The Emirates Group reported a record profit for the first half of the 2025-26 financial year, marking the fourth consecutive year of half-year profitability gains. The airline and travel services conglomerate posted a profit before tax of AED 12.2 bi...
Nasdaq Dubai has listed a $450 million Sukuk issued by Arada Developments LLC, a UAE-based master developer, under its $1 billion trust certificate issuance program. The Islamic bond, maturing in 2030, drew more than $2 billion in orders—over four times its offering size—signaling strong regional and international investor interest.
The Sukuk, priced at a profit rate of 7.150%, marks Arada’s third listing on Nasdaq Dubai, bringing its total outstanding issuances on the exchange to $1.5 billion.
To mark the occasion, Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, Executive Vice Chairman of Arada, rang the opening bell at Nasdaq Dubai alongside Hamed Ali, CEO of Nasdaq Dubai and Dubai Financial Market.
The listing supports Arada’s ongoing expansion, including recent entries into two new markets. Nasdaq Dubai now hosts $100.6 billion in listed Sukuk, with the total value of debt instruments on the exchange exceeding $141.6 billion.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai has issued the first permits allowing on-road trials of autonomous vehicles to three leading companies in the sector: Baidu’s Apollo Go, WeRide, and Pony.ai. The authorization marks a key milestone in the emirate’s strategy to integrate self-driving technology into its transportation system.
The permits enable the three companies to begin live testing of their autonomous vehicles on Dubai’s urban roads, under the supervision and regulation of the RTA. The trials are intended to evaluate how the vehicles perform in the local driving environment and to ensure compliance with safety and operational standards.
This development follows formal agreements signed earlier in the year between the RTA and each of the three firms. The partnerships are part of Dubai’s broader initiative to advance its Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to make 25% of all trips in the emirate autonomous by 2030.
By working with Baidu, WeRide, and Pony.ai—companies recognized for their global expertise in autonomous mobility—the RTA seeks to build a regulatory and operational framework that supports the safe and efficient deployment of driverless technology. The move aligns with Dubai’s objective to establish itself as a global leader in smart and sustainable urban mobility.
The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) has reported a 10% increase in the number of British and Swiss companies operating within its district over the past year, as it concluded a series of high-level engagements across Europe aimed at promoting Dubai as a hub for innovation and international commerce.
During its Made for Trade Live (MFTL) roadshows held in London and Zürich, DMCC announced the addition of nearly 200 new British companies to its roster over the last 12 months. The district now hosts approximately 2,200 British firms, making it one of the largest concentrations of UK businesses in the United Arab Emirates. Notably, one in ten of these firms operates within the technology sector, reflecting a broader shift toward innovation-led growth.
DMCC also reported it is nearing 450 Swiss member companies, aligning with a 120% surge in UAE-Swiss non-oil trade during the first half of 2025. Combined, Swiss and British firms now account for nearly 2,650 companies - over 10% of DMCC’s total membership.
The European tour concluded with DMCC’s participation in the CV Summit in Zürich, a leading business event focused on artificial intelligence, blockchain, and digital assets. As a Platinum Sponsor, DMCC emphasized its strategic partnership with CV VC and highlighted the strengthening connection between Dubai and Zug, Switzerland - two growing nodes in the global Web3 and digital innovation ecosystem.
Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DMCC, said the roadshows highlighted the growing demand among UK and Swiss companies for platforms that support scaling, innovation, and international reach. “British and Swiss companies in our district have each grown by around 10% over the past year. We will keep strengthening our ecosystems so DMCC remains the natural home for forward-looking companies seeking to scale, innovate and access global opportunities from Dubai,” he said.
The events in London and Zürich were held in partnership with prominent business associations, drawing investors, policymakers, and executives from across finance, technology, and sustainability sectors. Discussions focused on how Dubai and DMCC provide the infrastructure and business environment to support international expansion, particularly for companies in emerging and advanced technologies.
With nearly 26,000 member companies representing over 180 countries, DMCC contributes approximately 15% of Dubai’s foreign direct investment inflows and 7% of the emirate’s GDP. As Dubai solidifies its position as a global business launchpad, DMCC continues to play a central role in driving innovation and trade.
Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office
Alexander Agafiev
Alexander Agafiev is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.
