UAE Weekly Business News 15/12/2025

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UAE Weekly Business News: Issue 267 published 15 December 2025.

UAE FREE ZONE NEWS

ADGM FSRA highlights milestones in sustainable finance, regulatory leadership (WAM 11/12/2025)

Olympus opens new Service Training Centre at Dubai Science Park (WAM 11/12/2025)

Legend Holding Group to invest AED500m in major automotive hub at Jafza (Government of Dubai Media Office 11/12/2025)

ADGM Academy launches Tech Centre (WAM 10/12/2025)

ADGM FSRA presents key enhancements to its digital assets framework (WAM 10/12/2025)

EDB sets up Abu Dhabi office to link Gulf capital with Central Asian projects (Arabian Business 10/12/2025)

FSRA showcases enhancements to its Funds Regulatory Framework (WAM 09/12/2025)

BBVA expands its services in Middle East after receiving IPA from ADGM (WAM 09/12/2025)

Maktoum bin Mohammed commends DIFC’s contributions to achieving goals of D33 (WAM 09/12/2025)

Zarberg to invest AED120m in new furniture manufacturing facility in NIP (Government of Dubai Media Office 08/12/2025)

UAE VISA NEWS (inc. employment, Emiratisation, human resources, training and women)

MoHRE launches programme to upskill nannies at Domestic Worker Recruitment Offices (WAM 12/12/2025)

AI transforms MoHRE Call Centre with faster response, smarter services (WAM 11/12/2025)

UAE visa: 11 rule changes, new categories in 2025 for visitors, expats, residents (Khaleej Times 11/12/2025)

7X, University of Dubai to promote employment opportunities (WAM 08/12/2025)

UAE BUSINESS NEWS

BRIDGE Summit reinforces UAE as global media hub (WAM 14/12/2025)

Dubai Customs launches project to update its strategic plan 2026–2030 (Government of Dubai Media Office 14/12/2025)

Dubai Metro Blue Line map revealed (Arabian Business 14/12/2025)

Dubai traffic plan: New bridges, lane expansions and road upgrades to slash journey times (Arabian Business 14/12/2025)

Dubai real estate sector recorded $7.1b of transactions last week (Arabin Business 14/12/2025)

UAE introduces 10 major law changes reshaping tax, business and justice (Arabian Business 14/12/2025)

flydubai inaugurates flights to Riga in Latvia (WAM 13/12/2025)

UAE consolidates its position as global hub for modern finance, digital assets (WAM 13/12/2025)

DEWA’s CleanTech Alliance encourages companies to actively contribute to sustainability efforts (Government of Dubai Media Office 13/12/2025)

Drop in Dubai crime rates boosts local economy by AED102.3b (Khaleej Times 13/12/2025)

UAE Government issues Federal Decree-Law amending certain provisions of Crimes and Penalties Law (WAM 12/12/2025)

Etihad Airways carries 2.1 million passengers in November 2025 (WAM 12/12/2025)

DP World launches 36-hour Dubai-Iraq sea link

Barakatna Clinic opened to provide healthcare services for senior citizens (WAM 12/12/2025)

January 1, 2026 announced as paid holiday for private sector (WAM 12/12/2025)

PureHealth launches AI-powered standalone diagnostic laboratory (WAM 12/12/2025)

Noor Dubai Achieves 156% Growth in Treatment Services (Government of Dubai Media Office 12/12/2025)

Ultra-rich move to Dubai, keep luxury property demand strong (Khaleej Times 12/12/2025)

UAE tops global passport rankings for seventh year (Arabian Business 12/12/2025)

Savvy Charging to introduce mobile, on-demand charging for EVs in UAE (Arabian Business 12/12/2025)

NMO, UAE Cybersecurity Council to enhance media awareness, digital protection (WAM 11/12/2025)

Silal’s Innovation Oasis, Square Roots to accelerate climate-smart desert agriculture (WAM 11/12/2025)

MBRSC conducts new series of tests on Rashid Rover 2 with Firefly Aerospace (WAM 11/12/2025)

UAE government issues Federal Decree-Law amending certain provisions of Civil Procedures Code (WAM 11/12/2025)

Modon awards AED1b construction contract for 'Maysan' project on Reem Island (WAM 11/12/2025)

