Want to own a Dubai apartment? This new summer shopping draw requires just a Dh500 spend
Dubai: Dubai has launched Win Your Home in Dubai, a 12-week programme that gives shoppers the chance to own a home in the emirate simply by spending at outlets they already visit. The campaign runs from 22 May to 30 August 2026. The programme is a joint effort between Dubai Festivals and Retail Est»»»
Residents, leaders and students unite for ‘Pledge and Commitment’ initiative in Abu Dhabi
Dubai: The “Pledge and Commitment” initiative has brought together residents, leaders, students, and community figures in Abu Dhabi, in a strong display of unity and national cohesion. The initiative reflects sincere national loyalty and appreciation for the leadership of President His Highness She»»»
Dubai Airports activates Hajj travel plan for 3,600 pilgrims
Dubai: Dubai Airports is preparing to handle more than 3,600 pilgrims during the Hajj travel period this year, accounting for nearly 59 per cent of all UAE pilgrims departing through its terminals. Hajj departure flights will operate until 23 May on services by Emirates, Saudia, flydubai and flynas»»»
UAE official slams Iran’s Hormuz control plan as ‘pipe dream’
DUBAI: A top UAE official denounced Iran’s claim of control over Emirati waters in the blockaded Strait of Hormuz as a “pipe dream” Thursday, following an announcement by an Iranian body overseeing the strait. “The regime is trying to establish a new reality born from a clear military defeat, but a»»»
Dubai announces family-only beaches and free ice cream for Eid Al Adha 2026
Dubai: Dubai has rolled out a packed lineup of Eid Al Adha celebrations for residents and visitors, with selected beaches designated exclusively for families, free ice cream giveaways at public parks, and live entertainment events across the city during the long holiday. Dubai Municipality on Thurs»»»
Sharjah announces temporary traffic diversion on Al Khan Road
Sharjah’s Roads and Transport Authority has announced that traffic on Al Khan Road would be temporarily diverted from Friday as part of development works involving road expansion and bridge construction aimed at improving traffic flow and infrastructure across the emirate. The authority said the tr»»»
Devoted to serving pilgrims, Bangladeshi man undertakes Hajj for two decades
DHAKA: When he was at university, Mokarrebur Rahman was planning to perform Hajj — a dream his friends laughed at, as he struggled to afford even one meal a day. Little did they know that the opportunity would soon come, and that he would make sure not to miss a single pilgrimage thereafter. Rahman»»»
MBC Studios unveils new Saudi productions at Cannes Film Festival
DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s MBC Studios has unveiled a slate of new Saudi film and television productions during the Cannes Film Festival 2026. Among the projects announced is “Hell of the Transients,” the first feature film directed by Saudi filmmaker Hana Al-Omair. The film, adapted from the work of be»»»
Kuwait to operate 63 flights for 2026 Hajj, transporting 8,400 pilgrims
Kuwait's General Civil Aviation Authority has launched its operational plan for the 2026 Hajj season, with 63 scheduled flights set to transport around 8,400 pilgrims and administrators from Kuwait to Saudi Arabia. The flights will depart from Terminal 4 at Kuwait International Airport between May »»»
Demand holding strong for ultra-luxury properties, Bayut data suggests
At moments of geopolitical uncertainty, the clearest test of a property market is not whether activity slows, but how it returns. Recent data from Bayut, the UAE’s leading proptech platform, suggests that demand is not disappearing so much as reordering itself. More importantly, the pattern is visi»»»
Dubai launches second economic incentives package worth $408 million
Dubai: Dubai will provide economic incentives worth more than $400 million, authorities said Thursday, as businesses struggle to cope with the aftermath of the Middle East war and Iran's blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Authorities approved "a second package of economic incentives valued at AED 1.»»»
