Dubai property boom fuels expansion, exits for local real estate players

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WHAT WE’RE TRACKING TODAY

THIS MORNING: Dubai property boom fuels expansion for Emaar, prompts potential Binghatti IPO

Good morning, lovely people. We’re kicking off the new workweek with a brisk issue, led by a few big moves from local real estate players amid Dubai’s ongoing property boom, and a handful of financing updates on both the infrastructure and M&A fronts.

The stories in question: A USD 500 mn financing agreement will see Sohar International Bank fund a new UAE-Oman electricity interconnection, and Emirates NBD Saudi Arabia is extending a loan to Cenomi Retail as it looks to settle its debts ahead of Al Futtaim Group’s acquisition of a majority stake in the company.

WEATHER- Temperatures continue to cool down slightly from peak highs earlier this summer, with the mercury set to peak at 37°C in Dubai and 40°C in Abu Dhabi. Overnight lows will reach 30°C in Dubai and 31°C in Abu Dhabi.

WATCH THIS SPACE-

#1- Emaar eyes global expansion via M&As: DFM-listed real estate giant Emaar Properties is weighing acquisitions in the US, India, China, and parts of Europe, as the board considers an acquisition-led global strategy to drive expansion abroad, Founder Mohamed Alabbar told the Financial Times. As part of the strategy, Emaar could either take majority stakes in foreign developers or form partnerships, Alabbar said, though the plan still requires board approval despite Alabbar’s “strong recommendation.”

IN CONTEXT- The push comes on the back of Dubai’s property boom, which lifted Emaar’’s 1H 2025 bottomline 28.7% y-o-y to AED 8.9 bn. The company’s relatively low debt also gives it the firepower to pursue a global expansion strategy.

This marks a shift in strategy, with the company historically opening subsidiaries in other countries like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and India, as it says the idea of investing in a “big local player” could be a “better way” to expand abroad. Emaar already holds more than 175 mn sq ft of land overseas as of end-2024, (excluding its 1.1 mn sq ft Saudi economic city project), and operates through its Emaar India unit across several states, including Delhi, Punjab, and Rajasthan. It’s also now looking to pursue a local JV partnership in India, Alabbar said.

#2- The same property boom is also pushing more local developers towards public listings: Dubai-based property developer Binghatti is the latest to eye an IPO, with the developer reportedly in talks with banks as it looks to capitalize on the emirate’s real estate boom, Bloomberg reports, citing people it says are familiar with the matter. This comes as Dubai property prices have surged nearly 70% since 2020, driven by visa reforms and an influx of wealthy expats.

REFRESHER- The developer — best known for its Mercedes-branded tower and an upcoming project billed as one of the world’s tallest residential buildings — reported AED 1.8 bn in 1H 2025 net income, up 172% y-o-y, and raised USD 500 mn via a sukuk offering just last month, signaling growing comfort with public capital markets.

Binghatti would join a crowded pipeline of Dubai IPOs that already includes Alec, Arabian Construction, and Dubizzle. DFM-listed Dubai Investments is also preparing to list up to 25% of its Dubai Investments Park Development company unit — which houses mixed-use real estate developments — by February. Dubai Residential REIT has also been riding the property boom, with the REIT’s share price up 23.6% since it was listed in May.

Yes, but: The rally might be nearing its peak. Fitch is warning of a “moderate correction” in Dubai property prices starting late this year. Memories of Damac’s 2022 delisting at a markdown also remain fresh, underscoring some risk for real estate IPOs, the news service wrote.

#3- SPEAKING OF IPOs- ADCB joins Uzbekistan’s London IPO prep: Uzbekistan’s national investment fund (UzNIF) is said to have tapped a roster of banks including Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) to prepare a potential dual listing in London and Tashkent, Bloomberg reports, citing people it says are familiar with the matter. The IPO would come following a presidential decree requiring a dual listing.

What we know: It is expected to take place in 1H 2026, with the London listing potentially taking place via global depository receipts. The USD 1.68 bn state fund, set up last year, holds minority stakes in 18 state-owned firms.

ADVISORS- Franklin Templeton manages UzNIF, while Jefferies, Raiffeisen, Wood&Co, and Auerbach Grayson are advising.

