Hub71's Impact Event 2025 in Abu Dhabi, held under the theme 'Impactful Momentum', showcased new initiatives including the 'Initiate' program for early-stage founders, the expansion of its Hub71+ AI ecosystem with 15 new partners, and the launch of Hub71+ Life Sciences. The event reinforced Abu Dhabi's position as a global technology hub, attracting approximately 1,000 attendees and over 40 speakers.
The Healthcare Future Summit 2025 has commenced at the Dubai World Trade Centre, gathering over 4,500 participants. The three-day event, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, focuses on innovation, medical technologies, and key healthcare trends, alongside co-located medical conferences.
A cargo aircraft originating from Dubai skidded off the runway at Hong Kong International Airport early Monday, resulting in the deaths of two airport ground staff. The Boeing 747 freighter, operated by ACT Airlines for Emirates SkyCargo, veered into the sea after striking a security vehicle. Four crew members were rescued safely.
The United Arab Emirates has significantly expanded its Golden Visa program, introducing comprehensive consular services for holders abroad and broadening eligibility criteria to attract a wider range of global talent and investors. These updates were announced in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The United Arab Emirates has dispatched its tenth humanitarian aid ship to the Gaza Strip as part of 'Operation Chivalrous Knight 3'. The vessel carries 7,200 tonnes of essential food, medical supplies, and shelter materials, reinforcing the UAE's ongoing commitment to alleviating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
ALEC Holdings PJSC successfully debuted on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) on October 15, 2025, marking the UAE's largest-ever construction sector IPO by valuation and size. The offering raised AED 1.4 billion (USD 381 million) and implied a market capitalization of AED 7 billion (USD 1.91 billion) at listing, with shares priced at AED 1.40 each. The IPO was oversubscribed more than 21 times.
Chinese flying-car manufacturer Aridge, formerly Xpeng AeroHT, successfully completed its first manned flight in Dubai on October 12, 2025. The company also announced 600 bulk orders for its modular 'Land Aircraft Carrier' from buyers across the GCC, marking a significant step for urban air mobility in the region.
An Abu Dhabi court has ordered a man to repay Dh4,309 to a victim of an online mobile recharge scam, along with legal fees. The ruling by the Abu Dhabi Family, Civil and Administrative Cases Court followed a criminal conviction for fraud, highlighting the UAE's strict stance against cybercrime.
Etihad Airways has launched daily flights to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, marking its return to the route after a decade. This move activates a strategic joint venture with Ethiopian Airlines, enhancing connectivity between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
A Dubai court has fined a European man Dh1,000 for assaulting a two-year-old boy in a shopping mall play area. The incident, which occurred in October last year, involved the man slapping the toddler following a dispute, leading to a conviction under UAE child protection laws despite no visible injuries.
President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the UAE and King Abdullah II of Jordan held a phone call on October 7, 2025, reaffirming their commitment to a lasting Gaza ceasefire and a just, comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution. They emphasized the need for regional stability and strengthened Arab coordination.
Dubai Police, in coordination with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), have arrested a man for conducting unlicensed hair transplant procedures from his residential apartment. The suspect promoted services via social media, endangering public health with unsterile conditions and non-compliant medical equipment. Legal proceedings have commenced, and authorities urge the public to only use licensed medical facilities.
The 11th World Green Economy Summit (WGES) commenced in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on October 1, 2025. The two-day event, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, gathers global leaders and experts to accelerate the transition to a sustainable green economy under the theme 'Innovating for Impact: Accelerating the Future of the Green Economy'.
Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has approved a Dhs42 billion expansion of the emirate's Liveability Strategy. This significant investment aims to further enhance the quality of life for Emirati families through improved community services, infrastructure, and the integration of advanced technologies.
The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) has restricted HDFC Bank's Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) branch from onboarding new clients and engaging in financial promotions, effective September 26, 2025. The move follows regulatory concerns over client onboarding practices and alleged financial services provided to un-onboarded customers. HDFC Bank states the impact on its overall operations is not material.
The fourth edition of the Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport was inaugurated on September 24, 2025, by Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The event, organized by the RTA, showcases advancements in autonomous mobility and aims to achieve 25% self-driving journeys by 2030.
The United Arab Emirates is engaged in discussions with Canada to sign an agreement aimed at doubling bilateral trade from approximately C$3.5 billion to C$7 billion. UAE Economy Minister Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri confirmed the talks, highlighting both nations' commitment to strengthening economic ties and diversifying trade, building on recent growth and ongoing ministerial engagements.
Nvidia and Abu Dhabi's Technology Innovation Institute (TII) have officially launched the Middle East's first joint AI and robotics research lab in Abu Dhabi. This new NVIDIA AI Technology Center (NVAITC) will focus on developing next-generation AI models, robotics platforms, and humanoid technologies, leveraging Nvidia's Thor chip and TII's research capabilities.
Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed has launched the 'Rashid Villages' global humanitarian project, honoring his late brother Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed on the tenth anniversary of his passing. The initiative aims to establish model villages worldwide, starting in Kenya, to provide housing, education, and healthcare for underserved communities.
Abu Dhabi's state-owned utility, Taqa, through its subsidiary Taqa Transmission, has awarded a contract to ELSEWEDY ELECTRIC T&D for the construction of a 53.8-kilometer 400kV overhead transmission line. This project is part of significant grid upgrades aimed at enhancing the emirate's power infrastructure, particularly for the ADNOC Ruwais LNG development.
