Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched a Transport Data Analysis Laboratory at its Enterprise Command and Control Centre (EC3), strengthening Dubai’s capabilities in data-driven transport planning, operational readiness, and emergency response.

The new laboratory is designed to monitor, collect and analyse transport data, producing specialised studies and reports that support decision-making at both strategic and operational levels. It also enhances preparedness for major events and emergencies, reinforcing Dubai’s standing as a smart city and a global leader in sustainable mobility.

The initiative further elevates the role of the Enterprise Command and Control Centre as an integrated strategic platform that links and governs RTA’s control centres. By unifying operational monitoring within a single system, the laboratory activates artificial intelligence technologies and predictive models for scenario analysis, enabling proactive solutions, improving efficiency, and reducing response times during major events and operational disruptions. It also aligns with RTA’s future direction of delivering customised, data-driven transport services.

Mohammed Al Ali, Director of the Enterprise Command and Control Centre, said: “The establishment of the Transport Data Analysis Laboratory represents a qualitative shift in the operational analytics ecosystem. It strengthens integration between monitoring systems and artificial intelligence and converts large volumes of operational data into predictive indicators that support accurate and rapid decision-making. These indicators contribute to smoother traffic flow, higher operational efficiency, and enhanced sustainability of the transport system across the emirate.

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“This initiative represents a new step within RTA’s ongoing efforts to harness modern technologies in support of its vision for safe, seamless, and sustainable mobility, while reinforcing the role of the EC3 as a key hub for innovation and digital transformation within Dubai’s intelligent transport ecosystem.”

He added: “The Transport Data Analysis Laboratory is supplied with real-time data from more than 35 sources covering various modes of transport, in coordination with operational centres and relevant departments. These include buses, the metro, the tram, marine transport, soft mobility means, as well as taxis, limousines, and private vehicles. The laboratory also automates more than 150 operational performance indicators, enhancing planning effectiveness, on-ground coordination, response speed, and the evaluation of implemented or pre-planned policies.”

Al Ali further noted that the laboratory represents a practical step towards translating RTA’s vision into action, while expanding research collaboration with academic institutions and strategic partners. “This is achieved through decision-making supported by an integrated framework focused on preparing comprehensive analytical studies and reports and leveraging artificial intelligence and big data to build advanced analytical models,” he said. “These models contribute to forecasting traffic movement and demand levels across different modes of transport, thereby enhancing operational readiness under various times and conditions.”

Data Drive platform

The laboratory has already been deployed to analyse transport movement during GITEX 2025. Using the Data Drive platform, traffic patterns before and during the event were assessed to identify congestion points and improve traffic flow across the exhibition area. The insights will be used to enhance operational efficiency and inform planning for future large-scale events.

Through its advanced analytical systems, the laboratory has also supported the identification of locations with a higher likelihood of recurring traffic accidents. This enables targeted corrective measures to be implemented in coordination with relevant authorities, contributing to improved road safety and smoother traffic movement across Dubai’s road network.

Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure-chaired Joint Committee for Security and Safety has launched the National Winter Traffic Safety Campaign, aimed at raising public awareness around safe practices at petrol stations and reducing accidents caused by unsafe refuelling behaviour.

The campaign is being implemented in cooperation with the General Command of Civil Defence at the Ministry of Interior, alongside key fuel retailers including ADNOC Distribution, Emarat and ENOC.

Launched on December 22, the month-long initiative focuses on improving safety awareness during refuelling, particularly among drivers of desert motorcycles and vehicles, while promoting behaviours that help protect lives, property and infrastructure.

Awareness messages will be disseminated through digital and social media platforms, as well as via guidance screens operated by partner entities at petrol stations and along federal roads.

The campaign aims to reinforce preventive measures, encourage compliance with approved safety procedures, and strengthen a nationwide culture of safety.

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Key safety messages emphasise the need to switch off vehicle and motorcycle engines before refuelling, avoid remaining seated on motorcycles while refuelling, ensure vehicles and motorcycles are securely positioned, and strictly follow safety instructions within petrol stations.

Motorists are also urged to refrain from using mobile phones during refuelling.

Eng Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, said the campaign underscores the collective commitment of relevant entities to enhancing safety standards at petrol stations through focused and effective awareness initiatives.

“We will continue to work with our partners from government entities and national companies to intensify awareness initiatives and unify efforts aimed at protecting lives, reducing risks, and building a safer and more sustainable environment,” he added.

