Dubai Picks Weekly — 15 Dec – 21 Dec 2025

15 Dec 2025 — 21 Dec 2025

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Ras Al Khaimah endures record rainfall amid severe storms 20 Dec — Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Ras Al Khaimah has faced one of the most intense rainfall episodes in its recorded history, with official gauges measuring up to 127 millimetres across two days as a powerful storm system swept the northern emirate...
Global Commercial Real Estate Shifts Toward Long-Term Change 20 Dec — Global commercial real estate is moving beyond short-term recovery and into a phase of long-term adjustment. According to new research prepared by Sterling Capital Real Estate in Dubai, the market after 2026 will be shaped less by interest....
TECOM expands Innovation Hub as office demand rises 20 Dec — TECOM Group has launched Phase 4 of its Innovation Hub at Dubai Internet City, marking a significant expansion aimed at meeting growing demand for Grade-A office space from multinational companies operating across technology, digital media....
UAE sets reverse charge rules for metal scrap trades 20 Dec — Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Ministry of Finance has announced Cabinet Decision No. 153 of 2025, setting out the application of the reverse charge mechanism on the trading of metal scrap between VAT-registered businesses in the UAE, with the f...
ADNOC secures Korea-backed $2bn green loan 20 Dec — Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi National Oil Company has finalised a $2 billion green financing facility backed by the Korea Trade Insurance Corporation, strengthening its funding base for lower-carbon projects as it seeks to align hydr...
Sony takes control of Peanuts franchise 19 Dec — Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Sony has agreed to acquire an 80 per cent stake in Peanuts Holdings for $457 million, securing control of one of the world’s most recognisable entertainment brands and deepening its push into character-driven...
Expo City Dubai unveils graduate pathway for nationals 19 Dec — Expo City Dubai has rolled out a structured graduate development initiative aimed at preparing UAE nationals for long-term careers in real estate, urban development and city management, as the post-Expo district accelerates its transition.....
Host Arabia wraps up debut Riyadh edition 19 Dec — Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Host Arabia has closed its first edition in Riyadh, positioning the Saudi capital as an emerging focal point for the hospitality and foodservice supply chain at a time when the kingdom is accelerating investment in...
Severe weather triggers widespread flight delays and cancellations at DXB 19 Dec — Dubai Airports warns of ongoing disruption as heavy rain and thunderstorms force airlines, including Emirates, to cancel and delay services. The post Severe weather triggers widespread flight delays and cancellations at DXB appeared first.....
UAE weather: Dubai RTA suspends intercity bus services to Ajman and Sharjah amid heavy rains 19 Dec — Authority urges commuters to avoid affected routes and follow official updates as severe weather continues across the UAE The post UAE weather: Dubai RTA suspends intercity bus services to Ajman and Sharjah amid heavy rains appeared first.....
Expo City Dubai launches two-year graduate programme for Emirati talent 19 Dec — A new initiative aims to prepare UAE Nationals for leadership roles in real estate and sustainable urban development, supporting Dubai’s long-term economic and planning strategies. The post Expo City Dubai launches two-year graduate progra....
Dubai branded residences pipeline set to grow 80% by 2030 – report 19 Dec — The global branded residences sector recorded growth of more than 180 percent over the past decade, with more than 700 completed projects and a further 790 in the pipeline. The post Dubai branded residences pipeline set to grow 80% by 2030....
Dnata revamps cargo screening at DXB with new centralised screening control 19 Dec — From a single high-tech command centre, Dubai Police can now remotely operate and monitor six X-ray screening machines across dnata’s warehouse The post Dnata revamps cargo screening at DXB with new centralised screening control appeared f....
ADQ and Gates Foundation join forces on AI education drive 19 Dec — Arabian Post Staff -Dubai ADQ and the Gates Foundation have announced a partnership aimed at scaling the responsible use of artificial intelligence and education technology to improve learning outcomes for children across sub-Saharan Africa...
Kuwait moves to finalise Mubarak Port deal 19 Dec — Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Kuwait is set to sign a contract next week with China Communications Construction Company to advance the long-delayed Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, signalling renewed momentum behind a project seen as pivotal to the coun...
