Dubai Times

Interest in 2026 World Cup Team Kits Rises Across the UAE

Sports retailers and fans are reporting growing attention to official national team kits ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with social media discussion and consumer demand gaining momentum.

Companies Across the UAE Increase Cybersecurity Spending as AI Adoption Accelerates

Businesses are investing more heavily in cybersecurity systems to safeguard critical data as artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and emerging technologies become more deeply integrated into the economy.

UAE Launches Public Campaign Supporting National Unity

A new initiative invites citizens and residents to pledge support for President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with organizers emphasizing social cohesion during a period of regional and global uncertainty.

UAE Announces Upcoming Hijri New Year Public Holiday Arrangements

Residents and businesses are preparing for the Hijri New Year holiday as authorities outline expected adjustments to work schedules and public transport services.

Expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport Infrastructure Continues

Dubai authorities remain focused on long-term aviation growth as infrastructure development progresses ahead of the future transfer of major flight operations to Al Maktoum International Airport.

Sharjah Implements Traffic Diversions for Major Al Khan Road Upgrade

Temporary road changes have been introduced as work continues on widening Al Khan Road and constructing new bridges aimed at improving traffic flow along one of Sharjah’s busiest routes.

Dubai Hills Mall Introduces Enhanced Parking Compliance Measures

Visitors to Dubai Hills Mall are now subject to expanded parking enforcement as Parkin rolls out new traffic management and parking organization systems.

Parkin Extends Parking Enforcement to Major Dubai Shopping Destinations

The company has expanded oversight to locations including Dubai Mall and Dubai Hills Mall, with a stronger focus on enforcing People of Determination parking regulations and improving traffic management through real-time monitoring.

Dubai Expands Cashless Economy Initiative Across Public and Private Services

Recent changes to parking and toll payment systems form part of a broader push to increase digital transactions and support the emirate’s transition toward a fully cashless financial ecosystem.

Dubai Accelerates Transition to Cashless Payments Through Parking Reforms

Parkin has eliminated cash payments at parking meters as part of Dubai’s wider cashless strategy, with motorists now using mobile applications, SMS services or Nol cards to complete transactions.

UAE Clarifies Ebola Restrictions Do Not Affect Cargo Operations

The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority said cargo flights and transit activities will continue uninterrupted, ensuring supply chains remain operational despite new traveler restrictions.

Regional Energy Markets Remain on Alert as Hormuz Security Risks Persist

Recent military tensions near one of the world's most important shipping corridors are keeping energy markets on edge, with governments and businesses assessing the potential economic impact of any disruption.

UAE Reaffirms Commitment to Expanding Trade With Eurasian Economic Union

Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani Al Zeyoudi said the country remains focused on strengthening economic ties with the Eurasian Economic Union, noting that non-oil trade has already exceeded $33.3 billion.

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

The reform reduces the age of full legal capacity from 21 lunar Hijri years to 18 Gregorian years, aligning civil and criminal responsibility standards with existing labor and juvenile legislation.

New UAE Private Sector Wage Rules Require Salaries to Be Paid on the First Day of Each Month

Regulatory changes that took effect after June 1 classify wages paid after the first day of the Gregorian month as late, tightening labor compliance requirements under the Wage Protection System.

UAE Strengthens Position as Global Artificial Intelligence Investment Hub

High-level discussions in Washington reflect the country's broader strategy to expand advanced technology partnerships and establish itself as a leading center for AI development and innovation.

UAE Officials Hold Washington Talks on Artificial Intelligence and Strategic Investment

Khaldoon Al Mubarak met senior US officials to discuss cooperation in artificial intelligence, energy and long-term investment, underscoring the UAE’s efforts to deepen technology partnerships despite economic and geopolitical uncertainty.

UAE Suspends New Entry Visas for Travelers From Three African Nations Over Ebola Precautions

New restrictions have taken effect for travelers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, requiring individuals to spend at least 21 days outside those countries before becoming eligible for entry into the UAE.

UAE Monitors Strait of Hormuz Tensions After US-Iran Military Clashes

Authorities are closely tracking developments following missile and drone confrontations involving US and Iranian forces near the Strait of Hormuz, amid concerns over maritime security and potential disruptions to regional energy flows.

UAE Mediates Exchange of 370 Prisoners Between Russia and Ukraine

The United Arab Emirates facilitated the release of 185 captives from each side in a major prisoner exchange, extending its role as a diplomatic intermediary and bringing the total number of UAE-mediated releases in the conflict to more ...

VinFast Highlights Desert Testing Performance of VF 8 Electric SUV

VinFast showcased the performance of its VF 8 electric vehicle under Middle Eastern heat conditions as the company continues efforts to expand its presence in the regional automotive market.

