UAE residence visa renewal and cancellation: how it works
When to start a UAE residence visa renewal, how cancellation works and who initiates it, how long the grace period runs, and what to check before a long absence.
Материалы автора
UAE Green Visa and freelance visa: residency without an employer
The UAE Green Visa gives five years of residency on a self-sponsorship basis — no employer sponsor required. The benchmark for freelancers is an annual income from AED 360,000. The alternative is a free zone freelance permit: licence and visa in one package. Which route fits, and what to prepare.
UAE Golden Visa for Skilled Professionals: AED 30,000 Salary & IT
UAE Golden Visa conditions for skilled professionals: an AED 30,000 monthly salary, a bachelor's degree, a UAE-approved employment contract and a MOHRE level 1 or level 2 role.
UAE Residence Visa Types 2026: Every Route to Residency
Which UAE residence visas exist and who each one suits: the 10-year Golden Visa, the 5-year Green Visa, employment visas, property investment and freelance routes.
Hiring Employees in the UAE: Building a Multilingual Team (2026)
How to hire employees in the UAE and build a multilingual team: Decree-Law No. 33, MOHRE contracts, work permit types, mainland vs free zone, and NAFIS.
UAE Economy 2026: Diversification Under Stress Test
CBUAE cut UAE 2026 growth from 5.6% to 1.7%. Where the non-oil economy holds, where it doesn't, and what it means for business.
UAE Golden Visa in 2026: Mortgages and Off-Plan Qualify — Where the Rules Get Tricky
From 20 Feb 2026 the UAE Golden Visa property route is one AED 2M DLD valuation. Mortgage and off-plan qualify — with a bank NOC and RERA rules.
UAE CEPA: How the Emirates Paved a Trade Corridor From Mumbai to Minsk
UAE CEPA network in 2026: which trade deals are in force, what the EAEU pact means, tariff rules, rules of origin, and the sectors winning first.
Dubai Real Estate ROI in 2026: What Investors Actually Earn — and What Eats the Yield
Gross yields of 6–9%, Golden Visa from AED 2M, mortgage & off-plan eligible since February 2026. What Dubai property really returns after costs.
UAE Business Regulation in 2026: What Actually Changed — and What You Could Miss
ESR gone. UAE off both grey lists. VARA 2.0 rewrote crypto rules. PDPL exec regs still pending. What genuinely shifts the Emirates business climate in 2026.
Sharjah
Sharjah property 9M 2026: Dh46.8bn deals, up 5.6% y/y
SRERD: 9M 2026 — Dh46.8bn in transactions (+5.6%), 91,560 deals (+14%). Residential at 80.5%; Muwaileh Commercial leads.
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi targets Dh235bn investment, 130,000 jobs by 2045
Abu Dhabi plans Dh235bn investment and 130,000 jobs by 2045 across SAVI, AGWA, HELM, FIDA. What it means for UAE businesses.
ADGM
ADGM H1 2026: AUM up 54%, workforce near 50,000
ADGM H1 2026 report: AUM up 54% YoY, 13,974 active licences, workforce nearing 50,000 — what it means for firms picking a UAE jurisdiction.
UAE Federal Budget
UAE Approves Dh292.5bn Federal Budget for 2027–2029 (+28.3%)
UAE Cabinet approves Dh292.5bn federal budget for 2027–2029, up 28.3% on prior cycle. Social spending gets 38.4%; infrastructure just 3.4%.
Investments
Oraseya Capital doubled to AED 1bn: AI and fintech bet
DIEZ doubled Oraseya Capital from AED 500m to AED 1bn. Max per-company ticket rises to $6m, mandate now extends beyond Series B.
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi extends Tajer no-office licence by one year
Abu Dhabi's DED gives Tajer licence holders an extra year to run businesses without a physical office — if their current period ends in 2026.
UAE–Saudi Arabia
UAE and Saudi Arabia sign MoU on power grid and rail links
Riyadh, 8 October 2026: UAE and Saudi Arabia signed an MoU on power grid interconnection, electricity trading and cross-border rail for goods.
Dubai Cashless Strategy
Dubai Cashless beats 2026 target: 90.1% digital, Dh8bn uplift
Dubai Finance: cashless index at 90.1%, Dh8 billion economic uplift, 99.66% of government collections digital. What it means for business in the UAE.
Mubadala
Mubadala: $39bn a year and Asia share rising from 10% to 13%
Mubadala to maintain $39bn in annual investment and lift Asia's share from 10% to 13%. What it means for the UAE and its businesses.
ADGM
Capital Group lands FSRA licence in ADGM for $3.6T flows
Capital Group ($3.6T AUM) secures FSRA licence to launch its first Middle East office in ADGM. What it means for UAE institutional investors.
CEPA
UAE and Thailand conclude CEPA negotiations in Bangkok
UAE and Thailand concluded CEPA talks. Non-oil trade jumped 75.4% YoY to $10.2bn in H1 2026. Here's what the agreement means for UAE businesses.
Economy
CBUAE raises UAE 2027 GDP forecast to 10.4%
The CBUAE's September Quarterly Economic Review raised the UAE's 2027 GDP forecast from 9.8% to 10.4%, driven by 5 mbd oil output and +26.8% hydrocarbons.
Real estate
Dubai Real Estate Q3 2026: AED 92.9bn Across 37,429 Deals
Dubai Q3 2026 real estate: 37,429 deals worth AED 92.9bn, primary market 57% of value, 81% of deals under AED 3M. What this means for investors.
