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Arabian Business
3 hours ago
- Business
- 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.
Al Bawaba
a day ago
- Business
- Al Bawaba
High-Level Delegation from Dubai Municipality Visits Moro Hub to Explore its Advanced Digital Infrastructure and Smart Solutions
His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), welcomed a high-level delegation from Dubai Municipality at Moro Hub, a subsidiary of Digital DEWA, the digital arm of DEWA. The delegation was led by His Excellency Marwan Bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality. The visit aimed to strengthening collaboration on digital transformation and smart city initiatives between both meeting was attended by Eng. Marwan Bin Haidar, Vice Chairman – Digital & Group CEO of Digital DEWA; Eng. Waleed Bin Salman, Vice Chairman – Energy at Digital DEWA; Abdul Nasser Abbas, Board Member of Digital DEWA; Mohammed Bin Sulaiman, CEO of Moro Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer said: 'We are guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to enhance Dubai's positioning as a leading city driven by sustainability, innovation, and digital excellence. This visit by Dubai Municipality reinforces the critical need for unified efforts among government entities to accelerate the deployment of smart, secure, and sustainable infrastructure. Our goals are fully aligned with the UAE's Net Zero by 2050 Strategy and the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050. At Digital DEWA, we are enabling digital transformation and shaping the foundation of a resilient green economy by delivering integrated and world-class technologies that enhance operational agility, thus boosting Dubai's status as a global benchmark for digital and environmental leadership.'The visit included an in-depth presentation on Moro Hub's full suite of services, followed by an exclusive tour of its state-of-the-art facilities, including the Network Operations Centre (NOC), Security Operations Centre (SOC), the Smart Cities and IoT Command Centre, and the company's Green Data Centre. At the end of the tour and presentation, HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer presented Moro Hub's Green Certificate to HE Eng. Marwan Bin Ghalita, acknowledging Dubai Municipality's commitment to environmental sustainability. The certificate formally confirms that by hosting its IT workloads at Moro Hub's Green Data Centre, Dubai Municipality is set to achieve substantial reductions in carbon emissions, marking a significant milestone in environmental Excellency Marwan Bin Ghalita said: 'As Dubai continues its evolution into one of the smartest and most sustainable cities in the world, it is essential that we work closely with strategic partners like Moro Hub. This visit allowed us to explore how their digital capabilities can complement and enhance our smart city initiatives, improve public services, and strengthen infrastructure resilience.'The delegation's tour was designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of Moro Hub's role in the digital ecosystem, from managing mission-critical data operations to securing smart city infrastructures. The visit also highlighted how Moro Hub supports the broader goals of enhancing urban resilience, environmental sustainability, and citizen-centric service delivery. Moro Hub continues to serve as a strategic digital partner to public and private sector entities, offering services across Cloud & Hosting, Smart City & IoT, Advanced Technology, Cybersecurity, Managed Services, and Enterprise Solutions. The company's facilities and platforms are designed to support the UAE's long-term goals of building a knowledge-based, innovation-led, and sustainable economy.
