Saudi Arabia has officially revoked fees previously imposed on expatriate workers employed in industrial establishments licensed under an industrial license. The decision was approved by the Council of Ministers, chaired by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, following a recommendation from the Council of Economic and Development Affairs (CEDA), according to the Saudi Gazette.

Read more-Saudi Arabia’s annual inflation rate slows to 1.9% in November

The move underscores the kingdom’s ongoing commitment to supporting and empowering its industrial sector. It aligns with the Crown Prince’s strategic focus on strengthening national factories, enhancing their sustainability, and boosting global competitiveness. Authorities emphasised that these efforts are central to achieving Saudi Arabia’s broader vision of building a resilient and competitive industrial economy under Saudi Vision 2030, with industry serving as a cornerstone for diversifying the national economy.

Investment licenses reach record high

In parallel, Saudi Arabia reported unprecedented growth in investment activity, issuing 6,986 investment licenses in Q3 2025, marking an 83 per cent year-on-year increase and the highest quarterly total on record, according to the Ministry of Investment. The figure also represents a 69 per cent rise compared to Q2 2025, when 4,125 licenses were granted.

The data excludes licenses issued under the National Anti-Commercial Concealment Program (Tasattur), highlighting robust growth in genuine investment initiatives. The upward trajectory has been consistent over recent years, with quarterly licenses rising from 1,216 in Q1 2022 to 4,615 in Q4 2024, before climbing further to a record high in Q3 2025. Total licenses issued in the first nine months of 2025 reached 15,728, surpassing the full-year total of 14,320 licenses in 2024.

Construction, trade, and manufacturing lead growth

The construction sector led the surge in Q3, with 2,583 licenses, a 143 percent year-on-year increase. Wholesale and retail trade followed with 1,214 licenses, up 234 per cent, while manufacturing recorded 803 licenses, representing a 34 per cent rise. Together, these three sectors accounted for roughly two-thirds of total licenses issued.

Other sectors also posted strong gains. Licenses in accommodation and food services more than doubled to 563, information and communications rose 52 per cent to 517, and transportation and storage increased 69 per cent to 314. However, some sectors, including professional, educational, technical activities, agriculture, forestry and fishing, mining and quarrying, and other services, recorded declines compared to the previous year.

The Ministry of Investment attributed the surge to Saudi Arabia’s growing appeal as an investment destination, fueled by a stable regulatory framework, business-friendly reforms, and ongoing economic diversification efforts. Combined with the removal of expat fees in the industrial sector, these initiatives signal a concerted effort by the Kingdom to attract talent, stimulate growth, and reinforce its position as a global economic hub.

With Dubai expected to experience adverse weather conditions in the coming hours. Dubai Police sent out a public safety alert on Thursday evening (December 18) asking people not to step out until absolutely necessary until mid-day on Friday, December 19.

The UAE has been experiencing weather fluctuations this week.

Authorities have warned residents to stay away from beaches, refrain from sailing, steer clear of valleys and areas prone to flash floods.

Dubai Police has asked motorists to exercise caution and drive safely.

Sharjah Police echoed the warning, calling on motorists to exercise caution during rainy conditions by slowing down, keeping a safe distance between vehicles and remaining alert to the heightened risk of accidents.

Drivers were also advised to stay away from dams and valleys.

Weather conditions leading up to the weekend

The UAE is set for several days of unstable weather through the weekend, with the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) forecasting periods of cloudiness, rainfall, strong winds and rough seas.

Convective clouds are expected to bring rain to islands as well as coastal, northern and eastern areas, while winds may strengthen at times, causing blowing dust, reduced visibility and challenging marine conditions.

The most severe conditions are expected on Thursday and Friday, with scattered heavy rain, lightning and possible hail, wind speeds reaching up to 65 km/h, a drop in temperatures and rough to very rough seas in the Arabian Gulf.

Conditions are forecast to gradually improve from Saturday, with lighter rain possible in some areas and moderating sea conditions by Sunday.

The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) has launched its Digital Economy Trends (DET) 2026 report, forecasting 9.5 per cent growth in the global digital economy next year—around three times faster than overall global economic growth. The report was unveiled at the Development Finance Conference “MOMENTUM” and outlines the technological and societal forces expected to reshape global innovation, productivity, and economic activity.

Based on primary survey data from more than 400 policymakers, economists, and technology leaders across 26 countries, the DET 2026 report identifies 18 major digital economy trends and evaluates their anticipated impact on governments, industries, and societies. According to respondents’ outlook, the global digital economy is projected to reach approximately $28tr in 2026, accounting for 22 per cent of global GDP.

