Holo launches $136,000 homebuyer prize draw as Dubai’s real estate market hits $117bn in H1 2025
GCC
Dubai Land Department
Dubai real estate sector recorded $4.6bn of transactions last week, including $12m Business Bay apartment
The Dubai real estate sector saw $4.6bn of transactions and 5,066 sales last week
Auction
Dubai to auction 90 premium number plates
Dubai’s RTA will sell off premium three, four and five-digit number plates
border regulations
Saudi Arabia arrested over 21,600 last week in residency and labour operations
Saudi Arabia announces more than 21,600 arrests in a single week as it clamps down on residency, labour and security breaches
AI
UAE’s G42 drives sovereign AI push with $340m ADNOC deal, global expansion and new consumer tech
UAE’s G42 Group advances sovereign AI with a $340m ADNOC contract, new enterprise tools, Europe expansion and cultural tech projects
crypto
UAE announces new tax reporting rules for crypto assets
UAE signs global agreement on crypto tax reporting. Public consultation open on CARF rules ahead of 2027 rollout
Abu Dhabi real estate
Next UAE holiday, Dubai property surge, Abu Dhabi real estate boom and scam warning – 10 things you missed this week
Catch up on the UAE’s biggest stories this week: long weekend dates, Dubai and Abu Dhabi property booms, Sharjah’s new city, and key economic policies.
Oman
Oman and TUI to develop five hotels in Dhofar by 2028
OMRAN Group signs alliance with TUI to develop five new resorts in Dhofar by 2028, boosting Oman’s tourism under Vision 2040
Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy
Expand North Star 2025 launches new features as Dubai hosts world’s biggest startup event
Expand North Star 2025 marks its 10th anniversary with five new features, including ScaleX, Green Impact, and Deeptech Summit, strengthening Dubai’s role as a global tech hub
MBC
Saudi Arabia’s PIF acquires 54% stake in MBC Group for $2bn
Saudi Arabia’s PIF acquires 54 per cent of MBC Group in a $2bn deal, becoming majority shareholder in the Middle East’s leading media company
Riyadh
ROSHN unveils SEDRA 5 in Riyadh, adding 2,000 homes to flagship community
ROSHN Group has launched sales for SEDRA 5 in Riyadh, adding 2,000 homes with green spaces, modern amenities, and strong links to Vision 2030
FlyDubai
Flydubai expands Romania network with new Iași flights and more Bucharest services
Flydubai launches direct Dubai–Iași flights and expands its Romania network with triple daily Bucharest service
Humanitarian
Dubai launches ‘Rashid Villages’ to carry forward late Sheikh Rashid’s humanitarian legacy
Sheikh Hamdan launches Rashid Villages, a global humanitarian initiative to honour his late brother, providing homes, education and healthcare for underprivileged families
Drone
Abu Dhabi completes drone delivery trial and unveils 250kg VTOL cargo aircraft breakthrough
Abu Dhabi completes first drone delivery trial with ITC and LODD Autonomous, and unveils VTOL aircraft plans to transform regional logistics.
cepa
CEPA powers $37.6bn India–UAE trade boom, leaders set sights on $100bn by 2030
India–UAE CEPA trade surges 33.9 per cent to $37.6bn in H1 2025 as leaders unveil new research roadmap, with $100bn target set for 2030
Real Estate Regulatory Agency
Sheikh Hamdan appoints new CEO of Dubai’s Real Estate Regulatory Agency
Abdullah Ahmed Mohammed Saleh Al Shehi named CEO of Dubai’s Real Estate Regulatory Agency
Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport
World-first robocar to debut in Dubai
Tensor launches the world’s first personal autonomous Robocar at Dubai World Congress 2025, with customer deliveries planned from late 2026