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UAE News Today: 19 November 2025 Roundup for Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah

A futuristic UAE city street with a self-driving delivery vehicle on the road and an air taxi flying above the skyline at sunset.

From holiday plans to smarter roads and AI-powered services, UAE News Today 19th November 2025 is packed with updates that actually affect your week, not just your news feed.

Today’s stories cut across three main cities. Sharjah is in focus for its longer National Day break, traffic changes, strong business signals, and rich cultural calendar. Abu Dhabi is pushing hard on smart safety, self-driving deliveries, and global conferences. Dubai is turning future ideas into daily services, from air taxis as public transport to AI that helps you shop and manage your home utilities.

Listen to our audio summary above for key insights from UAE News Today — Top Stories & Updates | 19 November 2025.

This is a practical snapshot for workers, families, and business owners who want trusted UAE news today. The aim is simple: help you plan your holidays, commute, weekends, and next business moves with confidence.

Insights are drawn from official and reputable sources such as Gulf News, Khaleej Times, Zawya, Sharjah24, Gulftoday, and UAE government-linked announcements. You can also use the wider UAEThrive site to discover local businesses and upcoming events that connect with many of the topics below.

Stay informed with the stories shaping the Emirates—and join the conversation.

UAE National Day holidays and long weekend plans you need to know

Families celebrating UAE National Day along a Sharjah waterfront at sunset, with flags and city skyline in the background
Families celebrating UAE National Day weekend in Sharjah, waterfront views and city skyline. Image created with AI.

The big headline in UAE news today is the confirmed Eid Al Etihad and UAE National Day holidays. For many residents, this is the longest break before year-end and a key moment to reset, travel, or boost business.

Public sector staff across all seven emirates will enjoy a block of days off around 2 December. Private companies often follow a similar pattern, which affects schools, offices, and retail trading hours.

Sharjah stands out because of its three day weekend. When you add the official holiday block, government workers in the emirate enjoy a five day National Day stretch, while most of the rest of the country has a slightly shorter break.

For those based in Sharjah, this longer weekend can be a gift if you plan it well. You do not need to head to another emirate or book flights. You can stay local, support neighbourhood businesses, and still feel like you have had a proper break.

Families, students, and shift workers can use this time to:

  • Catch up on rest without losing half the break to traffic.
  • Explore attractions they usually drive past on the way to Dubai.
  • Support local cafés, shops, and home-grown entertainment.

For business owners, the same days can be a revenue spike. Retailers, restaurants, hotels, and transport firms can expect higher footfall and demand. Simple planning around stock, staffing, and opening hours can turn this into a strong close to November.

Local tourism in Sharjah is likely to see a clear lift around waterfronts, cultural areas, and family parks. A smart move for residents is to map one or two nearby places for each day of the break, instead of trying to cover everything at once.

UAE Eid Al Etihad / National Day 2025 holiday dates across all seven emirates

A clear view of the calendar is the best starting point. The public sector holiday block has been confirmed in a detailed explainer on the National Day holiday schedule across the seven emirates from Khaleej Times.

The key points for most residents are:

  • Government staff get several consecutive days off around 2 December.
  • Sharjah workers gain a longer break thanks to the regular three day weekend.
  • Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the other emirates have a slightly shorter official block, but still enjoy a long weekend effect.

Private sector companies often track the same dates, especially in service industries. Some offices may give bridging days, while others may run lighter skeleton teams.

In simple terms:

  • If you work in Sharjah public sector, plan for five days off.
  • If you work in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or another emirate, you still get a solid long weekend, with some flexibility depending on your employer.

For parents, this affects school runs, childcare, and revision plans. For business owners, it shapes sales targets and staff rosters. Blocking the dates now helps you book staycations, organise family gatherings, and plan promotions.

10 smart ways to spend the 5-day National Day weekend in Sharjah

Sharjah’s five day National Day weekend is perfect for slow, local exploring. You can mix art, nature, and simple outdoor time without spending a fortune.

The Gulf News guide to spending the National Day weekend in Sharjah highlights many of the best options. Using that as a base, here are some themes you can build your plans around.

Family fun and nature

  • Al Noor Island for art, gardens, and a calm stroll with skyline views.
  • Sharjah Safari, a full-day experience if you want to keep kids off screens and close to wildlife.