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Explained: The RM4b Kota Madani megaproject set to transform Putrajaya's landscape
KUALA LUMPUR, June 27 — Imagine a living, thriving pedestrianised smart city roughly the size of 57 football fields equipped with various public amenities and green spaces for 35,000 people in the near future. Finding it difficult to visualise? Fret not, you don't need to look any further since one is currently being developed in the nation's administrative capital of Putrajaya. What is Kota Madani? Kota Madani or Madani City is a RM4 billion megaproject currently undertaken by the Malaysian government and Perbadanan Putrajaya. The 102-acre megaproject will be developed by Putrajaya Holdings Sdn Bhd through a public-private partnership model based on the build, lease, maintain and transfer (BLMT) concept, without involving any government allocation in the initial phase. Key components of the township will include 10,000 units of vertically built government quarters for approximately 35,000 civil servants and their families; financial institutions, eateries, community halls, bazaar sites, offices and commercial lots, all within walkable, self-contained residential precincts. There will also be built-in public amenities such as a police and fire station, a house of worship, healthcare facilities, football fields, parks, schools, and institutions for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), a petrol station and a viewing platform overlooking Putrajaya Lake. Designed to serve as a model township under the government's Madani framework, Kota Madani will integrate smart technologies, green infrastructure, energy-efficient systems, and essential public services into one cohesive urban ecosystem. Where is it located? Kota Madani will be situated along Lebuh Wadi Ehsan and Persiaran Selatan in Presint 19, Putrajaya. It spans about 0.8 per cent of Putrajaya's total land area. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim viewing a scale model of the township during the launch of the Kota Madani groundbreaking ceremony in Putrajaya June 26, 2025. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa When is it going to be liveable? According to the planned timeline, the megaproject's first phase — which comprises 3,000 residential units — is targeted for completion by the end of 2027. The second phase — which includes the remaining 7,000 residential units and other public amenities — is targeted for completion by the end of 2028. The entire project is slated for full completion within seven years or by 2032. Who are the intended dwellers of Kota Madani? Civil servants and government pensioners. Why another megaproject? Kota Madani and its eventual development emerged after the federal government saw the urgency to provide sufficient and affordable, high-quality housing needs to civil servants. Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa was quoted recently as saying there is a current backlog of more than 17,000 unfulfilled applications for government quarters placement. The township's development also demonstrates the government's commitment to support the growth of smart and sustainable cities. How is Kota Madani different from other township developments? With over seven percent of its total area developed as green spaces, Kota Madani is anchored upon the CHASE City vision (clean, healthy, advanced, safe and eco-friendly) — a policy framework designed to transform Malaysia's federal territories into liveable, sustainable cities. A scale model of Kota Madani. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa The township also boasts 2.8km of support and mobility infrastructures, with a heavy emphasis on pedestrian accessibility and walkability. Green and solar roofing, along with vertical gardens, will also be incorporated into the architecture of each block of the government quarters, providing natural insulation and an improved quality of life. Among its unique features is the inclusion of vertical schools — schools with six or more storeys that is typically higher than a traditional horizontal school — built in response to urbanisation and land scarcity. According to the developer, the three vertical schools — two primary and one secondary — with a total of 54 classrooms are designed to provide universal access to roofed pedestrian walkways between residential units and the schools. Conceptualised as a smart city, technologies such as intelligent traffic systems, solar pathways, automated waste disposal system, closed-circuit surveillance system, disaster warning system and community WiFi access will be integrated into its development. Most importantly, the township will be supported by the Local Urban Observatory system which utilises technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data and Internet of Things (IoT) to drive real-time monitoring of facilities, electricity usage, water quality, waste management and security.