CBUAE and Dubai Public Prosecution to accelerate blood money settlement 19 Dec — An electronic system has been launched following an MoU signed between Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates and the Dubai Public Prosecution The post CBUAE and Dubai Public Prosecution to accelerate blood money settlement appeared firs....
Dubai issues stay-indoors advisory as rains intensify 19 Dec — Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Heavy rainfall across Dubai prompted authorities to urge residents to remain indoors as flooding alerts were activated across several neighbourhoods, disrupting transport, schooling and daily life while emergency t...
Dubai announces early school finishes on Fridays from January 2026 18 Dec — Dubai schools will close earlier on Fridays starting in January 2026 says Knowledge and Human Development Authority The post Dubai announces early school finishes on Fridays from January 2026 appeared first on Arabian Business: Latest News....
Dubai announces New Year fireworks 2026 18 Dec — Dubai will host 48 firework displays to usher in 2026 with New Year celebrations at Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, Global Village and more The post Dubai announces New Year fireworks 2026 appeared first on Arabian Business: Latest News on the....
Flexible Mobility as a Business Advantage in Dubai’s Fast-Moving Economy 18 Dec — Dubai has built its reputation as one of the most business-friendly cities in the Middle East. With a strong regulatory framework, world-class infrastructure, and a steady influx of international professionals, the emirate continues to attr...
Dubai rain: Remote work ordered, beaches closed as police activate emergency response 18 Dec — Dubai rain prompts emergency readiness, remote work orders, and public closures as authorities warn of unstable weather The post Dubai rain: Remote work ordered, beaches closed as police activate emergency response appeared first on Arabia....
Dubai announces 2026 New Year holiday and remote work day 18 Dec — Dubai Government Human Resources Department has announced an official New Year holiday and remote work to start 2026 The post Dubai announces 2026 New Year holiday and remote work day appeared first on Arabian Business: Latest News on the.....
Riyadh–Dubai leads MENA business travel as regional routes gain momentum – report 18 Dec — Tumodo’s annual report highlights growing Gulf connectivity and a shift toward shorter, cost-focused trips The post Riyadh–Dubai leads MENA business travel as regional routes gain momentum – report appeared first on Arabian Business: Lates....
Dubai-based Fundamental Hospitality to invest $200 million in global expansion in 2026 18 Dec — The luxury dining group will pour $200 million into its global expansion next year, including a move into hotels and branded residences The post Dubai-based Fundamental Hospitality to invest $200 million in global expansion in 2026 appeare....
REVEALED: Dubai real estate market trends in 2026, according to experts 18 Dec — Dubai real estate in 2026 will see villas outperform as the market matures and UK buyers continue to boost demand, experts say The post REVEALED: Dubai real estate market trends in 2026, according to experts appeared first on Arabian Busin....
Monthly rentals and SUVs dominate Dubai’s car hire market in 2025 18 Dec — dubizzle data highlights changing mobility habits among residents and visitors across the emirate The post Monthly rentals and SUVs dominate Dubai’s car hire market in 2025 appeared first on Arabian Business: Latest News on the Middle East....
DIFC joins global privacy forum to strengthen cross-border data governance 18 Dec — Membership of the Global Cross-Border Privacy Rules Forum reinforces Dubai’s ambition to be a leading hub for the digital economy and trusted international data flows. The post DIFC joins global privacy forum to strengthen cross-border dat....
AB Majlis podcast: ‘Biohacking is about control’ – Dave Asprey on longevity, Ozempic and why Dubai leads 18 Dec — Dave Asprey says Dubai’s future-focused mindset and regulation are powering the next phase of the $36bn biohacking market The post AB Majlis podcast: ‘Biohacking is about control’ – Dave Asprey on longevity, Ozempic and why Dubai lea....
Mall of the Emirates begins major expansion 18 Dec — Mall of the Emirates has embarked on a $1.36bn expansion programme that will add 20,000 square metres of retail space, introduce about 100 new stores, and significantly broaden its dining and entertainment offering, reinforcing Dubai’s pos....
TECOM Group launches $167.5mn Innovation Hub Phase 4 18 Dec — New development in Dubai Internet City is in response to rising demand for Grade-A office spaces from global multinational companies in future-focused industries The post TECOM Group launches $167.5mn Innovation Hub Phase 4 appeared first.....
