VistaJet, the first and only global private aviation company within the Vista group, has become the first foreign operator authorised to offer flights within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The agreement underscores VistaJet’s commitment to dedicate its services and expertise to support the strategic objectives of the Kingdom, aligned with the vision and implementation of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).

Leveraging its fully-owned floating fleet, VistaJet is uniquely positioned to provide immediate private aviation services throughout the Kingdom while maintaining operational efficiency across its global operations. With the largest international fleet of Global 7500 aircraft, and soon Global 8000 jets, VistaJet clients can access any global destination non-stop directly from the Kingdom, benefiting from its central geographical location.

Nick van der Meer, chief operating officer at VistaJet, said: “The approval and recognition from GACA marks a significant milestone for Vista’s operations in the Kingdom. By expanding our domestic capabilities, we are not only strengthening our regional presence, but also amplifying the efficiency of our global fleet. We are proud to support Vision 2030 and grateful to the leadership and the GACA team for making this possible. This enables us to serve our clients with seamless access across the Kingdom and beyond, ensuring that every journey reflects Vista’s commitment to reliability, consistency and world-class service.”

Saudi Arabia’s aviation industry is undergoing historic transformation as a key pillar of Vision 2030. With ambitions to become a global hub for travel, trade, and investment, the Kingdom and GACA are modernising aviation infrastructure, regulations, and innovation, connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe more efficiently than ever. VistaJet’s operations are closely aligned with this vision, providing advanced, sustainable, and interconnected flying solutions globally, with unmatched flexibility and value.

Read: Riyadh Air cleared for take-off by Saudi aviation authority

Having operated in the market for more than 15 years—longer than any other international operator—VistaJet continues to add significant value to the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia has emerged as a key growth market, with the first half of 2025 seeing a 32 per cent increase in VistaJet Program Members year-over-year, reflecting rising demand for domestic and global travel solutions among local and international clients.

Mazen Obaid, president — Middle East at VistaJet, commented: “We are delighted to be working with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and GACA, reinforcing our commitment to offering clients reliable, flexible and trusted flying solutions through our global and regional infrastructure. As a Saudi myself, I am extremely proud and excited for this new venture, and of all the opportunities that I know we can achieve together. We thank the Kingdom and its leadership for its dynamic Vision 2030, and we very much look forward to hiring many local experts and investing locally.”

For more than two decades, VistaJet has transformed private aviation, flying clients to over 200 countries and territories with a fleet of more than 270 business jets, spanning super-midsize to global range aircraft, including the flagship Global 7500.

This announcement follows VistaJet’s successful closing of an Equity and Term Loan B transaction totaling $1.3bn in Q1 2025, demonstrating strong market confidence in its strategy and long-term vision. With expanded operations, enhanced services, and growth in emerging markets, VistaJet’s partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and GACA represents a major milestone, strengthening its position in a critical market.

The UAE Ministry of Education (MoE), in collaboration with the UAE Government Media Office, recently held a comprehensive media briefing outlining its plans for the 2025–2026 academic year. Led by Minister of Education Sarah Al Amiri, the briefing showcased a series of transformative initiatives designed to elevate the national education system to new heights, strengthen student wellbeing, and deepen national identity.

Since January, the ministry has been proactively preparing public schools across the Emirates to implement sweeping updates for the upcoming academic year. Al Amiri highlighted major reforms aimed at improving the educational experience through smarter assessment strategies and modernised curricula, a WAM report said.

Read more-UAE schools to introduce AI curriculum from kindergarten-grade 12

Second term exams removed

One of the most notable changes is the overhaul of the assessment policy. Traditional centralised testing, which was held at the end of the second semester, has been removed. Instead, schools will adopt summative assessments conducted internally at the school level during this period, while centralised tests will continue only at the ends of the first and third semesters.

This shift is designed to maximise instructional time by reducing exam-related downtime and test anxiety, thereby promoting healthier student engagement. It also allows teachers to use a broader variety of assessment tools, which better capture different facets of student learning beyond standard exams. The updated system recalibrates semester weightings to reflect this more balanced approach, placing equal emphasis on continuous learning and evaluation.

