Dubai’s largest provider of paid public parking, Parkin Company PJSC, has announced new subscription plans tailored for students, educators, and multi-storey parking users. The initiative aims to offer more flexible and affordable options to meet daily parking needs across the city.

Read-Abu Dhabi: New paid parking zones announced

Students can now subscribe for just Dhs100 per month, granting access to roadside and plot parking in Zones A, B, C, and D within a 500-meter radius of their educational institutions. Staff members of private educational institutions are also eligible for the same Dhs100 monthly rate, providing cost-effective parking near their workplaces.

In addition, Parkin has introduced a subscription plan for multi-storey parking, starting at Dhs735 per month. This option offers convenient access to parking near homes, offices, and key city destinations, easing daily commutes and supporting urban mobility. The launch of these plans was shared in a post on Parkin’s official X (formerly Twitter) account.

In a related development, Dubai Municipality signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Parkin on July 9, 2025, aimed at boosting the operational efficiency and service quality of the emirate’s public parking infrastructure.

The agreement outlines collaboration in key areas, including the development of planning and regulatory standards, streamlining of permit procedures, and data sharing to enhance service optimization. As part of the MoU, Parkin will also manage selected free public parking facilities currently owned by Dubai Municipality, further expanding its smart parking network, a Dubai Media Office report said.

These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to enhance urban infrastructure and improve the daily commute experience for residents across Dubai.

Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, has launched a new interactive guide highlighting some of the city’s top indoor sports destinations, encouraging residents and visitors to stay active throughout the summer.

Released under the ongoing #DubaiDestinations summer campaign, the guide features a wide range of family-friendly venues where people of all ages can enjoy sports in air-conditioned comfort. Activities include football, volleyball, basketball, padel, spin cycling, martial arts, yoga, indoor golf, bowling and ice skating.

The initiative aims to reinforce Dubai’s reputation as one of the world’s most vibrant and activity-focused cities—even during its hottest months.

Khawla Al Hashmi, member of the organising committee of the #DubaiDestinations Campaign, said: “Brand Dubai’s latest guide highlights indoor venues designed for all ages, offering opportunities for everyone to enjoy their favourite sports while also featuring destinations that give children more space to make the most of their summer break. The campaign uses these guides to showcase experiences that appeal to a wide audience, helping residents, families and visitors discover fresh ways to enjoy Dubai’s summer offerings. Content creators continue to play a key role in bringing these destinations to life through engaging storytelling, inspiring more people across the UAE and beyond to explore what the city has to offer.”

Indoor destinations

Among the destinations featured are several indoor ice-skating rinks, including popular spots at Al Nasr Leisureland, The Dubai Mall, Sports Society Mall, Galleria Ice Rink at Hyatt Regency Dubai and Emirates Sports Hotel. These venues are a popular draw during the hotter months, offering a cool alternative for sports and leisure.

The guide also lists indoor bowling centres located across the city—ideal for families, groups of friends or casual games in a relaxed setting.

Indoor football remains a top pick for many, with over a dozen air-conditioned venues included. These facilities offer enthusiasts a chance to enjoy the sport year-round in a well-equipped and climate-controlled environment.

Running through the end of July, the #DubaiDestinations campaign continues to spotlight the best experiences the city has to offer during the summer. Community engagement remains a key component, with residents and tourists encouraged to share their own stories, images and tips on how they enjoy an active summer in Dubai.

The indoor sports destination guide is available in both English and Arabic and can be accessed here:
https://dubaidestinations.ae/-/media/2025/july/16-07/03/indoor-sports-destination-guide.pdf

The Ministry of Labour has introduced new regulations requiring mandatory professional certification for work permits in both the accounting and engineering sectors in Oman.

The move is part of a broader initiative to standardise qualifications, enhance professional competency, and support the Sultanate’s national workforce development goals, an Oman Observer report said.

Read-New rule for businesses in Oman: Here’s what you need to know

Effective August 1, 2025, the ministry will no longer issue or renew work permits for individuals working under the designation of “engineer” unless they present a valid professional classification certificate. The certificate must be obtained through the Oman Society of Engineers (OSE) and officially approved by the Sector Skills Unit (SSU) for engineering professions. All submissions must be completed via the designated electronic system.

