Month: October 2026

Abudhabi , October 15, 2026 : Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority will organise the fifth edition of the Al Dhafra Dates Festival in Madinat Zayed, Al Dhafra Region, from 16th to 25th October, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, with Kuwait participating as Guest of Honour.

Kuwait’s participation reflects the deep-rooted fraternal ties between the two countries and their shared cultural heritage. It will offer visitors an opportunity to discover different facets of Kuwaiti heritage while encouraging interaction and the exchange of expertise among participants.

The festival will feature 22 competitions offering 180 prizes worth a total of AED4.6 million, alongside daily dates auctions and a programme of heritage, cultural and family activities. This year’s edition will also introduce a palm tree auction for the first time.

Obaid Khalfan Al Mazrouei, Acting Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, said the festival reflects the Authority’s commitment to preserving the heritage associated with the palm tree and reinforcing its place in the UAE’s national identity. He added that the event provides a platform to support producers and showcase the quality and diversity of Emirati dates.

He added that the event provides farmers with opportunities to exchange expertise and market their produce, while supporting honey producers, artisans, productive families and Emirati entrepreneurs.

The festival also seeks to preserve local palm varieties, promote rare cultivars and encourage sustainable agricultural practices that contribute to food security, while supporting tourism and the local economy.

Rashid Khadem Al Rumaithi, Director of the Al Dhafra Dates Festival, explained that the festival’s competitions include seven date beauty contests: Al Dhafra Elite, Fardh, Zamli, Dabbas, Boumaan, Khalas and Shishi. These are complemented by two date-packaging competitions, one for natural dates and another for dates prepared with added ingredients.

The honey competition features five categories: Sidr Honey, Samar Honey, Liquid Honey, Honeycomb and Crystallised Honey.

Al Rumaithi said that the festival’s daily dates auction will begin at 5:00 pm, providing farmers with an opportunity to showcase and market their finest local produce while enhancing its economic value.

The new Palm Auction aims to preserve local varieties, propagate rare and commercially valuable cultivars and make them available to farmers and enthusiasts.

The programme also includes the International Competition for Cooking with Dates, Date Products and Olive Oil, bringing together hotel chefs and representatives of productive families.

The Photography Award will feature three themes: Palm Trees and Dates, Marine Life, and Wildlife in Al Dhafra. The Live Painting Competition, meanwhile, will centre on two themes: Palm Trees and Dates, and Wildlife and Marine Life in Al Dhafra.

The festival will also host heritage workshops, public competitions and live performances highlighting traditional knowledge, skills and customs.

Al Rumaithi invited farmers, producers and artists to register for competitions through the Falak Al Namous application and encouraged the public to attend the festival’s auctions and cultural activities.

Abudhabi , October 15, 2026 : Aldar on Thursday announced an AED1.1 billion forward purchase agreement with Arada for three residential blocks comprising over 1,100 units across nine buildings in Aljada, Sharjah’s flagship mixed-use master development.

The transaction marks Aldar’s first real estate investment in the emirate and expands its develop-to-hold pipeline to AED21 billion. The transaction will add more than 1,100 units to Aldar’s portfolio, with the assets to be delivered by Arada in Q4 2029.

Building on the recently announced AED15 billion development partnership between Aldar and Arada, the transaction provides Aldar with access to Sharjah’s large and growing residential market through an established integrated community. The investment also broadens Aldar’s geographic exposure while adding a high-quality residential opportunity with attractive long-term fundamentals.

Talal Al Dhiyebi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Aldar, said the investment in Aljada marks the group’s entry into Sharjah’s residential market and expands its portfolio of rental properties, in line with its “develop-and-hold” strategy. He added that Aldar looks forward to further strengthening its partnership with Arada.

Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Arada, said: “This transaction is a strong vote of confidence in both Aljada and the Sharjah residential market more broadly. This investment marks another step in our growing partnership with Aldar, and we look forward to identifying further opportunities to work together across sectors.”

Aljada is a leading mixed-use master development in Sharjah, spanning 2.2 million sqm and expected to comprise approximately 25,000 residential units at full build-out, with an anticipated gross sales value of AED35 billion.