Culture and heritage

  • Sharjah Heritage Area, with its traditional houses and museums, for a relaxed cultural walk.
  • Classic Car Museum to keep car lovers of all ages happy.

Waterfront walks and parks

  • Al Majaz Waterfront for fountains, mini golf, and family dining.
  • Al Khan beach and nearby areas for simple sea views and fresh air.

You can easily combine two stops in one day. For example:

  • Morning at a museum, late afternoon by the water.
  • Early safari visit, then a quiet evening at a local café.

For cafés, casual dining spots, and small retailers near these attractions, this weekend can be one of the busiest of the year. Business owners can prepare by:

  • Extending opening hours slightly.
  • Running clear family offers and bundles.
  • Making sure online maps and contact details are accurate so visitors can find them quickly.

If you want more local ideas beyond National Day, the UAEThrive blog and directory offer a steady stream of businesses, services, and events you can slot into your plans later in the year.

Sharjah today: traffic changes, business growth, and cultural life

Sharjah and Dubai skyline traffic at night with light trails on Sheikh Zayed Road
Night traffic and city skyline along a major UAE highway. Photo by Nithin Daison

Sharjah features strongly in UAE news today, not just for the holiday calendar but also for safer roads, active business moves, and a packed cultural season.

Safer, faster roads between Dubai and Sharjah after truck ban changes

Commuters between Dubai and Sharjah have felt a real change after an expanded heavy truck ban on Emirates Road. According to a Gulftoday report on the Dubai–Sharjah truck ban policy, average speeds towards Sharjah during peak hours have improved by about 26 km/h.

What changed:

  • Heavy trucks now face longer restricted hours on key stretches of Emirates Road.
  • The goal is to keep the heaviest vehicles off the road during the busiest commuting windows.
  • This has already helped cut accidents and reduce bottlenecks.

For daily drivers, this means:

  • Shorter and more predictable travel times.
  • Less stop-start driving and lower stress on the morning and evening run.

For logistics and delivery businesses, it sends a clear message. Route planning, booking delivery slots, and using off-peak hours are now non-negotiable. Smart firms will:

  • Adjust shift patterns around new truck timings.
  • Use tracking tools and shared dashboards so dispatch teams know which routes are clear.
  • Brief drivers on enforcement risks and safety expectations.

The result should be safer roads for families, lower crash rates, and more reliable arrival times for freight.

Sharjah’s business scene: sukuk issue, sector groups, and startups in China

Sharjah also made firm moves on finance and trade on 19 November 2025.

First, the emirate raised fresh funding through the Sharjah government’s latest sukuk issuance, a 10.5 year, 750 million dollar Islamic bond with a 5.192% coupon. In simple terms, investors are lending money to Sharjah in a Sharia-compliant way, and the pricing shows solid demand.

Why this matters for residents and firms:

  • The funds can support infrastructure, public services, and development projects.
  • A successful sukuk signals confidence in the emirate’s finances, which helps when banks and investors price other deals.
  • Large projects mean contracts for construction, maintenance, and support services.

At the same time, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry has reaffirmed a plan to empower sectoral business groups from 2025 to 2027. The focus is on:

  • Helping industries like manufacturing, hospitality, and real estate stay competitive.
  • Supporting digital transformation and better export readiness.
  • Attracting strategic investment into key sectors.

For SMEs, this can translate into more training, advocacy, and partnership options.

Sharjah’s global push is also visible through a startup trade mission to Guangzhou in China, led by the Sharjah Women’s Business Council and Sheraa. Sixteen startups and SMEs visited fashion, beauty, packaging, and retail sourcing hubs. This can help local brands:

  • Find better suppliers.
  • Lower production costs.
  • Scale into new markets with more confidence.

Together, the sukuk, sector groups, and China mission show Sharjah positioning itself as a serious, business-friendly hub, not just a commuter city.

Tourism, culture, and youth events shaping Sharjah’s identity

On the tourism front, the 12th Sharjah International Tourism and Travel Forum is looking at sustainable growth and new ideas. Its tourism innovation hackathon and youth workshops signal that the emirate wants fresh thinking from students, startups, and young professionals.

