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UAE News Today: 18 December 2025 Business, Safety & Creative Highlights
The UAE news for 18 December 2025 is packed with updates that matter for business owners, investors, and residents. We see fresh investment into tech and innovation, new tools for property and mobility decisions, stronger safety guidance, and growing platforms for culture and sport.
Listen to our audio summary above for key insights from UAE News Today — Top Stories & Updates | 18 December 2025.
To keep things clear, we group today’s stories into four themes: creative economy and culture, trade and logistics, technology and sustainability, and public safety and daily life. For each one, we explain what happened, why it matters, and how UAE-based businesses can act.
If we want to keep on top of trends across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the Northern Emirates, it helps to track daily headlines and pair them with practical moves. That is exactly what we do here, alongside the wider updates we share on the UAEThrive blog – business news and insights.
Photo by Denys Gromov
Key UAE Business & Economy News Today (18 December 2025)
Today’s core business stories focus on tech office supply, smarter property data, and flexible mobility. Together they point to a more digital, service-rich economy, where location, insight, and flexibility give us an edge.
TECOM Innovation Hub Phase 4: New Tech Office Space in Dubai Internet City
TECOM Group has confirmed a AED 615 million investment into Phase 4 of its Innovation Hub in Dubai Internet City (DIC). The project will add about 263,000 square feet of Grade A office space by 2028, targeted at tech firms, start-ups, and related service providers.
Dubai Internet City already hosts major global names and a dense cluster of SMEs. The new phase will deepen that cluster, offering high quality offices, shared facilities, and access to a large pool of tech talent. For founders, that means a chance to sit close to investors, partners, and enterprise clients in one place.
If we run a tech company, consultancy, or B2B service business, it makes sense to track availability in DIC now, rather than wait until 2028. We can study the types of businesses already there through platforms like Dubai Internet City’s official hub site, then shape our own office, staffing, and support plans around that community.
Property Finder AI Home Valuation Tool: What It Means for Dubai’s Property Market
Property Finder has launched an AI-based Home Valuation tool that gives both a current value and a six-month price outlook for Dubai properties. Users can also build a simple portfolio and track up to ten units.
At a basic level, the tool looks at recent transactions, listings, and trends, then gives a data-led estimate. For owners and buyers, this makes it easier to judge if an asking price is fair. For investors, it helps compare areas and identify which units might see stronger growth over the coming months.
Real estate brokers and developers will feel the impact too. Negotiations are likely to become more data-driven, with clients arriving armed with their own numbers. As business owners, we can use this to:
- Sense-check deals before we sign.
- Benchmark our property costs against similar stock.
- Support board-level decisions on when to buy, sell, or hold.
For SMEs and start-ups deciding where to base their teams, this kind of tool can support clear, transparent decision-making on rent and long-term location planning across Dubai’s communities.
Dubai Car Hire Trends: Monthly Rentals and SUVs Lead Demand
Fresh data from dubizzle shows strong growth in Dubai’s car hire market, with monthly rentals making up around 45 percent of activity. SUVs are leading demand, while sedans, luxury, and sports models still keep a solid base of users.
For residents, this supports a shift away from full ownership towards flexible mobility. Monthly deals let us test different vehicles, handle medium-term projects, or bridge gaps between car purchases. Many renters are also starting to try electric and hybrid models without long contracts.
For mobility and travel businesses, the signals are clear:
- Prioritise a mix of SUVs and popular sedans in the fleet.
- Offer clear monthly packages for residents and long-stay visitors.
- Test EV and hybrid options, with simple charging information and support.
Tourism operators can also bundle car hire into staycations or inbound packages, giving visitors simple access to SUVs for family trips across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the wider UAE.
Infrastructure, Trade & Innovation Updates Across the Emirates
Beyond headline office and mobility news, today brings important updates in air cargo, construction technology, sustainable finance, and climate-focused events. These moves shape the UAE’s long-term capacity and signal where future contracts and partnerships might appear.
dnata & Dubai Police Smart Cargo Screening Hub at DXB
dnata and Dubai Police have launched a smart cargo screening hub at Dubai International Airport (DXB). A central digital control room now manages remote X-ray screening of cargo, rather than relying on multiple stand-alone stations.