Residential handovers have been underway since 2021, with over 8,800 units delivered across multiple districts.

The community is supported by completed lifestyle, hospitality, education and retail infrastructure, including the Madar family entertainment district, two international schools, two hotels, the Nest student housing complex and more than 300,000 sq ft of occupied retail space.

The community is within easy reach of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road and Al Dhaid Road, seven minutes from Sharjah International Airport and around 20 minutes from Dubai International Airport, providing strong connectivity to both Sharjah and Dubai.

Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi approved exhibition to unite leading developers, investors and homebuyers as the UAE’s real estate market enters a new phase of sustained growth as residential property transaction value exceeds Dh95.8 billion through 21,416 home sales in the first 9 months of 2026

Abu Dhabi, ​October 15, 2026 : The International Real Estate and Investment Show (IREIS) 2026 will return to Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from November 10 to 12, 2026, bringing together leading property developers, investors, financial institutions, real estate professionals and homebuyers for one of the UAE’s most prominent dedicated real estate sales exhibitions.

The news comes as Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen its position as a global investment destination, supported by economic diversification, population growth, major infrastructure development and long-term development strategies. The emirate’s expanding business, tourism, cultural and lifestyle ecosystem is generating new demand for residential, commercial, hospitality and mixed-use real estate.

The emirate of Abu Dhabi recorded Dh95.8 billion through 21,416 registered home sales during the first 9 months (January to September) of 2026. Total real estate transaction value for the first nine months of 2026 reached Dh175.7 billion, according to Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC).

Residential unit sales in Abu Dhabi reached Dh70.4 billion in the first six months of 2026, with off-plan accounting for 89 percent of sales value. Ten leading developers accounted for 90 percent of off-plan primary sales at Dh51 billion, and ten projects accounted for 43 percent of residential unit sales at Dh30 billion. In the ready market, 61 percent of purchases were completed in cash, says ADREC.

Emirati buyers committed Dh21 billion, against Dh8.9 billion in H1 2025. Resident expatriates and non-resident foreign buyers together accounted for 70 percent of residential sales value. Hudayriyat Island recorded Dh19 billion, 27 percent of residential sales value, followed by Saadiyat Island at Dh13.3 billion, Al Reem Island and Al Maryah Island (operated by the Abu Dhabi Global Market area) at Dh10.5 billion, and Yas Island at Dh7.3 billion.

Residential supply in Abu Dhabi reaches approximately 409,000 units, with 71,000 additional units projected by 2030 and deliveries peaking in 2028, according to ADREC. Around 7,562 to 8,000 residential units are scheduled for completion across 2026, with activity heavily back-loaded toward the second half of the year. As many as 233,000 active residential lease contracts were recorded across the emirate, with lease values reaching Dh9.3 billion in the first half of 2026.

On top of these, the total value of ongoing infrastructure and development projects managed by the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre (ADPIC) exceeds Dh200 billion ($54.5 billion) across more than 600 active projects. These projects, along with the multi-billion dollar mega projects announced by developers in recent months, will create massive opportunities for buyers and investors as well as contractors and suppliers, change the economic landscape of Abu Dhabi – the economic powerhouse of the Middle East.

Approved by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), IREIS has established itself as a dedicated platform for real estate sales, investment and direct engagement between developers and buyers. The three-day exhibition will showcase residential, commercial and mixed-use investment opportunities from Abu Dhabi and across the wider UAE.

As the UAE’s real estate market continues its growth trajectory, IREIS 2026 will provide investors with access to opportunities across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and other emerging markets. The exhibition reflects the growing diversification of property investment among UAE-based investors, while providing developers from across the Emirates with direct access to one of the region’s most active investor communities.

Leading property developers and other stakeholders are joining IREIS 2026, as investor confidence strengthens in UAE’s real estate. Abu Dhabi Global Markets (ADGM) joins IREIS as its Official Knowledge Partner while Emirates Development, Aqaar and Al Rasikhoon Real Estate partners with IREIS as Gold Sponsor, D’Souza Holding as Platinum Sponsor in addition to Silver Sponsors AziziDevelopments, Ellington Properties, Dugasta Properties, Zimaya Properties and Capstone Real Estate and Vertix Holding reaffirming commitment as Strategic Partner of IREIS 2026. 

