Dubai unveils new megaprothers; GCC allows one-way traffic; Oman declares holiday – 10 big stories to remember this week
Governments and developed Londmark Digital Digital and Travel Transciality, including the first Digital Digital transactions and the new GCC single border system. Meanwhile, Dubai continued to set the pace – with new Transport MegaProjects, catering to the wishes of the sports and luxury goods market.
Catch up on the 10 biggest news stories this week, as selected by Arabian business editors.
Abu Dhabi begins the construction of Abu Interconnecting Materials
Abu Dhabi made history by launching the first fully funded property, a milestone that opens a new chapter for investors looking for diverse opportunities beyond Dubai.
The property, a Premium Studio listed at AED1.2m ($327,000) on Yas Island, features canal and pool views and is listed on SmartCrowd, the first managed by SmartCrowd, the first real estate real estate site.
The launch marks the expansion of SmartCrowd in Abu Dhabi, a move that allows investors to participate in the Emirate’s dynamic real estate market and quickly create financial ownership.
UAE Set for Major Rental Shift as Fice Fielder Finder Combines Monthly Rental Payments with Keyper
The UAE rental market is set for a major transformation as property finders begin integrating Keyper-in-rental technology to deliver monthly rental payments to citizen residents.
The feature will go live on the Fires Finder app and website early in 2026. Mobility represents an important aspect of the UAE rental environment, which relies on a single high-quality inspection history.
By enabling cards or Decy monthly payments
Oman declares a 4-day holiday
Oman has declared a public and private public holiday to mark National Day 2025.
In consideration of Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik, it was decided that November 26 and 27, will be an official holiday for employees of the administrative units of the state, other legal entities and autonomous class areas and the national day of the Sultanate of Oman.
According to the State-Run News Agency ONA, employers can agree with employees to continue working during the two days described above, if it is considered necessary, and the employees are compensated for that.
Revealed: Middle-income, small home buyers now powering Dubai’s property sales – Report
Dubai’s property market remains strong in October 2025, with a moderate year ahead with continued strength in Off-Plan and secondary sales, as well as limited demand from cash-strapped property buyers, according to an insider.
Recent property market performance shows that although activity has slowed following the summer holiday period, the fundamentals of the market remain strong, supported by strong communities such as Al Yelayiss 1, Al Barsha South One, and Burj Khalifa.
In the main market, sales declined 8 percent in value and 6 percent in volume compared to October 2024
Revealed: Uk Millionaire Exodus to Dubai wakes up – Report
The UK has been seeing a steeper annual decline in the number of billionaires, the highest among any country in the world (HNWIs) continue to migrate to golden visa destinations such as Dubai in search of a better quality of life and better tax conditions.
According to the latest report of the International Procerturncy SSTONS, the trend is driven by tax plans that are specifically aimed at dealing with these specific ones including the increase of capital tax, inheritance tax and changes in the non-domestic regime.
The highest share of Millinaires is currently owned by the US, China, France, Japan, and Germany at 39.7 percent and 39.7 percent. 4.8 percent, 4.6 percent, 4.6 percent, and 4.5 percent, respectively. Six countries saw their billionth population decline – Australia, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, and Germany. However, the UK saw the biggest drop at 14.3 percent.
Dubai Real Estate: Fäm Properties launches AED3bn portfolio in Emirate
Dubai’s Ultra-Luxury property market is entering a new phase with the launch of the AED3 billion collection of pre-built Nordic-style homes by Fäm Properties. The portfolio spans two of the city’s most sought-after neighborhoods and represents a break from the industry’s traditional focus on off-plan sales.
The company’s approach focuses on building each property before putting it on the market, giving potential buyers the chance to get their hands on the finished homes first. This development combines a Scandinavian-inspired philosophy of simplicity and craftsmanship, in contrast to the frenzy associated with Dubai’s Luxury Real Estate.
The move comes as data from DXBinterct shows that more than 1140 million homes have been established in Dubai over the past five years. Sales of villas priced above AED40 million have turned out to be cheaper by 27 to 202 to 242 in 2024, with the total purchase price rising from AED0.89
The UAE made history with the first government transaction using the Digital Dirham
The UAE has completed its first government transaction using the Digital Dirham, marking a major milestone in the country’s efforts to build an integrated and secure digital economy.
The transaction, carried out jointly by the Department of Finance and Finance of Dubai (DOF) in collaboration with the central bank of the UAE, represents a key step in the widespread adoption of digital currency by the government and private sector.
This initiative confirms the UAE’s role as a pioneer in future financial technologies. This access is part of the pilot phase of the Digital Diricham project, which was established by the Central Bank of Uae under the financial infrastructure program (appropriate) in connection with local financial authorities.
GCC approves ‘One-Stop’ travel system; UAE and Bahrain to pilot Historic Pilot Scheme by 2025
The GCC process approved a new “One-Stop” travel process to facilitate the movement of citizens of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain.
The new program was announced by the Secretary-General of the GCC ALhamed Albudaiwi following the 42nd meeting of the interior ministers of the GCC countries, held in Kuwait on Wednesday, November 12.
The “One-Stop” program will allow citizens of the six GCC countries to complete all travel requirements – including immigration, security checks and customs – at a single checkpoint when traveling around the BLOC. It will reduce the number of check-ins, improve efficiency and cut processing time at the world’s airports.
Dubai unveils aerial taxis, expanded metro, and future loop in new Transport Master plan
Dubai has unveiled a new phase of infrastructure development that includes aerial taxis, an expanded network of 131 KM, and a climate control system, a climate control system that will form part of the Dubai Walk Master plan.
The projects were reviewed by Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Mashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Prime Minister of Dubai, Minister of Defense, and Minister of Defense, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dubai and Transport (RTA). Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed said that the continued investment in infrastructure reflects the investment in infrastructure for the people of its future, in accordance with the vision of Shemi Bhehammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai and ruler of Dubai.
He pointed out that these projects show a forward-looking strategy to build a connected, sustainable city powered by innovation, aligned with Dubai’s economic agenda, D33. Sheikh Hamdan added that the approach to the city in Urban design is based on long-term planning, creativity, and sustainability, combining technology in all aspects of infrastructure to set new benchmarks for Global Design.
Dubai aims for $5bn sports economy by 2033 as participation grows to 2.6m and event attendance hits 4.1m
Dubai aims for $5bn sports economy by 2033 as participation grows to 2.6m and event attendance hits 4.1m
Dubai has set one of its long-term ambitions, revealing a strategy to double the economic contribution of sports to AED18.3bn ($5bn) by 2033.
The Dubai Sports Souths Stratect Plan 2033 aims to increase the number of residents involved in sports from 1.6m to 2.6m, while increasing annual attendance at major meetings to 4.1 million, more than doubling current levels.
The program forms a major pillar of Dubai’s long-term agenda to increase quality of life, public health and global competitiveness.