#4- IFFCO weighs USD multi-bn debt restructuring: Dubai-based consumer goods group IFFCO is said to be in early talks to restructure at least USD 1.5 bn in debt, in what would rank among the region’s larger corporate workouts in recent years, Bloomberg reports, citing people it says are familiar with the matter. The privately held conglomerate — which owns London Dairy and Tiffany Biscuits and LDC Kitchen & Coffee — reportedly halted principal payments to lenders.

ADVISORS-Creditors lined up PwC to advise, while IFFCO tapped Alvarez & Marsal for the potential transaction.

#5- Are cargo UAV deliveries coming to Dubai next year? Abu Dhabi-based drone manufacturer Lodd Autonomous is set to launch unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) parcel and cargo deliveries by 2H 2026 — with the first test flight scheduled in November, CEO Rashid Matar Al Manai told Khaleej Times on Friday. The firm aims to offer logistics delivery services at a “fraction of the cost” of the current market. Lodd is currently in talks with customers both locally and internationally, Manai added, without providing further details.

On the cards: The firm’s flagship product — named the Hili — has a carrying capacity of up to 250 kg over a 300-km range, at a speed of 180 km/h. The firm will operate similar to the typical airline business model and is open to selling UAVs or leasing them “depending on the buyer demand,” Manai said.

DATA POINT-

The total value of active development projects in Abu Dhabi has reached USD 758.8 bn, according to a press release citing BNC Network data published during the International Real Estate and Investment Show 2025. Oil and gas projects make up the bulk at USD 595.7 bn, followed by transport (USD 238 bn), urban construction (USD 221.6 bn), industrial (USD 151.4 bn), and utilities (USD 130.3 bn).

REMEMBER- The UAE was the GCC’s largest project market in 2Q 2025, capturing 49.2% of total projects at USD 14 bn despite a 47% y-o-y slowdown. It also led in 1Q with USD 26.1 bn in contracts, up 11.7% y-o-y.

PSA-

You can now officially “own” your vehicle license plate number in Abu Dhabi under new rules by Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport, according to a press release. The rules aim to regulate the sale of distinguished and non-distinguished license plate numbers. What makes a plate number “distinguished,” you ask? If it’s made up of single, double, triple, or quadruple digits, or if it meets specific conditions with a five-digit number.

The rules are: Residents and citizens can both own any number of plate numbers, along with their ownership certificates, with the right to sell or transfer them at any time. This means you cannot sell your license plate number unless you “own” it, with SMS notifications set to be sent to people operating with vehicle plate numbers that they do not own so they can complete the ownership process.

During the initial phase, services will be available at customer service centers before moving to the Tamm government services platform.

HAPPENING TODAY-

#1- The AbuDhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry will lead a delegation to Germany starting today through Thursday, 18 September, according to a statement. The visit will focus on strengthening economic ties, with agreements expected in renewable energy, technology, financial services, logistics, and SME development. The delegation includes representatives from Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Hub71, Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, and private-sector firms, with family business cooperation also high on the agenda, state news agency Wam reports.

#2- Qatar is hosting an emergency Arab-Islamic leaders’ summit in Doha today to rally support following last week’s Israeli strike on the Qatari capital. The draft resolution on the table condemns the strike as a destabilizing escalation threatening coexistence and rejects Israel’s “plans to impose a new reality in the region,” though it does not propose economic or diplomatic measures against Israel, Reuters reports.

The UAE also summoned the deputy Israeli ambassador following the attack last week, according to a Foreign Ministry statement, after UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited Doha to meet with Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in a show of support following the attack. State International Cooperation Minister Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy said it was a “reckless aggression” and a grave breach of international law. The strained ties are also beginning to trickle down to business relations, with Israeli weapons manufacturers reportedly being banned from the Dubai Airshow in November after years of active participation.

#3- The Ajman Department of Tourism Development (ADTD) kicks off a promotional roadshow in India today, running through Friday, 19 September with stops in New Delhi, Pune, and Kolkata, state news agency Wam reports. The initiative will showcase Ajman’s tourism projects and attractions while deepening ties with Indian operators and industry partners. The roadshow aims to raise Ajman’s international profile, grow visitors numbers, and attract new investment into the emirate’s tourism sector through meetings, events, and potential agreements with Indian stakeholders.

