Dubai real estate continued its record-breaking run, Abu Dhabi schools achieved new ratings, and Etihad Rail confirmed nationwide connectivity. Saudi Arabia’s PIF led the world’s biggest gaming takeover while Wynn Al Marjan prepared for its landmark resort opening.
Catch up with 10 of the biggest stories this week, as selected by Arabian Business editors.
REVEALED: The 150 Most Influential Arabs
This year’s edition arrives with a bold new framework and a sharper lens on power, reach and relevance that captures leaders whose impact resonated far beyond borders.
The Arab world’s importance on the global stage is expanding at unprecedented speed, attracting top talent in technology and real estate, drawing record levels of wealth and investment, and fuelling a surge of startups – not only in the Gulf’s superpower economies but across the entire Middle Eastern region.
Etihad Rail to connect 11 UAE cities by 2026 with 57-minute Dubai–Abu Dhabi trips
The developer and operator of the UAE’s national railway network, Etihad Rail, , has confirmed that it is progressing with confidence toward launching passenger transport services by 2026.
The project aligns with the UAE’s ambition to deliver an integrated, safe, and efficient rail system. According to the company, the passenger network will enhance connectivity between cities and communities while meeting passenger needs according to the highest international standards.
Dubai launches ‘Employee to Entrepreneur’ programme to turn staff into startup founders
The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) has announced the launch of the “Employee to Entrepreneur Programme”, an initiative designed to empower employees within DIEZ and its affiliated economic zones to establish and grow their own startups.
The programme aligns with the national campaign “The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World”, launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
It reinforces DIEZ’s commitment to accelerating Dubai’s economic growth and fostering innovation by promoting a culture of entrepreneurship across the emirate.
Dubai property sales soar 34% to $121.2bn as fäm CEO warns slowdown fears cost investors
“Bidding on reports of a slowing market has resulted in a massive opportunity being lost for those who fell for it,” said Al Msaddi. He added that Dubai has consistently shown resilience: “Dubai has bounced back stronger and faster than any other city in the world since the 2009 global financial crisis, and the COVID pandemic, highlighting the city’s exceptional resilience.
“While growth has naturally slowed compared to the record pace of 2021–2022, this reflects a healthy, sustainable market, rather than a loss of momentum.”
Wynn Al Marjan advertises for casino manager ahead of 2027 Ras Al Khaimah opening
The Wynn Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah has launched a massive recruitment drive ahead of its highly anticipated 2027 opening with 101 new positions listed on the resort’s official careers page across several departments, including casino operations.
Among the roles listed is “Casino Manager – Table Games Operations,” marking the first position of its kind in the GCC region. According the job specification, the casino manager will be expected to fulfil responsibilities such as ensuring the integrity of games, enforcement of regulatory compliance and oversight of pit managers and gaming team members.
Additional responsibilities include accurate handling of the Card Track System (CTS), coordinating with the Card Room and collaborating with vendors to ensure sufficient stock of playing cards and dice within the casino grounds.
Dubai court rules property buyers must pay service fees from project completion, even before handover
The Rental Disputes Centre has issued a new judicial principle confirming that unit owners are liable for such charges from project completion, even if formal handover has not yet taken place. The ruling resolves recurring disputes between developers and buyers over responsibility for the costs of operating and maintaining shared facilities.
The ruling anchors itself in Law No. (6) of 2019 on Jointly Owned Properties, which regulates payments to cover management, operation, and maintenance of common areas. Under the law, either the developer or the owner must bear charges for unsold units, with funds directed to management companies to ensure uninterrupted services and efficient building upkeep.
First UAE air taxi service to connect Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah by 2027
Ras Al Khaimah is set to become the first emirate in the UAE to launch an air taxi service, following the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with US-based Joby Aviation and UK-based Skyports Infrastructure.
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, witnessed the signing of the MoU at his palace in Saqr bin Mohamed City. Sheikh Saud also received JoeBen Bevirt, CEO and founder of Joby Aviation, and Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports, during a reception attended by Esmaeel Hassan Alblooshi, Director-General of Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority and Acting Director-General of the Department of Civil Aviation, along with senior officials.
The initiative reflects the UAE’s vision for shaping the future through innovative and sustainable mobility solutions. Sheikh Saud added that the project represents an investment in people’s quality of life while strengthening Ras Al Khaimah’s position as a global hub for living, working, tourism, and investment.
Abu Dhabi schools progress: 23 upgraded to ‘Good’, 13 rated ‘Outstanding’
As regulator, ADEK has implemented structured action plans, mandatory follow-up sessions, and targeted interventions to ensure accountability, provide precise feedback, and enforce corrective actions where necessary. These measures are supported by rigorous inspection and monitoring across the sector.
According to the latest Irtiqa’a results, 23 schools advanced to a “Good” rating within a single year, reflecting significant improvement across the emirate’s private education sector.
- Outstanding: 13 schools rated
- Very Good: 51 schools rated
- Good: 93 schools rated
- Acceptable: 42 schools rated
- Weak: 5 schools rated
Saudi PIF leads $55bn takeover of Electronic Arts in world’s biggest gaming deal
Under the agreement, the consortium will acquire 100 per cent of EA, with PIF rolling over its existing 9.9 per cent stake. EA stockholders will receive $210 per share in cash, representing a 25 per cent premium to EA’s unaffected share price of $168.32 on September 25, and above the company’s all-time high of $179.01 on August 14, 2025.
The deal represents the largest all-cash sponsor take-private in history, with PIF, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners combining capital, industry expertise, and global networks across gaming, entertainment, and sports.
Dubai real estate sales hit $14.8bn in September 2025; top areas and projects revealed
The value of sales climbed to AED54.3bn ($14.8bn), up 21.2 per cent year-on-year, while the average price per square foot reached AED1,689 ($460).
Breakdown of sales volumes and values compared with September 2024:
- Apartments: 17,112 sales worth AED31.8bn ($8.7bn), up from 14,167 sales worth AED24.5bn ($6.7bn)
- Villas: 955 sales worth AED5.2bn ($1.4bn), down from 3,244 sales worth AED14.6bn ($4bn)
- Commercial properties: 514 sales worth AED1.5bn ($408 million), up from 352 sales worth AED751.3 million ($204 million)
- Plots: 1,545 sales worth AED15.7bn ($4.3bn), up from 282 sales worth AED4.8bn ($1.3bn)
