UAE News Today 1st November 2025: Business, Events, Community Updates Across the Emirates

Listen to our audio summary above for key insights from UAE News Today — Top Stories & Updates | 1 November 2025.

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From early shoppers at the airport to book lovers in Sharjah, UAE News Today 1st November 2025 brings quick, practical updates. UAE News Today 1st November 2025 highlights the Dubai business update, new Abu Dhabi policy steps, and Sharjah community news. We also scan UAE events today so you can plan the week.

Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah feature across business growth, culture, and daily services. Expect record retail, steady real estate demand, and clean mobility pilots. Public safety checks continue, and cyber awareness gets a boost. This roundup helps you decide what to do next, whether you run a company or plan a family day out.

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

Business and economy updates in the UAE today (1 November 2025)

Dubai Duty Free hits an all-time sales milestone

Dubai Duty Free recorded an all-time high in sales, a clear sign that travel retail is in strong shape. Passenger throughput, a full calendar of concerts and conferences, and early holiday shoppers helped drive this result. The headline number tells us confidence is back in airport spending, especially in beauty, electronics, and confectionery. For retailers and brands, the message is simple, stock well and market early. Expect strong year-end peaks as winter travel builds and visitors arrive for festivals and sport. See the official update: Dubai Duty Free sales record.

A busy retail concourse at DXB with travellers browsing luxury stores and gifts. Image created with AI.

Dubai property sales hit 50,000 in Q3 as population tops 4 million

Dubai logged 50,000 property sales in Q3 while the population passed 4 million, a twin signal of momentum and demand for housing. The combination supports long-term development, fresh community services, and a healthier rental market, though hotspots may see tighter supply. Developers are likely to phase new launches to match buyer interest across mid-market and premium segments. In Q4, buyers should move fast on well-located units, and renters can expect competitive offers in newer communities. Source: Dubai property sales and population update.

Abu Dhabi Registration Authority moves to update expired economic licences

A new initiative from Abu Dhabi Registration Authority targets expired economic licences, keeping the registry accurate and reducing compliance risk. Companies with lapsed records should review their licence status, prepare required documents, and book an appointment for renewal. The tone is supportive and process-led, helping firms stay visible, avoid penalties, and protect stakeholder trust. If you manage a small business, treat this like routine hygiene, track expiry dates, and store scanned documents. Read the overview: Expired economic licence update initiative.

Tourism pipeline: market access and visitor growth signals

New marketplaces and route promotions point to stronger visitor flows in late 2025 and early 2026. When tourism boards engage targeted source markets, arrivals tend to rise in a predictable pattern, from initial awareness to package bookings and group travel. For hotels, this suggests a chance to fine-tune rates and bundle services. Expect higher occupancy in the peak winter season, with families, business travellers, and sports fans driving weekend spikes.

Culture and events across the UAE on 1 November

Dubai’s first 72-hour festival lands this November

A 72-hour, round-the-clock festival format arrives in Dubai this month, mixing major music acts with pop-up dining and night-time experiences. Think sunrise DJ sets, late-night food trucks, and daytime art zones. Plan your tickets early and set a simple transport plan, use metro, rideshare, or venue shuttles where offered. Light layers and comfy trainers help if you are staying for long sessions. Full event details and headliner teasers are here: Dubai 72-hour festival guide.

Global Publishers Conference brings 30+ workshops to Sharjah

Sharjah hosts a deep programme for publishers, agents, and translators, with more than 30 workshops on rights, editing, and new distribution models. For local talent, this builds practical industry skills and opens doors to regional and global networks. Expect sessions on translation deals, audio formats, and marketing playbooks. The timing aligns with Sharjah International Book Fair, which amplifies reach and visibility for authors and houses. Preview the sessions: Global Publishers Conference workshops.

Rubu’ Qarn Season spotlights young creators in Sharjah

Rubu’ Qarn Season celebrates youth creativity across music, design, and heritage. Expect community events that promote teamwork, identity, and practical skills young people can carry into school and early work. Families can look for hands-on workshops, for example a simple craft session that blends art with local stories. The takeaway is inclusive: create together, share safely, and cheer on the next generation.