Entrepreneur
5 days ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
AI at the Edge: The Future of Smart Cities and How Entrepreneurs Can Get Involved
Edge AI changes how a traffic light works, how a building cools itself, or how a shop knows when to restock. And in the Middle East, we have the opportunity to lead. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. As an entrepreneur building real-world tech, I've seen how the idea of a 'smart city' is no longer futuristic but is happening right now. Around the world, we're witnessing bold urban innovation from next-generation infrastructure to comprehensive smart city strategies that are reshaping how we live and work. In the Middle East, projects like NEOM's infrastructure and Dubai's Smart City strategy, are leading this transformation and setting global benchmarks. One of the most exciting shifts I'm seeing on the ground is the rise of Edge AI, where intelligence is moving out of the cloud and closer to where life happens and for entrepreneurs, this evolution presents a rare window of opportunity. In my work helping design intelligent environments, I've watched Edge AI turn passive spaces into systems that respond, adapt, and serve people, not just collect data. When cities can think, respond, and adapt in real-time, we move beyond smart into something far more impactful: truly human-centric environments. Why Edge AI Matters Now At its core, Edge AI means putting AI directly onto devices. Whether it's a traffic camera, a building sensor, or a delivery robot, the data can now be processed where it's generated, not sent halfway across the world to a cloud server. That local processing power dramatically reduces lag, enables real-time responses, and removes a lot of the friction that slows down traditional smart systems. For instance, an edge-enabled traffic system doesn't need to send video feeds to a distant server. Instead, it can process visual data on-site to detect congestion, adjust signal timing, and ease the flow, all in milliseconds. In smart security, AI-enabled cameras can identify unusual behavior and alert authorities immediately, without waiting for cloud approval. Why is this so important in the Middle East? Because we're talking about cities with high population density, fast-growing infrastructure, and extreme environments. Delays, even in seconds, can have major implications for safety, mobility, and energy efficiency. How the Middle East is Leading the Charge The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar are all making significant investments in AI and smart city infrastructure. This is amplified by progressive policies, such as the UAE's National AI Strategy 2031, which envisions the Middle East as a hub of innovation. Governments are fostering ecosystems that attract entrepreneurs, accelerating the deployment of transformative solutions. Public-private collaborations are thriving, creating fertile ground for startups eager to solve pressing urban challenges. Where Entrepreneurs Can Make a Difference Edge AI opens a range of opportunities across sectors. Here are five areas where I see real potential: Urban Mobility and Logistics: From micro-mobility optimization to edge-powered parking systems, there's a huge demand for localized intelligence that improves flow, reduces emissions and eases congestion. Energy and Water Management: Smart meters and distributed energy resources can use edge AI to detect leaks, forecast demand, and balance grid loads in real-time, critical in resource-scarce environments. Retail and Commerce: In malls and airports, edge-powered analytics can improve foot traffic insights, queue management, and personalized experiences, especially where connectivity may be inconsistent. Public Safety and Emergency Response: Real-time data from cameras, drones, and sensors can assist emergency services, enabling faster and more informed interventions. Healthcare: Edge AI can be used in clinics and homes to monitor patients, reduce hospital load, and enable telemedicine services where latency and privacy are critical. How to Get Involved: Practical Strategies - So how can entrepreneurs position themselves to ride this wave? Start with local problems. Edge AI works best when it solves immediate, contextual issues. Partner with municipalities or infrastructure providers to understand what's really needed. Edge AI works best when it solves immediate, contextual issues. Partner with municipalities or infrastructure providers to understand what's really needed. Think modular and scalable. Build tools that can plug into existing city systems or be deployed independently in smaller settings like malls, campuses, or transit hubs. Build tools that can plug into existing city systems or be deployed independently in smaller settings like malls, campuses, or transit hubs. Prioritize security and privacy. Public trust is vital. Implementing robust safeguards around data collection and use will differentiate you in a highly sensitive space. Public trust is vital. Implementing robust safeguards around data collection and use will differentiate you in a highly sensitive space. Embrace interoperability. Edge solutions must work across networks and standards. Open architecture and API-driven development will help ensure longevity and integration. Edge solutions must work across networks and standards. Open architecture and API-driven development will help ensure longevity and integration. Leverage the region's accelerators. Tap into platforms like Hub71 in Abu Dhabi, Area 2071 in Dubai, or NEOM's innovation programs. These offer funding, market access, and pilot opportunities. The Edge Is Just the Beginning We often think of innovation as something distant or abstract. But with Edge AI, the impact is tangible. It changes how a traffic light works, how a building cools itself, or how a shop knows when to restock. And in the Middle East, we have the opportunity to lead. Smart cities are no longer just about connectivity; they're about intelligence at the edge. Of course, that intelligence needs to be human-first. As entrepreneurs, we're not just building better tech. In reality, we're shaping how people experience the cities they live in.
