News

Dubai , March 24 , 2026 : As part of the efforts of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority
(RTA) to support commercial transport as a vital sector underpinning
the emirate’s economic and commercial activity, contributing to the
delivery of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and reinforcing its
global standing, RTA emphasised the importance of public
compliance with the unified contract for car rental offices. The
contract regulates the relationship between rental offices and
renters across the emirate and clearly defines the rights and
obligations of both parties under transparent terms that safeguard
their interests.
The unified contract applies to all car rental offices across the
emirate to safeguard renters’ rights through the use of automated
contracts based on a secure and unified system that enhances
transparency across the sector, in line with Dubai’s pioneering
civilised image and reinforcing its reputation in this field.
Ahmed Mahboob, CEO of the Licensing Agency at Dubai’s Roads
and Transport Authority (RTA) said: “RTA continues to enhance the
quality and competitiveness of its services, streamline procedures,
and deliver solutions to challenges faced by sector stakeholders, to
raise customer satisfaction and strengthen confidence in the
services provided across the emirate. Dubai’s car rental sector has
recorded significant growth, both in terms of registered vehicles and
companies licensed to operate.”
He added: “The unified contract for car rental offices in the emirate
is of high importance in streamlining and enhancing the customer
journey and supporting the sector through continuous coordination
with stakeholders at the Dubai Department of Economy and
Tourism, Dubai Police General Headquarters, and the Security
Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA). We have also organised a
series of awareness workshops for companies operating in the car
rental sector across the emirate to familiarise them with the
contract’s provisions, obligations, and implementation procedures.

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“The unified contract protects both the lessor and the renter through
the Transport Activities Rental System (TARS), helps reduce
feedback and complaints from both parties, and raises renters’
awareness, including tourists, of their rights and obligations.
Contract adoption is completed through identity verification
procedures for the vehicle recipient using a one-time password
(OTP) for digital signature.”
The unified contract for car rental offices includes a range of key
information, most notably vehicle and renter details, as well as the
particulars of the rental transaction, including documentation of the
vehicle’s condition at handover and return through images that
accurately reflect its status. It also sets out the obligations of both
parties, including ensuring that renters are not charged any costs
arising from accidents or during the repair period, and prohibiting the
imposition of any undisclosed fees, such as additional charges
related to passing toll gates. The contract further requires rental
offices to refund the security deposit within the specified timeframe
and emphasises full compliance with all applicable federal and local
laws and regulations in the UAE.

Ajman, March 24, 2026 : Ajman Transport Authority revealed that 435,571 users utilised transport services across the emirate during the Eid Al-Fitr holiday, including 60,531 users of public transport on internal and external routes, and 375,040 taxi users, reflecting the strong demand for transport services and the Authority’s operational readiness during this period.

The Authority explained that these figures reflect the success of its operational and organizational plans aimed at ensuring smooth traffic flow and the continued delivery of transport services in line with the highest standards of quality and safety, in a manner that meets the needs of community members and visitors and enhances ease of mobility across various areas of the emirate.

Omar Mohammed Lootah, Director General of Ajman Transport, affirmed that the recorded results reflect the public’s confidence in the Authority’s services and confirm its success in providing a transport system characterized by efficiency and reliability, thereby contributing to a safe and comfortable mobility experience for users.

The Authority added that it continues its efforts to develop public transport and taxi services and enhance their operational efficiency, in line with its strategic direction toward providing integrated and sustainable transport services that support quality of life in the Emirate of Ajman.

CBUAE’s foreign assets crossed AED 1.084 trillion at end of January 2026

ABU DHABI, 24, 2026 : The foreign assets of the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) exceeded AED 1.084 trillion at the end of January 2026, compared to AED 1.058 trillion at the end of December 2025, according to official data released today.

The Central Bank’s foreign assets as of the end of January were distributed as follows: AED 285.5 billion in current account balances and deposits with banks abroad, AED 740.9 billion in foreign investments, and AED 58 billion in other foreign assets.

The Central Bank’s balance sheet exceeded AED 1.119 trillion, distributed as follows: AED 533.4 billion in current and deposit accounts, AED 306 billion in monetary bills and Islamic certificates of deposit, AED 177.4 billion in currency notes and coins issued, and AED 24.9 billion in other liabilities. Capital and reserves amounted to AED 77.6 billion.

As for the Central Bank’s assets, they were distributed as follows: AED 224.2 billion in cash and bank balances, AED 76.2 billion in deposits, AED 767.6 billion in investments, and AED 51.3 billion in other assets.

Dubai , March 24 ,2026 : The UAE’s real estate sector continues to demonstrate resilience and steady investor confidence amid the current regional uncertainty, supported by robust structural demand drivers and the country’s reputation as a stable global investment destination, according to Dr. Amit Goenka, Chairman and Managing Director of Nisus Finance Group (NiFCO).

