The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) in has issued a comprehensive five-day forecast spanning Saturday, September 20, to Wednesday, September 24, 2025, predicting humid mornings with chances of fog, fair to partly cloudy skies, convective cloud formation, and dusty winds across various regions of the UAE. The update was released via a WAM report, outlining the meteorological trends expected to influence the country during this period.

Read more-Sharjah’s investment boom: 361% FDI surge fuels jobs, projects

According to the NCM, weather conditions will be shaped by a combination of weak surface pressure systems and an extension of upper air high pressure, which are expected to dominate regional atmospheric patterns throughout the forecast period.

Saturday, Sept 20: Partly cloudy with rising humidity

On Saturday, the UAE saw fair to partly cloudy skies, with cloud development in eastern areas during the afternoon.

The humidity built overnight and into Sunday morning, particularly over coastal and inland areas, where fog or mist formation is likely.

Winds will be light to moderate, occasionally freshening during the day and stirring up blowing dust. Wind speeds are expected to range between 10–25 km/hr, peaking at 40 km/hr, blowing southeast to northeast.

Temperature range:

• Coastal and islands: Highs of 37–41°C, lows of 27–31°C, with humidity levels between 70–90 per cent
• Internal areas: Highs of 42–45°C, lows of 25–29°C, with humidity between 60–80 per cent
• Mountains: Highs of 28–33°C, lows of 22–26°C, humidity 65–85 per cent

Sunday, Sept 21: Continued cloud build-up and humid nights

Conditions on Sunday will remain fair to partly cloudy, with a continued chance of convective cloud formation in the east, possibly bringing rainfall during the afternoon.

Humidity levels will increase again overnight and into Monday morning, making fog or mist a possibility across the interior and coastal regions.

Winds will blow southeast to northeast at 10–25 km/hr, reaching up to 40 km/hr, and may cause occasional blowing dust. Both the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea are expected to remain slight in sea state.

Monday, Sept 22: Fog potential continues

Monday’s forecast indicates partly cloudy skies with cloud buildup in eastern areas expected during the afternoon. Humidity will persist overnight and into early morning, increasing the possibility of fog or mist, particularly inland.

Winds will blow from the southeast to northeast at 10–25 km/hr, occasionally reaching 35 km/h. The Arabian Gulf may experience slight to moderate seas, while the Oman Sea will remain slight.

Tuesday, Sept 23: Temperature dip expected

The weather on Tuesday will remain fair to partly cloudy, with a slight and gradual drop in temperatures. Humidity will rise overnight into Wednesday morning, particularly inland, continuing the trend of fog or mist risk.

Winds will shift to southwesterly to northwesterly, blowing at 10–25 km/hr, with gusts reaching 40 km/h. Seas will be slight to moderate in the Arabian Gulf, while the Oman Sea will continue to see slight conditions.

Wednesday, Sept 24: Rough seas and dusty winds

On Wednesday, skies will remain fair to partly cloudy, with low clouds forming over northern and eastern regions. Winds will turn northwesterly, blowing at 10–25 km/hr, with gusts up to 40 km/hr, potentially raising dust in exposed areas.

Maritime conditions will become more volatile, with the Arabian Gulf experiencing moderate to rough seas, while the Oman Sea will range between slight to moderate.

Sharjah has emerged as the UAE’s fastest-growing emirate for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the first half of 2025, recording a dramatic 361 per cent increase in capital inflows to $1.5bn, compared to $325m in the same period last year. This economic surge has translated into tangible growth across several sectors, expanding the project pipeline, creating jobs, and reinforcing the emirate’s industrial base.

Driven by investor confidence and backed by a clearly defined strategic vision, Sharjah’s performance underscores its positioning as a competitive and reliable investment hub. The latest data confirms the emirate’s successful efforts to channel foreign capital into long-term, sustainable development, a WAM report said.

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The sharp increase in capital investment was matched by a rise in new project activity, with 74 new projects launched in H1 2025, a 57 per cengt increase from 47 projects during the same period in 2024. This expansion is significantly benefiting Sharjah’s production and service-based sectors, which are aligned with the emirate’s vision for a high-value, knowledge-based economy.

