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UAE News Today 28 November 2025: Business & National Day Briefing
The final weekend of November is always busy in the Emirates, and UAE News Today 28 November 2025 is no exception. We sit just before the 54th Eid Al Etihad and National Day long weekend, with residents and businesses across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah getting ready for parades, offers, and heavy holiday traffic.
UAE NEWS TODAY – 28 NOV 2025 AUDIO BRIEF
Prefer to listen on the move? This short audio brief covers today’s key UAE business, real estate, tourism and policy updates in a few minutes, tailored for busy founders, professionals and investors across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
- Dubai leadership reinforces support for private sector growth and the D33 agenda, signalling fresh opportunities for SMEs and investors.
- Abu Dhabi’s housing pipeline grows with thousands of homes due by 2026, shaping demand for brokers, contractors and property services.
- National Day parades, cultural festivals and travel peaks create new footfall and marketing opportunities for F&B, retail and events businesses.
- Food safety crackdowns, new training centres and tech partnerships highlight rising standards across F&B, engineering and innovation.
- Gold price moves, property media, and major 2026 events influence investor sentiment and where residents will spend and invest next.
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In this briefing, we walk through the headlines that matter for small and medium businesses, investors, and working professionals. We look at policy signals from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, real estate and consumer trends, and the events that will shape December trading and the start of 2026.
If you run a café in Sharjah, a boutique agency in Dubai, or a construction firm in Abu Dhabi, you do not just need headlines. You need to know what to do with them. So we keep the language simple and the focus on operations, planning, and opportunity.
By the end of this piece, you will have a clear sense of how today’s updates affect hiring, marketing, pricing, and customer demand in the days ahead.
Dubai skyline at dusk with UAE National Day colours and people preparing for events. Image created with AI.
Top UAE policy and economy news today (28 November 2025)
Dubai ramps up support for private sector and D33 growth goals
Dubai has sent a clear signal to the business community. At the Dubai Majlis, Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed instructed all government entities to give full backing to private sector growth and align every initiative with the D33 agenda for long‑term expansion. Official reports show Dubai’s economy grew about 4.4% in the first half of 2025, reaching around $65.6 billion in output, which underlines strong momentum for trade, tourism, and services.
The message from the Majlis is simple: the government wants deeper partnerships with business, not just one‑off incentives. The focus is on reforms that cut red tape, improve competitiveness, and attract new international investors. You can read the official announcement from Dubai Media Office on private sector support and the D33 agenda here.
For SMEs, this climate supports fresh investment in technology, exports, and talent. Many CEOs in the UAE already report strong confidence in the local economy and are increasing budgets for AI and digital tools. That confidence filters down into demand for legal services, recruitment, logistics, and marketing support.
If we run a growing business in Dubai today, this is a good moment to review our expansion plans, check what support programmes exist in our free zone or emirate, and prepare data on hiring and capital needs. Policy is moving in our favour, and those who are ready with clear plans tend to benefit first.
New housing and real estate signals in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi continues to build fast. Around 8,000 new homes are due to be handed over by the end of 2025, with another 12,800 scheduled for 2026 and more in later years. Many of these are in high‑demand areas such as Yas Island and Al Reem, where off‑plan sales, resale values, and rents have all been climbing.
On top of this, federal housing decisions are channeling grants and loans to Emirati families. This supports both social stability and the construction sector, where contractors, consultants, and fit‑out firms all gain steady work.
For residents, the big takeaway is that more homes are coming to the market, but strong demand is likely to keep quality units well priced. Those thinking of buying in Abu Dhabi may want to compare ready homes with near‑term handovers. Renters should watch how new supply affects their specific community before making long commitments.
For real estate brokers, marketing agencies, and property managers, this is a clear sign to sharpen data‑driven advice. Detailed knowledge of delivery timelines, community facilities, and expected yields will help win clients in a busy but competitive market.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi deepen global business and tech partnerships
International collaboration is another theme across today’s news. Dubai Chambers hosted a roundtable with a high‑level Serbian delegation, with talks covering construction, IT, agri‑food, fintech, healthcare, and transport. This kind of meeting often leads to trade missions, joint ventures, and new export channels in the months that follow.