Plan your week: culture first, crowds second

A little planning goes a long way. Book early to secure better prices. Aim for off-peak arrivals to skip queues. Use public transport where possible, and check venue rules on bags, seating, and entry times. Keep water, a power bank, and a simple snack in your day bag so you can enjoy the programme without rushing.

Community, safety, and innovation across the Emirates

Free cold water now at new parks and public spots in Sharjah

Sharjah is adding more cold water dispensers at parks and public sites, which encourages longer, healthier time outdoors. This is a small but practical boost for families and runners, especially with winter activity on the rise. Carry a re-usable bottle, refill when you see the dispenser symbol, and avoid single-use plastic. A simple habit that saves money and reduces waste.

Fire safety: Sharjah Civil Defence inspections

Sharjah Civil Defence is conducting inspections to improve building safety and prevention. Common issues include blocked exits, expired extinguishers, and overloaded sockets. If you manage a property, test alarms, check emergency lighting, and schedule a quick walk-through with your facility team. Residents can do a plug audit at home, keep corridors clear, and note any alarm faults to building management.

Cyber awareness: Dubai Electronic Security Center’s Scan Smart impact

Dubai’s Scan Smart campaign helped residents and SMEs spot phishing attempts and secure devices. The message is practical: pause before clicking, verify the sender, and update software. Simple steps cut risk and protect your money and data. Two moves to try today, turn on multi-factor authentication and back up your phone to a secure cloud. Campaign summary and outcomes: DESC Scan Smart campaign results.

Clean mobility: Abu Dhabi to deploy 500 AI-enabled eco-friendly vehicles

Abu Dhabi plans to roll out 500 eco-friendly vehicles supported by AI for routing, safety checks, and fleet efficiency. The goal is cleaner air and smoother trips, with better load balance at peak times. Commuters should see more reliable travel windows as the network scales. Pilot operations are expected by 2025, with benefits felt first on busy corridors. Full background here: AI-enabled eco-friendly vehicles in Abu Dhabi.

Sources and references

• “Dubai Duty Free hits all-time,” Dubai Media Office, Nov 2025, https://mediaoffice.ae/en/news/2025/november/dubai-duty-free-hits-all-time
• “Dubai property sales hit 50,000 in Q3 as population passes 4m,” Arabian Business, 2025, https://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/real-estate/dubai-property-sales-hit-50000-in-q3-as-population-passes-4m
• “Abu Dhabi Registration Authority introduces initiative to update expired economic licences,” Economy Middle East, 2025, https://economymiddleeast.com/news/abu-dhabi-registration-authority-introduces-initiative-to-update-expired-economic-licences/
• “Dubai’s first 72-hour festival,” What’s On, Nov 2025, https://whatson.ae/2025/11/dubais-first-72-hour-festival-is-happening-this-november-with-some-huge-headliners/
• “Global Publishers Conference to feature over 30 workshops,” Gulf Today, Nov 2025, https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2025/11/01/global-publishers-conference-to-feature-over-30-workshops
• “DESC concludes Scan Smart campaign,” Zawya, 2025, https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/government-news/dubai-electronic-security-center-concludes-scan-smart-campaign-with-strong-citywide-impact-ujbrzofv
• “Abu Dhabi to deploy 500 AI-enabled eco-friendly vehicles by 2025,” Gulf News, 2025, https://gulfnews.com/uae/environment/abu-dhabi-to-deploy-500-ai-enabled-eco-friendly-vehicles-by-2025-1.500329261

Conclusion

Retail momentum, rising real estate activity, and a rich cultural calendar define UAE News Today 1st November 2025. Families get more community services, from public water points to safety checks. Businesses benefit from cleaner compliance and stronger visitor flows. Commuters can expect smarter, greener mobility as pilots expand.

The rest of November looks busy, with more visitors, weekend festivals, and steady trade. Share your tips from local events, and tag venues or city authorities for updates that help everyone plan better. Let’s keep the conversation useful, practical, and forward looking.