This matters because:

  • Better product design means more varied things to do for residents and tourists.
  • Innovation around visitor journeys can support local tour operators, hotels, cafés, and transport providers.

The Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival adds artistic depth to this picture. With more than 150 artists, over 100 events, and dozens of venues, it is a city-wide invitation to engage with contemporary Islamic art through exhibitions, workshops, and talks. Families and schools can use it for educational trips, while galleries and cultural venues benefit from steady visitor flows.

The Second Women Poets Forum at Al Qasimia University, where young women shared patriotic poetry for the 52nd Union Day, highlights strong youth and female participation in culture. A new book paying tribute to the Sharjah International Book Fair shows how the emirate’s literary scene continues to inspire both writers and readers.

The common thread is clear: Sharjah is building a reputation as a cultural capital that also supports tourism and business.

Road safety enforcement and what it means for drivers and businesses

Road safety is another sharp focus in Sharjah today. Police have seized 73 vehicles and 25 motorbikes over serious violations such as reckless driving, illegal modifications, loud exhausts, and unlicensed riding.

For residents, the impact is direct:

  • Quieter neighbourhoods, especially at night.
  • Lower risk for children and families in residential streets.

For businesses that manage fleets, especially delivery bikes, this is a clear warning. Poorly trained riders, noisy bikes, and risky behaviour now carry a higher chance of seizure and fines.

Simple steps to stay on the right side of enforcement include:

  • Regular driver training on speed limits, safe overtaking, and residential etiquette.
  • Routine vehicle checks for brakes, lights, and exhaust noise.
  • Clear company rules against racing, stunts, or social media content filmed while driving.

Large public events across the UAE, from charity runs to team sports challenges, often bring extra traffic checks. Sharjah’s crackdown fits into a wider national push for safer, more respectful roads.

Abu Dhabi highlights: smart cities, safety, and big events

Modern Abu Dhabi skyline at dusk with futuristic transport and people walking in a smart community
Futuristic Abu Dhabi skyline with smart mobility and safe communities. Image created with AI.

Abu Dhabi news today focuses on smart safety, global conferences, and big-ticket events that shape both daily life and future jobs.

How Abu Dhabi is testing the future of mobility and smart safety

Abu Dhabi is taking concrete steps towards self-driving services and smarter buildings.

First, residents may soon spot autonomous delivery units on the streets. An Abu Dhabi pilot of self driving delivery cars has begun, through a partnership between Abu Dhabi Mobility, noon, and AutoGo. These AI-powered vehicles will serve as mini fulfilment centres, moving goods between hubs and neighbourhoods.

What this means for people and businesses:

  • Faster, more efficient delivery for online orders.
  • New roles in fleet supervision, maintenance, and control rooms.
  • A test bed for regulations that could later expand to other cities.

Second, Abu Dhabi is hosting SIBEC 2025, a major conference focused on smart solutions for safer communities. Fire safety, building systems, IoT, and ICT are all on the agenda. The outcomes of this kind of event influence:

  • How new buildings are designed and certified.
  • The level of tech integrated into existing towers and communities.
  • Standards for alarms, monitoring, and emergency response.

Third, Abu Dhabi Airports has signed an Abu Dhabi vertiport charging deal with BETA Technologies to provide electric charging and battery systems for vertiports at Al Bateen Executive and Zayed International Airport. This is early groundwork for future eVTOL air taxi services.

For residents, these developments might sound futuristic, but they point to safer buildings, cleaner skies, and new types of jobs in mobility, tech, and construction.

Big Abu Dhabi events: charity runs, celebrity talks, and industry expos

Abu Dhabi is also strengthening its role as an events hub.

The Zayed Charity Run 2025 returns to the capital on 29 November. The race supports advanced cancer and stem-cell related initiatives, with multiple distances and a generous prize pool. It is an easy way for families, running clubs, and companies to combine fitness with community impact. Corporate teams can use it as a CSR and staff wellbeing activity.

Fans of film and music have something to look forward to as well. Idris Elba will appear at the Bridge Summit at ADNEC this December, speaking to creatives, media professionals, and entrepreneurs. This signals the level of global talent Abu Dhabi is attracting to its conferences and summits.

