UAE News Today: Key Business Updates for 26 November 2025

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Today’s UAE business news: Dubai and Abu Dhabi logistics, retail, AI, transport, finance and culture updates, plus what they mean for your plans.

As we move through the National Day period, UAE news today continues to deliver practical signals for business owners, founders, professionals and investors across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman and the wider country.

On 26 November 2025, we see fresh momentum in logistics, retail, AI, transport, culture and real estate. Dubai South is strengthening its position as a logistics and lifestyle hub. Abu Dhabi is pushing ahead with AI, autonomous mobility and world‑class cultural assets. Sharjah is reinforcing its social and creative brand. Dubai’s retail machine is locking in discount seasons for 2026 and beyond.

Listen to our audio summary above for key insights from UAE News Today — Top Stories & Updates | 26 November 2025.

In this round‑up, we walk through what these headlines mean for your operations, your marketing calendar, your hiring and your investment decisions across the Emirates.

Top UAE business headlines today (26‑11‑2025)

Here is a same‑day scan of what stands out for UAE businesses, start‑ups and investors:

Dubai South logistics boost: a new INDU Kishore Logistics facility adds 23,000 m² of high‑bay capacity and direct access to Jebel Ali and Al Maktoum cargo.
Dubai 2026 Retail Calendar: 18 city‑wide events with fixed discount windows give more clarity for retail and F&B planning.
Dubai Municipality and Siemens sign an AI MoU: predictive maintenance and smart‑energy pilots begin in parks, beaches and public buildings.
Dubai South Properties’ South Bay Mall: a lagoon‑front community mall brings new F&B and service opportunities.
Forcepoint expands in Dubai Internet City: more data‑security jobs and local support for regulated sectors.
Abu Dhabi launches public robotaxis on Yas Island: driverless rides via Uber/WeRide point to wider city roll‑out by end‑2025.
Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi opens: a major new cultural anchor on Saadiyat Island.
High‑end collector‑car auction in Abu Dhabi: RM Sotheby’s brings ultra‑premium assets and visitors to St. Regis Saadiyat.
Unified school calendars in Abu Dhabi and Dubai for December: only three school days in December, with clear holiday dates for parents and venues.
Machines Can Think 2026 AI summit confirmed for Abu Dhabi: MBZUAI and Polynome anchor a global AI and computer‑vision meeting.
Sharjah Police cybersecurity awareness stunt: a fake “Free Wi‑Fi” poster highlights QR‑code risks.
Malayalam arts and community growth in Sharjah: actress Anu Sithara’s new dance school opens in Muweilah.
Ajman Police highlight values with a young hero: a child rewarded for honesty supports the “safe family destination” brand.
Dubai’s 3‑Day Super Sale stretched to 5 days: discounts align with the National Day weekend.
Dubai 2026 air‑taxi timeline firmed up: Joby Aviation vertiports to connect DXB, Dubai Mall and the Palm.
New off‑plan mortgage scheme with Majid Al Futtaim and Emirates NBD: buyers secure longer‑term financing before handover.
Updated fireworks schedule for UAE National Day in Dubai: key waterfront locations locked in for 2 December.
Budget outbound winter travel from the UAE: Thailand and Sri Lanka packages undercut Maldives pricing.
Dubai Chamber mission to Malaysia: fresh non‑oil trade and B2B pipeline for ICT, F&B and textiles.
Pet‑friendly private‑jet options expanding in Dubai: JetPets reports growing London–Dubai demand.
New accounting and ESG digitisation rules flagged: Ministry of Economy briefings at ICAI convention.
Everyday lifestyle and health tips for Dubai winter: doctors urge simple daily habits to cut sick days.
Samsung’s AI Home Experience in Dubai: a preview of AI‑ready apartments and villas.
Grass‑roots fitness at Kite Beach: Spartan Run Club pop‑up illustrates brand‑community playbooks.
Sharjah achieves WHO “age‑friendly city” advanced status: the emirate becomes a regional model for senior‑friendly design.
Sunteck Realty confirms an AED 5 bn plot in Downtown Dubai: a major Indian developer enters the UAE market.
SAMĀ Festival 2025 in the desert near Dubai: a 24‑hour arts and wellness weekender builds on strong demand for local retreats.