Real Estate
Dubai shared housing: 10 duties and fines up to Dh1 million
Dubai Municipality has published 10 obligations for shared housing owners under Law 4/2026. Fines Dh500–Dh1m, one year to comply.
UAE-EAEU EPA
UAE-EAEU EPA enters into force — trade hits $33.6bn
UAE-EAEU EPA in force 6 Oct 2026: 86% of lines, 2025 trade $33.6bn (+16%), $50bn target by 2032, EAEU exporters save at least $266m/year in duties.
Non-oil GDP
UAE non-oil GDP up 4.8%, PMI holds 55.3 — 20-month high
UAE non-oil GDP grew 4.8% in Q1 2026, share rising to 79.4%. S&P Global PMI held at 55.3 in September — 20-month high; export orders at ~2-year peak.
Golden Visa
Dubai Golden Visa for Teachers: 223 Awarded on Teachers Day
Dubai keeps granting Golden Visas to top educators: 223 of 435 approved in the first round under Sheikh Hamdan's initiative, 835+ applications.
Bloomberg
UK to UAE: $160bn HNW Wealth Shift — Bloomberg Analysis
Bloomberg: ~$160bn of UK billionaire wealth left Britain over 2 years, half before the April 2025 non-dom reform. UAE in the top three destinations.
WIPO GII 2026
UAE enters world top-25 innovation economies — WIPO GII 2026
UAE enters the world top-25 innovation economies for the first time: 25th of 139 in WIPO GII 2026, up five places, #1 globally in four indicators.
Fitch
Fitch affirms Ras Al Khaimah at A+, lifts 2026 GDP forecast
Fitch affirmed Ras Al Khaimah at A+ and revised 2026 GDP forecast upward from −1.8% to +1.5%, with 5% rebound in 2027. What it means for business.
UAE economy
IIF: UAE government debt falls to 31% of GDP in Q2 2026
IIF: UAE government debt fell to 31% of GDP in Q2 2026 (from 32.9%). Global debt hit a record $365.5 trillion. What that means for UAE businesses.
Aldar Properties
Aldar and Arada seal Dh15bn Abu Dhabi property JV
Aldar and Arada sign a Dh15bn ($4bn) JV: a 1.5 million sqm community at Seih Sdeirah plus three Yas Island plots — Arada’s first Abu Dhabi move.
AI
ADNOC-Presight AIQ Brings AI to Indian Refineries
AIQ, the ADNOC-Presight AI venture, enters India via a deal with an unnamed oil & gas conglomerate — its eighth export market.
Sahm Financial
Sahm Financial opens US and Saudi stocks to UAE investors
DFSA-regulated Sahm Financial Limited (DIFC) opened access to US and Saudi equity markets for UAE retail investors via the Sahm App on 29 September 2026.
Fuel prices
UAE Fuel Prices: Petrol Up ~16% From 1 October 2026
From 1 October UAE petrol rose 15.8–16.6%: Special 95 at AED 4.28, Super 98 at AED 4.40, Diesel at AED 4.80 — a four-year high.
Temasek
Temasek to open Abu Dhabi and Riyadh offices in H1 2027
Singapore's Temasek (S$518bn portfolio) will open Abu Dhabi and Riyadh offices in H1 2027. What the move means for UAE asset management.
Aldar
Aldar & Arada sign Dh15bn JV in Abu Dhabi: Yas + Seih Sdeirah
Aldar and Arada sign a Dh15bn ($4bn) JV: up to 1.5m sqm masterplan at Seih Sdeirah plus three plots on Yas Island. Arada's first Abu Dhabi entry.
Aldar
Aldar hits Dh5bn on Talay, Yas Riva Reserve — Russians in top-5
Aldar Properties booked over Dh5bn ($1.36bn) at Talay (Saadiyat) and Yas Riva Reserve (Yas). Emiratis took 31%; UK, Russia, Jordan, India top.
JD.com
JD.com to Build Logistics Hub in Kezad — 1,000 Direct Jobs
JINGDONG Property (JD.com) to build a 150,000 sqm automated logistics hub in Kezad Al Ma'mourah — 1,000 direct jobs, launch in 2028.
HNWI
UAE — Top HNWI Magnet: 9,800 Millionaires in 2025, Dubai #1
Henley 2025 forecast: UAE to attract 9,800 millionaires — a world record. Dubai #1 in the Savills World Cities Prime Residential Index. What sits behind it.
DFM
DFM: EFG Hermes ONE Launches Fully Digital Investor Onboarding
Sept 27, 2026: EFG Hermes ONE brings digital DFM onboarding — get an Investor NIN and open a brokerage account from your phone. H1: +42,864 new investors.
ADX
ADX Joins SWIFT: BIC ADSEAEADXXX Activated (25 Sept 2026)
ADX joined SWIFT on 25 Sept 2026 (BIC ADSEAEADXXX): a single post-trade messaging channel with 11,500+ institutions in 200+ countries. What it changes.
FAB
FAB sets AED 100 bn blue finance, first MENA UN principles bank
First Abu Dhabi Bank set an AED 100 bn blue finance target for 2026-2035 and became the first MENA bank to sign the UN Sustainable Blue Economy Principles.
