Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed traffic works at 10 school-zone sites benefiting 27 schools across the emirate during the summer of 2025, as part of its strategy to improve safety and ease congestion around educational institutions.

The upgrades, carried out during the summer break to minimise disruption, covered school areas in Al Warqa 1, 3 and 4, Al Safa 1, Al Barsha 1, Al Garhoud, Al Mizhar 1 and 4, Al Qusais and Al Barsha South.

Dubai school zone upgrades include road widening

Works included widening roads near the Al Warqa schools complex, adding parking for staff and parents in Al Mizhar and Al Barsha, constructing new entrances and exits in Al Mizhar and Al Warqa, and installing pedestrian signals and traffic-calming measures.

According to the RTA, the improvements increased parking capacity at some schools by 90 per cent and boosted traffic flow in surrounding areas by 25 to 40 per cent.

The authority said the works enhance road safety, support teaching staff, bus drivers and parents, and reflect efforts to keep pace with Dubai’s urban growth.

More traffic solutions in play for 2025: RTA

The RTA said further traffic solutions are planned for 2025 in areas including Al Barsha 1, Umm Al Sheif, Al Barsha South and Al Warqa, under a framework developed with Dubai Police to increase road capacity and cut journey times.

The authority urged parents and bus drivers to comply with safety rules such as using designated pick-up and drop-off areas, avoiding random parking, stopping at school bus signs, and reducing speeds around schools to ensure a safe, accident-free environment.

The UAE and Angola signed a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) during a state visit by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in a move aimed at expanding trade and investment ties between the two countries.

The agreement was exchanged in the presence of Sheikh Mohamed and Angolan President João Manuel Lourenço. UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi and Angola’s Minister of Industry and Commerce Rui Miguêns de Oliveira signed on behalf of their governments, state news agency WAM reported.

Sheikh Mohamed said the CEPA would stimulate trade flows, expand investment, and enhance coordination between the business communities of both nations. He described the deal as a step forward in strengthening the UAE’s strategic partnerships with African countries that share its vision for economic growth and sustainability.

The Angolan President welcomed the accord along with a series of memoranda of understanding (MoUs), saying they would reinforce and diversify bilateral economic cooperation.

CEPA to expand ties with with Sub-Saharan and West African markets

According to the WAM report, Dr Al Zeyoudi said the CEPA expands the UAE’s ties with Sub-Saharan and West African markets, describing the region as a high-growth area seeking to accelerate development through strategic partnerships.

He noted Angola’s young population, abundant natural resources, and GDP growth of 4.4 per cent in 2024 make it one of the region’s most promising economies.

He said the agreement builds on momentum in bilateral trade, particularly in sectors such as gemstones, minerals, mining, digital trade, and agri-tech, while Angola’s Atlantic coast location gives it potential as a logistics hub.

Non-oil trade between the UAE and Angola reached $2.17bn in 2024, rising 29.7per cent in H1 2025 to $1.4bn.

According to Al Zeyoudi, UAE non-oil exports to Angola stood at $135.6m in 2024, while Angola’s main exports to the UAE included diamonds, gold, copper, and grains, accounting for nearly all imports. The UAE exported light petroleum distillates, iron and steel products, cigarettes, and perfumes, while re-exports included vehicles, diesel trucks, and spare parts.

The CEPA is designed to cut or remove customs duties, dismantle non-tariff barriers, expand market access for services, and create new investment opportunities across multiple sectors.

Al Zeyoudi forecast that the agreement will raise non-oil bilateral trade to more than $10bn annually by 2033, add about $1bn to both economies, and create nearly 30,000 new jobs.

He added that the agreement is balanced and mutually beneficial, with scope to expand imports from Angola worth nearly $1bn in products such as glass, fish, and fruits, while boosting UAE exports by up to $235m in machinery, electrical equipment, chemicals, and plastics.

Al Zeyoudi said the deal will also strengthen cooperation in services such as logistics, healthcare, tourism, and finance, which already represent nearly 40 per cent of Angola’s GDP, and will support SMEs by easing restrictions and creating a platform for collaboration between incubators, accelerators, and youth- and women-led projects.

The minister highlighted major UAE investments in Angola, including Masdar’s 150MW solar project to power 90,000 homes, Dubai Investments’ 2,000-hectare industrial park project, and AD Ports Group’s operation of a multipurpose terminal at Luanda Port.

He stressed that the CEPA is central to the UAE’s foreign trade strategy, aimed at raising trade volumes to $4tn ($1.1tn) by 2031 and doubling exports.

The agreement will enter into force once ratification procedures are completed in both countries, bringing immediate benefits such as streamlined customs processes, reduced tariffs, and expanded market access.

UAE-Angola sign MoUs in tech, finance and agriculture

According to WAM, the two leaders also oversaw the signing of MoUs in artificial intelligence, central banking, and agriculture. An AI cooperation agreement was signed by UAE Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Angola’s Minister of State for Economic Coordination José de Lima Massano.