Below, we unpack these updates in more detail.

Dubai South logistics and retail: E‑commerce, malls and community catchment

Dubai South logistics hub strengthens UAE e‑commerce

The new INDU Kishore Logistics facility in Dubai South’s Logistics District is a 23,000 m², 22‑metre‑high hub with space for around 75,000 pallets. Plugging directly into the bonded corridor between Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport’s cargo terminals, it tightens the loop between sea and air freight.

For SMEs and larger e‑commerce players in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, this means:

Faster cross‑dock and re‑export options for GCC and wider MENA deliveries.
More reliable stock availability for fast‑moving categories like fashion, electronics, beauty and FMCG.
Lower capex for smaller brands, as 3PLs use shared automation and racking rather than each retailer building its own warehouse.

If you are a retailer or D2C brand, it is a sensible moment to speak with logistics providers listed in the UAEThrive directory about Dubai South‑based solutions, bonded storage and last‑mile routes into high‑income areas such as Dubai Marina, Jumeirah, Business Bay and Downtown Dubai.

South Bay Mall: a new lagoon‑front catchment in Dubai South

Dubai South Properties’ South Bay Mall will be a 200,000 ft² (around 18,500 m²) lagoon‑front community mall serving an 800‑villa and townhouse cluster. Plans include:

Around 60 shops with two anchor tenants
A food hall and F&B spaces with water views
A gym, clinic and community services
Approximately 400 parking spaces

For F&B and service‑sector operators, this offers genuine first‑mover advantage:

Franchise brands in quick‑service dining, coffee, beauty and clinics can lock in early leases before rents peak.
Home‑grown Dubai and Abu Dhabi brands may treat South Bay as a test site for family‑oriented concepts aimed at airline staff, logistics professionals and young families living near Al Maktoum Airport.

If you own a café, salon, clinic or gym serving Dubai residents, it may be worth registering your interest now and adding or updating your UAEThrive free listing to capture South Dubai search traffic as the community fills.

Dubai retail and experiences: City‑wide sales, fireworks and smart homes

Dubai 2026 Retail Calendar gives clarity to brands and malls

Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) has confirmed the Dubai 2026 Retail Calendar with 18 major events, 1,000+ brands and 4,000 outlets participating. Raffles worth over AED 50 million and fixed discount windows – from Chinese New Year through to a new Great Dubai Summer Sale – give both retailers and shoppers clear timelines.

For retailers in Deira, Bur Dubai, Jumeirah, Mirdif and Dubai South, this matters because:

We can plan stock and staffing months in advance, rather than reacting late to announcements.
Discount phases encourage structured promotions instead of random, overlapping offers that confuse customers.
Small brands in malls such as Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira, Ibn Battuta and Dubai Hills Mall can ride the same footfall waves as global players.

We recommend locking these dates into your 2026 marketing calendar now and aligning campaigns, influencer pushes and in‑store events. UAEThrive’s blog will continue tracking detailed retail‑calendar updates and sector‑specific ideas.

Dubai 3‑Day Super Sale extended to 5 days

To align with the Eid al‑Etihad / UAE National Day long weekend, Dubai’s famous 3‑Day Super Sale is extended to a five‑day period from 28 November to 2 December. Discounts of up to 90 per cent are expected across more than 2,000 outlets.

For businesses in Dubai Marina, JBR, Downtown and festival areas:

Hotels can structure “shop and stay” packages, especially targeting visitors from Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah.
Restaurants and cafés surrounding major malls can anticipate spikes in afternoon and evening footfall.
Smaller retailers on secondary streets can run targeted social ads and map pins to catch deal‑seekers moving between malls.

Dubai National Day fireworks: where customers will be on 2 December

Confirmed free fireworks are scheduled across:

Bluewaters and JBR
Hatta
Souk Al Seef

A ticketed show at Dubai Festival City, including a concert by Balqees, will attract large family audiences.

If you own or manage an F&B or leisure venue along these waterfronts or in Hatta’s mountain area, expect:

Heavy evening traffic and higher table turnover
Demand for pre‑booked packages and minimum‑spend terraces
Increased interest from residents of Sharjah, Ajman and Fujairah travelling in for the night

Updating your UAEThrive listing with National Day offers and accurate opening hours helps residents and tourists find you quickly via local search.

