News Around You

Why the iPhone 17 Launch in the UAE Matters for Local Buyers Apple has confirmed the date September 9 as a launch event, where the long awaited iPhone 17 series will be annouced. The hosted program will be streamed worldwide through Apple’s official site, YouTube, and the Apple TV app. Again beyond the global announcement, here’s what UAE buyers should know and can be expected: What are going to be or can be expected on September 9 Apple is set to unveil the full iPhone 17 lineup, including the new iPhone 17 Air, designed to be lighter and more portable. Pre orders in the UAE are expected to open within days of the announcement. Based on past launches, buyers could get their hands on the device by mid-September. The launch of iOS 26 will also bring a refreshed design and smoother performance for iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Rumored Upgrades Industry insiders suggest the iPhone 17 will include: Ultra-thin design slimmer and lighter than the iPhone 16. Stronger battery life  which could...

What Lulu’s Drone Delivery Plans Could Mean for Shoppers in Dubai Lulu Group , one of the UAE’s largest supermarket chain company, is studying the possibility of launching drone based delivery services in Dubai and UAE.  Why It Matters This move comes at a time when fast delivery is rapidly growing in UAE retail , with customers daily needs and demanding groceries in minutes rather than hours. Studying the process and doing experimenting with drone technology , Lulu could push more competition in the sector to a whole new and another level. Current Status According to insiders, Lulu has already started a reasonabale study on drone delivery. However, before the possibility can take off, the company must receive clearance and green signal from the UAE’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Which this regulatory step is crucial for all businesses entering the drone delivery market. What It Could Mean for Shoppers Faster grocery runs: Drone delivery could cut delivery times for smaller, u...

Abu Dhabi Man Ordered To Pay AED 15,000 For Phone Harassment What the Ruling Means  The Abu Dhabi Family, Civil and Administrative Cases Court has sentence a man to pay AED 15,000 in compensation after repeatedly harassing a woman through the calls and text messages. What Happened The victim has initially filed a complain for AED 51,000 in damages plus legal fees. A previous criminal case had been already fined the guilty person AED 5,000 for harassment. The court ruled that the man’s actions violated the woman’s privacy, damaged her reputation, and caused stress, anxiety, and sleep disorders theough his action. Why This Case Matters This actions reflect how seriously UAE courts treat harassment cases, even though when they occur through the mobile phones. The compensation covers her mental and emotional distress, not just financial losses. UAE Law on Harassment Under UAE law, harassment which is whether in person, online, or by phone it doesnot matter but can result in: Crimin...

Man Missing in Dubai for 13 Years Finally Reunites with Family After Living by Begging Krishna had initially traveled to Dubai through an agency to work as a daily wage laborer in a company. However, because of severe utilization by his employer, he runout from his workplace. Without any knowledge and idea of the native language and no any option to contact his family back, he had a hard time to survive and finally starting to begging on the streets. Meanwhile, his wife she is strong and even managed to take care of their children and even conduct their daughter’s wedding although he wasn't there. Once a  fellow villager accidently spotted Krishna begging outside one of a hotel in Dubai. Also, surprised by his home accent, the villager made further  more investigation with friends and confirmed his true identity. Thanks to their initiative, support, arrangements were made for Krishna’s traveling back home. The reunion after more than a decade was filled with tears of joy, as t...

 Huawei Director State : China's Domestic Computing Power Can Basically Solve the US "Choke Point" Problem Huawei director and Quality Process IT President Tao Jingwen stated at the 4th 828 B2B Enterprise Festival that China's domestic computing power can basically solve the US "choke point" problem. China also has a group of excellent large model companies like DeepSeek, and the competitiveness of large models is no less than that of the US. Tao Jingwen pointed out that hardware companies led by Huawei should basically be able to solve the US choke point problem against China in terms of computing power. He said that China has the world's richest real economy and business scenarios, as well as the most complete data accumulation. If efforts are made correctly, it will definitely surpass the US in artificial intelligence applications. Tao Jingwen also revealed that Huawei has built an ecosystem completely independent of the US, from computing power, data...

  The UAE warns companies to keep tax records for 7 years or face penalties The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) of the UAE has warned companies to keep tax records for seven years or face fines. According to the Free Trade Agreement , these records will facilitate authorities in verifying the income of taxpayers. Depending on the nature of the business, the tax documents that companies need to keep may vary, but companies must retain the following basic records: Records of all transactions during the tax period Details of assets, including purchase and disposal of assets Liability records Information on shares held at the end of the tax period The FTA emphasized that for tax-exempt companies , records must be kept according to the exemption basis to prove their exempt status.

