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UAE Daily News Roundup 25 September 2025: Infrastructure, Autonomy, Property, and Lifestyle

UAE Daily News Roundup 25th September 2025 featured image showing Dubai skyline at sunset with Burj Khalifa

Meta description: Your UAE Daily News Roundup for 25 September 2025, covering Dubai’s deep tunnels drainage project, a 15 km self-driving zone, property prices, gold highs, and weekend picks, plus the latest weather outlook.

Dubai woke up to a busy news day. Major infrastructure and mobility updates led the agenda, with property, retail, and lifestyle stories shaping how residents plan their week. If you run a business or manage a household budget, today’s news carries both opportunities and signals you can act on.

Below, you will find the top headlines, what they mean, and where to go next if you want to track the numbers, the policies, or the upcoming events. Let’s get you informed and ready to make smart decisions.

Top Story: Dubai approves Deep Tunnels Drainage Project

A long-term drainage upgrade is now in motion. Dubai has approved the Deep Tunnels Drainage Project to boost stormwater capacity and climate resilience. The plan is designed to move large volumes of water away from key areas, reducing flooding risk during heavy rain. For a London-style downpour, this is the backbone that keeps roads open and businesses trading.

  • Expect staged works, with engineering and tunnelling phases.
  • Likely benefits include faster road recovery after storms and reduced business disruption.
  • Contractors and suppliers should track procurement updates.

For scope and project detail, see the Khaleej Times coverage of the Deep Tunnels Drainage Project approval.

Mobility Leap: A 15 km self-driving zone across land and water

Realistic visualisation of Dubai’s 15 km self-driving zone with robotaxis, autonomous boats, an integrated metro link, and delivery bots in broad daylight, framed by palm-lined paths and modern towers Caption: Dubai’s proposed self-driving zone for land and water travel. Image created with AI.

Dubai has unveiled a 15 km self-driving zone, integrating Metro links, robotaxis, autonomous boats, and delivery bots. This is not just transport theatre. It is a platform for logistics, tourism flows, and lower last-mile costs.

  • Robotaxis could ease short trips around busy hubs.
  • Autonomous boats support creek and marina movements.
  • Delivery bots help cut peak-hour congestion by moving small parcels off the road network.

Track the plan in context via Khaleej Times’ report on the new self-driving zone for land and water travel, and a complementary Gulf News overview of the futuristic zone.

Yango’s pilot efforts also hint at a maturing last-mile ecosystem, with more than 1,300 km logged by delivery robots in Dubai. See Zawya’s update on autonomous delivery robots crossing 1,300 km.

Property Pulse: Prices and rents still rising

The property run continues, and it is biting into household budgets. Reports point to an ongoing surge in both rents and sales prices across the city. Landlords hold the stronger hand, tenants are renewing earlier, and buyers are moving fast on stock that fits.

  • Budget owners should model a 12 to 18 month view, not just the next renewal.
  • Businesses can consider staff housing allowances and flexible benefits to retain talent.
  • Investors are watching yield stability and off-plan delivery timelines.

For a snapshot of current conditions, read Khaleej Times’ coverage of soaring rents and property prices. On the demand side, cross-border capital remains a factor. See Arabian Business on Indian investors driving UAE asset demand.

Market Watch: Gold hits record highs as residents sell old jewellery

Gold touched record levels, and residents are taking advantage by trading old jewellery. If you have pieces you no longer wear, this is a straightforward way to raise cash or rebalance savings. Traders report steady footfall and rapid turnover.

  • Get multiple quotes to maximise your return.
  • Keep original invoices or certificates if you have them.
  • Consider timing if you plan to buy back later.

Here is the Khaleej Times update on record-high gold prices sparking trade-ins.

Business Mood: Why billionaire capital prefers Dubai

Where the most mobile capital parks itself tells you a lot. Dubai’s appeal sits at the intersection of policy stability, tax clarity, time-zone reach, and lifestyle. Family offices value speed to set up, global links, and a strong talent pool. For founders and SMEs, this capital on the doorstep can shorten the path to scale.

For a strategic read, see Gulf News’ analysis on why top billionaires bet on Dubai over Silicon Valley.

If you track the fintech space, you may also find value in Kamelpay’s recent progress on approvals and partnerships in the UAE. We covered it here: Kamelpay secures key approvals and partnerships.

Retail and Events: Flash-sale fever and fresh openings

A lively evening scene of Dubai Shopping Festival 2025 with shoppers, flash-sale windows, festive lighting, and performers in a premium mall setting Caption: Dubai Shopping Festival 2025, with flash sales and festive crowds. Image generated by AI.

Expect a busy retail season ahead as Dubai Shopping Festival 2025 readies a wave of deals and pop-up energy. Think short window promotions and high-traffic evenings that boost both footfall and average basket size.

  • Retailers can plan stock, staffing, and social campaigns now.
  • Shoppers can set budgets and wishlist targets to avoid impulse buys.

For the shopper’s view, see Gulf News on why UAE residents cannot resist DSF flash sales.

On the lifestyle front, beachfront restaurants are reopening for the cooler season, and cultural highlights range from art shows to music nights. What’s On has a handy look at Oktoberfest events across Dubai, while Time Out confirms Peggy Gou’s 2025 Dubai performance. For art lovers, Gulf Today previews Charlie Koolhaas’ city-focused exhibition.

Travel Note: UAE-India flights get cheaper, demand still soft

One-way fares to India have dropped to around Dh220 on some dates, though demand has not picked up as expected. Price-sensitive travellers can find value, particularly outside peak days. Businesses with regional teams can optimise travel budgets if they plan early.

For the fare and demand picture, see Gulf News on UAE-India ticket prices and travel patterns.

Weather Outlook: Fair to partly cloudy, warm afternoons

According to the National Centre of Meteorology, the UAE will see fair to partly cloudy skies, with clouds mainly in the east and north. Temperatures peak around the mid to high 30s in coastal cities, with higher readings inland. Winds are light to moderate, shifting during the day, and humidity rises at night with a chance of mist in some spots.

  • Dubai: highs near 36°C, lows around 28°C.
  • Abu Dhabi: highs near 37°C, lows around 29°C.
  • Sea conditions ease later in the day.

For the latest updates, check the NCM portal here: NCM maritime and weather information.

Quick Bites: Business, property, and city living

For more on digital payments and payroll solutions in the UAE, explore Kamelpay’s digital payroll and payment solutions in Dubai.

Sports Corner: UAE Pro League spotlight

The local fixture list keeps fans on their toes, with Shabab Al Ahli taking on Al Ain in Dubai. If you are heading to the match, plan arrival early and allow extra time around entry points.

Catch the details from Khaleej Times on the Shabab Al Ahli vs Al Ain encounter.

Final Take: What today’s news means for you

Today’s UAE Daily News Roundup points to a city planning for scale, comfort, and speed. Infrastructure and autonomy will reshape commutes. Property costs demand sharper budgeting. Retail and culture bring welcome choice as the weather cools. If you want to stay ahead, set alerts for the projects that affect your area, review your rent assumptions, and line up your Q4 retail or travel plans now. What move will you make today to protect your time and boost your outcomes?

Sources

UAE Daily News Roundup 25th September 2025 featured image showing Dubai skyline at sunset with Burj Khalifa

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