Author: Victoria Dickinson

Sharjah’s real estate sector has entered a new era with the launch of District 11, the UAE’s first AI-designed smart work resort, developed by Al Marwan Developments. The groundbreaking project redefines the intersection of technology, sustainability, and business infrastructure, marking a major milestone in the emirate’s ongoing urban transformation. District 11 introduces a next-generation model of mixed-use development that blends intelligent design, eco-efficiency, and modern hospitality to support the evolving needs of businesses and professionals. An AI-Driven Vision for Smart Workspaces Spanning 3.5 million square feet and comprising 11 architecturally distinct buildings, District 11 integrates AI-powered systems that manage everything…

The Dubai Financial Market (DFM) has reported a remarkable performance for the first nine months of 2025, with net profit before tax surging 212% to AED 930.8 million, compared to AED 298.7 million during the same period in 2024. The robust results underline Dubai’s strengthening position as a global financial hub, reflecting investor confidence, sustained trading momentum, and the success of strategic market reforms under the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). According to the DFM’s consolidated financial results, total revenue reached AED 1.1 billion, representing a 138% year-on-year increase from AED 460.3 million in 2024. The sharp rise in revenues was…

Dubai’s real estate market showed impressive growth in September 2025, reaching sales worth AED54.3 billion ($14.8 billion), according to new data from Kelt and Co Realty. The emirate recorded 20,127 property transactions, marking an 11.3% increase compared to September 2024. The sharp rise was largely driven by apartment and plot sales, while villa transactions declined compared to last year. Apartments dominated the market with 17,112 deals worth AED31.8 billion ($8.7 billion). Plot sales also surged, with 1,545 transactions worth AED15.7 billion ($4.3 billion), reflecting growing interest in long-term development projects. In contrast, villa sales dropped significantly to 955 deals worth…

The United Arab Emirates has cemented its reputation as one of the world’s leading tourism destinations after achieving remarkable growth across travel, hospitality, and aviation in 2024. According to official figures, the sector contributed AED257.3 billion ($70.1 billion) to the national economy, representing 13% of GDP — a 3.2% increase from 2023 and an impressive 26% above pre-pandemic levels in 2019. The announcement comes ahead of World Tourism Day on September 27, with Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, highlighting these achievements as key milestones in the UAE’s long-term…

When most people think of Abu Dhabi, they picture the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, an architectural masterpiece that welcomes millions of visitors every year. But beyond its stunning landmarks, Abu Dhabi holds stories and achievements that many don’t know—making it one of the most fascinating capitals in the world. For example, Abu Dhabi is home to Louvre Abu Dhabi, the first universal museum in the Arab world, showcasing priceless works from across civilizations. Its design blends futuristic architecture with Arabian inspiration, symbolizing the city’s role as a cultural bridge between East and West. The capital is also leading the…

Abu Dhabi is preparing to host one of the most awaited crypto events of the year as the Bitcoin MENA Conference 2025 will take place on December 8 9 at the ADNEC Centre. BTC Media, in collaboration with ADNEC Group, aims to bring together the most well recognized professionals, hands on workshops and the newest digital assets exhibitions that will unlock the innovation of digital assets in the Middle East marketing faster. Leading this year is Michael Saylor, Co-Founder and Executive Chair, Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) appearing at the Bitcoin conference in the region, the first time. Most notably, Saylor is…

American reality TV star and entrepreneur Kim Kardashian is bringing her fashion brand Skims to the Middle East, with the first regional boutique set to open in Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates later this year. An official launch date has yet to be announced, according to Arab News. The Mall of the Emirates—famed for its indoor ski slope—is among Dubai’s most prestigious retail destinations. Until now, Skims products were available in the Gulf mainly online and through select retailers like luxury e-commerce platform Ounass. The UAE’s booming retail sector offers an attractive stage for celebrity-led brands. With 11 million residents…

According to the recently published report, the luxury real estate market of Dubai recorded the best ever half-year result with 3,731 properties being sold at a price greater than AED 10 million ($2.72 million) in the first half of 2025 representing an increase of 62.7 percent year-on-year growth. Affirming this is the report issued by Engel & Vlolkers Middle East which states that Dubai has been creating more opportunities in the luxury real estate sector than the rest of the international cities globally; and market confidence has increased and the acquisition of more people willing to invest in luxury real…

Luxury real estate market Dubai recorded the highest amount in quarter 2 of 2025 and sales of properties worth more than $10 million were valued at $2.6 billion, according to global consultancy Knight Frank. That is a 37 percent increase compared to Q1 of $ 1.9 billion and a 63 percent rise compared to Q2 of 2024. There were 143 ultra-luxury homes sold in the period between April and June 2025, with 22 properties with over $25 million. Palm Jumeirah recorded the highest transactions of luxuries by 28 followed by La Mer with 23 and the Downtown Dubai had 16.…

The government in Dubai has introduced to enhance real estate purchase by the first time buyer and this has made property acquisition easier among the UAE residents. The programme was announced by the Dubai Land Department (DLD), the department of economy and tourism on July 2, 2025. All UAE residents aged 18 years or above and have not before owned a house in Dubai are open to it. This program is crafted in partnership with more than 13 property developers, five leading financial institutions, and other partners and is designed to provide specific benefits to the residents so that they…