Aldar
Aldar unveils Saadiyat Grove: 100+ brands, Q4 2026 launch
Aldar opens Saadiyat Grove in Q4 2026: 100+ global brands, 20 first-to-region concepts, 25,000 sqm Grade A offices, 1,000+ residences on Saadiyat Island.
ADFW
ADFW 2026: 300+ CEOs, $61tn in assets, 75 events, 8 stages
ADFW 2026 (7–10 Dec, Abu Dhabi): 300+ leaders with $61T in assets, 75 events on 8 stages, 10 new platforms, partners include IMF, UBS, Binance.
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi extends Tajer office-free +1yr, Rowad to 4 years
On 24 Sept ADDED gave Tajer holders an extra office-free year and extended Rowad: 2→3 yrs pre-construction, 3→4 to production. 7,823 firms fine-waived.
Etihad Rail
Etihad Rail Dubai–Abu Dhabi passenger line launches September 30
On 30 September Etihad Rail opens the UAE's first inter-emirate passenger line Dubai–Abu Dhabi: ~57 minutes, 5 round trips, Comfort Dh39, Premium Dh109.
Meraas
Meraas: AED 1bn contract for Nad Al Sheba Gardens Phase 7
Meraas, 24 September: ~AED 1bn contract with GCC Contracting — 272 units at Nad Al Sheba Gardens Phase 7, handover Q2 2028, premium family segment.
Dubai
UBS 2026: Dubai is world's 3rd most affordable megacity
UBS Bubble Index 2026: Dubai ranks 3rd most affordable megacity worldwide (5y income vs London 11, HK 15). What it means for expat investors.
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi extends Occupancy Certificate deadline to Nov 30, 2026
Abu Dhabi's DMT extended the Building Occupancy Certificate deadline to 30 November 2026. Up to Dh1M fine and Tawtheeq lease blocks for non-compliance.
EQT
EQT ($389B AUM) launches Middle East platform at ADGM Abu Dhabi
EQT ($389B AUM) launches Middle East platform and opens first office at ADGM Abu Dhabi on 23 Sept — Private Capital + Infrastructure live at launch.
Dirham
UAE Dirham Symbol Officially Enters Unicode 18.0
Unicode 18.0 officially adds the UAE dirham sign (U+20C3). What it means for keyboards, invoices, contracts and pricing in the UAE.
UAE
Abu Dhabi × Korea: ADGM, Hanwha Sign Stablecoin, RWA MoUs
On 16 Sept 2026 in Seoul, ADGM, ADIO, Hana Financial and Hanwha signed MoUs on stablecoins, tokenised assets and cross-border payments with Korea.
UAE
Aldar launches Yas Riva Reserve: 292 villas from Dh8.5m
Aldar launches Yas Riva Reserve on Yas Island: 292 villas (4–6BR), 45 on canal with pontoon option. Sales open Sept 26 from Dh8.5m.
UAE
THE WADI on Yas Island: Cosmo launches Dh6bn masterplan
Cosmo Developments launches THE WADI on Yas Island: Dh6bn, 3,950 homes on 140,700 sqm. Phase 1 = 530 apts (E1+E2), handover Q4 2030.
UAE
Sharjah–Oman corridor: goods up 66% in three months
Sharjah–Oman corridor: 66% goods jump in three months, Dh1.7bn value, 34,000+ trucks via Khatmat Malaha and Al Madam, Sohar/Duqm/Salalah outlet.
UAE
Etihad Rail launches direct Fujairah → ICAD cargo service
Direct rail-freight route Fujairah Terminals → ICAD Abu Dhabi launched 20 Sept 2026. ICAD gets UN LOCODE ‘AECAD’: clearance and inspection now inland.
UAE
UAE Tourism 2025: Dh251.3bn Contribution to Economy
UAE tourism contributed Dh251.3bn in 2025 (+3% YoY); international visitor spend Dh209bn; hotel revenue Dh49.21bn. What it means for business.
UAE
Nakheel × Metac: Dh800m Deal for 537 Dubai Islands Homes
Nakheel awards Metac a Dh800m+ contract for 537 Bay Grove homes on Dubai Islands (phases 1 & 3), 7 buildings, completion by late 2028.
UAE
Dubai Greenlights 80km, 12-Lane Fourth Corridor (Dh3.5bn)
Crown Prince Hamdan approves the Fourth Corridor: 80km, 12 lanes, linking DWC and Etihad Rail. Phase 1 Dh3.5bn, journey time –60%.
UAE
UAE Central Bank Raises Base Rate to 3.9% After Fed Hike
CBUAE lifts base rate by 25 bps to 3.9% effective 17 September, tracking the Fed's first hike since 2023 to a 3.75–4.0% range.
UAE
L'IMAD Raises AD Ports Group Stake to 98.5% at Dh6.25 a Share
Abu Dhabi's L'IMAD closes voluntary tender offer at Dh6.25 a share via ADQ, taking AD Ports Group stake past 98.5%. Settlement by 9 October 2026.
UAE
Dubai welcomes 6.97m tourists in first 8 months of 2026
Sheikh Mohammed at ATM 2026: Dubai drew 6.97m overnight visitors and 21.61m occupied hotel room nights in Jan–Aug. Western Europe 20%, South Asia 17%.
UAE
Abu Dhabi off-plan mortgages: 50% paid, bank steps in
Adrec now registers mortgages on Abu Dhabi off-plan homes for buyers who have paid 50%. Aldar and ADCB closed the first deal on 4 September 2026.