Similarly, starting September 1, 2025, individuals employed or seeking employment in accounting, finance, and auditing positions must obtain a Professional Classification Certificate from the Sector Skills Unit for Accounting, Finance, and Auditing. This certificate will be a mandatory requirement for the issuance and renewal of work permits in the financial sector.

The Ministry emphasised that no work permits will be issued or renewed after the respective deadlines without the required certificates. All employers and professionals are urged to initiate the necessary steps to comply with the new regulations ahead of time to avoid disruptions in employment status.

The following roles in the accounting and finance sector will require professional certification:

1. Accounts Technician
2. Assistant External Auditor
3. Assistant Internal Auditor
4. Internal Auditor
5. External Auditor
6. Cost Accountant
7. Credit Analyst
8. Financial Analyst
9. Accounts Manager
10. Tax Manager
11. Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
12. External Audit Manager
13. Internal Audit Manager
14. Senior Internal Audit Manager
15. Financial Controller
16. Senior External Audit Manager
17. Head of Internal Audit Department
18. Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
19. External Audit Partner
20. Chief Audit Executive

The ministry has made it clear that no exceptions will be made after the enforcement dates. These changes are expected to elevate the standards of professional practice and ensure that only qualified individuals are employed in key technical and financial roles across the Sultanate.

Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the Dubai-based collective of independent hotel brands, reported solid growth in H1 2025, fuelled by a surge in international travel and a strong Q2 performance.

Revenues for the group’s member hotels reached $1.5bn for the six months ending June 30, up 17 per cent year-on-year from $1.3bn in H1 2024.

International stays, which continue to form the backbone of GHA’s business, accounted for 70 per cent of room revenues, climbing 21 per cent year-on-year to $810m.

The group noted that the United States remained the top source market for international bookings, contributing 15 per cent of all room revenues.

The UK, Germany, China and Australia followed as key feeder markets.

The most popular destinations for GHA DISCOVERY loyalty members in H1 were led by the UAE, followed by Thailand, Spain, Singapore and Italy.

GHA’s 850-plus properties also saw strong Q2 performance, which supported the positive H1 results.

Hotel revenues rose 18 per cent year-on-year in Q2, while room nights increased by 19 per cent.

Countries with the highest average daily rates during the quarter included the Maldives, the UK, Japan and Fiji.

Cross-brand revenues – generated when members stay at hotels outside their primary brand – rose 18 per cent in Q2 to $94.7m, contributing to a total of $188.8m for the first half of the year, up 15 per cent from H1 2024.

Direct bookings through GHA’s digital platforms increased by 19 per cent in H1, a gain that helps member hotels reduce reliance on third-party platforms with higher commission costs.

Global Hotel Alliance’s loyalty programme sees 16 per cent YoY rise

The group’s loyalty programme, GHA DISCOVERY, passed a major milestone in the second quarter, reaching 30.9 million members after a 16 per cent year-on-year increase in new enrolments.

Use of the programme’s rewards currency, DISCOVERY Dollars (D$), also surged, with redemptions jumping 61 per cent in Q2 compared to the same period last year.

GHA added 48 new properties to its portfolio in the first six months of 2025, including hotels from newly joined brands such as Cheval Collection and Cinnamon Hotels. The expansion reinforces GHA’s presence across Asia, the UK and the Middle East.

“With demand for international travel continuing to rise, our hotel brands are reaping the benefit of belonging to a truly global alliance. GHA DISCOVERY members are travelling further, staying longer, and booking directly, driving hotel profitability across our portfolio,” said Chris Hartley, CEO of Global Hotel Alliance.

“These results reflect the trust members place in GHA DISCOVERY and the strength of collaboration across our expanding network of brands and hotels. Even amid ongoing market uncertainty, the momentum we’ve built – supported by new brands and hotels joining the alliance – positions us well for a strong and resilient second half of the year,” he added.

Read: Abu Dhabi hotel revenues hit Dhs611m in March with rising tourist demand

Bayut, UAE’s property portal, has released its analysis of search and pricing trends in Abu Dhabi’s real estate market for the first half of 2025. The data highlights the capital’s continued momentum as a stable and high-return investment destination, supported by infrastructure development and investor-focused government policies.