Complementing these changes, the ministry has expanded its Project-Based Learning and Assessment (PBLA) system into its second phase.

This innovative, hands-on learning model now covers all Cycle 2 students in public and private schools following the MoE curriculum. Building on the successful first phase, which involved 127,500 students across 350 schools, PBLA fosters critical thinking, creativity, and real-world problem-solving skills, moving away from rote memorisation toward deeper understanding.

In parallel, a new standardised proficiency test is set to launch for students in grades 4 through 11, assessing their abilities in Arabic, English, and mathematics. The pilot phase will include approximately 26,000 students, aiming to establish clear benchmarks and identify areas for targeted intervention.

Reinforcing national identity: Arabic language and Islamic education at the core

Minister Al Amiri reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to nurturing students’ national identity by strengthening Arabic language and Islamic education. These foundational subjects form the basis of the student’s cultural and moral compass.

In the new academic year, teaching hours dedicated to Arabic and Islamic studies will increase in kindergarten and Cycle 1, reinforcing literacy and values early in the educational journey. The ministry has carefully restructured class schedules to accommodate this increase without extending overall school hours.

Furthermore, an Arabic baseline assessment will be introduced for Grade 1 students in 100 public and private schools. This assessment will provide vital data on students’ linguistic skills, enabling schools to implement tailored support programs that gradually raise proficiency levels. The initiative reflects the ministry’s broader strategy to place national heritage at the heart of education while fostering academic excellence.

Infrastructure expansion: New schools, upgraded facilities, and technology access

To support growing student populations and educational demands, the ministry announced the opening of nine new schools across various emirates for the 2025–2026 academic year. These new institutions will accommodate over 25,000 students and employ more than 800 new teachers.

Beyond new construction, the ministry has completed maintenance and upgrades in over 460 schools to provide safe, modern, and technologically equipped learning environments. The ministry has also ensured that operational logistics are in place: 5,500 school buses have been allocated, more than 10 million textbooks printed, and 47,000 laptops distributed, guaranteeing students have the necessary tools for success.

Holistic focus on student health and wellbeing through sports and nutrition

Acknowledging that academic achievement is intertwined with health, the ministry is rolling out an ambitious Physical Education, Sports, and Health Programme in public schools, led by Mohammed Al Qasim.

The first phase of the program promotes a sustainable, healthy lifestyle by improving school health facilities, restructuring PE classes to increase activity and engagement, organising sports tournaments, and introducing nutritious meal options.

These initiatives aim to foster lifelong healthy habits among students, improve mental health, and build team spirit, all of which contribute positively to overall academic performance.

Engaging parents and educators: Strengthening community partnerships

Recognizing the essential role of parents and educators in shaping the education system, the ministry is enhancing their participation through revamped governance structures and new initiatives.

The Ta’aleem Councils have been restructured to better represent all stakeholders: the School Leadership Council and Teachers Council each consist of 14 members, while the Young Teachers Council includes seven members. Additionally, 520 Parents’ Councils, representing more than 6,000 members nationwide, will be actively involved in decision-making processes and educational projects.

To further foster collaboration and skill development, the ministry launched the ‘From Skill to Leadership’ campaign. This campaign centers on three pillars: exploration, by creating inspiring school environments that encourage talent discovery; development, through strategic partnerships and training; and excellence, by motivating students to participate in local and international competitions.

Early programs such as ‘My Inspiring Family’ and ‘Inspiring People in the Field’ focus on engaging families and showcasing role models to inspire students throughout their educational journeys.

Pioneering the UAE’s first national AI curriculum: Preparing students for a digital future

Perhaps the most groundbreaking initiative announced is the launch of the UAE’s first nationally developed Artificial Intelligence (AI) curriculum, a pioneering step in integrating emerging technology education nationwide.