IREIS Conferences

IREIS 2026 is going to host a series of interesting conversation under its busy conference agenda, supported by Conference Partner Knight Frank, which will focus on Proptech, Artificial Intelligence and innovation in real estate and construction

Among the conferences, AI Partnership Forum is a major conference session investment and networking platform connecting the companies developing real estate, the institutions financing it, the investors allocating capital and the technologies transforming the entire property lifecycle at IREIS 2026. Conversation will examine how AI and high-quality data are changing the way investors discover, evaluate and manage real estate opportunities.

In addition to Abu Dhabi, Dubai continues to attract significant international interest through its diverse pipeline of residential, commercial and mixed-use developments, while Sharjah, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah are gaining attention for their competitive pricing, waterfront communities, hospitality projects and lifestyle developments. Together, these markets are creating a broader range of opportunities for investors seeking diversification across the UAE. Developers will promote their projects spread across all over the UAE.

The success of IREIS 2025 reflected the continued strength of the UAE’s real estate sector. The previous edition featured developers representing an active project pipeline valued at approximately Dh2.78 trillion (US$758.8 billion), with participating companies presenting projects from across the UAE and offering exhibition-only incentives, project launches, flexible payment plans and on-site booking opportunities.

IREIS is designed not simply as a traditional property showcase, but as a results-driven real estate sales platform. Developers have the opportunity to engage directly with qualified investors and end-users, while visitors can compare projects, explore investment options and access exclusive offers and payment plans under one roof.

Alongside the exhibition, IREIS 2026 will feature a high-level conference bringing together government representatives, developers, financial institutions, economists and industry experts. Discussions will explore the future of real estate investment in the UAE, with key topics expected to include Abu Dhabi’s emergence as a regional investment hub, real estate and banking growth, sustainable infrastructure, fractional ownership, PropTech, foreign direct investment, economic diversification, UAE–Europe investment corridors and the evolving role of real estate brokerage.

Commenting on the announcement, Arun Bose, IREIS, said: “IREIS has evolved into much more than a traditional exhibition. It is a platform where developers connect directly with serious investors, buyers explore opportunities across the UAE and real estate transactions can take place. Abu Dhabi provides an ideal setting, with its strong economy, growing investor community and position as an international business and investment hub. At the same time, the exhibition reflects the diversity of opportunities available across the UAE. IREIS 2026 will bring developers, investors and buyers together under one roof to create new opportunities for sales, investment and strategic partnerships.”

The exhibition supports the UAE’s broader objectives of attracting international investment, strengthening economic diversification and developing deeper collaboration between developers, financial institutions and global investors. By bringing together projects and investment opportunities from multiple emirates, IREIS aims to reinforce the UAE’s position as one of the world’s most dynamic real estate markets.

With participation expected from leading UAE and international developers, investors, institutional buyers, property professionals and other industry stakeholders, IREIS 2026 is set to provide a comprehensive marketplace for real estate investment and sales.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore investment opportunities across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and other emerging destinations, while meeting developers and industry professionals directly.

IREIS 2026 will be held from November 10 to 12, 2026, at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. Further details regarding exhibitors, conference sessions, investment forums and visitor registration will be announced in the coming weeks

October 14, 2026 :  Alphabet’s Google has rolled out its Gemini 4 Argon artificial intelligence model to developers and businesses worldwide, offering a lower-cost option for companies seeking to develop autonomous AI agents.

Google said the model is designed to excel at “deep work”, handling complex, multi-step tasks in fields including coding, finance, law, cybersecurity and science.

Sharjah , October 14, 2026 : The Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) has launched an ethical framework for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in educational institutions to promote the safe, responsible and effective use of the technology.

The framework aims to improve the quality of education, support digital transformation and enable teachers and students to use AI while safeguarding privacy, data protection and academic integrity.

Aligned with the UAE’s national directives and values, the framework focuses on fairness, transparency, accountability, human oversight, cybersecurity, critical thinking and the verification of AI-generated content.