In Dubai’s innovation districts, partnerships are equally important. Banks and free zones are working together to make it easier to open corporate accounts, use digital banking, and access funding, especially for firms in hubs such as Expo City. While one recent Expo City–Emirates NBD announcement page is offline, the trend is clear: smoother financial services inside strategic zones.
In Abu Dhabi, the Technology Innovation Institute has teamed up with Honeywell on quantum‑secure satellite technology. This type of ultra‑secure communication matters for banks, telecoms, and any operator of critical infrastructure. For tech companies, cybersecurity firms, and investors, it signals that the UAE wants to sit at the front of advanced communications rather than follow behind.
For us as business owners, these moves mean more potential partners, more secure networks, and a friendlier environment for cross‑border trade.
Business and consumer news across key UAE sectors
Food safety, festive hospitality, and coffee business updates
Abu Dhabi’s food regulators have taken a tough stance, closing 37 food outlets over repeated safety violations. Issues included poor hygiene, incorrect storage temperatures, pest problems, and at least one food‑poisoning case. For residents, this is reassuring. For restaurant and café owners, it is a strong reminder that compliance is non‑negotiable.
If we run F&B operations, we should treat this as a checklist. Are our chillers logged daily? Are staff trained on handwashing and cross‑contamination? Do we know how to respond if a customer complains of illness? Investing in regular internal audits and refresher training is cheaper than a forced closure and the damage to our brand.
On the positive side, Dubai’s coffee community is gearing up for World of Coffee Dubai 2026. The event will feature three live auctions under the DMCC‑led Dubai Coffee Auction banner, including rare microlots that can fetch very high bids. For roasters, traders, and café owners across Dubai and Sharjah, this confirms the city as a regional coffee hub and opens space for collaborations, pop‑ups, and new menu concepts.
At the premium end of hospitality, Jumeirah Saadiyat Island has launched a series of seaside festive offers, from elaborate Christmas Eve dinners to New Year’s Eve celebrations with fireworks. Even if we are not targeting that ultra‑luxury segment, the way these packages blend location, entertainment, and set menus gives useful benchmarks for pricing and guest experience during the holiday period.
Retail, malls, and affordable luxury experiences in Dubai
Dubai Marina skyline at night, highlighting retail, dining, and residential life along the waterfront. Photo by Nextvoyage
Dubai’s retail map keeps expanding. Dubai Bay Mall (also called South Bay Mall) in Dubai South is set to bring a new waterfront shopping and dining destination to a growing residential community. With around 60 retail units, a food hall, and wellness spaces, it will anchor daily life for villa and mansion residents in the area.
A broader guide to new and expanding malls across the city shows the same pattern: more community malls, more outdoor spaces, and more experiential retail. For brands and SMEs, this means we no longer have to fight for space only in mega‑malls. Smaller concepts, boutique salons, and niche cafés can pick locations that match their target neighbourhood.
At the same time, lifestyle media are highlighting “secretly cheap” experiences that still feel luxurious, from stylish breakfasts to upscale views at accessible prices. Bloomingdale’s festive campaign, with immersive décor and curated gifting, shows how a department store can become a destination, not just a shop.
Smaller retailers can borrow these ideas. We can bundle products into simple gift sets, create photo‑friendly corners in store, or partner with nearby cafés to offer joint experiences. Residents still want a sense of luxury, but many are watching their budgets. The brands that win are the ones that package value and atmosphere together.
Training, skills, and customer experience centres supporting UAE talent
The skills agenda is equally active. ABB has opened a US$2 million training and customer experience centre in Al Quoz, Dubai, which will upskill around 2,000 engineers and technicians every year. The courses focus on digital, AI‑enabled, and electrification technologies used in data centres, utilities, and smart buildings.