Approximately 1,000 teachers will be trained to deliver AI lessons across all grade levels. The curriculum draws on best practices from both local and international experts to equip students with the knowledge and skills to use AI responsibly and effectively in daily life and future careers.

This initiative aims to position the UAE as a global leader in educational innovation, helping shape policies and discussions about the future of learning on an international scale.

The ministry continues to invest heavily in educator training, having engaged over 23,000 teachers in an intensive week-long program comprising 170 hours of workshops. These sessions covered leadership development, teaching methodologies, and support roles, ensuring that educational staff are well-prepared to meet new challenges.

Looking forward, the Educational Competency Assessment Project will evaluate over 23,000 educational cadres across all school cycles. The goal is to clarify career paths, enhance professional skills, and empower teachers and leaders to support the evolving national education agenda.

Introducing a balanced, student-centric school calendar

To support both academic rigor and student wellbeing, the ministry unveiled a revamped school calendar in July, for the 2025–2026 year, designed with input from educators, parents, and experts.

The academic year will begin on August 25, 2025. The first term will conclude with a four-week winter break from December 8, 2025, to January 4, 2026, allowing students time to rest and engage in national activities.

The second term runs from January 5 to March 15, followed by a spring break from March 16 to 29. The third term begins March 30 and ends July 3, except in Sharjah’s private schools where it ends a day earlier.

A notable addition is the introduction of three mid-term breaks in October (13–19), February (11–15), and May (25–31), with the final break coinciding with the Eid Al Adha holiday. These breaks are designed to reduce academic pressure, enhance family time, and encourage cultural participation.

Private schools not following the government curriculum have flexibility to schedule shorter mid-term breaks within October and February but must adhere to strict guidelines to ensure alignment with the national calendar.

The ministry emphasized that all schools must follow the approved calendar, including holding final assessments during the last week of each term. Exceptions are only made for grades taking internationally scheduled exams.

Looking ahead: A holistic vision for a future-ready education system

Minister Sarah Al Amiri’s vision for the 2025–2026 academic year showcases the UAE’s commitment to creating a forward-looking, inclusive, and world-class education system. By implementing reforms that enhance assessment policies, introduce cutting-edge curricula such as AI education, expand infrastructure, and promote student wellbeing, the Ministry is paving the way for a new era of learning.

This integrated approach places students’ academic success, health, cultural identity, and future-readiness at the heart of the education journey, preparing UAE youth to thrive in an increasingly complex and globalised world.

The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) has issued a special circular to all federal ministries and entities in the UAE regarding the “Back to School” policy. The initiative allows parents working in the federal government to accompany their children to schools and nurseries at the start of the new academic year.

The circular aims “to support federal government employees by providing sufficient flexibility in the work environment in line with applicable directives and legislation, without affecting the workflow and provision of services, in accordance with the systems followed in each federal entity, and with the approval of the direct manager.”

Under the policy, federal employee parents with school-going children may take their children to and from school through a morning late leave or early dismissal on the first school day, for a maximum of three hours, either combined or divided into two periods.

Read: Back to school: RTA guidelines for bus drivers, transport operators

Parents of children in nurseries and kindergartens may also benefit from a morning late arrival or early departure during the first school week to accompany their children, for up to three hours per day. The timing accounts for differences in school start dates according to the curriculum specified by the competent authorities.

The policy additionally allows flexible working hours for other occasions during the academic year, provided this does not disrupt workflow or conflict with the Federal Government Human Resources Law and its executive regulations. “An employee may be granted permission for a period not exceeding three hours to attend parent-teacher meetings in his children’s schools, and he may also be granted permission for a period not exceeding three hours to attend graduation ceremonies, events and activities for his children.”

In recent years, the UAE has rapidly emerged as a global hub in wellness-oriented luxury real estate. Blending high-end living with holistic well-being, the UAE, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is transforming its residential landscape by embedding health and fitness into the very core of its property developments.

Read-Branded residences: Why Dubai dominates region’s market

Across the country, master-planned communities are embracing a future where luxury meets longevity, and residents thrive in environments designed for physical vitality, mental wellness, and sustainable living.

