Latest UAE Market Insights
Stay ahead of today’s UAE trends with clear visuals and summaries. Ideal for founders, marketers, and investors planning their next move in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and beyond.
UAE News Today: Key Business Updates For 25 November 2025
As we move into the National Day period, UAE news today is packed with practical updates for business owners, founders, and professionals across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, and the wider country.
On 25 November 2025, we see a mix of money changes (like monthly rent options), new rules in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, big green and industrial partnerships, and a busy calendar of cultural and retail events. In simple terms, this is a day where cash flow, compliance, marketing, and growth planning all get fresh signals.
Listen to our audio summary above for key insights from UAE News Today — Top Stories & Updates | 25 November 2025.
In this round-up, we walk through what these headlines mean for your cash position, your legal risk, your marketing calendar for 2026, and your next move as an SME or investor. Think of it as a same-day briefing you can use to adjust plans before the National Day long weekend.
Top UAE headlines today (25 November 2025)
Image created with AI.
Here is a quick scan of what stands out for UAE businesses today:
- Monthly rent options gain traction across the UAE, letting tenants and some SMEs pay rent like a normal monthly bill instead of large quarterly cheques. This helps families, freelancers, and young companies smooth cash flow and consider better located properties.
- New Dubai law on lost and abandoned property sets strict reporting timings and a central system under Dubai Police. Malls, hotels, and transport firms now have clearer duties and penalties around lost-and-found items.
- Abu Dhabi rules and fines on roads, littering, property standards, and flyer distribution stay in focus. Company fleets, delivery teams, and marketing staff need to stay sharp to avoid heavy penalties.
- Ajman’s unified digital tax reporting and Sharjah’s 2026–2028 digital strategy promise fewer procedures, simpler government fees, and more joined-up e-services for companies.
- On the growth side, Dubai Airshow 2025 closes with over USD 202 billion in deals, Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) marks 50 years, DEWA and Masdar sign a three-year green partnership, Forcepoint expands cybersecurity operations, and Abu Dhabi gets ready for Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2025.
- On the lifestyle and culture front, we see major updates around Emirates LitFest 2026, Dubai’s 2026 Retail Calendar, K-City, new malls, green spaces, and creative hubs that will shape where customers spend time and money next year.
In the sections below, we unpack what all this means for your business, sector by sector.
Money, property, and rules: what UAE businesses must know today
Monthly rent options give UAE tenants and SMEs more cash flow flexibility
Traditional UAE rentals often mean two, three, or four big cheques each year. According to Gulf News reporting, monthly rent options are now spreading, where tenants pay through regular monthly transfers or via finance and proptech platforms.
For residents and small businesses, this changes the pressure on cash. Instead of stacking large cheques, tenants can treat rent like a phone or electricity bill. That helps freelancers, early-stage founders, and new arrivals plan outgoings and avoid running their accounts close to zero.
Over time, this can also support upgrades. A start-up in Sharjah or Dubai South might be able to move to a slightly better located flat or small office near a key client, because the upfront barrier is lower. For landlords, banks, and proptech firms, recurring rent payments open space for services such as rent-by-card, credit scores based on payment history, and add-ons like insurance or maintenance plans.
New Dubai law on lost and abandoned property: key rules for malls, hotels, and transport
Dubai has issued a new law that sets clear rules for lost and abandoned property across the emirate, with a central electronic system run by Dubai Police. Residents who find items must report them within 24 hours and hand them over within 48 hours, as outlined by the Dubai Media Office in its official announcement of the lost and abandoned property law.
For businesses that handle high visitor numbers, such as malls, hotels, theme parks, large venues, and transport operators, this is a compliance priority. Key actions include:
- Updating lost-and-found policies to match the 24 and 48-hour rules
- Training front-of-house and security staff on how to register and store items
- Reviewing CCTV and handover logs to match the new electronic system
- Refreshing signage so guests know how to report lost property
Misuse or failure to report can lead to penalties, while those who hand in items may receive up to 10 per cent of the item’s value as a reward. That combination of carrot and stick means we should treat lost property as a regulated process, not an informal courtesy.
Abu Dhabi rules and fines in 2025: staying compliant on roads, property, and marketing
Time Out Abu Dhabi has highlighted a long list of rules and fines that matter to both residents and companies in the capital. For business readers, several stand out.
On the roads, harsh penalties for hit-and-run incidents, running red lights, or ignoring variable speed limits can hit company fleets and delivery services hard. Regular driver briefings, GPS tracking, and in-vehicle alerts are no longer “nice to have”, they are basic risk management.
On the streets, strict rules on littering, waste, and property maintenance affect facilities managers and landlords. Ignoring waste rules or letting buildings fall below standard can bring fines and reputational damage. The same applies to handing out flyers without approvals, which can catch smaller F&B or retail brands by surprise.