Under the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, and with the patronage of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, the 27th Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) opened Monday at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Organized by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), this year’s event features 18 national pavilions, with Türkiye participating for the first time. Countries represented include China, India, Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, Canada, Poland, Bulgaria, and Russia.
The exhibition spans multiple halls at the Dubai World Trade Centre and hosts over 3,100 companies from 65 countries. It is supported by 68 sponsors and 18 strategic partners.
DEWA CEO Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer said the exhibition aligns with the UAE's efforts to expand international cooperation in sustainability and green finance. He cited a 24.5% year-on-year increase in non-oil foreign trade during the first half of 2025, with notable surges in trade with Switzerland (120%), India (33%), Türkiye (41%), and China (15%).
Several national representatives emphasized the strategic importance of WETEX as a platform for cross-border collaboration in clean technology and energy transition.
Switzerland’s Consul General in Dubai, Angelica Schempp, noted her country’s contributions in water management, waste treatment, and the circular economy. Jean-Christophe Paris, Consul General of France in the Northern Emirates, highlighted the alignment of French innovations with the UAE’s sustainability goals.
Representatives from Belgium, Canada, and Poland also underscored their countries’ commitments to environmental technologies and the economic opportunities linked to energy transition. Jacek Boguslawski of Poland’s Wielkopolska Region emphasized the region’s pursuit of low-emission energy solutions, including hydrogen, backed by the EU’s Just Transition Fund.
Dubai Police have added three new Mercedes-Benz patrol vehicles to their operational fleet, aligning the announcement with World Tourism Day on September 27. The new additions include the Mercedes SL 55 AMG, GT 63 AMG, and the fully electric EQS 580.
The vehicles, unveiled during a formal ceremony hosted by the Tourism Police Department, are equipped with advanced mechanical systems and artificial intelligence technologies designed to support modern policing needs. Features include interactive digital displays and real-time information systems to enhance operational efficiency.
Brigadier Saeed Al Hajri, Director of the General Department of Criminal Investigation, officiated the vehicle unveiling. Also in attendance were senior officials from both Dubai Police and Gargash Enterprises, the official distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Dubai.
According to Brigadier Al Hajri, the deployment of the new patrol cars supports Dubai Police's strategy to strengthen presence at key tourist locations, including Burj Khalifa, Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, and Jumeirah Beach Residence. He stated that these vehicles serve not only as law enforcement tools but also as part of a broader commitment to public engagement, safety, and assistance for residents and visitors.
Mr. Thomas Schulz, General Manager of Mercedes-Benz Cars, emphasized the importance of the partnership, noting it reflects a shared focus on innovation and sustainable transport solutions.
The event concluded with an exchange of commemorative shields between Dubai Police and Mercedes-Benz representatives.
Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office
Alexander Agafiev
Alexander Agafiev is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.
DP World has entered into a strategic logistics partnership with Atlantis Dubai, assuming responsibility for the supply chain operations of two of the country’s most prominent hospitality landmarks: Atlantis, The Palm and Atlantis The Royal.
Under the agreement, DP World will manage the inbound logistics of perishables, dry goods, and specialty items, handling approximately 7,000 pallets through its logistics network. The solution includes temperature-controlled facilities, real-time cargo tracking, and advanced inventory management systems.
The partnership is designed to streamline the complex supply chain that supports Atlantis Dubai’s operations, which span more than 60,000 individual products sourced from nearly 70 countries. These supplies range from gourmet ingredients to essential daily provisions, serving the needs of thousands of guests across both resorts.
“Hospitality supply chains are among the most complex in logistics,” said Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC. “Our partnership with Atlantis Dubai enables the delivery of high-efficiency, high-reliability logistics that meet the elevated demands of the luxury hospitality sector.”
Paul Baker, President of Atlantis at Kerzner International, stated the agreement provides a scalable logistics model to support current operations and long-term regional growth. “This collaboration allows us to operate with greater agility and maintain our focus on guest experience,” he said.
The initial phase of the partnership focuses on storage and inbound logistics. Both parties are assessing opportunities to expand into broader procurement and supply chain functions, aligned with Atlantis Dubai’s regional expansion plans.
The agreement reinforces DP World’s expanding role in hospitality logistics, following similar initiatives with other major regional brands.
