Dubai ranks fifth globally and first in the Arab world as a top maritime hub, with Jebel Ali Port driving growth and sustainability, says 2025 index
Transport
Dubai
flydubai launches new Nairobi flights from Dubai in October 2025
The airline will also increase its Mombasa operations to daily flights from October 1, 2025, raising flydubai’s total weekly flights to Kenya to 11
Dubai
Dubai aviation hub records growth in private jet movements
The hub, located in and developed by Dubai South, houses maintenance centres and training and education campuses
electric vehicles
Dubai RTA to roll out battery-swapping stations for electric delivery bikes
Dubai RTA will install battery-swapping stations for electric delivery bikes, supporting zero-emission fleets
Abu Dhabi
Air Arabia Abu Dhabi launches direct flights to Egypt’s Assiut
With Assiut added to its network, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi now connects the UAE capital with three Egyptian cities
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
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
Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority
Abu Dhabi launches Golden Food Product List to fast-track imports and cut costs
Abu Dhabi launched the Golden Food Product List to fast-track compliant food imports and cut costs for importers
Etihad
Etihad Airways hits record 2m passengers in August 2025
Etihad Airways carried 2 million passengers in August 2025, a historic record as traffic rose 22% year-on-year with a 91% load factor
Dubai South
Dubai unveils VIP Terminal Boulevard at MBRAH to attract global aviation firms and luxury brands
Dubai has launched The VIP Terminal Boulevard at Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub, a 204,000 sqm development to boost aviation and luxury retail
Dubai roads
Dubai widens Sheikh Zayed Road near Umm Al Sheif exit to ease traffic congestion
Dubai RTA has widened Sheikh Zayed Road near Umm Al Sheif exit, adding a seventh lane to boost capacity 16 per cent and ease evening congestion
Dubai
flydubai signs interline agreement with TAROM to connect 15 European destinations
The partnership enables flydubai customers to travel between the UAE, Romania and destinations across TAROM’s domestic and international routes
Dubai
Emirates Skywards launches Premium Economy flight rewards for 35 million members
Emirates passengers can request upgrades from Economy to Premium Economy beginning at 7,020 Miles one-way
Dubai
Dubai’s Emirates deploys A350 aircraft to Hangzhou China route From October 2025
The A350 deployment introduces Premium Economy service to Hangzhou, expanding Emirates’ offering to and from the city
FlyDubai
Dubai flights cancelled as Nepal’s Kathmandu International Airport closed
Protests in Nepal lead to closure of Kathmandu airport, Dubai flights cancelled
Dubai tourism
Dubai announces new rules to boost tourist transport
Dubai RTA has issued a new regulation for tourist transport, enhancing service quality, safety and visitor experience to support the emirate’s tourism growth
China
Qatar Airways and China Southern expand partnership to 64 weekly flights across Greater China
Qatar Airways and China Southern expand their codeshare with new Doha–Beijing flights from October