Dubai news: The week's big headlines; Asia Cup, DXB operations to DWC, new Emirates route

Time Out Dubai

2 days ago

It's been another big week of Dubai news.
With the start of August coming this week, it's all change in Dubai with several new initiatives and sales now underway.
In air travel, Dubai's main airport revealed record-breaking traffic for the first half of the year and we found out when all operations will eventually move to Al Maktoum International Airport.
Some new rules have been introduced that you'll need to know about too, with paid parking set to be introduced at mosques and influencers will now need an advertising permit.
It's going to be a lot to take in, so maybe it's best you read this all while you lie down on the sofa.
The major Dubai news you may have missed this week
Eat for Dhs10 at 188 different restaurants in August
(Credit: Canva)
Dubai is serving up Dhs10 dishes this summer, offering some of the city's best meals for a fraction of the price.
Launched for the first time as part of Dubai Summer Surprises, the initiative will see restaurants all over the city offer up a particular plate for less.
Running from Friday August 1 until Sunday August 31, you'll be able to treat yourself to flavours from over 190 unique restaurants for only Dhs10.
The bargain event will be spread all across the city as more than 700 outlets from 188 brands will be taking part across the city's malls and dining hotspots.
No bookings or vouchers are required, all you have to do is visit a participating outlet and ask for the Dhs10 dish.
To see all the restaurants taking part, head here.
Record-breaking passenger numbers at DXB
(Credit: DXB)
Dubai International Airport has revealed it has had a record-breaking year, welcoming an impressive 46 million passengers so far.
Only counting the first half of 2025, DXB confirmed this is its busiest year on record, already beating 2024 by 2.3 percent.
The busiest month of the year so far was January, welcoming an impressive 8.5 million guests passing through the terminals.
This was closely followed by April, which saw 8 million passengers throughout the month.
Catering to flights from all over the world, the airport also confirmed that in the first six months of the year, 220,000 flights were handled coming into and out of the city.
Dubai Mallathon is here
Mall of the Emirates (Credit: Mall of the Emirates)
A huge new fitness initiative, which will convert Dubai's biggest malls into running tracks, has now got underway.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, launched the unique Dubai Mallathon project on Thursday July 24.
The Dubai Mallathon has set up dedicated walking and running tracks inside seven Dubai shopping malls, including Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Hills Mall, Deira City Centre, Springs Souk, City Centre Mirdif and Dubai Marina Mall.
These malls will be transformed into organised health and fitness tracks during morning hours, from 7am until 10am, all throughout August.
More people are using public transport than ever before
Credit: Supplied
More people are using public transport in Dubai than ever, according to the latest figures.
According to the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), an impressive 395.3 million riders have used public transport in the first half of 2025.
Explaining why your commute on the Dubai Metro might be feeling a little busier, the RTA confirmed this is a nine percent increase on the same time last year.
In the first half of 2024, there were 361.2 riders, which works out at around nearly 2.18 million daily.
Counting the Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, public buses, maritime transport, taxis and on-demand buses, there are plenty of ways to get around the city without having your own car.
Asia Cup to be played in the UAE
The UAE will host some big matches during the Asia Cup (Credit: Dubai International Cricket Stadium)
The Asian Cricket Council has confirmed that the United Arab Emirates will host the 2025 Asia Cup.
Following a meeting in Dhaka on Thursday July 24, ACC president Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that the tournament will officially be held in the UAE.
The biennial cricket tournament will be played between Tuesday September 9 and Sunday September 28.
While venues have not officially been confirmed, it's likely that the Dubai International Cricket Stadium will host some of the biggest matches, which could include Pakistan vs India.
All DXB operations to move to Al Maktoum International Airport by 2032
The exterior of Al Maktoum International Airport (Credit: Coop Himmelb(l)au)
Every single service at the world's busiest international airport will eventually move to Al Maktoum, according to the Dubai Airports CEO.
And the latest target states that Dubai Airports bosses plan to move all operations from Dubai International Airport to Al Maktoum International Airport, also known as DWC, by 2032.
As DXB continues to break its own record passenger numbers, the capacity of the airport can only stretch to a maximum of about 110-115 million per year – even with the many technological advancements introduced in recent years. In contrast, DWC will eventually have the capacity for 260 million passengers annually once it has been completed.
While all operations are expected to move to DWV by 2032, the full megaproject is unlikely to be completed until the 2050s.