Exports
ECI × Euler Hermes MoU: permanent UAE–Germany reinsurance
ECI (UAE) and Euler Hermes (Germany) move toward a permanent reinsurance framework for exporters — Germany's ECGS covered ~€1.4bn in the Gulf in 2025, near-2× 2024.
EDB
EDB Hits Dh30bn Milestone: 1,000+ Firms, 50,000 Jobs
EDB approves Dh30bn+ for 1,000+ firms across 5 priority sectors — five-year Operation 300Bn mandate delivered, Dh14bn to industrial GDP, 50,000+ jobs.
DP World
DP World prices €750m green + $750m bond, oversubscribed
DP World priced €750m 6-yr green notes and $750m 10-yr conventional bonds on 10 Sept 2026; books topped €1.5bn and $1.3bn with an 11-bank syndicate.
BRICS
UAE–BRICS non-oil trade hits $312bn in 2025, up 28.5%
UAE–BRICS non-oil trade reached $312bn in 2025, up from $243bn a year earlier — nearly a third of the country's non-oil external flows.
UAE–Germany
UAE to invest €40bn in Germany: MBZ Berlin visit outcomes
During his Berlin state visit MBZ pledged a €40bn UAE investment in Germany — AI, data centres, energy. €10bn to Bavaria, 29 B2B MoUs worth €9.36bn.
UAE Cabinet
UAE waives IP fees for student inventors, People of Determination
UAE Cabinet Resolution 136 takes effect on 14 September 2026 — waiving a set of industrial property fees for student inventors and People of Determination.
Mubadala
Mubadala Takes ~$1B Minority Stake in Luckin Coffee
Abu Dhabi's Mubadala backs China's Luckin Coffee (36,000+ stores) with ~$1B minority stake alongside Centurium Capital. Announced 10 Sept 2026.
DP World
DP World & GulfCap: 222-hectare SEZ in Mombasa, 20,000 jobs
On 9 September 2026 DP World and GulfCap Africa formalised the 222-hectare Mombasa SEZ: Phase 1 covers 40 ha with 20,000+ jobs and 60+ tenants queued.
UAE real estate
Azizi Florence: Dh30bn — first Sharjah master-project
Azizi Developments launches Florence in Sharjah: 10,630 units, Dh30bn. First master-project outside Dubai; freehold, 3BR townhouses from Dh1.89m.
UAE economy
UAE plans €40bn investment in Germany, €10bn for Bavaria
UAE unveiled a €40bn (Dh170bn) investment in Germany on 10 Sept 2026, with €10bn for Bavaria. Focus: AI, 1-GW data centres, industry, energy.
UAE economy
MAF H1 2026: record Dh2.5bn EBITDA, profit up 25%
MAF posts record H1 2026: EBITDA Dh2.5bn (+11%), net operating profit Dh1.8bn (+25%) and a development pipeline above Dh100bn.
Abu Dhabi
IHC to acquire 80% of Marlan Holding, entering space economy
Abu Dhabi's IHC, via International Tech Group, is buying 80% of Marlan Holding — a direct move into UAE satellites and space economy.
Dubai
Dubai Holding signs Dh5 billion contract with CSCEC ME
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed witnessed Dubai Holding’s largest contract: AED 5bn to CSCEC ME for a new HQ (2029) and Jumeirah Residences Emirates Towers.
Abu Dhabi
ADQ moves to take AD Ports 100% private by October 2026
ADQ, a unit of Abu Dhabi's L'imad, offers Dh6.25 for the last 24.58% of AD Ports. Tender closes 15 September, settlement by 9 October 2026.
Abu Dhabi
ADGM nears 50,000 workforce and 190 asset managers in H1 2026
ADGM reports 49,027 professionals (+34%), 190 fund/asset managers and AUM up 54% in H1 2026. What this means for UAE investors and businesses.
Real estate
Alabbar: Dubai property market to reach 'nice balance' by 2027
At AIM Congress, Emaar founder Mohamed Alabbar forecast a 'nice balance' for Dubai's property market by 2027 and a 5–10% price adjustment.
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi: 65 Emirati Dhiyafa hotel standards by Q1 2027
DCT Abu Dhabi rolls out Emirati Dhiyafa: 65 standards across 8 guest-journey stages, mandatory for the emirate's hotels and hotel apartments by Q1 2027.
Visas
Dubai Click and Travel: 12–15-second mobile passport check
GDRFA Dubai has launched Click and Travel: officers with mobile devices clear passengers in the terminal in 12–15 seconds. Pilot handled 31,373 passengers.
Real Estate
Abu Dhabi off-plan mortgage: Aldar and ADCB do first deal
ADREC opens off-plan mortgage in Abu Dhabi at 50% payment. First deal Aldar+ADCB, six banks joined, entry in the Initial Real Estate Register.
Infrastructure
Etihad Rail: Abu Dhabi to Dubai in 57 min from 30 September
Etihad Rail's Al Yalayis station in Dubai opens on 30 September 2026. Abu Dhabi to Dubai in 57 minutes, fares from AED 55.
UAE
Aldar and ADCB close Abu Dhabi's first off-plan mortgage
ADREC now lets banks sit on the off-plan mortgage certificate before handover. Aldar+ADCB closed the first deal: 50% down, rate from 3.49%.
UAE
UAE entry visa 2026: ICP adds 6 new nationalities
02 Sep 2026: ICP expands UAE entry visa list — Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Kenya, South Africa. 14/60-day categories, Dh100/Dh250.
