Dubai Picks Weekly — 29 Dec – 04 Jan 2026
29 Dec 2025 — 04 Jan 2026
Highlights
- UAE hemp law opens therapeutic pathways
- Dubai Police widen safety drive across roads and labour zones
- Unsettled weather to persist across UAE until January 8
- Barq’s rapid rise reshapes Saudi digital payments
- Riyadh Zoo highlights child-focused safety at Riyadh Season
More Reads
- Samsung expands smart projection with Freestyle Plus 03 Jan — Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Samsung Electronics has lifted the curtain on the Freestyle Plus, a new generation of its portable projector range that pushes further into artificial intelligence-driven home entertainment. Revealed ahead of the C...
- Abu Dhabi Police tighten focus on intersection distractions 03 Jan — Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi Police have renewed warnings to motorists to maintain full attention at intersections and traffic signals, underscoring that brief lapses in concentration continue to rank among the leading causes of seri...
- Dollar steadies early in 2026 after tough year 03 Jan — Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dollar trading opened the new year on firmer ground on Friday, extending a modest rebound after a bruising twelve months that marked its weakest annual performance in eight years, as investors reassessed the outloo...
- Pixel camera shifts into AI sensing platform 03 Jan — Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Google’s Pixel smartphone line is set for a marked transition in 2026 as its camera system moves beyond image capture to function as an always-on AI sensing hub, according to multiple industry briefings, deve...
- Viral Dubai chocolate brand FIX drops 2 new flavours with exclusive Careem delivery 02 Jan — FIX Dessert Chocolatier debuts new dessert bars at Dubai Museum of the Future, with exclusive Careem delivery from January 12 The post Viral Dubai chocolate brand FIX drops 2 new flavours with exclusive Careem delivery appeared first on Ar....
- Dubai Police impound supercar after flame-burst social media stunt 02 Jan — Dubai Police take action against supercar driver following high-speed social media stunt and flame-burst modifications The post Dubai Police impound supercar after flame-burst social media stunt appeared first on Arabian Business: Latest N....
- Spartan Middle East to return to Dubai Parks and Resorts for January 2026 race 02 Jan — Dubai Sports Council-backed event all set to be bigger and better next year The post Spartan Middle East to return to Dubai Parks and Resorts for January 2026 race appeared first on Arabian Business: Latest News on the Middle East, Real Es....
- Dubai RTA transports over 2.8m passengers during New Year’s Eve 2026 celebrations 02 Jan — Dubai RTA moved more than 2.8m passengers on New Year’s Eve, up 13 per cent year on year, supported by traffic and operations plan The post Dubai RTA transports over 2.8m passengers during New Year’s Eve 2026 celebrations appeared first on....
- Global equity funds close 2025 with robust inflows 02 Jan — Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Global equity funds attracted sizeable inflows in the final week of 2025, reflecting sustained investor confidence as artificial intelligence-driven gains and expectations of resilient corporate earnings buoyed ris...
- Record December propels Dubai Duty Free’s 2025 sales to a whopping $2.38bn 02 Jan — 10 record months make it a 9.5% increase in sales over 2024; December 2025 sales of $252.8mn is the highest ever monthly sales The post Record December propels Dubai Duty Free’s 2025 sales to a whopping $2.38bn appeared first on Arabian Bu....
- DEWA patents smart simulator to strengthen Dubai’s power grid 02 Jan — New automation testing system boosts safety, cuts costs and supports digital transformation across electricity transmission The post DEWA patents smart simulator to strengthen Dubai’s power grid appeared first on Arabian Business: Latest N....
- Saudi secures $13bn loan for utilities push 02 Jan — Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Saudi Arabia has completed a $13 billion, seven-year syndicated loan to support spending on power, water and public utilities, marking one of the largest government-backed financings tied to infrastructure programm...
- Emirates suggests early check-in and use of Dubai Metro to beat heavy traffic 02 Jan — Both inbound and outbound passenger numbers are expected to spike this week with school holidays ending and a large number of tourists departing The post Emirates suggests early check-in and use of Dubai Metro to beat heavy traffic appeare....
- 1440p graphics cards that define gaming in 2026 02 Jan — Arabian Post Staff -Dubai High-refresh 1440p gaming has settled into a clear sweet spot for PC players, balancing visual fidelity with frame rates that comfortably exceed 100 frames per second in demanding titles. Entering 2026, the market....
- Ras Al Khaimah marks New Year with record-setting sky spectacle 02 Jan — Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Ras Al Khaimah ushered in 2026 with a choreographed New Year’s Eve display that combined fireworks and drone technology on a scale not previously attempted in the emirate, securing a Guinness World Records ti...
- Abu Dhabi reshapes public sector employment rules 01 Jan — Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi Government has enacted a sweeping overhaul of its human resources framework, introducing legislation that redefines how the public sector hires, develops and rewards its workforce of more than 25,000 empl...