“While geopolitical developments may lead to short-term caution and slower decision-making, the core demand drivers – population inflows, business relocations, residency reforms, and sustained global wealth migration remain intact. As a result, any near-term impact is likely to be sentiment-driven and temporary, with no significant disruption expected to pricing trends or ongoing project pipelines,” said Dr. Amit Goenka.

Notwithstanding the current regional uncertainty, the role of the UAE’s leadership in remaining steadfast and supporting businesses, economic growth, and providing interventions across regulatory, banking, and civil systems has enhanced civic confidence and kept global investors engaged even in such environments. The continued focus of the UAE’s leadership and governance on ensuring peace, stability, and growth for its citizens, residents, and businesses remains paramount, as evidenced through various statements and initiatives undertaken over the past few weeks.

“This will go a long way in reassuring residents, citizens, the business community, and global investors and support continued investment activity over time, as stability returns. As an investment advisor and investor in UAE assets, we continue to view the market with confidence, particularly from a long-term perspective.

“We believe that the UAE, given the larger geopolitical uncertainties and dynamics, will continue to attract global capital once the current conflict subsides, supported by its regulatory strength, dynamic leadership, and continued non-oil economic diversification. Our focus remains on deploying capital in a disciplined but cautious manner in line with evolving market conditions.”

Since the breakout of the conflict, over 4,800 property transactions were recorded in Dubai between February 28 and March 12, with total transaction value reaching nearly AED 16 billion (approximately US$4.3 billion) within just two weeks.

This is on top of the AED 170 billion (US$46.5 billion) worth of property transactions recorded by the Dubai Land Department in the first two months of 2026.

“These data points reflect the underlying strength of the market and should provide reassurance to investors. While the near-term environment may require a more cautious approachthe UAE’s long-term growth story remains firmly in place,” Dr. Goenka said.

Nisus Finance Services Company Limited (NIFCO), recently announced investments in two projects, with a collective investment outlay of nearly AED 322 million, including an AED 101.1 million investment in acquiringParadise View 1, a residential building in the Majan mixed-use community. The announcement comes just two months after Nisus Finance acquired Lootah Avenue at Dubai Motor City for AED 220.76 million in December last year.

The transactions are part of Nisus Finance’s planned US$1 billion fund development in partnership with global institutional funds and family offices, dedicated to the UAE real estate market. 

“Our investment highlights measured institutional confidence in the UAE real estate market and reflects Nisus Finance’s focus on disciplined asset selection, structured transactions, and robust governance under the DIFC regulatory framework.”

“Over the past several weeks, our investors have remained unfettered by the current situation and continue to engage with us to identify new opportunities and build a stronger portfolio. Nisus Finance’s continued focus on disciplined investing and robust governance continues to attract additional LP interest”, he added.

Nisus Finance leverages over a decade and a half of experience, utilising local market expertise and proprietary data to capitalise on emerging trends and consistently deliver superior risk-adjusted returns.

Nisus Finance specialises in urban infrastructure financing and private capital market transactions. The company, along with its subsidiaries and associates, focuses on two main areas: Fund & Asset Management and Transaction Advisory Services. With over a decade of experience in India, Nisus manages IN₹15.72 billion in assets for FY 2025, delivering gross IRR of more than 19 percent.

Dubai, March 18, 2026 : The United Arab Emirates is gearing up to celebrate Eid Al Fitr with a vibrant programme of festivals, entertainment shows and family-oriented activities across public spaces, shopping malls and leisure destinations decorated with festive lights and greetings.

Shopping centres have seen a surge in activity ahead of Eid, as residents stock up on clothing, sweets and gifts, supported by seasonal promotions that have boosted retail traffic.

The Eid holiday, running from 19th to 22nd March, offers an opportunity to visit the country’s tourist attractions, major malls and hotels, many of which have rolled out special programmes for the occasion.

In Abu Dhabi, a range of cultural and entertainment events targeting families and children will take place, led by the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba, which has been running since November and features thousands of cultural and public events with broad international participation.

In Al Ain, the second edition of the “Ghaitah Al Ain” festival will run from 20th to 27th March at ADNEC Al Ain, offering live performances, cultural shows and activities for all age groups.

The emirate also offers a wide selection of attractions, including the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Al Maqta’a Museum, Heritage Village, Saadiyat Cultural District and Yas Island’s leisure facilities.

Dubai is preparing for Eid with a series of entertainment events and experiences for families, alongside retail promotions in shopping malls and special hotel packages.

Citywide events include the “Season of Wulfa”, running until 23rd March, while Expo City Dubai will host Eid celebrations from 20th to 22nd March.

