Cybersecurity is now a central pillar of regulatory strategy in the UAE. With the Financial Action Task Force’s Mutual Evaluation approaching in 2026, national and sector-level regulators are sharpening their focus on how firms manage cyber risk.

Most recently, on July 29 earlier this year, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) introduced a strengthened cybersecurity framework designed to elevate how financial firms manage cyber risk. These new rules are based on the guidance provided to firms and shaped by industry feedback from Consultation Paper No. 3 of 2025.

The new rules mark a shift: cybersecurity is no longer just a technical concern; it’s a strategic imperative.

With a compliance deadline of January 31, 2026, firms operating in or entering ADGM must act now. The FSRA’s expectations are clear, and the time to prepare is limited.

A framework that reflects today’s risk landscape

The cornerstone of the FSRA’s update is a documented, board-approved Cyber Risk Management Framework (CRMF). Firms’ investment exchanges and clearing houses regulated by the FSRA must implement a CRMF that is reviewed annually and tailored to the firm’s unique risk profile.

It is important to note that the FSRA intends to apply a risk-based approach that reflects the nature, scale, and complexity of the activities conducted by the regulated entities. Where applicable, it will take into account the cybersecurity controls implemented at the group level.

The CRMF must:

• Identify and assess cyber risks across the organisation.
• Define clear roles and responsibilities, including incident response protocols.
• Protect Information and Communication Technology (ICT) assets through proportionate controls.
• Prepare the firm to respond effectively to cyber incidents.

The FSRA’s expectations go beyond basic compliance. Rather than offering a checklist of controls, the framework calls for a strategic, risk-based approach; one that enables firms to build resilient programs capable of adapting to evolving threats.

Third-party risk creates accountability beyond the perimeter

One of the most notable shifts in the FSRA’s approach is its emphasis on third-party risk. This includes:

• Conducting due diligence and ongoing monitoring.
• Establishing contracts that require incident notification and cooperation.
• Maintaining an inventory of ICT providers and assessing their risk exposure.

This requirement aligns with a broader global shift in regulatory focus. Increasingly, regulators are holding firms accountable for the cybersecurity practices of their third-party providers.

Cyber risk in the boardroom

Governance matters. The FSRA’s framework places cybersecurity oversight squarely in the hands of senior leadership. Governing bodies and senior management must ensure that cyber risks are identified, addressed, and managed by qualified individuals.

This shift highlights the growing role of cybersecurity in enterprise-wide risk management. It’s no longer confined to IT teams.

Cyber threats are now among the top risks facing financial institutions globally.

Boards must recognise that cybersecurity is not just a technical issue; it’s a business risk with direct implications for financial stability, reputation, and regulatory exposure.

Effective oversight now requires active engagement from senior leadership and the board. Firms must demonstrate that their leaders are informed, accountable, and equipped to guide cyber risk strategies.

Protecting ICT assets is a layered approach

The FSRA outlines specific expectations for protecting ICT assets, including:

• Anti-malware software and network security controls.
• Access management and multi-factor authentication.
• Encryption of data in transit, at rest, and at destruction.
• Physical access restrictions to data centres.
• Annual cybersecurity training for staff.

These controls are foundational, but their effectiveness depends on how they’re implemented, monitored, and tested. The FSRA requires resilience testing, including penetration testing and vulnerability assessments, regularly, with internet-facing systems tested at least once a year. Firms are expected to remediate any issues identified.

Incident response requires speed, structure and transparency

Firms must establish and maintain a formal incident response plan that is tested and updated regularly. In the event of a material cyber incident, the FSRA must be notified within 24 hours of detection.

This requirement underscores the importance of preparedness. Firms must be able to detect, contain, and recover from incidents quickly, while maintaining transparency with regulators.

Preparing for the January 2026 deadline

With the compliance deadline approaching, it’s recommended that firms take the following steps:

1. Conduct a gap analysis between current practices and FSRA requirements. Identify areas for improvement and develop a remediation plan.
2. Review third-party risk management frameworks, ensuring contracts include cybersecurity obligations and vendors are monitored appropriately.
3. Perform a cyber risk assessment, including penetration testing and vulnerability scans, to identify weaknesses.
4. Update and test the incident response plan, including tabletop exercises to ensure readiness for the FSRA’s 24-hour reporting requirement.

