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Dubai , October 18, 2026 : Joyalukkas, the world’s favourite
jeweller, officially opened Jewel of Joy, the biggest jewellery showroom in the Middle
East, at Dubai Gold District. The launch is a landmark milestone in the Group’s journey
of nearly four decades in the UAE and a tribute to Dubai’s enduring stature as the City
of Gold.
The showroom was inaugurated by His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi,
Minister of Foreign Trade of the United Arab Emirates, alongside H.E. Dr. E. Vishnu
Vardhan Reddy, Consul General of India in Dubai; Mr. Issam Galadhari, CEO of Ithra
Dubai; Mr. Rashid Alharmoodi, Senior Director– Commercial, Dubai Gold District; Mr.
Tawhid Abdullah ,Chairman of Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group: Dr. Joy Alukkas,
Chairman of Joyalukkas Group; Mr. John Paul Alukkas, CEO of Joyalukkas Jewellery &
family members and other distinguished dignitaries.
A Destination of Unprecedented Scale
Spanning 25,000 square feet, Jewel of Joy has been conceived as a complete jewellery
experience centre rather than a conventional showroom, ranging from timeless gold and
elaborate bridal collections to responsibly sourced diamonds and rare precious
gemstones. Located in the heart of Dubai Gold District, Jewel of Joy by Joyalukkas is
the brand’s one and only showroom of its kind, offering an exclusive jewellery
experience unlike any of its 200+ showrooms worldwide. The name “Jewel of Joy by
Joyalukkas” was unveiled by Mr. Issam Galadhari, CEO of Ithra Dubai.
At the heart of the showroom is The Royal Bangle Walk, a monumental bangle through
which visitors can walk. The signature installation will be unveiled by H.E. Dr. E. Vishnu
Vardhan Reddy, Consul General of India in Dubai during the inauguration.
An Experience Designed Around Every Customer
Every element of Jewel of Joy has been designed to deliver a personalised and
memorable visit:
· Exclusive Designer Studio:
· Premium VIP Lounge:
· Kids’ Engagement Zone:
· Dedicated Maintenance Services:

Speaking at the inauguration, Dr. Joy Alukkas, Chairman of Joyalukkas Group, said:
“Jewel of Joy is more than a showroom. It is our tribute to a city that has given us so
much, and our promise to customers that we will always strive to give them more. For
nearly 40 years, we have grown alongside the UAE, and this destination reflects the
scale, craftsmanship and warmth that define both Joyalukkas and Dubai. From The
Royal Bangle Walk to our most extensive collection to date, every detail has been
designed to make our customers feel truly special. This is our way of saying that the
best is yet to come.”
Mr. John Paul Alukkas, CEO of Joyalukkas Jewellery said, “Our mission is to constantly
meet their expectations and enhance their jewellery shopping experience. This
showroom will be an experience like never before. Its has everything a jewellery lover
would like to experience and more. I invite all UAE residents and tourists to visit and
experience the magnificent destination we have created for them.”
With a legacy of over 70 years, 200+ showrooms across 13 countries and the trust of
over 10 million customers, Joyalukkas continues to set benchmarks in jewellery retail.
Jewel of Joy brings this legacy of trust, craftsmanship and excellence to Dubai Gold
District.

Dubai , October 16, 2026 : Mohammed Bin Rashid Library will participate for the first time as a strategic partner in the eighth AccessAbilities Expo, taking place from 19 to 21 October at Dubai World Trade Centre.

Through interactive experiences and inclusive resources, the Library will highlight its commitment to making knowledge and culture accessible to everyone.

Visitors will be able to discover more than 2,500 Braille books in Arabic and English, explore a collection of over 10,000 audio resources, and learn about multilingual digital reading through the Read in Your Language initiative and Libby platform.

Assistive technologies, including the Emprint Braille Printer, will also be on display, allowing visitors to have their names printed in Braille.

The Library will showcase its accessible services for People of Determination, particularly people who are blind or have low vision, and explain how to register for membership and access its resources. Selected books will also be distributed through the A World Reads initiative.

Beyond its collections, the Library offers accessible pathways, ramps, Braille signage, audio-visual alarms, emergency evacuation chairs and sensory pods. Its facilities comply with the Dubai Universal Design Code, while its Autism-Friendly Certification reflects its efforts to welcome visitors with diverse needs.

Through its participation, the Library invites People of Determination, families, specialists and the wider public to explore practical ways to make reading, learning and cultural participation more inclusive.

Sharjah ,October 16, 2026 : Sharjah has recorded AED 46.8 billion in real estate transactions during the first nine months of 2026, attracting approximately 10,000 new investors from more than 130 nationalities, while the emirate’s rental yields estimated at 8% to 12% are strengthening its investment appeal.