For logistics, e-commerce, and trading companies, this means:
- Faster and more consistent security checks.
- Better tracking and documentation for screened shipments.
- Fewer manual bottlenecks and a clearer audit trail.
While most residents will never see this system first-hand, they feel the benefit through smoother supply chains, fewer delays, and more reliable delivery windows. Businesses that depend on regular imports, from fashion retailers to food distributors, can review their routing and service-level promises in light of this upgrade, and follow similar security updates through the Dubai Government Media Office news centre.
Dubai Municipality & Expo City ConTech Innovation Hub
Dubai Municipality and Expo City have signed an agreement to build a Construction Technology (ConTech) hub at Expo City Dubai. The hub will focus on:
- Advanced and low-carbon materials.
- Robotics and 3D printing for construction tasks.
- Building Information Modelling (BIM) and AI for planning.
- Net-zero building solutions and smarter energy use.
The hub will act as a living lab, where developers, contractors, consultants, and tech start-ups can test solutions on real projects and seek certifications. For the sector, this supports faster approvals, less waste, and safer sites.
In the long term, residents benefit from smarter, greener buildings and potentially lower running costs. For business owners, this is a strong time to build partnerships between tech firms and traditional contractors, and to position services around energy performance, digital design, or on-site robotics.
UAE Sustainable Finance Working Group: New Signals for Banks and Corporates
The UAE Sustainable Finance Working Group has issued its fourth statement, covering several key areas:
- Stronger climate risk governance inside financial institutions.
- Clearer sustainability disclosures for listed companies.
- Progress on a UAE green taxonomy that labels green activities.
- Climate transition planning principles to guide large corporates.
In simple terms, banks and major firms face tighter expectations on how they measure and report climate risks. Over time, this should push more capital towards green projects, such as clean energy, low-carbon buildings, and climate-smart transport.
SMEs will feel this through:
- New loan products tied to sustainability criteria.
- Requests for basic ESG information during vendor onboarding.
- Growing demand for services that support decarbonisation.
If we run an SME, now is a good time to start basic tracking of energy use, travel emissions, and waste, so we are ready when banks and large clients ask for this data.
Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026: Early Outlook for Energy and Climate Business
Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2026 has been confirmed for 11 to 15 January 2026, under the patronage of the UAE President. The theme focuses on “The Nexus of Next”, linking energy, finance, food, water, and nature. New additions include a Blue Forum for ocean and water issues and expanded tech showcases.
For energy, sustainability, finance, and tech companies based in the UAE, ADSW offers:
- A platform to meet investors and global partners.
- A chance to launch or pilot solutions in front of a targeted audience.
- High media visibility around climate and clean-tech innovation.
We can prepare now by defining which events to attend, planning a small delegation, polishing pitch decks, and aligning our marketing with the key ADSW themes that match our services.
Public Safety, Daily Life & Travel Updates for UAE Residents
Today’s safety and daily life news centres on winter weather, travel timings, school schedules, and public sector holidays. These updates change how we plan operations, staffing, and customer communication across the Emirates.
Abu Dhabi Winter Safety & Delivery Rider Guidelines
The Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority has launched a “Winter Safety” campaign, with advice on:
- Safe use of heaters and gas equipment at home.
- Fire safety, ventilation, and carbon monoxide risks.
- Road safety during rain, fog, and poor visibility.
- Camping and desert trips during colder, wetter weather.
At the same time, Abu Dhabi transport authorities have told delivery riders to halt operations during unstable weather. Platforms like Deliveroo and Keeta are asking riders to log out when conditions are unsafe.
For logistics, food delivery, and facility management businesses, this is a clear reminder to:
- Put written weather and safety policies in place.
- Train staff on winter risks and emergency contacts.
- Adjust delivery promises during storms and heavy rain.
Good safety planning protects people first, and builds trust with customers who see that we put riders and staff ahead of short-term speed.
Emirates Travel Advisory for Rainy Weather in Dubai
With rainy conditions in Dubai on 18 and 19 December, Emirates has advised passengers to:
- Arrive at least four hours before departure.
- Allow extra time on the roads for slow traffic and low visibility.