From sports-themed skyscrapers to nature-integrated island homes, the UAE is elevating the concept of “living well” with developments like The Heights Country Club & Wellness by EMAAR, Chelsea Residences by DAMAC, and the transformative SHA Residences in Abu Dhabi.

These aren’t just homes, they’re lifestyle ecosystems tailored to the modern wellness-minded resident.

The Heights Country Club & Wellness by Emaar: A lifestyle statement

At the forefront of this wellness revolution is The Heights Country Club & Wellness by EMAAR, a monumental development spanning 81 million square feet in the heart of Dubai. With a project value of Dhs55bn, this community redefines luxury through its seamless integration of health, relaxation, and nature.

The centrepiece is its namesake country club and wellness hub, a state-of-the-art facility equipped with cutting-edge fitness technology and holistic programs. Residents benefit from panoramic views, contemporary architecture, and smartly designed spaces that encourage physical and mental rejuvenation.

But The Heights goes further. Interwoven cycling and jogging tracks, lush greenways, and multiple event plazas invite residents into an active, community-centric lifestyle. Outdoor yoga, wellness workshops, and social gatherings are regular fixtures, solidifying the development’s status as more than a residence; it’s a movement toward total well-being.

SHA Residences: Wellness without compromise

Set in the serene AlJurf destination in Abu Dhabi, SHA Residences is an immersive wellness community that channels the full ethos of the globally acclaimed SHA Wellness Clinic. More than just a retreat, SHA Residences is a place where wellness is a way of life.

Every homeowner enjoys 24/7 access to a roster of world-renowned experts, doctors, therapists, personal trainers, meditation coaches, and even culinary professionals. Residents can benefit from services typically reserved for high-end wellness resorts, all in the privacy of their own homes.

This community embodies a long-term commitment to health, creating a personal sanctuary for those seeking a holistic approach to modern living.

Six Senses Residences: Living in harmony

The Six Senses Residences Dubai Marina is a bold vision come to life, 251 sustainably designed homes ranging from sleek deluxe apartments to sprawling Sky Mansions. Every unit is built with biophilic principles and feng shui elements, ensuring harmony between design, human psychology, and the environment.

In true Six Senses fashion, wellness begins with sleep. Their signature “Sleep With Six Senses” amenities are woven into each bedroom to promote rest and recovery. The result: a living space that doesn’t just feel luxurious but functions to restore energy and peace of mind.

Sweeping vistas of the Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Ain Dubai round off the offering, making this one of the most desirable wellness-forward addresses in the world.

Fahid Island: Nature first, wellness always

Abu Dhabi’s Fahid Island is making headlines as the UAE’s first island community fully designed around the principles of wellness. A paradise of mangrove forests, saltwater lagoons, and green mobility, this destination fosters environmental consciousness alongside personal health.

Every aspect of Fahid Island is built to nourish: from saltwater swimming zones never more than five minutes away, to walkable footpaths linking sustainably built homes with retail, dining, and educational hubs.

This is not just living, it’s thriving in a biodiverse, movement-driven ecosystem.

Branded sports residences: Where fitness meets iconic luxury

In a region known for bold concepts, Dubai’s sports-branded residences are rewriting the rules of elite urban living.

BUGATTI Residences by Binghatti: Supercar-inspired residences

With its sleek, fluid design echoing the curves of the French Riviera, BUGATTI Residences by Binghatti offer resort-style wellness in the city’s beating heart. This concept merges artistic architecture with lifestyle excellence, catering to those who demand design innovation as much as health and comfort.

Chelsea Residences by DAMAC: Where Champions Come Home

In a landmark partnership, DAMAC Properties and Chelsea Football Club have launched the first-ever football-branded residences in Dubai. Chelsea Residences by DAMAC, located in Dubai Maritime City, comprises six striking towers rising 130 metres above the Arabian Gulf.