These steps go beyond regulatory compliance, and they help strengthen stakeholder confidence and reinforce a firm’s commitment to operational resilience in line with the FSRA’s risk-based approach.

Compliance as a catalyst for resilience

The FSRA’s framework arrives at a time when cyber threats are escalating in scale and sophistication, with attackers increasingly using AI-enhanced phishing and deepfake technology.

Ransomware attacks have also surged, targeting financial institutions and exploiting legacy systems and third-party vulnerabilities. These high-profile incidents are a wake-up call for boards and executive teams. Investors, regulators, and customers now expect firms to demonstrate cyber resilience.

ESG frameworks increasingly include cybersecurity as a governance metric, and global regulations such as the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) and the Network and Information Security Directive 2 (NIS2) make board members personally accountable for cyber oversight. Cyber risk is no longer a siloed concern. It’s a key driver of stakeholder trust and enterprise-wide governance.

The FSRA’s framework is ambitious, but it’s also achievable. With the right strategy, firms can meet the January 2026 deadline and position themselves as leaders in cybersecurity resilience.

Clare Curtis is head of ACA Effecta, a division of ACA Group specialising in tailored support for the UAE’s unique regulatory landscape.

Abu Dhabi-based Modon Holding has made a strategic investment in Wellington Lifestyle Partners (WLP), joining the company’s group of existing investors.

Modon said the investment will back the long-term development of Wellington International equestrian showgrounds in Florida and support plans for a major ultra-luxury real estate project comprising high-end residences, a boutique hotel, a commercial marketplace and a championship golf course.

The move marks Modon’s first direct investment in an equestrian-led development in the United States and aligns with its strategy to expand its global footprint in high-value destination developments.

Highlights of the Modon-WLP deal

The deal places Modon alongside WLP’s current investors and operators to advance a portfolio of sport and lifestyle assets, including Wellington International, The Wanderers Club, and The Wellington, a private residential club community of 253 homes scheduled to open in 2028 with a golf course designed by David McLay Kidd.

Plans also include a lifestyle Marketplace with a luxury hotel, residences, retail, offices and dining. The projects form part of a long-term masterplan to reinforce Wellington’s position as a global centre for equestrian sport and luxury living.

The investment includes a licence agreement allowing Modon to use the Wellington International brand and intellectual property across strategic markets for future developments.

Under the agreement, Modon will also become a premier sponsor of the Winter Equestrian Festival and the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, the world’s largest and longest-running hunter/jumper and dressage competitions, attracting more than 250,000 spectators and exhibitors annually.

“This strategic investment reflects Modon’s ambition to invest alongside world-class partners that share our vision for excellence in destination development,” Modon chairman Jassem Mohamed Bu Ataba Al Zaabi said. “By extending our reach to the US, we are furthering Modon’s role in delivering sustainable destinations that embody quality, innovation and cultural connection.”

Group chief executive Bill O’Regan said the partnership fits Modon’s focus on integrated lifestyle destinations across community, sport and hospitality, adding that Wellington International offers global recognition and operational expertise complementary to Modon’s projects at Hudayriyat Island, Ras El Hekma and La Zagaleta.

Mark Bellissimo, founder of Wellington Lifestyle Partners, said Modon’s arrival alongside NEXUS and equestrian Murray Kessler as CEO of Wellington International forms an “exceptional blend of expertise” that will help accelerate plans to elevate Wellington’s equestrian lifestyle offer.

Read: IHC sells 42.54 per cent stake in Modon to L’imad Holding

The Ministry of Interior in the UAE has announced comprehensive legal regulations governing celebrations and vehicle decorations during the 54th National Day, highlighting that the rules are designed to safeguard road users and prevent activities that could endanger lives or property.

Brigadier Engineer Hussein Ahmed Al Harthi, chairman of the Federal Traffic Council at the Ministry of Interior, stressed the importance of observing National Day in a civilised manner that reflects the UAE’s positive values. He urged the public to adhere to laws and preventive measures, maintaining public safety and ensuring smooth traffic flow across the country, a WAM report said.

Key vehicle regulations

The announced guidelines detail stringent requirements for vehicle decorations. Only approved stickers are permitted, and the placement of slogans, signs, or stickers unrelated to National Day is strictly prohibited. Random gatherings or marches on public roads are not allowed, nor is obstructing traffic, blocking roads, or causing congestion.

