Dubai Times

Abu Dhabi Airports Reports 20 Percent Surge in Cargo Transshipments

Abu Dhabi Airports has recorded a 20 percent year-on-year increase in cargo transshipments, supported by expanded infrastructure and rising demand for its role as a regional logistics hub.

Dubai International Financial Centre Launches $200 Million Venture Fund for Fintech Startups

The Dubai International Financial Centre has launched a $200 million venture fund to support early-stage fintech, insurtech, and regulatory technology companies seeking to scale in the region.

Dubai Sphere Arena Announces Global Headliners for New Year’s Eve Launch Concert

Promoters have revealed international music headliners for the inaugural New Year’s Eve event at Dubai’s new Sphere Arena, driving a surge in global tourism bookings for the holiday period.

UAE Pledges $500 Million Humanitarian Aid Package to Support Sudan Crisis Response

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced a $500 million humanitarian aid package to support displaced communities and critical infrastructure recovery efforts in Sudan.

Dubai Police Deploys Autonomous AI Drones Across Major Tourist Districts

Dubai Police has introduced autonomous aerial drones equipped with AI capabilities for crowd monitoring and public safety operations across high-traffic areas including Downtown Dubai and JBR.

Aldar Launches $2 Billion Waterfront Development on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi

Aldar Properties has unveiled a $2 billion residential and retail development on Yas Island targeting high-end international buyers and long-term expatriates with premium waterfront living offerings.

Emirates Retires Final Airbus A380 from Select Asian Routes in Fleet Modernisation Shift

Emirates has replaced its remaining Airbus A380 aircraft on selected Southeast Asian routes with newer A350 and Boeing 787 aircraft as part of its ongoing fleet modernisation programme.

Louvre Abu Dhabi Announces Major Impressionist Exhibition in Partnership with Musée d’Orsay

Louvre Abu Dhabi will host a major Impressionist exhibition featuring works by Monet, Renoir, and Degas in collaboration with the Musée d’Orsay, expected to draw significant cultural tourism to Saadiyat Island.

Majid Al Futtaim Reports Record First-Half Revenue on Retail and Entertainment Growth

Majid Al Futtaim has posted its strongest half-year performance on record, driven by higher mall footfall and expansion in its Vox Cinemas operations across the region.

Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre Sets Timeline for Next ISS Astronaut Mission

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre has outlined the training schedule and launch window for the UAE’s next astronaut mission to the International Space Station, continuing its human spaceflight programme.

DP World Secures 30-Year Concession to Operate Dar es Salaam Port in Tanzania

Dubai-based DP World has signed a long-term concession agreement to operate and modernise the Port of Dar es Salaam, expanding its logistics footprint across East and Central Africa.

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority Opens Solar-Powered Desalination Plant

DEWA has inaugurated the Hassyan reverse osmosis desalination plant, fully powered by renewable energy from the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, aimed at securing water supply while reducing carbon emissions.

UAE Enforces Strict Mid-Day Heat Work Ban as Temperatures Exceed 50C

The UAE Ministry of Human Resources has intensified enforcement of its mid-day outdoor work ban during extreme summer heat, deploying monitoring measures and penalties to ensure worker safety amid temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius.

UAE Hosts BRICS Trade Summit in Abu Dhabi Focused on Non-Dollar Settlement Mechanisms

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan hosted senior delegations from China, India, and Brazil in Abu Dhabi, with discussions focused on trade settlement mechanisms and expanded investment ties within the BRICS framework.

Etihad Rail Completes First High-Speed Passenger Trial Between Abu Dhabi and Dubai

Etihad Rail has completed its first high-speed passenger trial between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, testing signalling and passenger systems as the national rail network moves closer to commercial operation.

Palm Jebel Ali Villas Sell Out in Two Hours Amid Strong Dubai Luxury Property Demand

Nakheel has sold out its latest phase of luxury waterfront villas on Palm Jebel Ali within two hours of launch, reflecting continued strong demand in Dubai’s high-end real estate market.

UAE Launches Fully Automated Golden Visa System with 24-Hour Processing

The UAE has moved its Golden Visa programme to a fully automated digital system that verifies applicants through AI and issues long-term residency permits within 24 hours, eliminating in-person processing requirements.

Wynn Ras Al Khaimah Casino Project Finalises Regulatory Framework Ahead of 2027 Opening

The UAE’s gaming regulator has completed the operational framework for the Wynn Al Marjan Island resort, setting licensing, compliance, and taxation rules ahead of the integrated resort’s planned opening in Ras Al Khaimah in 2027.

UAE Central Bank Grants First Full License for Institutional Digital Asset Custody

The Central Bank of the UAE has issued its first full regulatory licence for institutional digital asset custody, enabling banks and fintech firms to offer regulated cryptocurrency storage services and expanding the country’s digital fin...

Dubai to Launch Autonomous Flying Taxi Services in October After Regulatory Approval

Dubai authorities have approved the commercial launch of electric flying taxi services from October, following successful safety trials with Joby Aviation, marking a step toward urban air mobility operations from dedicated vertiports.

Masdar Secures $1.5 Billion Financing for North Sea Offshore Wind Acquisition

Abu Dhabi’s Masdar has closed a $1.5 billion syndicated financing deal to acquire a controlling stake in a North Sea offshore wind portfolio, strengthening its position in global renewable energy investments.