Property buying trends in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi’s real estate market has shown resilience and strong growth in the first half of 2025, attracting investors across segments:

• Affordable properties: Buyers looking for budget-friendly options focused on areas like Al Reef, Al Ghadeer, Khalifa City, and Al Shamkha.

• Mid-tier interest: Al Reem Island, Masdar City, Al Raha Gardens, and Al Samha were popular among mid-tier investors.

• Luxury segment: Yas Island and Saadiyat Island remained top picks for premium buyers, further boosted by announcements like Disneyland Abu Dhabi.

Listing prices reflected the demand:

• Affordable apartment prices rose by up to 7 per cent, while villa prices increased by as much as 5 per cent.

• Mid-tier apartment prices appreciated between 6 per cent and 11 per cent. Villas saw notable gains in Al Samha (up 26.7 per cent) and Al Raha Gardens (up 2.68 per cent), though Baniyas recorded a slight 1.45 per cent dip.

• Luxury apartment prices on Yas Island and Saadiyat Island climbed by up to 17 per cent. Villa prices in this segment increased 5 per cent to 10 per cent.

Rental yields in Abu Dhabi

Rental yields remained attractive across all segments:

• Affordable apartments: Al Reef led with 9.33 per cent, followed by Al Ghadeer at 8.45 per cent.

• Mid-tier apartments: Masdar City (8.41 per cent) and Al Reem Island (7.59 per cent) delivered strong returns.

• Luxury apartments: Yas Island (7.15 per cent) and Al Raha Beach (6.58 per cent) performed well.

• Villas: Al Reef (6.34 per cent) topped affordable villas, while Al Raha Gardens (6.17 per cent) and Al Samha (5.75 per cent) led mid-tier returns. Yas Island offered 5.46 per cent for premium villas.

Off-plan project preferences

Off-plan developments attracted significant interest:

• Affordable apartments: Al Reeman 1 (Al Shamkha) and Bloom Living (Zayed City) were top choices.

• Mid-tier: Yas Bay attracted demand.

• Luxury: Nawayef Park Views (Hudayriat Island) stood out for high-end buyers.

• Villas: Affordable options included Bloom Living, Al Reeman 2, and Reportage Village Abu Dhabi.

• Mid-tier villa buyers leaned toward Yas Acres and Al Jurf Gardens, while luxury demand was high for Nawayef West and Saadiyat Lagoons.

Read: Dubai, Abu Dhabi real estate markets shine in 2024: Property Finder

Rental trends in H1 2025

Population growth and expat demand kept rental activity strong:

• Affordable rentals: Khalifa City, Al Shamkha, and Shakhbout City remained popular for families.

• Mid-tier: Tenants preferred Al Reem Island and Al Khalidiyah for apartments, and Al Raha Gardens and Al Muroor for villas.

• Luxury segment: Yas Island and Saadiyat Island continued to dominate demand.

Rental price changes varied:

• Affordable apartment rents rose 2 per cent to 21 per cent, with 2-bedroom units in Al Nahyan seeing the sharpest increase.

• Mid-tier apartment rents climbed 3 per cent to 68 per cent, led by studio units in the Tourist Club Area.

• Luxury apartment rents increased 3 per cent to 14 per cent across most districts, though some units on Saadiyat Island saw slight declines.

• Villa rents in affordable districts rose by up to 13 per cent, mid-tier areas saw increases up to 7 per cent, and luxury villa rents saw mixed movement. While 4-bedroom units in Saadiyat Island and Al Bateen rose by 7 per cent, 5-bedroom villas in Saadiyat and Yas Islands dropped by 6 per cent.

Market outlook

Commenting on the findings, Haider Ali Khan, CEO of Bayut, CEO of Dubizzle Group MENA, and Board Member of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, said: “Abu Dhabi’s real estate market has been on a steady upward path this year, and the interest we’re seeing speaks for itself with over 9.3 million visits recorded on Bayut’s Abu Dhabi listings in just six months. With strong demand and smart initiatives such as ADREC’s Madhmoun boosting transparency, the capital is shaping up to be a really exciting space for both homebuyers and investors. All signs point to Abu Dhabi emerging as one of the most exciting and future-ready real estate destinations in the region.”