UAE launches AI-powered tourist VAT refund platform
The UAE’s Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has launched an artificial intelligence-powered platform for tourist value-added tax (VAT) refunds, allowing visitors to complete the process digitally and receive refunds within minutes where no inspection is required. The platform, developed in collaboration with Planet, the authorised operator of the UAE’s Tourist Tax...UAE Cabinet approves $79.6 billion three-year budget, setting $24.5 billion for 2027
Social development and pensions take the largest share at 38.4 percent, followed by government affairs at 32.3 percent, as the federal plan targets fiscal sustainability.WEF to bring 500 global leaders to Dubai for inaugural meeting
Discussions will span artificial intelligence, jobs, geopolitical uncertainty, climate change and economic resilience, with UAE Minister Mohammad Al Gergawi and Montenegro’s Prime Minister Milojko Spajić among key participants.UAE economy grows 0.4% in first half as non-oil sectors expand
Non-oil activities accounted for 79.2% of the economy, led by trade, finance, construction and manufacturing, despite a second-quarter contraction amid regional disruptions affecting tourism, transport and trade.GCC secretary general says start of Schengen visa waiver process ‘very close’
Speaking to the Arab Views podcast hosted by Faisal J. Abbas, Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi said visa-free travel would apply to Saudi, Qatari, Omani, Bahraini and Kuwaiti citizens. Asserts that the bloc is “more unified than ever”; optimistic that Gulf and Iran 'could sit on one table'.UAE media needs to turn dialogue into action
Media professionals should continue helping shape the sector's future, uphold professionalism and credibility, and place the national interest at the heart of their work. He emphasized that media serving its country earns the respect of its audience and creates an impact extending beyond the moment of publication.UAE, Tanzania launch Green Silk Road food corridor
The Tanzania-UAE Green Silk Road will link farming, processing, storage, logistics, trade and markets in an integrated food security corridor between Tanzania and the UAE.UAE outward investment reaches $63.4 billion as global footprint expands
The country's sovereign funds and companies expanded investments across six continents in energy, logistics, technology, healthcare and other sectors, as its global capital footprint widened.UAE deploys AI agents at scale, Dataiku study finds
the research shows that 62% of UAE CIOs estimate that more than 50 AI agents are actively running in production within their organization, while 15% report operating more than 500, the highest proportion across the eight markets surveyed and substantially higher than the 9% global average.UAE ranks first in MENA, sixth globally in AI-human skills readiness
Coursera’s new AI-Human Skills Synergy Index says AI course enrollments in the UAE increased 75% year over year, with AI and machine learning foundations, data and analytics among the leading themes.Aldar, Arada sign $4bn Abu Dhabi development partnership
Dubai, UAE -- Aldar and Arada have agreed a strategic partnership covering development opportunities on Yas Island and at Seih Sdeirah in Abu Dhabi, with a combined value of about AED15 billion. The first phase includes a joint venture to develop a large mixed-use community at Seih Sdeirah, on the...Putting people at the center of justice
Al Shamsi said technology could support analysis, accelerate access to information and improve efficiency, but stressed that “AI cannot replace legal judgement or human responsibility for decisions."Saudi Arabia, UAE climb WEF Tourism Index despite Middle East conflict disruption
Saudi Arabia jumps 17 places since 2019 on workforce reform and Vision 2030 investment, while the UAE tops the world for air transport infrastructure despite a three-spot ranking slip.UAE central bank bars Bank Melli Iran branches from Iran transactions
The violations included non-compliance with requirements and obligations under UAE legislation relating to combating money laundering, the financing of terrorism and proliferation financing.UAE sets 5.06 percent profit rate for retail T-Sukuk
The UAE Ministry of Finance set a 5.06% annual profit rate for its second five-year Sovereign Retail T-Sukuk issuance. Subscriptions for the AED50 million offering will run from Sept. 23 to 28 through approved digital platforms and banking channels, with a minimum investment of AED1,000. The Shariah-compliant instrument is open...UAE tops Arab Digital Economy Index 2026
The UAE topped the Arab Digital Economy Index 2026, with the assessment highlighting regional gains in infrastructure, digital government and cybersecurity. The index placed Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman alongside the UAE in its highest-performing group. Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia and Algeria were classified in the medium-performance group,...Maldives and Eagle Hills sign terms for $12 billion waterfront destination
