Wio Bank offers savings tools, salary-linked benefits, multi-currency accounts, and a range of features through its platform
Industries
Excise tax
UAE to introduce new sugar drink tax from January 2026
Drinks will be taxed by sugar content under updated GCC-aligned rules
deep sea cable
GPS jamming, subsea cables cut, software glitches: The cracks in the global network
The modern world runs on invisible threads. When even one snaps, the cost of being always-on becomes brutally clear
Al Maktoum International Airport
Dubai Airports launches new 10-year accessibility strategy to transform travel by 2035
The strategy aligns with international best practice, the UAE’s commitment to the rights of People of Determination (PoD), and Dubai’s vision to be a disability-friendly city
hospitality industry
Oman to add 9,600 hotel rooms by 2030 as tourism sector expands: Report
Oman’s population grew by 4.5 per cent last year and 5 per cent in 2023, with similar increases predicted through the decade, the report said
digital payments
DP World to collaborate with PayPal on cross-border digital payments
Transactions would be executed in minutes rather than taking up to a week, and complete cross-border payments with greater transparency and lower costs
Diriyah
Saudi Arabia’s giga projects drive $196bn in contract awards as Vision 2030 accelerates
Riyadh is driving Saudi Arabia’s giga project agenda, with developments including Diriyah Gate, King Salman Park and the 220km Sports Boulevard
Deloitte
Qiddiya to adopt Deloitte’s OneTrust and Informatica GRC solutions
OneTrust platform will help manage privacy, security, and third-party risk; Informatica solutions to facilitate seamless data integration, quality, and governance
Corporate tax
UAE corporate tax registrations surpass 640,000 as FTA reports record compliance levels
FTA says over 640,000 UAE companies have registered for corporate tax, marking record compliance and growing awareness ahead of deadline
dubai bridges
Dubai opens new Sheikh Zayed Road bridge to Mall of the Emirates, cutting travel time from 10 to 1 minute
The Dubai RTA and Majid Al Futtaim open a new Sheikh Zayed Road bridge to Mall of the Emirates, cutting travel time from 10 to 1 minute
Dubai law
Dubai issues new law to regulate engineering consultancy sector and attract global firms
Sheikh Mohammed issues Dubai law to regulate engineering consultancy offices, enhance global standards, and attract international firms
Dubai real estate
Dubai property sales surge 15% to $36.6bn in Q3 2025 as mid-market boom drives record growth
Dubai property sales jumped 15% year-on-year to $36.6bn in Q3 2025, with mid-market housing and strong rental demand powering record growth
Golden visa
Dubai awards Golden Visas to 223 exceptional educators under Sheikh Hamdan’s directives
Dubai grants Golden Visas to 223 exceptional teachers and academics under Sheikh Hamdan’s directives, recognising their role in shaping emirate’s future
Abu Dhabi Schools
Most influential Arabs revealed; Dubai property boom, Saudi $55bn gaming takeover, UAE Rail progress – 10 things you missed this week
Dubai property sales hit $14.8bn in September, Saudi completes $55bn gaming takeover and Etihad Rail’s 2026 plan – this week’s Gulf highlights
Dubai real estate
Dubai real estate sales near $136bn in 2025 as Q3 sets record 59,228 deals
Dubai real estate sales surged to $136bn in the first nine months of 2025, with Q3 hitting a record 59,228 transactions worth $46.5bn
Deliveroo
DoorDash completes Deliveroo UAE acquisition as Miki Kuusi named CEO
DoorDash finalises Deliveroo UAE acquisition, pledging continuity for customers, merchants and riders, as Wolt co-founder Miki Kuusi takes over as CEO
digital banking
Saudi Central Bank: QNB Group wins SAMA approval for $666m digital-first ezbank
QNB Group secures SAMA licence for $666m ezbank, a digital-first bank in Saudi Arabia focused on youth, entrepreneurs and inclusion