Samsung AI Home Experience: what it flags for UAE property and retail

Samsung’s AI Home Experience in Dubai previewed smart Bespoke appliances, Galaxy AI and SmartThings integrations that learn user patterns, reduce energy use and even reorder groceries.

The relevance for UAE developers, facilities managers and retailers is clear:

Dubai and Abu Dhabi developers can market “AI‑ready” homes in areas such as Dubai Creek Harbour, Business Bay, Reem Island and Saadiyat, supporting higher sale and rental prices.
Retailers and supermarkets may see more automated replenishment and subscription‑style relationships with customers.
Facilities teams in Sharjah, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah can benchmark these systems for future smart‑building retrofits.

Abu Dhabi innovation: AI in the city, robotaxis and a major museum

Abu Dhabi public robotaxi service launches on Yas Island

From 26 November, anyone on Yas Island can book a fully driverless ride between 10 am and 4 pm through the standard Uber app, operated with WeRide technology. There is no safety driver on board, and pricing matches UberX.

Authorities plan to expand services city‑wide by end‑2025. This has several implications:

For residents and tourists, robotaxis become an extra affordable transport layer between hotels, malls and attractions such as Yas Mall, Ferrari World and Etihad Arena.
For mobility start‑ups and software firms in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and Masdar City, this is a live use‑case for AV‑related services, routing software, safety tools and data analytics.
Insurance, legal and consulting firms gain an early opportunity to build AV advisory practices.

When planning staff commutes or tourist packages, businesses in Abu Dhabi hospitality and entertainment sectors may start to integrate robotaxis into their transport mix.

Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi opens on Saadiyat Island

On 22 November, the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi opened on Saadiyat Island, spanning around 35,000 m². Star exhibits include:

A near‑complete T‑rex skeleton
A 25‑metre blue whale skeleton
The 4‑billion‑year‑old Murchison meteorite

Entry is currently free for under‑18s and AED 70 for adults.

This has clear economic and social knock‑on effects:

Schools across Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah gain a local field‑trip destination for science, rather than relying solely on international trips.
Hotels on Saadiyat, Yas and Corniche can link longer‑stay packages to museum visits, supporting Abu Dhabi’s aim to extend visitor length of stay.
Tour operators and guides listed on UAEThrive can bundle Louvre Abu Dhabi + Natural History Museum + Qasr Al Hosn itineraries for cultural tourists.

Machines Can Think 2026 summit: Abu Dhabi as AI and deep‑tech hub

The Machines Can Think 2026 summit, scheduled for 26–27 January 2026 in Abu Dhabi, will be hosted by Polynome and MBZUAI (Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence). Expected participants include more than 20 top AI researchers, plus representatives from Meta, NVIDIA and regional start‑ups.

The focus is on deployable computer vision and life‑science AI – not just theory. This aligns with the UAE’s target of adding roughly US$100 billion to GDP from AI by 2030.

For UAE‑based firms:

Health care groups, logistics operators, industrial manufacturers and retailers can explore pilot projects that reduce errors, speed inspections and personalise services.
Start‑ups in Dubai Internet City, Abu Dhabi’s Hub71 and Sharjah’s media zones can connect with global R&D teams and potential investors.
Professional service firms gain new angles for AI governance, ethics and ESG advisory work.

If you operate in AI, health, logistics or advanced manufacturing, consider using your UAEThrive profile and website content to highlight AI‑readiness and case studies. This will align you with inbound interest around the summit.

Dubai and Sharjah: Safety, community and culture as economic drivers

Dubai Municipality and Siemens AI MoU: smarter, greener public spaces

On 25 November, Dubai Municipality and Siemens signed a memorandum of understanding to pilot predictive maintenance, smart‑energy management and real‑time analytics across parks, beaches and public buildings. According to Dubai Government communications, the goal is to lower operating costs and improve energy efficiency without introducing new taxes or fees for residents.

For engineering companies, FM providers and PropTech start‑ups, this indicates:

Future tenders will likely ask for AI‑enabled monitoring and analytics as standard.
There is increased scope to offer software‑as‑a‑service and analytics layers on top of traditional MEP and FM contracts.
Success in Dubai can later be replicated in Sharjah, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah municipalities as they upgrade their own infrastructure.