DCO Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya said: “The digital economy is reshaping our world with unprecedented speed, and the true test of this new era will be whether its benefits reach everyone. The next wave of AI-driven innovation will only be as inclusive as the foundations we build today. With the Digital Economy Trends 2026 report, we call on the global community to act decisively—so that technology becomes not a divider, but a bridge to opportunity, resilience, and shared prosperity for all. The future of the digital economy will be defined not by the speed of innovation, but by how inclusively it is built. This report is a call to strengthen the foundations that make AI accessible, safe, and empowering for all and to act together before the gap becomes irreversible.”

Cybersecurity and ambient intelligence lead near-term impact

The report identifies strengthening end-to-end cybersecurity and the dawn of ambient intelligence as the two trends expected to deliver the most significant positive socio-economic impact in 2026.

Cyber-resilience has emerged as the top priority amid increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks, widening capability gaps, and emerging risks associated with generative AI and future quantum computing. At the same time, advances in connectivity and localised AI are enabling ambient intelligent systems that integrate seamlessly into daily life—creating new experiences and efficiencies while heightening the need for robust safeguards and responsible use.

Looking further ahead over a three- to five-year horizon, the report highlights converging frontier technologies as the most transformative force shaping the digital economy. Rapid advances in AI are accelerating breakthroughs across robotics, spatial computing, biotechnology, and other fields, expanding experimentation while introducing new challenges related to workforce transition, digital governance, infrastructure resilience, and safety standards.

Trillions in economic value at stake

DET 2026 underscores the scale of economic opportunity associated with digital transformation as technologies mature and scale globally. Key areas of potential value creation include up to $4.14tr from immersive hybrid technologies, nearly $4.91tr from AI-driven workforce transformation, and around $3.63tr linked to the holistic transformation of digital trade.

The report also estimates approximately $3.13tr in potential value from strengthening end-to-end cybersecurity and investing in resilient digital infrastructure, reinforcing the strategic importance of cyber preparedness as digital systems become more deeply embedded across economies.

Preparedness varies across regions

While the digital economy’s growth trajectory is clear, the report notes uneven levels of preparedness across regions and sectors. The private sector is viewed by respondents as the best prepared to respond to the digital economy trends shaping 2026, highlighting the need for stronger public-private collaboration to close capability gaps and ensure inclusive outcomes.

Building on earlier editions, DET 2026 provides a structured, evidence-based view of how the digital economy is evolving worldwide. Used alongside the DCO’s Digital Economy Navigator (DEN), which measures countries’ digital maturity, the report offers policymakers and business leaders a dual lens on both future direction and readiness. Together, these tools aim to help governments, industry, and international partners focus digital strategies and investments where they can deliver the greatest impact.

Dubai’s rental car market continues to gain momentum, fuelled by population growth, a buoyant tourism sector and rising demand for flexible, short-term mobility solutions. As both residents and visitors prioritise convenience, cost efficiency and lifestyle-led choices, rental vehicles are increasingly shaping how people move across the emirate — from everyday commuting to premium leisure travel.

New insights from dubizzle, the UAE’s leading classifieds platform, highlight the key trends defining Dubai’s rental car landscape in 2025, spanning vehicle preferences, rental durations, pricing dynamics and neighbourhood-level demand.

Commenting on the market’s evolution, Sherif Magdy, associate director of sales for dubizzle Cars, said: “The data reflects a rental market evolving alongside Dubai’s rapid growth, with users increasingly prioritising convenience, value, and choice. From the rise in monthly rentals to the continued appeal of SUVs and luxury models, these insights help renters and partners understand shifting behaviour. At dubizzle, we remain committed to providing transparent, data-led mobility solutions that meet the needs of every customer across the emirate.”

Market expansion driven by lifestyle and flexibility

According to dubizzle’s platform data, Dubai’s rental market in 2025 is being shaped by a combination of lifestyle preferences, economic considerations and a growing visitor base. SUVs remain the most dominant vehicle category, recording up to four times more listings than other body types due to their versatility and family appeal.

Monthly rentals continue to attract the highest level of engagement as residents seek predictable mobility without the long-term commitment of car ownership. At the same time, value-driven sedans and compact cars dominate everyday demand, while luxury SUVs and sports cars maintain strong traction among leisure and short-term renters. Seasonal spikes in demand remain pronounced during major holiday periods, when convenience and comfort take priority.

Vehicle preferences reveal a split market

Renter behaviour reflects a clear divide between cost-conscious choices and lifestyle-driven upgrades. SUVs and sedans lead overall popularity, with SUVs favoured for space and comfort, while sedans generate the highest number of views due to affordability and fuel efficiency.

Among budget-conscious renters, the Nissan Sunny, Mitsubishi Attrage and Renault Symbol remain the most viewed models. In the premium segment, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Nissan Patrol and Ford Mustang continue to dominate searches, driven largely by tourists and short-term visitors. Meanwhile, electric and hybrid vehicles are showing gradual growth, signalling early-stage interest among renters.

