Latest news with #UmmAlQuwain
The National
a day ago
- Politics
- The National
New Deputy Ruler appointed in Umm Al Quwain
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mu'alla has been named the new Deputy Ruler of Umm Al Quwain. The appointment was made by Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, the state news agency Wam reported on Wednesday. Sheikh Ahmed takes over the position of deputy ruler from Sheikh Abdullah bin Rashid Al Mualla. "The decree also stipulates the cancellation of previous Amiri Decrees: Decree No. (1) of 2004 and Decree No. (1) of 2007, along with any decisions issued pursuant to them," Wam reported. The decree shall come into force from the date of its signing and shall be published in the official gazette.
Khaleej Times
6 days ago
- General
- Khaleej Times
UAE judge cancels Dh60,000 fine for visa violator; honoured by President Sheikh Mohamed
A judge's act of kindness was recently praised by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during an honouring ceremony, according to local media. Judge Hamid Al Ali of the Umm Al Quwain Federal Court of First Instance cancelled a Dh60,000 fine imposed on a Pakistani man who had failed to renew residency visas for himself, his wife, and their four children over five years. The case, as reported by Emarat Al Youm, involved a father who had unknowingly overstayed due to personal circumstances. He explained in court that he had been caring for his Emirati sponsor, who was diagnosed with cancer, and lost track of his own legal status during that time. The case took a remarkable turn when it coincided with Zayed Humanitarian Work Day, a national occasion honouring the legacy of the UAE's founding father through acts of kindness. During the hearing, Judge Al Ali shared that he noticed the man's young son, dressed in a kandura, standing beside him and asked for his name. The boy replied softly: 'Zayed.' Struck by the coincidence, the judge removed the UAE flag scarf from around his shoulders and draped it over the child. 'Zayed is not fined. Zayed is honoured,' he said, before formally cancelling the penalties.
Arabian Business
22-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Umm Al Quwain an ‘investment hotspot' in UAE, say real estate experts
Umm Al Quwain is positioning itself as the UAE's next property hotspot, with major developers launching large-scale projects in partnership with the emirate's government. The northern emirate, known for its 23 km of coastline and natural landscapes, is experiencing increased investor interest as neighbouring property markets reach maturity and price points that exclude many buyers. In an exclusive interview with Arabian Business, Andrew Cummings, Head of Residential Agency at Savills Middle East, attributes the growth to a broader trend of investment focus shifting to the northern emirates. Umm Al Quwain's rising market potential 'The renewed focus on northern emirates as investment hotspots is playing a key role, particularly with the rise of Ras Al Khaimah following the Wynn announcement. Umm Al Quwain is emerging as a natural alternative, offering early-stage opportunities in a market still in its growth phase,' Cummings explained. Major masterplan developments, specifically Sobha Siniya Island and Downtown UAQ | Sobha Realty in Umm Al Quwain, have become the primary investment catalysts in the emirate. These flagship projects, delivered through strategic partnerships between the government and established developers like Sobha Realty, are transforming the landscape and driving market growth. 'With its serene natural landscape and rich cultural heritage, Umm Al Quwain is now entering a new phase, led by a bold and ambitious vision for sustainable growth and urban development,' Francis Alfred, Managing Director at Sobha Realty told Arabian Business. Alfred further explained that the company's expansion into Umm Al Quwain aligns with their long-term vision to extend luxury living options across the UAE. The developer's recently announced Downtown UAQ | Sobha Realty, is a 25 million sq. ft. coastal 'city within a city' masterplan featuring 11 km of shoreline, with 7 km dedicated to beaches and beach parks. According to Alfred, the development will be divided into three districts covering entertainment, residential and commercial purposes, with over 50 per cent allocated to green and open spaces. The project focuses on apartment buildings with 1 & 2-bedroom apartments and 3-bedroom duplex options, starting from AED 1.11 million. High-yield investment potential For investors and first-time buyers, the emirate offers an opportunity to enter the market at prices significantly lower than Dubai or Sharjah. 