Aisha Butti Al Ghafli, Director of the Curriculum and Assessment Department at SPEA, said the framework reflected the Authority’s commitment to integrating modern technologies into education while protecting learners’ data, reinforcing teachers’ roles and developing students’ critical thinking skills.

The framework also seeks to support adaptive learning, encourage innovation, improve teachers’ proficiency and equip students with future-ready skills. It also seeks to instill awareness regarding the responsible use of artificial intelligence, data protection, and adherence to ethical practices.

It provides practical guidelines for educational institutions across Sharjah, taking into account different curricula and learning environments while defining the responsibilities of school leaders, teachers, students, IT teams, educational specialists and parents.

The guidelines address academic integrity by setting rules for AI use in assignments, projects and assessments, requiring disclosure where appropriate and ensuring that AI-generated content does not replace students’ original work or teachers’ roles. They also require verification of AI-generated information and its sources.

The framework further sets standards for using AI in institutional media and promotional materials to protect official symbols and visual identity and ensure content accuracy and compliance with approved standards.

The initiative forms part of SPEA’s efforts to keep pace with technological advances while maintaining educational standards, protecting learners’ rights and preserving the human role in education.

Sharjah , October 14, 2026 : The 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2026) will take place from November 4-15 at Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme ‘Made of Stories’, bringing together 2,673 publishers and exhibitors from 124 countries.

This year’s edition will also host 106 writers, artists and intellectuals from 25 countries, with 1,500 cultural and artistic events, and welcome Oman as Guest of Honour, presenting a programme celebrating its literature, heritage, writers and artists.

The details were announced at a press conference held by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) at its headquarters in Sharjah. The Authority unveiled the dates of the Thriller Festival and Sharjah International Library Conference, and new visitor experiences, including ‘Poets’ Corner’, where visitors’ stories are transformed into poems in Arabic and English, and ‘Future Hands District’, an interactive educational city designed to introduce children to different professions.

In his keynote, Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, said: “For 45 years, SIBF has brought together readers, writers, publishers and creative minds from around the world. This year’s theme, ‘Made of Stories’, celebrates how the stories we read, hear and pass down through generations shape our memories, identity and understanding of the world, and how we create stories of our own to leave for future generations.”

He added: “The journey of SIBF is part of the wider cultural vision established by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who made books and knowledge the foundation for human development and a bridge connecting cultures and peoples.”

“Today, under the guidance of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, we continue to advance this vision, strengthening the fair’s status as a global publishing platform and expanding opportunities for publishers and creative professionals to collaborate and reach new readers and markets,” he concluded.

Discussing the Guest of Honour participation,. Ahmed bin Saud bin Nasser Al Rawahi, Assistant Director General for Knowledge and Cultural Development at Oman’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, and Director of the Muscat International Book Fair, said: “We see this celebration as a tribute to Oman and its culture, and an opportunity to strengthen the longstanding ties between our countries and peoples. Oman’s selection as Guest of Honour builds on a shared history and close relations rooted in brotherhood and neighbourliness.”

He added: “Our participation will introduce visitors to Oman’s history, heritage and cultural achievements while encouraging dialogue and exchange between Oman and Sharjah. The programme includes literary and intellectual discussions, poetry evenings, historical and cultural events, and workshops for children and young people.”

Salem Ali Hamad Al Ghaithi, Director of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, outlined the fair’s media coverage plan, including special programmes and interviews with writers and intellectuals on Sharjah TV, Al Sharqiya TV, Al Wousta TV and Sharjah Sports TV. Coverage will also include more than 20 hours of live broadcasting on Plus Radio, major events streamed on the Maraya platform and round-the-clock updates across digital platforms.

Saood Ibrahim Mohammed Saleh, Vice President of Government Sales (Dubai and Northern Emirates) at Etisalat, said: “As Etisalat marks its 50th anniversary, we take pride in our longstanding sponsorship of this major cultural event. We see this strategic partnership as a national and cultural responsibility, rooted in our belief that investing in people and knowledge is as important as investing in digital and technological infrastructure. We remain committed to using the latest innovations and digital solutions to support publishers, authors and readers.”

