This week, the UAE and Saudi Arabia unveiled landmark choices shaping journey, commerce, and funding. Dubai launched new permits and megaprojects, whereas Riyadh pushed forward with Imaginative and prescient 2030 milestones.
Compensate for 10 of the largest information tales this week as chosen by Arabian Enterprise editors.
Saudi Arabia proclaims main Umrah visa replace
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah now permits holders of all visa varieties to carry out Umrah whereas within the Kingdom, increasing entry and simplifying procedures in keeping with Saudi Imaginative and prescient 2030.
The ministry stated the choice helps its broader efforts to streamline companies for Umrah performers and facilitate their religious journey throughout the Hajj and Umrah system. The initiative helps Muslims worldwide go to the Two Holy Mosques and carry out their rituals in a protected and serene setting.
In accordance with the ministry, eligible visa classes embrace private and household go to visas, digital vacationer visas, transit visas, work visas, and different forms of entry permits.
UK should emulate UAE or go bust, says Reform UK’s Richard Tice
Reform UK deputy chief Richard Tice has warned Britain is going through a extreme near-term financial disaster and will look to the UAE for classes in ambition, work ethic, power coverage and financial self-discipline.
Chatting with Arabian Enterprise throughout a go to to Dubai, Tice stated: “Each time I come right here, you simply see a way of progress, of change and ambition. Issues work.” He added the distinction between the UAE’s dynamism and the UK’s stagnation was now unimaginable to disregard.
On the UK’s immigration woes, Tice stated: “It’s gone into a reasonably dangerous place the place you’ve bought tens of millions of individuals from abroad being paid to take a seat on their backsides, not contributing, not studying the lingo, and never integrating. That’s a catastrophe. However within the UAE, you’ve bought folks from everywhere in the world integrating nicely, and dealing.”
Dubai opens new Sheikh Zayed Street bridge to Mall of the Emirates, chopping journey time from 10 to 1 minute
The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in collaboration with Majid Al Futtaim Properties, has opened a brand new 300m single-lane bridge on Sheikh Zayed Street.
It’s designed to accommodate as much as 900 autos per hour, offering direct entry to Mall of the Emirates automotive parks for motorists arriving from Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali.
The bridge is a part of a broader infrastructure improve across the mall, together with expanded entrances, improved intersections, enhanced pedestrian walkways, and new biking tracks — all geared toward bettering site visitors circulate and accessibility for residents and guests.
UK to ‘really feel the loss’ as high-profile entertainers, athletes flock to UAE amid Britain’s unfavourable tax situations
The UK is experiencing an unprecedented exodus of high-earning athletes and entertainers, pushed by taxation insurance policies which are basically reshaping the worldwide panorama of sport and leisure expertise.
UK-US tax strategist Oriana Morrison, advisor to world-class figures together with Anthony Joshua and FIFA World Cup expertise reported that 100 per cent of her shoppers “have gone or are planning to go away if issues don’t change.”
In an unique interview with Arabian Enterprise, Morrison revealed that the large departure represents what she describes as a “large haemorrhage of revenue to the UK authorities” that threatens to completely injury Britain’s standing as a worldwide hub for sporting and leisure excellence.
Majid Al Futtaim has introduced plans to launch a brand new mall in Dubai.
Ghaf Woods Mall will turn into the Group’s new flagship mall and the first-of-its-kind forest-integrated retail area within the area and complement the developer’s AED15.4bn ($4.19bn) Ghaf Woods residential group. When accomplished, the mall will supply an immersive, experience-led setting mixing retail, eating, and leisure with biophilic design that connects guests with nature.
Ahmed El Shamy, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Improvement, stated: “Ghaf Woods Mall is ready to mark a daring new period in retail and group placemaking; an unprecedented landmark nestled inside a forested panorama and a brand new Majid Al Futtaim flagship buying vacation spot in Dubai”.
Dubai launches new allow giving 10,000 free zone corporations entry to mainland markets
Dubai has launched the Free Zone Mainland Working Allow, a brand new framework that permits free zone firms to function within the emirate’s mainland by way of a structured allow system — marking one other milestone in Dubai’s financial diversification technique.
The initiative, launched by the Dubai Enterprise Registration and Licensing Company (DBLC) in collaboration with the Dubai Free Zone Council, creates an economical, low-risk pathway for companies to have interaction in home commerce and authorities contracts. It helps each small and enormous enterprises whereas reinforcing Dubai’s place as a worldwide funding hub.
Launched below Dubai Government Council Choice No. 11 of 2025, the allow aligns with the Dubai Financial Agenda D33, which goals to double the emirate’s economic system by 2033. Eligible free zone firms holding a Dubai Unified Licence (DUL) can apply digitally through the Put money into Dubai platform.
Dubai property gross sales surge 15% to $36.6bn in Q3 2025 as mid-market growth drives file progress
The Dubai actual property market maintained its sturdy momentum within the third quarter of 2025, with 54,028 residential transactions price AED134.6bn ($36.6bn), based on the newest report from Springfield Properties.
The figures characterize a 15.3 per cent year-on-year rise in gross sales worth from AED116.7bn ($31.8bn) in Q3 2024, alongside a 14.8 per cent improve in transaction volumes from 47,049 a 12 months earlier.
In comparison with Q2 2025, transaction numbers grew 9.4 per cent, whereas values stabilised — an indication of wholesome diversification into extra mid-market launches.
Saudi Arabia’s Imaginative and prescient 2030 faces its credit score ceiling as overseas funding rises – Moody’s
Saudi Arabia’s Imaginative and prescient 2030, the huge transformation plan reshaping its economic system, is quick approaching a brand new constraint: credit score.
In accordance with a sequence of sectoral evaluations revealed by Moody’s Traders Service this week, the nation’s push to diversify away from hydrocarbons is colliding with mounting borrowing wants throughout state-linked corporations, industrial banks and personal sector members.
Collectively, they’re stretching the monetary system past its conventional funding base, the stories discovered.
Etihad Rail passenger service on observe for 2026 launch after Dubai–Fujairah check
The Etihad Rail passenger service has accomplished a profitable pre-launch check journey from Dubai to Fujairah, bringing the UAE one step nearer to launching its first intercity passenger rail community in 2026.
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Overseas Commerce, joined Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail, and a senior delegation of officers for the milestone journey, which coated the primary section of the route from Al Qudra in Dubai to Fujairah.
As soon as operational, the service will join 11 cities throughout the UAE, from Al Sila within the west to Fujairah on the east coast, marking a significant leap in nationwide connectivity and mobility.
Dubai awards Golden Visas to 223 distinctive educators below Sheikh Hamdan’s directives
Dubai authorities have awarded Golden Visas to greater than 200 excellent educators from early childhood centres, colleges, and universities throughout the emirate, below the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Government Council of Dubai.
The initiative, first introduced by Sheikh Hamdan on World Lecturers’ Day final 12 months, celebrates the dedication and affect of Dubai’s lecturers and training professionals.
Sheikh Hamdan stated: “Lecturers and educators are those who mild the way in which ahead. They encourage, information, and provides our youngsters the talents and confidence to succeed. On World Lecturers’ Day, we recognise their dedication and affirm that supporting them is the perfect funding we are able to make in the way forward for Dubai.