BRIDGE Summit 2025 drives $200m deal to establish UAE as world’s new epicentre for advanced media production (WAM 11/12/2025)

RTA Launches Pilot Autonomous Robotaxi Service in Collaboration with WeRide and Uber (Government of Dubai Media Office 11/12/2025)

DET showcases collaboration, sustained growth at second City Briefing of 2025 (Government of Dubai Media Office 11/12/2025) 

Al Ain Region chosen as Arab Capital of Tourism 2026 (Abu Dhabi Media Office 11/12/2025) 

Dubai real estate growth moderates as villas outperform apartments (Khaleej Times 11/12/2025)

UAE's mobile market set for data-driven growth as 5G subscriptions surge (Khaleej Times 11/12/2025)

Holcim and 44.01 pioneer carbon capture and mineralisation pilot project in Fujairah (Khaleej Times 11/12/2025)

Platinum Group, Wiseman HK New Energy, and Upwards Solutions Technology launch JV in Abu Dhabi (Khaleej Times 11/12/2025)

LimX Dynamics expects its advanced robotics pilots in Abu Dhabi to launch in 2026 (WAM 10/12/2025)

$200b investment required for growth of region’s gas sector (WAM 10/12/2025)

GCC countries account for 48.2% of Dubai Chamber of Commerce members’ exports, re-exports (WAM 10/12/2025)

DP World installs first 1,000 living seawalls panels at Jebel Ali Port (WAM 10/12/2025)

Meraas awards AED340m contract for Riwa apartments at Madinat Jumeirah Living (WAM 10/12/2025)

ADNOC L&S takes delivery of fourth new-build LNG carrier (WAM 10/12/2025)

Jumeirah Eco Village opens at Madinat Jumeirah (WAM 10/12/2025)

UAE Government issues Federal Decree-Law on veterinary medical products, veterinary pharmaceutical establishments (WAM 10/12/2025)

Agricultural licences in Abu Dhabi rise 29% in 9 months (WAM 10/12/2025)

UAE gas demand to rise 50% in next 5 years, boosting investment opportunities (Khaleej Times 10/12/2025)

GCC markets anchor Dubai’s 2025 trade boom as Cepas expand UAE’s global reach (Khaleej Times 10/12/2025)

Dubai retailers report 36% sales surge during city’s first 24-hour sale (Arabian Business 10/12/2025)

Dubai Duty Free hits $2.2b record as cigarette sale pushes milestone (Arabian Business 10/12/2025)

EAD partners with M42 to conduct plant genome sequencing to safeguard native species (WAM 09/12/2025)

Tahnoon bin Zayed meets Director of US Federal Bureau of Investigation (WAM 09/12/2025)

BRIDGE Summit emerges as leading platform shaping future of global esports (WAM 09/12/2025)

Dubai becomes the global headquarters of food trade as Gulfood 2026 delivers 100% more scale, suppliers, business, innovation (WAM 09/12/2025)

EIH, Al Ain Mills to advance UAE food security, industrial growth (WAM 09/12/2025)

Dubai announces citywide introduction of contactless hotel check-in technology (WAM 09/12/2025)

Inception, Cerebras, MBZUAI release Jais 2 (WAM 09/12/2025)

UAE Media Council to streamline Visiting Advertiser Permit process (WAM 09/12/2025)

MOCCAE inaugurates 1st Biosecurity Forum, underscoring new phase in national preparedness (WAM 09/12/2025)

UAE strengthens leadership as key driver of global maritime system (WAM 09/12/2025)

Lumo, Mercedes-Benz, Momenta to launch premium autonomous robotaxi fleet in Abu Dhabi (WAM 09/12/2025)

IROS, BioSapien to conduct oncology clinical trials in UAE in 2026 (WAM 09/12/2025)

Federal Decree-Law issued amending Union of UAE Chambers of Commerce & Industry Law (WAM 09/12/2025)

Federal Decree-Law amends certain provisions of Law on Commercial Companies (WAM 09/12/2025)

DP World unifies marine services brands under one global identity (Government of Dubai Media Office 09/12/2025) 

UAE overhauls Companies Law in latest update to boost investment (Khaleej Times 09/12/2025)

UAE micromobility market to reach $2,014.8m by 2030 (Khaleej Times 09/12/2025)

