UAE AI Minister Says Too Much Focus on Regulation Can Obscure AI's Practical Benefits
Omar Sultan Al Olama, the UAE's Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, says the country is giving businesses early access to frontier technologies while letting them keep control of sensitive data. He also said AI should support human interaction rather than replace it, and that further technology announcements are coming.
UAE Flights Run With Delays as Foreign Airlines Stagger Their Return
Air travel from Dubai and Abu Dhabi is operating but uneven, with delays, some regional cancellations and many international carriers still suspended. Dubai Airports says airline capacity has recovered to about 84 per cent of earlier levels.
UAE's Gargash Calls for "New Mindset" and Direct Arab-Iran Dialogue as UN Week Opens
Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE President, says Arab states should hold their own talks with Iran rather than leaving regional strategy to Tehran and Washington. His remarks come as Trump prepares to meet Gulf officials in New York and oil prices ease on hopes of diplomacy.
Abu Dhabi's Eagle Hills Signs $20 Billion Maldives Waterfront and Marina Deal
Abu Dhabi developer Eagle Hills has signed an agreement with the Maldives government for a waterfront and marina project at Ras Male, with about $20 billion of investment envisioned across its phases. Financing and timelines have not yet been disclosed.
Dubai Declares 10 Days of Mourning After Death of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Dubai has announced ten days of mourning after the death of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aged 76, the youngest brother of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid. UAE leaders have paid tribute to a figure whose work spanned public service, football and horse racing.
Dubai Parks and Resorts to Reopen on 7 October After Six-Month Closure
Motiongate Dubai, Real Madrid World, Legoland Dubai Resort and The World of Riverland will reopen on 7 October, just before the UAE's October mid-term break. Riverland adds a bowling attraction and Lamborghini racing simulators. Tickets start from Dh295 for Motiongate and Real Madrid World and from Dh25 for Riverland.
Dubai Mallathon 2026 Draws Record 160,000 Participants and 290 Million Steps
More than 160,000 people took part in this summer's Dubai Mallathon, held in malls, DIFC and Dubai International Airport between 15 June and 15 September. Organisers say participants logged over 290 million steps. The event included weekly races, a Women's Day run and a full marathon inside Dubai Mall.
Why Younger UAE Buyers Are Choosing Lighter, Everyday Gold Over Heavy Traditional Pieces
Jewellers in the UAE say millennials and Gen Z still value gold as an investment and family tradition, but they favour lighter, wearable and 18-karat designs. High prices are part of the reason, though retailers say style matters just as much. Heavy pieces remain popular for weddings and milestones.
Riyadh Alerts Raise Gulf Tensions as the UAE Holds to Deterrence and Dialogue
Residents of Riyadh and Al Kharj received a wave of emergency alerts on 19 September before an all-clear was issued, almost seven months into the US–Iran war. The UAE's diplomatic adviser said this week that Abu Dhabi is pursuing deterrence and dialogue with Iran at the same time. Shipping, energy and Red Sea security remain the wider worries.
UAE Flight Status Today: Delays and Cancellations Hit Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah Airports
Flydubai, Air Arabia and SpiceJet cancelled a number of regional services on 19 September, while dozens of Emirates, Etihad and flydubai departures ran late. Emirates and Etihad said their schedules were broadly normal. Several European and North American carriers are still keeping Dubai flights suspended.
Abu Dhabi Cements Manufacturing Ambitions as ROX Rolls Out First "Made in the Emirates" Vehicles
Chinese automaker ROX has begun local vehicle production at its new AI-powered manufacturing centre in Abu Dhabi, with the first ADAMAS vehicles carrying the "Made in the Emirates" mark. The facility aims to scale to 300,000 vehicles annually by 2030.
Nakheel Awards Major Contract to Build Hundreds of Homes on Dubai Islands
State-owned developer Nakheel has awarded a construction contract worth over AED800 million to build hundreds of new homes on Dubai Islands, with handovers targeted for 2028. The project adds to a wave of major developments reshaping Dubai's coastline.