Read: Chinese car brands gain ground in UAE’s growing used vehicle market

Longer rental durations gain ground

Data from dubizzle also points to a shift towards longer rental cycles. Monthly rentals account for approximately 45 per cent of overall user activity, particularly among residents opting for rentals during transitional periods such as relocation or job changes.

Daily rentals represent around 37 per cent of engagement, driven mainly by tourists, weekend travel and short-term mobility needs. Weekly rentals account for the remaining 18%, serving business travellers and temporary residents seeking flexibility without long-term obligations.

Pricing spans budget to premium

Rental prices across Dubai vary significantly by vehicle category, underscoring the market’s ability to cater to a broad range of users. On average, sports cars and wagons command Dhs1,300–1,400 per day, reflecting strong premium leisure demand. Pick-ups, trucks and convertibles typically range between Dhs700–900 per day, while coupes average Dhs600–700.

Vans and SUVs are commonly priced between Dhs350–450 per day, appealing to families and groups, while hatchbacks, sedans and crossovers remain the most accessible option at Dhs90–150 per day.

Overall, the findings point to a rental ecosystem increasingly shaped by changing lifestyles, rising expectations and demand for flexible mobility. As these trends accelerate, dubizzle continues to position itself as a data-driven platform supporting renters and partners across Dubai’s evolving mobility landscape.

Dubai Airports has entered the winter travel season with one of the most expansive and resilient networks in its history, as Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central–Al Maktoum International (DWC) welcome new airlines, expanded routes and rising capacity to meet seasonal demand.

Direct traffic has emerged as a defining feature of DXB’s winter performance, accounting for 55 per cent of total passenger demand. The increase follows a familiar seasonal pattern driven by Dubai’s cooler climate, a full calendar of international business, sports and entertainment events, and heightened travel by residents heading abroad for holidays or family visits. The trend is further supported by the steady inflow of people choosing Dubai as a long- or medium-term home, according to a WAM report.

Read more-DXB to welcome over 10m passengers between Nov 27 to Dec 31

Europe and Central Asia are delivering notable growth this winter, with several airlines expanding services or returning to the market. FlyArystan joined DXB’s network on November 29, with twice-weekly flights from Aktau in Kazakhstan, while Austrian Airlines resumed operations on 2nd December with five weekly services from Vienna. Capacity from European carriers continues to rise as airlines respond to sustained travel demand.

Virgin Atlantic has upgraded its Dubai route with the A350-1000 aircraft, increasing seat capacity by 52 per cent, while British Airways has restored its A380 services from London Heathrow. Together, these developments point to strong confidence from European markets heading into the festive season.

Regional routes reinforce point-to-point demand

Seasonal demand from South Asia and the wider Middle East is also strengthening DXB’s connectivity. Varesh Airline launched twice-weekly flights from Sari in Iran on 30th October, while Fly Jinnah added twice-weekly services from Lahore on November 2. These routes reinforce point-to-point travel from regional markets where winter demand to and from Dubai traditionally intensifies.

Saudi Arabia remains one of the strongest contributors to traffic growth. Already DXB’s second-largest country market, Saudi Arabia accounts for 7.8 per cent of total passengers year-to-date as of October. Combined passenger traffic from the kingdom reached 6.3 million across DXB and DWC, marking a 1.3 per cent year-on-year increase.

DWC is playing an increasingly visible role in Dubai’s aviation ecosystem as airlines leverage its available capacity to complement DXB services. The airport welcomed 1.1 million passengers in the first 10 months of the year, representing a 36.6 per cent increase supported by demand from CIS, GCC and Western European markets. Cargo volumes and aircraft movements have also continued to grow, reinforcing DWC’s strategic momentum.

One of the key contributors to this expansion is Eurowings, which has launched a new daily DXB service from Stuttgart, introduced three weekly flights from Düsseldorf to DWC, and increased frequencies to Berlin, Cologne and Hannover. The airline has also deployed its Premium Bizclass product on the Berlin route.

Confidence in Dubai’s long-term aviation growth

Robert Whitehouse, vice president of Research at Dubai Airports, said winter remains a pivotal period for the sector, with this season’s breadth of connectivity highlighting how demand continues to evolve. He noted that the growth in direct traffic reflects a balanced mix of inbound visitors, outbound resident travel and people choosing Dubai as their home, underscoring the resilience and diversity of the city’s aviation network.

Overall, this winter’s schedule enhancements signal strong confidence from airline partners in Dubai’s travel demand. They reinforce the city’s appeal to visitors, business travellers and residents alike, supporting sustained growth in direct traffic and cementing Dubai’s position as one of the world’s most dynamic aviation markets.