Employment also saw a notable boost, with 2,578 new jobs created, a 45 per cent increase from 1,779 in H1 2024. The growth in job opportunities is enhancing purchasing power, strengthening local consumption, and generating momentum for further investments, particularly among small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Strategic leadership behind economic momentum

Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), attributed the emirate’s strong FDI performance to the visionary leadership of Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.

“These exceptional results reinforce Sharjah’s reputation as a safe and attractive investment destination,” Al Owais said. “The Sharjah Chamber continues its work to support investors, promote diverse opportunities, and build strategic partnerships with international institutions to attract even more capital into the emirate.”

Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), highlighted the significance of this growth. “A 361 per cent jump in capital investment and 57 per cent growth in projects in just six months is more than just numbers. It means more jobs, stronger industries, and sustainable value creation for our communities,” he noted.

Al Qaseer also praised the efforts of the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah), describing its role as “pivotal” in aligning global capital with the emirate’s long-term goals of talent development, industrial diversification, and sustainability.

Government alignment fuels sectoral expansion

Hamad Ali Abdalla Al Mahmoud, Chairman of the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD), said the surge in FDI reflects the strength of Sharjah’s economic fundamentals and its ability to pursue excellence and leadership across business sectors.

“This momentum directly supports Sharjah’s vision for smart and sustainable economic development,” he said, noting that the Department will continue to scale its initiatives in line with the emirate’s growth strategy.

Consumer goods and F&B lead investment growth

New data reveals that specific sectors are emerging as front-runners in Sharjah’s transformation journey.

• Consumer products: The sector saw a 53 per cent increase in project count and a 188 per cent rise in capital investment, making it one of the key contributors to Sharjah’s diversified economic portfolio.
• Food and beverage (F&B): With a 112 per cent jump in new projects and a 25 per cent increase in employment, Sharjah is consolidating its role as a regional food security hub.
• Business services: Perhaps the most dynamic performer, the sector experienced a staggering 500 per cent rise in capital investment and an 1100 per cent increase in job creation, underlining its role in supporting a modern, service-oriented economy.
• Industrial equipment: This sector also expanded significantly, with a 100 per cent increase in project count and a 45 per cent increase in capital expenditure, a strong signal of Sharjah’s growing manufacturing base.

Infrastructure, policy, and human capital as growth enablers

The emirate’s success has been underpinned by proactive governance, enabling legislation, and infrastructure that supports enterprise development. The data points to a well-coordinated institutional effort to make Sharjah an attractive long-term investment destination.

A human-centric development vision, one that focuses on empowering talent and driving knowledge-based industries, continues to serve as the cornerstone of Sharjah’s FDI strategy. This foundation has allowed the emirate to translate capital inflows into real economic value and long-term competitiveness.

The multiplier effect of rising FDI is expected to ripple across logistics, education, innovation, and technology sectors, further boosting GDP and increasing the emirate’s global standing. With a clear alignment between public and private sector efforts, Sharjah appears well-positioned to maintain its upward growth trajectory.

Sharjah’s ability to attract high-value investments in H1 2025, and convert them into sustainable economic impact, marks a significant milestone in the emirate’s journey towards becoming a regional leader in diversified, resilient growth.

du, UAE’s telecom and digital services provider, has announced the launch of 5G+, its next-generation network advancement built on 5G-Advanced architecture. Offering up to double the speed of existing 5G, the rollout promises to transform mobile connectivity with unprecedented performance, reshaping how customers engage with digital services.

Karim Benkirane, chief commercial officer at du, said: “By introducing 5G+ to our customers, du is setting a new benchmark for mobile performance in the UAE. We will deliver more than just faster speeds; unlocking new possibilities for our customers. With more customers using generative AI, 5G+ will provide an enhanced network capabilities to improve experience and performance on AI-driven apps. From streaming in ultra-HD and competing in mobile gaming, to powering AI-driven apps instantly, our customers will soon be able to enjoy experiences that are seamless, reliable, and truly next-generation. This is how we’re shaping the future of connectivity and creating real value for our customers.”

Next-generation experience

5G+ introduces a range of network enhancements designed to elevate customer experiences: faster speeds with up to 2x improvements in downloads, significantly reduced latency for real-time applications, and seamless connectivity even in high-demand environments.