Industry leaders at the ninth Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF 2026) highlighted growing demand for off-plan properties, integrated residential communities and long-term rental income, alongside the importance of development quality, supporting infrastructure and regulatory clarity in sustaining investor confidence.

The discussion, held during a panel titled ‘Real Estate as an Economic Engine’, brought together Yousif Ahmed Al Mutawa, Chief Real Estate Officer at Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq); Eng. Raymond Khouzami, Vice Chairman of Al Thuriah Properties; and Obaid Abdulrahman Al Madhloum, Director of the Real Estate Projects Regulation Department at the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department (SRERD). Moderated by Hazza Ebrahim Al Mansoori, CEO of MAL Properties and Group Business Development Director at Yas Holding Technology, the session also examined the shift towards property ownership and longer-term rental income as investors increasingly prioritise sustained value.

Obaid Abdulrahman Al Madhloum emphasised that investors look for security, stability and clear legislation before assessing potential financial returns. “Transparency is fundamental to building confidence and supporting sustainable investment. Investors want security first. They want to know that their investments are protected and that clear regulations are in place. Once they have that assurance and a sense of stability, they can assess the potential financial returns,” he said.

Al Madhloum noted that buyer preferences have shifted from a stronger focus on completed properties towards growing interest in off-plan units and integrated residential communities. The department has been updating its systems and regulations to reflect these changing requirements.

He also highlighted the role of the Aqari platform, available under the Sharjah Digital initiative, in expanding access to real estate services. “These include development project registration, preliminary sale contracts, resale and escrow account services, introduced at the beginning of this year. The regular publication of transaction data and access to detailed market information also help investors and developers make informed decisions,” Al Madhloum said.

Eng. Raymond Khouzami highlighted how rising rents, alongside urban and economic growth, are influencing decisions about property ownership. Some tenants are considering purchasing homes rather than continuing to pay annual rent, while investors are increasingly holding properties to generate rental income over the longer term instead of selling for short-term gains.

Khouzami estimated rental yields in Sharjah at between 8% and 12%, describing them as an attractive investment proposition. “Buyers are becoming more discerning, paying greater attention to finishing quality, interior design, space planning, maintenance and after-sales services. Demand for larger apartments suited to families is also increasing. They look at the overall quality of the property, the facilities available within the building or residential community, and the services provided after the sale,” he said.

Khouzami added that the entry of new development companies into Sharjah is intensifying competition and encouraging developers to improve their offerings. “Expanding road and bridge networks, schools, community facilities and economic zones are supporting the appeal of emerging residential areas. Homebuyers are choosing where to live, and investors are assessing a property’s rental potential. Accessibility, the quality of the surrounding neighbourhood and the availability of services are becoming important considerations alongside the property itself.”

Yousif Ahmed Al Mutawa highlighted a shift in how the success of real estate projects is assessed. While sales volumes and the speed of selling units have been important measures, he said the focus is more on residents’ experience after moving into a development and whether the facilities and services promised at the point of purchase are delivered.

“We do not view a residential development simply as a collection of buildings that can be constructed, offered for sale and then considered complete. A project’s success must be assessed by the experience residents have when they move into the community and begin living there,” he said.

“Shurooq considers residents’ needs from the earliest stages of project planning, with sustainability forming an integral part of development. This includes providing everyday amenities within residential communities to reduce the need for travel, helping manage living costs and adopting environmental practices that allow resources to be reused. The approach seeks to balance investment viability with residents’ quality of life over the long term. Shurooq’s real estate portfolio includes Sharjah Sustainable City, Maryam Island and Ajwan in Khorfakkan, reflecting different residential and destination-led development opportunities across the emirate,” said Al Mutawa.

The discussion also highlighted the opportunities presented by Sharjah’s geographical diversity, from established residential districts and emerging communities to coastal destinations that appeal to buyers and holiday-home investors.

Organised by the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah) in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Investment, SIF 2026 is held under the theme ‘Building Adaptive Economies’. The forum brings together business leaders, investors and policymakers to explore investment opportunities, economic resilience and sustainable growth.

1. India’s bilateral trade with the UAE reached US$101.25 billion, marking the second consecutive year exceeding the US$100 billion milestone. India and UAE have agreed to double bilateral trade to US$200 billion by 2032.
 
2. India’s Exports to the UAE exceeded US$37.35 billion, making the UAE India’s second-largest export destination and third-largest trading partner overall. India’s imports from the UAE stood at US$63.89 billion, with India ranking as the UAE’s second-largest trading partner. 
 
3. India has over 797,230 startups, making it the third-largest startup hub globally. Of these, 35,500 are funded companies that have collectively raised US$683 billion in venture capital and private equity. 
 
4. India is home to 93 unicorns. A total of 121,969 investors have participated in 53,521 funding rounds, with 3,136 startups securing early-stage funding and 918 raising late-stage funding. 