Premium hydration market surges as wellness trends redefine luxury lifestyles (Khaleej Times 09/12/2025)

UAE furniture market likely to hit $5.4 billion by 2033 (Khaleej Times 09/12/2025)

New shopping mall in Dubai: Art of Living officially opens its doors (Khaleej Times 09/12/2025)

Enabling Dubai’s 20-minute vision: How smart building systems can redefine urban living (Khaleej Times 09/12/2025)

Dubai robot deliveries: Noon and Yango launch AI-powered autonomous service (Arabian Business 09/12/2025)

Dubai launches citywide biometric contactless hotel check-ins (Arabian Business 09/12/2025)

UAE launches new AI ecosystem for global agricultural development (WAM 08/12/2025)

MBRSG, Google.org release landmark report on bridging Arab world’s AI divide (WAM 08/12/2025)

DHA launches ‘Jabr,’ integrated system for all bereavement-related services (WAM 08/12/2025)

UAE sets model for providing highly efficient healthcare (WAM 08/12/2025)

Nakheel awards AED400m contract for Palm Crown development construction (WAM 08/12/2025)

UAE breaks into global top tier for project management leadership (Khaleej Times 08/12/2025)

Abu Dhabi to invest AED240b in infrastructure over the next 7 to 10 years (Khaleej Times 08/12/2025)

Tomorrow World unveils Dh8b realty projects pipeline (Khaleej Times 08/12/2025)

UAE firms outpacing global peers in trade confidence (Khaleej Times 08/12/2025)

Rooftop solar could meet substantial part of GCC energy needs (Khaleej Times 08/12/2025)

UAE FINANCE AND ECONOMY NEWS

UAE banks power ahead in Q3, outpacing regional peers (Khaleej Times 14/12/2025)

ADIO, SIEF forge partnership to attract global investors, businesses to Abu Dhabi (WAM 13/12/2025)

ADIO, Primavera Capital partner to attract high-growth companies to Abu Dhabi (WAM 13/12/2025)

ADX Group expands cross-border investment access with Arab world’s first cross-listing of US-domiciled ETFs (Abu Dhabi Media Office 13/12/2025)

Abu Dhabi Investment Office partners with Bain Capital (WAM 12/12/2025)

Abu Dhabi Judicial Department enhances digital payment services with Al Maryah Bank (WAM 11/12/2025)

New amendments to excise tax for 'Tiered Volumetric Model' on sweetened beverages (WAM 11/12/2025)

Strategic Development Fund announces investment, initial agreement with Machina Labs (WAM 11/12/2025)

Adnoc Distribution adopts AE Coin payments across its retail network (Khaleej Times 11/12/2025)

UAE cuts benchmark interest rate to 3.65% (WAM 10/12/2025)

RIQ, Swiss Re partner to advance risk, data, AI-powered reinsurance solutions (WAM 10/12/2025)

ADCB successfully completes AED6.1b rights issue (WAM 10/12/2025)

UAE strengthens national defences against cyber-enabled financial crime, expanding digital risks (WAM 10/12/2025)

ADI launches blockchain infrastructure development (WAM 10/12/2025)

YeePay establishes regional headquarters in Abu Dhabi (WAM 10/12/2025)

ADIO, Prudential Financial Inc to collaborate (WAM 10/12/2025)

MoHRE launches new update for Wage Protection System (WAM 10/12/2025)

ADX Group welcomes global brokerage platform Interactive Brokers on board (WAM 10/12/2025)

e& UAE to consider enabling stablecoin payments through AE Coin (Khaleej Times 10/12/2025)

UAE growth poised for take-off in 2026, Mastercard study shows (Khaleej Times 10/12/2025)

MENA region set to outpace global growth in 2026 on back of investment and AI adoption (Arabian Business 10/12/2025)

Bitcoin MENA highlights UAE’s growing leadership in Bitcoin mining (WAM 09/12/2025)

UAE emerges as global powerhouse in fintech, e-trading (WAM 09/12/2025)

Abu Dhabi Finance Week consolidates its position as one of top five global financial gatherings (WAM 09/12/2025)

NYU Abu Dhabi's Stern School of Business releases inaugural Financial Centre Competitiveness Index (WAM 09/12/2025)

ADX introduces 17 securities during 2025 (WAM 09/12/2025)