Dubai Airports is encouraging airlines to make a phased migration from DXB to DWC, with airlines taking up slots at DWC when DXB isn't available.
Free ice cream at DXB
(Credit: Canva)
Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, handed out free scoops of soft-serve ice cream and refreshing drinks to people arriving at DXB.
The giveaway finished on Tuesday July 29, as part of the #DubaiDestinations summer campaign.
Ice cream trucks were stationed at various points near the arrivals area at Terminal 3 of the world's busiest international airport.
The trucks were operated by the homegrown brand KUHP, shining a spotlight on the emirate's traditions of local hospitality.
Influencers now need an advertising permit
New rules for influencers have been introduced (Credit: Canva)
Here's a swift heads-up for content creators and influencers – the UAE has just introduced new rules affecting online content.
The UAE Media Council has issued new regulations which require content creators to get an advertiser permit if they're posting promotional content on social media – regardless of whether their content is paid or unpaid.
The policy, introduced on Wednesday July 30, seeks to provide greater transparency and professionalism in the influencer space.
Advertising permits will be free for the first three years, and any existing permits will remain effective until expiry, with renewal applications available thereafter.
Content creators visiting the UAE will also be required to grab a visitor advertising permit, authorising them to create promotional content online. This one will be valid for three months and renewable once for a further three months.
Huge one day sale at Dubai Hills Mall
(Credit: Dubai Hills Mall)
One of Dubai's most popular malls is hosting a mega sale this Saturday, and you could get up to 90 percent off.
As part of the final month of the annual Dubai Summer Surprises event, Dubai Hills Mall is having a special one-day-only sale.
A whopping 47 brands are participating in the Saturday August 2 sale, including the likes of Calvin Klein, Abercrombie and Fitch and Barbour.
You can grab up to 90 percent off at American Rag Cie, F5 and Home Centre as part of the event.
New Dubai exit to cut travel time by over 50% on major road
(Credit: Dubai Media Office)
The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced it will be opening a new exit that will cut travel time by over 50 percent on a major city road.
Opening in early August 2025, the exit will open towards Ras Al Khor Road from Financial Centre Street to allow for better traffic flow.
Open to vehicles travelling from Financial Centre Street near the Bu Kadra Interchange, the improvements are some of a series happening in the Ras Al Khor area.
Bordering several major developments and industrial areas, peak hour travel time on the road should be reduced by an impressive 54 percent.
Paid parking to be introduced at mosques
The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department and Parkin sign first-of-its-kind partnership to organize smart parking around mosques in Dubai. In phase one, Parkin will operate and manage approximately 2,100 parking spaces across 59 sites, providing free parking for… pic.twitter.com/iJDO55Of3T
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) July 31, 2025
The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department has entered a strategic partnership with Parkin.
As part of the agreement, Parkin will operate and manage 2,100 parking spaces across 59 places of worship in Dubai.
Paid parking will be rolled out by August at these sites and will be chargeable 24 hours a day, seven days a week outside of prayer hours. During prayer time, mosque visitors will be able to park free of charge for up to one hour.
The agreement aims to make it easier for worshippers to find a parking space during prayer and improve access to mosques at all times.
Parking spaces will be designated as Zone M for standard spaces and Zone MP for premium spaces, 41 sites will be located in Zone M and 18 in Zone MP.
This means that tariffs will be Dhs2 for 30 minutes in Zone M sites and in MP at off-peak times, but will be Dhs3 in MP at peak times. For a full hour, tariffs will be Dhs4 in Zone M and in Zone MP at off-peak times. During peak times, Zone MP parking will be Dhs6 for an hour.
For more parking changes head here.
Emirates launches flights to Hangzhou
Emirates will fly daily to Hangzhou (Credit: Canva)
The world's largest international airline has officially launched a brand new daily non-stop route.
Flying out of Dubai International Airport, the new Emirates service travels to Hangzhou – one of China's biggest cities.
Emirates' latest expansion, which was first announced in May, is the airline's fifth gateway into the Chinese mainland after Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Shenzhen.
Emirates' newest route flies with a three-class Boeing 777-300ER and took off for the first time on Wednesday July 30.
This route will provide 2,478 weekly seats to the largest city in Zhejiang province.
Things to do in Dubai
Where to get the viral FIX chocolate in Dubai (or the best dupes if you can't)
Get that sweet tooth satisfied
50 free things to do in Dubai
You won't believe what you can do
47 brilliant family-friendly days out in the UAE
For you and the little ones