Dubai Times

UAE Expands Private-Sector Training Programs for Emirati Workers

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation says thousands of UAE citizens have entered private-sector roles in banking, technology and corporate management as national employment programs expand.

Dubai International Airport Maintains Status as World’s Busiest International Aviation Hub

Dubai International Airport continues to record strong growth in passenger and cargo traffic, handling tens of millions of travelers and reinforcing its role as a major global aviation gateway.

International Holding Company Acquires Major Healthcare Provider to Expand Across Gulf

International Holding Company has completed a multi-billion-dirham acquisition of a controlling stake in a regional hospital network, expanding its healthcare operations across the Gulf Cooperation Council.

UAE Space Agency Confirms Successful Calibration of New Earth Observation Satellite

The UAE Space Agency says its newly deployed satellite has completed initial imaging tests and transmitted high-resolution multispectral data for monitoring agriculture, coastal environments and urban expansion.

Abu Dhabi Approves Advanced Gene Therapies for Rare Pediatric Genetic Disorders

The Department of Health Abu Dhabi has approved the clinical use of advanced gene-editing treatments across major hospitals, expanding access to precision therapies for children with rare genetic disorders.

Dubai Unveils New Cultural Development Plans for Al Fahidi and Al Quoz

The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority has announced a masterplan aimed at attracting international artists, filmmakers and design entrepreneurs to the city’s creative districts through incentives and simplified studio licensing.

Mubadala Leads Funding Round for Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing Startup

Mubadala Investment Company has led a major investment in a semiconductor design company as the sovereign wealth fund seeks to strengthen domestic capabilities in advanced chip engineering and supply chains.

UAE Expands Single-Use Plastic Bag Ban Across Retail Sector

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has implemented the next phase of the UAE’s plastic reduction strategy, banning supermarkets, restaurants and other retailers across all seven emirates from distributing single-use plastic b...

DP World Expands Automation at Jebel Ali Port to Speed Container Handling

DP World has completed upgrades at Jebel Ali Port using autonomous electric vehicles and high-speed gantry cranes, with the new equipment designed to reduce vessel turnaround times and increase freight-handling efficiency.

Dubai Future Foundation and Silicon Valley Partners Launch Regional AI Venture Fund

The Dubai Future Foundation is partnering with Silicon Valley investors to establish a venture capital fund focused on scaling generative artificial intelligence startups across the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia.

Aldar Unveils Billion-Dirham Sustainable Smart City Project in Abu Dhabi

Aldar Properties has announced plans for a large net-zero carbon residential and commercial community featuring water recycling, local solar microgrids and artificial intelligence-based traffic management.

UAE Central Bank Tightens Cybersecurity Requirements for Banks and Payment Providers

The Central Bank of the UAE has ordered licensed financial institutions and digital payment providers to introduce advanced threat intelligence sharing and mandatory biometric authentication protocols by the end of the year.

Etihad Airways Adds Direct Routes to Major European and Asian Business Centers

Etihad Airways is expanding its international network with new nonstop services to major financial centers in Europe and Asia, increasing connectivity through the expanded Terminal A at Zayed International Airport.

Dubai Begins Construction of Fifth Phase of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park

The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority has started construction on the fifth phase of the large-scale solar complex, combining photovoltaic technology with battery storage to supply clean electricity to hundreds of thousands of homes.

UAE Establishes Regulatory Framework for Autonomous Drone Delivery Corridors

The UAE Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology has unveiled rules for dedicated aerial routes for commercial drone deliveries across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, creating a framework for autonomous logistics operations.

UAE Introduces Streamlined Digital Renewals for Golden Visas and Long-Term Residency

The federal government has launched an upgraded digital system using facial recognition and automated verification to simplify renewals of Golden Visas and other long-term residency permits for foreign professionals and investors.

Dubai Financial Market Sees Three-Year High in Trading Activity and Foreign Inflows

Trading volumes on the Dubai Financial Market have reached their highest levels in three years, while foreign institutional investors have increased their exposure to major banking, real estate and utility stocks.

ADNOC Completes Major International Acquisition to Expand Chemical and Energy Business

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company has completed a major acquisition of chemical and energy assets in Europe and Asia as the company expands its downstream operations and seeks to diversify revenue beyond crude oil.

Emirates Completes Latest Phase of Multi-Billion-Dollar Aircraft Retrofit Program

Emirates has completed another stage of its fleet modernization program, upgrading dozens of widebody aircraft with new cabins, premium economy seating and updated inflight entertainment systems.

Dubai Records More Than 10 Million International Visitors in First Half of Year

Dubai welcomed more than 10 million international overnight visitors in the first six months, setting a record supported by tourism campaigns, expanded airline connectivity and major international business conferences.

UAE Insurance Sector Reports Limited Exposure to War-Related Risks

Insurance and reinsurance companies in the UAE say their regional portfolios remain resilient and have limited exposure to geopolitical claims, supporting stability across the domestic market.