  Dubai Becomes the Leading Global Market for Branded Residences , Growing 160% in Ten Years As per the Middle East Economic Digest on August 25, the global demanded for standard residences that has surged by 160% over the past decade. Dubai, with its outstanding scale and quality of development, has become a global leader in this sector. According to a Betterhomes report , Dubai currently has 61 completed projects and another 100 under construction, with the total expected to exceed 140 by 2031. Dubai's success stems from proactive government policies, a business-friendly environment, and high-quality innovative projects by developers. The growth of high-net-worth individuals in the UAE has driven demand for luxury residences, which are typically priced more competitively than in other international cities, offering stable rental yields and capital appreciation potential . Branded residences are priced about 40% higher than non-branded ones and perform better in resale. By 20...

  Etihad Rail Could Completely Transform Sharjah As the launch of Etihad Rail's passenger service approaches, Sharjah is on the brink of a historic transformation. This emirate, home to 1.8 million people, is poised to spark a new wave of development in education, transportation, real estate, and other sectors through its strategic positioning as a railway hub . As transportation experts states that, the railway passenger station adjacent to the University City and the international airport will become the main engine igniting Sharjah's development fire. As a major center for higher education in the UAE, Sharjah's University City area hosts over 40 academic institutions including the University of Sharjah and the American University of Sharjah , forming an educational cluster of 50,000 faculty and students. The planned location of the Etihad Rail Sharjah station is right in this core area, known as the "Middle East's intellectual hub." "Previously, fa...

  Abu Dhabi 's Non-Oil Exports Grow by 64% in the First Half of the Year According to data from the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce , in the first half of 2025, Abu Dhabi's non-oil foreign trade volume increased by 34.7% year-on-year, with non-oil exports growing by 64%, re-exports by 35%, and imports by 15%, continuing the rapid growth trend of the past year. In 2024, non-oil trade grew from 9%, exports by 16%, re-exports by 11%, and imports by 3%. In the industrial sector , especially in chemicals , metals , and engineering industries , the issuance of certificates of origin increased significantly, indicating further expansion of Abu Dhabi's industrial base . Meanwhile, exports from small and medium-sized enterprises rose sharply, benefiting from the Chamber's supportive measures such as business matchmaking , export training , and strategic cooperation , significantly enhancing their ability to enter regional and international markets .

 Unveiling Dubai's New Tourist Trails in the Historic Market Dubai's new tourist trails unveil the historic market Dubai's past and present converge once again through an exciting development project in the Deira district. With an investment of 9.5 million dirhams from the Dubai Municipality, three new tourist trails have been established, leading visitors on a 1.8-kilometer journey through the historic souks. This project aims to preserve and highlight Dubai's cultural heritage while providing a modern and comfortable tourism experience. Three Themed Routes in Old Dubai Center At the heart of this development are three main routes: one along the Gold Souk, one beside the Al Ahmadiya School, and another near the Spice Souk. These paths connect seven different traditional markets, including those for perfumes, carpets, textiles, kitchenware, and household goods. The entire development area covers 25,800 square meters, with over 500 shops operating within, making it one o...

 # ImmigrationNews : Japan Plans to Tighten Visa Application Requirements for Foreign Entrepreneurs A Japanese government document shows that authorities plan to implement stricter visa application requirements for foreign entrepreneurs , raising the minimum capital requirement fivefold to 30 million yen (about $192,400) and requiring applicants to employ at least one full-time employee in Japan. The stricter regulations come after the ruling coalition lost its majority in July's upper house election , when an anti-immigration party gained support. Reuters cited a draft document released by Japan's Ministry of Justice on Tuesday ( August 26 ), saying the government will seek public comment until September 24 before implementing the reforms in October . The new " Business Manager Visa " allows foreigners to establish and manage businesses in Japan, offering long-term residency for up to five years, renewable, and naturalization for family members . Previously, ...

 # PhilippinesNews : Double low-pressure areas + southwest monsoon , the Philippines faces a severe weather test! The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) stated on August 27 that two low-pressure areas get together with the southwest monsoon " Habagat " are bringing heavy rain and thunderstorms through nationwide. One low-pressure area is near Quezon Province ; although it is unlikely to develop into a tropical depression , it will continue to bring widespread rainfall. The other is located in the western sea area of Bangasinan and may strengthen into a tropical storm , posing a threat to northern Luzon. As a result, heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected in Metro Manila, northern and southern Luzon, with strong rainfall also in parts of Visayas and Mindanao. Experts warn of high risks of flash floods, river swelling, and landslides. Residents are advised to reduce travel and prepare for disaster prevention .

 Closure of Main Highways in Ras Al Khaimah Starting September 1 The Ras Al Khaimah Public Services Department has announced the launch of the (E11) development project, a major infrastructure upgrade aimed at improving connectivity and alleviating traffic flow throughout the emirate. According to the Public Services Department, construction and road closure procedures will begin on Monday, September 1.

  The UAE becomes the world's fourth largest Bitcoin reserve holder through domestic mining, holding 6,300 Bitcoins worth over $700 million International crypto intelligence agency Arkham Intelligence revealed on August 25 that the UAE holds about 6,300 Bitcoins (valued between $700 million and $740 million) through domestic mining, making it the world's fourth largest Bitcoin reserve holder. These Bitcoins are mined directly by Citadel Mining , a publicly listed company controlled by the Abu Dhabi Royal Group , rather than purchased on the open market, marking the UAE as the first country to build a Bitcoin reserve through "sovereign mining."  