Dubai, October 16, 2026 : ​ 

Technology, innovation, start-ups and Fin-techs could help accelerate the Indo-UAE relations to US$200 billion in the next few years, said a senior Indian diplomat at a conference, titled Innovators and Investors Series, organised by the Indian People’s Forum in Dubai.

India’s bilateral trade with the UAE reached US$101.25 billion, marking the second consecutive year exceeding the US$100 billion milestone. India’s Exports to the UAE exceeded US$37.35 billion, making the UAE India’s second-largest export destination and third-largest trading partner overall. India’s imports from the UAE stood at US$63.89 billion, with India ranking as the UAE’s second-largest trading partner. Both nations have agreed to double bilateral trade to US$200 billion by 2032.

“As India-UAE bilateral trade exceeded the US$100 billion level, we now need to start creating new avenues of cooperation to double this to US$200 billion in the next few years,” said Dr. Vishnu VardhanReddy, Indian Consul General in Dubai and Northern Emirates, said.

“We can see the next US$100 billion growth coming from innovation, technology, start-ups, fin-techs, renewable energy, defence and space technology.”

India has over 797,230 startups, making it the third-largest startup hub globally. Of these, 35,500 are funded companies that have collectively raised US$683 billion in venture capital and private equity. The country is home to 93 unicorns. A total of 121,969 investors have participated in 53,521 funding rounds, with 3,136 start-ups securing early-stage funding and 918 raising late-stage funding. 

In the last five years, 113,624 new companies have been founded, raising over US$13.9 billion in funding. Startups in India have witnessed 5,347 acquisitions and 6,531 IPOs, while 108,614 startupswrapped up operations. Additionally, 23,719 companies have been founded by women.

The Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry (BHASKAR) platform has crossed 660,000+ users. Startups have generated over IN₹51,000+ crore in orders via the Government e-Marketplace (GeM).

The conference showcased two start-ups – JE Plus Healthcare and University Living – both seeking investment to scale up business and become global enterprises. JE Plus Healthcare is solving the distribution and logistics affecting the delivery of healthcare products across India while University Livinghelps students find cost-effective student accommodation in different parts of the world.

“In order to double our bilateral trade with the UAE, we need to create new partnerships including investment in start-ups, as India has become a breeding ground for star-ups and fin-techs who would require investment to scale up business to become global enterprises. In this case the UAE’s business leaders and investors could help cement the partnerships and accelerate the bilateral trade to the US$200 billion level,” Dr Reddy stressed.

Famous Bollywood actor and an investor Vivek Oberoi, said, while everyone celebrates success, it is equally important to celebrate failure. “We celebrate success a lot. But we should also celebrate failure, as it is the lessons from failure that give us success. I have my share of failures as well,” he said.

“I have invested in 35 companies; some of them didn’t do so well, but we made up with those which did well. The UAE’s investors and institutional capital could unleash exponential possibilities by investing in Indian start-ups and help them become large global businesses.”

Indian Peoples’ Forum (IPF) is a peaceful, just, tolerant and prosperous Indian community in UAE wherediversity is valued and celebrated, cultural heritage is enjoyed and nurtured, and Indian Cultural Heritage is preserved and deserving Indian’s hope is inspired and empowered.

Jitendra Vaidya, National President of IPF, says, “The Indo-UAE relationship has reached a strategic level where two-way investment will further cement the bonding with greater benefit for both countries. We are here to bring our diaspora to align ourselves to ensure that we contribute to the growth of the UAE-India relationship for the greater good of both countries.”

IPF aims to gain credibility by adhering to its commitments, displaying honesty and integrity, and reaching IPF goals solely through honorable conduct. Its objective is to foster a peaceful, just and prosperous Indian community in the UAE where diversity is valued and celebrated, cultural heritage is nurtured, preserved and enjoyed, keeping the hope of all Indians vibrant, inspired and empowered.

Mahesh Advani, Convenor of IPF Business Council, said, “We urge UAE’s investors to support the Indian start-ups in a bigger way and become part of this new growth engine and enjoy the higher return on investment from these start-ups.

In the year 2026, till October 2026, US$18.3 billion has been raised in 166,000 equity funding rounds across India. In the same period last year (i.e. till October 2025), US$17.2 billion had been raised across 272,000 rounds in India. So, 2026 has seen a 6.11 percent rise in funding in companies of India as compared to 2025.

Piyush Jhunjhunwala, Co-Convenor of IPF Business and Professional Council and Founder of Stockify, said, “Indian businessmen, business leaders and investors will have to look at increasing their investment in start-ups and fin-techs, especially those powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning and robotics. By intelligent investment, they can not only multiply their wealth, but also contribute to society and the country, helping start-ups create employment and become global unicorns.”

