DEWA saw 4.5% surge in electricity connection requests for Dubai commercial projects in 2024
Dubai's off-plan market continues to perform strongly in early 2025, attracting a more diverse range of international investors GCC
Knight Frank noted a two-tier market has emerged in the apartment rental sector in Qatar Mohammed bin Salman
Under the new measures, restrictions on land transactions will be lifted in two northern areas of Riyadh Eid Al Fitr
UAE will mark Sunday, March 30 as the first day of Eid Al Fitr Dubai
Azizi Vista is positioned in proximity to Sports City and Motor City Dubai
The Dubai real estate market is seeing consistent demand for home financing, supported by current lending conditions Abu Dhabi
The package will benefit 4,356 UAE citizens across Abu Dhabi Dubai
flydubai will provide connections to flydubai's wider network of more than 130 destinations across 55 countries Robot
Robotaxi service will see passengers transported by self-driving cars in Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi housing
Abu Dhabi Housing Authority has delivered $46bn of benefits to citizens since it was launched Dubai parking
Dubai announces free parking and Metro operating hours for Eid Al Fitr 2025 Endowment Funds
UAE's Fathers' Endowment campaign raised an incredible $1bn in Ramadan Dubai World Trade Centre
DWTC Hospitality provided services for more than 2,400 events last year GaStat
Saudi Arabia sees decline in national unemployment Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi GDP expanded in 3.8 per cent last year, top sectors revealed Dubai Rental Disputes Centre
Dubai releases inmates ahead of Eid Al Fitr as $1.9m of disputed rent paid in full Egypt
Abu Dhabi's Modon and Egypts Elsewedy Industrial Development to create 20,000 new jobs at Ras El Hekma industrial zone in Egypt Oman
Oman gives approval for Starlink to provide high-speed internet access Eid
Bahrain has called on people in the Kingdom to report moon-sighting ahead of Eid Al Fitr 2025 Dubai Customs
Dubai Customs prepared for busy schedule during Eid Al Fitr 2025 CBUAE
The UAE Dirham now has a symbol like the $ and € Eid
The UAE has called on people in the country to report moon-sighting ahead of Eid Al Fitr 2025 domestic workers
Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation fines UAE recruitment offices over domestic worker rule violations Abu Dhabi office market
Abu Dhabi sees spike in office and industrial real estate rents Eid
Saudi Arabia has called on people in the Kingdom to report moon-sighting ahead of Eid Al Fitr 2025 Eid Al Fitr
Passengers flying in and out of Qatar's Hamad International Airport advised to arrive early and check-in online over Eid Al Fitr Alexa
Amazon Alexa data shows most common requests from users in Saudi and UAE Abu Dhabi
UAE petrol prices fell slightly in March following an increase in February Eid
Qatar has announced dates for Eid Al Fitr holiday 2025 Ajman
Ajman has recorded a more than 50 per cent value in real estate rents since 2022 Tawazun Council
UAE hands out contracts to build anti-piracy and smuggling naval craft Dubai
Dubai bus-on-demand service now available in Oud Metha and Barsha Heights Cybersecurity
UAE Cybersecurity Council blocks 634 attacks on government and private entities Masdar
Masdar advancing its worldwide renewable energy portfolio Eid
Oman announces holidays for public and private sector to mark Eid Al Fitr 2025 bridge
Dubai's RTA inaugurates major new bridge to boost traffic and slash waiting times Dubai parking
Parkin announces new Dubai car parking fees in Dubai will begin on April 4 M&A
Middle East M&A market outperforms global average as 475 deals made and AI, renewables and infrastructure sectors impress Riyadh
Riyadh Municipality opens investment opportunities at 20 sites in the city anti-begging
Dubai Police arrest beggars with $13,600 in their possession Al Fardan Exchange
UAE Eid holiday dates, Dubai Metro station renamed, real estate analysis, free zone rules updated and more top news stories this week qatar economy
The Qatar economy saw significant growth in 2024 as non-oil sector impresses Emirati pension
General Pension and Social Security Authority confirms payment rules for mothers in the UAE DIFC
Dubai emerging as one of the most important financial centres in the world in respected ranking Emirates
Middle East carriers cancel flights after Heathrow Airport forced to close for full day following a major fire digital invoice
UAE Ministry of Finance introduces invoicing rules to boost digital record keeping Dubai real estate
SOL Properties launches SOL Levante Dubai real estate development in Jumeirah Village Triangle Ramadan
UAE will shift to remote-learning classes for public Bahrain real estate
GCC real estate investments see healthy yields for apartments in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman Dubai real estate
Agent with Dubai's Provident Real Estate sells three buildings in a day at fast-growing Expo City
Partner Content: And it's all set to make waves Bayt.com
MENA salary survey identifies job trends and expectations for workers in the region FDI
UAE Cabinet reflects 'most remarkable economic and developmental year in the nation's history'
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Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
Flexible payments, lesser fees: How Dubai's new initiative benefits first-time home buyers
