Dubai Times

Turkish Parliament Passes Landmark Bill Granting Conditional Amnesty to Disarmed PKK Members

Lawmakers vote 468 to 88 to approve a legal framework for disarming and reintegrating Kurdish militants, marking a major legislative step toward ending a 40-year conflict.

Dubai Uses Artificial Intelligence to Speed Up Residential Water Quality Testing

Dubai Municipality has introduced artificial intelligence algorithms to analyze domestic water samples more quickly, allowing residents to receive safety certifications for household water supplies with less processing time.

Emirates Standardizes Commercial Music Licensing Fees for Hospitality and Retail Businesses

The UAE government has introduced a unified framework for commercial music licensing, requiring hotels, restaurants and retail businesses to pay regulated royalties to support artists and strengthen intellectual property enforcement.

Dubai to Host New Environment Conference and Exhibition Focused on Green Investment

Dubai will host a new environmental conference and exhibition under the patronage of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, bringing together climate innovators and green technology investors as the UAE advances its sustainability goals.

World Governments Summit and World Travel and Tourism Council Partner on Global Tourism Policy

The World Governments Summit and the World Travel and Tourism Council have agreed to develop technology-focused and sustainable policy frameworks for the future of international travel and tourism.

Dubai Rental Demand Shifts Toward Studios and One-Bedroom Homes After Illegal Partition Crackdown

Municipal enforcement against overcrowded and illegally subdivided apartments has increased demand for legitimate smaller rental units in Dubai, particularly studios and one-bedroom homes.

UAE Issues 173 Extradition Decisions as Authorities Intensify Financial Crime Enforcement

Federal judicial authorities have executed 173 extradition decisions in the first part of 2026 as the UAE expands international cooperation against transnational financial crime and strengthens its anti-money-laundering enforcement.

UAE's Jaywan Card Expands Internationally Through UnionPay Partnership

Al Etihad Payments has partnered with China's UnionPay to expand global acceptance of the UAE's Jaywan domestic payment card, allowing Emirati cardholders to make transactions across international retail markets.

UAE Authorities Seize 3.5 Million Illegal Excise Goods in Dh82 Million Tax Crackdown

The Federal Tax Authority and Dubai Police have seized 3.5 million non-compliant tobacco and sweetened beverage products and issued 59 violation reports in a campaign that resulted in more than Dh82 million in unpaid taxes and penalties.

UAE Businesses Face Growing Payment Delays Despite Wider Use of Trade Credit

An Atradius survey found that trade credit is now used in 47 percent of business-to-business transactions in the UAE, but delayed invoice payments are creating growing liquidity pressures in industrial and construction sectors.

Joby Aviation Buys Defense Technology Firm for $500 Million Ahead of Dubai Air Taxi Launch

California-based Joby Aviation has acquired Resonant Sciences for $500 million, strengthening its engineering capabilities ahead of the planned rollout of electric air taxi services in Dubai.

UAE Crypto Regulator Grants New License While Sanctioning Exchange Over Iran Links

Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority has granted a broker-dealer license to ARP Digital while sanctioning the Shelbit exchange over alleged money-laundering violations and links to Iranian financial networks.

Dubai International Airport Introduces Passport-Free Red Carpet Smart Tunnel

Dubai International Airport has launched its Red Carpet Smart Tunnel, allowing eligible travelers to clear immigration through facial recognition without presenting physical passports or boarding passes.

UAE Ranks First in FinTech Skills and Second in Attracting Artificial Intelligence Talent

A 2026 LinkedIn workforce report produced with the Ministry of Foreign Trade ranks the UAE first globally for FinTech skills and second for attracting artificial intelligence talent, reflecting a strong recovery in hiring and demand for ...

UAE Cybersecurity Systems Block 600,000 Artificial Intelligence-Driven Attacks Daily

The head of the UAE Cybersecurity Council says national systems are thwarting more than 600,000 artificial intelligence-driven cyberattacks each day, highlighting the scale of digital threats facing the country.

Emirates Cuts Refund Fees and Offers Unlimited Free Date Changes on Dubai Flights

Emirates has reduced cancellation charges and introduced unlimited free date changes for passengers flying to Dubai across nearly all fare classes, increasing flexibility as the airline seeks to support inbound tourism.

Dubai Forecast to See Dh275 Billion of New Real Estate and Infrastructure Projects

Industry forecasts indicate that about Dh275 billion of new real estate and infrastructure projects could be launched or begin construction in Dubai by the end of 2026, underscoring continued investor confidence in the emirate.

Dubai Real Estate Market Faces Delivery of Nearly 47,000 New Homes in Second Half of 2026

Developers are expected to hand over about 47,000 residential units in Dubai during the second half of 2026, with the predominantly apartment-based supply increase expected to give tenants more choice and ease rental pressures.

Dubai Introduces Artificial Intelligence System for Automated Building Permits

Dubai has launched an artificial intelligence platform that can review construction plans and issue building permits automatically, with the system designed to reduce processing times for property developers.

UAE Extends Small-Business Corporate Tax Relief Through 2029

The Ministry of Finance has extended the corporate tax relief program for small businesses and startups through the end of 2029, giving emerging companies longer protection from additional tax burdens.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Prepares for High-Level Visit to the United States

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is preparing for an official visit to the United States that is expected to shape bilateral economic policy, defense cooperation and collaboration in advanced technology.