Looking slightly further ahead, the inaugural IAAPA Expo Middle East will come to ADNEC in 2026, bringing thousands of attractions-industry professionals and hundreds of exhibitors. Long term, this can raise the quality of theme parks, family entertainment centres, and attractions across the UAE.

These events sit alongside other large community festivals in the UAE and show how Abu Dhabi is positioning itself as a place where sports, culture, and business meet.

Abu Dhabi’s global economic ties and what they mean for residents

On the economic front, a high-level UAE–South Korea roundtable took place in Abu Dhabi, attended by the Crown Prince and the South Korean president. The talks focused on expanding trade and investment under the CEPA agreement.

Non-oil trade between the two countries reached around 6.6 billion dollars in 2024, with growth in 2025. Sectors likely to benefit include:

  • Clean energy and hydrogen.
  • Advanced manufacturing and shipbuilding.
  • Technology, including chips and smart devices.

For residents, this can translate into:

  • More jobs in high-skill industries.
  • New brands, products, and services entering the UAE market.
  • Stronger demand for housing, education, and services in Abu Dhabi.

This fits a pattern of Abu Dhabi using strategic partnerships to attract long-term investment and know-how, rather than short-lived deals.

Dubai updates today: transport, tech, shopping, and city life

Dynamic scene of Dubai with air taxis near Burj Khalifa, smart parking and busy streets
Concept of future transport in Dubai with air taxis, smart parking, and busy streets. Image created with AI.

Dubai’s news today is all about movement, smart services, investment, and festive experiences.

New ways to move around Dubai: air taxis and smarter parking

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has confirmed that air taxis will operate as part of everyday public transport, not just luxury rides. The RTA plan for Dubai air taxis as everyday public transport covers:

  • An initial phase with four vertiports.
  • Integration with the wider public transport network.
  • Long-term growth into a citywide network that works somewhat like a bus system, but in the sky.

In the future, residents might book an air taxi from one vertiport to another to cut across heavy traffic, especially for key corridors.

On the ground, Parkin has launched new Dubai parking subscription plans from Parkin, with 15 categories starting from 100 dirhams. These cover:

  • Side-street parking.
  • Yard and multi-storey options.
  • Development-zone parking, with special rates for students and private school staff.

For regular commuters, this can mean:

  • More predictable monthly parking costs instead of daily SMS payments.
  • Easier budgeting for families and small businesses.
  • Better access around busy zones like Dubai Hills, Silicon Oasis, and education hubs.

Together, air taxis and smarter parking show how Dubai is reshaping how people move across the city.

Smarter services at home: DEWA upgrades and AI-powered shopping

At home and at work, Dubai residents will see more AI in daily services.

DEWA has upgraded DEWA’s upgraded Smart Response service, which now uses AI and GIS and is available inside the Dubai Now app. Customers can:

  • Self-diagnose basic power or water issues.
  • Get guided steps before raising a ticket.
  • Track technical teams in real time when a visit is needed.

The benefits are clear:

  • Fewer unnecessary visits and shorter wait times.
  • Faster resolution for building managers and businesses.
  • Less disruption for households when something goes wrong.

On the shopping side, Mastercard is piloting its AI-powered Agent Pay service with Majid Al Futtaim. The AI powered Agent Pay shopping pilot in Dubai allows an AI assistant to:

  • Find relevant offers.
  • Compare options.
  • Complete bookings, including things like VOX Cinemas tickets.

Privacy, consent, and secure payments are central to the pilot. For residents, this can make everyday decisions faster and more personalised. For retailers and malls, it signals a shift towards AI playing a bigger role in how customers search, choose, and pay.

Big money, big ideas: Dubai’s investment fund and future energy vision

On the macro side, Dubai’s ruler has approved Dubai’s new national investment fund with initial capital of 36.7 billion dirhams.

In plain language, this fund will:

  • Attract foreign direct investment.
  • Offer co-investment and structured incentives.
  • Back major projects that create jobs and long-term value.

For local businesses, this could mean more capital for growth sectors, stronger public-private partnerships, and clearer paths to scale.

Dubai Future Foundation has also released a report on a potential 2 trillion dollar market for space-based solar power, where solar collection units in orbit send clean energy down to Earth. While this is a long-range project, it shows Dubai’s appetite for high-impact ideas in clean energy and space tech.

