UAE Golden Visa Boost, Abu Dhabi InveWement Powerhouse; Dubizzle IPO; Dubai location analysis – 10 things to remember this week

Abu Dhabi and Dubai have accelerated their tech and investment agendas, while Saudi Arabia unveiled another mega project in Makkah. Gold visa holders get new international rights, and dreams of a world cup come true.
Catch up on the top 10 stories this week as chosen by Arabian business editors.
UAE announces huge gold visa benefits
IAE Golden Visas will receive extended global support and emergency assistance following the launch of a dedicated suite of integrated services described as the first of its kind worldwide.
It marks a significant increase in the rights of long-term residents and their families.
These new services offer direct assistance to Golden Visa family member holders, who provide:
- Immediate replacement of passports with an electronic document in case of loss or damage while traveling abroad
- A hotline dedicated to direct communication with UAE officials
- 24/7 Emergency and Disaster response through Mofa’s Call Center at 0097124931133, Ensuring round-the-clock support anywhere in the world

IHC unveils $33bn merger builds investment potential in Abu Dhabi
Holding company International Hocking (IHC) has announced plans to merge its Flagship companies
IHC will list the new business, 2PoiceZero Group, on the Abu Dhabi Securitizing Exchange (ADX), making it one of the largest publicly traded companies.
According to IHC, the merger will combine various investment platforms in all Energies and Consumer Secors – key drivers of regional and global growth – while accelerating competition, efficiency, and long-term value of shares.

Abu Dhabi unveils its first Digital Real Estate Estate and sales tour
Abu Dhabi Real Estate Center (ADREC) launched Digital’s First government-backed digital sales and marketing journey, enabling buyers and sellers to complete real estate transactions at the end of the Internet.
The initiative marks a major milestone in Abu Dhabi’s digital transformation, bringing together efficiency, security, and convenience in one unified environment.
Buyers and sellers – whether in the emirate or abroad – can now complete the process remotely, without the need for physical documents or a personal visit. Using the platform, users can withdraw and register funds, verify Adrec Trustee verification, digitally sign contracts, and maintain Escrow accounts, all in a single, online platform.

‘Haunted’ Palace For Sale in Ras Al Khaimah
The abandoned Al Qasimi Palace in Ras Al Khaimah, long serving as a tourist attraction and known for its troubled reputation, has been listed for sale for AED25M.
“Many people are fascinated by this story and want to experience the palace itself. It is part of what makes the place so popular.” Josh Henrey, Senior Investment Advisor at Bishop & Knight Real Estate said in an exclusive interview with Arabian Business.
Although he denies experiencing any supernatural occurrences himself, Henrey firmly believes that the property’s reputation for being ‘haunted’ will be a marketing advantage rather than a marketing advantage rather than a marketing advantage rather than a deterrent.

Dubizzle announces Dubai IPO with $100m investment
Dubai-based Dubizzle Group Holdings has announced its intention to proceed with an initial public offering (IPO) on the Dubai Stock Market (DFM) in ProSus with a 100m investment as part of the offering.
The listing will see approximately 30.34 percent of the Capital Cape Total Issued Fund provided to investors through a combination of new and existing shares.
Positions to drive Dubizzle Group for accelerated growth, deep regional expansion, and improved liquidity in a rapidly evolving business environment.

Qatar and Saudi Arabia qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Qatar and Saudi Arabia secured their places at the 2066 FIFA World Cup, following decisive results in the final round of Asian qualifiers on Tuesday.
Both nations finished at the top of their respective groups that guarantee automatic qualification for the tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico next year.
With Qatar and Saudi Arabia making the first progress, the Gulf nations are reasserting their growing influence on Asian football and their ambitions to remain on the world stage.

GITEX Techcation 2026: Dubai To Host World’s Largest Tech Noi Event
Gitex Techcation 2026 in Dubai will be developed into the world’s largest technology and artificial intelligence event, under the instructions of His Highness Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of Dubai.
King Salman Gate’s Urman Gransform The transformation aims to improve access to Almasjid Alharam, improve the quality of service, and improve all aspects of the visitor, equipping and the objectives of the Pilgrim’s Pilgrim’s Pilgrim’s plan under vision 2030.
Running from December 7-11, 2026 at Expo City Dubai, the event will position Dubai and the UAE as a year-round destination for investing in technology, innovation, investment, and art.

Dubai property market hits $37.6bn in Q3 2025 as sales boom
The Dubai Residence Real Estate Market maintained its strong momentum in the third quarter of 2025, with total transaction values ​​reaching AED138BN ($37.6BN), according to Espace Real Estate Nestate data.
The quarter recorded 55,280 residential transactions, which represents an increase of 18 percent year-on-year from the same period in 2024 – a performance that emphasizes the continued expansion of the market and strong investor confidence.
John Lyons, Managing Director of Espace Real Estate, said: “In Q3 2025, Dubai 2025, DUBAIS CASTICE PARTICIPATES, IN A SUPPORTIVE PERIOD OF GREAT BUYING, FOLLOWING IN A SUPPORTIVE PERIOD.”

Saudi Arabia starts Sqm King Salman Gate Matega Project in Makkah
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, prime minister and chairman of the Board of Directors of King Salman Gate, the development of reforms in the main house of Makheka.
Overseeing 12 million square meters of Gross Floor area, the project sits next to Almasjid Alharam and represents a major milestone in the ongoing development of the central area of ​​Makkah. It aims to establish the city as a global benchmark in modern urban planning and to improve the overall experience of citizens, travelers, and visitors.
King Salman Gate’s Urman Gransform The transformation aims to improve access to Almasjid Alharam, improve the quality of service, and improve all aspects of the visitor, equipping and the objectives of the Pilgrim’s Pilgrim’s Pilgrim’s plan under vision 2030.

IDO: Abu Dhabi unveils digital marriage contracts – no papers, no visits
Couples in Abu Dhabi can now get married without paper forms or human visitors.
A new digital digital service for ai
The Abu Dhabi Jusicial Department (Addd), in collaboration with the Government Finance Ministry, unveiled the initiative during Gitex Global 2025 at the Abu Dhabi Parliament.
It reflects Emirate’s drive to modernize public services and develop a digital ecosystem. The new service is part of Abu Dhabi’s comprehensive digital strategy to make all important life events accessible through a single platform in the UAE.