THE BIG STORY ABROAD-

International headlines are still dominated by the fallout from Charlie Kirk’s assassination — and now attention is turning to the suspect. Utah Governor Spencer Cox said on Sunday that 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, arrested after a 33-hour manhunt, is refusing to cooperate with investigators but will be formally charged on Tuesday. Kirk, a prominent pro-Trump activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was killed last week by a single rifle shot during an outdoor event at a Utah university. (Reuters | New York Times | BBC | The Guardian | Axios | Wall Street Journal)

CLOSER TO HOME- Rubio visits Netanyahu seeking answers: As Washington tries to contain the diplomatic fallout from Israel’s strike on Hamas leaders in Doha, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Israel on Sunday for talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Rubio — who met Qatar’s prime minister on Friday — is now seeking answers on “what the future holds” in Gaza and how to revive hostage and ceasefire negotiations derailed by the Doha attack. (Reuters | Politico | Associated Press | Axios | The Guardian | New York Times)

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GCCIA inks USD 500 mn financing agreement for UAE-Oman power link

GCC eyes Oman power link: The GCC Interconnection Authority (GCCIA) signed a USD 500 mn interim financing agreement with Oman’s Sohar International Bank to fund a new 530-km electricity interconnection between the UAE and Oman, Wam reports. The line will run from GCCIA’s Al Sila station in the UAE to a new Ibri station in Oman via a 400-KV double-circuit transmission line.

We knew this was coming: The move was flagged In June, when the GCCIA said new interconnections with Kuwait, Oman, and southern Iraq — worth over USD 1 bn — were in the pipeline. The authority said in March that contracts for the UAE-Oman link would be awarded by mid-year to hit a 2027 completion target, when it also disclosed receiving 8-10 bids.

Not the only grid link: GCCIA also signed an AED 752 mn (c. USD 205 mn) financing agreement with the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development in June to expand interconnections between the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

The bigger picture: The Gulf Electricity Interconnection Project already runs some 913 km from Kuwait to Oman, linking all six GCC states. Expansion works aim to boost capacity, strengthen emergency response, and widen cross-border power trade.

Emirates NBD KSA to hand Cenomi Retail a SAR 1.6 bn loan

Emirates NBD Saudi Arabia is extending a SAR 1.6 bn credit facility to Saudi retail firm Cenomi Retail to prepay and settle its existing bank debts, the company said in a disclosure to Tadawul yesterday. The facility will be offered under the condition of the completion of Al Futtaim Group’s acquisition of Cenomi Retail.

REMEMBER- Al Futtaim Group’s planned acquisition of a 49.95% stake in Cenomi Retail cleared a regulatory checkpoint last month, after receiving the greenlight from the General Authority for Competition. The two retail giants had inked a share purchase agreement for SAR 2.5 bn (USD 667 mn) in July. Al Futtaim had said it will provide a SAR 1.3 bn loan to shore up Cenomi’s finances and fund its recovery.

The details: The facility includes a 90-day short-term loan, set to be repaid by a three-year term loan with a possible two-year extension at the bank’s discretion. It is backed by a SAR 1.6 bn promissory note from Cenomi and a SAR 1.6 bn corporate guarantee from Al Futtaim Private Company in exchange for a fee from Cenomi.

Earnings snapshot: Cenomi Retail posted a SAR 85.3 mn net loss in 2Q 2025, a reversal from a SAR 84.1 mn net income in 2Q 2024. The loss was attributed to a drop in operating income and a rise in expenses, including FX losses and a tax settlement.

Emirates NBD’s REIT net income hits USD 18.2 mn in 1Q FY 2025-26 on valuation gains

Emirates NBD’s real estate investment trust (ENBD REIT) booked USD 18.2 mn in net income in 1Q FY 2025-26, driven by USD 15 mn in unrealized valuation gains, according to its earnings release. Funds from operations rose 13% q-o-q to USD 3.2 mn on the back of lower reinstatement costs, disciplined expense management, and steady rental income.

The property portfolio’s total value climbed 10% y-o-y to USD 411 mn, with much of the uplift attributed to prime office holdings including Burj Daman in Dubai International Financial Center. Net asset value increased 8.2% q-o-q and 18.8% y-o-y to USD 236.6 mn.

Occupancy remained at a record 95%, supported by long-term leases, while the weighted average unexpired lease term stood at 3.3 years. The shariah-compliant trust, managed by Emirates NBD Asset Management, now owns 10 properties split across office (71%), residential (13%), and alternative assets (16%) such as student housing and schools.

