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Arabian Business
28-06-2025
- Arabian Business
UAE petrol prices to change; Dubai real estate hotspots; Millionaire investment tips; Leave guide and 2026 holiday dates – 10 things you missed this week
From UAE petrol price changes and new credit rules to real estate innovations and millionaire savings plans, the Gulf is seeing rapid shifts in finance and lifestyle. Meanwhile, smart city projects, public sector reforms, and Ramadan 2026 forecasts are helping shape the months ahead. Catch up with 10 of the biggest stories this week, as selected by Arabian Business editors. UAE petrol prices to change for July 2025 The UAE is set to announce petrol prices for July 2025 in the next few days. Petrol prices have remained virtually unchanged for the past three months, following two months of freezes to the cost of filling up at the pump. Despite the current stability, it is currently significantly cheaper to fill up a tank than year ago, with all categories becoming more affordable, despite prices fluctuating throughout the past 12 months. Saudi Arabia announces new credit card rules The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has announced updated credit card rules. The updated regulations will be for credit card issuance and operation, targeting cost reduction for customers whilst increasing disclosure and transparency levels, and will take effect within 30 to 90 days. Under the updated framework, credit card issuers must notify customers of fee changes via SMS, with customers permitted to terminate their agreements within 14 days of receiving such notices. E-wallet top-ups via credit cards will no longer incur charges. The regulations establish new fee structures for cash withdrawals. For amounts below SR2,500, fees are capped at 3 per cent of the transaction value. Dubai residents can now instantly check credit scores online Dubai residents can now check their credit reports and scores directly through the DubaiNow app, thanks to a new integration with the Etihad Credit Bureau. The collaboration between Etihad Credit Bureau (ECB) and DubaiNow, the UAE's leading unified government services app, allows users to access their personal Credit Report and Credit Score in real time with a single click—simplifying financial planning and enhancing digital accessibility. DubaiNow offers more than 300 integrated services from both government and private sector entities. With the new feature, users can log in to the app and instantly view their credit insights—supporting informed financial decisions and streamlining access to key personal data. UAE real estate: 6 major hotspots to invest in right now, delivering 9% returns The UAE's real estate sector recorded transactions worth over AED 239bn (approximately $65bn) in the first quarter of 2024, according to official figures. Property consultancy Whitewill has identified six locations drawing investor attention during the summer period. According to the analysis, the market favours projects combining lifestyle, location, and financial returns. Indian Aces 2025: Meet the Gulf's most powerful Indian business leaders The Indian business community remains an indispensable pillar of the United Arab Emirates' economic architecture. These entrepreneurs, executives, and visionaries – many of whom are celebrated in our Indian Aces 2025 power list – have transformed industries across the Emirates. From retail and healthcare to technology and construction, these business leaders have created enterprises that form the backbone of the region's economic landscape. Dubai real estate: How to buy property for $545 – tokenization explained Dubai is reshaping access to real estate with a new government-backed platform that lets investors own a slice of the city's booming property market for as little as AED 2,000. By turning property into digital tokens, the initiative introduces a new model of ownership that aims to make real estate investment faster, more flexible, and more accessible — all within a regulated blockchain ecosystem. But, what exactly is Dubai real estate tokenization and how does it actually work? Ajman reduces work hours and launches remote work Fridays from July1 Ajman has unveiled a new plan with reduced hours and remote work on Fridays. The 'Balanced Summer' initiative for government employees is aimed at promoting work-life balance, family cohesion, and environmental sustainability during the summer months. The plan was approved during a meeting of the Ajman Executive Council chaired by Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman. Under the initiative, 100 per cent remote work will be in effect every Friday from July 1 to August 22, 2025. In addition, working hours from Monday to Thursday will be reduced to seven hours, running from 7.30 am to 2.30 pm across all government entities. UAE Ramadan and Eid 2026: Expected dates for Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha announced Expected dates for Ramadan 2026 in the UAE have been announced by the Emirates Astronomy Society. The Emirates Astronomy Society forecasts Ramadan will begin on February 18, 2026, with Eid Al Fitr likely on March 20 and Eid Al Adha on May 27. Ibrahim Al Jarwan, chairman of the board of directors of the Emirates Astronomy Society, shared expected dates for holidays and events next year. UAE residents need nearly $1,800 monthly to become millionaires in 10 years, financial experts reveal The UAE's wealth creation ecosystem has produced some of the world's fastest-growing millionaire population, with specific strategies emerging for building seven-figure wealth. Anchored by zero personal income tax, 100 per cent foreign ownership rules, and $817 billion in non-oil trade, the nation has transformed into a magnet for entrepreneurs, investors, and high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) seeking to drive their way to millionaire status But, how much can one build and save to hit AED1 million in the UAE? UAE Leave Guide 2025: Every type of holiday you're entitled to explained UAE workers will enjoy a public holiday on Friday, June 27, to mark the Islamic New Year — giving many a long weekend. But did you know there are nine official types of leave you're entitled to in the UAE? From annual holidays and sick leave to study breaks and maternity support, here's your full guide to every type of leave under UAE Labour Law in 2025.
