Dubai Times

UAE Expands Startup Ambitions Through AI Talent and SME Infrastructure Initiatives

Programmes supporting artificial intelligence expertise and business growth are intended to strengthen the country’s position as a leading destination for startups by providing both talent development and scalable infrastructure.

Emaar Development Expands Dubai’s Iconic Skyline Vision

The masterplan has been designed around views of landmarks including the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab, reinforcing Dubai’s emphasis on globally recognizable urban design.

Dubai Longevity Authority Signals Shift Toward Preventive and Healthy-Aging Healthcare

The new body is expected to encourage research spanning biology, technology and lifestyle science as Dubai seeks to promote longer and healthier lives for residents.

Sheikha Latifa and Swedish Cultural Leaders Explore Creative Sector Partnerships

Meetings in Dubai focused on strengthening cultural cooperation, sharing expertise in the creative economy and identifying opportunities for future collaboration between the UAE and Sweden.

Emaar Development to Feature Smart Mobility and Sustainable Urban Infrastructure

The Dubai masterplan will include dedicated electric vehicle routes, integrated cycling networks and other smart mobility features designed to support a self-sustaining urban environment.

Abu Dhabi Strengthens Manufacturing Strategy Through Logistics and Industrial Integration

The launch of the Kezad SME Hub forms part of a wider effort to connect industrial zones directly with ports and rail infrastructure, reinforcing the emirate’s appeal to manufacturing investors.

Emirati AI Specialists Expected to Lead Cross-Sector Digital Transformation

Participants in the national AI programme are being prepared to drive technology adoption across government and private-sector organizations, creating a broad-based approach to artificial intelligence integration.

UAE Pursues AI-Human Collaboration Model for Future Government Operations

Officials are positioning advanced AI systems as tools that enhance productivity and quality of life, emphasizing collaboration between people and technology rather than replacement.

National AI Programme Expands to Train 100 Emirati Technology Leaders

The National Experts Programme has broadened its scope beyond initial plans, with participants spending seven months developing practical AI projects tailored to challenges and opportunities within their sectors.

Sdeira Group to Oversee Workforce Accommodation for Expanding Kezad Industrial Zones

The company will manage more than 40 staff accommodation complexes to support the growing workforce required by Abu Dhabi’s expanding manufacturing and logistics sectors.

Etihad Rail Connection Strengthens Logistics Advantages for Abu Dhabi SME Hub

Direct integration with the national rail network is expected to lower transport costs and improve export efficiency for businesses operating from the newly launched Kezad facility.

Kezad and Emirates Growth Fund Partner to Support Expansion of Local SMEs

A preliminary agreement between the two organizations aims to improve access to financing and industrial infrastructure for high-potential small and medium-sized enterprises across the UAE.

UAE Sends Emergency Aid to Communities Affected by Euphrates River Flooding in Syria

The humanitarian mission delivers relief assistance to areas impacted by recent flooding and reflects the UAE’s continued commitment to regional disaster response efforts.

Dubai Establishes Longevity Authority to Advance Preventive Healthcare and Research

The new authority will promote innovation in healthcare, wellness and scientific research, supporting Dubai’s efforts to expand its role in longevity science and preventative medicine.

Abu Dhabi Opens Dh112 Million SME Hub Linked to Khalifa Port and Etihad Rail

Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi has launched a new industrial hub featuring 175 micro-industrial units aimed at helping small businesses scale operations while benefiting from direct access to major logistics networks.

Sheikh Mansour Launches First National AI Experts Cohort in Workforce Development Push

Vice President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed the first cohort of the National Experts Programme for Artificial Intelligence, which will train 100 Emirati specialists to lead AI adoption across key sectors of the economy.

UAE Accelerates Adoption of Agentic AI Across Government Services

The UAE government is advancing the use of autonomous AI assistants to improve public service delivery, operational efficiency and sustainable development as part of its broader ambition to lead in artificial intelligence.

UAE President and US Ambassador Hold Talks on Regional Security and Maritime Stability

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz in Abu Dhabi to review strategic ties and discuss regional developments, maritime security and the protection of global economic stability.

Emaar Unveils Dh200 Billion Dubai Masterplan for Nearly 150,000 Residents

Emaar Properties has announced a 4.5 million-square-meter development designed to accommodate almost 150,000 people, featuring residential towers, luxury villas, offices and cultural spaces in one of Dubai’s largest new urban projects.

Formula One Announces International Music Lineup for Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Organizers of the 2026 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix confirmed performances by Zara Larsson, Lewis Capaldi and Imagine Dragons as part of the event’s after-race concert program.

Human Rights Groups Press NBA Over UAE-Linked Sponsorship Scrutiny

Advocacy organizations have called on the National Basketball Association to address allegations involving the UAE’s role in Sudan, bringing additional attention to Emirates Airlines’ sponsorship during the NBA Finals.

