Latest news with #UAEHolidays
Khaleej Times
16-06-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Hijri New Year: UAE announces paid holiday for private sector employees
Private sector employees in the UAE will get Friday, June 27, as a paid holiday for Islamic New Year, marking the beginning of the Hijri year 1447 AH. Some employees who get Saturday as a weekend along with Sunday will enjoy a long weekend from June 27 to June 29, making it a 3-day weekend for them. Regular working hours are expected to resume on Monday, June 30. Public sector employees will also get similar days of holidays. A unified holiday policy implemented in the UAE for public and private sector workers ensures all employees get equal breaks throughout the year. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre) announcement applies to all private sector employees in the country. The Islamic, or Hijri, calendar is based on lunar months, and the New Year begins on the first day of Muharram, the calendar's first month. The date was confirmed in line with the approved list of official holidays for 2025, issued by the UAE Cabinet.
Arabian Business
13-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
UAE holiday dates; Dubai Metro Blue Line guide; Al Maktoum International Airport real estate boost – 10 things you missed this week
Workers across the UAE are already looking forward to their next holidays and planning vacations around expected dates. Meanwhile, a major update has been announced for the Dubai Metro Blue Line, Al Maktoum International Airport gives a boost to the real estate sector and Abu Dhabi and Ajman revealed new property rules. Catch up on 10 of the biggest stories this week, as selected by Arabian Business editors. UAE holidays 2025: When is the next long weekend? Expected dates revealed The UAE will observe at least 12 public holidays in 2025, with residents having just concluded the Eid Al Adha break. A future long weekend of the year is expected to fall on Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (PBUH). The break is expected to fall on Friday, September 5, creating a three-day long weekend for residents. The date corresponds to Rabi' Al Awwal 12 in the Islamic calendar, though it may change depending on whether Islamic months contain 29 or 30 days. Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed lays foundation stone for 30km Metro Blue Line Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, attended the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Dubai Metro Blue Line, marking a milestone in the expansion of the city's public transportation network. The new line will span 30 kilometres and comprise 14 stations, transforming mobility across nine districts projected to house over one million residents according to the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, the Dubai Media Office said in a statement. 'During the laying of the foundation stone for the first station on the Dubai Metro's Blue Line, which has a total benefit valued at AED56bn, the station represents an architectural icon that will be added to Dubai's cultural icons. It will be the first station on the Blue Line, which will extend 30km, bringing the total length of Dubai's railways to 131km and 78 stations. Since its launch until the end of last year, the Dubai Metro has transported more than 2.5bn people, an average of 900,000 passengers per day. The new route will be a major addition to the emirate's transport infrastructure. We continue to develop the city… we continue to build the best city to live in the world,' Sheikh Mohammed said in an X post. How $35bn Al Maktoum International Airport expansion is driving major Dubai South real estate investment boom as property prices tipped to grow 20% The AED128bn ($35bn) expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai South is fuelling a real estate boom that has major implications for the wider UAE economy, according to Betterhomes analysis. Property transactions in the area exceeded AED15bn ($4.1bn) in the first five months of 2025 and prices could increase by up to 20 per cent in the near term said analysts. Spanning 70 sq km, the new Al Maktoum Airport will feature five runways and 400 aircraft gates and is expected to accommodate more than 260m passengers annually upon completion. Emaar Properties launches digital resale platform VYOM Emaar Properties has launched VYOM, a digital resale platform set to redefine the way Emaar homes are bought and sold, helping users overcome long-standing inefficiencies such as pricing discrepancies, market opacity, and communication gaps. Purpose-built for discerning homeowners and investors, VYOM offers a seamless, end-to-end experience that is transparent and secure. It gives users complete control over the resale process, allowing them to create listings, upload property images, and manage inquiries without intermediaries. VYOM is a transformative step in Emaar's ongoing digital evolution, offering a smarter, frictionless alternative to traditional resale methods. It is also a part of the company's customer-first initiatives. Abu Dhabi announces major new real estate laws Abu Dhabi has announced major updates to real estate legislation, as part of the emirate's long-term strategy to enhance its position as a leading global hub for property investment. The changes by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) aim to create a more transparent, flexible, and sustainable legislative environment, supporting developers while safeguarding investor rights. The updated framework will empower the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) to more effectively regulate the sector, improve governance standards, and maintain a balanced relationship between stakeholders. The new laws are designed to ensure the long-term sustainability of jointly owned properties, regulate all real estate-related professions, and bring clarity to contracts and operational procedures — aligning Abu Dhabi's regulatory model with global best practices. Dubai traffic to ease: RTA begins road improvements at 40 key locations for summer 2025 Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority has begun traffic improvements at 40 locations across the emirate, with work scheduled between June and September 2025. The programme covers 22 streets, 9 school zones, more than 5 development areas, and internal roads in Tolerance District, Al Khawaneej 2, and Nad Al Sheba. RTA has timed the work during summer holidays to reduce disruption to traffic flow whilst maintaining safety standards at all sites. Dubai real estate: New tower sells out in three hours at new South Square development Dubai South Properties launched South Square, a residential development positioned along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road near Al Maktoum International Airport, on June 9, 2025. The S4 Tower within the project sold out completely within three hours of launch. The development responds to demand from investors and end-users attracted to the area. South Square comprises over 550 apartments across one-, two-, and three-bedroom configurations. The community features landscaped outdoor spaces, seed farms, walking trails, water features, a yoga deck, fitness and leisure zones, retail outlets, dining facilities, and co-working spaces. Unit prices begin at AED 1.1 million, with completion scheduled for Q4 2028. EU removes UAE from 'high-risk' money-laundering list The EU has removed the UAE from its high-risk money-laundering list. The European Commission has updated its list of high-risk jurisdictions presenting strategic deficiencies in their national anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regimes. The UAE was among eight countries removed from the list, while a further 10, including Lebanon were added to the high-risk list. Ajman issues new real estate laws Ajman has announced new rules to govern real estate service fees and fines. Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of Ajman Executive Council, has issued Emiri Decree No. 9 of 2025 concerning service fees, violations, and fines applied by the Department of Land and Real Estate Regulation. The Emiri Decree is part of the emirate's broader efforts to modernise the legislative environment governing the real estate sector and enhance its efficiency in line with the emirate's economic and regulatory development. Under the decree, the Department of Land and Real Estate Regulation shall collect the determined service fees, detect and document violations, and collect the specified fines—without prejudice to any harsher penalty stipulated in any other legislation. 10 Hollywood quotes every Dubai real estate investor should live by in 2025 In Dubai's ultra-competitive real estate industry, records are broken and billions of dollars of deals are made every week. Success in the market takes more than hard work—it takes vision, negotiation skill, relentless follow-up, and the confidence to act before the market does. And sometimes, a line from the silver screen says it best. These ten Hollywood quotes aren't just memorable—they're mindset tools. Pulled from cult classics and Oscar winners, each one captures a trait Dubai's top-performing property professionals live by: strategic boldness, calculated risk, unshakable belief, and a refusal to settle for average. Whether you're closing beachfront villas, selling out off-plan towers, or expanding your investment portfolio, let these lines guide your real estate strategy in 2025—and beyond.
Arabian Business
31-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Eid Al Adha 2025 dates announced; UAE petrol prices change; new tax rule revealed; Dubai real estate tokenisation – 10 things you missed this week
The UAE has announced Eid Al Adha holiday dates for the public and private sectors next week. The long-awaited announcement came during a week which also saw updated tax rules, the imminent change of petrol prices, a Dubai real estate tokenisation project and more. Catch up on 10 of the biggest news stories this week, as selected by Arabian Business editors. UAE announces Eid Al Adha 2025 holidays The UAE has announced Eid Al Adha 2025 holidays for the public and private sectors. The holidays will begin on 09 Dhu Al-Hijjah 1446 AH, corresponding to Thursday, June 05, 2025, and will continue until 12 Dhu Al-Hijjah 1446 AH, corresponding to Sunday, June 08, 2025. Official work will resume on Monday, June 09, 2025. UAE petrol prices to change for June 2025 The UAE is set to announce petrol prices for June 2025 this week. Petrol prices increased fractionally in May, following two months of increases, although prices for motorists filling up on Super 98, Special 95, E-Plus 91 and diesel have remained stable. It is currently significantly cheaper to fill up a tank than year ago, with all categories becoming more affordable, despite prices fluctuating throughout the past 12 months. The UAE Ministry of Finance has issued a Cabinet Decision introducing a new tax treatment option for unincorporated partnerships. The move is part of the government's ongoing efforts to enhance tax transparency and improve the business environment. Under the Federal Decree-Law No. (47) of 2022 on the Taxation of Corporations and Businesses, unincorporated partnerships are generally regarded as tax transparent entities. New Dubai road to cut journey times from 20 minutes to just 3.5 A new road in Dubai will slash journey times in one neighbourhood from 20 minutes to less than four. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is set to open a new entry and exit point to Al Warqa directly from Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road early June 2025, aiming to facilitate smoother access to and from the neighbourhood. Once complete, the project will increase road capacity by 5,000 vehicles per hour, reduce travel time by 80 per cent—from 20 minutes to just 3.5 minutes—and cut trip distances from 5.7km to 1.5km. The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE), and the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) as part of the Real Estate Sandbox. Zand Digital Bank has been appointed as the banking partner for the pilot phase. Binghatti Holding Ltd has acquired freehold land spanning over 8 million square feet of gross floor area for its first large-scale master-planned residential community in Dubai. The Dubai-based real estate developer, known for luxury-branded residences, expects the development to have a total value exceeding AED 25 billion. The land sits in Nad Al Sheba 1 within Dubai's Meydan district. The area previously housed the Nad Al Sheba Racecourse, which served as the former venue for the Dubai World Cup. The location maintains connections to major roads and sits near Dubai's key landmarks. Disneyland Abu Dhabi triggers real estate shift: Price moves, investor interest and new hotspots identified Disney recently announced a theme park in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, marking its seventh destination globally. According to real estate experts, the announcement is already positively impacting the capital's property market. While the project is years from completion, early signs point to growing investor interest, increased inquiries for off-plan units, and early price adjustment discussions. 'Even for an established, world-class tourism and leisure hub, Yas Island's recent announcement of Disneyland Abu Dhabi is a major touristic coup, and yet another reason why Yas is one of Abu Dhabi's most dynamic residential investment destinations. The news has put Yas firmly in the spotlight and immediately boosted investor confidence in this world-class destination,' Riyad Magdy, Chairman and Founder, Oia Properties, said in an exclusive interview with Arabian Business. EXCLUSIVE: Dubai real estate giant Sobha Realty eyes 3 Texas cities for major U.S. expansion Dubai-headquartered luxury property developer Sobha Realty has revealed more of its plans to expand into the United States market, with Texas cities forming the 'cornerstone' of its international growth strategy. The company, which has operated in the UAE since 2013, will focus on Dallas, Houston, and Austin for its U.S. debut. In an exclusive interview with Arabian Business, Ravi Menon — Chairman of Sobha Group — cited the cities' rapid population growth, strong economic fundamentals, and demand for luxury residential developments as key factors in the decision. UAE malls in 'non-prime' areas could face pressure from Chinese goods diversion amid U.S. tariffs The new U.S. tariffs imposed by Donald Trump could create 'ripple effects' throughout global supply chains that could eventually reach the UAE market, according to PP Varghese, Head of Professional Services at Cushman & Wakefield Core. 'While the UAE doesn't heavily import directly from the US, many products pass through complex international supply chains where tariff-related price increases get passed down,' he told Arabian Business. UAE takes legal action against 30 domestic worker recruitment rulebreakers The UAE is penalising domestic worker recruitment offices over rule breaking and violations of guidelines. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has taken legal action against 30 domestic worker recruitment offices across the UAE after confirming their involvement in 89 violations flagged during the first three months of 2025. The measures form part of the Ministry's ongoing efforts to implement its integrated field and digital monitoring system, which aims to identify and address any violations by domestic worker recruitment offices and ensure their compliance with relevant legislation.
Arabian Business
07-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
UAE Eid Al Adha 2025: How to get 9 days off with just 3 of annual leave
UAE workers looking forward to the Eid Al Adha 2025 holidays can maximise time off by strategically using vacation days to maximise free time next month. The UAE has already announced dates for the Eid Al Adha and Arafat Day holidays in 2025, with a total of four days of for the public and private sector. UAE legislation declared that Arafat day will be on the ninth day of Dhul Hijja and will be a one-day holiday. This will be immediately followed by Eid Al Adha, which will be from Dhul Hijja 10 to 12 in the Islamic calendar. UAE Eid Al Adha 2025 holiday guide Islamic holidays are based on the Hijri calendar and are based on the moon cycle and lunar sightings, so the official corresponding dates will only be announced closer to the actual time. However, using current forecasts and clever holiday booking UAE workers can extend the time off with just a few days of annual leave. Based on current forecasts Arafat Day is predicted to land on Thursday, June 5. This will mean Eid Al Adha 2025 in the UAE is likely to begin on Friday, June 6 and last until Sunday, June 8. With Saturday-Sunday being a typical weekend in the United Arab Emirates, it would mean a four-day holiday for Eid Al Adha 2025 running from Thursday, June 5 to Sunday, June 8. With three days of annual leave booked at the right time, this could covert into a nine-day holiday for UAE workers. For employees who work a typical Monday to Friday week in the UAE, booking Monday, June 2 until Wednesday, June 4 gives the best chance of an extended holiday. This would mean a nine-day break when factoring in two weekends and the expected Eid Al Adha 2025 holiday as employees would be out of office from Saturday, May 31 until a return after Eid Al Adha on Monday, June 9. Commonly known as the Feast of Sacrifice, this period is one of the holiest in the Islamic calendar. Special prayers, feasts and charity acts are observed. The UAE Cabinet said public holidays 'cannot be transferred to another day in the event it coincides with another public holiday or falls on the weekend'.