Associated Press
5 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Australian Developers Launch $6 Billion Smart City in Lombok
Two visionary Australian developers, Jamie McIntyre, founder of Australian National Review and long-time Lombok, June 23, 2025 -- Two visionary Australian developers, Jamie McIntyre, founder of Australian National Review and long-time advocate for independent media and international investment, and his business partner Adrian Campbell, have officially launched one of Southeast Asia's most ambitious development projects: a $6 billion smart city known as Marina Bay City, now under construction on the island of Lombok, Indonesia - Bali's lesser-known but fast-rising neighbor. Dubbed the 'next Dubai meets Bali', Marina Bay City is a master-planned development spanning luxury villas, beach resorts, private hospitals, wellness centers, digital nomad hubs, education precincts, and a marina lifestyle precinct - all aimed at one rapidly growing market: Western expats looking to escape increasing restrictions, surveillance, and cost-of-living pressures back home. From Vision to Billions McIntyre and Campbell have taken the bold approach of creating billions in real estate value before even completing construction. Through strategic land banking, private equity fundraising, and the power of master-planned city design, the duo has successfully acquired and rezoned hundreds of hectares of prime oceanfront land, transforming raw beachfront and hillside terrain into a globally marketed smart city that's now gaining momentum among early investors. According to early valuation reports and investor presentations, the project - once fully built - is expected to exceed $6 billion in total developed value, with projected revenues from villa sales, commercial leasing, tourism, and healthcare services. With land already appreciating sharply in Lombok due to the spillover from Bali's tourism saturation, McIntyre and Campbell's early-mover advantage is already paying off. 'We're creating wealth from raw dirt and big vision,' says McIntyre. 'It's what great developers do. We didn't wait for governments or corporations - we saw a global trend and built the solution: a safe, free, vibrant city for people seeking a better lifestyle and more freedom.' Why Lombok, and Why Now? As Bali reaches its limits in terms of land availability and congestion, Lombok - just a short 20-minute flight away - is emerging as Indonesia's next property boom hub. The Indonesian government has already designated it a national tourism development priority, pouring billions into international airport expansion, roads, and energy infrastructure. Add to that white-sand beaches, dramatic coastlines, and growing demand from Australians, Europeans, and Americans - and Lombok is becoming the new frontier. Marina Bay City is strategically positioned on Lombok's picturesque southern coastline, minutes from the Mandalika MotoGP circuit and surrounded by untouched surf beaches and reef-lined bays. A City for the Future - And the Freedom-Minded Unlike traditional developments focused only on tourism, Marina Bay City has a deeper mission: to serve as a haven for freedom-seeking Westerners, particularly from Australia, where many feel increasingly disillusioned by the direction of political and economic policy post-pandemic. 'There's a silent exodus happening,' says Adrian Campbell. 'We're building not just real estate - we're building a new life for thousands of people who want safety, beauty, opportunity, and freedom. Marina Bay City is the first of its kind - a privately built, community-led smart city for expats and locals alike.' The Billionaire BlueprintIn less than three years, McIntyre and Campbell have effectively created billions in paper wealth through savvy land deals, innovative financing, and early adoption of global digital marketing. They're following the proven model of Dubai's success - where private developers created entire cities from desert - but applying it to a tropical, freedom-oriented lifestyle. Their company is also exploring tokenized real estate investments, sustainable infrastructure, and digital residency programs - making Marina Bay City a model of modern, decentralized, community-first development. With construction already underway and hundreds of villas now in planning or early sales phases, the duo's status as self-made billionaires is rapidly solidifying - not just on paper, but in bricks, mortar, and visionary execution. For more information or to explore investment or residency options in Marina Bay City, visit Marina Bay City: Where Vision Meets Paradise. Contact Info: Name: Cherine Deleroulle Email: Send Email Organization: Marina Bay City Website: Release ID: 89162780 In the event of any inaccuracies, problems, or queries arising from the content shared in this press release, we encourage you to notify us immediately at [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our diligent team will be readily available to respond and take swift action within 8 hours to rectify any identified issues or assist with removal requests. Ensuring the provision of high-quality and precise information is paramount to us.