This kind of investment means local technical teams can gain world‑class skills without leaving the country. For engineering firms, facilities managers, and industrial clients, it should translate into better project delivery and safer, more efficient systems.
Sharjah is also stepping into the spotlight with the Irth and Trainer 2025 Forum. The event brings together trainers, HR leaders, and education providers to discuss modern training methods that still reflect Arab identity and culture. That mix matters in the UAE, where many organisations want to improve performance while staying rooted in regional values.
If we work in HR, consulting, or education, today’s news is a reminder to review our learning and development offer. Are we supporting both technical upskilling and culturally grounded soft skills? Demand is clearly growing in both areas.
Gold prices, property shows, and media that shape investor sentiment
Dubai’s gold market has seen a sharp move, with 24‑carat prices around AED 504.25 per gram after an overnight jump of AED 3.75. The rise reflects global price action and expectations of interest‑rate cuts. For jewellery buyers, this means higher ticket prices during the wedding and festive season. For investors, it reinforces gold’s role as a safe‑haven asset.
Retailers may need to adjust marketing to focus on long‑term value and buy‑back policies rather than instant “deals”. Buyers, on the other hand, should compare prices across outlets and consider lighter designs or lower carat options if budgets are tight.
On the property side, shows and media continue to influence sentiment. Season 2 of “Million Dollar Listing UAE” is set to highlight even bolder deals and cross‑border listings, keeping Dubai’s ultra‑prime market in the public eye. Classic car events like the 1000 Miglia Experience UAE, which will feature rare Rolls‑Royce Phantoms, also reinforce the country’s image as a home for luxury and high‑net‑worth activity.
For brokers, developers, and service providers, these soft‑power moments are marketing assets. Aligning content, open houses, or private events with such storylines can help attract both local and international investors.
National Day, December changes, and what UAE residents should plan for
Eid Al Etihad parades, cultural festivals, and tourism opportunities
Brand Dubai will mark the 54th Eid Al Etihad with the “Zayed and Rashid Parade” on 2 December along Jumeirah Road. The event is expected to attract large crowds, feature decorated vehicles and performances, and require rolling road closures along the beachfront stretch. Official details on the parade are available from Dubai Media Office here.
For F&B outlets, gyms, and retail stores on or near Jumeirah Road, this is both a logistics challenge and a prime visibility moment. We should review delivery windows, staffing levels, and outdoor seating, and consider simple activations such as National Day‑themed menus or limited‑time discounts for walk‑in guests.
Brand Dubai has also released an interactive #ZayedAndRashid souvenir guide featuring “Proudly from Dubai” products. This gives home‑grown brands extra exposure during a week when residents are actively looking for Emirati‑inspired gifts. If we are a local maker or designer, getting into similar curated lists can deliver a meaningful sales boost.
Beyond Dubai, cultural events will draw large communities. The MMDE Thrissur Pooram 2025 festival in Dubai brings Kerala’s grandest temple celebration into a UAE setting, while the 1000 Miglia rally and its classic cars attract motoring fans and tourists. Smart SMEs will time promotions, pop‑ups, or sponsorships to tap into these ready‑made audiences.
Key December rule changes, transport schedules, and plastic bans
December also brings rule and schedule changes that affect daily operations. In Abu Dhabi, the Integrated Transport Centre has published its Eid Al Etihad service schedule. Public buses and some inspection centres will run on modified hours on 1–2 December, while Customer Happiness Centres will close and switch queries to apps and call centres.
In Dubai and across the UAE, December is the final month before a nationwide ban on the import and production of most single‑use plastic bags and related items. Retailers, supermarkets, and F&B outlets that still rely on old stock should accelerate the switch to approved alternatives and update in‑store signage so customers know what to expect.
Dubai is also introducing stricter rules on lost property, with higher fines for failure to hand in found items through the correct channels. There is also a short school month and a predicted peak travel day at Dubai International Airport, which will affect staffing patterns and customer demand across many sectors.
Simple takeaways for operators:
- Logistics and transport firms should share updated delivery times and route plans with clients for 1–2 December.