In Sharjah, the “Sharjah Ramadan Festival 2026” will continue through Eid, combining retail offers with cultural and heritage experiences, with participation from local and international brands, entrepreneurs and small businesses.

The emirate also offers a mix of leisure, nature and cultural destinations, including Khorfakkan Amphitheater and Waterfall, Al Suhub Rest House, Al Heera Beach, Arabia’s Wildlife Centre, Al Jada, Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Montazah Parks and Al Qasba.

Ajman features a number of heritage attractions, including Ajman Museum, which dates back to the 18th century and showcases artefacts, manuscripts and traditional costumes.

Umm Al Qaiwain offers leisure options such as Dreamland Aqua Park, the emirate’s aviation, shooting and marine clubs, as well as equestrian facilities.

Ras Al Khaimah has completed preparations to welcome visitors during the holiday, offering a range of experiences including Jebel Jais Flight, one of the world’s longest zip lines, Al Hamra Golf Club, Dhayah Fort and its beaches.

Fujairah remains a popular destination for Eid holidays, with attractions such as the Fujairah Corniche, Madhab Spring Park, and Wadi Wurayah, alongside a growing selection of hotels and resorts, including beachfront properties in Al Aqah.

Dubai, March 18 , 2026: The UAE air defence systems on 18th March 2026 engaged 13 ballistic missiles and 27 UAVs launched from Iran.

Since the onset of the blatant Iranian aggression, UAE air defences have engaged 327 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,699 UAVs.

These attacks have resulted in the martyrdom of two members of the armed forces while performing their national duty, as well as six fatalities of Pakistani, Nepali, Bangladeshi and Palestinian nationalities.

A total of 158 people were also injured, with injuries ranging from minor to moderate and severe. The injured included nationals of the UAE, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Comoros, Türkiye, Iraq, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Ghana, Indonesia, Sweden and Tunisia.

The Ministry of Defence affirmed that it remains fully prepared and ready to deal with any threats, and will firmly confront any attempts to undermine State security in a manner that ensures the protection of its sovereignty, security and stability, and safeguards its national interests and capabilities.

Dubai , February 27 , 2026 : Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has opened a key second-level bridge as part of the World Trade Centre Roundabout Development Project, marking a significant milestone in efforts to enhance traffic flow across the emirate.

The newly inaugurated 1,000-metre bridge comprises two lanes with a design capacity of 3,000 vehicles per hour. It serves traffic from Sheikh Zayed Road to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street towards Al Karama and Deira, reducing journey time from six minutes to just one minute and easing congestion at the World Trade Centre Roundabout.

His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, described the project as one of the most strategic intersection upgrades in Dubai’s road network.

“The World Trade Centre Roundabout Development Project links Sheikh Zayed Road with five major arterial corridors: Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street, Sheikh Rashid Street, 2nd December Street, Zabeel Palace Street and Al Majlis Street,” Al Tayer said.

He added that construction works are progressing ahead of schedule, with overall completion exceeding 60 per cent and three bridges already open to traffic. Two additional bridges serving traffic from Sheikh Rashid Street and Al Majlis Street towards 2nd December Street are scheduled to open in October.

Upon full completion, the project is expected to reduce average intersection delay from 12 minutes to 90 seconds. It will also enhance traffic flow from Sheikh Zayed Road towards 2nd December Street and from Al Mustaqbal Street towards Sheikh Zayed Road southbound.

The development will provide free-flow traffic movements from 2nd December Street (Jumeirah and Al Satwa) to Al Majlis Street leading to Al Mustaqbal Street, serving key destinations such as the Dubai World Trade Centre and the Dubai International Financial Centre, as well as to Sheikh Rashid Street in the direction of Deira. It will also enable uninterrupted traffic movement from Sheikh Zayed Road towards Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street.

Project Details

The project includes the construction of five bridges with a combined length of 5,000 metres, providing free-flow traffic in multiple directions. In addition to the bridge opened today, two bridges were inaugurated in February to serve traffic from 2nd December Street towards Sheikh Rashid Street and Al Majlis Street leading to Al Mustaqbal Street.

These bridges, comprising two lanes in each direction, extend a total of 2,000 metres and have a combined capacity of approximately 6,000 vehicles per hour. The project also involves converting the existing World Trade Centre Roundabout into a signalised at-grade intersection to enhance traffic operations and improve overall network efficiency.

Serving Half a Million Residents and Visitors

The project serves several major commercial, residential and development areas, most notably the Dubai World Trade Centre, a leading venue for international exhibitions and events for more than four decades, and the Dubai International Financial Centre, a key financial hub for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia.

It also enhances connectivity across Zabeel, Al Satwa, Al Karama, Al Jafiliya and Al Mankhool. The total number of beneficiaries is estimated at more than half a million residents and visitors, reinforcing Dubai’s commitment to building a seamless and efficient transport infrastructure.

