The best schools in Dubai; UAE declares holiday; Saudi-Qatar rail link; Residential growth climate – 10 things to remember this week
Market houses, environmental conditions and new ambitious new projects are all prominently featured, alongside BOLTET in the north for finance, transport and regional communication. Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Abu Dhabi also use the headlines with plans set for redevelopment, travel and investment.
Catch up on the 10 biggest news stories this week as selected by Arabian business editors.
Dubai schools: All 23 ‘outstanding’ schools revealed
Dubai has confirmed 23 private schools as “outstanding” for the 2023-2024 inspection cycle, the highest rating given by the Information and Human Development Authority (KHDA).
The results show strong performance in the quality of teaching, leadership, student health and overall educational outcomes, giving parents a clear benchmark of the Emirate’s top institutions.
Fees for private schools in Dubai vary according to Curriculum, institutions and year group, with a year’s tuition in elite schools usually from primary to upper secondary levels.
Four new visas to visit in 2025 – everything you need to know
The UAE has issued a major update to its entry permit system, introducing four new visa categories designed to attract global talent, support economic sectors and strengthen the country’s position in tourism, entertainment and tourism.
The changes are part of a wider package of amendments announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Culture and Port Security (ICP), which also includes new humanitarian aid services, widows and family screening options and the extension of family support.
Authorities say the new visa categories aim to streamline entry procedures for certain types of tourists while supporting national priorities such as intellectual property, events and maritime tourism.
UAE property market set to BUY AED486BN BY 2030
The UAE’s construction sector is on track to reach AED486.2 billion by 2030, cementing its role as one of the country’s most powerful economic engines, according to new projections from market analysis.
The sector, which is worth AED302.65 billion in 2024, is expected to grow at a unique annual rate of 8.06 percent as the needs of investors, government-backed development and rapid digital transformation push the market to the next stage of expansion.
Driven by strong population growth, rising foreign investment and capital utilization, the UAE continues to position property as the cornerstone of its diversified economy. Research and marks note that technology is now the determining factor in the rapid emergence of artificial intelligence, virtual reality and augmented reality where features are produced, sold.
Emaar unveils Dubai Square, the world’s first travel drive
After providing Dubai with Dubai real estate projects such as the tallest building in the world Burj Khalifa, and the Sprawling Dubai Mall, it is now the site of Dubai Square – An entertainment and entertainment area that will include the world’s first Drive.
This project will promote the development of the port of Dubai Creek and will have 2.6 million meters of Retail, Hospitality and Commercial Space. Dubai Creek Harbor is a major development of 11 million square meters with a total development cost of AED180 billion (US $49 billion). That will triple the size of Dubai in Dubai.
The project underscores Emaar’s vision for the future, combining residential, commercial, and recreational spaces on the banks of the historic Dubai Creek.
The UAE issues major changes in commercial law
The UAE has introduced sweeping changes to its commercial property laws to allow for new share structures, market capitalization and easy relocation of businesses in the Emirates and Free Zones in less than a week.
These amendments aim to streamline the country’s legal framework, expand investor options and revitalize ownership and finance as part of a broader push to strengthen the UAE’s position as a global investment destination.
One of the most important changes is the introduction of a new legal form, the non-profit corporation. Under the new framework, these things will once again have Net benefits in their objectives rather than passing them on to shareholders, creating a clear organization of social and development organizations focused on working within the organization of the controlled company.
The Dubai Real Estate Market is Entering a New Era of New User Demand and community-led growth
The Dubai Real Estate Real Estate Market entered a new phase of maturity in 2025, made by the decision of the final work, the diverse work of investors around the world and the clear evolution of the analysis of social layers.
The company said the patterns are being looked at through 2025 to look for consumer demand and consumer expectations that will influence market performance in 2026.
Banks reported significant activity from GCC, Indian, UK and European buyers across Off-Plan and in-house. The first half of 2025 recorded over AED431BN ($117.4bn) in real estate transactions across 125,538 deals.
Dubai Islands rise like ‘T Palm’ as wealthy buyers snap up hoterfront homes – developer
Global wealth is increasingly looking specifically for exclusive homes by the sea as buyers want to live in the Dubai Islands for privacy, sun and proximity to the difc, the developer told the Arabian business.
Buyers from Europe, North America and South America are targeting coastal and island homes that combine privacy, direct ocean access and lifestyle amenities with long-term growth opportunities.
The shift is fueled by a growing pipeline of residential initiatives on Dubai’s islands, an area that is MasterplantPlont Up where developers are compared to the first rise of the Palm Jumeirah.
Saudi Arabia and Qatar Sign 300kmph, 785km rail link with $31bn economic impact and 30,000 jobs
Saudi Arabia and Qatar have signed an agreement to operate a 785km high-speed electric train connecting Riyadh and Doha.
The major development strengthens the connectivity of the region and shows the strong relationship between the two countries.
The railway will connect the two capitals and pass through Hofuf and Dammam, connecting King Salman International Airport in Riyadh and Hamad International Airport in Doha. Designed for speeds exceeding 300kmph, the route will reduce travel time between Riyadh and Doha by approximately two hours, improving mobility, improving tourism and improving health.
Abu Dhabi launches major Financial Cluster to drive $15.25bn GDP growth, spur $4.6bn investment and create 8,000 new skilled jobs by 2045
Abu Dhabi has launched a large financial group designed to accelerate the Emirate’s leadership in Fintech, insurance, digital assets and investment approval, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi and the Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Board.
The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office announced the Fintech, Insurance, Digital and Alternative Assets (Fida) Cluster in Abu Dhabi Finance Livik 2025.
Organized by the Ministry of Economy of Abu Dhabi in the office of economics (additional) and the office of Abu Dhabi Investment (ADIO), the Cluster aims to strengthen the position of the emirate as a global center for advanced finance and investment.
By 2045, Fida is said to contribute an additional AED56bn ($15.25bn) to Abu Dhabi’s gross domestic product, create 8,000 new skilled jobs and attract at least AED17BN ($4.63BN) in investment, supporting a broad economic diversification agenda.
UAE declares 2026 holiday
The UAE has announced a public sector holiday to celebrate the new year of 2026.
In an official statement, the Federal Authority for HANTER HANTER Human Resources said January 1, 2026 will be a public holiday for all federal government employees.
It marks the first official holiday of the following year and will fall on a Thursday.