- Note that First and Business Class Chauffeur Drive pick-ups are moved one hour earlier.
For travel agencies, corporate travel teams, and hotels, the message is simple: update transfer schedules, warn clients early, and suggest the Metro where it is a practical option. Clear SMS or WhatsApp reminders can prevent missed flights and stress at the airport.
Dubai Private School Friday Timings and New Year Public Sector Holiday
From 9 January 2026, all Dubai private schools and early childhood centres must end the Friday school day by 11:30 am, in line with the new 12:45 pm Friday prayer time. Older students may switch to online learning on Fridays, if approved by the regulator.
Dubai has also confirmed Thursday, 1 January 2026 as a public sector holiday, with Friday, 2 January 2026 set as a remote-working day for eligible roles. Essential and shift-based services will continue on-site.
These updates affect families, employers, and service businesses in several ways:
- Parents need new routines for pickups and childcare on Fridays.
- Employers may adjust meeting times, especially on Fridays and early January.
- Businesses that rely on government offices should plan for fewer in-person services on those two New Year dates.
Planning rosters, booking systems, and customer messages ahead of time will reduce last-minute issues.
Ajman Finance Engagement Council: What Businesses Should Expect
The Ajman Department of Finance has gathered government entities, suppliers, and Ajman Pay users in a new customer and stakeholder engagement council. The goal is to collect feedback and improve financial procedures, investment policies, and public services.
For companies that work with Ajman government bodies, this is a positive signal. We can expect:
- More transparent and predictable payment processes.
- Better designed digital services through Ajman Pay.
- Channels to share pain points and suggestions.
The smart move is to keep vendor profiles updated, watch for official circulars from Ajman Finance, and be ready to respond when consultations or new service launches are announced.
Creative Economy & Sports: New Opportunities in Dubai and Beyond
Beyond hard infrastructure, today also brings news that strengthens the UAE’s soft power, from culture-led design to global sports networking. These stories open doors for agencies, creators, and wellness brands.
Salik & Dubai Culture “Erth Dubai Through Your Eyes” Design Competition
Salik and Dubai Culture have launched “Erth Dubai Through Your Eyes”, a design competition inviting artists, designers, and young creatives to develop new Salik tag designs that reflect Dubai’s culture. The prize pool is AED 100,000, and winning designs gain wide daily visibility on vehicles across the city.
For freelancers, studios, and branding agencies, this sends a clear signal: there is strong demand for culture-focused design linked to public services and infrastructure. It is both a creative chance and a potential showcase to attract future clients.
The takeaway for creative SMEs is simple:
- Track open calls from government-linked brands.
- Build a portfolio of culture-led work that fits public spaces.
- Treat each competition as both a paid opportunity and a marketing platform.
World Sports Summit in Dubai: A New Platform for Sports and Wellness Business
Dubai will host the World Sports Summit in December 2025, gathering sports legends, federations, investors, and tech innovators to discuss the future of sport. Alongside the main sessions, we can expect side events, media coverage, and commercial deals.
This is a strong platform for:
- Sports academies, gyms, and wellness brands seeking sponsorships.
- Event and media companies that produce content, fan experiences, or hospitality.
- Tech firms working on wearables, analytics, or fan engagement tools.
To benefit, we can start by mapping which parts of our offer match sports tourism, wellness, or sports tech. From there, we can plan targeted meetings, explore partnerships with visiting teams or federations, and shape content or offers that ride the wave of interest around the summit.
Conclusion: Turning Today’s UAE News Into Action
Today’s UAE news paints a clear picture. Investment in tech, smart infrastructure, and sustainable finance is rising, safety rules are getting sharper, and new platforms for creative and sports-led growth are opening up.
As business owners and professionals, we can turn this into action by choosing one or two steps today. That might mean reviewing our future office plans in Dubai Internet City, upgrading staff safety policies for winter weather, or planning how to connect with partners at ADSW or the World Sports Summit.
If we want more local visibility and trusted leads, we should also make sure customers can find us quickly when they search. The simplest next step is to add or update our UAE business listing so our services show up where people are already looking.
We can get started in a few minutes by listing our business for free on UAEThrive here: https://uaethrive.com/get-your-uae-business-discovered-for-free.
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