- Retailers and F&B outlets need clear messaging on new plastic policies and any seasonal opening‑hour changes.
- Schools and training centres should plan around shorter teaching weeks and likely absence spikes.
- Service businesses near airports, malls, and tourist zones can extend hours or offer packages during the busiest travel days.
Clear communication now reduces confusion when public holidays start.
Sport, energy, and tech events that shape the UAE’s 2026 outlook
Looking beyond the long weekend, several events announced today shape the outlook for 2026. Emirates Dubai 7s 2025 will run from 28 to 30 November next year at The Sevens Stadium, again tied closely to National Day. The revamped HSBC SVNS format keeps Dubai as a core stop for elite rugby and adds a pathway event in early 2026, guaranteeing regular global attention.
In Abu Dhabi, the World Future Energy Summit 2026 will put AI at the centre of clean energy discussions. A dedicated FUSE AI Zone and Artificial Intelligence Conference will explore how smart tools can improve grids, buildings, and cities. Bitcoin MENA at ADNEC, featuring Michael Saylor, will draw digital‑asset investors and founders from across the region.
For tourism, hospitality, and events businesses, these announcements are a planning map. Hotels can begin to pencil in expected occupancy spikes, sponsors can budget for activations, and B2B firms can target speaking slots or exhibition stands. For fintech and clean‑energy companies, these are must‑attend networking opportunities, not last‑minute decisions.
What today’s UAE news means for SMEs, investors, and UAEThrive users
Turning today’s headlines into concrete business actions
So what should we actually do with today’s news?
- F&B owners in any emirate should treat Abu Dhabi’s food outlet closures as a warning. Schedule a hygiene review, refresh staff training, and document checks. Clean kitchens and clear records protect our licence and our reputation.
- Retailers and hospitality venues can use National Day parades, Thrissur Pooram, and Sevens rugby as anchors for themed offers. Simple ideas work, such as family bundles, National Day‑coloured desserts, or shuttle services from busy venues to our location.
- Tech and energy firms should mark Bitcoin MENA and World Future Energy Summit 2026 on their calendars. These events are ideal places to meet investors, partners, and policymakers. Preparing case studies and pilot projects in advance will help us stand out.
- Professional services and B2B suppliers in Dubai can align their messaging with the D33 growth agenda and Sheikh Hamdan’s call for stronger public–private partnerships. That might mean highlighting how we support exports, innovation, or job creation in our proposals.
Across all sectors, now is also a good moment to re‑check December staffing plans, transport timings, and stock levels ahead of the National Day weekend.
Using UAEThrive to find partners, suppliers, and clients across the UAE
News only becomes useful when we act on it. This is where UAEThrive can help.
If we run an F&B outlet, we can use the directory to look for approved cleaning contractors, pest‑control firms, or staff‑training providers in our emirate and neighbourhood. Event organisers planning National Day or Sevens activations can search for AV suppliers, catering companies, transport providers, and freelance photographers “near me”.
Real estate and construction businesses preparing for Abu Dhabi’s housing deliveries can build visibility in the directory so that residents and investors can find them quickly when searching for moving services, interior design, or facility management.
Listing a business on UAEThrive is free to start, with options to add photos, service details, and direct contact links. That means we can capture search interest sparked by policy announcements, major events, and seasonal trends without paying commissions.
Conclusion: A confident UAE heading into the National Day weekend
The headlines on 28 November 2025 point to a UAE that is backing private sector growth, accelerating housing and infrastructure, raising standards in food safety, and investing in skills, sport, and clean energy. At the same time, cultural parades, community festivals, and global events keep the country attractive to residents, tourists, and investors.
If we stay informed and plan around these shifts, we can protect margins, keep customers happy, and uncover new areas for growth. The National Day weekend is not only a time for celebration; it is also a moment to reset our business plans for 2026.
If you want more customers to find your business while they search for trusted services across the Emirates, you can get started with a free listing on UAEThrive here: https://uaethrive.com/get-your-uae-business-discovered-for-free.
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