Sharjah Police “free Wi‑Fi” QR‑code experiment: a live cybersecurity lesson

Sharjah Police ran an experiment where a fake “Free Wi‑Fi” QR poster was placed in a public space. Eighty‑nine people scanned it almost immediately, illustrating how quickly unsuspecting users can hand over credentials.

For companies and residents, the message is simple:

Always verify the source of QR codes, especially in cafés, malls, parking areas and events.
Train frontline staff in retail, hospitality and education to spot suspicious posters or stickers.
SMEs should have a basic cybersecurity awareness module in staff onboarding, particularly for Sharjah and Dubai locations where footfall is high.

If you are a cybersecurity consultant or IT MSP in the UAEThrive directory, this is an ideal case study to feature in your blog or LinkedIn posts.

Sharjah’s age‑friendly WHO milestone: a new dimension in urban branding

Sharjah has become the first Arab city to move from “basic” to “advanced affiliate” status in the WHO Global Network for Age‑friendly Cities. This gives Sharjah a stronger role in setting global standards for senior‑friendly infrastructure.

Practically, we should expect:

Wider pavements, accessible parks and tailored health programmes to accelerate across the emirate.
More attention to barrier‑free retail and hospitality design in areas like Al Majaz, Al Nahda and Muweilah.
Interest from other GCC and MENA municipalities in study tours and consulting engagements based in Sharjah.

For clinics, pharmacies, wellness centres and community‑based businesses, this is a prompt to review accessibility, seating, lighting and signage – and to highlight these features on your UAEThrive listing to attract multi‑generation families.

Community culture: Kamaladhalam dance school and positive policing in Sharjah and Ajman

Malayalam actress Anu Sithara has opened Kamaladhalam dance school in Muweilah, Sharjah, focusing on classical Indian dance forms with pricing suited to mid‑income families. This builds on Sharjah’s reputation as a hub for arts, education and South Asian communities.

Meanwhile, Ajman Police honoured seven‑year‑old Shaimaa Ali for returning lost cash, reinforcing Ajman’s image as a safe, family‑friendly emirate.

For after‑school providers, edutainment centres and community cafés in Sharjah and Ajman, these stories encourage family‑centric programming and cross‑promotions.
Real‑estate agents and developers can legitimately market both emirates as secure, values‑driven places to raise children, which helps drive demand for villas and mid‑market apartments.

Finance, real estate, travel and lifestyle: planning around new trends

Majid Al Futtaim / Emirates NBD off‑plan mortgage scheme

Buyers who have paid 50 per cent for selected Tilal Al Ghaf or Sur La Mer units can now convert the remaining amount into a 25‑year Emirates NBD mortgage before hand‑over. Previously, such off‑plan to mortgage transitions were difficult in the UAE.

This matters because:

It reduces interest‑rate uncertainty and gives buyers clarity on long‑term payments.
Developers can accelerate sales without adding extra discounts, as finance becomes less of a bottleneck.
Brokers and independent advisers gain a new space to guide clients, especially first‑time buyers in Dubai.

Joby Aviation air taxis from 2026: time‑value of mobility in Dubai

Joby Aviation’s timeline for commercial air‑taxi operations in Dubai, targeted for late 2026, includes four vertiports at Dubai International Airport, Dubai Mall, Atlantis The Royal and the American University in Dubai. Expected travel time from DXB to the Palm could fall from around 45 minutes by road to 10 minutes by air.

For businesses, this suggests:

Premium clients, C‑suite executives and time‑sensitive travellers will pay for high‑value “sky‑transfer” packages.
Hospitality groups in Downtown Dubai and Palm Jumeirah are already designing bundles that include air transfer, suites and experiences.
Real‑estate around vertiports is likely to see sustained interest from high‑net‑worth buyers and corporates.

Abu Dhabi and Dubai school holiday calendars: only three school days in December

The unified national school calendar means that in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, pupils finish term on 5 December and return on 5 January, with only three in‑school days in December.