Vapiano introduces breakfast for the first time in its history across UAE outlets
Dubai: Vapiano is set to introduce breakfast for the first time in its history across its UAE outlets, marking an exciting new chapter for the international dining brand. The new Vapiano Breakfast Menu has been created to bring a fresh, social, and relaxed international lifestyle experience to the »»»
Dubai unveils new $410m economic support package for businesses
RIYADH: Dubai approved a new 1.5 billion dirham ($410 million) economic support package aimed at easing costs for businesses and strengthening the emirate’s economic resilience amid global uncertainty. The latest package, approved by Crown Prince of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Ma»»»
Dubai launches second economic incentives package worth $408 million
DUBAI: Dubai will provide economic incentives worth more than $400 million, authorities said Thursday, as businesses struggle to cope with the aftermath of the Middle East war and Iran’s blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Authorities approved “a second package of economic incentives valued at AED 1.»»»
13 ways Dubai’s new Dh1.5b stimulus package affects businesses, residents
Dubai: Dubai has unveiled a second Dh1.5 billion package of economic incentives aimed at cutting business costs, supporting key industries and easing financial pressure across sectors ranging from tourism and education to construction and logistics. Approved by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid»»»
Sheikh Mohammed pardons 836 prisoners in Dubai ahead of Eid Al Adha to help inmates reintegrate into Society
Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, in his capacity as the Ruler of Dubai, has ordered the release of 836 prisoners of different nationalities from Dubai’s correctional and punitive establishments, ahead of Eid Al Adha. Sheikh Moh»»»
Dubai allocates relief fund for tenants in rental distress
Dubai: Dubai’s efforts to support financially distressed tenants received a major boost after the Rental Disputes Center (RDC) secured an Dh1 million contribution from Dar Al Ber Society to help residents struggling with rental defaults and legal disputes. The donation will be channelled through th»»»
Dubai recovery truck driver killed in Al Qusais unloading accident
Dubai: A recovery vehicle driver was killed after a vehicle fell on him during an unloading operation in the Al Qusais industrial area, prompting Dubai Police to urge recovery truck operators to strictly follow occupational safety procedures. According to police, the driver died at the scene after »»»
Sheikh Hamdan approves new Dh1.5b economic incentives package
Dubai: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, on Thursday approved a second package of economic incentives worth Dh1.5 billion, bringing the total economic support to Dh2.5 billion over the past two months, »»»
HUAWEI nova 15 Max: Navigate confidently even with Spotty GPS
Dubai: The recently launched HUAWEI nova 15 Max has already sparked interest for its incredibly long battery life. However, even more notably, the phone also introduces enhanced AI-Powered Navigation. Powered by Huawei’s self-developed AI fusion algorithm, the feature is designed to maintain stable»»»
Sharjah announces free Eid parking, deploys 239 inspectors across emirate
Free public parking for the first three days of Eid, 239 inspectors on field duty, and 35 veterinarians assigned to livestock checks are among sweeping measures announced by the Sharjah City Municipality as part of a major Eid Al Adha readiness plan across the emirate. The municipality said public »»»
How UAE will celebrate Eid Al Adha with workers across 30 locations
Dubai: The UAE will mark Eid Al Adha this year with a nationwide programme dedicated to workers, as the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) prepares to host celebratory activities at 30 locations across the country. Held under the theme, "Our Workers’ Happiness, the Joy of Our Eid»»»
'Spoofing': Empty skies over Iran fuel fears of new strikes as Trump says nuclear talks near ‘collapse’
Commercial air traffic over Iran has thinned dramatically, reviving fears of a possible new military escalation in the Middle East even as regional powers intensify diplomatic efforts to salvage fragile negotiations between Washington and Tehran. The unusually empty skies above Iran — coupled with »»»
Anwar Gargash: Iran must respect sovereignty and good neighbourliness to restore trust with Arab neighbours
Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President, said the Iranian bullying has eroded trust, warning that attempts to impose a new regional reality following its recent military setbacks would not succeed. In a post on X platform, Gargash said the Gulf region had grown accustomed»»»
What UK's major multi-billion trade deal with GCC means for UAE