Dubai Chambers hosted a high-level meeting on Thursday with Queensland’s Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment, and Training, the Honourable Rosslyn Bates, to explore new avenues for trade and investment between Dubai and Australia.
Held at Dubai Chambers’ headquarters, the meeting was attended by H.E. Yahya Lootah, Vice Chairman of Dubai Chamber of Commerce; H.E. Ridwaan Jadwat, Australian Ambassador to the UAE; and H.E. Bryony Hilless, Consul General of Australia in Dubai, along with senior officials from both sides.
Discussions focused on expanding economic cooperation in sectors of mutual interest, while highlighting Dubai’s strategic role as a gateway for Australian businesses targeting growth markets in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.
“Queensland remains a valued economic partner,” said H.E. Yahya Lootah. “We aim to strengthen collaboration and unlock new trade and investment opportunities that benefit both business communities.”
Dubai’s non-oil trade with Australia reached AED 13.1 billion in 2024, an 8% increase from the previous year. In the first half of 2025, 250 Australian companies joined Dubai Chamber of Commerce, bringing the total number of active Australian member firms to 1,594 by the end of June.
Dubai International Chamber, part of the Dubai Chambers network, opened a representative office in Australia in 2023. The office supports bilateral trade by promoting investment flows into Dubai and assisting Dubai-based companies in expanding operations in the Australian market.
The world’s largest and most environmentally advanced vehicle carrier, MV Höegh Sunrise, made its inaugural call at Dubai’s Jebel Ali Port this week, marking a significant development in sustainable maritime logistics.
Built by Höegh Autoliners, the Aurora-class vessel represents a new generation of deep-sea car carriers designed with a zero-carbon ready configuration. It is capable of operating on alternative fuels such as ammonia and methanol, aligning with global efforts to reduce emissions in the shipping industry.
The ship can transport up to 9,100 vehicles and achieves a 58% reduction in carbon emissions per unit compared to current industry benchmarks. On its maiden voyage to Jebel Ali from Europe, the Höegh Sunrise delivered 1,200 vehicles.
A ceremony held at Jebel Ali Port to mark the occasion was attended by executives from both DP World and Höegh Autoliners, including Ahmed Badri, Vice President of General Cargo & RoRo at DP World GCC, and Atanu Maiti, Regional Head of Commercial Operations at Höegh Autoliners.
“This vessel is setting a new benchmark for sustainable automotive transport,” said Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC. “Its arrival reflects Dubai’s growing role as a global logistics hub and reinforces our commitment to greener supply chains.”
Andreas Enger, CEO of Höegh Autoliners, added that collaboration with ports like Jebel Ali is critical to accelerating the shift toward lower-emission shipping solutions.
DP World reported handling a record 1.3 million vehicles in Dubai in 2024 - a 53.6% increase year-over-year - and continues to scale its automotive logistics infrastructure. In August, the company opened a new 2.6 million-square-foot vehicle storage yard at Terminal 4 and is developing what it says will be the world’s largest auto market, spanning 20 million square feet.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, inaugurated the Dubai World Self-Driving Transport Exhibition this week, affirming the city’s ambition to become a global leader in autonomous mobility and emerging technologies.
Held under the auspices of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the exhibition drew more than 3,000 participants, including over 80 speakers, senior officials, and experts in robotics, artificial intelligence, and sustainable transport systems.
Sheikh Hamdan was joined by Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai. During the opening, the Crown Prince emphasized Dubai’s commitment to innovation and future-readiness, citing the leadership vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
As part of the event, the RTA introduced a unified visual identity for all autonomous vehicles operating under the “Dubai Future Ride” brand. The identity will be applied to fleets as the city advances its autonomous transport agenda.
Pilot operations have commenced in the Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim areas, where Baidu Apollo Go, WeRide, and Pony.ai have deployed over 60 self-driving vehicles. The commercial rollout of driverless taxi services is expected by 2026.
The exhibition features 55 global exhibitors showcasing technologies in autonomous vehicles, self-driving buses, AI systems, and smart mobility infrastructure. Highlights include the regional debut of TENSOR’s autonomous vehicle and the presentation of XPENG’s self-flying aircraft.
The event is part of the broader Dubai World Congress and Challenge for Self-Driving Transport, a platform aimed at accelerating global cooperation in autonomous mobility.
