Al Futtaim acquires a 49.95 per cent stake in Cenomi Retail for $672m, marking one of Saudi Arabia’s largest foreign retail investments
GCC
FDI
Sharjah records $1.5bn FDI surge in H1 2025, fastest growth among UAE emirates
Sharjah leads UAE in FDI growth with $1.5bn inflows in H1 2025, 74 new projects, and 2,578 jobs, marking its strongest investment performance yet
Saudi construction
Saudi construction sector surges with $1.7tn pipeline of projects
Saudi Arabia’s construction sector is booming with a $1.7tn project pipeline, Turner & Townsend cites giga-projects and Vision 2030 as key drivers
Abu Dhabi chamber
Abu Dhabi Chamber reports 97.8% surge in youth memberships with $4.05bn capital
Abu Dhabi Chamber reports 97.8% surge in youth memberships, with more than 21,000 young entrepreneurs contributing $4.05bn in capital
Dubai International Chamber
Dubai attracts record number of Asian multinationals in H1 2025
Dubai International Chamber reports 138 per cent rise in new companies in H1 2025, with 58 per cent of multinationals and 49 per cent of SMEs coming from Asia
Dubai
Dubai real estate: Property transactions surge nearly fourfold as market hits record highs
Dubai’s property sector has experienced consistent year-on-year growth across all quarters from 2021 to 2025
Red Sea Global
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Global opens first three luxury resorts on Shura Island
The phase one launch includes three hotels – SLS, EDITION, and InterContinental – alongside Shura Links, Saudi Arabia’s first island golf course
Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO)
Abu Dhabi issues first licence plate for self-driving delivery vehicles
Abu Dhabi launches its first autonomous delivery vehicle pilot in Masdar City, marking a milestone in smart mobility and sustainable transport
Dubai
Jones the Grocer launches Jones Social restaurant and bar in Dubai’s Business Bay
Jones Social runs a Social Hour from Monday to Friday between 5:00pm and 7:00pm
ride hailing
Saudi Arabia bans unlicensed passenger transport with fines up to $5,333
Saudi Arabia’s new road transport law bans unlicensed passenger services with fines up to $5,333, vehicle impoundment and deportation
Dubai Land Department
Dubai real estate sector recorded $3.6bn of transactions last week, including $19m Palm Jumeirah apartment
The Dubai real estate sector saw $3.6bn of transactions and 3.601 sales last week
Arada
Arada Masaar 3 first two phases sell out hours after launch in Sharjah
The sellout follows the launch of Arada’s Masaar 2 in February this year, which saw all 2,000 homes sell within three hour
Dubai
Rove Hotels launches HQ by Rove office concept in Dubai’s Business Bay
HQ by Rove sits on Marasi Bay Marina, steps from the canal promenade and minutes from Dubai Design District and Downtown Dubai
Dubai
Dubai International Airport completes world’s largest hearing loop installation
The Hearing Loops rollout forms part of Dubai Airports’ accessibility strategy aimed at improving access across DXB through infrastructure enhancements and employee training
Dubai
Dubai real estate: Property transactions hit $11.54bn in August as tenants switch to buying
Families and young professionals are seeking property ownership to build equity, secure stability, and avoid rising rental costs in Dubai
Dubai
Imtiaz Developments announces strategic entry into Meydan with landmark AED3bn portfolio
This milestone expansion marks a pivotal moment in Imtiaz’s growth journey
UAE
UAE hotels welcome 16.1 million guests in first half of 2025
Members discussed national initiatives and programmes designed to develop the hospitality industry in the UAE and enhance investment opportunities