Dubai: The United Kingdom has signed what it described as a “historic” free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council, becoming the first G7 nation to secure a trade pact with the six-member bloc that includes the UAE. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply»»»
Imagine Dragons to headline 2026 Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix concert
DUBAI: US pop rock band Imagine Dragons will headline the After-Race Concerts at the Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Saturday, Dec. 5, announced Ethara. The global chart-toppers join Lewis Capaldi and Zara Larsson, who are set to open the performances on Yas Island on Thursday, D»»»
Tense Trump-Netanyahu call exposes widening divide over Iran strategy
Dubai: A sharp divide has emerged between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over whether to resume military action against Iran, as tense diplomacy and war planning now appear to be running in parallel behind the scenes. A heated hour-long phone call between th»»»
New Arabian Travel Market 2026 dates revealed
Dubai: Dubai’s flagship travel trade event, Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, has been moved to new dates, with organisers confirming that the show will now take place from September 14 to 17 at Dubai World Trade Centre. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The date change »»»
Best and Worst: Mona Hasbini, the UAE-based Lebanese influencer talks jobs, productivity and travel
DUBAI: The UAE-based Lebanese influencer talks jobs, productivity and travel. Best job you’ve ever had? Working on my mom’s jewelry brand, Hiba Hasbini. I love being able to design, create, and build a business with my mom. I really enjoy seeing the fruits of my labor and bringing ideas to life. Wo»»»
Eissa, Khaseif and Ramadan eye President’s Cup final glory
DUBAI: This week’s President’s Cup Final at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium is more than a football match. It is an occasion defined by the honor of lifting a trophy that carries immense national significance, presented in the presence of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, president of the UAE. The sho»»»
Barnacles, jellyfish and heat are now damaging ships trapped in the Gulf: Reports
Dubai: Ships stranded in Gulf waters for weeks are now facing an unusual new problem — barnacles, algae and jellyfish are building up on their hulls and propellers, raising concerns that some vessels could struggle to leave even after the regional conflict eases. Sign up for our daily business news»»»
Abu Dhabi pushes Emirati representation in classrooms with new education partnership
Dubai: Abu Dhabi is stepping up efforts to increase Emirati representation in classrooms through a landmark partnership between the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) and Aldar Education. The strategic agreement aims to create a stronger pipeline of UAE national educators throug»»»
Dubai’s property boom fuels rise of integrated fit-out firms
Dubai: Dubai’s booming real estate sector is accelerating a major transformation in the UAE’s fit-out and construction industry, as developers and investors increasingly turn to integrated delivery models that combine design, construction, and post-handover services under a single platform. Amid ri»»»
Senior attrition tax: UAE family businesses are quietly paying
“Salary isn’t the issue.” That’s what the chairman of a family-run trading firm told me a few weeks ago in his office off Sheikh Zayed Road. His CEO of 19 years had just left for a competitor. He shrugged. Said they’d find a replacement. He wasn’t wrong about the salary. The trouble is, that’s exac»»»
More Than a Second Home
Martin Phillips of Phuket Plus, a developer specialising in condominium projects on Thailand's most sought-after island. We sat down with him to find out why Warsaw is increasingly looking east — far east. Martin Phillips is a partner of Phuket Plus What is driving the recent surge of interest from»»»
Dubai set for ‘PFL Mena: Pride of Arabia’ showcase
DUBAI: The “PFL MENA: Pride of Arabia” show is set to take over Coca-Cola Arena this weekend for two nights of world-class entertainment, live music, and elite cage action by fighters from across the Middle East and North Africa. The event, held in collaboration with Dubai Sports Council and the Du»»»
UAE banks ordered to tighten anti-fraud security beyond OTPs
The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has ordered financial institutions in the country to strengthen consumer protection measures against fraud and enhance security authentication procedures beyond single-factor verification methods such as one-time passwords (OTP). The central bank said it had begu»»»
DSV expands in Dubai with new 30,000 sqm logistics warehouse in Jebel Ali Free Zone Developed by Arcapita’s Lintara
