News in the UAE this week has seen subjects including tax for real estate investors, AI in schools, a major theme park announcement, the launch of new business licence categories and more.
There is also the chance to start planning Eid Al Adha holidays, Omanisation updates, Dubai real estate analysis and a major change for the Dubai Metro.
Catch up on the biggest stories this week, as selected by Arabian Business editors.
UAE Eid Al Adha 2025: How to get 9 days off with just 3 of annual leave
The UAE has already announced dates for the Eid Al Adha and Arafat Day holidays in 2025, with a total of four days of for the public and private sector. UAE legislation declared that Arafat day will be on the ninth day of Dhul Hijja and will be a one-day holiday. This will be immediately followed by Eid Al Adha, which will be from Dhul Hijja 10 to 12 in the Islamic calendar.
However, using current forecasts and clever holiday booking UAE workers can extend the time off with just a few days of annual leave.
Oman announces major new employment rules
As part of an Omanisation drive, firms that have operated for one year without hiring Omanis must submit an employment plan within one month of notification.
In a bid to ensure a balance between business sustainability and job localisation, the Ministry of Labour has announced a set of integrated regulations and incentives to enforce a decision requiring firms and companies that have completed one year since establishment to employ at least one Omani citizen.
Dubai Metro station renamed
The RTA has granted Life Pharmacy the naming rights to the UAE Exchange Metro Station, which will henceforth be known as Life Pharmacy Metro Station, under a 10-year agreement.
The agreement was signed between Life Pharmacy Group and Hypermedia, with Mada Media attending in its capacity as the authorised concessionaire appointed by RTA under a concession agreement between Mada Media and RTA.
Sharjah announces new leave policy
Sharjah has introduced a new category of leave for women in the emirate.
Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has approved a new leave policy in the government called “Care Leave”.
This leave is granted to female employees who give birth to a sick child or a child with disabilities requiring a constant companion. The leave will commence after the end of maternity leave and may be extended with the approval of the relevant authority.
Dubai free zone announces 2 new business categories
DMCC has introduced two new licensing categories to offer businesses greater flexibility in structuring investments, managing assets, and overseeing regional operations.
As part of DMCC’s drive to address evolving business requirements, the new licenses eliminate the requirement for physical office leases and operational infrastructure, providing an agile and cost-effective solution for companies seeking efficient corporate structures in one of the world’s most dynamic business hubs.
Disney announces Abu Dhabi theme park
Disney has announced it will build a theme park in Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island.
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, witnessed the announcement of the Disney Theme Park Resort project on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, following a strategic partnership agreement between The Walt Disney Company and Miral.
Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, reached an agreement with The Walt Disney Company to develop the new Disney Theme Park Resort on Yas Island waterfront, one of the world’s premier entertainment destinations.
UAE clarifies tax rules for real estate investors
The UAE has issued clarification over rules for tax rules for real estate investors in the country.
The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has issued a public clarification regarding Corporate Tax on the tax treatment of investors in a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) who are exempt from Corporate Tax as a Qualified Fund.
The general clarification offers a detailed explanation of:
- The income of legal persons invested in REITs that are subject to corporation tax
- The relevant tax period in which these investors will be subject to tax
- The compliance obligations of the REIT and investors
UAE banks fuel real estate demand surge with lower mortgage rates, extended financing facilities
Some of the banks are now offering mortgages at below 4 per cent as against the three-month Emirates Interbank Offered Rate (EIBOR) of 4.2 – 4.3 per cent, they said.
This, along with the strengthening of currencies like the British pound and euro against the dirham in the wake of the weakening of the US dollar, is triggering a major demand spike for residential real estate, as properties in Dubai have effectively become more affordable for international buyers.
UAE adds AI to school curriculum
The UAE will make AI a mandatory subject in public schools starting in the next academic year.
The Ministry of Education (MoE) announced the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) as an official subject in the public-school curriculum for kindergarten to Grade 12, starting from the 2025-2026 academic year.
The move will equip students with the essential knowledge and skills required to understand AI concepts and apply them in everyday life, as part of the UAE’s focus on empowering youth to adapt to evolving global trends and drive innovation.
Dubai real estate sales soar to $17bn in April; top-performing areas revealed
The report reveals that last month’s total of 17,979 transactions also represented a 55.4 per cent increase over April 2024, making it the third best-selling month on record in terms of volume.
It underlines the buoyant nature of the Dubai property sector, with April eclipsing the previous monthly sales peak of AED61.1bn ($16.6bn) in October last year, following on from the second highest ever quarterly total of AED142.7bn ($38.9bn) in Q1 2025.
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