Dubai Times

UAE’s Suhail Star Appears as Summer Heat Begins Its Seasonal Retreat

The Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department’s observation team has documented the appearance of Canopus, known locally as Suhail, marking the traditional seasonal transition toward cooler weather.

Sheikha Latifa to Headline 2026 Arab Media Summit in Dubai

Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum will deliver the keynote address at the 2026 Arab Media Summit, where digital transformation and cultural storytelling will feature prominently.

Abu Dhabi Temporarily Closes Public Parks and Beaches Amid Severe Weather Changes

Authorities in Abu Dhabi have temporarily shut public parks, beaches and other outdoor recreation areas because of sudden and severe weather changes that could threaten public safety.

New UAE Corporate Tax Guidelines Offer Greater Compliance Clarity for Businesses

The Federal Tax Authority has issued updated corporate tax rules and compliance guidance aimed at helping multinational companies and domestic businesses navigate the UAE’s evolving tax system.

Abu Dhabi Developer Begins Reconstruction of Long-Undeveloped Natural Island

A major property developer has started work on an ultra-luxury residential and tourism project on an Abu Dhabi island that had remained undeveloped for decades.

Dubai’s Ultra-Luxury Property Market Maintains Strong Momentum in 2026

Demand for Dubai’s most expensive homes remains strong, with high-net-worth buyers continuing to seek waterfront mansions and branded residences across the emirate.

Sharjah Appoints 31 New Judges and Prosecutors

Thirty-one newly appointed members of Sharjah’s judiciary and prosecution services have taken their oaths of office as the emirate moves to strengthen its legal system and speed up case resolution.

Sharjah Restructures Airport Authority Under New Emiri Decree

Sharjah Ruler Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi has approved a new organisational framework for the Sharjah Airport Authority to modernise operations and prepare for future passenger growth.

Sharjah Expands Government Payments Through UAE’s Jaywan Card

Sharjah is integrating the UAE’s domestic Jaywan payment card across government digital applications, online portals and Tahseel service centres as the emirate upgrades its payment infrastructure.

Abu Dhabi Judicial Services See Sharp Rise in Digital Adoption

The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department recorded strong growth in the use of remote hearings, digital authentication and smart enforcement services during the first half of 2026.

Dubai Expands Financial and Housing Support for Emirati Couples

The Dubai Weddings Initiative is expanding support for young Emiratis through premarital counselling, housing assistance and longer-term financial guidance intended to encourage family formation.

UAE Supports 64 Palestinian Amputees With Custom Prosthetics and Rehabilitation

Six Emirati charities provided customised artificial limbs and rehabilitation services to 64 Palestinians affected by the regional conflict under the Step of Hope humanitarian initiative.

Dubai Court Orders Delivery Company to Pay 172,000 Dirhams in Medical Costs for Uninsured Rider

The Dubai Civil Court has ordered a delivery company to cover a rider’s 172,000-dirham hospital bill after the employee was admitted without the required health insurance coverage.

UAE Digital Attestation System Handles 1.45 Million Requests in Five Months

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said its electronic document-attestation platform processed 1.45 million requests in five months, simplifying verification for businesses, investors and expatriates.

Abu Dhabi Entertainment Project Unveils Plans for Harry Potter Theme Park

Developers have released the first details of the Wizarding World attraction planned for Abu Dhabi, including a full-scale Hogwarts Castle, Diagon Alley and three immersive rides.

Nafis Restructures Emiratisation Support for Lower-Paid Private Sector Workers

The Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council is phasing out financial subsidies for Emiratis earning less than 6,000 dirhams as part of changes intended to encourage higher-skilled employment and stronger wages.

UAE President Invites Saudi King to Abu Dhabi for 2026 UN Water Conference

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has invited Saudi Arabia to the United Nations Water Conference in Abu Dhabi in December as the UAE continues to promote international cooperation on water and climate issues.

UAE Diplomatic Adviser Urges Iran to Cooperate With Gulf States on Regional Peace

Anwar Gargash said recent attacks had deepened Iran’s regional isolation and called on Tehran to engage constructively with Gulf Cooperation Council states to help end ongoing regional conflicts.

UAE and Seven Other Nations Call for Halt to Israeli Settlement Expansion

The United Arab Emirates and international partners have urged an immediate halt to the E1 settlement plan in the West Bank, warning that further expansion threatens regional stability.

UAE Updates Artificial Intelligence and Science Curriculum Across Schools

Education authorities are requiring schools to introduce new artificial intelligence concepts and updated science material across all grade levels as more than one million students begin the new academic year.

UAE Introduces Stricter Security Controls for Banking and E-Commerce Apps

Banks across the United Arab Emirates are rolling out stronger access requirements and multi-factor authentication for mobile banking and online shopping applications as regulators move to strengthen protection against digital fraud.

UAE Overhauls School Curriculum and Ends Homework for Kindergarten Through Grade 2

The UAE Ministry of Education has introduced six major reforms for the 2026-27 academic year, including a ban on homework for younger students and updated teaching requirements focused on wellbeing, artificial intelligence and science.

Dubai International Airport Handles 31.5 Million Passengers in First Half of 2026

Dubai International Airport recorded strong passenger growth in the first six months of 2026 as airline capacity recovered and international travel demand increased, reinforcing its role as a major global aviation hub.

Dubai Real Estate Investments Surge 52% to 111 Billion Dirhams in First Half of 2026

Dubai Land Department data shows completed project investments reached 111 billion dirhams, while more than 24,000 new residential units entered the market as international investor confidence strengthened.

Dubai to Award $14.8 Billion in Contracts for Al Maktoum International Airport

Dubai Airports plans to launch a 55 billion dirham tender programme by the end of 2026 to accelerate construction of the new aviation hub, with all operations at Dubai International Airport targeted for transfer by 2032.

UAE Retail Groups Prepare Expanded Promotions and Supply Chains for Autumn Shopping Season

Major retailers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are increasing inventories, e-commerce capacity and customer loyalty initiatives ahead of the expected rise in consumer spending during the autumn shopping season.

Dubai Introduces Historic Doors Initiative at International Airport to Showcase Emirati Heritage

Dubai Municipality has installed artistic recreations of traditional architectural features at Dubai International Airport, giving arriving travelers an introduction to Emirati heritage alongside the airport’s modern facilities.

UAE Sports Officials Advance International Cooperation Through BRICS Meeting in India

UAE sports officials participating in the BRICS Sports Ministers Meeting in Visakhapatnam discussed a sports technology working group and broader cooperation under national sports development strategies.

UAE Universities Complete Digital Campus Upgrades Ahead of Autumn Semester

Higher education institutions across the Emirates have completed upgrades to digital learning platforms, hybrid classrooms and research laboratories ahead of the new academic year.

Dubai Health Authority Expands Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Diagnosis and Emergency Care

Dubai’s healthcare network is integrating machine-learning diagnostic tools into primary care and emergency response systems to support earlier detection of chronic conditions and improve triage.

Dubai Financial Market Maintains Stable Institutional Trading as Banking and Property Shares Perform Firmly

Institutional participation remained steady on the Dubai Financial Market, with banking stocks and major property developers supporting liquidity and maintaining positive quarterly valuation trends.

Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange Reports Strong Corporate Earnings and Financial Disclosure Compliance

The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange reported high compliance with financial disclosure requirements, alongside strong profit growth among listed companies in telecommunications, banking and energy.

UAE Municipalities Expand Urban Greening and Public Park Projects

Municipalities in Sharjah and the Northern Emirates are expanding green spaces and planting drought-resistant native vegetation as part of efforts to improve urban environments and public well-being.

Dubai Crisis and Disaster Management Committee Strengthens Inter-Agency Emergency Coordination

Dubai’s emergency services, municipal agencies and transport authorities are conducting coordinated preparedness measures designed to maintain public safety and support resilient urban infrastructure.

Dubai Launches Global Campaign to Attract Autumn Cultural and Business Tourism

Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism is marketing the emirate’s autumn festivals, exhibitions and conferences in international source markets as it seeks to attract both business delegates and leisure travelers.

UAE Climate and Food-Security Programs Expand Water Conservation Measures

UAE environmental and agricultural authorities are deploying drip irrigation, solar-powered greenhouses and desalination research as part of efforts to conserve water and protect food production in the region’s arid conditions.

UAE Expands Fifth-Generation Networks Across Industrial and Logistics Zones

Telecommunications operators are accelerating fifth-generation network deployment across UAE industrial and logistics areas to provide high-speed, low-latency connectivity for smart factories and automated supply chains.

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority Expands Smart Metering and Sustainable Desalination Projects

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority is advancing automated grid monitoring, renewable energy integration and sustainable desalination projects to maintain reliable electricity and water supplies during periods of high demand.

Dubai Advances Autonomous AI Agent Competitions to Support Local Technology Entrepreneurship

The Dubai Future Foundation and Digital Economy Office are organizing developer competitions and hackathons aimed at encouraging programmers to build autonomous AI agents and software addressing municipal challenges.

Dubai to Host AI Week Focused on Generative Artificial Intelligence and Responsible Governance

Dubai AI Week will bring together technology executives, policymakers and startup founders for summits, hackathons and global forums focused on practical artificial intelligence applications and responsible governance.

UAE Welcomes Gaza Disarmament Agreement and Calls for Sustainable Regional Peace

The UAE Foreign Ministry welcomed an international agreement on disarmament in the Gaza Strip and reiterated its support for humanitarian relief, sustainable security arrangements and a two-state political resolution.

Etihad Airways and Emirates Maintain Cautious Gulf Flight Operations to Kuwait and Bahrain

Etihad Airways and Emirates are maintaining limited services to selected Gulf destinations while continuing to assess airspace conditions and adjust schedules to protect passengers and crews.

Dubai International Airport Prepares for Surge in Returning Holiday Traffic

Dubai International Airport and immigration authorities are coordinating passenger processing, baggage handling and smart-gate operations to manage increased traffic as residents return from summer holidays.

Dubai Customs Expands Around-the-Clock Operations Ahead of Peak Passenger and Cargo Traffic

Dubai Customs has increased staffing and screening capabilities across airports and ports as seasonal travel and cargo volumes rise, aiming to maintain clearance efficiency while strengthening border controls.

UAE Maintains Heightened Maritime Security Measures Across Gulf Shipping Routes

UAE defense and port authorities continue to closely monitor critical shipping lanes and commercial terminals following incidents in the wider Gulf, with measures focused on protecting trade flows and maritime commerce.