Dubai is cementing its rise in the business tourism sector. The emirate has secured 504 international events to host over the next four years, representing an increase of +15 % compared with 2024.

Residential rents in Dubai are expected to rise by between 4 % and 6 % in 2026, according to initial market estimates. This moderate increase is mainly driven by continued population growth, which is boosting demand in several key areas of the emirate.

From 9 January 2026, all state schools in the United Arab Emirates will introduce new timetables for Friday mornings, to enable pupils and teaching staff to return home before Friday prayers, which are now officially scheduled for 12.45 pm.

Residential rents in Dubai are expected to rise by between 4 % and 6 % in 2026, according to initial market estimates. This moderate increase is mainly driven by continued population growth, which is boosting demand in several key areas of the emirate.

From 1 January 2026, the United Arab Emirates will embark on a new phase of regulatory and technological transformation. Several major measures will come into force, affecting businesses, consumers and content creators alike.

To mark the national holiday on 2 December, the United Arab Emirates has officially announced a four-day holiday for the public sector.

Dubai is continuing its social transformation with the announcement of an ambitious strategic plan for 2033, centred on three key pillars: employment, affordable education and preventive healthcare.

The end of 2025 is set to be a dynamic time in the United Arab Emirates, with a series of regulatory changes, cultural initiatives and major events taking place across the country.

Dubai has taken another step forward in its artistic development with the official opening of the Dubai Museum of Art (DUMA), a major cultural project situated on Dubai Creek Island.

The UAE Media Council has granted content creators an extension: they now have until 31 January 2026 to obtain their mandatory advertising licence. This regulation aims to regulate sponsored posts and professionalise the influencer sector in the Emirates.

The RTA is transforming the Nol card into a fully-fledged digital wallet in Dubai. It can now be used to pay for transport, parking, shopping, restaurants and even education fees, thanks to strategic partnerships with the KHDA, Parkin and PayPal.

From 13 to 17 October 2025, Dubai will become the global technology hub with GITEX Global. This mega-exhibition will bring together 6,500 exhibitors, 1,800 start-ups and 200,000 visitors keen to discover the innovations that will transform our daily lives: AI, autonomous mobility, robotics and sustainable solutions.

Throughout October 2025, the United Arab Emirates will be setting up more than 86 fixed and mobile clinics to offer free breast cancer screening. Mammograms, ultrasound scans and clinical examinations will be available at strategic locations across all the emirates.

In Dubai, October marks a much-anticipated transition every year: the return of the outdoor season, following the hottest months of summer. As soon as the temperatures drop, the city comes to life, outdoor spaces spring back to life, and the city’s major iconic attractions reopen their doors to the public.

Dubai is once again pushing the boundaries of innovation by launching a new smart border control system at Dubai International Airport (DXB). Thanks to state-of-the-art facial recognition technology, passengers can now clear immigration in just 6 seconds, without needing to present their passport or any other documents.

Dubai’s population growth continues on its spectacular trajectory. In 2025, the emirate officially passed the symbolic milestone of 4 million residents, recording an increase of +6.1 % year-on-year, representing 231,000 new arrivals.

25 August marked a turning point for the education system in the United Arab Emirates. More than a million pupils started the new school year against a backdrop of major change: for the first time, a unified school calendar has been introduced in all public and private schools across the country.

On 25 August 2025, Dubai is launching the “Accident-Free Day” initiative: drive carefully all day and have four penalty points removed from your driving licence.

In the UAE, the cancellation of a parent’s visa results in the cancellation of their children’s visas. Fortunately, the GDRFA’s grace period allows families to find suitable solutions.

In Dubai, traffic fines must now be paid before any visa application or renewal can be processed. This is a strict measure aimed at improving road safety and promoting accountability amongst residents.

It’s now official: Disneyland Abu Dhabi is set to open on Yas Island, marking the arrival of the very first Disney park in the Middle East. The announcement has sparked huge excitement, not only in the region but also internationally.

Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a global hub with the official opening of the world’s largest visa application centre. Located in Wafi, this state-of-the-art complex, managed by VFS Global, covers more than 150,000 square feet.

Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a global hub with the official opening of the world’s largest visa application centre. Located in Wafi, this state-of-the-art complex, managed by VFS Global, covers more than 150,000 square feet.

Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a global hub with the official opening of the world’s largest visa application centre. Located in Wafi, this state-of-the-art complex, managed by VFS Global, covers more than 150,000 square feet.

In its ongoing quest for innovation and administrative simplification, Dubai has taken another decisive step forward for entrepreneurs. The authorities have recently launched a fully digital express service, enabling people to obtain a business licence in just 60 minutes.