The Central Bank of the UAE and the National Bank of Angola signed an MoU on financial cooperation, while agricultural firm Al Dahra signed an agreement with Angola’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

Other agreements covered areas including political consultations, diplomatic cooperation, tourism, investment, renewable energy, culture, education, labour, sports, health, climate action, and technology.

Read: UAE and Azerbaijan sign CEPA to boost trade, investment ties

Holo, a fintech platform reinventing how people buy homes in the UAE, said on Monday it has raised $22m in one of the largest Series A rounds in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in 2025.

The round was led by Saudi Arabia’s Impact46, with support from Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Investment Company, Rua Growth Fund, anb seed, and MoreThan Capital, alongside returning investors Salica Oryx Fund and Dubai Future District Fund.

Michael Hunter and Arran Summerhill, co-founders of Holo, said: “At Holo, we’ve always believed that buying a home shouldn’t be complicated. With this raise, we’re not only scaling across borders, but also scaling trust, simplicity, and access to homeownership.

“Our profitability in the UAE has given us the strength and confidence to invest ambitiously in high-growth markets like Saudi Arabia. The momentum around homeownership and digital transformation is only accelerating as the kingdom inches closer towards achieving Vision 2030.

“The vision is regional, and with backing from world-class investors, we’re in a prime position to keep raising the bar for how home-buying should work — faster, smarter, and built around the customer. With a mindset around technology being the engine behind everything we do, this has been the driving force behind our vision as we’ve remained focused on building a platform that eliminates the stress, confusion and guesswork of home-buying.”

The UAE and Saudi property markets are projected to grow at 8.66 and 8.77 per cent annually through 2030, respectively, supporting Holo’s regional expansion.

The UAE residential market is forecast to increase from $143bn in 2025 to $217bn by 2030, while Saudi Arabia’s market is expected to grow from $203bn to $310bn over the same period.

Holo said the funding would support internal growth, strengthen its product and teams, and enable the fintech innovator to invest in top regional talent. The company operates in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia, aiming to build inclusive, future-ready teams reflecting the diversity of the markets it serves.

Holo is reshaping how people buy homes across the region, says investor

Basmah AlSinaidi, managing partner at Impact46, said: “Holo is bringing much-needed clarity to a process that’s long been opaque. By streamlining access to lenders and giving users full control of their home financing journey, they’re reshaping how people buy homes across the region. Their expansion into Saudi reflects a bigger shift in consumer expectations — and the rising demand for seamless, tech-driven ownership experiences. As lead investors, this partnership aligns deeply with our thesis: backing real solutions, built by sharp founders, for markets that are moving fast.”

Ali Al Mheiri, executive director of UAE Diversified Assets at Mubadala, said: “Our investment in Holo comes from our belief in the strength of its vision, leadership, and ability to reshape how people navigate the home-buying journey. It also reflects our confidence in the UAE’s strong and resilient real estate market, and the growing role of fintech in shaping the future of property ownership across the region. At Mubadala, we are committed to backing innovative platforms that align with our mandate to deliver economic diversification. This partnership is a strong example of how collaboration can accelerate the UAE’s economic transformation and unlock real value for communities through technology-driven solutions.”

Turki Aljoaib, managing partner at Rua Growth Fund, added: “Holo is tackling a critical market need by digitising and democratising access to mortgages, especially as Saudi Arabia opens its real estate market to foreign investors and first-time homeowners. With a platform built on trust, simplicity, and regulatory alignment, Holo is uniquely positioned to serve a new wave of buyers navigating the kingdom’s evolving property landscape. We’re proud to back a team building the fintech infrastructure for a more inclusive and accessible future of homeownership in the region.”

Holo said it remains focused on its mission to make homeownership simpler, smarter and more accessible, positioning itself to lead the transformation of property ownership in the MENA region.

Read: PRYPCO, Ovaluate’s launch new AI-powered instant valuation tool

Innovations Group, a staffing and HR solutions provider with more than 30 years of experience in the GCC, has released its latest workforce 2030 report, Navigating Saudi Arabia’s Talent Landscape. The comprehensive study is designed to help businesses understand the Kingdom’s evolving labour dynamics as it undergoes rapid transformation under Vision 2030.

The report offers in-depth insights into Saudi Arabia’s HR outsourcing market, sector-specific hiring trends, and strategic workforce recommendations. It highlights rising demand for talent in aviation, healthcare, IT, and construction, alongside guidance on navigating policy reforms, meeting Saudization targets, and deploying AI-powered recruitment tools to improve hiring efficiency.

According to the findings, Saudi Arabia’s HR outsourcing services market is poised for sustained growth, with a projected CAGR of 6.63 per cent between 2024 and 2030, building on the 12.26 per cent growth achieved from 2019 to 2023. Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) remains the largest market segment, forecast to reach $156.95m by 2030 at a CAGR of 6.52 per cent. Multi-Process HR Services are emerging as the fastest-growing area, expected to hit $79.42m by 2030 at a CAGR of 8.88 per cent.