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The technology will enable instant movie downloads, uninterrupted ultra-HD streaming, lag-free mobile gaming with competitive-edge response times, and advanced AI-powered applications such as real-time translation and augmented reality. It also ensures crystal-clear video calls and smooth social sharing, even in crowded venues.

Built on advanced mobile network infrastructure that operates independently of LTE, du’s 5G+ is a step change in mobile connectivity. To access its capabilities, customers will need a compatible device and SIM or eSIM.

As part of its strategic vision to modernise religious services and infrastructure, Saudi Arabia is rapidly transforming how millions of worshippers experience the Two Holy Mosques and associated pilgrimage sites.

Leveraging cutting-edge technology, streamlined operations, and integrated awareness initiatives, multiple Saudi authorities are working in sync to create a smarter, safer, and more spiritually enriching journey for pilgrims from around the world.

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This sweeping transformation is not only elevating service quality and operational efficiency but also setting a new global standard for how technology can support large-scale religious gatherings in the digital era.

Building a digitally integrated pilgrimage ecosystem

At the heart of this transformation is the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, which has rolled out a robust, digitally integrated strategy designed to enhance service delivery and ensure seamless access for worshippers. Through a unified digital environment supported by advanced systems and a highly skilled workforce, the authority aims to improve quality, productivity, and user experience across all service touch points.

In the Islamic year 1446 AH, the authority launched an impressive suite of multilingual digital content, including 217,000 translated words, 2,512 digital pages, and 240 visual and audio materials in seven languages. These tools cater to the needs of a global, multilingual pilgrim base and support spiritual guidance in accessible formats, a Saudi Press Agency report said.

Complementing this is a range of eight digital services used by over 3.6 million visitors, covering everything from booking systems and experience enhancement tools to beneficiary feedback channels.

A further 1.2 million worshippers benefited from five seasonal digital services, which facilitated applications for itikaf, iftar, seasonal job permits, and access to important religious content such as the Arafah sermon.

In total, the authority processed 12,723 seasonal reports, reflecting its commitment to real-time operational responsiveness and continuous improvement.

Strengthening operational backbone with institutional systems

To support these digital services, the authority has implemented a robust foundation of eight institutional systems, including platforms for volunteering, technical support, internal communication, and project management. These systems are aligned with broader smart government goals and integrate with national platforms such as Nusuk and Tawakkalna, enhancing data governance and the overall pilgrim experience.

One of the most notable advancements is the deployment of computer vision and crowd management systems, supported by 2,500 cameras and five advanced monitoring systems, allowing real-time crowd analysis and proactive safety interventions during peak periods.

As the digital footprint of the holy sites expands, so does the need for robust data protection. In response, the authority has introduced nine advanced cybersecurity systems, guided by 17 technical and operational standards, and supported by 13 comprehensive procedures for policy enforcement and digital process regulation.

Three contingency plans have also been developed to counter digital threats and emergencies, ensuring business continuity. Additionally, 19 official policies have been ratified and published to safeguard the integrity and reliability of digital services delivered to millions of global users.

Infrastructure upgrades transform pilgrim entry points

Beyond digital transformation, physical infrastructure is also receiving major investment. The Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites (RCMC) is spearheading the redevelopment of Miqats, the sacred gateways where pilgrims enter the state of Ihram before Hajj or Umrah.

During the 1446 AH Hajj season, improved operational planning helped slash pilgrim waiting times from 80 minutes to 39 minutes, while achieving a 100 per cent response rate to visitor feedback and a 99 per cent satisfaction rating. These figures underscore the success of RCMC’s focus on both efficiency and user-centric design.

Current development projects include the redesign of Miqat Qarn Al Manazil, focusing on traffic flow optimisation, expanded prayer areas, and modernised facilities. Upgrades at Miqat Wadi Muharram aim to enhance infrastructure, visual aesthetics, and accessibility via major transportation routes.

“These efforts are rooted in a broader strategy to improve service delivery, ensure long-term sustainability, and preserve the Islamic architectural identity of these sacred sites,” said Eng. Saleh Al Rasheed, CEO of RCMC.