The project, known as Maldives Waterfront and Marina, is planned as an integrated tourism and residential destination combining hotels and resorts, premium and branded residences.Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum passes away, 10-day mourning declared
His brother, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, mourned his death on social media, writing: “You are absent from our eyes, but not from our prayers and hearts.”GISEC 2026 opens with focus on AI threats, cyber resilience
Global cybersecurity experts converged in Dubai as GISEC 2026 opened, warning that AI is reshaping both cyberattacks and national defense strategies worldwide.Space42, Viasat sign binding agreement to co-found ‘Equatys’
Space42 and Viasat will each initially contribute $400 million, while Space42 is expected to provide an additional $200 million in a future funding round open to third-party investors, taking total commitments from the two founders to as much as $1 billion.UAE non-oil trade with BRICS countries reaches $312 billion, says minister of foreign trade
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi said trade with BRICS countries grew 28.5 percent in 2025 from the previous year, highlighting the potential for further economic cooperation with the group’s large markets, young populations, fast-growing economies and industrial bases.Hidden liabilities behind major property deals
UAE property investors must look beyond certificates to uncover hidden fire-safety risks that could affect costs, valuations and returns, writes Elliott Brown, Founder & Managing Director, The FDI Group.Gyr Pure Ultra White falcon sold for $300,000 at Abu Dhabi exhibition
Abu Dhabi, UAE -- The sixth round of auctions at the 2026 Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) witnessed intense bidding as a 'Gyr Pure Ultra White' falcon chick sold for AED1.1 million (approximately $300,000) Sunday at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi amidst a large audience. Bred by Mark...EDGE, Brazilian Army to establish cyber defense center in Brazil
Dubai, UAE -- EDGE Group and the Brazilian Army will establish a Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in Brazil, the first of its kind in Latin America to operate under a government, industry and academia model. The UAE-based advanced technology and defence group and the Brazilian Army’s Cyber Defence Command...UAE insurance assets rise 6.1 percent to $44.9 billion in 2025
Assets held by UAE insurance companies rose 6.1 percent to AED164.9 billion ($44.9 billion) in 2025, the Central Bank of the UAE said, as the sector recorded growth across premiums, claims, provisions and profits. Gross written premiums increased 14.9 percent to AED74.8 billion from AED65.1 billion a year earlier, while...UAE archaeological finds reveal new human history insights
Discoveries spanning prehistoric settlements, Bronze Age tombs and heritage sites are deepening understanding of ancient communities and their regional connections.Dubai completes 104 real estate projects worth over $30.22 billion
Dubai completed 104 real estate projects worth more than AED111 billion in the first half of 2026, according to Dubai Land Department data. The number of completed projects rose 38.7 percent from 75 in the same period last year, while their combined investment value increased 52 percent from AED73 billion....UAE defense ministry says ‘missile threat towards country’ detected
The Ministry said if any sounds are heard, they are the result of air defense interceptions and "affirmed its full readiness to respond to any threat and safeguard the UAE’s sovereignty, security, and stability".DEWA posts record H1 profit
Revenue reaches record $4.04 billion.UAE, Qatar lead Global Telecom Health Index on market structure
Kearney’s 34-market study finds coordinated investment, strong customer satisfaction and financial performance helping the two Gulf markets outperform larger economies.UAE thwarts cyber attacks targeting energy, aviation sectors
Dubai, UAE -- The UAE Cybersecurity Council (CSC) has announced that the national cyber systems have successfully detected and thwarted advanced, coordinated cyber attacks targeting the country's aviation, energy and education sectors. The Council affirmed that the attacks were dealt with proactively and immediately, with intrusion attempts contained before the...UAE hiring rebound gains momentum as talent flows recover, report says
The the UAE Economic Graph Report 2026 by LinkedIn and the Ministry of Foreign Trade says real estate led hiring growth, while the UAE ranked highly for FinTech skills, AI talent attraction and net migration.Emaar Properties posts 23 percent rise in H1 net profit to $3.5 billion
Founder Mohamed Alabbar said the results reflected Emaar's disciplined approach and Dubai's continued economic expansion, adding that the company would continue developing destinations aligned with the emirate's long-term ambitions.Burjeel profit nearly doubles
Healthcare demand drives stronger earnings.UAE records solid first-quarter growth as non-oil sectors account for nearly 80% of GDP