UAE, Dubai: DSV, the global transport and logistics leader, and Arcapita Group Holdings Limited (“Arcapita”), the global alternative investment firm, through its real estate development platform, Lintara Properties, announce the completion of a new, state-of-the-art 30,000-square-metre build-to-sui»»»
US probe targets Gaza aid foundation backed by Trump administration: FT
DUBAI: The US State Department’s internal watchdog is investigating the now defunct Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) over how it spent millions of dollars in emergency aid allocated for Gaza. The inquiry, led by the State Department’s Office of Inspector General (OIG), is reportedly focused on a »»»
Buying gold today? Dubai prices dip slightly as global tensions reshape bullion markets
Dubai: Dubai gold prices slipped slightly on Thursday, giving UAE shoppers a small breather after recent volatility in bullion markets. The price of 24K gold dropped to Dh546.75 per gram, down from Dh547.50 yesterday, while 22K fell to Dh506.50 from Dh507.00. The decline tracks softer international»»»
Publsh Media Group, Vivenda sign exclusive UAE-Europe media partnership
Dubai: Publsh Media Group has signed an exclusive strategic partnership with Vivenda Group to expand both companies’ premium media portfolios across the UAE, Italy and Spain. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here. The agreement will see the two companie»»»
EFG Hermes, ADX launch investor day for listed companies amid regional uncertainty
Dubai: EFG Hermes and Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange have launched an Investor Day for ADX-listed companies in Abu Dhabi, bringing together senior executives from listed firms and regional and international institutional investors. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - si»»»
This 83-year-old Pakistani artist in Dubai is losing his sight but he refuses to stop painting
Dubai: In a makeshift studio carved out of a modest Dubai apartment, a man holds a canvas inches from his face. His eyes, once sharp enough to capture the subtlest shifts of light, now strained. Slowly, deliberately, he drags a palette knife across the surface, coaxing thick, heavy ridges of paint »»»
MRF Chair Peevski Seeks Prosecutors’ Review of DB Claims on His Trips Abroad
Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) Chair Delyan Peevski referred Democratic Bulgaria (DB) representatives to the prosecution service over their claims related to his trips abroad, the MRF press centre said on Thursday. The referral seeks a review of statements made by DB politicians concerning »»»
AI, skills and adaptability drive graduate employability
Industry exposure, communication skills and interdisciplinary learning are increasingly shaping hiring outcomes, education leaders said during a panel discussion at Edufair Abu Dhabi 2026 held at Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort Abu Dhabi Corniche from May 16 to 17. The session, titled “The Employabilit»»»
‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ head to the big screen in new Star Wars adventure
DUBAI: The “Star Wars” franchise is heading back to movie theaters. And this time, it’s bringing Pedro Pascal, Sigourney Weaver, and everyone’s favorite tiny green scene-stealer along for the ride. Co-written by “The Mandalorian” series co-creators Jon Favreau and new Lucasfilm president Dave Filon»»»
Some UAE schools to get new Arabic programme: What parents need to know
Ras Al Khaimah: A new Arabic programme will be introduced across private schools in Ras Al Khaimah from September 2026. Called IQRA, the Arabic word for "read,” the programme was developed by the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research and has been independently shown to deliv»»»
This hard-line Iranian general is a major player in talks with US over war
DUBAI: As negotiations with the United States hang in the balance, a hard-line Iranian general linked to notorious attacks at home and abroad over the past decades is believed to have seized a place near the center of power. Brig. Gen. Ahmad Vahidi, who heads Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard»»»
Fakhar: A fragrance expression of UAE pride
In the UAE, pride is not only seen it is felt, lived and beautifully expressed through fragrance. Perfume here is more than a scent. It reflects identity, a symbol of heritage and a timeless expression of culture. For decades, houses like Shaikh Saeed Perfumes (Backlink to https://shop.shaikhsaeed.»»»
Saudi Arabia completes military and medical preparations for 2026 Hajj season
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defence has completed preparations for the 2026 Hajj season under a comprehensive operational plan involving military, civilian, medical and technical personnel deployed across Mecca, Medina and the holy sites. The ministry said the plan was designed to support security a»»»