'Downtown UAQ | Sobha Realty offers an exceptional entry point for first-time buyers, allowing them to invest in a flagship master-planned community during its formative phase,' Alfred explained. He added that investors can expect annual rental yields in the range of 7-9 per cent, making it 'a compelling opportunity for both passive income and asset growth.' This assessment aligns with Cummings' view, who noted that 'gross yields of 6-8 per cent are achievable, particularly in the villa segment. With capital values still on the rise, there is upside potential for investors entering at this stage' in the emirate overall. The property market in Umm Al Quwain has shown 'consistent upward momentum since 2020,' according to Alfred, reflecting infrastructure development and the emirate's growing profile. Waterfront villas and off-plan residential units in new masterplans are performing well, with buyers seeking lifestyle-led communities that offer potential for long-term capital appreciation. The buyer demographic spans regional investors, mid-income end users, and those priced out of neighbouring markets. Cummings also noted a 'growing base of buyers who are seeing this as a second-home market with strong future upside.' Government involvement has been crucial to this development trajectory. 'The government has played a clear role by enabling large-scale partnerships with trusted developers and prioritising long-term infrastructure planning,' Cummings explained. Sobha Realty's Alfred further highlighted their partnership with the Government of Umm Al Quwain as reflecting 'a shared vision to create a future-proof destination that balances economic growth with environmental preservation.' The Downtown UAQ | Sobha Realty project includes major road, utility, and coastal infrastructure improvements, with provisions for commercial zones and free trade operations. While the growth outlook appears positive, challenges remain. Cummings identified awareness and infrastructure delivery timelines as potential obstacles. 'As with any emerging market, consistent execution will be key to sustaining momentum and building long-term buyer confidence,' he stated. Alfred pointed to Sobha Realty's 'Backward Integration' business model as key to maintaining quality while keeping prices accessible. 'Unlike traditional development business models that rely on multiple external contractors, vendors, and service providers, we maintain complete in-house control over every aspect of the development process, from design to engineering, manufacturing, and construction,' he explained. This approach, he added, protects projects from global supply chain volatility and price fluctuations by sourcing raw materials locally through their own manufacturing units. Sobha Realty, Deyaar projects lure investors to Umm Al Quwain real estate market Looking ahead, Sobha Realty anticipates sustained demand for their masterplans in Umm Al Quwain. Over the next five years, they plan to begin handing over both their masterplan developments in the emirate. Beyond Sobha's projects, other developments gaining traction include Deyaar's AYA Beachfront Residences and the UAQ Creek Waterfront, which are attracting lifestyle-driven buyers. For investors considering the market, Cummings advised watching the phased rollout of Downtown UAQ | Sobha Realty, particularly as commercial and hospitality elements become available. Sobha Siniya Island's luxury residential offering is also expected to drive interest in the medium term. 'Umm Al Quwain offers a combination of value, scale, and long-term vision. For investors, it represents an opportunity to get in early in a market that is just beginning to define itself,' he concluded.