Dubai is gearing up for a New Year’s period like no other. With the city’s iconic skyline illuminated by fireworks, festive markets buzzing, and the Dubai Shopping Festival in full swing, hotels are preparing for unprecedented occupancy and guest expectations.

Traditionally, the last week of December is the busiest for hospitality in the city, but industry insiders say 2025 is shaping up to be exceptional.

Hotels are balancing high demand with the need to deliver seamless, memorable experiences. As Jan Hanak, MD for UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Egypt & Iraq at Radisson Hotel Group, notes, “We are expecting all hotels to be full on New Year’s Eve. Judging by the pace, which is well ahead of last year, 2025 will be no different. Naturally, with higher demand and higher rates, guest expectations are high, but our well-experienced teams are ready to deliver the best experience possible.”

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Dubai’s hospitality sector has become synonymous with precision and efficiency, especially during peak seasons. With occupancy rates reaching full capacity, hotels are deploying their most experienced staff and optimising logistics to ensure that every guest enjoys a flawless experience.

Hanak highlights the strategic approach to managing bookings: “Typically, NYE is booked well in advance, and not many guests leave their bookings to the last minute. Although we try to be as flexible as possible, we do apply stricter cancellation policies, such as pre-payment or a minimum number of nights reserved.”

Curated experiences for every guest

To differentiate their offerings during the high-demand season, hotels are rolling out tailored packages and events. Hanak explains, “Most of our hotels offer special New Year’s Eve events and packages.”

The city’s hospitality sector is increasingly focused on creating experiences that go beyond accommodation. From exclusive family-friendly events to VIP celebrations, these curated experiences are key to attracting high-spending travelers during the festive week.

Managing Dubai’s hospitality operations during the New Year requires a delicate balance of staffing, logistics, and guest experience. “Dubai is a well-established and advanced hospitality market and always busy during the New Year period,” Hanak says. “All hotels are well prepared in terms of staffing, and the same applies to our suppliers, who can manage this high-demand period efficiently.”

Advanced forecasting tools, including booking pace monitoring and pricing analysis, help hotels optimise inventory and revenue. “As this is a high-demand period, we are a bit stricter with guarantee and cancellation policies,” Hanak adds.

Fireworks views: A driving force for bookings

For many guests, the ability to witness Dubai’s spectacular fireworks is a deciding factor. Pranav Vohra, cluster commercial director at IHG Hotels Dubai Festival City, explains, “A great view of Dubai’s iconic New Year’s fireworks is extremely important for influencing guest bookings. Guests often choose to stay with us specifically for these spectacular views, which add an extra layer of magic to the celebration.”

To accommodate large volumes of guests, hotels have streamlined operations and introduced staff mobilisation measures. “Special training has been provided to our team, and the entire staff is fully mobilized for this occasion to handle increased guest volume efficiently. Processes have been streamlined to minimise wait times and optimise service delivery,” Vohra adds.

Rise of the staycation

New Year staycations in Dubai are on the rise, driven by both local and international travelers seeking curated, experiential celebrations. Saurav Puri, multi-property general manager at The St. Regis Downtown Dubai, notes, “New Year demand is significantly stronger this year. With seven days of citywide festivities, beautiful winter weather, Dubai Shopping Festival, and the enhanced Dubai Fountain shows, there is no more compelling destination to welcome the New Year.”

Unlike holiday stays, New Year bookings are oriented around high-energy experiences. Puri explains, “Holiday stays are about unwinding.

New Year stays are about elevated experiences, glamour, and crafting the final memorable chapter of the year, perfectly aligned with Dubai’s positioning as the world’s most experiential city.”

Signature experiences such as festive afternoon tea at Ginori Terrace, spa gifting, and dining events at BASTA have seen high demand, highlighting a shift toward purposeful, curated celebrations rather than conventional vacations.

Strategic locations and guest convenience

Location is a critical factor in guest decision-making. Thomas Kurian, general manager of LEVA Hotels, points out the advantages of proximity to Downtown Dubai: “Our prime location places guests within easy reach of the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, City Walk, and other key attractions, making it ideal for enjoying the festive atmosphere.”

Guests also value comfort, accessibility, and family-friendly designs. “Direct access to Mazaya Mall and our reputation for attentive service make LEVA Hotel Mazaya Centre-Opposite Downtown Dubai a strong choice for New Year stays,” Kurian adds.