Marjan appoints Alec as main contractor for RAK Central HQ Office Complex

REAL ESTATE-

#1- Marjan has completed infrastructure works at RAK Central — its mixed-use commercial development in Ras Al Khaimah, state news agency Wam reports. The development, located close to the E-11 highway, spans 3.1 mn sq ft and features over 4k residential apartments and rental office spaces. With the foundation now in place, sub-developers are expected to begin commercial, residential, retail, and hospitality projects. The development also offers 100% foreign ownership.

First up: Construction group Alec Engineering and Contracting has been tapped as the main contractor for RAK Central’s HQ Office Complex — slated for completion in 1Q 2027.

#2- Al Huzaifa debuts AED 450 mn Soléva Beach Residences: Al Huzaifa Properties — the recently launched real estate arm of luxury furniture and interiors brand Al Huzaifa — launched its first development on Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, the AED 450 mn Soléva Beach Residences, according to a press release. The residential development is slated for completion in 4Q 2027 and will feature 232 units including 111 studios, 101 one-bedroom apartments, and 20 two-bedroom apartments — each with integrated private pools.

OIL AND GAS-

Emirates National Oil Company’s (Enoc) subsidiary Dragon Oil inked a USD 40.5 mn agreement with Egyptian state oil firm the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation to drill three new wells in East El Hamd, according to a statement. The agreement involves investments of up to USD 30 mn, according to a separate statement from Dragon Oil, which will see it drill two new wells. It will also pay an additional USD 4.5 mn bonus.

REMEMBER- Dragon Oil is also vying for the North July oil field concession in northeast of the Gulf of Suez, alongside others like Saudi-based Ades Holding and Egypt-based Cheiron Petroleum. The company previously committed to investing USD 500 mn in Egypt in 2025 for operational and capital expenditures and is eyeing further investments in the country.

LOGISTICS-

AD Ports-backed JV launches Comoros’ first passenger + auto ferry service: Serdal International, a joint venture between AD Ports Group and Abu Dhabi-based Resources Investment, has rolled out a new ferry service linking Grande Comore and Anjouan in the Comoros, according to a press release. The service is the first in the archipelago to carry both passengers and vehicles.

The vessels: Operated by AD Ports’ Noatum Maritime, the Yameela has capacity for 190 passengers and 45 vehicles. The route connects Moroni — the capital and main maritime gateway on Grande Comore — with Mutsamudu on Anjouan.

M&A WATCH-

El Banna Group acquires Al Dahra’s citrus farm in Egypt: El Banna Group — one of Egypt’s largest citrus producers and exporters — has acquired UAE-based agribusiness firm Al Dahra Group’s citrus farm and packhouse in Salheyia, according to a press release (pdf) from Zilla Capital, who acted as sole financial advisor to Al Dahra.

AGRICULTURE-

Abu Dhabi expands farm activities: Abu Dhabi is permitting 74 new economic activities on agricultural land, bringing the total to 145, according to an Abu Dhabi Media Office statement. The newly approved activities include plant production, food support services, industrial uses, and limited recreational options.

Background: The move builds on a 2023 decision that first allowed farms to host commercial activities, under which more than 480 farms obtained new or amended licenses.

Family offices tilt toward stocks, trim private equity exposure, according to Goldman survey

Family offices are leaning more heavily on public equities while trimming private equity exposure, according to a recent Goldman Sachs survey (pdf) picked up by CNBC. The survey of 245 global offices — two thirds of which managed at least USD 1 bn in assets — shows that average allocations to public equities rose to 31% in 2025, up three points from 2023, while private equity dropped to 21% from 26% — the steepest change across asset classes. 38% of family offices also expect to increase their allocations to public equities in the next year.

The shift was the sharpest in the Americas, where equity allocations climbed to 31% from 27%. US offices, however, remain more exposed to PE (25%) than their international peers. It comes as private equity faces a broader slowdown as limited and general partners pivot towards a more risk-on stance amid a more muted exit environment.

Goldman described the change to family office portfolios as a “pro-risk asset mix,” with family offices buying the dip in equities while still keeping a strong exposure to private equity. Many reported buying during April’s tariff-driven market turmoil, taking advantage of reduced-price valuations. “Family offices realize the importance of staying invested, and they realize the importance of vintaging, especially with private equity,” said Sara Naison-Tarajano, who heads Goldman’s Apex unit, pointing to their ability to hold assets across generations.

AI has emerged as a leading theme. Some 86% of family offices reported exposure, primarily via public equities and ETFs, but also through venture funds and infrastructure plays such as data centers. Opportunistic investments in listed markets remain the preferred route. Some 58% of respondents also expect to be overweight in the tech sector over the next year, the survey said.