Read more-Dubai’s Global Village: Highlights for visitors during the UAE National Day holiday

Safety measures extend to vehicle operation as well. Overloading is prohibited, passengers cannot exit through windows or sunroofs, and stunts or dangerous behavior on internal and external roads are banned. Drivers and passengers are also required to comply with traffic rules and follow police instructions at all times.

The regulations specifically forbid covering side or windshields with stickers or sunshades, adding noise-making materials, or making unauthorised modifications to the vehicle’s body or engine. Accessories that obstruct visibility, spray paint (party spray), and wearing scarves, except those officially designated for National Day, are banned. Playing loud music or anthems is only allowed if approved for the celebrations, and obscuring or altering license plates, changing

Decoration shops are also required to comply with the ministry’s guidelines. Only the UAE flag or approved stickers can be installed, while raising flags of other countries during the celebration period is not allowed, with the UAE flag being the sole exception.

Enforcement and community responsibility

The Ministry of Interior confirmed that legal action will be taken against any vehicle violating the regulations, including fines and impounding non-compliant vehicles.

Authorities called on the community to cooperate and celebrate with a spirit of patriotism and responsibility. Observing these rules not only reflects the UAE’s civilised image but also underscores the nation’s unwavering commitment to safety, public order, and mutual respect on the roads.

These regulations reinforce the UAE’s focus on combining national pride with public safety, ensuring that the 54th National Day is celebrated responsibly and joyfully across the country.

Travel demand across the Gulf is shifting as Saudi Arabia and Bahrain emerge as the region’s fastest-growing outbound markets, according to new airport usage data released by Dragonpass.

Saudi Arabia recorded a 36 per cent jump in travel volumes this summer, with June marking its highest month on record.

Dragonpass said the rise reflects growing airport capacity and a broader push to boost leisure and business mobility under Vision 2030.

Bahrain saw a 208 per cent year-on-year increase, the strongest among GCC markets, reinforcing its role as a regional connector while tourism investment continues to expand.

Qatar followed with a 198.9 per cent increase, supported by new routes and strong international event traffic.

Oman posted 89.2 per cent growth, with August as its peak month, driven by heritage tourism and rising connectivity through Muscat International.

The UAE, still the region’s largest aviation hub, recorded a 21 per cent decline in volumes over the summer. Dragonpass attributed the drop to seasonal travel shifts and growing competition from neighbouring markets.

Change in travel habits noted in the Dragonpass report

The report also pointed to a change in traveller habits across the Gulf, with premium lounge access becoming more mainstream.

Bahrain recorded the highest lounge usage globally, at 1.35 per cent of passengers, ahead of major international hubs such as London Heathrow and Hong Kong.

Saudi Arabia ranked second in the GCC at 0.86 per cent, followed by the UAE, Oman and Qatar.

Dragonpass CMO Andrew Harrison Chinn said the growth reflects economic strength and confidence across the bloc. He added that airport experience is becoming central to the travel journey, noting that the company is expanding regional partnerships to meet rising expectations.

Dragonpass provides access to more than 1,400 lounges, 200 fast-track lanes, and over 500 dining benefits, supporting more than 40 million users.

The company operates globally, with regional offices in the UAE, Singapore, Brazil, South Africa, Japan, and China.

Sunteck Realty, one of India’s luxury real estate developers, has officially entered the UAE market with the launch of Sunteck International, its new global arm headquartered in Dubai. The move marks the company’s first international expansion and its ambition to redefine ultra-luxury development in the region.

At an exclusive reveal featuring a 1,000-drone show, Sunteck International unveiled the prime land parcel for its inaugural project in Downtown Dubai—an Dhs5bn development located steps away from the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall. The plot is widely regarded as one of the most coveted remaining sites in the district.

Unlike typical project unveilings that showcase full tower concepts or masterplans, Sunteck International opted for a plot-first reveal. The company said the strategy underscores its confidence in the location’s inherent value and its belief that “extraordinary locations deserve to be experienced in their purest form” before design elements are introduced.

The developer’s entry into Dubai comes as the UAE continues to attract record levels of global wealth. According to Henley & Partners, the UAE is set to welcome a net inflow of over 9,800 millionaires in 2025, cementing its position as the world’s top destination for high-net-worth migration.