UAE Aviation Authorities Strengthen Safety and Air Traffic Management Amid Regional Uncertainty

The UAE Civil Aviation Authority is working with airlines to improve flight routing and maintain safety standards as changing geopolitical conditions affect regional air corridors.

UAE Advances Regional Cooperation on Sustainable Space Exploration

The UAE Space Agency is promoting joint initiatives in satellite telemetry, disaster-risk management and commercial governance as regional space activity expands.

UAE Logistics Operators Expand Rail and Port Links to Strengthen Regional Supply Chains

Freight and shipping companies are expanding automated handling facilities and connections with Etihad Rail and major ports to improve cargo movement between industrial centers and maritime gateways.

Oraseya Capital Named Middle East and Africa’s Most Active Venture Investor for Third Year

The investment firm backed 15 startups in the first half of 2026, increasing funding by 25 percent from a year earlier, with proptech and artificial intelligence among its focus areas.

Ras Al Khaimah Attracts AED 771 Million in Capital Investment in First Half of 2026

The northern emirate recorded almost 1,000 new establishments and attracted investors from 68 nationalities, reflecting growing interest in its business and investment environment.

UAE Financial Sector Monitors Shipping Disruptions While Maintaining Strong Liquidity

Banks and financial institutions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are maintaining stable liquidity and capital buffers as maritime disruptions create uncertainty for Gulf shipping, supply chains and energy transit.

Emirates Maintains Leading Global Role in Airbus A380 Operations for 2026

Emirates is scheduled to operate a dominant share of the world’s Airbus A380 fleet in 2026, supported by its long-haul network and ongoing fleet modernization.

Dubai Silicon Oasis Advances AED 11 Billion Smart-City and Transit Development

The multi-phase District IO plan will combine research facilities with commercial and residential development and connect the district to the planned Dubai Metro Blue Line.

UAE Sovereign Funds Increase Investment in Global Energy Transition Assets

Major UAE investment vehicles are directing capital toward renewable energy, electricity-grid modernization and low-carbon industrial projects as they diversify long-term portfolios.

Dubai AI Startup Base Expands Sharply as Technology Investment Accelerates

Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus reported a 95 percent increase in artificial intelligence startups, highlighting the expansion of specialized technology businesses within Dubai Silicon Oasis.

UAE Leaders Congratulate Ukraine on Thirty-Fifth Independence Anniversary

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum sent formal messages to Ukrainian leaders marking Ukraine’s national independence day.

Dubai Free Zones Reach 96 Percent Occupancy as Company Numbers and Employment Rise

The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority reported a 13 percent increase in registered companies and a 24 percent rise in the workforce during the first half of 2026, supporting continued activity across major free zones.

UAE and Russia Trade in Services and Investment Agreement Takes Effect

The bilateral agreement expands market access and investor protections in sectors including fintech, healthcare and logistics, adding to the UAE’s trade framework with the Eurasian Economic Union.

Dubai Real Estate Projects Exceed AED 111 Billion in Value in First Half of 2026

The Dubai Land Department says 104 major projects were completed in the first six months of 2026, with completions rising 38 percent and investment value increasing 52 percent from a year earlier.

UAE Suspends Commercial and Financial Transactions With Iran Amid Rising Regional Maritime Tensions

The United Arab Emirates has suspended commercial activity, trade exchanges and financial transactions with Iran following escalating maritime security incidents, while national air defenses remain on heightened alert.

Iranian Hackers Shut Down British Power Plant for Four Days in Landmark Cyber Attack

Security officials quietly alert energy leaders after a small-scale UK generator was taken offline in a breach coinciding with widespread cyber intrusions on US water infrastructure.

Dubai Mallathon Attracts 100,000 Participants and Records 220 Million Steps

Dubai’s indoor summer fitness initiative has attracted one hundred thousand participants who collectively recorded two hundred and twenty million steps over two months, offering residents a way to exercise indoors during the extreme summ...

Dubai Resident Recovers Lost Gold Bracelet and Phone After Losing Them in the City

A Dubai resident who lost a gold bracelet and phone later recovered both items, prompting widespread discussion online about the city’s reputation for public safety and honesty.

Abu Dhabi Recognized as Home to the World’s Largest Arabian Oryx Population

The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi has announced that the emirate now hosts the world’s largest Arabian oryx population following conservation efforts that restored the once-endangered species across protected reserves.

Dubai Autism Center Highlights Delays in Autism Diagnosis Among Girls

The Dubai Autism Center is raising awareness that girls can face significant delays in autism diagnosis because symptoms may differ from traditional behavioral patterns more commonly associated with boys.

Heavy Rain and Fog Hit Parts of UAE During Peak Summer Heat

The National Centre of Meteorology has reported localized heavy rain and dense morning fog in parts of the eastern and southern UAE, including Al Ain, prompting warnings for motorists amid high August temperatures.

Dubai Police Warn Against Fake Vehicle Insurance Deals on Social Media

Dubai Police are warning motorists about fraudulent vehicle insurance offers advertised on Instagram, WhatsApp and other social media platforms, saying buyers could face legal and financial consequences.