Crypto is also gaining ground, particularly in Asia. Only 26% of Asia-Pacific (APAC) family offices said they were not interested, compared with nearly half of those in the Americas and EMEA. Globally, a third of family offices now hold crypto, up from 26% in 2023.

Risk hedging strategies differ across regions. In EMEA and APAC, geographic diversification and gold were the most common tail-risk hedges. In the US, by contrast, many family offices reported taking less defensive positions. The biggest investment risk for family offices is geopolitical conflict, with 61% listing it as a top-three risk, and 66% expecting geopolitical risks to increase over the next 12 months.

Despite dialing back exposure, private equity still holds appeal. Some 39% of respondents plan to deploy more capital in the next 12 months — slightly more than the 38% who expect to increase stock allocations. Many are active in secondaries, with participation rising to 72% from 60% in 2023, taking advantage as endowments and foundations sell assets under liquidity pressure.

MARKETS THIS MORNING-

Asian markets are mixed this morning, with South Korea’s Kospi leading gains, rising 0.7% to a record high and marking its tenth straight session of gains. Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng is up slightly in early trade, while China’s CSI 300 is also up 0.6%, as talks between the US and China on trade and the potential TikTok divestiture continue in Spain.

Meanwhile, on Wall Street, indices are set to open in the green as investors brace for what’s expected to be the US Federal Reserve’s first rate cut in months later this week.

ADX	10,014	+0.6% (YTD: +6.3%)
DFM	6,031	+1.2% (YTD: +16.9%)
Nasdaq Dubai UAE20	4,848	+1.3% (YTD: +16.4%)
USD : AED CBUAE	Buy 3.67	Sell 3.67
EIBOR	4.2% o/n	3.9% 1 yr
Tadawul	10,434	-0.2% (YTD: -13.3%)
EGX30	35,112	+0.5% (YTD: +18.1%)
S&P 500	6,584	-0.1% (YTD: +12.0%)
FTSE 100	9,283	-0.2% (YTD: +13.6%)
Euro Stoxx 50	5,391	+0.1% (YTD: +10.1%)
Brent crude	USD 67.0	0.0%
Natural gas (Nymex)	USD 2.99	+1.2%
Gold	USD 3,638	-0.1%
BTC	USD 115,180	-0.7% (YTD: +23.2%)
Chimera JP Morgan UAE Bond UCITS ETF	AED 3.6	0.0% (YTD: +3.4%)
S&P MENA Bond & Sukuk	150.36	+0.0% (YTD: +7.4%)
VIX (Volatility Index)	14.76	+0.3% (YTD: -14.9)

THE CLOSING BELL-

The ADX rose 0.6% on Friday on turnover of AED 889.9 mn. The index is up 6.3% YTD.

In the green: Ins. House (+5.9%), Orascom Construction (+5%) and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (+3.4%).

In the red: United Arab Bank (-5.7%), Hayah Ins. (-5.6%) and Fujairah Cement Industries (-1.7%).

Over on the DFM, the index rose 1.2% on turnover of AED 548.2 mn. Meanwhile, Nasdaq Dubai was up 1.2%.

CORPORATE ACTIONS-

Agthia Group shareholders approved a dividend of AED 85.7 mn — 10.31 fils per share — for 1H 2025, as proposed by the board of directors, according to an ADX disclosure (pdf).

Salama eyes capital restructuring + sukuk issuance: Salama Ins. has approved a plan to cut its issued share capital by up to AED 475.7 mn, according to a disclosure (pdf). Following the reduction, the company plans to issue mandatory convertible sukuk worth AED 175 mn. Salama will convene a general assembly to seek shareholder approval for the restructuring, subject to prior clearance from the Central Bank of the UAE and the Securities and Commodities Authority.

Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan + Indonesia’s Subianto strengthen bilateral cooperation

President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Indonesia’s Prabowo Subianto in Abu Dhabi to discuss bilateral relations within the framework of their comprehensive economic partnership, state news agency Wam reported on Friday. The delegation visit included cooperation talks in the fields of energy, development, investment, and renewable energy. The two leaders also exchanged views on regional issues, condemning Israel’s attack on Qatari soil.

President Al Nahyan also met with Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on Friday to enhance bilateral cooperation across various sectors including economy, investment, development, renewable energy, and technology, Wam reports.