National awareness strategy supports spiritual engagement

Adding another dimension to the modernisation efforts is a large-scale religious awareness campaign launched by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance in Madinah for the 1447 AH Umrah season. These initiatives are designed to provide spiritual, intellectual, and logistical support to the millions of pilgrims expected to visit.

The campaign comprises over 80,000 activities, encompassing 13 major programs, four training courses, two forums, and five intellectual initiatives. Delivered across mosques and Islamic centers in Madinah’s various governorates, these programs aim to instill values of moderation, balance, and authentic Islamic teachings.

A suite of digital tools, including e-books, sermons, academic lessons, and lectures, will be utilized alongside translators and interactive awareness booths to ensure broad accessibility, especially for international pilgrims who may face language or cultural barriers.

A unified vision for the future of pilgrimage

Together, these interlinked initiatives, from smart digital ecosystems and cybersecurity fortification to physical infrastructure upgrades and mass awareness campaigns, are reshaping the future of religious pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. By aligning technology with tradition, and efficiency with empathy, the Kingdom is delivering an elevated, secure, and deeply spiritual experience to millions of pilgrims while positioning itself as a global model for large-scale religious service innovation.

With demand for pilgrimage growing year after year, Saudi Arabia’s proactive investments in digital infrastructure, operational systems, and spiritual education are not only meeting today’s challenges, they’re laying the groundwork for the future of worship.

VML has released its ninth annual Future Shopper report, a global study that reveals how many brands are still struggling to meet basic customer experience expectations despite years of digital acceleration. Surveying more than 25,000 shoppers across 16 countries, the 2025 edition highlights a disconnect between consumer demands for value, speed, and trust, and what brands are actually delivering. Strikingly, 45 per cent of shoppers worldwide say they often abandon online shopping carts because the digital experience is too frustrating.

The report underscores that businesses must urgently improve human-centric experiences if they want to thrive in an AI-first world. AI is already reshaping the shopping journey, with widespread usage and trust suggesting it will soon transform everything from product discovery to purchase. While marketplaces continue to set the bar for service, their share of wallet has declined compared to last year, as consumers increasingly return to search engines—likely driven by the integration of AI into search.

AI’s rapid role in shopping

• 68 per cent of consumers have used AI tools such as ChatGPT to shop.

• 52 per cent are excited by the idea of their own AI agent to handle shopping for them.

Personalisation helps but still falls short

• 63 per cent say personalised recommendations support product discovery.

• 45 per cent believe most brands still fail at delivering effective personalisation.

Omnichannel retail on the rise

Marketplaces remain central to the shopping journey, but their dominance is slipping. Their share of wallet dropped from 29 per cent last year to 22 per cent in 2025, signaling a gradual move toward true omnichannel retail experiences.

“Future Shopper 2025 is a reminder for brands and retailers everywhere. The data is clear: consumers are continuing to raise the bar on what they expect—faster delivery, seamless experiences, and meaningful personalisation powered by technology like AI, whilst at the same time re-evaluating what they purchase and when.

Yet, many businesses are missing the mark on the fundamentals of customer experience. Neither the customer journey of the future, nor the consumer of the future will be the same as today, but retailers and brands must find a way of offering the best experience right now, while building the experience of the future in parallel,” said Jeff Gehab, global CEO, VML Enterprise Solutions.

What shoppers are saying

• 46 per cent are often surprised by how poor online shopping experiences are, even from major retailers.

• 50 per cent think businesses don’t understand what customers want from digital channels.

• 32 per cent of shoppers expect delivery within two hours.

• 40 per cent won’t place an order if same-day or scheduled delivery isn’t available.

• 58 per cent want to move from inspiration to purchase as quickly as possible—a trend VML calls “compressed commerce.”

Neil Dawson, global chief strategy officer, VML, added: “In today’s risk-averse market, every purchase is a considered purchase. Consumers are demanding reassurance — on price, on speed, on trust — before they commit. The Future Shopper 2025 makes it clear that commerce success now depends on delivering tangible value at every stage of the journey, from discovery to delivery. That means personalising in ways that genuinely help, rethinking fulfillment for the two-hour economy, innovating for real-world value, and using AI to simplify rather than complicate. At VML, we’re turning these consumer demands into strategies that drive both immediate sales and long-term loyalty.”