For employers and venues:

Parents will book camps, travel and childcare early, adding pressure on HR teams to manage leave requests smoothly.
Malls, attractions and hospitality venues in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah can structure month‑long family offers, rather than short, fragmented promotions.

Trade missions, niche services and everyday resilience

Dubai Chamber mission to Malaysia: non‑oil trade and logistics

A Dubai Chamber delegation to Malaysia generated 166 B2B meetings and an MoU with Malaysia’s national chamber. Non‑oil trade is already up 20 per cent to AED 17.8 billion.

For exporters in ICT, F&B and textiles:

There is fresh demand for Dubai‑based partners who can act as regional hubs or distributors.
Logistics companies in Jebel Ali, Dubai South and Sharjah’s ports can position for extra cargo volumes and value‑added services such as consolidation and labelling.

Pet travel, wellness and everyday health

JetPets reports increasing demand for London–Dubai private‑jet pet travel, with full charters around US$10,000 per hour and “shared seat” options in the several‑thousand‑dollar range.

For vets, pet hotels and relocation consultants, this is a niche but growing revenue stream, especially around peak relocation seasons.

Separately, guidance from Gulf‑based doctors on staying healthy in Dubai’s winter highlights simple habits: hand sanitiser use, layered clothing for indoor/outdoor temperature shifts, pre‑bed exercise and saline rinses for allergy sufferers. For employers, this reinforces the value of low‑cost wellness initiatives to reduce sick days.

Culture, festivals and desert escapes: SAMĀ Festival and beyond

The SAMĀ Festival 2025, taking place 29–30 November at Nujum Desert Camp roughly 50 minutes from Dubai, is a 24‑hour, family‑friendly arts and wellness weekend. It mixes:

Global and regional music acts
Dance workshops and sound baths
Glamping options and local F&B vendors

The previous sold‑out edition drew over 1,000 visitors, giving:

F&B businesses and experience providers a predictable revenue spike
Desert camps and short‑stay eco‑retreats another chance to showcase local hospitality
Brands in wellness, athleisure and sustainable products an ideal setting for pop‑ups and sponsorship activations

Sunteck Realty and ultra‑luxury: new capital flows into Downtown Dubai

Indian luxury developer Sunteck Realty has announced an AED 5 billion plot in Downtown Dubai, adjacent to the Burj area, as its first international project. A 1,000‑drone show and partnerships with HBA London and JT+Partners underline a design‑led, ultra‑luxury positioning and a broader AED 15 billion UAE pipeline.

For investors and advisors:

This is one of the last major Downtown Dubai plots, likely to attract high‑net‑worth buyers from India, the GCC and Europe.
The move reinforces Dubai’s position as a preferred destination for Indian capital, alongside established corridors to Business Bay, Dubai Creek Harbour and Palm Jumeirah.
Legal, tax and wealth‑management firms in Dubai and Abu Dhabi can expect sustained interest in structuring and residency support.

Final takeaways for UAE businesses on 26‑11‑2025

Today’s UAE news highlights several clear themes:

Infrastructure and mobility are advancing fast, from Dubai South logistics and South Bay Mall to Abu Dhabi robotaxis and future air taxis.
Retail and culture remain central to growth, with fixed Dubai retail calendars, National Day fireworks and new museums and festivals shaping where people spend time and money.
AI and digitisation are moving from slogan to practice, with Dubai Municipality‑Siemens pilots, Machines Can Think 2026 and upcoming accounting and ESG rules.
Community trust, safety and inclusion – seen in Sharjah’s age‑friendly status, QR‑code awareness, and positive policing stories – are now part of how emirates compete for residents, tourists and investors.

For your own plans, this is a useful week to:

Refresh your 2026 marketing and events calendar around confirmed Dubai and Abu Dhabi dates.
Review how AI, data security and accessibility feature in your operations.
Consider whether new hubs such as Dubai South, Saadiyat Island or Sharjah’s cultural districts make sense for your next outlet or office.

To make sure customers can actually find you when these events and trends bring them online, claim or update your business profile in our directory.

Ready to get seen by more customers across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and the wider UAE?
Create your free listing today with UAEThrive and get your UAE business discovered by local searchers: https://uaethrive.com/get-your-uae-business-discovered-for-free.

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