UAE, US, Egypt, Saudi Arabia push Sudan peace roadmap: The UAE, US, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia have called for a three-month humanitarian truce in Sudan to allow aid access, followed by a permanent ceasefire, and a nine-month transition to civilian rule, according to a joint statement carried by Wam. The four countries’ foreign ministers stressed Sudan’s unity, rejected any military solution to the conflict, and warned that external support to warring factions would only prolong the war.

Quad warns against Islamist role: The group — also called the Quad — also urged protection of civilians and rejected any role for the Muslim Brotherhood or affiliated groups in Sudan’s future governance.

The story also got coverage from Reuters.

CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER

8-18 September (Monday-Thursday): BHM Capital Financial Services’s AED 200 mn rights issue will be open for subscriptions.

8-19 September (Monday-Friday): Universal Postal Congress, Dubai World Trade Center.

10-20 September (Wednesday-Saturday): IFMA Youth World Muay Thai Championship, Abu Dhabi.

15-18 September (Monday-Thursday): Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry will lead a delegation to Germany.

15-19 September (Monday-Friday): The Ajman Department of Tourism Development promotional roadshow in India today.

16-17 September (Tuesday-Wednesday): US Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee meeting.

17-18 September (Wednesday-Thursday): SHRM MENA hosts its Annual Conference + Expo, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai.

23-24 September (Tuesday-Wednesday): MENA EV Show, The Agenda, Dubai Media City.

24 September (Wednesday): Syria Recovery and Investment Forum, Abu Dhabi.

24-25 September (Wednesday-Thursday): The KT UniExpo, The H Dubai.

24-25 September (Wednesday-Thursday): Mohammed Bin Rashid Leadership Forum, Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development, Dubai.

24-25 September (Wednesday-Thursday): Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport, Dubai.

25-27 September (Thursday-Saturday): International Congress of Medical Excellence in Dermatology and Aesthetic Med, Dubai World Trade Center.

30 September (Tuesday): Africa Debate Conference, Dubai.

30 September (Tuesday): Dubai Podfest, Dubai.

OCTOBER

1-2 October (Thursday-Friday): World Green Economy Summit (WGES), Dubai World Trade Center.

29 September-October 1 (Monday-Wednesday): African, Middle East, and Islamic Finance Aviation 100 Awards, Dubai.

30 September-1 October (Tuesday-Wednesday): MENA Investment Congress (MENA ICON), Abu Dhabi.

30 September-2 October (Tuesday-Thursday): Global Rail Transport Infrastructure Exhibition and Conference, Abu Dhabi.

30 September-2 October (Tuesday-Thursday): The Water, Energy, Technology, and Environment Exhibition (Wetex), Dubai World Trade Center.

25 September- 8 October (Thursday- Wednesday): Big Bad Wolf Book Sale, Ajman Youth Centre.

1 September-5 October (Monday-Sunday): DMCC Web3 Unleashed applications

3-16 October (Friday-Thursday): Dubai Home Festival.

7 October (Tuesday): Enterprise Egypt Forum 2025.

7-9 October (Tuesday-Thursday): The International Symposium on the System of Radiological Protection, the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal.

9 October (Thursday): Family Office Summit, Park Hyatt, Dubai.

9-15 October (Thursday-Wednesday): IUCN World Conservation Congress, Abu Dhabi.

12-15 October (Sunday-Wednesday): Expand North Star, Dubai Harbor.

14-16 October (Tuesday-Thursday): Global Future Councils, Dubai.

15-18 October (Wednesday-Saturday): Middle East Electric Vehicle Show, Expo Center Sharjah.

22 October (Wednesday): Reuters NEXT Gulf Summit, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi.

22-24 October (Wednesday-Friday): World Investment Conference, Expo Center Sharjah.

23 October (Thursday): S&P Global’s annual Islamic Finance Conference, DIFC Atrium, Dubai.

27 October (Monday): The UAE Africa Tourism Investment Summit, Dubai.

27-29 October (Monday-Wednesday): Future Hospitality Summit, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai.

27-29 October (Monday-Wednesday): Asia Pacific Cities Summit, Dubai Exhibition Center.

28-29 October (Tuesday-Wednesday): US Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee meeting.

NOVEMBER

1-2 November (Saturday-Sunday): Women’s Empowerment Convention (WE Convention), Atlantis The Royal, Dubai.