UAE
UK-GCC trade deal in weeks; UK-UAE bilateral next — Sept 2026
1 Sept 2026, Dubai: new UK Trade Minister Anas Sarwar tells The National — UK-GCC deal ready to sign in weeks; UK-UAE bilateral preparatory work starts.
UAE
Dubai villa near Burj Khalifa sells for Dh725M — Aug 2026
Dubai Land Dept, 28 Aug 2026: 379,000 sq ft villa near Burj Khalifa sold for Dh725M — Dh1,914/sq ft. Dh2bn traded on Friday. Key take for investors.
UAE
Dubai air cargo +53% in H1 2026: e-commerce drives growth
Dubai Customs: 18.2m air-cargo transactions (+53%) and 1.3m tonnes in H1 2026. E-commerce duty-free threshold at Dh1,000. What it means for UAE business.
UAE
Alpha Dhabi doubles Mubadala Capital private credit JV to $1bn
Alpha Dhabi doubles its MICAD Credit JV stake with Mubadala Capital to 40% and its commitment to $1bn, and broadens the mandate beyond direct lending.
UAE
UAE petrol prices September 2026: diesel +13%, Super 98 Dh3.80
UAE Fuel Price Committee raises September pump prices: diesel up 13% to Dh4.30, Super 98 to Dh3.80. What it means for UAE businesses and logistics.
UAE
UAE Emirati Women's Day 2026: 25,000 businesswomen, AED 60bn
Ministry of Economy figures ahead of Emirati Women's Day: 25,000+ businesswomen, 50,000+ commercial licences, over AED 60bn in investments, 114,050 SMEs.
UAE
Sharjah: Emirati women invest Dh2.7b in property in 2026
SRERD: Emirati women closed 3,385 property deals in Sharjah worth Dh2.7b in Jan-Aug 2026 — 3,737 investors, up 4.2% year-on-year.
UAE
Dubai-India non-oil trade hits Dh222.5b in 2025, +35% since CEPA
Dubai Chambers: Dubai-India non-oil trade hit Dh222.5b in 2025 — up 136% in a decade and 35% since CEPA. Indian firms in the Chamber reach 85,841.
UAE
Dubai shared housing law No. 4/2026 in force: permits, Dh1M fines
From 26 Aug 2026 Dubai Law No. 4/2026 governs shared housing: permit mandatory, fines up to Dh1M for repeats, one-year grace period until 26 Aug 2027.
UAE
UAE banks ease off-plan mortgages: DIB, ADCB, Emirates NBD
DIB, ADCB and Emirates NBD launch new off-plan mortgages in the UAE: up to 50% LTV, milestone-linked drawdowns, non-residents welcome. Rates from 3.49%.
UAE
Al Maktoum DWC: Dh55B contracts by end-2026, MHI on 50km APM
Dubai Airports to award Dh55B new Al Maktoum (DWC) contracts by end-2026. MHI picked for the 50km APM. Full opening 2032, 260M passengers a year.
UAE
Dubai shared housing Law No. 4/2026 in force: fines to Dh1M
Dubai Law No. 4 of 2026 on shared housing took effect on 26 August: permit required, fines from Dh500 to Dh500,000, doubled to Dh1M for repeats.
UAE
Al Dahra activates $500m 5-year wheat deal with Egypt
Abu Dhabi's Al Dahra on 26 August 2026 activated its 5-year up to $500m wheat supply deal with Egypt's GASC — about $100m per year.
UAE
Dubai #1 globally for creative-industry FDI four years running
Dubai leads global creative-industry FDI four years in a row: 754 projects, $3.756B capital, 19,304 jobs (2025). What it means for investors.
UAE
Dubai to Hand Over 96,585 Homes in 2026 — 83% Already Sold
Dubai delivers 96,585 apartments and villas in 2026 — 82.9% already sold off-plan. Business Bay, Palm Jumeirah, Downtown and Al Wasl lead absorption.
UAE
Dubai widens property access: FTHB, Flexi Rent, Taskeen
FTHB at Dh5bn in sales, Taskeen with no Dh750k floor, Flexi Rent with flexible schedules and Golden Visa from Dh2M — how Dubai widens property access.
Dubai
Dubai H1 2026: 104 projects delivered, 25,000 units, AED 111B
Dubai H1 2026 (DLD): 104 real-estate projects delivered (+39% YoY), nearly 25,000 units (+36%), AED 111B ($30B) invested. Sheikh Hamdan cited.
TISIA
UAE-Russia TISIA in force: services and investment framework
UAE-Russia Trade in Services and Investment Agreement entered into force on 22 August 2026: fintech, logistics, professional services.
Real estate
Dubai adds 186 new property developers in seven months of 2026
Per DLD, Dubai registered 186 new real-estate development firms in seven months of 2026 — around 25 a month. What it means for investors.
Real estate
Metro Blue, Gold and Etihad Rail: 5-25% premium for Dubai homes
Bayut and JLL: proximity to Metro Blue, Gold and Etihad Rail stations adds 5-25% to Dubai rents and prices in JVC, Meydan, DSO and Dubai South.
UAE
Abu Dhabi ADREC: 71,000 new homes by 2030, sales Dh70.4bn
ADREC H1 2026 for Abu Dhabi: 71,000 homes by 2030 (21,800 peak in 2028), off-plan 89%, apartment prices in investment zones +21%, sales Dh70.4bn.