 Dubai Strictly Regulates Construction Costs of Citizens' Villas to Crack Down on Excessive Structural Design Leading to Inflated Costs The Dubai municipal authorities recently issued a warning to the local engineering consulting industry, strictly prohibiting unjustified increases in construction costs when designing and building villas for UAE citizens. The municipal authorities pointed out that this special warning stems from the recent inspection revealing the phenomenon of "excessive structural design of citizens' villas," which has led to unreasonable increases in construction costs. According to the municipal building supervision and licensing agency, a formal notice has been previously issued to relevant consulting firms in the industry, clearly mentioned requiring all engineering design standards to strictly follow  with the dependent provisions of the "Dubai Building Code." The agency's CEO, Mariam Al Muhairi, stated that : "Compliance wit...

 Three-day mini holiday! UAE Prophet's Birthday holiday time is set The UAE Ministry of Human Resources announced that Friday, September 5, 2025 (12th of Rabi Al Awwal in the Islamic calendar ) will be a paid public holiday for private sector employees to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad . Government employees will also have a day off on September 5. How is the Prophet's Birthday usually celebrated? The Prophet's Birthday focuses more on spiritual remembrance rather than festive activities. Muslims are encouraged to deepen their connection with Allah on this day through fasting or reciting the Quran . Prophet Muhammad was born in 570 AD in Mecca, Saudi Arabia . The exact Gregorian birth date is unclear, but Muslims observe the 12th day of the third month of the Islamic calendar— Rabi Al-Awwal —as the birthday commemoration.

 The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), composed of the world's 38 largest economies, has included the UAE's 15% top-up tax on large multinational enterprises in its " transitional qualification " list. The UAE Ministry of Finance  represent that this move will be providing the  greater transparency for the businesses operating in the UAE. This domestic minimum top-up tax (DMTT) took effect on January 1 and applies to multinational enterprises with global consolidated revenues of €750 million (US$793 million) or more, and which meet this threshold in at least two of the four fiscal years preceding the applicable tax year. The OECD's " Central Register of Legislation with Transitional Qualification " lists jurisdictions that have completed the agreed procedures and obtained transitional qualification for the minimum tax. The UAE Ministry of Finance said in a statement on Monday that obtaining this qualification means "m...

 In Dubai, A City Dominated By Supercars On The Roads, Some People Love License Plates Even More Than The Cars Themselves. For some, it is a way to show status; for others, it is a lucky number or even a serious investment; and a few collectors are obsessed with creating series of license plates by combining different letters with the same numbers. One thing is certain: when you see a rare license plate in Dubai, it is absolutely unforgettable. So, what are the three most expensive license plates in Dubai?  • P7 Worth 55 million dirhams At the "Most Prestigious Numbers" charity auction in April 2023, Dubai license plate P7 was sold for an astonishing 55 million dirhams, setting a Guinness World Record . But this is not just a display of wealth. The proceeds from the auction support Dubai's "One Billion Meals Donation Program," a charity initiative launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum , Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Who was the winni...

  UAE : Use Untrusted Free WiFi with Caution, Over 12,000 Cyber Intrusions Occurred This Year Abu Dhabi , Emirates News Agency , August 24, 2025 – The UAE Government Cybersecurity Committee issued a warning on the 24th, reminding the public to be cautious when using untrusted open free WiFi networks, stating that such networks pose serious security risks. Statistics show that more than 12,000 cyber intrusion incidents through such networks have occurred in the UAE this year. The committee pointed out that this number accounts for about 35% of the total cyberattacks suffered by the UAE, indicating that hackers and cyber intruders are using these networks as effective tools to steal user passwords, banking information, and personal data. The committee emphasized that unsafe use of untrusted open free WiFi networks may directly lead to the leakage of users' personal and financial information, so advanced protective measures must be taken, especially the use of trusted VPN application...

 Philippine Commentator: Marcos Jr. Must Step Down! Recently, a Philippine media outlet published a sharp commentary article, where a political commentator directly accused President Marcos Jr. of incompetence. The article claims that under his leadership, the government has large-scale “ghost projects” and corruption issues in flood control projects, calling for “Marcos Jr. must step down, and the ghost presidency must end.” The article begins bluntly: “The harsh reality is that the flood control scandal involving hundreds of billions of pesos in ‘ghost projects’ and substandard projects has irrefutably proven that Marcos Jr. is utterly incapable of leading this middle-income country of 116 million people and 4 million public servants. We are experiencing a ‘ghost presidency’—a presidency without a real leader, only a phantom relying on PR gimmicks, occasionally appearing in public from nowhere.” The data revealed is shocking: from 2022 to 2024, the Department of Public Works and ...