Dubai's latest initiative to incentivize first-time homebuyers is set to make property ownership more affordable for investors and end-users. On Wednesday, the Dubai Land Department (DLD), in collaboration with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), launched the First-Time Home Buyer Programme. The initiative offers priority access to new developments, preferential pricing, and customized mortgage solutions via the DLD platform and the Dubai REST app. Open to all UAE residents aged 18 and above, the programme caps investments at Dh5 million. According to global consultancy Knight Frank, property prices in Dubai are already more competitive than those in many major global cities such as New York, London, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Singapore, Geneva, Shanghai, and Vienna. Participating developers — including Azizi Developments, Beyond Developments, Binghatti Holding, Damac Properties, Danube Properties, Dubai Properties, Ellington Properties, Emaar Properties, Majid Al Futtaim Group, Meraas, Nakheel, Palma Holding, and Wasl — are offering discounted mortgage rates and preferential prices, making property more affordable for first-time buyers. Azizi Developments announced exclusive offers for new buyers through the dedicated platform operated by DLD and DET. The company noted that it would direct sales to interested buyers at favorable rates by reallocating brokerage commissions, further enhancing affordability. 'The programme not only enables renters to become homeowners, but also promotes economic stability by encouraging long-term financial planning and asset-building," said Mirwais Azizi, founder and chairman of Azizi Developments. "Through enhanced accessibility and tailored pricing, we are helping more residents transition into homeownership while supporting real estate sector growth," he added. Easing entry into the market Riz Ahmed, CEO of SmartCrowd, emphasized that early access to launches, special pricing, flexible payment plans, and the option to split DLD fees into interest-free installments will ease the path for first-time buyers. 'It's definitely becoming more manageable. While the initiative doesn't lower prices directly, it reduces initial financial pressure through lower fees, better mortgage rates, and flexible payment options,' he explained. Nitin Chopra, CEO of Range International Property Investment, said that by opening the programme to all residents over 18 — regardless of nationality— and setting a cap at Dh5 million, the government is targeting the mid-market segment where demand is strong and affordability is crucial. 'The programme modernizes homebuying by digitizing traditional paper-based processes. Licensed brokers onboard buyers via a centralized 'Dubai Brokers' portal, positioning them as compliance custodians within a government-backed framework,' Chopra said. He also highlighted that close coordination with Dubai's leading developers and banks ensures mortgage solutions are tailored to the programme's needs, aligning supply and finance with structured, demand-led policy. 'While the full impact remains to be seen, the initiative is poised to expand access, relieve price pressures, and diversify homeownership in Dubai's growing market," he said. Empowering a new generation of buyers Navneet Mandhani, co-founder of Karma Developers, praised the programme for easing the financial burden on new buyers — whether through reduced upfront costs, waived fees, or better mortgage access. 'This initiative empowers a new generation of residents and expatriates to take their first step toward homeownership,' he said. 'For investors, it expands the buyer base and injects fresh liquidity into the market. Over time, these incentives will foster a more mature market focused on end-user growth over speculative investment.' Despite a steady rise in property prices due to high demand and limited supply, Mandhani believes Dubai remains relatively affordable compared to other global cities. 'Developers and lenders are responding with flexible mortgage options, tailored payment plans, and lower entry thresholds. Factoring in long-term rental savings, capital appreciation, and the stability of Dubai's real estate market, buying now makes strong financial sense for residents with stable incomes and a long-term outlook,' he added. Widening market participation Samer Ambar, co-founder and CEO of Reef Luxury Developments, said the new programme makes homeownership significantly more accessible for both first-time investors and end-users. 'Offering a range of pricing options and manageable payment structures makes a tangible difference for first-time buyers. It provides a meaningful advantage that wouldn't otherwise exist,' he said. Beyond affordability, Ambar emphasized that developers must ensure these homes remain high-value, long-term assets for buyers. Veer Doshi, CEO and managing director of Vincitore Realty, noted that the initiative not only helps renters become owners but also fosters community stability and belonging. 'Exclusive incentives like preferential pricing and flexible mortgage options enable residents to fulfill their homeownership dreams, while also promoting sustainable sector growth,' said Doshi. 'For both end-users and investors, these changes break down traditional barriers and create a more inclusive, resilient market.' With mortgage rates stabilizing and developers offering investor-friendly plans, Doshi said owning is now often comparable — or even cheaper — than long-term renting. 'Market conditions and developer incentives have created a unique window for first-time buyers to enter without compromising on location, quality, or long-term value,' he added. Driving long-term stability Yogesh Bulchandani, CEO and co-founder of Sunrise Capital, highlighted how the initiative lowers the entry barrier for aspiring homeowners through a combination of exclusive benefits: early access to launches, flexible payments, and tailored mortgage products. 'For end-users, it offers a more attainable path to long-term stability and wealth creation. For investors, it signals a maturing and resilient market supported by broader buyer participation — especially from younger residents and long-term expatriates,' he said. By capping eligible properties at Dh5 million, introducing zero-interest registration fee payment plans, and launching exclusive mortgage products, Bulchandani believes Dubai is making homeownership more accessible than ever. 'Combined with strong rental yields and enhanced residency options, buying a home in Dubai is now a practical, financially sound decision — not just an aspiration. This initiative will convert more tenants into owners, stimulate genuine end-user demand, and lead to a more balanced and sustainable real estate market,' he concluded.