For his part, Mohamed Hachicho, General Director of Equiti’s Sharjah Branch, the fair’s Financial Services Partner, said: “We are proud to partner with the Sharjah Book Authority and sponsor the fair, supporting culture, knowledge and the community. Sharjah holds a special place for us because of its vision for culture and education as foundations of community development. As we expand our presence in the emirate, we aim to be an active community partner, recognising the power of knowledge to empower people, create opportunities and build a better future.”

Khoula Al Mujaini, General Coordinator of SIBF, outlined the fair’s cultural and artistic programme, explaining how this year’s theme shapes the activities and experiences offered to visitors.

She said: “Stories have been part of our lives since childhood, shaping our memories and how we understand ourselves and the world. We also create stories through what we write, share and leave behind. This idea inspired the theme of the 45th edition and runs throughout its books, discussions and activities, giving every visitor the chance to discover a new story, experience a different chapter or begin one of their own.”

Mansour Al Hassani, Director of Publishing Services at SBA, outlined the professional programme accompanying the fair and the opportunities it offers publishers to develop their businesses, exchange expertise, and expand rights trading and translation activities across international markets.

He said: “The Sharjah International Book Fair’s programme brings together publishers and book industry professionals from around the world, giving them opportunities to discuss developments in publishing markets, develop their skills, and build new business relationships and partnerships.”

SIBF 2026 will welcome 2,673 publishers, including 1,151 Arab and 1,122 international publishers, showcasing titles in multiple languages across literature, science, children’s books and other fields.

SIBF 2026 will feature 1,500 cultural, creative and artistic events, bringing together 106 guests from 25 countries. The programme includes panel discussions, literary talks, workshops, theatrical performances and interactive activities for children and adults.

Writers, poets, intellectuals and researchers from the UAE, the Arab world and beyond will explore topics spanning literature, poetry, literary criticism, history, science, technology and contemporary social and cultural issues.

SIBF 2026 will welcome Emirati writers, thinkers, poets and artists, including Dr. Sultan Al Ameemi, Ali Abu Al Reesh, Dr. Habib Ghuloom, Dr. Shihab Ghanem, Dr. Ahmed Al Khoori, Fathiya Al Nimr, Dubai Abulhoul, Aisha Sultan and Nasser Al Dhaheri.

Arab guests will include Moroccan academic and researcher Dr. Said Yaktine, a specialist in narratology, literary theory and digital literature; Lebanese actor, writer and director Rafiq Ali Ahmad; and Lebanese novelist and journalist Najwa Barakat.

The programme will also feature Sudanese novelist Dr. Amir Tag Elsir, Kuwaiti novelist Saud Alsanousi, and Syrian-Canadian author Zoulfa Katouh.

SIBF 2026 will welcome international writers, researchers and creative figures, including V.D. Satheesan, currently serving as the 13th Chief Minister of Kerala. He will join American writer, artist and translator Daisy Rockwell; American-Canadian novelist and journalist John Vaillant; Chinese novelist and screenwriter Liu Zhenyun; and Filipino historian Ambeth R. Ocampo.

The programme will also feature Nigerian author Nnedi Okorafor; British novelist Clare Mackintosh; and Indian actress, writer and content creator Shenaz Treasurywala.

Other participants include Australian writer and designer Peter Gould; South African actress and producer Salamina Mosese; Singaporean poet Natalie Wang; German novelist Daniela Tully; and Thailand’s Rewat Panpipat

SIBF 2026 will also feature two specialised courses requiring advance registration. German novelist Daniela Tully will lead a course on narrative voice, character development, dialogue, editing and the publishing process. Meanwhile, Egyptian actor and writer Khaled El Sawy will present ‘Acting Studio: From Training to the Stage’, focusing on performance techniques, character development and improvisation.

The 12-day cultural extravaganza will present three productions requiring advance booking, beginning on November 7 with the exclusive premiere of the musical ‘When Memories Sing’. The show will revisit childhood songs and familiar voices remembered across generations.

On November 8, Abdullah Annan will present ‘Impossible or Science?!’, an interactive family show combining optical illusions and scientific experiments. Children and families will be invited to participate, vote and learn the scientific explanations behind seemingly impossible acts.