Dubai Approves IPO of RTA Marine Transport Division on Dubai Financial Market

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority will list its marine transport and water taxi division on the Dubai Financial Market in the fourth quarter, continuing the emirate’s broader programme of state-linked asset listings.

UAE Non-Oil Foreign Trade Surpasses Two Trillion Dirhams in First Half of the Year

The UAE’s non-oil foreign trade exceeded two trillion dirhams in the first six months of the year, driven by growth in manufacturing, technology, and logistics exports alongside expanding trade partnerships under economic cooperation agr...

G42 and Microsoft Announce Multi-Billion Dollar AI Data Center Expansion in Abu Dhabi

UAE artificial intelligence firm G42 and Microsoft have unveiled a large-scale expansion of liquid-cooled data centres in Abu Dhabi, designed to support advanced AI workloads and sovereign cloud infrastructure across the region.

Unified GCC Tourist Visa Goes Live Across Six Gulf Cooperation Council Countries

A unified Gulf Cooperation Council tourist visa has officially launched across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman, allowing international travellers to move between member states under a single digital entry permit a...

Dubai Awards $3 Billion Al Maktoum International Airport Expansion Contract to Consortium of Global Engineering Firms

Dubai has awarded a $3 billion construction contract for the main terminal expansion at Al Maktoum International Airport, a key step in its long-term plan to gradually shift major passenger operations away from Dubai International Airpor...

Dubai Strengthens Position as Global Logistics Hub Through Integrated Port and Free Zone Operations

Dubai’s logistics network has improved efficiency through closer integration of ports and free zones, reducing cargo turnaround times and reinforcing its role in global trade flows.

UAE Esports Federation Launches National Strategy to Build Global Competitive Gaming Hub

The UAE Esports Federation has unveiled a long-term plan to develop training facilities and host international tournaments, aiming to position the country as a global esports centre.

UAE Issues Seasonal Weather Advisory for Maritime and Aviation Safety Across Regional Routes

The National Meteorological Centre has issued updated guidance on seasonal weather conditions to support safe navigation for maritime and aviation operations.

Dubai Retail Sector Maintains Growth Driven by Luxury Brands and Immersive Shopping Experiences

Dubai’s retail industry continues to expand, supported by luxury brand growth and the integration of digital and experiential offerings in major shopping centres.

UAE Introduces Digital Labour Dispute System to Strengthen Worker Protections and Administrative Efficiency

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has launched a digital platform for labour disputes and inquiries, aimed at improving transparency and resolution efficiency.

Abu Dhabi Accelerates Saadiyat Cultural District Expansion With New Museum and Arts Investments

Abu Dhabi is expanding its cultural infrastructure through continued development of the Saadiyat Cultural District, including new museums and exhibition spaces.

Dubai’s Fine Dining Sector Expands as Global Restaurant Groups Enter Market Amid Tourism Growth

Dubai’s culinary sector continues to expand, with international restaurant brands entering the market and strengthening the city’s position as a global dining destination.

UAE Golden Visa Program Sees Record Inflows of Global Talent in AI, Engineering and Medical Fields

The UAE reports rising participation in its Golden Visa programme, with increased applications from professionals in artificial intelligence, engineering and medical research.

Dubai Health Authority Launches Nationwide Telemedicine Platform to Expand Access to Specialist Care

The Dubai Health Authority has introduced a digital healthcare system connecting patients with specialists remotely, aiming to improve access and efficiency across the healthcare network.

Etihad Airways Expands Interline Agreements to Improve Regional Air Connectivity Across the Middle East

Etihad Airways has signed expanded partnerships with regional carriers to improve passenger connectivity and streamline travel through Abu Dhabi.

UAE Adds Major Solar Capacity With New Desert Power Plant Connected to National Grid

A new large-scale solar facility has been connected to the UAE power grid, increasing renewable energy capacity and supporting the country’s long-term energy transition goals.

Dubai Multi Commodities Centre Expands Gold and Silver Trading Infrastructure to Boost Global Metals Flow

DMCC is upgrading regulatory and storage infrastructure to strengthen Dubai’s position as a global hub for precious metals trading between Africa and Asia.

UAE Education Ministry Introduces Mandatory Artificial Intelligence Curriculum in Public Schools

The Ministry of Education has implemented a nationwide AI and programming curriculum for secondary students, aiming to build digital skills aligned with the future economy.

Abu Dhabi Investment Office Partners With Global Life Sciences Firm to Establish Regional R&D Hub

The Abu Dhabi Investment Office has announced a partnership to develop a regional research facility focused on biotechnology, genetic medicine and pharmaceutical innovation.

Dubai Tourism Reports Sustained Growth in International Arrivals and Hospitality Revenue

Dubai’s tourism sector continues to show steady growth, supported by strong hotel occupancy, resilient room rates and a diversified calendar of business events and leisure offerings.

UAE Central Bank Advances Stablecoin Framework to Support Regulated Digital Payments Ecosystem

The UAE Central Bank has issued updated guidance on stablecoins, outlining regulatory parameters designed to support secure digital transactions and expand the national payments infrastructure.

Dubai Municipality Launches Smart Mobility System to Improve Traffic Flow and Reduce Urban Emissions

A new citywide mobility programme will use real-time data to optimise public transport operations, aiming to ease congestion and reduce emissions in densely populated districts.

DP World Expands Automated Port Infrastructure Across Asian and African Trade Routes

DP World has signed new agreements to enhance port automation and logistics efficiency across key corridors in Asia and Africa, reinforcing Dubai’s role in global supply chain connectivity.