Khaleej Times
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Milano enters petcare arena with ‘Petshouse' launch
Milano by Danube, a market leader in bath and home solutions, has officially entered the petcare industry with the launch of its new lifestyle line, Milano Petshouse. The brand unveiled its smart, design-forward range of pet products, marking a significant expansion into the booming pet lifestyle market. The Petshouse collection, tailored for modern cats and dogs, features everything from sleek grooming kits and travel carriers to smart feeders and hygiene products. At the heart of the line is an app-enabled Smart Litter Box, capable of self-cleaning, controlling odours, and syncing real-time usage updates, offering a tech-savvy solution for the UAE's growing community of indoor pet owners. Other high-tech offerings include Wi-Fi smart feeders, which allow remote, portion-controlled feeding with live notifications, and stylish water fountains in multiple sizes that mimic running water to encourage better hydration for pets. In a gesture reflecting the brand's commitment to community welfare, Milano launched Petshouse with a CSR initiative at the RAK Welfare Centre for Animals, which shelters over 1,400 rescued pets. Milano director Sahil Sajan personally visited the centre, donating a variety of Petshouse products and engaging with the animals and staff. "Milano Petshouse isn't just a product launch — it's about changing how pets live in our homes," said Sajan. "With pet parenting on the rise across urban UAE, we wanted to create a range that marries innovation, convenience, and compassion." The launch comes at a time when the UAE's petcare industry is experiencing rapid growth —fueled by a sharp rise in pet ownership, alongside trends such as pet humanisation, increased spending on premium pet products, and the growing popularity of pet tech. As veterinary services and the accessory market expand across the region, Milano's smart, design-forward offerings are well positioned to meet the evolving needs of the UAE's modern pet parents. The Milano Petshouse range is now available at all Danube Home showrooms and online.
Gulf Business
2 hours ago
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flydubai just made travel easier for its pilots,crew: Here's how
Image credit: Dubai Media Office/Website In a move to enhance operational efficiency and embrace cutting-edge technology, Read- The new biometric smart gates have been installed at the airline's Airport Operations Centre and are designed to streamline immigration processes through advanced facial recognition, AI-powered verification, and real-time data integration. This technology provides a faster, more secure, and paperless experience for crew members reporting for duty. Seamless travel experience through smart technology Thani Alzaffin, group CEO of emaratech, said the partnership marks a major milestone in modernizing border control systems. 'We are proud to partner with flydubai in pioneering a next-generation, paperless immigration experience for their crew members,' said Alzaffin. 'Through AI-powered facial recognition, our smart gates integrate seamlessly with both flydubai's and immigration's platforms, enabling real-time validation and a truly frictionless journey.' He added that the initiative reflects emaratech's broader goal to redefine border control using artificial intelligence to deliver smarter, faster, and more secure checkpoints. Supporting operational growth and efficiency flydubai's chief procurement and technology officer, Mohammed Hareb AlMheiri, emphasised the importance of technology in driving operational improvements. 'We are pleased to have partnered with emaratech to implement this innovative solution for our pilots and cabin crew,' said AlMheiri. 'As we continue to grow, we seek technologies that boost efficiency. These biometric smart gates represent another step toward seamless and secure operations as we future-proof our systems.' A total of six smart biometric gates have been installed, providing direct access to immigration clearance for crew members prior to flight departures. A growing network and workforce The initiative is part of flydubai's broader investment in technology to support its frontline staff and operational goals. The airline currently serves more than 135 destinations with a modern fleet of 89 aircraft. Its workforce exceeds 6,400 employees, including over 1,300 pilots and 2,500 cabin crew.