Parkin Expands Parking Enforcement to Major Dubai Shopping Centres

Parkin has assumed management and enforcement responsibilities at several leading retail destinations, including Dubai Mall, Dubai Hills Mall and Marina Mall, with a focus on orderly parking operations and accessibility compliance.

Dubai Introduces New Parking System Around School Zones

In cooperation with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, Dubai has launched a parking programme offering discounted access and simplified procedures for parents and school staff.

UAE Condemns Drone and Missile Attacks Targeting Bahrain and Kuwait

The UAE government has formally condemned recent attacks against Bahrain and Kuwait, reiterating its support for regional stability and security.

UAE Issues Updated Travel Advisory Over Ebola Concerns in East Africa

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised residents to avoid non-essential travel to Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan due to evolving public health conditions.

Wasl Group Expands Jumeirah Golf Estates with New Luxury Villa Community

Wasl Group has launched Cedarwood Estates South, adding a new collection of golf-view villas to its growing freehold residential portfolio in Dubai.

Nakheel Launches Limited Collection of Beachfront Villas at Palm Beach Towers

Nakheel has introduced 16 beachfront Podium Villas at the entrance to Palm Jumeirah, with handovers scheduled for the first half of 2027.

Dubai South Allocates New Campus Site to Support District Growth

A 29,275-square-metre site in the Um Fanain area has been designated for campus development under a 35-year agreement, expanding educational and community infrastructure within Dubai South.

Miral and Elevate Launch Global Distribution Partnership for Yas Island

A new partnership between Miral and Elevate aims to increase international visibility for Yas Island attractions by improving booking access and distribution across global tourism markets.

Dubai Esports and Games Festival Opens at World Trade Centre

GameExpo has welcomed developers, investors and major gaming studios to Dubai World Trade Centre, reinforcing the festival's position as the region's largest dedicated gathering for esports and gaming.

Museum of Digital Art Opens New Immersive Cultural Venue in Dubai

Dubai has expanded its cultural offering with the opening of the Museum of Digital Art at Madinat Jumeirah, featuring projection mapping technology and AI-powered exhibitions that blend art, culture and digital media.

Five Percent VAT Now Applies to Salik Tolls and Public Parking Services

New tax rules introduced on June 1 apply a five percent value-added tax to Salik toll charges, tag activation fees and a range of public parking services, including permits and reservations.

Dubai Moves Fully Cashless for Public Parking Payments

In support of Dubai's cashless strategy, all public parking payments must now be made through the Parkin application or SMS services, ending reliance on cash transactions and paper tickets.

UAE Lowers Legal Age of Adulthood from 21 to 18

A new federal decree-law has reduced the legal age of adulthood to 18, aligning legal capacity rules and granting young adults greater autonomy in managing financial affairs.

UAE Mandates Standardized Monthly Salary Payments for Private Sector Workers

Under updated Wage Protection System regulations that took effect on June 1, 2026, private-sector salaries must now be paid by the first day of each Gregorian month, with later payments classified as overdue.

Al Shindagha Corridor Tunnel Reaches 80 Percent Completion

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority announced that the tunnel component of the Al Shindagha Corridor project is now 80 percent complete, a milestone in a broader infrastructure programme designed to reduce travel times across the emira...

UAE Introduces Higher Standards for Labour Accommodation

New regulations require labour housing facilities to provide free internet access, on-site medical clinics and improved living conditions, as authorities seek to enhance worker welfare across major industrial zones.

Wynn Al Marjan Island Project Reports Continued Construction Progress

Developers of the multi-billion-dollar Wynn Al Marjan Island project in Ras Al Khaimah released a new construction update, highlighting progress toward the highly anticipated opening of the integrated leisure destination.

Dubai's 365-Metre City Tower Reaches Full Completion

H&H has completed the 93-storey City Tower on Sheikh Zayed Road near Dubai International Financial Centre, with office leasing and mixed-use occupancy beginning immediately in June 2026.

Global Travel Industry Leaders Forecast Strong Growth for UAE Tourism

Executives attending the Engage by Elevate 2026 summit in Dubai expressed strong confidence in the UAE tourism sector, projecting continued resilience and performance above global trends as the industry prepares for a high-yield final qu...

Majid Al Futtaim Signs AED 62 Billion Dubai South Community Development Agreement

A major agreement has been signed to develop a 22 million-square-foot master-planned community in Dubai South, combining residential, retail and lifestyle facilities to accommodate the emirate's growing population.

UAE Becomes First Government to Deploy Agentic AI Across Public Services

Following a directive from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the UAE has begun deploying Agentic AI throughout government operations, with the first phase already active in customer happiness centres to support faster access to information and...

Abu Dhabi Unveils $1.7 Billion Sphere Entertainment Venue on Yas Island

Abu Dhabi has announced plans for a $1.7 billion immersive entertainment venue on Yas Island, marking the first Sphere development outside the United States, with construction by ALEC scheduled for completion in 2029.