We can cut risk with simple steps: keep an up-to-date compliance checklist, train any staff who drive or hand out flyers, and review property standards quarterly with photos and reports.
Ajman and Sharjah push digital government to cut paperwork and costs
Ajman’s Department of Finance has rolled out a unified digital tax reporting system that removes around three quarters of previous procedures. By linking local systems to the Mawarid platform, much of the old paperwork and manual data entry is gone.
For Ajman-based SMEs, this means less time spent on forms and fewer chances for errors. Finance teams can submit taxes and fees through a single interface, plan due dates, and keep cleaner digital records.
Sharjah is taking a wider step with its 2026–2028 Digital Transformation Strategy, approved by the Sharjah Executive Council. As reported on Sharjah24, the strategy covers more than 50 initiatives, a Digital Cooperation Charter, and a Higher Committee for Digital Integration. Real estate fees will also be reduced during the Acres 2026 period, which will appeal to investors and developers.
For us as business owners and investors, this adds up to faster approvals, more consistent e-services across departments, and fewer in-person trips to government offices in both Ajman and Sharjah.
Business growth, trade, and investment: deals that shape the UAE’s future
Dubai Airshow 2025 and EGA’s 50th year: what mega-industrial deals mean for SMEs
Dubai Airshow 2025 closed with nearly 249,000 visitors and deals worth around USD 202 billion, including large aircraft orders from Emirates and flydubai and strong interest in space and defence. That tells us one thing clearly: aviation and aerospace remain central to the UAE’s long-term growth.
At the same time, Emirates Global Aluminium celebrated 50 years since Dubai Aluminium was founded, marking its growth to more than two million tonnes of annual production and a major role in export income. EGA’s story speaks to industrial depth, technology, and jobs across the Emirates.
For SMEs, these are not just big headlines. Every aircraft order brings years of demand for engineering support, logistics, catering, crew training, MRO services, and airport services. EGA’s activity feeds supply chains for equipment, chemicals, packaging, transport, maintenance, software, and recruitment. Smaller firms that specialise and show reliability can secure long-term contracts around these anchor players.
Green energy and security: DEWA–Masdar and Forcepoint shape future-ready sectors
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and Masdar have signed a three-year partnership that links Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week and WETEX to accelerate renewable energy, climate tech, and net-zero projects. The agreement, covered by Dubai Media Office, means more coordinated events, tenders, and platforms around clean power and water over the coming years, as outlined in the DEWA and Masdar partnership announcement.
This is a clear signal for engineering firms, consultants, construction companies, and tech suppliers. Solar, energy efficiency, green buildings, and smart water systems are set to enjoy a deeper ecosystem of buyers, partners, and financiers.
On the cybersecurity side, Forcepoint is expanding its presence in Dubai Internet City, rolling out AI-native “Self-Aware Data Security” solutions. For banks, government entities, and larger corporates, this boosts local access to advanced data protection. For IT service providers, auditors, and niche security consultancies, it opens doors to joint projects, managed services, and compliance training around privacy and data loss prevention.
Abu Dhabi cements its financial and creative leadership
Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2025 is shaping up strongly, with ADQ confirmed as headline partner and Hanwha Finance as premier partner. More than 60 events and hundreds of speakers will focus on “Engineering the Capital Network”, reinforcing the capital’s role as a global financial hub.
Alongside this, the BRIDGE Summit 2025 will bring leading creators and innovators for over 300 sessions and workshops across media, music, gaming, tech, AI, and marketing. For agencies, brands, and content start-ups, it is a training and networking magnet.
Sotheby’s Collector’s Week in Abu Dhabi adds a further layer, bringing some USD 250 million in luxury assets, from jewels to property, and attracting high-net-worth visitors. For professional service providers, law firms, family office advisers, and luxury hospitality, these events are ideal spaces to book meetings, host side events, and build a serious contact book.
Culture, events, and lifestyle: new ways to engage customers in the UAE
Events to mark in the calendar: Emirates LitFest, Dubai Retail Calendar, and more
Emirates Airline Festival of Literature 2026 will welcome over 200 sessions, major international authors, themed tracks, family events, and the late-night “LitFest After Hours”. Tickets start at accessible price points, helped by a new app that lets readers build their own schedule.
For schools, universities, publishers, and EdTech firms, this is a chance to run author visits, reading challenges, or joint workshops. A tutoring centre in Dubai or Sharjah could, for example, run a creative writing week tied to the festival dates.
Dubai’s 10th Retail Calendar for 2026 lists 18 major events, including Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai Summer Surprises, the Great Dubai Summer Sale, and a series of cultural and food-focused festivals. Retailers, F&B outlets, hotels, and attractions should map these peaks directly into their 2026 marketing plans.