The outdoor stage at Expo Centre Sharjah will then host ‘Waterland’ on November 14 and 15, a theatrical production featuring Hussein Al Mahdi, Shaila Sabt, Ghorour Safar, Mohammed Al Musallam, Ahmed bin Hussein, Shamlan Al Omairi, Amani Al Dobb, Areej Al Attar, Najla Al Baloushi, Wahaj Al Anzi, Raghad Mohammed and Ahmed bin Jalal.

SIBF 2026 will host the fifth edition of the ‘Thriller Festival’ from November 7-10, in collaboration with Capital Crime London and Thriller Festival New York. The event will bring together more than 12 specialists, including crime, mystery and thriller writers, literary agents and screenwriters.

Featured guests include British novelist and former police officer Clare Mackintosh; American author Karen Dionne, whose novel The Marsh King’s Daughter was adapted for film; and British writer and journalist Elizabeth Moore, known for her psychological thriller The Man on the Middle Floor.

They will be joined by Vaseem Khan, author of the Baby Ganesh Agency and Malabar House series; British novelist Abir Mukherjee, author of the Wyndham & Banerjee detective series; and British writer David Fennell, whose crime fiction includes the Sleeper and Grace Archer series.

Arab participants include Egyptian novelist Noha Dawoud, Emirati writer and director Ibrahim Al Marzouqi, and Emirati author Adel Al Sumaiti.

The festival will also welcome Emirati novelist Mohammed Ali Al Hammadi, Emirati writer Alia Nasser Al Zaabi, and Syrian novelist and journalist Islam Abu Shukair.

The Cookery Corner will bring together Arab and international chefs for live cooking demonstrations, introducing visitors to ingredients, flavours and techniques from different culinary traditions.

Participating chefs include Mohammad Orfali from Syria, Salam Daqqaq from Palestine, Jad Youssef from Lebanon, Kausar Raja from Pakistan and the UK, and Marina Georgallides from Greece and the UK.

They will be joined by Xavier Bramble from the Caribbean and the UK; Nitisha Patel, Romy Gill and Monisha Bharadwaj from India and the UK; and Sulaiman Al Kindi and Samira Al Aghbariya from Oman.

Oman will be the Guest of Honour at SIBF 2026, with 50 participants, including 41 writers and poets. Its programme will explore the country’s history, heritage and cultural identity, alongside developments in Omani literature, poetry and the arts. Visitors will also be introduced to Omani cuisine, with activities for children and young people.

The agenda will include 15 cultural sessions, six children’s workshops and 20 artistic performances, including daily musical and traditional folk performances. Two additional artistic presentations and two cookery sessions will also be held.

Participating writers and poets include novelist Zahran Al Qasmi, Dr. Mohammed Al Yahyai, poet Hassan Al Matrooshi, winner of the Al Muallaqa Prize for Classical Arabic Poetry, Dr. Abdulaziz Al Omairi, winner of the Al Burda Award for Nabati Poetry, Dr. Mahmoud bin Mohammed Al Rahbi, and writer and storyteller Ahmed bin Nasser Al Rashdi.

SIBF 2026’s professional events will begin on October 31 with the Publishers’ Training Programme, organised by SBA in collaboration with New York University (NYU). The programme will bring together more than 200 publishers from 17 countries to develop their professional skills and understanding of changes in the global publishing industry.

Sessions will cover developments in the global audiobook market, video and social media marketing strategies, international translation rights markets, and the exchange of content and cultural assets between markets.

The 16th Sharjah Publishers Conference will take place from November 1-3, bringing together publishers and book industry professionals. Nine countries will participate for the first time, including Angola, Aruba, Belarus, Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Myanmar, Trinidad, Tobago and Niger.

Held under the theme ‘Publishing in an Accelerating Age’, the conference will feature more than 30 sessions and workshops covering artificial intelligence, developments in the audiobook market, publishing rights trading, children’s books and the growing role of comics in publishing.

Participants will also be able to apply for the Sharjah Translation Grant, which supports translating books between Arabic and other languages.

The Sharjah International Library Conference will take place from November 7-9, organised by SBA in partnership with the American Library Association (ALA). It will bring together more than 400 librarians, information professionals and library staff from academic, public, school, government and private institutions.

