UAE holiday planning, Saudi visa rule guidelines and a record-breaking year for Dubai real estate all made the headlines this week.
Also making the news were Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah Tower, the arrival of Coldplay in Abu Dhabi and the chance of a crypto boom in the UAE following changes to EU laws.
Catch up on 10 of the biggest stories this week, as selected by Arabian Business editors.
Saudi Arabia announces major new ID and visa rule
Saudi Arabia has announced major new ID and visa rules for expatriates.
The General Directorate of Passports has announced that dependents of residents and domestic workers located outside the Kingdom can now renew their resident IDs.
Additionally, residents outside the Kingdom can extend exit and re-entry visas (single or multiple).
Dubai real estate: Best returns on investment, biggest price rises and largest rent hikes revealed as 2024 sales hit $133bn
The UAE property portal has unveiled a comprehensive report on Dubai’s most-searched real estate areas for 2024.
The findings reveal a sustained rise in property prices across popular neighbourhoods, driven by robust demand, a steady supply of new inventory and Dubai’s growing allure for high-net-worth individuals attracted by its economic prospects and favourable tax policies.
UAE holidays 2025: How to get 46 days off with just 17 of annual leave
The UAE has announced prospective holiday dates for occasions such as Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, the Islamic New Year and National Day.
By booking annual leave strategically, it will be possible to have 46 days off and multiple full weeks off for just a few days of annual leave.
Abu Dhabi opens $85.7 million bridges to cut traffic by 80%
The AED315 million project will reduce intersection delays by 80 percent during peak morning hours and serve 7,500 vehicles per hour.
The development includes a three-lane flyover bridge on Khaleej Al Arabi Street and a two-lane bridge linking Shakhbout Bin Sultan Street to Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, alongside cycle and pedestrian paths, according to a statement by the Abu Dhabi Media Office.
Saudi Arabia announces visa rule every expat needs to know
The General Directorate of Passports confirmed that a resident’s ID must be valid for a minimum of 30 days when requesting the issuance of a final exit visa. Employers and heads of households are urged to note that if a resident’s ID is valid for less than 30 days, a final exit visa cannot be issued, and renewal of the ID is required to proceed with the exit visa issuance.
The directorate indicated that if a resident’s ID is valid for more than 30 days but less than 60 days, a final exit visa can be issued, and its duration will match the remaining validity of the resident’s ID. Moreover, if the validity of a resident’s ID is 60 days or more, the final exit visa can still be issued, but its duration will be limited to 60 days only.
New EU law to trigger exodus of crypto ventures flocking to UAE
Near-EU jurisdictions like the UK and Switzerland are the other countries which could be beneficiaries of the large-scale shift expected by ventures operating across the crypto-asset sectors following the implementation of the new regulation.
The new European Union (EU) regulation – Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation – approved by European parliamentarians in April last year and came into full force from December 30, is widely perceived to hit the financial viabilities of crypto exchanges and stablecoin companies.
Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah Tower to serve as magnet for surge in global investment in the Kingdom, say experts
The Jeddah Tower, expected to be the first 1-kilometre-tall (3,281 ft) building and the world’s tallest building in the making, will serve as a magnet for a surge in global investment in Saudi Arabia, attracting both international and domestic stakeholders to the Kingdom, industry experts said.
The ambitious project, projected to be 180 meter (591 ft) taller than the reigning title holder for the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, when completed, will also help establish Saudi Arabia to be a major force in the global real estate market, they said.
The tower project is slated for completion in 2028.
Coldplay in Abu Dhabi: Hotel room rates soar 300% as international fans rush to UAE, industry experts say
The fan rush for the event has also triggered a surge in demand for alternative accommodations, such as homestays, vacation rentals, and boutique lodgings.
The celebrated British rock band is set to light up Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Sports City Stadium on January 9, 11, 12, and 14.
‘Service industry is under threat’ warns Mr. Superprime, urging Dubai real estate agents to ‘protect’ jobs for future
There’s no denying that the real estate industry, long considered a cornerstone of Dubai’s economy, is facing a critical turning point. Daniel Daggers, better known as “Mr. Superprime” and star of Netflix’s Buying London, has issued a bold warning: the service industry, particularly real estate agents, is under threat. As technology and data revolutionise how business is done, Daggers is urging agents in Dubai and beyond to adapt quickly – or risk being left behind.
“I think there’s threats to real estate agents across the world,” Daggers shared in an exclusive interview with Arabian Business. “If your business doesn’t allow you to build your personal brand, then I fear for your role in the future.” The celebrated luxury realtor highlighted how the increasing availability of information and advancements in data-driven tools are reshaping customer expectations.
One key strategy Daggers advocates for is content creation, which he believes is essential for agents to remain indispensable. “The only way that agents can really protect themselves is if they produce content,” he stressed. By generating meaningful and content and building a robust digital footprint, agents can establish themselves as experts and trusted advisors, creating a personal connection with clients that technology alone cannot replicate. Something at the very heart of his agency DDRE Global.
Oman announces holiday for public and private sector; 3-day weekend confirmed
Oman has announced a holiday for the public and private sectors.
To mark the occasion of Sultan’s Accession Day 2025, there will be an official holiday in the country. With Friday and Saturday being a typical weekend for many workers in the country it means there will be a 3-day weekend for most.
A statement on the X account of state-run news agency ONA said: “At the behest of His Majesty The Sultan, Sunday, 12 January 2025 will be an official holiday for public and private sectors on the occasion of His Majesty the Sultan’s Accession Day”.
Follow us on