UAE
GDRFA Dubai H1 2026: 1M residency permits, 66,000 Golden Visas
GDRFA: Dubai issued 1.05M new residency permits, 66,000 Golden Visas and 5.08M entry permits in H1 2026 — average service turnaround 4 minutes.
UAE
Dubai widens property access: Taskeen, FTBP, Flexi Rent
Taskeen minimum removed for sole owners, First-Time Home Buyer hits Dh5bn and 45,000 sign-ups, Flexi Rent brings monthly rent — three tools, one map.
UAE
Dubai drops AED 750k floor for 2-year Taskeen investor visa
Dubai Land Department scrapped the AED 750k floor for the 2-year Taskeen (sole owner). First-Time Buyer: ~45,000 registrations, 3,200+ homes, AED 5B+.
UAE
L'IMAD bids AED 6.25/share for 100% of AD Ports (23% premium)
L'IMAD Holding via ADQ (already 75.42%) launched a voluntary AED 6.25/share tender for AD Ports — 23% premium to close; 100% valuation ~AED 31.8B.
UAE
Dubai hotels H2 2026: Cavendish Maxwell sees 60–66% occupancy
Cavendish Maxwell: H1 hotel occupancy 56.4% at Dh701 ADR; H2 forecast 60–66% at Dh600–675 as flights return.
UAE
Nakheel hands over 892 homes at redeveloped Jebel Ali Village
Nakheel begins handover of 892 homes at redeveloped Jebel Ali Village near Ibn Battuta Mall. What's built, who it's for, how it fits 2026 supply.
UAE
Space42 wins ADX approval to buy back up to 2.5% of shares
ADX cleared Space42 to buy back up to 2.5% of its shares from cash on the open market. What a buyback means for investors and where disclosures live.
UAE
Dubai Rent Now, Pay Later: 12 zero-interest months in Sept 2026
DLD launches Rent Now, Pay Later in September 2026: a bank pays the landlord the full annual rent, tenants repay 12 equal zero-interest instalments.
UAE
Abu Dhabi covers UAE entry visa for Indian tourists: 20,000 pilot
From 1 Aug to 31 Oct 2026 DCT Abu Dhabi pays the UAE entry visa for Indian tourists booking 3+ hotel nights. Pilot capped at 20,000 visas.
UAE
AD Ports Q2 2026: record profit AED 836m (+88% YoY)
AD Ports Group posted record Q2 2026: net profit AED 836m (+88% YoY), revenue AED 7.08bn (+47%), EBITDA AED 1.74bn — diversified corridors deliver.
UAE
DP World H1 2026: revenue +13.1% to $12.7bn, capex $3bn
DP World H1 2026: revenue $12.7bn (+13.1%), adj. EBITDA $2.86bn, $3bn 2026 capex plan — $1.5bn already deployed by mid-year.
UAE
DEWA H1 2026: record Dh3.33bn profit, Dh14.86bn revenue
DEWA H1 2026: record net profit Dh3.33bn (+15.02%), record revenue Dh14.86bn. Interim dividend of Dh3.1bn scheduled for late October.
UAE
Moody's: UAE Has Strong Buffers Against Negative MENA Outlook
Rating agency reaffirms UAE at Aa2 stable — the Gulf's most resilient economy: Abu Dhabi assets ~300% of GDP and pipeline routes bypass Hormuz.
UAE
ADNOC Gas Q2 2026: $665m profit, 2030 EBITDA target raised
ADNOC Gas beats guidance: $665m Q2 2026 profit, $940m dividend in September, 2030 EBITDA growth target raised from 40% to 60%.
UAE
Adnoc Distribution: record $545m H1 profit and $1bn Shell SA deal
Adnoc Distribution posts record $545m H1 2026 net profit (+58.5%); Q2 almost doubles to $358m. Buys 100% of Shell Downstream SA for ~$1bn.
UAE
Emaar Q2 2026: net profit AED 3.67bn, up 9% year-on-year
Emaar Q2 2026: net profit AED 3.67bn ($999m), +9% YoY. H1 property sales AED 26.6bn, backlog AED 164.9bn. What it tells us about Dubai real estate.
Etihad Rail
Etihad Rail: Al Yalayis, Al Dhaid open on 30 September 2026
Etihad Rail opens Dubai Al Yalayis and Sharjah's Al Dhaid on 30 Sept 2026 — phase two of the UAE's 900 km passenger rail network.
Dubai
Dubai Law 4/2026 takes effect Aug 26: shared housing under DLD
From 26 August Dubai Law 4/2026 puts shared housing under permits with fines up to AED 1m. DLD launches a dedicated rental index and operator register.
UAE
UAE: Friday 28 August paid public holiday for Mawlid Al Nabawi
UAE Media Office declares Friday 28 August 2026 a paid public holiday for public and private sectors. Sat–Sun staff get a three-day weekend.
UAE
UAE GDP grew 3% in Q1 2026; non-oil sector expanded 4.8%
UAE real GDP reached AED 485 billion ($132 billion) in Q1 2026. The non-oil sector expanded 4.8% year-on-year and now delivers 79.4% of the economy.
Ras Al Khaimah
RAK attracts Dh771.5M and 967 new businesses in H1 2026
RAK Chamber H1 2026: Dh771.5M new investment, 967 new businesses, 1,399 investors from 68 countries, 2,449 expected jobs.