Discussions will cover guided and independent reading using the Destiny Discover platform; the contribution of partnerships, public policy and community leadership to building stronger communities; and ways to develop school libraries through student leadership.

SBA is coordinating with the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority to identify additional parking areas and arrange transport services to and from the fair. Details will be announced in the coming days.

SIBF 2026’s partners and sponsors include Etisalat as Official Telecommunications Partner, SAAS as Development Partner, Trends Group as Knowledge Partner, Sharjah Broadcasting Authority as Official Media Partner, Expo Centre Sharjah as Strategic Partner, Bank of Sharjah as Banking Partner, Equiti as Financial Services Partner, and Omeir Travel Agency and National Paints as Partners.

Abu Dhabi , October 14, 2026 : Abu Dhabi is working to set a new global standard for business competitiveness, making the time from an investment decision to actual operations a key measure of the investor journey. This approach focuses on simplifying requirements, accelerating approvals, and strengthening coordination across government entities and the services businesses need to establish and operate.

Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), said that accelerating business establishment and operation is central to strengthening the emirate’s competitiveness and investment appeal. He emphasised that speed must go hand in hand with clear, accessible and predictable procedures.

He explained that speed extends beyond shortening the processing time of a government transaction. It encompasses the entire investor journey, from the decision to invest to the start of actual operations, through simpler procedures, clearer requirements and the removal of unnecessary steps.

This approach places a fundamental question at the heart of business competitiveness: How long does it take for a company to become operational? Abu Dhabi aims to deliver an integrated experience that gives investors clarity at every stage, enabling them to plan confidently and launch faster.

Abu Dhabi is building on sustained reforms to its business ecosystem. In 2021, a joint government effort involving more than 20 entities reduced requirements for establishing new commercial activities by 71 percent, by reviewing procedures, removing duplicate requirements and improving processes.

In the same year, ADDED, in collaboration with the Department of Government Enablement – Abu Dhabi (formerly the Abu Dhabi Digital Authority), launched the Investor Journey through the TAMM platform, bringing government transactions and approvals together within a single digital process. The ecosystem subsequently expanded to include services from banks, telecommunications providers and insurers.

The next phase will focus on streamlining operational requirements, including approvals, permits, premises preparation, utility connections and financial arrangements, through closer coordination among relevant entities to reduce the time companies need to begin operations.

Al Zaabi stressed that a competitive economic environment depends on coordinated efforts across government, businesses, investors and institutions, noting that “no single entity can provide this environment on its own.”

New government initiatives reflect this approach. On the opening day of LIVEX, on 29th September, the Department of Municipalities and Transport launched the Government Asset Investment service through TAMM. The service enables investors to access opportunities involving government land and assets, and complete the investment process from expressions of interest and bid submissions to award and contracting using standardised templates.

In trade, the share of pre-arrival customs clearance transactions rose from 47 percent in 2023 to 72 percent in 2024, reaching 89 percent in the first half of 2026. Transactions completed through direct system integration also grew by 23.5 percent year-on-year, demonstrating the role of digital integration in accelerating trade flows.

This direction comes amid intensifying global competition for investment, with the speed of starting operations and the clarity of procedures increasingly influencing where companies choose to grow and expand.

Abu Dhabi’s approach is supported by a growing economic base. Non-oil activities accounted for 54.7 percent of the emirate’s gross domestic product in 2024, according to Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi. New economic licences increased by 21 percent in Q1 2026, following growth of 29 percent in 2025, according to the Abu Dhabi Registration Authority.

Al Zaabi said, “Behind every new licence is a decision made by an entrepreneur, an investor or a family to build their future here.”

By combining regulatory reform, digital integration and coordinated services, Abu Dhabi is working to translate this momentum into businesses that launch, operate and grow faster, reinforcing its position as a global benchmark for an efficient investor journey.

The ambition is for Abu Dhabi to become the benchmark against which the world measures the speed of moving from an investment decision to actual business operations.

Sharjah , October 14, 2026: Sharjah Digital Department (SDD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Amazon Web Services (AWS) on Tuesday to strengthen cooperation in digital capability building and the exchange of knowledge and technical expertise.

