Sharjah’s property sector recorded more than 25 per cent increase in foreign investment in the first quarter of 2025, driven by growing interest in freehold ownership, long-term visa options, and strategically located projects such as Ajwan Khorfakkan.

This is according to the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq).

“Sharjah is building a strong momentum for freehold ownership, boosted by Shurooq,” said Yousif Ahmed Al-Mutawa, chief real estate officer at Shurooq. “The Ajwan launch in Khorfakkan reflects the demand for freehold designated projects, where international and regional buyers can invest.”

Official figures support the trend. According to WAM, the total value of real estate deals in Sharjah surged to Dhs13.2 billion in the first quarter of 2025—a sharp 31.9 per cent rise from the Dhs10 billion recorded during the same period last year.

Al-Mutawa noted that Sharjah’s combination of a stable regulatory environment, affordable luxury, and cultural authenticity has strengthened its investment appeal. “Sharjah’s stable regulatory environment, long-term visas, its affordable luxury value proposition, and the increasing global appetite for culturally rich, well-planned destinations adds to its appeal,” he said.

Related news: Community living in Sharjah

To build on this momentum, Shurooq is expanding its international outreach and investor engagement strategy. “At Shurooq, we are doubling down on international outreach, strategic partnerships, and high-impact developments that reflect investor priorities – these could be long-term capital appreciation, rental yield, or alignment with ESG principles,” Al-Mutawa said.

The group is currently driving several new developments in Khorfakkan, a coastal city on Sharjah’s eastern seaboard, which is emerging as a new real estate and tourism hotspot. “We’ve seen strong interest in our upcoming project, Ajwan Khorfakkan, where nearly 80 per cent of the units in the first four buildings — Saahil, Al Joon, Mawj, and Ghadeer — have already been sold,” said Al-Mutawa. “Two additional buildings will be launched soon.”

Infrastructure development and government backing are helping unlock the real estate potential of the region. “Infrastructure improvements, growing tourism, and strong government backing for the eastern region are converging to create a compelling investment opportunity,” he said.

Al-Mutawa, who recently assumed his role at Shurooq, said his immediate priority is to align real estate strategy with Sharjah’s broader economic diversification goals. “We’re focusing on three key areas: activating high-potential locations across the emirate such as Khorfakkan, enhancing investor confidence through regulatory clarity and transparency, and developing integrated communities that reflect Sharjah’s cultural identity and commitment to quality of life.”

He added: “Shurooq is helping shape the future of Sharjah’s real estate.”

Qatar’s real gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 3.7 per cent in Q1 2025 compared to the same period a year earlier, with strong gains in the non-hydrocarbon sector, the Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported, citing data from the National Planning Council (NPC).

GDP at constant prices reached QAR181.5bn in Q1 2025, up from QAR175bn in Q1 2024, according to the National Statistics Centre.

The non-hydrocarbon sector accounted for 63.6 per cent of real GDP, or approximately QAR115bn, an increase from 62.6 per cent in the same quarter last year.

Qatar GDP: Sectors showing growth

Growth in the sector reached 5.3 per cent , supported by robust performances in manufacturing (up 5.6 per cent ), construction (up 4.4 per cent ), real estate (up 7 per cent), and wholesale and retail trade (up 14.6 per cent ).

Hydrocarbon activities, despite global economic headwinds and oil price volatility, grew by 1 per cent year-on-year, contributing 36.4 per cent to real GDP, or about QAR66bn.

The data reflects the country’s efforts to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on hydrocarbons, the NPC said.

Read: Qatar on track to double economy by 2031: Here’s what’s driving growth

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed a series of rapid traffic improvement works aimed at enhancing connectivity between Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road via Al Meydan Street.

Read-Dubai’s new road upgrade: Smoother flow between Sheikh Zayed, Al Wasl

As part of the project, the RTA widened the exit from Sheikh Zayed Road to Al Meydan Street from one lane to two. The bridge over First Al Khail Road was also expanded from three to four lanes, boosting capacity for vehicles travelling between Al Khail Road, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Meydan Street, and Al Hadiqa Street in both directions, a WAM report conveyed.

The authority also upgraded the connecting ramps between the surface road and the First Al Khail Road bridge from one lane to two, improving traffic flow for vehicles heading toward Al Khail Road and Al Meydan Street.

These enhancements are part of RTA’s strategic vision to accommodate the emirate’s rapid urban development and rising population. The authority said it is focused on proactively upgrading infrastructure to meet growing mobility needs and support Dubai’s long-term expansion.

Major lane expansions slash congestion

A key element of the project involved widening Exit No. D69 from one lane to two for vehicles moving from Sheikh Zayed Road toward Al Khail Road and Al Meydan Street. The expansion doubled the exit’s capacity from 1,500 to 3,000 vehicles per hour. According to the RTA, this resulted in a 40 per cent reduction in travel time during morning and evening rush hours, and a 50 per cent drop in vehicle queues.