Below is an exclusive interview with Kamal Khetan, chairman and managing director, Sunteck Realty:

Why do you see the UAE, particularly Dubai, as an attractive market for developers?

The UAE, and Dubai in particular, is experiencing exponential growth and has become one of the world’s fastest-evolving luxury real estate hubs. The city attracts some of the world’s biggest billionaires and millionaires relocating from other countries. The city is tax-efficient, has world-class infrastructure, a high standard of lifestyle, and strong safety and security measures. Europe is saturated, and the political and tax structures there are increasingly challenging, which drives individuals to explore Dubai. The region continues to attract high-net-worth individuals, and this trend is expected to grow. For developers like us, who are in the ultra-luxurious space, Dubai is an ideal launchpad which brings immediate global visibility, a deep and fast-growing pool of UHNW buyers, and a transaction ecosystem that supports large-scale, branded, design-led projects.

How does regulation influence investor confidence in Dubai?

Strong regulatory frameworks are critical. Anywhere a regulatory authority comes in, the market grows. For example, in India, when the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) regulated the stock market, global investors gained confidence. Similarly, Dubai’s real estate regulations, through RERA, protect investor money and ensure transparency. This gives comfort to foreign investors and developers. Unlike past crises, such as 2008-2009, today’s market has checks and balances that prevent fly-by-night operators from entering.

What major trends do you see shaping the Dubai property sector in 2026?

Luxury real estate will reach new heights. The buying power of residents is extremely high, and people are no longer moving to Dubai just for tax benefits—they also come for lifestyle. Dubai offers city life, serene beachfront living, and world-class amenities all under one roof. People from Europe, India, and even the US who previously relocated to London or other countries are now considering Dubai. The appeal of comfortable winters, modern infrastructure, and high living standards will continue to attract residents, driving growth in 2026.

Is there any concern about a property bubble in Dubai?

No, the market is healthy. Growth is sustainable. Unlike the 2008 crisis, today the market has strong regulations and transparency. For example, RERA ensures that developers cannot sell units unless a substantial portion of the project is funded and approved. Investors entering Dubai real estate today are serious players, not speculators. While there may be minor corrections, a crash like the Lehman crisis is unlikely.

Can you share your plans and vision for Sunteck in Dubai?

We have acquired a large land parcel in downtown Dubai, across from the Dubai Mall. The inaugural project estimated at Dhs5bn GDV, offers beautiful views, direct access to Dubai Mall, the canal, and Dubai Opera. In India, our projects transformed lower-income locations into premium destinations, attracting high-profile residents. We intend to replicate that success in Dubai. Our aim is to develop a flagship property that represents the highest standards of luxury. We are not here to follow existing paths; we aim to disrupt, elevate, and redefine ultra-luxury living in the world’s most dynamic market. The fact that we are creating an ultra-luxurious offering transcending beyond what exists today speaks to this ambition. Dubai is our strategic anchor for the Middle East. Our Dhs15bn planned investment pipeline over the next three years is only the starting point of a long-term commitment to the region’s growth story. We already have several multi-billion-dirham projects under discussion, with key announcements expected in the first quarter of 2026.

What impact do you anticipate on the sector in 2026?

We foresee only positive impacts. Dubai benefits from geopolitical stability and neutrality, which makes it attractive to investors and residents alike. The city is welcoming, and this encourages continued growth. With the lifestyle, infrastructure, and business environment, we see Dubai continuing to expand rapidly in 2026. Moreover, the UAE is continuing to lead in global wealth migration with over 9,800 millionaires relocated to the country in 2025 (source: Henley & Partners) further fueling demand for premium, design-led, and well-located luxury homes. We anticipate particularly strong demand for premium residences and are very excited about launching in a prime landmark address like Downtown Dubai, which ticks all the boxes for exclusivity, design, and long-term value and is yet another reinforcement of our DNA and reputation of being a location pioneer and truly disruptive luxury developer.

How does Dubai feel to you personally, given your background in India?

Dubai feels like home. While India is our origin, Dubai offers a lifestyle and opportunities that make it a natural place to invest and grow. We are proud to witness Dubai’s growth and see enormous potential here. Our strategy is to leverage both India and Dubai markets, tapping into opportunities to expand Sunteck and achieve sustainable growth.