Zawya
16-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
UAQ FTZ and Dubai Land Department sign landmark agreement enabling freehold property ownership for registered companies
Umm Al Quwain, UAE: In a bold step that signals a new era of inter-emirate economic synergy, the Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ) has entered into a landmark Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) a move that now allows UAQ FTZ-registered companies to legally acquire and register freehold property in Dubai under their business name. This strategic collaboration is a game-changer for how businesses can scale, diversify, and root themselves in the UAE's most lucrative real estate market. Positioned as one of the UAE's most accessible and investor-forward free zones, UAQ FTZ continues to redefine what business empowerment means. Companies registered in the zone will now benefit from direct access to Dubai's property sector, long considered one of the most resilient and high-performing in the region. ' We are proud to lead with purpose and enable our investors to participate in Dubai's thriving real estate sector with full legal clarity and institutional support, ' said Sheikh Mansoor Bin Ibrahim Al Mu'alla, Executive Director of Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone Authority. The agreement establishes a robust legal and operational framework between the two government entities—one that removes traditional barriers and opens the door for licensed businesses to own strategic real estate assets that align with their growth roadmaps. 'This is a transformative step for the businesses we support. We've consistently positioned UAQ FTZ as a strategic gateway to the UAE. This collaboration now gives our license holders the power to secure real estate assets in Dubai, aligning with their growth ambitions and offering long-term operational stability,' added Johnson M. George, General Manager of UAQ FTZ. The resulting benefits span a wide array of operational and strategic dimensions. It enables direct freehold ownership under a company name, fast-tracks registrations through integrated digital systems, and ensures transparency in ownership transfers. Both entities have also committed to ongoing regulatory coordination, reinforcing compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing standards. 'This partnership reflects Dubai Land Department's commitment to enabling real estate investment across the UAE through collaboration and innovation. We're proud to work with UAQ FTZ to provide a seamless and legally sound framework that supports business expansion while upholding regulatory excellence' noted Majid Saqer Almarri, CEO of the Real Estate Registration Sector at Dubai Land Department This milestone inter-governmental alignment is tightly aligned with the UAE's overarching vision for economic diversification, foreign direct investment growth, and cross-emirate business fluidity, reinforcing the nation's status as a magnet for enterprise and global capital. About Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ) UAQ FTZ is a government-backed business hub offering streamlined licensing, investor-first regulations, and fast-track services for startups, SMEs, and multinational corporations. With its strategic location near UAE's major ports and access to regional trade routes, UAQ FTZ is a launchpad for businesses seeking agile, cost-effective market entry and long-term growth in the UAE and beyond. About Dubai Land Department (DLD) Dubai Land Department is the primary authority responsible for regulating and registering real estate in Dubai. Through policy innovation, advanced systems, and a commitment to investor protection, DLD fosters a trusted, transparent, and sustainable real estate environment that supports the emirate's global leadership in property investment.
Arabian Business
16-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Dubai opens real estate market to Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone companies in groundbreaking move
The Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ) has entered into a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) to enable companies registered in the free zone to legally acquire and register freehold property in Dubai under their business name. The move is seen as a bold step that signals a new era of inter-emirate economic synergy. The strategic collaboration is a game-changer for how businesses can scale, diversify, and root themselves in the UAE's most lucrative real estate market. Dubai property for UAQ FTZ firms Companies registered in the Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone will now benefit from direct access to Dubai's property sector, long considered one of the most resilient and high-performing in the region. 'We are proud to lead with purpose and enable our investors to participate in Dubai's thriving real estate sector with full legal clarity and institutional support,' said Sheikh Mansoor Bin Ibrahim Al Mu'alla, Executive Director of Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone Authority. 'The agreement establishes a robust legal and operational framework between the two government entities – one that removes traditional barriers and opens the door for licensed businesses to own strategic real estate assets that align with their growth roadmaps,' he said. Johnson M. George, General Manager of UAQ FTZ, said the collaboration now gives the zone's license holders the power to secure real estate assets in Dubai, aligning with their growth ambitions and offering long-term operational stability. Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone Authority and DLD have also committed to ongoing regulatory coordination, reinforcing compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing standards. Majid Saqer Almarri, CEO of the Real Estate Registration Sector at Dubai Land Department, said the partnership reflects the department's commitment to enabling real estate investment across the UAE through collaboration and innovation. 'We're proud to work with UAQ FTZ to provide a seamless and legally sound framework that supports business expansion, while upholding regulatory excellence,' he said. The milestone inter-governmental alignment is aligned with the UAE's overarching vision for economic diversification, foreign direct investment growth, and cross-emirate business fluidity, reinforcing the nation's status as a magnet for enterprise and global capital.