Biometric smart gates introduced for flydubai crew at Dubai operations centre 18 Dec — NEC and emaratech have deployed contactless facial recognition to speed up crew immigration clearance The post Biometric smart gates introduced for flydubai crew at Dubai operations centre appeared first on Arabian Business: Latest News on....
EXCLUSIVE: Dubai-born Rove Hotels to announce second Riyadh property within ‘weeks or months’, COO reveals 18 Dec — Rove Hotels made its debut in Saudi Arabia earlier this year, marking its first move outside the UAE with plans now revealed for a second location The post EXCLUSIVE: Dubai-born Rove Hotels to announce second Riyadh property within ‘....
UAE economy accelerates on non-oil strength 18 Dec — Arabian Post Staff -Dubai The United Arab Emirates has consolidated its standing in 2025 as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, underpinned by a surge in non-oil activity, sustained investment inflows and a regulatory framew...
UAE tourism growth lifts occupancy and revenues 18 Dec — Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Hotel occupancy across the UAE climbed to 79.3 per cent during the first ten months of 2025, underlining the sector’s sustained momentum as visitor flows, air connectivity and investment continue to reinforce...
Dubai investors get 6-month price outlook as Property Finder launches AI home valuation tool 18 Dec — Dubai property investors can now access six-month price forecasts as Property Finder launches an AI-powered home valuation tool The post Dubai investors get 6-month price outlook as Property Finder launches AI home valuation tool appeared.....
Dubai launches research and development ecosystem to accelerate innovation and future tech 17 Dec — Dubai establishes new RDI Ecosystem to advance research, innovation, regulation and future technologies across the emirate The post Dubai launches research and development ecosystem to accelerate innovation and future tech appeared first o....
Ciel Dubai Marina Ciel crowned world’s tallest hotel by Guinness World Records 17 Dec — Ciel Dubai Marina has been officially recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s tallest hotel, rising 377m above ground The post Ciel Dubai Marina Ciel crowned world’s tallest hotel by Guinness World Records appeared first on Ara....
Emirates to auction rare, limited Skywards 20-year platinum memberships for charity 17 Dec — Platinum Skywards members enjoy a suite of premium benefits, including complimentary home check-in in Dubai, priority First Class airport check-in, lounge access for themselves and their guests and more The post Emirates to auction rare, l....
Dubai travel demand drives biggest winter flight expansion 17 Dec — Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai Airports has kicked off what executives describe as one of the most extensive winter flight programmes in its history, as Dubai International and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International roll out....
Dubai Metro Blue Line: Construction progress, opening date, stations and journey times 17 Dec — Dubai Metro Blue Line has reached 12 per cent completion, with more than 3,000 workers on site as RTA targets a September 2029 opening The post Dubai Metro Blue Line: Construction progress, opening date, stations and journey times appeared....
Dubai winter travel demand accelerates as airlines boost DXB and DWC capacity 17 Dec — Dubai Airports ramps up connectivity as DXB and DWC welcome airlines, rising traffic and growth from Europe, Saudi Arabia and Asia The post Dubai winter travel demand accelerates as airlines boost DXB and DWC capacity appeared first on Ara....
Dubai’s RTA deploys drones to clean traffic signals, cutting costs by 15% 17 Dec — Roads and Transport Authority has launched a pilot project using drones to clean traffic signals, aiming to improve safety, cut costs and reduce environmental impact The post Dubai’s RTA deploys drones to clean traffic signals, cutti....
Dubai set for immersive Ramadan Souq launch 17 Dec — Dubai is preparing to expand its seasonal cultural calendar with a large-scale Ramadan Souq planned for 2026, an initiative expected to transform Souq Al Ras in Deira into a focal point for heritage retail, family entertainment and night-t....
UK watchdog warns eating Dubai chocolate is potentially ‘dangerous’ 17 Dec — The Food Standards Agency has issued precautionary advice about undeclared allergens The post UK watchdog warns eating Dubai chocolate is potentially ‘dangerous’ appeared first on Arabian Business: Latest News on the Middle Eas....
Borouge joins Abu Dhabi dividend benchmark 17 Dec — Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Borouge Plc has been included in the FTSE ADX Dividend Stars Index, a new benchmark launched by Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange in December 2025 that is designed to spotlight companies with a sustained record of divi...