We can time stock orders, staffing, loyalty offers, and influencer campaigns around each season. The BRIDGE Summit’s workshops also plug into this, as they help creative teams sharpen content skills in time to ride these big retail moments.
New destinations and malls: K-City in Dubai, South Bay Mall, and luxury hubs
K-City, a planned destination focused on Korean food, culture, business, and pop entertainment, will give Dubai a dedicated hub for K-pop fans and K-beauty shoppers. Details like location and opening dates are still to come, but the concept is clear: a dense cluster of K-themed experiences in one place.
South Bay Mall at Dubai South will add a 200,000 square foot waterfront community centre with around 60 units, a food hall, wellness services, and lagoon views. For clinics, gyms, cafés, salons, and speciality retailers, this is classic first-mover territory in a fast-growing district close to Al Maktoum International Airport.
At the top of the market, Christian Louboutin’s revamped boutique at The Galleria on Al Maryah Island, plus Sotheby’s Collector’s Week, underline Abu Dhabi’s pull for global luxury brands and wealthy travellers. SMEs in concierge services, fine dining, bespoke travel, and art logistics can build packages and partnerships that match this client base.
Culture and nature across the emirates: Sharjah, Fujairah, Khorfakkan, and Al Dhaid
Across the northern emirates, fresh cultural and environmental initiatives are creating more reasons for residents to travel and spend weekends locally.
The Zayed National Museum travelling exhibition in Fujairah gives visitors a preview of key artefacts and stories ahead of the main museum opening. Al Ain Book Festival continues to anchor reading and Arabic language in family life, again drawing schools and parents.
In Sharjah region, Al Dhaid Honey Festival’s second edition will host more than 70 exhibitors and competitions for the best honey, attracting agri-business, food brands, and families. Khorfakkan has launched Tree Week alongside the opening of Al Ghazir Park, adding tree planting and environmental education, especially for children.
Al Hamriyah’s parks have retained international Green Flag status for a third year, highlighting strong environmental management and safe public spaces. In Dubai, the Mangrove Planting Initiative will add 40,000 trees in coastal sanctuaries, supporting carbon capture and eco-tourism.
For cafés, small retailers, tour operators, and eco-focused SMEs, these events and spaces are natural anchors for pop-up stalls, guided tours, kids’ workshops, and CSR-linked offers.
Media, start-ups, and talent: why Sharjah’s ecosystem matters today
Sharjah Media City (Shams) is set for a major expansion, adding one of the region’s largest unified government media hubs, advanced studios, and a “creative oasis” for training and arts. That means more productions, more events, and more demand for freelance crews and agencies.
Sharjah also hosts the Child Safety Forum, which looks at ways families can protect children from harm, especially online. This aligns with the Dubai Media Council’s Emirati Media Talent Pledge, which is giving Emirati students real-world reporting experience at major business events abroad.
On the start-up side, Sheraa has opened nominations for the SEFFY Awards 2026, which recognise stand-out start-ups, mentors, and ecosystem builders. For founders in content, EdTech, gaming, or media services, Sharjah is building a clear pipeline: training, studio space, and recognition.
For media producers, marketing agencies, EdTech platforms, and youth-focused NGOs, this is a good moment to look at studio partnerships, internship schemes, safety-focused content, and award submissions.
Conclusion: key takeaways from 25 November 2025
Today’s UAE business news points to a few clear themes. Cash flow flexibility is improving through monthly rent options and more digital finance, which can help SMEs and residents plan with less stress. Rules are tighter but clearer, from Dubai’s lost property law to Abu Dhabi’s road and flyer regulations, reducing grey areas for honest operators.
We also see deeper digital and green shifts, with Ajman and Sharjah streamlining government systems and DEWA and Masdar aligning major sustainability events. Large-scale deals at Dubai Airshow 2025 and the growth of cultural and retail calendars across the Emirates give us more platforms for trade, events, and customer engagement in 2026.
This is a good moment to refresh your 2026 plans: review rental options, update compliance checklists, and lock key dates from Dubai’s Retail Calendar and Emirates LitFest into your marketing schedule.
If you want more customers to find you when they are ready to spend, you can also claim or create a free UAEThrive listing and get your business in front of local searchers across all seven emirates: https://uaethrive.com/get-your-uae-business-discovered-for-free.
Get a Free UAEThrive Listing
Add your UAE business to our directory so residents can find you by area, category, and service. Ideal for SMEs and start-ups looking for more local visibility.
Boost Your Local Visibility
Upgrade to a premium listing to appear in priority spots, add rich media, and highlight offers. Designed for UAE brands that want consistent leads from local search.
Book a UAE Growth Call
Talk through your UAE marketing, listings, and lead generation with our team. Get practical ideas tailored to your sector and target emirates.
