Astana continue rerouting flights as geopolitical tensions affect regional air travel.

GFH Financial Group Launches $300 Million Logistics and Industrial Investment Platform

Bahrain-based GFH Financial Group and Octo have established a $300 million platform focused on warehousing, cold storage and distribution facilities across the UAE and Saudi Arabia to meet growing demand for supply chain infrastructure.

Dubai Real Estate Market Maintains Strong Momentum in 2026

Developers launched 250 projects worth AED75 billion during the first five months of the year, while transaction values were up 20% in April, underscoring continued confidence from both institutional and private investors.