- Emirates extends lead as top global airline 01 Jan — Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Emirates strengthened its standing in 2025 as the world’s largest international airline, carrying 55.6 million passengers across almost 180,580 flights and reinforcing Dubai’s role as a central hub for....
- Dubai property market hits $185.5bn in sales as population boom drives record growth in 2025 01 Jan — Dubai real estate market saw $185.5bn in sales in 2025 as population growth, end-user demand and supply reshaped market The post Dubai property market hits $185.5bn in sales as population boom drives record growth in 2025 appeared first on....
- Six Flags Qiddiya City opens doors with record-breaking thrills 01 Jan — Arabian Post Staff -Dubai A landmark entertainment destination has begun operations at Qiddiya City on 31 December 2025, as Six Flags Qiddiya City opened to the public near Riyadh, marking the flagship attraction of the sprawling Saudi proj...
- Dubai Shopping Festival acts as a “discovery engine” 31 Dec — CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment says it's now a showcase for local creativity and experiences The post Dubai Shopping Festival acts as a “discovery engine” appeared first on Arabian Business: Latest News on the.....
- Maaden and Hancock outline minerals exploration venture 31 Dec — Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Saudi Arabian Mining Company, widely known as Saudi Arabian Mining Company, has outlined plans to establish a joint venture with Midana Exploration Pay Ltd to advance minerals exploration, development and mining ac...
- TAQA seals financing-backed Al Dhafra power project 31 Dec — Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC, known as Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC, and Emirates Water and Electricity Company have finalised a 3.6 billion dirham agreement for the Al Dhafra Power Plant, marki...
- Dubai now offers e-scooter riding permits online and via app 30 Dec — Dubai RTA expands e-scooter permit applications to the apps, enabling digital tests and instant electronic permits The post Dubai now offers e-scooter riding permits online and via app appeared first on Arabian Business: Latest News on the....
- 1 Billion Followers Summit 2026 set for Dubai with 15,000 creators and global platforms 30 Dec — Dubai will host 1 Billion Followers Summit from January 9, 2026, bringing together 15,000 creators to shape global creator economy The post 1 Billion Followers Summit 2026 set for Dubai with 15,000 creators and global platforms appeared fi....
- Dubai New Year’s Eve 2026 road closures 30 Dec — Dubai RTA announces road closures and extended public transport services to ease congestion during New Year’s Eve 2026 The post Dubai New Year’s Eve 2026 road closures appeared first on Arabian Business: Latest News on the Middle East, Rea....
- Dubai activates New Year’s Eve 2026 marine traffic plan covering Marina, Harbour and Palm Jumeirah 30 Dec — Dubai Maritime Authority activates New Year’s Eve 2026 marine traffic plan, introducing one-way systems and navigation suspensions The post Dubai activates New Year’s Eve 2026 marine traffic plan covering Marina, Harbour and Palm Jumeirah.....
- Dubai Islands: BEYOND Developments launches HADO beachfront towers 30 Dec — BEYOND Developments unveils HADO, a 678-home beachfront project on Dubai Islands and first residential launch in SIORA masterplan The post Dubai Islands: BEYOND Developments launches HADO beachfront towers appeared first on Arabian Busines....
- NFL star plans Avengers-style golf tournament for Dubai 30 Dec — Retired sports stars have been talking about their entrepreneurial journeys at the World Sports Summit The post NFL star plans Avengers-style golf tournament for Dubai appeared first on Arabian Business: Latest News on the Middle East, Rea....
- Dubai readies for New Year’s Eve spectacle as millions expected 30 Dec — Comprehensive safety and traffic plans are rolled out for celebrations across Dubai’s iconic landmarks ahead of the New Year’s Eve The post Dubai readies for New Year’s Eve spectacle as millions expected appeared first on Arabian Business:....
- FIFA to host its only annual awards ceremony in Dubai starting 2026 30 Dec — The FIFA World Football Awards will gather the world’s most influential football figures to celebrate the best players, teams, and achievements of the sport The post FIFA to host its only annual awards ceremony in Dubai starting 2026 appea....
- Venezuela curbs Orinoco output under US pressure 30 Dec — Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Venezuela has begun shutting oil wells in its prolific Orinoco Belt after storage filled up and inventories swelled, a move that underscores the operational strain facing the state producer as financial pressure fr...
- Riyadh property market reshaped by megaproject momentum 30 Dec — Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Riyadh’s property landscape is being re-engineered at pace as public investment, private capital and planning reforms converge, with a multi-year pipeline spanning transport, data infrastructure and construct...