Dubai’s Self-Driving Transport Strategy 2025–2040 targets a significant shift in urban mobility, with goals to make 25% of trips autonomous by 2030 and 36% by 2040. The initiative is aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of the emirate’s economy over the next decade.
The General Budget Committee of the United Arab Emirates convened its 14th session to examine the federal draft budget for the 2026 fiscal year, continuing its oversight under the 2022–2026 budget framework.
The meeting was chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court. Also in attendance were His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance; Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs; Khaled Mohamed Balama Al Tameemi, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE; and senior officials from the Presidential Court and the Ministry of Finance.
The committee reviewed updates made to the 2026 draft budget in accordance with directives issued during its previous meeting in July 2025. These updates were carried out through coordination between the Ministry of Finance and federal entities, in alignment with Federal Decree-Law No. (26) of 2019 on Public Finance and its amendments.
Discussions included a review of actual federal revenues collected through August 2025 and projections for 2026, based on revised tax legislation and input from relevant government bodies. The committee also assessed the financial position for the current fiscal year, examining data on expenditures and revenues to date, which reflect positive performance across multiple sectors.
Additional agenda items included financing requests for strategic projects and progress reports on capital and development initiatives completed thus far in fiscal year 2025. All deliberations adhered to existing financial policy frameworks.
The Ministry of Finance was commended for its coordination efforts and progress in updating the 2026 draft budget. The federal budget remains a central instrument in the UAE’s economic planning, aimed at ensuring financial efficiency and meeting national development goals.
The Cabinet previously approved the federal budget for 2025, with both revenues and expenditures projected at AED 71.5 billion, maintaining fiscal balance.
Business aviation activity at the Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH) in Dubai South rose by 15 percent in the first half of 2025, with 9,753 private jet movements recorded, up from the same period in 2024.
The increase reinforces Al Maktoum International Airport’s role as the region’s leading hub for international business aviation, according to data released by Dubai South.
Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South, attributed the growth to Dubai’s strategy of positioning itself as a global destination for investors and high-net-worth individuals. He said MBRAH would continue to focus on infrastructure and service enhancements to meet future demand.
MBRAH, a free-zone development within Dubai South, hosts private jet operators, maintenance facilities, and aerospace training centers, serving a range of international aviation clients.
Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office
Alexander Agafiev
Alexander Agafiev is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.
The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) recorded AED336 billion in trade during 2024, a 19 percent increase compared to the previous year, marking its highest-ever contribution to Dubai’s non-oil trade at 13.7 percent.
This marks the fourth consecutive year of growth for DIEZ, which oversees the Dubai Airport Free Zone, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Dubai CommerCity. The total trade volume handled by the authority reached 444,300 tons in 2024, a 28 percent year-on-year increase.
According to DIEZ, machinery, electrical, and electronics accounted for 72 percent of the authority’s total trade, with a 17 percent increase in value. Trade in precious stones, metals, and jewelry grew by 33 percent, making up roughly 22 percent of total trade.
Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said the results align with Dubai’s strategic plan to expand its trade ecosystem and strengthen the emirate’s role as a global commercial hub. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of DIEZ, described the performance as consistent with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of the economy by 2033.
DIEZ officials credited the results to expanded global partnerships, increased goods movement, and continued investment in infrastructure and services across its economic zones.
DUBAI - dnata has entered into a three-year agreement with Dubai Basketball, becoming a Founding Partner of the city’s first professional basketball franchise. The deal marks dnata’s first major sports sponsorship and positions the company as a key supporter of one of the UAE’s most ambitious sporting initiatives.
Under the partnership, dnata will serve as the official travel partner for the team, facilitating logistics as Dubai Basketball competes in the EuroLeague and reenters the Adriatic Basketball Association (ABA) League. The company’s branding will appear on team jerseys, at the Coca-Cola Arena during home games, and across the club’s digital platforms.
Dubai Basketball, founded in 2023, made a strong debut last season, reaching the semifinals and securing third place in the ABA League. With confirmed participation in both the ABA League and EuroLeague, the team is set to host international clubs at the Coca-Cola Arena.
The collaboration gives dnata access to a growing fanbase. Nearly 80,000 spectators attended the team’s 18 home games last season. Over the course of the new agreement, the brand is expected to be visible during at least 31 home games per season.