The 1,400+ sea-facing residences are infused with Chelsea F.C.’s legacy—from architecture to amenities. Residents enjoy exclusive access to a rooftop football pitch, Chelsea Sports Bar, Athlete Performance Centre, cryotherapy facilities, aerial yoga studios, and even forest relaxation pods.

This project isn’t just branded, it’s experiential. The Captain’s Table dining events with Chelsea legends and a first-of-its-kind healthy mono-diet café ensure every moment is shaped by performance, pride, and purpose.

LEOS Developments and the Olympic-branded revolution

According to Rui Liu, Chairman and Founder of LEOS Developments, today’s homebuyer is looking far beyond four walls. “Today, a home is no longer just a physical asset; it’s an extension of one’s values and ambitions,” he said. “We’re seeing a shift from purely transactional buying to a more intentional kind of living, where wellbeing, community, and purpose carry just as much weight as location and square footage.”

This evolution is driving new kinds of brand partnerships, ones that align with wellness, athletic performance, and digital innovation. Leading the charge is Hadley Heights 2 by LEOS Developments, the world’s first Olympic-branded residence, created in collaboration with three-time Olympic gold medallist Tom Dean.

Located in Dubai Sports City, Hadley Heights 2 showcases bold, aerodynamic architecture and a powerful blend of sport and smart living. Olympic-grade features include AI-powered gyms, rooftop running tracks, immersive sports simulators, CrossFit zones, wellness parks, and children’s play areas, all designed to foster active, balanced lifestyles.

Beyond its facilities, the development offers unparalleled access to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) and Hessa Street, while remaining minutes away from Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, and both international airports. The upcoming Yellow Metro Line is poised to boost connectivity even further, enhancing its appeal to families, athletes, and investors alike.

Across the UAE, real estate is being redefined. Developments are no longer just architectural achievements, they’re curated ecosystems built for the mind, body, and spirit. Whether it’s high-tech wellness centres, biophilic skyscrapers, branded lifestyle communities, or Olympic-inspired homes, the message is clear: the UAE is leading the global movement toward intentional, wellness-first living.

Saudi Aramco has finalised an $11bn lease-and-leaseback agreement with a BlackRock-led consortium, enabling immediate capital infusion while retaining operational control of key gas midstream assets, the company said.

Under the deal, a newly created entity — Jafurah Midstream Gas Company (JMGC) — will lease development and usage rights for the Jafurah Field Gas Plant and the Riyas NGL Fractionation Facility.

JMGC will then lease the facilities back to Aramco for 20 years, during which it will receive tariff payments for exclusive processing and treatment rights of raw gas from Jafurah.

Aramco to hold 51 per cent of JGMC

Aramco will hold a 51 per cent stake in JMGC, with the remaining 49 per cent held by the investor consortium led by Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a BlackRock affiliate.

The Jafurah project — valued at more than $100bn and housing an estimated 229 trillion standard cubic feet of raw gas plus 75 billion stock tank barrels of condensate — is the kingdom’s largest non-associated gas development.

It is central to Aramco’s strategy to boost gas production by 60 per cent by 2030 compared with 2021 levels.

Aramco president and CEO Amin H Nasser said, “Jafurah is a cornerstone of our ambitious gas expansion programme, and the GIP-led consortium’s participation… demonstrates the attractive value proposition of the project. This foreign direct investment… highlights the appeal of Aramco’s long-term strategy to the international investment community.”

He added phase one production is scheduled to begin this year, with subsequent phases progressing on target.

Bayo Ogunlesi, chairman and CEO of GIP, remarked, “We are pleased to deepen our partnership with Aramco with our investment in Saudi Arabia’s natural gas infrastructure… building upon BlackRock and GIP’s longstanding relationship with Aramco.”

The transaction supports Aramco’s efforts to optimise its infrastructure, signaling confidence in rising gas demand in the kingdom.

It aligns with similar previously structured lease-and-leaseback deals, such as the minority stake sale in Aramco Gas Pipelines Company in 2022, reinforcing a model that secures capital while preserving control.

Read: Saudi Aramco considers asset sales to free up funds, sources say