Major news in the UAE this week has included updates on a Dubai to Abu Dhabi train network, changes to freehold property rules, real estate launches and much more.
Meanwhile, Arabian Business published the annual list of 100 inspiring women and highlighted their role in empowering the economy.
Catch up with 10 of the biggest stories this week as selected by Arabian Business editors.
Revealed: The Arabian Business 100 Most Inspiring Women 2025
Female business leaders in the Middle East are rewriting the narrative, shattering stereotypes, and making an incredible mark across industries.
Their contributions are not only rising the region’s economic growth but also driving a cultural shift towards greater gender equality. These exceptional women are breaking barriers, inspiring change, and carving a path for future generations of female entrepreneurs.
To highlight the achievements of these outstanding leaders, the Arabian Business editorial team adopted a nine-parameter evaluation system to rank the 100 Most Inspiring Women In The Middle East, offering a fresh perspective on what defines influence in today’s dynamic business landscape.
UAE Golden Visa: Types, eligibility – the complete guide to long-term residency in 2025
The UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security offers Golden Visas for periods of five to ten years.
The programme allows residents and foreign expatriates to live in the UAE without requiring a sponsor.
Find out everything you need to know about receiving a Golden Visa in UAE.
Etihad Rail announces 30-minute Dubai to Abu Dhabi train line
Etihad Rail will oversee the development and operation of this landmark project, building on its achievements in developing the national railway sector and operating the national rail network with the highest standards of efficiency, quality and reliability.
The high-speed train will enable individuals to travel between Abu Dhabi and Dubai in just 30 minutes, reaching speeds of up to 350 kmph.
Dubai real estate market set for major boost with freehold property in Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Jaddaf as experts predict new investment surge after ‘bold’ announcement
The new rules could see a surge of investments, new opportunities and price growth.
The Land Department announcement is a pivotal step for the city’s real estate sector, says Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fäm Properties.
UK suffers historic brain drain, wealth exodus as UAE passport power rises
The trend coincides with a sharp decline in British global mobility power, with the UK passport dropping from first place in 2015 to fifth position in 2025, according to the latest Henley Passport Index. The drop reflects not an absolute loss of access but rather a failure to gain new visa-free destinations at the pace of global competitors.
The UAE, meanwhile, has achieved a historic milestone as the first Arab nation to enter the top 10 most powerful passports globally, benefiting from consistent diplomatic efforts and bilateral agreements that have fuelled its rise over the past decade.
Dubai real estate: Secondary housing market set for a strong 2025 come back, driven by family relocations
The spike in demand, however, is not expected to lead to any significant hike in property prices as a wave of handovers are expected soon in key master communities like Dubai Hills Estate and District One, bringing the much-needed supply to the market.
Secondary market prices in the prime and super-prime sectors will, however, see a ‘moderate’ run up in the coming months due to limited supply, industry experts said.
Dubai Police investigate $1.1bn of money-laundering cases
In collaboration with international law enforcement agencies, these efforts have led to financial investigation totalling more than AED4bn ($1.1bn), including AED60m ($16.3m) in virtual assets.
Lieutenant General Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, noted that these achievements reflect the UAE’s dedication to combating money laundering and enhancing international cooperation to tackle financial crimes.
UAE real estate: RAK Properties announces massive $1.4bn pipeline, introduces Mina development in Ras Al Khaimah
Mina will be set across a land area of 4 million square metres and comprise three districts:
- Raha Island
- Hayat Island
- Lagoons
It is situated along the Ras Al Khaimah coastline and is in close proximity to the Emirate’s major economic drivers.
Oman announces 3-day holiday
Oman will have a three-day holiday for the occasion of Isra and Mi’raj at the end of this month.
A statement by state-run news agency ONA said: “Thursday, January 30, 2025, will be an official holiday for employees in the public and private sectors on the occasion of the blessed anniversary of Al Isra’a Wal Miraj”.
With Friday and Saturday being a typical weekend in the country, it means workers will enjoy a three-day weekend.
Saudi Arabia announces major update for recruitment from 160 countries
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has successfully completed the final phase of its Professional Verification service, expanding its coverage to 160 labour-exporting countries under the Professional Accreditation program.
The initiative is aimed at enhancing the skill levels of expatriate workers entering the Kingdom in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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