Dubai announces new Metro line; Storms in the UAE; Events cancelled; Rents fall; Saudi visa update – 10 things you missed this week

A cyclone in the Arabian Sea led to heavy rainfall and high winds in the UAE and Oman. Impacts of the storm included flooding on roads, public and private sector companies and schools switching to remote learning and work schedules and even a holiday being declared in Oman.

Also making headlines this week was news that Dubai is planning a new line for the Dubai Metro, with around 30km of new track being added to the popular transport network.

Major property developers Emaar and Nakheel both announced they would be cancelling community events due to the “ongoing global situation”.

Qatar Airways announced long-standing CEO Akbar Al Baker would be standing down, Ed Sheeran revealed he will perform concerts in Dubai and Bahrain and Saudi Arabia provided a major visit visa renewal update.

Catch up with 10 of the biggest stories this week, as selected by Arabian Business editors.

UAE weather: Heavy rains, thunderstorms hit Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Heavy rain hit various parts of the UAE this week as stormy weather spread through the country.

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) issued a yellow alert for much of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with rain and reduced visibility throughout the week.

More severe orange alerts were issued for eastern regions, with the public being warned about hazardous weather events.

Dubai Metro expansion: RTA plans new 30km, multi-billion dollar Blue Line

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has reached out to contractors for their interest in a significant infrastructure development.

In a notice seen by Arabian Business, the RTA invited contractors to participate in the design and construction of the new Blue Line for the Dubai Metro network. International contractors are required to collaborate with local partners in this venture.

The upcoming Blue Line will serve to bridge the existing Red and Green lines, covering a total distance of 30 kilometres. Approximately half of this, 15.5 kilometres, will run underground, with the remaining 14.5 kilometres elevated above ground.

Dubai’s Emaar and Nakheel cancels community events over ‘current global situation’

Emaar and Nakheel have cancelled community events and festivities in Dubai property developments due to “the current global situation”.

In a letter shared with residents, the Emaar Community Management team said events and festivities would be stopped until further notice.

In an email shared with residents, Nakheel has announced the “important decision” to cancel all events and activities within the community until further notice.

Dubai real estate: Rents in prime areas fell over 20% in third quarter of 2023

Dubai’s prime residential communities have seen a rent decrease of an average of 21 per cent in the third quarter of 2023, according to a new report by Allsopp & Allsopp.

The report suggests that the rental market saw an increase in rental transactions during the summer this year, with Allsopp & Allsopp reporting a 20 per cent increase in rental transactions, as well as a 29 per cent rise in new rental client registrations from July to September.

In addition, a 9.7 per cent increase was seen in rental viewings, and new rental property listings rose by 16.5 per cent.

Qatar Airways announces departure of CEO Akbar Al Baker

Qatar Airways has announced the departure of Akbar Al Baker, the longstanding chief executive of the airline, after nearly three decades of leadership at the state-owned carrier.

Al Baker will be succeeded by Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer as Group Chief Executive for Qatar Airways.

“Under H.E. Mr. Akbar Al Baker’s leadership, Qatar Airways has grown to become one of the most recognisable and trusted brands globally, synonymous with customer service quality and the highest of standards. The national carrier of the State of Qatar has achieved an unprecedented seven-times win of the ‘World’s Best Airline’ award, and its state-of-the-art Hamad International Airport, which is under its management and operation, has also been recognised as the ‘World’s Best Airport’,” a statement from the company said.

Ed Sheeran announces 2024 Dubai and Bahrain concerts

Ed Sheeran has announced concerts in Dubai and Bahrain as part of a 2024 World Tour.

The music star revealed the – = ÷ x Mathematics tour on Instagram. The Asia and Middle East leg of the tour will stop at Dubai, Bahrain, Japan, Thailand, India and more.

No details were provided for a venue or exact date for the Middle East gigs. A tour poster identifies Bahrain and Dubai as the first two venues of the year, and identifies January as the month shows will take place.

Egypt’s economy freefalls as experts look to lessons from Lebanon’s crisis

As Egypt’s economic crisis deepens, many analysts have begun drawing comparisons to Lebanon’s slide into economic meltdown in recent years. However, economists emphasise that Egypt’s challenges, while serious, may not necessarily indicate an identical path if reforms are carried out swiftly and decisively.

Egypt’s economy is facing severe headwinds, with worsening debt and foreign exchange shortage issues exacerbating a bruising crisis. The country’s external loans have ballooned to over $160 billion in recent years, weighing on fiscal stability, while foreign exchange shortages have driven pound devaluations and restrictions on offshore debit card use.

The country is also grappling with record inflation expected to accelerate further, denting households’ spending power amid currency weakness. Delays obtaining IMF programme reviews and a credit rating downgrade have also intensified concerns about the country’s sizable external financing gap as financing needs outstrip available resources.

Saudi Arabia announces major visit visa renewal update

Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports is urging all holders of visit visas currently in the Kingdom to follow visa regulations and extend their visa validity electronically at least seven days before the expiration date, eliminating the need to visit the Passports offices.

To extend a single visit visa, the Passports Directorate recommends using the services of the Ministry of Interior’s electronic platform Absher (individuals, businesses) or the Muqeem electronic portal.

The host can access their account on these platforms and pay the service fees to extend the visit. It is important to note that the visa holder must meet the medical insurance requirements, and the maximum extension period for a visit visa is 180 days.

Dubai Police issues warning for use of e-scooters due to 5 deaths, 29 injuries in 8 months

Dubai Police has issued a warning regarding the improper use of e-scooters on roads, which has led to five deaths, 29 injuries and over 10,000 violations over the past eight months.

In an X post, the authority warned against riding a bicycle in a way that endangers the cyclist or the life and safety of others.

Those caught in the act as per the video, will incur a fine worth AED300.

UAE prepares for military parade

The UAE’s Ministry of Defence continues its preparations for the “Union Fortress 9” military parade, scheduled to take place on November 5 on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.

“Union Fortress 9” will include a variety of events, including a joint UAE military parade of various formations and units of the Armed Forces, which reflect their high readiness and complete and accurate coordination, in addition to the implementation of scenarios and field manoeuvres that embody the advanced combat capabilities of the members of the Armed Forces in the military theatre of operations.

The aim of this show is to demonstrate the remarkable military power, as well as the ability to carry out missions with outstanding agility and high efficiency, and to perform a wide range of military operations to defend the homeland and protect its security, in close cooperation with other security services.