Campaign ME
18-06-2025
- Campaign ME
Dubai DET hails TBWA\RAAD as ‘an example' after Campaign Global Awards win
Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has congratulated TBWA\RAAD on being named the World's Best Place to Work at the 2025 Campaign Global Agency of the Year Awards, a first for any agency in the Middle East. The recognition marks a significant milestone not only for the agency but also for Dubai's growing reputation as a global centre for creativity, innovation and talent. His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, part of DET, said: 'We extend our warmest congratulations to TBWA\RAAD on this well-deserved award, a testament to its dedication to excellence within Dubai's thriving creative landscape. As Dubai consolidates its position as a leading city for business and leisure, achievements like this underscore our commitment to fostering innovation and providing a platform for global impact.' His Excellency Issam Kazim added that Dubai's supportive environment is what allows companies like TBWA\RAAD to flourish on a global scale. 'By creating a business-friendly environment, attracting and nurturing world-class talent, and promoting a culture of creativity, we are making Dubai the best city to visit, live, and work in. TBWA\RAAD stands as an example of a company that is both capitalising on Dubai's enabling environment and contributing to its continued economic growth and success,' said the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing CEO, part of DET. Headquartered in Dubai, TBWA\RAAD has previously been certified as a Great Place to Work® and named on Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies and Best Workplaces for Women lists. This latest recognition by Campaign affirms its place among the top global creative employers and reinforces the strength of its internal culture. Reda Raad, Group CEO, TBWA\RAAD, said: 'Dubai is where global ambition meets everyday possibility, and our Pirates prove it. Disruption® is more than a creative philosophy –it's the foundation of our culture. When we invest first in people, we unlock ideas that move markets and mind-sets. Being named the Best Place to Work in the world is proof that we have built the most inspiring agency workplace on the planet, with the best Pirates.' Raad added that the win belongs not only to the team at TBWA\RAAD but also to the city of Dubai, 'for fostering an environment where achievements like this are possible.' The award was presented as part of the anual Campaign Global Agency of the Year Awards, which recognise agencies for excellence in creativity, culture, effectiveness, and innovation. TBWA\RAAD's win in the workplace category signals the region's growing competitiveness on the global stage – not just in creative output, but in building sustainable, people-first workplaces. The agency said it will continue to champion talent, nurture innovation and export Dubai's creative energy to the world.