On the trade side, a new MoU between Dubai Chambers and the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce will deepen ties across logistics, media, tech, and creative industries. This can open new doors for Dubai-based firms trying to reach the US West Coast, and for LA companies eyeing the GCC.

Festive fun, fashion, and food: new things to do in Dubai

Lifestyle news rounds out Dubai’s updates.

  • “A Fairytale for Christmas” will bring an Irish-inspired festive concert to New Covent Garden at Mall of the Emirates from 19 to 21 December, with family-friendly shows and seasonal music.
  • Festival of Cake at Expo City Dubai will offer celebrity pastry chefs, live demos, tasting sessions, and a “cake picnic” vibe that suits families and food lovers.
  • Designer Tarun Tahiliani is opening his first Dubai flagship on Jumeirah, bringing high-end bridal and couture pieces to local shoppers, especially those from the Indian community.

For malls, hotels, and F&B brands, these events are a magnet for visitors. For residents, they add more options for weekends, date nights, and family outings as National Day and the festive season approach.

Everyday life tips: Emirates ID perks and how to use today’s news

UAE News Today 19th November 2025 is not just about big announcements. Several updates can help you save time or money in daily life, starting with your Emirates ID.

5 Emirates ID benefits you can start using today

Your Emirates ID is now more than just an identity card. A guide to unexpected Emirates ID benefits from Time Out Abu Dhabi outlines several handy perks that many residents still overlook.

Here are five you can start using:

  1. ATM cash withdrawals
    Some banks let you withdraw cash from ATMs using your Emirates ID instead of a card. This is useful if you forget or misplace your wallet.
  2. Fuel payments with ADNOC Wallet
    You can link your Emirates ID to ADNOC Wallet and pay for fuel directly at compatible pumps, so you spend less time handling cash or cards.
  3. Health insurance identification
    For many residents, the Emirates ID acts as a health insurance card at clinics and hospitals, speeding up check-in and claims.
  4. Fast e-gate use at Abu Dhabi Airport
    With registration, your Emirates ID can let you pass through e-gates at Abu Dhabi Airport, which cuts queuing time at immigration.
  5. Resident discounts and loyalty benefits
    Some attractions, retailers, and service providers offer UAE resident rates or loyalty offers, which you can access using your Emirates ID.

Availability always depends on your bank, insurer, or service provider, so it is wise to confirm what is active on your card. Keep your Emirates ID safe, renewed, and accessible, since many new services across the country are built around it.

Turning today’s UAE news into smart plans for work, travel, and fun

To wrap up, here are some simple, concrete ways you can act on today’s news:

  • Use the confirmed National Day holiday dates to block your calendar and plan a Sharjah-based weekend using cultural sites, parks, and waterfronts.
  • Adjust your commute between Dubai and Sharjah based on the heavy truck ban, and look at Dubai’s new parking subscriptions if you pay daily parking fees.
  • Sign up for events like the Zayed Charity Run or festive concerts in Dubai to combine fitness, culture, and family time.
  • If you run a business, watch for openings linked to Sharjah’s sector groups, the emirate’s sukuk-funded projects, or Dubai’s national investment fund.
  • Keep an eye on Abu Dhabi’s self-driving pilot and Dubai’s AI shopping tools if you work in logistics, retail, or tech, as they point to new service models.

Small steps like these turn headline stories into real gains in how you spend your time, money, and energy.

Conclusion

UAE News Today 19th November 2025 shows a country that is preparing for celebration while also reshaping daily life. A long UAE National Day holiday window will shape travel, retail sales, and family plans, especially in Sharjah with its extended break. Sharjah itself is balancing safer roads, a strong cultural identity, and clear signals of business confidence.

Abu Dhabi is pushing into smart mobility and safer buildings, backed by high-profile events and international partnerships. Dubai is rolling out AI in utilities and shopping, testing new public transport models, and adding more lifestyle choice across food, fashion, and entertainment.

You do not need to follow every single headline to stay on top of things. Use this snapshot to focus on what will affect your route to work, your holiday plans, your family budget, or your next business idea. Take one or two actions this week, support local businesses where you can, and keep an eye out for new opportunities that fit your goals.

Sources

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A futuristic UAE city street with a self-driving delivery vehicle on the road and an air taxi flying above the skyline at sunset.

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