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Abu Dhabi updates real estate rules: What you need to know

New framework tightens escrow controls, clarifies ownership rules and strengthens investor protections

Gareth van Zyl
Gareth van Zyl

30 March, 2026

Abu Dhabi updates real estate rules: What you need to know

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Abu Dhabi has introduced new regulations to bolster its real estate sector, focusing on transparency, governance, and investor protection. The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) aims to improve escrow account controls, shared property management, and off-plan sales dispute resolution. These measures seek to create a clearer legislative environment, fostering confidence and supporting the emirate's growth as a global property...

Abu Dhabi has introduced a new set of regulatory decisions aimed at strengthening transparency, governance and investor protection across its real estate sector, as the emirate sharpens its positioning as a global property investment hub.

The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) said the measures implement provisions of Law No. (3) of 2015, as amended, and are designed to “enhance the effective implementation of the law” while “further strengthen transparency and governance within the emirate’s real estate market”.

At a practical level, the changes target some of the market’s most sensitive pressure points — how developer funds are accessed, how shared properties are managed, and how disputes in off-plan sales are handled — with the aim of reducing friction and improving confidence on both sides of a transaction.

The framework also establishes “a more flexible and clearly defined legislative environment that aligns with international best practices”, the DMT said, as the sector continues to expand at pace.
Escrow safeguards and ownership clarity

Among the most significant changes are tighter controls on escrow accounts — a long-standing focus area in off-plan property markets.

Developers will now face stricter conditions when accessing these funds before a project reaches 20 per cent completion. The DMT said the mechanism introduces “clear controls linked to the submission of bank guarantees and approved cost estimates… safeguarding purchasers’ funds and preventing any unregulated use” of escrow money.

In parallel, the decisions introduce a more structured framework for jointly owned properties, including apartment buildings and large-scale communities where shared assets require ongoing management.

The authority said the new rules “define the respective roles and responsibilities of developers, property management companies, and Owners’ Committees”, helping to “enhance operational efficiency and sustainability” while safeguarding the long-term quality of assets.

A unified bylaw for owners’ committees has also been introduced, setting out “mechanisms and procedures for establishing owners’ committees” and standardising how they operate across the emirate — a move expected to bring greater consistency to community-level governance.

Off-plan protections and dispute reduction

The package also addresses one of the most commercially sensitive areas of the market — off-plan property transactions.

New provisions define compensation owed to developers if buyers fail to meet contractual obligations, as well as refund procedures for purchasers when units are cancelled and resold.

The DMT said the framework introduces “transparent procedures that safeguard the rights of all parties” and supports faster, more equitable dispute resolution, while helping to “reduce disputes between developers and unit purchasers”.

Rashed Al Omaira, director general of the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC), which operates under the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), said the measures represent “an important step” in advancing the law’s implementation.

“These decisions enhance the efficiency of sector regulation and reinforce the principles of transparency and governance, supporting investor confidence and strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading real estate destination,” he said.

He added that the framework establishes “a clear executive framework ensuring balanced contractual relationships” and strengthens “the protection of all parties’ rights”, while improving the speed and efficiency of procedures across the market.

Rashed Al Omaira, director general of the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC).
Rashed Al Omaira, director general of the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC).

Market growth underpins reforms

The regulatory push comes as Abu Dhabi’s property market continues to gain momentum, with rising transaction values and growing investor participation.

The emirate recorded Dhs142bn in real estate transactions in 2025, marking roughly 44 per cent annual growth, according to data from ADREC.

Transaction volumes have climbed alongside increased foreign investment, while prices in several segments have posted double-digit gains, reflecting sustained demand across residential and commercial assets.

Future of work: AMD latest processors deliver speed, security and AI power

For laptops, the Ryzen 9 9955HX30 offers top speed, while the Ryzen 9 9950X30D sets standards for gaming and content creation in the desktop segment

Gulf Business
Gulf Business

30 March, 2026

Future of work: AMD latest processors deliver speed, security and AI power

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AMD is a leader in processor technology, powering supercomputers and setting standards in gaming and AI. Their Ryzen AI PRO processors offer high performance and advanced security for mobile devices, including a powerful NPU for efficient AI workloads. With Windows 10 support ending, AMD offers a "Test Drive" programme, enabling organisations to trial their latest processors for a seamless technology...

AMD flagship products clearly demonstrate why the company is a leader in the processor market.

The 4th generation of AMD EPYC CPUs powers the world’s fastest supercomputer.