- AB Majlis podcast: Million Dollar Listing UAE stars Ben Bandari and Rami Wahood on pressure, ambition and season two stakes 29 Dec — Million Dollar Listing UAE returns bigger and bolder, as stars reveal rising pressure, personal stakes, and the realities behind Dubai’s record-breaking property market The post AB Majlis podcast: Million Dollar Listing UAE stars Ben Banda....
- Dubai announces free parking and Metro, Tram and bus timings for New Year holiday 2026 29 Dec — Dubai RTA confirms New Year 2026 service timings for Metro, Tram, buses, free parking and Customer Happiness Centres The post Dubai announces free parking and Metro, Tram and bus timings for New Year holiday 2026 appeared first on Arabian.....
- DEWA launches 22 new substations in 2025 to keep pace with Dubai’s growth 29 Dec — The utility company is building 53 132kV and two 400kV substations, along with over 350kms of transmission lines, scheduled to finish by 2028 The post DEWA launches 22 new substations in 2025 to keep pace with Dubai’s growth appeared first....
- Dubai sets private notary fees as Courts introduce new rules from 2026 29 Dec — Dubai Courts to set regulated private notary fees from January 2026, setting unified charges to boost transparency and quality The post Dubai sets private notary fees as Courts introduce new rules from 2026 appeared first on Arabian Busine....
- Why discipline drives Dubai’s automotive ambition 29 Dec — As Chinese automakers and EV brands route larger volumes through Gulf ports while African import authorities tighten compliance rules, disciplined efficiency has become the deciding factor in automotive trade The post Why discipline drives....
- Dubai RTA number plate auction hits record $30m as BB12 sells for $2.6m 29 Dec — Dubai Roads and Transport Authority number plate auction hits record sales performance of $30m as BB12 sells for $2.6m The post Dubai RTA number plate auction hits record $30m as BB12 sells for $2.6m appeared first on Arabian Business: Lat....
- Will Dubai rents fall in 2026? What tenants and landlords need to know 29 Dec — Dubai rents expected to ease in parts of the market as vacancy rises and demand shifts, but peak-season and prime areas remain resilient The post Will Dubai rents fall in 2026? What tenants and landlords need to know appeared first on Arab....
- European elegance, Middle Eastern character: The design story behind VinFast VF 8 29 Dec — An SUV that delivers both sophistication and an industry-leading peace-of-mind ownership experience. DUBAI, UAE – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 December 2025 – Middle Eastern buyers have long gravitated toward vehicles tha....
- Dubai Health reports 95% success rate in kidney transplant programme 29 Dec — More than 230 transplants have been completed since 2016 with the programme supporting patients of all ages and nationalities The post Dubai Health reports 95% success rate in kidney transplant programme appeared first on Arabian Business:....
- Dubai real estate sector recorded $5.1bn of transactions last week, including $31m Palm Jumeirah apartment 29 Dec — The Dubai real estate sector saw $5.1bn of transactions and 4,544 sales last week, including an apartment sold for $31m The post Dubai real estate sector recorded $5.1bn of transactions last week, including $31m Palm Jumeirah apartment app....
- Will Smith coming to Dubai 29 Dec — The Hollywood superstar will be in town to promote a Nat Geo docuseries on sustainability which took five years to make The post Will Smith coming to Dubai appeared first on Arabian Business: Latest News on the Middle East, Real Estate, Fi....
- What’s New at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2026 29 Dec — The countdown is officially on until the 37th Hero Dubai Desert Classic returns to Emirates Golf Club from 22–25 January 2026. This flagship Rolex Series event will offer more than ever before: think legendary golf, live entertainment, fest...
- Trend shift: Dubai real estate decisions are becoming more logic-based 29 Dec — New report says buying decision in Dubai in 2026 will be based on luxury properties, Tier-1 developers, Metro-connected communities and commercial assets The post Trend shift: Dubai real estate decisions are becoming more logic-based appea....
- Forum of Operators for the Guarantee of Economic Emergence in Africa (FO.GE.CA) Dubai 2025: MIR Holding subsidiaries recognized, highlightin... 29 Dec — The recognition of MIR Holding subsidiaries at FO.GE.CA illustrates the potential of African companies to establish themselves beyond their domestic markets DAKAR, SENEGAL – EQS Newswire – 29 December 2025 – In the margin....
- In Dubai, Kyrgios prevails over Sabalenka in ‘Battle of the Sexes’ 29 Dec — The Australian, even though he has fallen to No671 in the rankings, won 6-3 6-3 over the world No1 women’s star at the Coca Cola Arena The post In Dubai, Kyrgios prevails over Sabalenka in ‘Battle of the Sexes’ appeared first on Arabian Bu....
- UAE job growth accelerates as digital economy reshapes workforce 29 Dec — Arabian Post Staff -Dubai The United Arab Emirates is on course to generate more than one million additional jobs by 2030, placing it among the world’s fastest-expanding labour markets as economic diversification, technology adoption....