Emirates NBD raises $700 million through Asian lenders 17 Dec — Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai-based Emirates NBD Bank has launched a $700 million seven-year bullet term loan aimed at lenders across Asia, marking a notable cross-border funding move as regional banks continue to diversify their funding....
DIFC deepens role in global digital governance 17 Dec — Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai International Financial Centre has taken a further step in positioning Dubai as a key node in the global digital economy by strengthening its privacy governance framework and widening its engagement in cross-...
High 5 Events announces the 19th edition of the annual Dubai Corporate Games 17 Dec — Registration for the Dubai Corporate Games is now open, and companies are encouraged to register their teams early to secure their spots The post High 5 Events announces the 19th edition of the annual Dubai Corporate Games appeared first o....
Alpago unveils $26m ultra-luxury Curve DiLusso villa on Palm Jumeirah in Dubai 16 Dec — Alpago unveils Curve DiLusso, a Palm Jumeirah villa priced at AED 95m, showcasing ultra-luxury craftsmanship in Dubai The post Alpago unveils $26m ultra-luxury Curve DiLusso villa on Palm Jumeirah in Dubai appeared first on Arabian Busines....
Global Village plans seven New Year countdowns 16 Dec — Dubai’s Global Village is preparing a New Year’s Eve programme that will allow visitors to welcome 2026 seven times in a single night, aligning celebrations with multiple international time zones and reinforcing the city’s reputation for l....
Record producer turnout confirmed for World of Coffee Dubai 2026 16 Dec — January’s event will feature 76 producers, new national pavilions and rising participation from major coffee-exporting countries The post Record producer turnout confirmed for World of Coffee Dubai 2026 appeared first on Arabian Business:.....
Dubai prime homes boom as $2.7m-plus property deals surge 24.4 per cent in 2025 16 Dec — Dubai prime residential market recorded nearly 6,000 deals above $2.7m in 2025, up 24.4 per cent, driven by global demand The post Dubai prime homes boom as $2.7m-plus property deals surge 24.4 per cent in 2025 appeared first on Arabian Bu....
Dubai commercial property sales soar nearly 80% as market braces for shake-up 16 Dec — Commercial property deals surge in 2025, but analysts warn ageing offices could struggle once new Grade A buildings arrive The post Dubai commercial property sales soar nearly 80% as market braces for shake-up appeared first on Arabian Bus....
IHBMSU partners Digital School on global education push 16 Dec — Arabian Post Staff -Dubai IHBMSU and The Digital School have formalised a memorandum of understanding aimed at accelerating digital education initiatives, widening access to cross-border learning programmes and building structured pathways....
Nikken Sekkei sets design tone for Trump Tower Dubai 16 Dec — Nikken Sekkei has unveiled an architectural vision for Trump Tower Dubai that signals a renewed push to blend global branding with locally grounded urban design, positioning the project as a high-profile addition to the city’s luxury real-....
OnePlus Turbo series signals push into elite gaming phones 16 Dec — Arabian Post Staff -Dubai OnePlus has lifted the curtain on its new Turbo series, positioning the line as a dedicated performance flagship aimed squarely at mobile gaming enthusiasts and power users ahead of 2026. The company says the Turbo...
Dubai villa owners are ‘sitting on a goldmine’ as property market enters 2026 – expert 16 Dec — Tight supply and strong family demand are expected to push villa prices ahead of apartments in 2026 The post Dubai villa owners are ‘sitting on a goldmine’ as property market enters 2026 – expert appeared first on Arabian Business: Latest.....
Foxconn commits $173 million to Kentucky electronics plant 16 Dec — Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Foxconn will invest $173 million to build a consumer electronics manufacturing facility in Louisville, Kentucky, creating 180 jobs and marking another step in the contract manufacturer’s effort to expand its....
Bullish Emirates NBD says Dubai economy to grow 4.5% in 2026 16 Dec — The bank forecast Dubai’s economy will easily outpace global average, supported by strong momentum, rising tourism, and robust private and public sector activity The post Bullish Emirates NBD says Dubai economy to grow 4.5% in 2026 appeare....
Dubai developer Binghatti announces mega Mercedes-Benz City project worth AED30bn 16 Dec — Binghatti and Mercedes-Benz raise the stakes with a 10m sq ft multi-tower luxury city worth AED30 billion The post Dubai developer Binghatti announces mega Mercedes-Benz City project worth AED30bn appeared first on Arabian Business: Latest....