Dubai ,February 26, 2026 : Dubai International Chamber, one of the three chambers operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, has revealed that 46.9 percent of the multinational companies (MNCs) it attracted to the emirate during 2025 came from Asia.

The Middle East and CIS region ranked second among the list of regions, representing 20.3 percent of the total MNCs attracted to Dubai by the chamber. Europe ranked third with 15.6 percent, followed by the Americas with 12.5 percent, and Africa with 4.7 percent.

Asia also maintained the top position for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), representing 49.8 percent of the total SMEs that Dubai International Chamber successfully attracted to Dubai in 2025.

The Middle East and CIS region ranked in second place, accounting for 19.7 percent, followed by Africa at 12.6 percent, Europe at 10.4 percent, and the Americas making up 7.4 percent of the SMEs attracted.

Dubai International Chamber attracted 64 MNCs to Dubai during 2025 and attracted 309 SMEs in 2025.

Sharjah ,February 26, 2026 : Air Arabia announced the launch of its daily non-stop service connecting Sharjah International Airport with Rome Fiumicino Airport. Commencing on 1st July 2026, the new route will further strengthen the airline’s growing European network and enhance direct connectivity between the UAE and Italy.

The addition of Rome marks another milestone in Air Arabia’s steady European expansion and reinforces its growing presence in Italy. The route will be operated by the Airbus A320neo, one of the latest aircraft added to the carrier’s fleet, offering enhanced fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and improved cabin comfort.

Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia, said, “We are pleased to further expand our European footprint with the launch of daily flights to Rome, one of the world’s most iconic and culturally significant cities. Expanding our presence in Italy reflects our continued commitment to offering convenient, direct connectivity to key international destinations while delivering reliable, value-driven travel options to our customers.”

“We are pleased to welcome Air Arabia, a new carrier that will connect Rome to the United Arab Emirates,” said Ivan Bassato, Chief Aviation Officer of Aeroporti di Roma. “The new service to Sharjah will further expand and diversify the offering to the Arabian Peninsula, reaffirming the strategic importance of the Roman market and strengthening Fiumicino’s international standing as a Skytrax 5 Star Airport and Best Airport in Europe for the past nine consecutive years, thanks to the quality of the services offered to our passengers.”

With the launch of Rome, Air Arabia now offer daily non-stop flights to both Milan– Bergamo and Rome, reinforcing its commitment to providing affordable and convenient travel options between UAE and Italy while supporting the increasing demand for tourism, business, and trade between both countries.

Dubai , February 26 , 2026 : Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has commenced the
implementation of a series of rapid traffic solutions across eight
strategic locations across the emirate, as part of a comprehensive
2026 plan involving more than 45 traffic enhancements. The
measures are designed to enhance efficiency of the road network,
improve traffic flow, and elevate safety standards for all road users,
in line with Dubai’s sustained urban and population growth and the
rising vehicle density across the emirate.
The works span several key locations: Emirates Road from Sharjah
towards Wadi Al Amardi Street; Umm Amara Street from Sheikh
Zayed Road towards Al Wasl Street; Jebel Ali–Lehbab Street; the
area between Sama Al Jaddaf and Al Jaddaf Waterfront near Al
Jaddaf Metro Station; Al Na’ayat Street in Al Barsha 1; Al Maktoum
School in Al Satwa; the intersection of Al Ittihad Street and Al Quds
Street; and Sheikh Rashid Street near Grand Hyatt Dubai towards
Bur Dubai.
Upon completion, the projects are expected to deliver measurable
improvements in traffic performance across the targeted locations.
RTA aims to reduce congestion levels and shorten journey times by
15% to 30%, thereby enhancing traffic flow, improving the daily
mobility experience, and strengthening the operational efficiency of
the road network in these vital areas.
The solutions include widening selected streets from one lane to two
lanes, converting roundabouts into signalised intersections,
constructing new links to enhance connectivity between main roads
and adjacent residential and commercial districts, and implementing
at-grade upgrades. The works also include providing additional
parking spaces at schools and key facilities, alongside a
comprehensive package of traffic safety enhancements, supportinga seamless and secure mobility experience for all road users across
the Emirate.
In delivering road upgrades and traffic improvements, RTA applies
three principal criteria. The process begins with continuous
monitoring of road network performance, comprehensive traffic
studies, and detailed data analysis to identify congestion hotspots
and critical points. Traffic control centres provide real-time
monitoring to detect bottlenecks, while field inspection teams
evaluate on-site conditions and recommend suitable solutions. This
integrated methodology ensures tangible improvements in traffic
flow and helps reduce congestion during peak hours.