Additionally, the upgrade to the bridge over First Al Khail Street increased its capacity by 33 per cent, from 4,500 to 6,000 vehicles per hour. Peak-hour crossing times fell from seven minutes to four—a 40 per cent improvement.

2025 road enhancement strategy

The widened connecting ramps have also contributed significantly to easing congestion, particularly during midday and evening peak periods. Waiting times on these ramps have been cut by more than 50 per cent, the RTA noted.

These latest roadworks are part of a broader push by the RTA to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and bolster the efficiency of Dubai’s road network. The authority is planning over 75 similar traffic improvement projects across key areas of the city in 2025, as part of a sustainable development strategy designed to enhance mobility and overall quality of life.

Emirates is set to boost capacity and enhance passenger experience across several global routes, with increased flight frequencies, retrofitted aircraft, and wider Airbus A380 deployments.

Read-Emirates SkyCargo launches new vertical: here are all the details

In response to growing demand across its network, the airline will roll out schedule enhancements and deploy more of its newly refurbished Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft to key destinations including Shanghai, Zurich, Milan, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, and Singapore.

More flights and larger aircraft across the network

Effective October 26, Emirates will:

• Add a third daily flight to Milan (EK101/102), operated by a Boeing 777-300ER.
• Increase its linked Rio de Janeiro–Buenos Aires service (EK247/248) to daily flights.
• Upgrade its Shanghai operations, with EK302/303 shifting to the A380 and EK304/305 operated by a retrofitted Boeing 777 starting July 20.
• Deploy the A380 on its third daily Dubai–Singapore flight (EK314/315) this winter.

Further enhancements are scheduled for Zurich starting February 1, 2026. Emirates’ second daily flight (EK85/86) will be upgraded to an A380, replacing the retrofitted Boeing 777. On the same day, Premium Economy will debut on flights EK87/88 with a newly retrofitted A380, an Emirates media report said.

Retrofitting programme reaches 60 aircraft

These changes are part of Emirates’ ongoing aircraft retrofit program, which began in November 2022. The airline has completed 60 retrofits to date, with one aircraft undergoing a full interior upgrade every three weeks. The program features Emirates’ acclaimed Premium Economy cabin and refreshed interiors across all classes.

On the Boeing 777, the four-class layout includes up to 8 First Class suites, 38–40 Business Class seats, 24 Premium Economy seats, and 256 Economy seats. The four-class A380 offers 56 Premium Economy seats at the front of the main deck in a 2-4-2 configuration. Each seat features increased pitch and width, personal charging points, and a side cocktail table.

Emirates responds to growing global travel demand

Despite operating in a dynamic aviation environment, Emirates continues to scale up operations to meet increasing customer demand for both summer and winter travel seasons. The airline remains focused on delivering its signature onboard experience and premium service as it positions itself for further growth.

Passengers flying on retrofitted aircraft can look forward to a modernised in-flight experience across every cabin class, reinforcing Emirates’ long-standing commitment to comfort and innovation.

Whether you’re heading abroad for work, leisure, or study, your visa is the first ticket to your journey.

To ensure your travel plans stay stress-free, VFS Global shares five simple yet essential tips to help you navigate the visa application process with confidence, ease, and safety.

From planning early to using convenient at-home services, here’s how to make your visa experience smooth from start to finish.

Plan ahead

The early bird gets the worm. Plan ahead and apply well in advance to avoid any inconveniences.

Most countries accept business visa applications up to 90 days before the date of travel.

Check the visa turnaround times

Each country has a different timeline for its visa processing, and these timelines are clearly mentioned on their websites, providing you the information required to apply for your visa well in advance.

During peak travel seasons like the year-end holidays, visa processing can take longer than anticipated.

Apply early to avoid any delays.

Book an appointment

Most visa application centres accept applications by prior appointment only. This ensures lower wait times and physical distancing at the application centres at the time of submission. Reach at least 15 minutes prior to the appointed time to avoid missing your slot.

For instance, appointments can be booked on www.vfsglobal.com free of charge. There are a few countries that require a customer to pay service fees online at the time of booking an appointment.

Beware of third-party entities who charge a separate fee for appointments.

Make a list, check it twice

A checklist of the documentation required for visa applications for each country served by centre is usually available. Ensure you carry all the requisite documentation to submit along with the duly filled application form to avoid any snags in your application.

Many countries require a valid passport six months beyond your return date. Check your passport’s validity while planning your travels.

Opt for convenience

From visa, biometric services at your doorstep and form filling assistance to return of passports via courier and end-to-end guidance through the visa application submission process, explore all possibilities offered by the centre.

Please note: Some of the services may not be offered in some countries, or for specific client governments. Opting for these services does not influence the outcome of your visa application; this is at the sole discretion of the embassy/consulate.

Read: Inside the world’s largest visa application centre in Dubai