4-9 November (Tuesday-Saturday):Dubai Design Week, Dubai.

10-15 November (Monday-Saturday): SASC organizes Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week, Abu Dhabi.

11-17 November (Tuesday-Monday): International Council of Museums (ICOM) General Conference, Dubai

12 November (Wednesday): Dubai Business Forum, Cipriani South Street, New York City.

12-17 November (Wednesday-Monday): RoboCup Asia-Pacific, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi.

13-15 November (Thursday-Saturday): International Financial Markets (ICA) Conference and Exhibition, Conrad Dubai.

15-17 November (Saturday-Monday): Myplant & Garden Middle East Green Expo, Dubai Exhibition Center, Expo City.

17-21 November (Monday-Friday): Dubai Airshow, Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai.

18-19 November (Tuesday-Wednesday): Dubai Future Forum, Museum of the Future, Dubai.

19-23 November (Tuesday-Sunday): Abu Dhabi Art, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi

24-27 November (Monday-Thursday): Big 5 Global Exhibition, Dubai World Trade Center, Dubai

DECEMBER

1-3 December (Monday-Wednesday): Eid Al Etihad (UAE National Day).

2-5 December (Tuesday-Friday): Sotheby’s Abu Dhabi Collectors’ Week, Abu Dhabi

1-5 December (Monday-Friday): The World Congress of Neurosurgery, Dubai World Trade Center.

7-14 December (Sunday-Sunday): Asian Youth Para Games, APC headquarters, Dubai.

8 December (Monday): DeFi Technologies Insights Global Symposium, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi.

8-9 December (Monday-Tuesday): BTC Mena Conference, Adnec, Abu Dhabi.

8-9 December (Monday-Tuesday): Global AI Show 2025, Abu Dhabi.

8-10 December (Monday-Wednesday): Bridge media summit, Abu Dhabi.

8-11 December (Monday-Thursday): Abu Dhabi Finance Week, Al Maryah Island.

9-10 December (Tuesday-Wednesday): US Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee meeting.

13-15 December (Saturday-Monday): Mobile Developers Week, Abu Dhabi

18-23 December (Thursday-Tuesday): Games of the Future, Adnec, Abu Dhabi.

29-30 December (Monday-Tuesday): World Sports Summit, Dubai.

Signposted to happen sometime in 2025:

e& will complete Adnoc’s private 5G network
Executive Committee Meeting (EXCOM 2025) conference of the World Smart Sustainable Cities Organisation (WeGO)

Signposted to happen sometime in 2H 2025:

Closing of XRG’s acquisition of Covestro

JANUARY 2026

1 January: Client asset regime changes in Dubai International Financial Center take effect.

9-11 January (Friday-Sunday): 1 Bn Followers Summit, UAE.

28-29 January (Wednesday-Thursday): IBA Arbitration Day Conference, Abu Dhabi.

28-30 January (Wednesday-Friday): World Customs Organization Technology Conference, Adnec Center, Abu Dhabi.

FEBRUARY 2026

3-5 February (Tuesday-Thursday): The World Governments Summit.

12-15 February (Thursday-Sunday): The Society for Incentive Travel Excellence Global Conference, Abu Dhabi.

9-13 February (Monday-Friday): The World Health Expo (WHX), Dubai.

JUNE 2026

15 June-15 September (Monday-Thursday): Dubai Mallathon, Dubai.

Signposted to happen in 2026:

31 March – 2 April (Tuesday-Thursday): Arab Media Summit, Dubai.
13-15 April ( Monday-Wednesday) : The International Glass Manufacturing Show, Dubai.
14-16 April: (Tuesday-Thursday): the International Property Show, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai.
11-13 May (Monday-Wednesday): AI Everything Global, Adnec Center.
The UAE to host the Arab Competition Forum
Dubai to host the Arab Actuarial Conference
United Nations Water Conference
Dubai Future Finance Week
Investopia Global Talks, Tashkent

Signposted to happen sometime in October 2026:

Abu Dhabi Space Week, Abu Dhabi.

Signposted to happen sometime in 2027:

1Q 2027: Completion of the first phase of Hassyan seawater desalination project.
Abu Dhabi’s solar and battery energy facility, combining 5.2 GW of solar capacity and 19 GWh of battery storage, is set for commissioning.

Signposted to happen sometime between 2027 and 2029:

Sibos 2029 organized by the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT), Dubai.
The commissioning of the seventh phase of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.

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