Arabian Business
16-06-2025
- Arabian Business
Abu Dhabi is driving ‘significant opportunity' amid UAE real estate surge, experts say
While the UAE's real estate spotlight has long been focused on Dubai, Abu Dhabi has been crafting a quieter, yet no less powerful, growth story. In a series of exclusive interviews, leading real estate experts revealed how the capital's property market is becoming a magnet for both domestic and international investors—driven by smart planning, long-term vision, and a wave of infrastructure and lifestyle upgrades. 'Abu Dhabi has surpassed Oslo to become the city with the highest concentration of sovereign wealth,' Ali Ishaq, Head of Residential Agency in Abu Dhabi told Arabian Business. Abu Dhabi's Reem and Yas Islands 'standout performers' 'This is driving significant opportunity both for individuals and corporate entities and in turn driving growth in Abu Dhabi's real estate market,' he added. That capital strength is being translated into large-scale urban development. New plans featuring integrated, community-driven environments are emerging, offering a variety of product types not previously available in the emirate. Infrastructure enhancements — including new bridges and tunnels connecting key districts and islands — are also making the city more liveable and better connected. Rental yields across the capital remain robust. According to Haider Tuaima, Managing Director and Head of Real Estate Research, 'gross rental yields averaged 7.8 per cent, with apartments in Al Muneera offering the highest yields at 8.8 per cent and villas in Hydra Village showing the strongest yield growth at 7.6 per cent.' Residential occupancy stood at 88.1 per cent in Q1, he added, noting that supply remains constrained. 'Only 279 units were delivered in the first quarter—just 2 per cent of the nearly 14,000 expected for the full year.' Ishaq confirmed that Reem Island and Yas Island are standout performers, 'Reem Island and Yas Island are delivering the highest rental yields, owing to attractive pricing and location.' Both apartments and villas are seeing increased demand, with the latter particularly appealing to families establishing longer-term bases. Abu Dhabi witnesses diverse and growing investor base Abu Dhabi is now attracting a broader, more diversified investor demographic. 'We're seeing both short- and long-term investors entering the market,' Ishaq said. 'Abu Dhabi's appeal lies in its position as the capital of the UAE, a hub for talent, and a city committed to innovation and digital transformation.' Tuaima further pointed to mortgage trends as further evidence of end-user activity. 'In Q1, two-thirds of transactions were mortgage-backed, with just one-third completed in cash — the inverse of what we typically see in Dubai,' he said. 'Abu Dhabi's strong appeal to investors stems from its strategic location, thriving economy, and government support for growth and innovation,' Ishaq added. 'The city's world-class infrastructure, connectivity, and ease of business further enhance its attractiveness to investors.' Aside from this, sustainability has moved from a trend to a priority in Abu Dhabi's real estate landscape. 'Residential occupiers and younger generations are increasingly mindful of wellness, sustainability and, as a result, are seeking developments that offer more than just housing,' Ishaq said. 'In the commercial market, occupiers are also conscious of how their operations impact the environment, with global occupiers leveraging real estate to off-set operational impacts,' he added. This trend is complemented by the city's growing lifestyle offerings and family-orientated ecosystem. Upcoming international schools to boost investor interest in Abu Dhabi New school openings, including Gordonstoun, Harrow, and King's College School Wimbledon, have added to the city's appeal for long-term residents. While comparisons with Dubai are inevitable, Abu Dhabi's momentum is based on its own fundamentals. 'The significant price rises in Dubai post-pandemic make Abu Dhabi a much more affordable option in the UAE,' Ishaq noted. However, affordability isn't the only driver. 'Recent announcements around Disney, a growing entertainment calendar, the concentration of sovereign wealth, and world-renowned school openings are all contributing to the liveability of the city.' The ValuStrat Price Index for Abu Dhabi rose 7.2 per cent year-on-year in Q1 2025, with villa prices up 9.7 per cent and apartment prices up 4.5 per cent. According to Tuaima, 'Abu Dhabi's capital values continue to show healthy single-digit growth, supported by constrained supply and steady demand, with prices expected to rise up to 7 per cent by the end of 2025.' Off-plan prices averaged AED17,061 per sq m — significantly higher than ready property prices — although transaction volumes were down due to fewer new launches. 'Off-plan transactions fell sharply, down 57.7 per cent quarter-on-quarter and 79.2 per cent year-on-year,' Tuaima said. 'Ready home sales declined 33.6 per cent quarter-on-quarter but increased 13.6 per cent year-on-year.' Echoing the sentiment, Declan King, Senior Partner and Group Head of Real Estate said: 'Great to see the real estate sector in the capital reporting consecutive periods of quarterly growth in sales values of late. It will be interesting to observe if the recent announcement of Disney on Yas Island will act as a further catalyst for the local property market.' Abu Dhabi is no longer just an alternative, it's becoming a primary destination. Backed by sovereign investment, a transparent regulatory framework, and a future-focused approach to urban living, the capital is steadily winning over investors across the spectrum, and with market fundamentals on its side, the emirate's quiet surge is getting harder to ignore.