The MoU supports Sharjah’s digital transformation journey and the continued development of the Emirate’s government digital services and capabilities.

The MoU was signed on the sidelines of SDD’s participation in AWS Summit 2026, by Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director-General of SDD, and Chris Erasmus, General Manager, UAE & Rest of MENA, Amazon Web Services (AWS).

Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi said that the MoU reflects SDD’s approach to building effective collaborations with global technology companies and drawing on their expertise and knowledge, noting that it will help government entities to keep pace with rapid technological developments.

He said, “We believe that capability building and knowledge exchange are fundamental to achieving sustainable digital transformation. Through our cooperation with Amazon Web Services, we seek to make the most of global technical expertise.”

He added that the cooperation will focus on developing government employees’ skills in advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and cloud computing, to improve public services and operational efficiency and deliver tangible impact for the community.

Erasmus said, “At Amazon Web Services, we are committed to supporting the digital ambitions of governments across the region. This collaboration with Sharjah Digital Department reflects our shared belief that investing in people and building local expertise in cloud computing are essential to driving meaningful digital transformation. We look forward to working closely with Sharjah Digital Department to empower government teams with the skills and tools they need to deliver innovative, efficient services for the people of Sharjah.”

In the area of capability building, the two sides will cooperate on specialised training programmes and initiatives to develop the skills of government professionals in artificial intelligence, cloud computing and related technologies. These aim to strengthen readiness to keep pace with future digital requirements and developments.

The cooperation will also include the exchange of expertise and best practices in technology policies, data classification and data privacy. The signatories will also explore frameworks that enable government entities to benefit from technology solutions in line with their needs and applicable policies and requirements.

The MoU supports the Sharjah Digital Transformation Strategy 2026–2028, which aims to strengthen government digital capabilities, improve service delivery and build an integrated and sustainable digital government ecosystem.

More than 150 UAE-based employees join the celebration at the company’s new Al Quoz office as the Breeze Holdings member sets its sights on technology-led growth

Dubai, October 14, 2026:  Seabreeze Logistics, a member of Breeze Holdings, has marked 30 years of operations by inaugurating its new Regional Headquarters in Al Quoz, Dubai, in the presence of more than 150 UAE-based employees.

Seabreeze Logistics CEO Rasheel Pulikkal officially opened the new office. The celebration brought together the company’s UAE workforce to mark three decades in logistics.

Ahead of the inauguration, employees signed a commemorative board to mark their participation in the milestone. The company said the gesture symbolised unity, ownership and the contribution of every team member to its journey.

Commenting on the milestone, Chairman Mr. Rasheed Ali Pulikkal said: “Our strength has always been our people. With this new headquarters, we are better placed for the years ahead.”

CEO Mr. Rasheel Pulikkal added: “Our people have been the heart of Seabreeze Logistics for 30 years. This new office is a testament to their dedication, hard work and belief in a bigger tomorrow.”

Seabreeze Logistics began operations in 1996 and reaches its 30th year in 2026. The company operates under Breeze Holdings, which has a presence in more than eight countries. The new Regional Headquarters, the company said, represents another milestone in the group’s growth journey.

As it enters its fourth decade, Seabreeze Logistics outlined a forward-looking agenda that begins with its people. The company said employees remain the foundation of its success, and it plans to continue developing its teams, leadership and internal systems to build a stronger organisation.

Technology will play a central role in the next phase. Seabreeze Logistics said it is focused on digital transformation and the adoption of technology and AI-enabled solutions across its operations. Alongside this, the company reaffirmed its commitment to reliable service and long-term customer relationships.

The company also pointed to the international footprint of Breeze Holdings as a driver of future growth. With the group present in more than eight countries, Seabreeze Logistics said it intends to draw on this global outlook as it prepares for its next phase of expansion.

The company said the new headquarters will serve as a base for strengthening its regional operations while supporting workforce development and the adoption of new technologies across its business.

With a team of more than 150 people in the UAE and the backing of an international group, Seabreeze Logistics said it remains focused on its people, its customers and sustainable growth.

“Thirty years of experience, a strong foundation of people and a renewed vision for the future — Seabreeze Logistics begins its next chapter.”