According to new data by Global Branded Residences (GBR), the surge marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of branded residences
GCC
Arabic
Google AI search now speaks Arabic as Gemini expansion reaches 200 countries
Google Gemini AI Mode now supports Arabic as part of a global expansion to 200 countries, bringing culturally aware search to MENA users
Blockchain
Dubai to tokenise gold and diamonds under DMCC–VARA partnership
Dubai launches pilot projects to tokenise gold and diamonds under a new DMCC–VARA partnership, advancing the city’s blockchain-driven future
Better Homes
Dubai Islands hits $1.6bn in H1 sales as investors flock to new waterfront hub
Dubai Islands posts $1.66bn in property sales in H1 2025, confirming its rise as Nakheel’s next global waterfront hub
dubai free zone
Dubai launches new permit giving 10,000 free zone firms access to mainland markets
Dubai unveils a new $1,361 permit allowing free zone firms to operate onshore, boosting cross-jurisdiction business by up to 20 per cent
Aviation
MBR Aerospace Hub to increase number of LMUs as demand surges
Once completed in Q3 of 2026, the total number of LMUs will reach 11, spanning an area of 76,000 square feet
Moody’s Investors Service
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 faces its credit ceiling as foreign funding rises – Moody’s
The kingdom’s trillion-dollar transformation is now constrained less by oil prices than by liquidity pressures, with banks and state-backed companies turning to global markets to plug funding gaps, Moody’s says
multiply Group
Multiply Group to acquire a majority stake in Italian packaging company
The Abu Dhabi company will hold a 60.8 per cent stake in ISEM Group; Acquisition complements Multiply’s existing beauty and apparel verticals
acquisition
Abu Dhabi’s PureHealth completes acquisition of 60% of Hellenic Healthcare
Third major acquisition by PureHealth; Hellenic is the largest private healthcare company in Greece and Cyprus valued at $2.56 billion
Abu Dhabi
UK to ‘feel the loss’ as high-profile entertainers, athletes flock to UAE amid Britain’s unfavourable tax conditions
Those who stay back in the UK are going to be “sadder, poorer and less aspirational,” a leading UK-US tax strategist warned
Dubai
UAE education giant Taaleem acquires school plot in Ghaf Woods development
Taaleem will design, develop and operate the school within the forest living community, subject to final approval from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA)
Cebu Pacific
Fly Dubai to Manila for just $1.40 as Cebu Pacific launches 2026 sale
Cebu Pacific offers Dubai to Manila flights for as low as AED5 ($1.36) valid for 2026 travel to 27 Philippine destinations.
MBRSC
UAE releases historic first satellite images from MBZ-SAT and Etihad-SAT
The UAE unveils historic satellite images from MBZ-SAT and Etihad-SAT, marking a milestone in space technology and Earth observation
Riyadh Air
Riyadh Air unveils Uber and Kayanee deals ahead of 2025 launch
Riyadh Air partners with Uber and Saudi wellness brand Kayanee to deliver wellbeing-focused travel experience ahead of 2025 inaugural flights
World Bank
World Bank lifts 2025 Middle East growth forecast to 2.8% on Gulf recovery
World Bank lifts 2025 growth forecast for the Middle East and North Africa to 2.8%, citing stronger Gulf economies but weaker outlook for 2026
Dubai Airports
Dubai Airport traffic to hit 124 million passengers by 2032, says CEO Paul Griffiths
Dubai Airport is on track for record traffic, handling 124m passengers by 2032 as the emirate prepares to shift to Al Maktoum International
Space industry
UAE space sector takes off with $12bn investment and private sector push
UAE invests $12bn in its space sector as Minister Ahmad Al Falasi highlights private participation and global partnerships at Dubai Airshow 2025