Nikken Sekkei designs Trump Tower Dubai landmark 16 Dec — Plans for Trump Tower Dubai place one of Japan’s most influential architectural practices at the centre of a high-profile addition to the city’s skyline, signalling how branded luxury developments continue to evolve in the Gulf’s most comp....
Mubadala and Barings form $500m property debt venture 16 Dec — Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Mubadala Investment Company and Barings have launched a $500 million global real estate debt partnership, signalling growing institutional appetite for private credit strategies tied to property markets across majo...
Kuwait port pact signals regional logistics push 16 Dec — Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Kuwait has moved to deepen its role in Gulf maritime trade after the Kuwait Ports Authority said it signed a memorandum of understanding with Abu Dhabi Ports Group to develop and operate the container terminal at S...
Dubai introduces front number plates for delivery motorcycles and e-bikes 15 Dec — Dubai mandates front number plates for delivery motorcycles and e-bikes from December, strengthening safety rules The post Dubai introduces front number plates for delivery motorcycles and e-bikes appeared first on Arabian Business: Latest....
Dubai sees India lead top 10 countries for new foreign firms in 2025 15 Dec — Indian-owned companies topped new non-UAE members joining Dubai Chamber in 2025, highlighting appeal for foreign investors The post Dubai sees India lead top 10 countries for new foreign firms in 2025 appeared first on Arabian Business: La....
DIFC registers 100th hedge fund as Dubai cements top-five global hub status 15 Dec — DIFC registers its 100th hedge fund, doubling managers in a year as Dubai strengthens its position as a top-five global hedge fund hub The post DIFC registers 100th hedge fund as Dubai cements top-five global hub status appeared first on A....
Dubai Customs to make AI a central element in future decision-making 15 Dec — Keeping pace with the global developments in the customs ecosystem, it will update its five-year institutional strategic plan 2026-2030 The post Dubai Customs to make AI a central element in future decision-making appeared first on Arabian....
Nikken Sekkei to design 350m-tall Trump Tower Dubai for Dar Global 15 Dec — The design combines bold geometry and draws on the confident forms of Manhattan with crafted detailing and the architectural discipline of Japan The post Nikken Sekkei to design 350m-tall Trump Tower Dubai for Dar Global appeared first on.....
UAE tops MENA crypto adoption and ranks 5th worldwide – report 15 Dec — World Crypto Rankings 2025 highlights the UAE’s rise as a regional leader in digital assets and tokenisation, with Dubai emerging as a key global hub The post UAE tops MENA crypto adoption and ranks 5th worldwide – report appeared first on....
Dubai launches national campaign to counter AI-driven economic fraud 15 Dec — The Economic Security Centre of Dubai has unveiled a nationwide initiative aimed at helping individuals and businesses recognise and prevent increasingly sophisticated digital fraud The post Dubai launches national campaign to counter AI-d....
Dubai launches national campaign to counter AI-driven economic fraud 15 Dec — The Economic Security Centre of Dubai has unveiled a nationwide initiative aimed at helping individuals and businesses recognise and prevent increasingly sophisticated digital fraud The post Dubai launches national campaign to counter AI-d....
GoPro Max 2 faces crowded 360-degree market 15 Dec — Arabian Post Staff -Dubai GoPro has returned to the 360-degree camera segment with the Max 2, ending a six-year gap since the launch of its original Max and stepping back into a field that has evolved rapidly in its absence. The release com...
Binghatti seals record Middle East penthouse sale 15 Dec — Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai-based Binghatti has completed what it describes as the most expensive residential penthouse transaction ever recorded in the Middle East, selling a single ultra-luxury home for AED550 million at its Bugatti R...
Middle East oil prices signal surplus fears 15 Dec — Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Middle Eastern crude markets are showing growing signs of strain as supply from the region appears set to exceed demand, reinforcing a broader softening trend in global oil fundamentals that has pressured benchmark...
Liveability reshapes Dubai luxury property race 15 Dec — Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Quality of life has emerged as the defining differentiator in Dubai’s luxury real estate market, overtaking the earlier emphasis on global brand names as affluent buyers continue to flow into the emirate, acc...

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