While early bookings dominate, last-minute reservations are growing in popularity. Kurian observes, “There has been a noticeable portion of bookings made within 1–2 weeks of New Year’s Eve, particularly among guests seeking spontaneous travel experiences or taking advantage of flexible cancellation policies.”

This trend reflects a shift in travel behavior, with travelers increasingly seeking memorable moments over conventional holidays. “Guests are no longer travelling for a holiday; they’re travelling for a moment, and Dubai is that moment,” Kurian emphasises.

Dubai’s hotels are transforming high occupancy pressures into opportunities for brand building and revenue growth. From premium packages and operational efficiency to prime locations and immersive experiences, the city’s hospitality sector exemplifies how meticulous planning can turn a busy New Year period into a showcase of excellence.

As Dubai gears up for a seven-day celebration culminating in its world-renowned fireworks displays, the efforts behind the scenes ensure that every guest enjoys a seamless, memorable experience, reinforcing the city’s position as the global epicenter of year-end festivities.

Residential sales values in Riyadh reached SAR17.6bn ($4.69bn) in Q3 2025, as Saudi Arabia’s capital prepares to deliver 57,000 new housing units across 2026 and 2027, according to new research from Cavendish Maxwell.

Residential transactions in Riyadh totalled 13,000 between July and September, marking a near 19 per cent increase quarter-on-quarter. Around 10,000 new homes were delivered in the city during the first nine months of the year, with a further 6,000 units expected in the final quarter.

Dammam, included for the first time in Cavendish Maxwell’s latest Saudi Arabia residential market report, recorded its strongest sales performance in several years. Transactions reached 3,000 in Q3 2025, up almost 60 per cent year-on-year and 37 per cent compared to Q2, with sales values hitting SAR3.2bn ($850m).

Jeddah also saw an improvement in quarterly activity, with transactions rising 10 per cent to 7,500 and sales values increasing 9 per cent quarter-on-quarter to SAR8.7bn ($2.31bn).

Despite quarterly growth across all three cities, year-on-year sales volumes declined in Riyadh and Jeddah, reflecting mounting affordability pressures. Transactions were down 44 per cent in Riyadh and 19 per cent in Jeddah compared to the same period last year.

Sean Heckford, director of built asset consulting at Cavendish Maxwell, said: “Riyadh’s rapid price appreciation in 2024 led to sharp increases in both sales and rental prices, prompting the Government to introduce a five-year rent freeze to address affordability concerns. In Jeddah, price conditions have stabilised and affordability pressures have eased slightly. Meanwhile Dammam, where property is more affordable, is emerging as a new hot spot for property investment, with a year-on-year surge in buying activity from both end-users and investors.”

Read: From Riyadh to Red Sea: How Cityscape Global 2025 is reshaping urban living

The report shows that apartment and villa prices rose across Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam during Q3, with the strongest increases recorded in the capital. Rental rates for apartments increased in all three cities, while villa rents rose in Riyadh and Dammam but edged lower in Jeddah.

By the end of 2025, a total of 22,800 new residential units are expected to be delivered across the three cities, with a further 105,000 homes scheduled for completion in 2026 and 2027. Riyadh is set to account for the largest share, with 57,000 units in the pipeline, followed by Jeddah with 36,000 and Dammam with 12,000.

Cavendish Maxwell noted that regulatory reforms are likely to shape market dynamics in the coming years. The new foreign ownership law, due to take effect in January 2026, is expected to stimulate buyer demand, while the recently introduced White Land Tax is designed to encourage land development and increase housing supply.

Heckford added: “Saudi Arabia’s Q3 residential market performance reflects a transitional phase marked by strong macroeconomic fundamentals and evolving regulatory measures. Despite affordability challenges in Riyadh, demand remains resilient, supported by the new laws and tax systems. Jeddah demonstrates stability with balanced supply and demand dynamics, and Dammam stands out as a growth hotspot driven by affordability and investor interest. Vision 2030 initiatives and infrastructure investments will be pivotal in sustaining momentum and unlocking new investment opportunities across all major cities in KSA.”

Download the full Cavendish Maxwell KSA Q3 2025 report here.

As 2025 draws to a close, the MENA region stands at a cybersecurity crossroads. The threat landscape has evolved, not merely due to new vulnerabilities, but because adversaries have become more sophisticated.