Air Astana Restarts Dubai Services Through Alternative Pakistan Routing

The Kazakh carrier has resumed flights between Almaty, Astana and Dubai after developing new routes through Pakistani airspace to bypass restrictions linked to Iranian airspace disruptions.

DEWA Deploys AI-Driven Smart Grid Ahead of Peak Summer Demand

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority has completed the rollout of automated grid management technology designed to identify faults quickly and maintain reliable electricity supplies during periods of heavy cooling demand.

Parkin Introduces New Pricing and Management Measures at Schools and Retail Hubs

Dubai’s public parking operator has launched regulated parking systems around schools and assumed enforcement responsibilities at major shopping destinations to ease congestion during peak periods.

Dubai Parking and Toll Systems Become Fully Cashless and Add VAT

Salik and Parkin have introduced a 5% value-added tax on toll and parking charges, while Parkin has completed the transition away from cash payments at street parking facilities.

Etihad Expands European and Central Asian Reach Through New Codeshare Deals

Partnerships with TAROM and Uzbekistan Airways will broaden network connectivity and channel additional transit traffic through Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport.

Dubai Chamber Establishes New Business Group for Construction Industry

The newly formed Dubai Contractors Business Group is intended to improve coordination between regulators and private-sector builders as the emirate continues to expand large-scale development projects.

Emirates NBD Simplifies IPO Access Through Mobile Banking Platform

The banking group has integrated IPO subscription services into its mobile application, allowing retail investors to participate in public offerings without visiting physical branches.

Dubai International Financial Centre Prepares for AI Week 2026

Thousands of technology leaders are expected to attend a major artificial intelligence gathering featuring government strategy sessions, engineering competitions and a prize pool dedicated to autonomous AI development.

Dubai Advances Global Real Estate Transparency Ranking

Dubai climbed to 28th place in the Global Real Estate Transparency Index, supported by governance reforms and the introduction of the AI-powered Smart Rent Index, helping attract institutional investment.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi Launch Summer Tourism Campaigns to Boost Domestic Travel

Authorities across both emirates have unveiled extensive summer entertainment and sporting programs aimed at supporting hotels, attractions and local tourism during the hottest months of the year.

Emirates Adjusts Capacity as High Fuel Costs and Airspace Constraints Persist

Industry data show the Dubai-based airline has reduced its June schedule by 14%, removing nearly half a million seats while maintaining core network connectivity and managing higher operating costs.

Dubai Expands Road Network to Reduce Congestion on Key Commuter Routes

The Roads and Transport Authority has begun a major traffic improvement program that includes a new lane on Sheikh Zayed Road toward Abu Dhabi and new bridge connections linking major suburban corridors.

Etihad Airways Plans Fleet Expansion and New Widebody Aircraft Orders

The Abu Dhabi carrier said it expects capacity this month to exceed pre-conflict levels by 8% and is preparing orders for a double-digit number of widebody aircraft to support long-haul growth.

UAE Tightens Entry Rules to Guard Against Ebola Outbreaks in Africa

Authorities introduced new health measures requiring travelers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan to complete a 21-day quarantine outside affected areas before entering the UAE.

Sheikh Mohammed Creates Dubai Longevity Authority to Advance Medical Research

Dubai has established a dedicated authority to oversee biotechnology research, clinical trials and advanced therapies, with the aim of positioning the emirate as a global center for longevity science and medical tourism.

Emirates Launches Passenger Assurance Measures Amid Regional Airspace Disruptions

Emirates President Tim Clark unveiled new customer support guarantees, including commitments to maintain schedules where possible and rebook stranded travelers on other carriers when necessary.

UAE Introduces Stricter Salary Payment Deadlines for Private Employers

Updated Wage Protection System regulations now require companies to pay employee wages for the previous month no later than the first day of the following Gregorian month, strengthening worker protections and reducing payment delays.

UAE Lowers Legal Age of Adulthood to 18 Under New Civil Law

The federal government has reduced the age of full legal capacity from 21 lunar years to 18 Gregorian years, allowing younger residents to independently manage finances and enter legally binding contracts.

Abu Dhabi Freezes Rents Across Property Market to Ease Cost Pressures

The Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre has imposed an immediate and indefinite zero-percent cap on annual rent increases for residential, commercial and industrial properties as authorities seek to contain rising living and business costs.

Mubadala Raises Bitcoin ETF Holdings Above $566 Million

Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund Mubadala increased its stake in BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust by 16%, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a major institutional participant in regulated cryptocurrency markets.

Macron Invites Arab Leaders to Expanded G7 Talks Amid Escalating Energy Crisis

French President Emmanuel Macron has invited leaders from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to join expanded G7 discussions focused on the disruption of energy supplies and the fallout from the effective closure of ...

UAE Condemns Iranian Strikes Across Gulf States as Regional Security Concerns Deepen

The United Arab Emirates strongly condemned Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting sites in the UAE, Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait, while Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed discussed the impact on maritime trade, energy supplie...

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.