FNC approves Union General Budget for Fiscal Year 2026 (WAM 09/12/2025)

UNCITRAL commends UAE's proposal for model law on digital trade, platforms (WAM 09/12/2025)

Nasdaq Dubai welcomes $500m bond listing by Bank of China Dubai Branch (WAM 09/12/2025)

botim money, Binance to explore expanding crypto access in the UAE (Arabian Business 09/12/2025)

Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed approves launch of FinTech, Insurance, Digital & Alternative Assets cluster in Abu Dhabi (WAM 08/12/2025)

UAE consolidates its position as global leader in digital asset regulation (WAM 08/12/2025)

Etihad Credit Insurance offers over AED10b in coverages, guarantees in 2025 (WAM 08/12/2025)

UAE's economy leads growth in Gulf region in 2025: IMF (WAM 08/12/2025)

UAE could be 'Wall Street' of Bitcoin, say experts (Khaleej Times 08/12/2025)

Ruya launches world’s first Shari’ah-compliant Bitcoin trading service for Islamic banking customers (Arabian Business 08/12/2025)

MERGER & AQUISITION NEWS

GCC’s mega developments create fertile ground for project management firms (Khaleej Times 14/12/2025)

IHC increases stake in Invictus Investment Company to 40% with AED420m investment (WAM 13/12/2025)

Alpha Dhabi Holding, Mubadala acquire European Direct Lending portfolio managed by Apollo (WAM 09/12/2025)

Orascom, OCI to create regional infrastructure powerhouse (Arabian Business 09/12/2025)

UAE BILATERAL TRADE NEWS

UAE, Cyprus issue joint statement (WAM 14/12/2025)

UAE, Cyprus Presidents discuss strengthening Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (WAM 14/12/2025)

China’s Foreign Minister, Special Envoy of UAE President to China discuss strengthening comprehensive strategic partnership between two countries (WAM 14/12/2025)

UAE, EU issue joint statement on launch of SPA negotiations (WAM 13/12/2025)

Abdullah bin Zayed, Chinese Foreign Minister affirm depth of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between two countries (WAM 13/12/2025)

UAE, Cyprus strengthen trade, investment relations; agree to establish business council (WAM 13/12/2025)

Emirates Drug Establishment, Russian Ministry of Industry & Trade to boost cooperation (WAM 12/12/2025)

Dubai Chamber of Commerce launches Bulgarian Business Council (WAM 12/12/2025)

UAE, Gabon strengthen trade, investment ties (WAM 12/12/2025)

Abdullah bin Zayed receives Jordanian Deputy PM, Minister of Foreign Affairs (WAM 12/12/2025)

UAE, Ireland joint economic committee to strengthen trade, investment ties (WAM 11/12/2025)

UAE strengthening economic ties with Senegal (WAM 11/12/2025)

UAE hosts delegation of Africa’s leading business, philanthropic figures to advance strategic partnerships (WAM 11/12/2025)

M42 expands GCC presence with inauguration of Amana Healthcare Bahrain (WAM 11/12/2025)

UAE, Ireland discuss strengthening cooperation in financial sector (WAM 11/12/2025)

Kazakhstan presents key infrastructure, technology projects in Abu Dhabi: AIFC strengthens strategic partnership with UAE (WAM 11/12/2025)

Registration for Q1 2026 Clean Energy Certificates auction opened (WAM 11/12/2025)

dnata scales up in Milan with cargo expansion (Government of Dubai Media Office 11/12/2025)

ENOC Group appoints HMS Bergbau AG as marine lubricants distributor for Spain and Türkiye (Government of Dubai Media Office 11/12/2025)

UAE, Ukraine discuss strengthening private-sector ties (WAM 10/12/2025)

UAE, Russia to expand cooperation in new economy sectors (WAM 10/12/2025)

ADIO, China International Capital Corporation establish strategic investment corridor (WAM 10/12/2025)

First UAE–Russia Business Forum opens in Dubai (WAM 10/12/2025)

Dubai International Chamber launches new representative office in Karachi (WAM 09/12/2025)

UAE, Ireland to enhance connectivity between business communities (WAM 09/12/2025)

Khalifa University, China’s Guangzhou Baiyun Electric to establish joint innovation laboratory (WAM 08/12/2025)

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Written by Jenny Hunt

Founder, Gateway Group, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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