According to PwC’s 2025 Global Digital Trust Insights Report, 40 per cent of tech leaders in the Middle East have made data protection their top investment priority.

Identity breaches have become the path of least resistance, operational technology (OT) systems are increasingly exposed, and artificial intelligence (AI) has transitioned from a theoretical risk to a tangible threat.

In 2026, these trends are set to accelerate. Here are five pivotal shifts that have shaped this year and will define the next.

1. Identity: The new frontline

Attackers now prefer to log in rather than break in; the front door is the easiest access point. This year, breaches have increasingly relied on stolen credentials, trusted access, and activities timed to blend seamlessly with normal business operations. Techniques such as multi-factor authentication fatigue, SIM-swapping, and AI-powered social engineering have made identity compromise alarmingly straightforward.

Identity will remain at the forefront of enterprise security. Privileged accounts, machine identities, and supplier access will be prime targets, allowing attackers to move stealthily within networks. Organisations must treat identity as a critical risk surface, necessitating constant monitoring, phishing-resistant authentication, stringent privilege controls, and analytics capable of early threat detection.

2. Ransomware will prioritise disruption over encryption

Ransomware has evolved strategically. Many groups have shifted focus from encrypting data to disrupting operations, triggering costly downtime, and weaponising reputational damage. Double extortion and repeat attacks have become common, especially in sectors that cannot afford service interruptions.

In the coming year, disruption-first tactics will proliferate. Industries with low tolerance for outages will face relentless pressure from attackers who know that operational paralysis often inflicts more damage than data loss.

Recovery readiness will be as crucial as early detection. Segmented backups, tested restoration plans, and executive-level incident drills will go from nice-to-have to non-negotiable.

3. OT will become a primary target as connectivity expands

OT underwent a rapid digital transformation this year, exposing significant security gaps. OT systems were not designed for frequent patching or aggressive scanning. Applying IT-style controls to them often results in downtime, equipment failures, or loss of operator trust – outcomes far more damaging than a missed update.

In 2026, OT environments will face growing risks as connectivity deepens. A one-size-fits-all security approach will not suffice. Cybersecurity teams, engineers, integrators, and vendors must collaborate.

Forward-thinking organisations will integrate security into the engineering and procurement process from the outset, aligning with frameworks like IEC 62443 and validating controls before systems go live.

4. AI will change the speed and scale of attacks

AI officially entered the cyber arena this year. Attackers used it to automate reconnaissance, craft persuasive phishing lures, and speed up exploitation. AI-driven attacks are no longer theoretical –they are operational.

In 2026, modular, agent-driven attack methods are expected to expand, shrinking the window between initial access and operational impact. This will strain Security Operations Center (SOC) teams already managing high alert volumes.

However, defenders can leverage the same tools. AI-powered detection, log analysis, and anomaly spotting can surface early warnings that might otherwise be lost in the noise. Successful organisations will pair advanced technology with strong governance, continuous auditing, and clear rules around internal AI use.

Cybersecurity is a relentless pursuit. Threat actors continuously adapt and innovate to bypass defences, creating an ongoing cycle of challenge and response. The game never ends – neither should our defence.

5. Cyber fundamentals will become the new strategic edge

Despite the complexity, 2025 reinforced a fundamental truth: the basics still win. Misconfigurations, unmonitored access, and improper tool use have driven most major incidents. The problem is rarely strategy, but execution at scale.

The last year has shown that governance, discipline, and shared responsibility matter more than any single technology. In 2026, cybersecurity will resemble how we approach workplace safety – a culture of consistent habits and clear responsibilities, not reactive firefighting. Public-private partnerships, timely threat sharing, and workforce training will become key to reducing risk across industries.

Overall, the thread connecting all five shifts is trust. Identity security, OT protection, recovery readiness, AI governance, and workforce behaviour all depend on it. Yet, the human factor remains the weakest link in the cybersecurity chain, making cyber awareness critically important to all organisations and governments alike. Attackers continue to succeed through phishing and misconfigurations – largely preventable issues.

The coming year will not reward organisations that merely invest in more tools. It will reward those who embed trust into their processes, technology, and people.

Attackers are becoming more efficient and professional. As a result, defenders need to match that rigour. The choices leaders make now will determine whether 2026 brings preventable crises or predictable, proven resilience.

Hadi Anwar is the CEO of CPX.