UAE PMI
UAE PMI July 2026: 52.7 — 4-Month High, Hiring Bounces Back
S&P Global UAE PMI climbed to 52.7 in July — a 4-month high. Non-oil sector employment returned to growth after June contraction.
Economy
UAE Economy Hits Dh485bn in Q1 2026, Non-Oil at 79.4%
UAE real GDP rose 3% to Dh485bn in Q1 2026, with non-oil sectors up 4.8% and finance leading at +17.3%. Here's what it means for business.
Real Estate
Dubai Real Estate H1 2026: 86,000 Sales Deals
Dubai real estate H1 2026: around 86,000 sales transactions, roughly AED 421 billion across all deal types, and a strong luxury segment.
Tourism
Ras Al Khaimah: Record 670,000 Visitors in H1 2026
Ras Al Khaimah welcomed a record 670,000 visitors in H1 2026, with domestic trips up 47%. Its 2030 target is 3.5 million visitors a year.
Regulation
UAE Merger Control: MoET Pre-Closing Filings from 30 July 2026
Cabinet Decision No.59/2026 activates mandatory pre-closing merger notification to MoET on 30 July. Thresholds: AED 300M turnover or 40% share.
British Expats
Why UK Expats Return to UAE: 10,334 British Firms Stay
38% of UK residents left UAE during regional turbulence, but 72% returned within 60 days — while 10,334 British firms now operate in Dubai.
ADGM
ADGM Recognises Tether Gold (XAU₮) as Accepted Spot Commodity
FSRA recognised Tether Gold (XAU₮) as an Accepted Spot Commodity on 23 July 2026 — ADGM-licensed firms can now work with gold-backed tokens.
Real Estate
Dubai Cuts Tokenised Real Estate Minimum to Dh1,000
PRYPCO MINT, the sole VARA-licensed platform, drops the minimum tokenised property ticket from Dh2,000 to Dh1,000 — about $272.
Trade
UAE-EU CEPA: 7th round ends with UAE setting the pace
Al Zeyoudi says EU 'non-trade matters' slow the deal. Meanwhile the UAE's CEPA portfolio hits 37 signed, 18 in force.
DIFC
Blackstone Plans DIFC Dubai Office in 2026 Return — Reuters
Blackstone plans a DIFC office in its first Dubai return since 2019, Reuters reports — while keeping Abu Dhabi in a dual-hub Gulf setup.
Property
Dubai lowers tokenised property minimum to AED 1,000
Dubai's VARA-licensed PRYPCO MINT platform cuts tokenised property minimum from AED 2,000 to AED 1,000. Practical read for expat investors.
UAE real estate
Off-Plan Mortgages in the UAE: What 75% LTV Changes
UAE banks are lending against off-plan projects at up to 75% LTV. What it costs, how it works, and who benefits — expats and investors.
Economy
UAE and Canada Conclude 38th CEPA: First G7 Trade Partner
UAE and Canada wrapped CEPA talks in 47 days on 24 July 2026 — Ottawa becomes the first G7 economy in Abu Dhabi's 38-deal trade programme.
Finance
Mubadala tokenises private markets fund via Kaio, Coinbase
On 23 July 2026 Mubadala Capital first tokenised a private fund via Kaio on Base, Solana and Sui - Coinbase added the token to its corporate treasury.
Real Estate
Abu Dhabi Property Prices H1 2026: Knight Frank Signals +21%
Abu Dhabi cleared AED 117B in H1 2026 property deals. Knight Frank data pinpoint Al Saadiyat and Al Jubail as the hottest postcodes.
DP World
DP World Signs 50-Year Deal for Fujairah Ports Outside Hormuz
DP World and Fujairah Ports Authority signed a 50-year concession on 22 July 2026 to build Al Rughailat and Dibba — deep-water ports outside Hormuz.
Marsa Al Saadiyat
Marsa Al Saadiyat: Aldar’s AED 100bn Abu Dhabi district
22 July 2026: Abu Dhabi launched Marsa Al Saadiyat — AED 100bn Aldar waterfront. What it means for foreign buyers and Golden Visa applicants.
Investment
MGX–BlackRock Close Aligned Data Centres, Add $5bn Investment
The MGX–BlackRock consortium closed its US$40bn purchase of Aligned Data Centres on Tuesday and pledged another US$5bn to expand it. The deal hands Abu Dhabi a direct stake in one of the largest AI-ready operators in the Americas.
Economy
UAE to sign 5–7 more CEPAs by end of 2026
The UAE expects to sign five to seven more CEPAs before year-end. Canada leads the pipeline; Africa, Peru and Bangladesh follow. H1 2026 non-oil trade reached Dh1.937 trillion (+13.1% YoY), with Dh304.3 billion already flowing through existing CEPA partners.
Real Estate
Sharjah Real Estate H1 2026 Hits AED 29.5B Record
Sharjah closed H1 2026 with AED 29.5B in real estate deals, up 9.3% YoY, as 59,460 transactions from 121 nationalities widened the buyer pool.
Economy
UAE Non-Oil Trade Hits Record AED 1.94tn in H1 2026
UAE non-oil foreign trade hit AED 1.937 trillion in H1 2026, up 13.1% YoY, with exports at a record AED 452.8bn. What Sheikh Mohammed’s announcement means for UAE-based businesses and CEPA exporters.
