Ramadan has been announced in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and countries across the world as millions of Muslims are set to celebrate the Holy Month.
Other news making headlines this week included a closer look at 50 megaprojects in the pipeline in the UAE, changes to Dubai freehold real estate rules, the best and most expensive schools in Dubai and more.
Catch up with the biggest news stories this week, as selected by Arabian Business editors.
Ramadan announced in UAE, Saudi, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar
Moon-sighting committees and authorities across the GCC have announced Saturday, March 1 will be the first day of Ramadan 2025.
The UAE, Saudi, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar all made announcements as the Holy Month begins in the Middle East,
UAE megaprojects 2025: 50 massive developments set to transform the nation
With a long-term strategy in place, the country is working towards a future shaped by new developments.
From major structures to urban planning initiatives, these projects will influence the UAE’s economy, society, and culture as it aims to be among the top three global destinations for living and working.
Dubai schools: Every ‘Outstanding’ KHDA school revealed
As per the latest school inspections conducted by Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), 23 private schools have been rated ‘Outstanding’.
According to the KHDA website, these schools hold the highest rating in the emirate.
Dubai real estate: Freehold rule changes cause spike in buyers, developments, prices, experts say
Prime areas in Dubai are set to see a new wave of developments with the property market seeing hectic parleys between property owners and real estate companies for joint development of properties, industry players said.
The move follows the recent Dubai Land Department (DLD) initiative allowing private property owners in the Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Jaddaf areas to convert their property ownership status to freehold, coupled with the surge in demand for freehold off-plan properties.
The joint development efforts are expected to open up opportunities for both owners and developers to maximise the market advantage of these properties, offering fresh options for investors from around the world, leading to further firming up of residential prices in the much sought-after areas of the city, industry insiders said.
Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air confirms 2025 launch, plans 100-city network: Report
“It’s all about the build-up now to going live, and by the end of this year, you will see Riyadh Air in the skies,” Douglas told attendees, outlining the carrier’s preparations to serve passengers in Saudi Arabia and internationally.
The airline has secured partnerships since its launch, becoming LIV Golf’s global airline partner and bringing singer Jameela to Saudi Arabia for her first performance.
Saudi Arabia announces new rules for use of Riyal symbol
The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has unveiled eight new rules governing the use of the Saudi riyal (SAR) symbol, following official approval from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz.
The rules specify that the symbol must maintain proper proportions, align with the surrounding text direction, and contrast with background colours for visibility.
Dubai real estate sales prices increased 20% and rents went up 19% last year – what will happen in 2025?
The Emirate’s reputation as a safe-haven for investors remains solid, bolstered by a 5 per cent increase in population, record-high residential transactions, and robust economic expansion. Villas continue to outperform apartments in price growth, while rental hikes remain steady across segments.
The influx of new supply later in 2025 may stabilise price increases but is unlikely to dampen the overall momentum of the sector.
Revealed: Dubai’s most expensive schools 2025
Dubai is currently home to over 227 private schools with over 387,441 students enrolled across the city. The schools offer 17 curricula including IB, Indian, German, French and more.
The DSIB is a unit established by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), which is in charge of rating schools – from ‘Very Weak’ to ‘Outstanding.’
Dubai real estate ‘starting to show signs of stabilisation’ as prices moderate for first time in 2 years: Property Monitor
While the first month of 2025 was the strongest January on record for transactions with 14,413 sales, average prices dropped to AED1,484 ($404) per sq ft.
Sales volumes were down 4.6 per cent compared to December 2024, according to the latest Property Monitor monthly market report. Off plan launches continued to soar in January, with 53 launches from 37 developers bringing another 12,400 units to the market.
UAE announces March 2025 petrol prices
The UAE has announced new petrol prices for March 2025.
Petrol prices will have minor fluctuations depending on the category with Super 98, Special 95, E-Plus 91 and diesel showing small changes.
Prices increased in February but it is still significantly cheaper to fill up a tank than year ago, with all categories becoming more affordable, despite prices fluctuating throughout the past 12 months.
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