Real GDP rose to $132.0 billion at constant prices in the January-March period, while non-oil GDP expanded 4.8 percent, increasing its share of the economy to 79.4 percent from 78.0 percent a year earlier.TECOM profit up 9%
Revenue, occupancy drive earnings higherDubai population rises 7.5 percent to 4.58 million in 2025
Dubai's population grew 7.5 percent to more than 4.58 million by the end of 2025, fuelled by economic expansion and an influx of workers, tourists and investors, as the emirate launched a real-time digital census to improve planning and public services. The population reached 4.58 million at the end of...du deploys sovereign cloud platform for Dubai Taxi Company
Dubai, UAE -- UAE telecom operator du said on Monday it had completed the deployment of its National Hypercloud platform for Dubai Taxi Company (DTC), marking what it described as the country's first full-scale migration of a transport operator's core systems to a sovereign cloud platform. The deployment follows a...UAE’s Wadi Wurayah inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List
The reserve is the country's third World Heritage Site and the first recognized specifically for its outstanding natural value.FAB profit edges higher
Income growth supports steady earnings.UAE non-oil trade reaches record $527 billion in H1, says Al Zeyoudi
The milestone reflected the success of the UAE's strategy to build a diversified, competitive and open economy while strengthening its position as a global trade, investment and logistics hub, Minister of Foreign Trade Thani Al Zeyoudi said in a statement.EDGE to acquire 100% stake in Brazilian firm AKAER
Dubai, UAE -- UAE defense and advanced technology group EDGE has agreed to acquire a 100 percent stake in Brazilian aerospace and engineering company AKAER, expanding its international engineering footprint and strengthening capabilities in unmanned systems and advanced aerospace technologies. The transaction, which remains subject to customary closing conditions and...flydubai doubles daily Bangkok flights amid strong demand
Dubai, UAE -- Dubai-based carrier flydubai will introduce a second daily flight to Bangkok from July 18, doubling its daily service on the route less than three weeks after its launch, as strong demand boosts travel between Dubai and the Thai capital during the summer season. The additional service will...Youth account for over 30 percent of EWEC workforce, utility says
Dubai, UAE -- Abu Dhabi's Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) said young professionals now make up more than 30 percent of its workforce, underscoring its focus on developing talent to support the UAE's transition to cleaner energy. Marking World Youth Skills Day, the company said its graduate programmes are...Sharjah real estate transactions rise 9.3 percent to AED29.5 billion in H1
Dubai, UAE -- Sharjah's real estate transactions rose 9.3 percent year on year to about AED29.5 billion ($8.03 billion) in the first half of 2026, as the emirate recorded stronger trading activity and attracted investors from 121 nationalities. The Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department said it completed 59,460 transactions during...Tabadul trading value reaches $3.68 billion in H1 2026
Abu Dhabi, UAE -- Tabadul, the regional cross-border trading and market connectivity platform, recorded a record trading value of AED13.5 billion (US$3.68 billion) during the first half of 2026, surpassing the total trading value achieved throughout 2025, as it marked four years since its launch. The milestone reflects growing investor...UAE places sixth among world’s most popular Muslim-friendly destinations
Dubai, UAE -- Mastercard and CrescentRating released the 11th edition of the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI), revealing how AI, digital trust, regional mobility and destination readiness are reshaping the next phase of Muslim-friendly travel. The report projects international Muslim arrivals to increase to 208 million this year, compared to...Dubai SME programme awards record $485 million in contracts in 2025
Dubai, UAE -- Dubai's Emirati Supplier Programme facilitated a record AED1.78 billion ($485 million) in contracts for Emirati-owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in 2025, a 38 percent increase from the previous year, as the emirate accelerated efforts to strengthen local businesses under its long-term economic strategy. The programme, managed by...Rubio meets UAE president as US-Iran technical talks set to resume next week
Rubio and Sheikh Mohamed reviewed strategic cooperation between the UAE and the US and discussed regional developments, with particular focus on security, stability and peace in the Middle East, WAM reported.Miral, Warner Bros announce two new DC attractions for Yas Island
Dubai, UAE -- Miral and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences have announced two new DC-themed attractions for Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, expanding the indoor theme park's entertainment offering on Yas Island. The additions, Kryptonite Collider and Superman Up and Away, represent the latest phase of investment in the attraction...


















