The report also highlights strong momentum in the manpower supply market, which is expected to reach $1.68bn for blue-collar workers and $1.16bn for white-collar workers by 2030. Growth rates of 3.35 per cent and 3.86 per cent respectively indicate a clear shift toward a more skilled workforce, with high-growth opportunities across healthcare, technology, and financial services.

Anurag Verma, general manager, KSA, Innovations Group, said: “Saudi Arabia is entering a new era of opportunity where growth is being fuelled by megaprojects, economic diversification, and a sharpened focus on local talent development. But with this transformation comes complexity. Our report is designed to simplify that complexity, giving businesses clarity, compliance confidence, and competitive edge as they scale in the Kingdom. At Innovations Group, we are not just observing the future of work, we are enabling it.”

The report identifies aviation, IT & fintech, healthcare, and construction as the most talent-constrained industries, with expansion outpacing the supply of skilled professionals. Critical roles in demand include AI/ML engineers, cybersecurity analysts, nurses, project engineers, ground staff, and technicians. Innovations Group notes that sector-specific hiring strategies and agile deployment models will be essential to address shortages and maintain business continuity.

Read: Saudi Arabia among top emerging global economies in AI readiness, shows report

As a licensed Saudi company with a dedicated local team, Innovations Group has been a long-term partner in workforce transformation across the Kingdom. Through data-driven staffing models and round-the-clock local support, the company continues to deliver scalable, compliant, and future-ready HR solutions.

The report concludes that as Saudi Arabia’s labour market undergoes structural change, success for organizations will depend on aligning with national priorities while building agile, high-performing teams. Companies that embrace data-led workforce strategies and partner with experts familiar with local regulations, culture, and operations will be best placed to turn workforce complexity into a competitive advantage and achieve sustainable growth in the Kingdom.

Cognita Middle East (Cognita ME), the regional hub of the global schools group, has announced a significant expansion, entering into strategic partnerships with five schools and extending its footprint into three new markets – Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar. The move reinforces Cognita’s presence in the region and underscores its commitment to academic excellence and holistic education.

The partner schools include Downe House Riyadh, King’s College Riyadh, Downe House Muscat, Cheltenham Muscat, and King’s College Doha. With these additions, Cognita ME will operate 14 schools across the Middle East, building on its existing portfolio of nine schools in the UAE and Kuwait, which include Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai, the Repton Family of Schools, Horizon International School, Horizon English School, Ranches Primary School, Al Ain English Speaking School, and Dasman Bilingual School. Following this expansion, Cognita ME’s student body in the region will grow to nearly 22,000, while staff numbers will rise to 4,000.

Globally, Cognita operates over 100 schools across 20 countries, supporting more than 100,000 students and 22,000 staff. Educators benefit from advanced professional development programmes, including bespoke team and leadership courses in partnership with the IOE – Faculty of Education and Society at University College London. Students engage in a diverse learning community that blends social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development, fostering strong academic outcomes, an adaptive mindset, and the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

David Baldwin, chief executive officer of Cognita Middle East, commented: “This expansion marks an exciting new chapter for Cognita, strengthening our presence in the Middle East and building on the foundations we’ve established in the UAE and Kuwait. As we grow into Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar, our focus remains on delivering an exceptional education that meets the needs of each community. Every Cognita school has its own unique identity, ethos, and curriculum, shaped by its students and families. We are committed to preserving the individuality of each school while sharing a collective ambition – to create inspiring learning environments that build confidence and help every student realise their full potential.”

In Saudi Arabia, Cognita ME has partnered with Downe House Riyadh and King’s College Riyadh, both launched under the Royal Commission for Riyadh City’s flagship International Schools Attraction Programme. Established in 2022, Downe House Riyadh is the country’s first top-ranked premium British girls’ school, delivering first-class education for boys and girls aged two to nine and an all-girls programme from age 10 to 18. King’s College Riyadh, the first British private school in Saudi Arabia, brings 140 years of expertise from King’s College, UK, offering world-class education for children aged three to 11.

Read: Saudi schools go smart: Over 6 million students to learn AI from 2025

In Oman, Cognita ME has partnered with Downe House Muscat and Cheltenham Muscat. Downe House Muscat, opened in 2022 as the first British international girls’ school in Oman, recorded exceptional GCSE results in 2024, with 41 per cent of students achieving grades 9–7 (A*–A) and 78 per cent securing grades 9–4 (A*–C). Cheltenham Muscat, Oman’s first premium co-educational British international school opened in 2021, delivered top results in the Pearson Learner Awards, including the highest mark in Oman for GCSE Spanish and Science.

The expansion also marks Cognita ME’s entry into Qatar with King’s College Doha, a British curriculum school for ages three to 18 affiliated with King’s College, UK. In 2024, 51 per cent of students achieved grades 9–7 (A*–A) at GCSE, 97 per cent secured grades 9–4 (A*–C), and 100 per cent of A-Level students earned places at UK universities.

Through these strategic partnerships, Cognita ME aims to leverage its regional and global expertise to accelerate growth, nurture student development, and ensure the success and prosperity of its new school communities in Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar.