Abu Dhabi and Dubai accelerated their tech and investment agendas, while Saudi Arabia unveiled another mega project in Makkah. Golden Visa holders gained new global privileges, and the Gulf’s World Cup dreams came true once again.
Catch up with 10 top stories this week as selected by Arabian Business editors.
UAE announces major new Golden Visa benefits
It marks a major expansion of privileges for the UAE’s long-term residents and their families.
The new services provide direct global assistance for Golden Visa holders and accompanying family members, offering:
- Immediate passport replacement through an electronic Return Document in case of loss or damage while abroad
- A dedicated hotline for direct communication with UAE officials
- 24/7 emergency and crisis response via MoFA’s Call Centre at 0097124931133, ensuring round-the-clock support anywhere in the world
IHC unveils $33bn merger creating Abu Dhabi investment powerhouse
IHC will list the new entity, 2PointZero Group, on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), making it one of the capital’s largest publicly traded investment companies.
According to IHC, the merger will combine diversified investment platforms across energy and consumer sectors — two key drivers of regional and global growth — while accelerating competitiveness, efficiency, and long-term shareholder value.
Abu Dhabi unveils first fully digital real estate buy and sell journey
The initiative marks a major milestone in Abu Dhabi’s digital transformation, combining efficiency, security, and convenience in one integrated platform.
Buyers and sellers — whether in the emirate or abroad — can now complete the entire process remotely, without the need for physical paperwork or in-person visits. Through the platform, users can release and register mortgages, complete ADREC Trustee verification, digitally sign contracts, and settle escrow accounts, all within a single, compliant online system.
‘Haunted’ palace for sale in Ras Al Khaimah
“Many people are intrigued by the legend and want to experience the palace themselves. It has become a part of what makes the place so well-known.” Josh Henrey, senior investment advisor at Bishop & Knight Real Estate said in an exclusive interview with Arabian Business.
Although he denies experiencing any supernatural occurrences himself, Henrey strongly believes that the property’s ‘haunted’ reputation will prove to be a marketing advantage rather than a deterrent.
Dubizzle announces Dubai IPO with $100m Prosus investment
Dubai-based Dubizzle Group Holdings has announced its intention to proceed with an initial public offering (IPO) on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM), with Prosus committing a $100m investment as part of the offering.
The listing will see around 30.34 per cent of the company’s total issued share capital offered to investors through a combination of new and existing shares.
The move positions Dubizzle Group for accelerated growth, deeper regional expansion, and enhanced liquidity under Dubai’s fast-developing capital-markets ecosystem.
Qatar and Saudi Arabia qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup
Both nations finished top of their respective groups to confirm automatic qualification for the tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico next year.
With both Qatar and Saudi Arabia securing early advancement, the Gulf nations reaffirm their growing influence in Asian football and their ambitions to remain fixtures on the global stage.
GITEX TechCation 2026: Dubai to host world’s largest tech and AI event
GITEX TechCation 2026 in Dubai will be developed into the world’s largest technology and artificial intelligence event, under the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
King Salman Gate’s extensive urban and infrastructure transformation aims to improve access to AlMasjid AlHaram, enhance service quality, and enrich every visitor’s journey, aligning with the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Pilgrim Experience Program under Vision 2030.
Running from December 7–11, 2026 at Expo City Dubai, the event will position Dubai and the UAE as a year-end global destination for innovation, investment, and lifestyle, uniting leading technology companies, startups, investors, and creators in an immersive, citywide celebration of innovation and creativity.
Dubai property market hits $37.6bn in Q3 2025 as off-plan sales soar
The Dubai residential real estate market maintained its strong momentum in the third quarter of 2025, with total transaction values reaching AED138bn ($37.6bn), according Espace Real Estate data.
The quarter recorded 55,280 residential transactions, representing an 18 per cent year-on-year increase from the same period in 2024 — a performance that underscores Dubai’s ongoing market expansion and strong investor confidence.
John Lyons, Managing Director at Espace Real Estate, said: “In Q3 2025, the Dubai residential market continued to demonstrate strength and depth, reflecting solid investor confidence and growing long-term demand. While overall activity remains high, we are seeing a more mature market dynamic take shape, one that is increasingly driven by end-user demand.”
Saudi Arabia launches 12 million sqm King Salman Gate mega project in Makkah
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Board of Directors of RUA AlHaram AlMakki Company, has announced the launch of King Salman Gate, a transformative multi-use development in the Holy City of Makkah.
Spanning up to 12 million square metres of Gross Floor Area, the project sits adjacent to AlMasjid AlHaram and represents a major milestone in the ongoing development of Makkah’s central area. It aims to establish the city as a global benchmark in modern urban planning and enhance the overall experience for residents, pilgrims, and visitors.
King Salman Gate’s extensive urban and infrastructure transformation aims to improve access to AlMasjid AlHaram, enhance service quality, and enrich every visitor’s journey, aligning with the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Pilgrim Experience Program under Vision 2030.
iDo: Abu Dhabi unveils digital marriage contracts – no paperwork, no visits
Couples in Abu Dhabi can now get married without paper forms or in-person visits.
A new AI-powered digital marriage-contract service on the TAMM platform now lets couples complete, certify, and authenticate their marriage contracts entirely online.
The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD), in partnership with the Department of Government Enablement, unveiled the initiative during GITEX Global 2025 at the Abu Dhabi Government Pavilion.
It reflects the emirate’s drive to modernise public services and advance a seamless, people-centred digital ecosystem. The new service is part of Abu Dhabi’s broader digital-transformation strategy to make all key life events accessible through a single platform in the UAE.