Real Estate
Abu Dhabi Real Estate Hits AED 117bn in H1 2026, FDI +309%
Abu Dhabi's property market booked AED 117bn in H1 2026 as FDI surged 309% and 116 nationalities transacted — ADREC's strongest half on record.
Real Estate
Modon Sells Out Bashayer's Final Phase on Hudayriyat in 24h
Modon has sold out the final phase of Bashayer on Hudayriyat Island in 24 hours — 300 residences, AED 1.25 billion, 71% new buyers. The developer's third back-to-back Hudayriyat sell-out in eight months.
Visas
UAE Visit Visa for Relatives and Friends: 2026 GDRFA Rules
GDRFA Dubai's 2026 visit visa framework at a glance: sponsor salary thresholds, fees, deposits, and the 120-day annual stay cap explained.
DIB
DIB H1 2026: Dh12.4bn Revenue (+10% YoY), Dh4.8bn Operating Profit
Dubai Islamic Bank reported H1 2026 gross revenue of Dh12.4bn (+10% YoY), operating profit Dh4.8bn (+6%), net profit stable at Dh3.7bn. NPF ratio dropped to 2.4%, CET1 stands at 13%, LCR at 140%.
News
UAE Mid-Market HR Compliance 2026: WPS, Gratuity, Emiratisation
UAE Mid-Market HR Compliance 2026: WPS, Gratuity, Emiratisation The 2026 regulatory calendar in the UAE puts three specific tasks on the desk of every mid-market employer: a tightened Wage Protection System, a strict reading of end-of-service gratuity, and Emiratisation milestones tied to the Nafis programme. Companies that treat these as a routine HR-functi
DMCC
Dubai Sets $41.7 Billion Diamond Trade Record in 2025
Dubai’s diamond trade reached USD 41.7 billion in 2025 and moved 359.5 million carats, DMCC announced on 13 July 2026. It is the first time the emirate has posted records on both value and volume in the same year, based on Dubai Customs data — with the previous value peak of USD 40.9 billion, set in 2011, standing untouched for 14 years.
ADGM
ADGM FSRA 2025 Annual Report: 94 Permissions (+22%), 120 IPAs (+32%), 5 New MoUs
FSRA, the ADGM regulator, closed 2025 with 94 Financial Services Permissions (+22%), 120 In-Principle Approvals (+32%) and five new international MoUs — a signal that Abu Dhabi's financial ecosystem is scaling while supervision deepens.
Regulation
DIFC Courts H1 2026: record AED 10bn claims, opt-in trend
DIFC Courts closed H1 2026 with 810 cases and AED 10.02 billion in claims — and 42% of first-instance filings arrived by voluntary opt-in. Dubai's common-law forum is being chosen, not assigned.
Business
Abu Dhabi Licences Jump 21% in Q1 2026, Freelance +261%
Abu Dhabi's registration authority (ADRA) has posted Q1 2026 figures: new economic licences up 21%, freelance permits up 261%, and professional licences up 193% year on year. Al Ain and Al Dhafra are outpacing the capital in growth rate. Here's the practical breakdown for expat entrepreneurs, freelancers and SMB owners weighing an Abu Dhabi setup over Dubai.
Energy
BYD to supply 11.275 GWh batteries for Masdar RTC in Abu Dhabi
BYD Energy Storage has signed its largest single order to date: 11.275 GWh of batteries for the Masdar and EWEC Round-the-Clock project in Abu Dhabi. The station will pair with 5.2 GW of solar PV to deliver 1 GW of clean baseload, around the clock. Commissioning is targeted for 2027.
UAE
UAE Cabinet Decision 59 of 2026: New Merger Control Rules
Cabinet Decision No. 59 of 2026 activates the executive regulations for Federal Decree-Law 36 of 2023 on 30 July 2026. Deals above AED 300 million UAE turnover or 40% market share must be notified to the Ministry of Economy & Tourism and cannot close before clearance. Below is what dealmakers need to do in the next 18 days.
UAE
DAE, Neuberger Berman Launch $6B Mustang Aerospace JV
On 6 July 2026 Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) and Neuberger Berman launched Mustang Aerospace, a Dubai-headquartered joint venture targeting up to $6 billion in commercial aircraft assets. A syndicate of six global banks — Goldman Sachs, Mizuho, BNP Paribas, MUFG, Société Générale and Truist — has signed the warehouse line funding the platform’s opening trades.
UAE
UAE FDI 2025: Record $48.3bn, NIF anchors 2031 push
On 8–10 July 2026 UAE Minister of Investment Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi reported record inbound FDI of $48.3bn for 2025, +6% YoY (WAM/AGBI). The $10bn National Investment Fund, approved by the Cabinet on 19.11.2025, is now the operational anchor of the National Investment Strategy 2031.
UAE
e& exits Vodafone in $5.95bn Vega sale — UAE's biggest 2026 deal
UAE's e& has sold its full 16.21% Vodafone stake to French billionaire Xavier Niel's Vega for $5.95bn (Dh21.8bn) — the largest UAE corporate deal of 2026. e& shares on ADX rose 3.7%, Vodafone on LSE about 10%. Here are the numbers, the strategic rationale and what it means for UAE business and ADX investors.
Investments
Arada Capital wins ADGM FSRA approval, targets $5bn AUM fund
Arada Capital has received In-Principle Approval from ADGM FSRA to launch its fund platform in Abu Dhabi, targeting $5 billion in AUM over four years — starting with GCC real estate for institutional and qualified investors.