IPF is a platform for social and cultural activities involving different social groups from all over India. It organises events and activities for enriching socio-cultural life of Indian community.

Dubai, October 16, 2026 : A total of 88 Arabian and Thoroughbred horses competed in 13 races during the third trial race of the 2026–2027 season, held at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, the UAE Horse Racing Authority announced.

In a statement, the Authority said the trial race featured 75 purebred Arabian horses, including 59 making their first appearance and 16 with previous racing experience. Another 13 Thoroughbreds took part, including seven newcomers and six previously raced horses.

Rashid Al Balushi, a member of the Authority’s Stewards Committee, said participation had risen significantly to 88 horses, compared with 41 in the first and second trial races, reflecting growing interest among owners, trainers and jockeys.

He added that trial races will continue throughout the season ahead of the scheduled races.

Dubai , October 16, 2026 : The UAE is spearheading international efforts to combat hunger and malnutrition through humanitarian assistance, development partnerships and agricultural innovation, aiming to save lives, strengthen food system resilience and ensure sustainable supplies.

These efforts were reflected in a range of initiatives throughout 2026, including humanitarian campaigns targeting the most vulnerable, international partnerships to expand nutrition programmes, and innovative projects to boost agricultural production and strengthen communities’ capacity to withstand food crises.

The ‘Edge of Life’ campaign, launched in February 2026 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to save five million children from dying of hunger, raised more than AED2.822 billion, with contributions from 44,208 donors, exceeding its AED1 billion target.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) announced a US$300 million (AED1.0175 billion) partnership to implement the campaign. This includes a joint contribution of US$100 million from MBRGI and CIFF, while UNICEF is mobilising an additional US$200 million through its partners to expand life-saving nutrition programmes.

The UAE provided a US$20 million grant to the World Food Programme (WFP) to support people affected by the conflict in Sudan and sent 30 tonnes of food aid to Kenya to assist families affected by drought and climate-related challenges.

It also allocated US$8 million to Chad to address the impacts of the El Niño climate phenomenon and the risks of hunger and malnutrition, alongside food assistance delivered to the Gaza Strip by land, sea and air under Operation Chivalrous Knight 3.

DP World, in cooperation with the WFP, transported 5,000 metric tonnes of rice to support humanitarian operations in Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda through logistical arrangements that helped cover part of the maritime shipping costs.

In April, the UAE was elected to the WFP Executive Board for the 2026–2028 term, expanding its role beyond providing assistance to participating in guiding international efforts to combat hunger, supporting humanitarian operations and supply chains, and helping ensure that food reaches the most vulnerable populations despite global challenges.

In September, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) convened a High-Level Ministerial Majlis and Implementation Dialogue: From Water Stress to Implementation – Building Country Pathways for Water-Secure Agriculture at the Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations in New York. The event was part of MOCCAE’s participation in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81).

Discussions focused on translating national priorities into actionable projects, expanding access to expertise, data and technologies, improving irrigation efficiency, reusing water, protecting groundwater, managing salinity and advancing digital solutions.

The roundtable is paving the way for the 2026 UN Water Conference, which Abu Dhabi will host from 8th to 10th December, building on the outcomes of COP28, including the UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems and Climate Action.

Dubai Cares, an organisation under MBRGI, launched the ‘Feed a Child, Build a Kitchen’ campaign to support Kenya’s environmentally friendly school meals programme, with plans to expand the initiative to countries across sub-Saharan Africa.

The campaign aims to provide sustainable food and strengthen the ability of children and their families to cope with hunger and malnutrition. More than 90 percent of children in Africa lack a balanced diet, while 60 percent of children in Kenya suffer from malnutrition, affecting school attendance, concentration and academic performance.

The UAE and the United States spearheaded the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate), launched in November 2021 with a US$4 billion investment commitment to global agricultural innovation. In May 2023, investments under the initiative were announced to have increased to more than US$13 billion.

At COP28, hosted by the UAE, 134 countries signed a declaration on sustainable agriculture, resilient food systems and climate action. More than US$2.5 billion was also mobilised to support food security in the face of climate change.

Domestically, the UAE launched the ”National Programme to Strengthen Supply Chain Resilience in the UAE” to diversify import sources, support local manufacturing and agriculture, and strengthen international partnerships. The country also hosted World Food Week this October, leveraging its strategic position connecting Asia, Africa and Europe and its advanced logistics infrastructure.

The UAE’s trade in food, agricultural and related products reached US$41.8 billion in 2025, while Food Tech Valley in Dubai attracted US$50 billion in investments to support the development of a sustainable food ecosystem, including vertical and hydroponic farming technologies and precision fermentation.

The UAE is implementing its National Food Security Strategy 2051, which includes 38 short- and long-term initiatives and aims to position the country as a global leader in the Food Security Index by 2051.

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.