United Arab Emirates authorities say an investigation into a cockpit attack aboard Tel Aviv-bound flydubai Flight 1073 found that the co-pilot intended to crash the Boeing 737 MAX 8 into Israel's Ben Gurion Airport. The findings have raised serious questions about aviation security and international intelligence-sharing procedures.
UAE Condemns Deadly Houthi Drone Attacks on Saudi Arabian Airports
The United Arab Emirates has condemned Houthi drone strikes targeting Abha and King Khalid international airports in Saudi Arabia. The attacks reportedly killed a commercial airline pilot and injured several civilians, heightening concerns about aviation security across the Gulf.
UAE Expands Drinking Water Assistance for Displaced Families in Gaza
The United Arab Emirates has mobilised additional resources to provide drinking water to displaced families in Gaza under its Operation Gallant Knight 3 humanitarian programme. The expansion aims to ease shortages of safe water in the Palestinian territory.
UAE and Saudi Arabia Sign Agreement to Strengthen Rail and Energy Connections
The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have signed a memorandum of understanding to expand cross-border railway links and coordinate energy infrastructure development. The agreement supports plans for a regional Gulf rail network and more efficient transport and energy connections.
Dubai Accelerates Al Maktoum International Airport Expansion as Aviation Hub Moves South
Dubai authorities are advancing major construction work at Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai South. The long-term expansion is intended to transfer aviation activity from Dubai International Airport and support new logistics, manufacturing and urban development around the southern airport.
UAE Non-Oil Economy Reaches 79.2% of GDP in First Half of 2026
The UAE's Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre says the economy reached 961.9 billion dirhams in the first half of 2026, with non-oil industries accounting for 79.2% of activity. The figures highlight the growing contribution of sectors beyond oil and gas.
SoftBank's Masayoshi Son Seeks $100 Billion From Gulf Investors for AI Fund
SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son is reportedly in discussions with sovereign wealth funds in the UAE and Saudi Arabia to raise $100 billion for a new artificial intelligence investment fund. The proposed fund would target established international businesses that could be transformed through advanced AI technologies.
UAE and US Officials Hold Talks on AI Development and Technology Export Controls
A senior UAE delegation led by Omran Sharaf has met American officials in Washington to discuss artificial intelligence cooperation, technology export restrictions and national computing capabilities. The talks reflect growing strategic interest in advanced technology partnerships between the two countries.
Abu Dhabi Research Institute Launches Falcon-Emirati and New Arabic AI Models
Abu Dhabi's Technology Innovation Institute has introduced the Falcon-Emirati model suite alongside new Arabic-language artificial intelligence systems. The releases aim to strengthen the UAE's domestic AI capabilities and improve technology support for regional languages.
UAE New-Economy Companies Rise 37% to Nearly 125,000
UAE Economy Minister Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri says the number of businesses operating in emerging sectors has increased by 37% to almost 125,000. Growth in artificial intelligence, e-commerce, digital services and green technology is supporting the country's economic diversification efforts.
Dubai's Tabby Raises $233 Million at $6.5 Billion Valuation
Dubai-based financial technology company Tabby has secured $233 million in a Series F funding round, valuing the business at $6.5 billion. The company plans to expand beyond buy-now-pay-later services into small-business lending and everyday banking across the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Dubai-Based Fasset Raises $68 Million at $1 Billion Valuation
Digital asset platform Fasset has secured $68 million in new funding, reaching a reported valuation of $1 billion. The Dubai-based company says its annualised transaction volume has exceeded $40 billion as it expands regulated cryptocurrency services across international markets.
UAE and Singapore Seek Closer Investment and Technology Partnerships
Senior representatives from the UAE and Singapore have held talks on expanding investment, technology cooperation and philanthropic initiatives. The discussions follow a 25% increase in bilateral non-oil trade in 2025.
UAE Condemns Israeli Military Excavation and Fortification Activities in Syria
The UAE Foreign Ministry has criticised Israel's renewed excavation, bulldozing and fortification operations in Syrian territory. Abu Dhabi warned that the activities risk worsening regional instability amid continuing security tensions.
Dubai Establishes New Housing Board to Oversee Residential Development
Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has established the Dubai Housing Board, appointing Omar Hamad Abdullah Bu Shehab as chairman. The new body will oversee housing policies, residential development and regulatory coordination across the emirate.
Dubai Designates 44 Areas Where Shared Housing Is Permitted
Dubai authorities have identified 44 residential zones where shared accommodation is officially allowed under updated housing regulations. The measures aim to clarify rental requirements, improve living conditions and strengthen oversight of the shared housing market.
Emaar Revives Dubai Creek Tower Project With New Construction Tender
Emaar Properties has reopened the tender process for Dubai Creek Tower following revisions to the project's design. The development is intended to serve as a central landmark within Dubai Creek Harbour.
Construction Advances on Dubai's 725-Metre Burj Azizi Tower
Construction is progressing on Burj Azizi, a planned 725-metre skyscraper along Dubai's Sheikh Zayed Road. The tower will include retail and luxury hospitality facilities and is scheduled for completion in 2028.
UAE Calls for Greater Agricultural Focus on Water Scarcity Ahead of UN Conference
The United Arab Emirates is urging international food and agricultural organisations to place water conservation at the centre of discussions ahead of the 2026 United Nations Water Conference. The initiative aims to strengthen cooperation between food production systems and sustainable water management.
UAE Cybersecurity Authorities Warn Businesses of Rising Email Payment Fraud
National cybersecurity officials have issued an alert about business email compromise schemes targeting companies across the UAE. Criminal groups are reportedly impersonating commercial partners to redirect legitimate payments into fraudulent bank accounts.
Dubai Crown Prince Launches International Competition for AI Agent Developers
Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan has announced the Create AI Agents Championship, inviting developers and technology innovators to design artificial intelligence agents with practical applications. The competition is intended to attract international talent and encourage AI development in Dubai.
Abu Dhabi's Mubadala Co-Leads $35 Million Funding Round for Egypt's Paymob
Egyptian payments company Paymob has raised $35 million in a funding round co-led by Abu Dhabi sovereign investor Mubadala. The financing will support the Cairo-based fintech company's expansion across the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Abu Dhabi Introduces New Restrictions on Unauthorised Vehicle Washing
Abu Dhabi's transport authorities have introduced rules prohibiting unauthorised vehicle washing in public parking areas and outside residential villas. The restrictions are intended to conserve water and maintain cleanliness, with fines for violations.
UAE Introduces Framework to Measure Long-Term Economic and Environmental Costs of Fires
The UAE's civil defence authorities have launched a framework for assessing the broader consequences of major fires. The approach considers long-term economic losses, environmental damage and reputational effects alongside immediate property damage.
Sharjah Connects 870 New Properties to Water Network in Third Q