Mubadala Weighs $6.3 Billion Artificial Intelligence Data Center Investment in Japan

Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund Mubadala Investment Company is considering a $6.3 billion artificial intelligence data center project in Japan as demand for advanced computing capacity accelerates worldwide.

Abu Dhabi and Dubai Continue Strong Summer Tourism as International Visitor Demand Holds Up

Hotels and commercial accommodation providers in Dubai and around Abu Dhabi are seeing sustained international demand, with tourism initiatives and strong travel flows supporting the peak summer season.

Dubai Sports World to Close on August 25 After Its Twenty-Ninth Season

Dubai Sports World at Dubai World Trade Centre is preparing to close on August 25 after its twenty-ninth season, ending the annual indoor sporting facility's summer program.

Nad Al Sheba to Open New Community Mall Anchored by Waitrose on August 19

The Grand, a new two-storey community shopping complex in Nad Al Sheba, is scheduled to open on August 19 with a Waitrose supermarket and family dining options.

Dubai Astronomy Group Prepares Perseids Viewing Events Across the UAE

The Dubai Astronomy Group and regional authorities are organizing desert observation events in areas including Al Quaa and Hatta for residents seeking to watch the annual Perseids meteor shower.

Dubai Tourism and Cultural Authorities Prepare Expanded Autumn Heritage and Arts Program

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority is preparing heritage exhibitions, contemporary art showcases and public workshops for the autumn season, including events in historic districts such as Al Fahidi.

UAE Offers New Industrial Incentives for Solar Power and Grid-Scale Battery Storage

The Ministry of Energy has introduced financial incentives to accelerate industrial renewable-energy integration and smart-grid battery storage installations across manufacturing companies in the United Arab Emirates.

UAE Telecommunications Operators Complete Nationwide 5G Standalone Network Upgrades

Major telecommunications providers in the United Arab Emirates have completed nationwide upgrades to 5G standalone core networks, enabling lower-latency connectivity and expanded industrial Internet of Things applications.

Dubai Authorities Expand Smart Traffic Management to Ease Central Congestion

The Dubai Transport Authority is deploying artificial intelligence sensors and dynamic traffic-signal timing across major arterial roads to improve traffic flow and reduce public transport delays during peak commuting periods.

Abu Dhabi Hosts UAE Jiu-Jitsu Team's World Championship Triumph With 65 Medals

The United Arab Emirates national jiu-jitsu team won 65 medals at the 2026 World Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Abu Dhabi, taking world titles in both the adult and under-21 Newaza divisions.

Dubai Government Confirms August 24 Public Holiday for Prophet Muhammad's Birthday

Dubai government departments, authorities and public institutions will observe a public holiday on Monday, August 24, 2026, for the Prophet Muhammad's Birthday, creating a three-day weekend.

Dubai Summer Surprises Enters Final Weeks With Retail Discounts and Dining Promotions

Dubai Summer Surprises is entering its final weeks with promotions across major shopping malls, ten-dirham dining offers and entertainment events before the festival ends on August 30.

Dubai Police Launches Road Safety Campaign Ahead of School Reopening

Dubai Police has begun a digital and on-ground campaign targeting distracted driving, speeding and poor lane discipline as schools prepare to reopen later this month.

Dubai Health Authority Expands Heat-Safety Advisories During Peak Summer Temperatures

Dubai health authorities are increasing public guidance on hydration, heatstroke prevention and sun protection for residents and outdoor workers as temperatures remain at seasonal highs.

Dubai Deploys Emergency Traffic Measures as Rush-Hour Congestion Intensifies on Sharjah Corridors

Dubai authorities have deployed additional traffic and transport units on major routes including Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Al Ittihad Road to manage heavy evening congestion and delays between Dubai and Sharjah.

UAE Exchange Houses Report Rising Outbound Transfers as Trade and Business Links Expand

Exchange houses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are reporting stronger outbound corporate and retail transfers, supported by expatriate workforce growth and expanding business corridors with South Asia and Europe.

Dubai International Airport Maintains High Passenger Processing Efficiency During Late-Summer Surge

Dubai International Airport is handling heavy late-summer passenger volumes with automated biometric clearance gates and expanded ground logistics supporting the movement of arriving and departing travelers.

Dubai Authorities Intensify Single-Use Plastic Enforcement Across Retail and Commercial Outlets

Dubai Municipality has expanded inspections to enforce single-use plastic bag restrictions and strengthen compliance with wider circular-economy measures across the emirate.

Abu Dhabi Offers Free Entry Visas to Indian Tourists Under New Travel Promotion

Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism is offering complimentary UAE entry visas to Indian passport holders who book qualifying holiday packages through participating travel partners for stays of at least three nights.

Dubai Tourism Launches Resident Ambassador Program With Discounts for International Guests

Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism has launched a program allowing residents to invite friends and relatives from abroad for discounts of up to 45% on hotels, waterparks and lifestyle attractions.

Dubai Tightens Shared Housing Rules Ahead of New Tenancy Requirements

Dubai authorities are preparing to enforce updated shared-housing rules requiring tenants to obtain written approval from landlords before subletting or renting individual bedrooms or bed spaces.

Dubai Attracts More Foreign Investment in Artificial Intelligence and Fintech Startups

Business hubs including Dubai Internet City and the Dubai International Financial Centre are reporting increased foreign investment applications from venture capital firms and early-stage artificial intelligence and fintech companies.