1-The Ryzen AI Max is the most powerful AI processor for the next-generation PC.

2-With the EPYC 9005 series, AMD delivers outstanding performance for cloud, enterprise, and AI workloads.

AMD is also at the forefront of gaming: its semi‑custom chips are used in the fastest consoles. For laptops, the Ryzen 9 9955HX30 offers top speed, while the Ryzen 9 9950X30D sets standards for gaming and content creation in the desktop segment.

Together, this clearly shows: AMD is number one in many areas of professional processors.

Since its founding in 1969, AMD has grown from a small semiconductor player in Silicon Valley into a global technology company that continuously expands the boundaries of what is possible in computing. From the early days with its first processor designs to current innovations in high-performance and AI technologies, AMD’s history is one of continual development and creative engineering passion.

Innovation and performance in the professional processor market

The broad product portfolio not only underscores AMD’s leading role in the high-end processor space but also demonstrates how the company purposefully supports professional users and developers. In the mobile professional segment in particular, AMD is setting new standards with the Ryzen AI PRO processors: the specially developed high-performance processors for mobile devices bring advancements in artificial intelligence to a completely new level. The processors combine modern Zen 5 CPU cores with an integrated, powerful Neural Processing Unit (NPU) that delivers up to 55 TOPS (tera-operations per second)

3-For AI workloads, currently one of the highest AI compute capabilities in mobile processors. An NPU is a specialized chip that executes AI-powered tasks directly on the device without requiring cloud services. This enables businesses and professional users to run complex AI models and data-intensive applications locally and efficiently. Because the AI processes run in the background, battery life is preserved and performance dips are avoided: all applications remain smooth and responsive, even under intensive AI use.

In addition to AI performance, the AMD Ryzen AI PRO processors score with comprehensive security features across six layers: the Secure Processor.

4-Protects firmware and BIOS (hardware root of trust), AMD Memory Guard

5-Encrypts the entire system memory, the Shadow Stack defends against code tampering, Microsoft Secured-Core PC provides enhanced OS-level protection, AMD‑V with GMET secures virtual machines, and Supply Chain Security guarantees the authenticity of chips along the supply chain. This ensures optimal security from hardware to software.

Windows 10 support ends in 2025: The perfect time to switch to a future-proof solution

The end of support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, highlights the urgency of migrating IT infrastructures to modern, high-performance systems.

After that date, security updates, bug fixes, and technical support for Windows 10 will no longer be provided. This is exactly where AMD’s free “Test Drive” loan program comes in: it enables companies to trial the latest AMD Ryzen™ AI PRO processors risk-free and in real-world conditions, facilitating a well-founded migration to modern technology.

IT teams can thereby evaluate the accelerated performance, industry-leading AI features, comprehensive security capabilities, and long battery life in practice and make an informed decision about the future of their IT infrastructure.

Footnotes:

1) https://www.amd.com/en/blogs/2025/amd-maintains-global-supercomputing-leadership.html

2) STX-04a – Based on AMD product specifications and competitor products announced in October 2024, the NPUs of AMD Ryzen™ AI 300 series processors provide up to 50+ peak TOPS. An AI PC is defined as a laptop PC with a processor that includes a Neural Processing Unit (NPU). STX-04a.

3) GD-243 – Tera-operations per second (TOPS) for an AMD Ryzen processor refers to the maximum number of operations per second that can be executed in an optimal scenario and may not be typical. TOPS can vary due to several factors, including the specific system configuration, the AI model, and the software version. GD-243.

4) GD-72 – The AMD Secure Processor is a dedicated security processor on-chip that is integrated into every system-on-chip (SoC) and application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) designed by AMD. It enables a secure boot process with a hardware-rooted root of trust, initializes the SoC through a secure boot flow, and establishes an isolated trusted execution environment. GD-72.

5) GD-206 – Full system memory encryption with AMD Memory Guard is available on AMD Ryzen PRO, AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO, and AMD Athlon PRO processors.

From DIFC to the beach: Where 13 new cycling tracks have opened in Dubai

The project is designed to seamlessly connect residential communities with major destinations and public transport hubs

Gulf Business
Gulf Business

30 March, 2026

From DIFC to the beach: Where 13 new cycling tracks have opened in Dubai

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Dubai's RTA has completed 13 cycling tracks, part of a plan to create a 1,000km network by 2030. The initiative aims to connect key areas, encouraging sustainable transport. New bridges are planned, improving accessibility. Dubai is now recognised as a top cycling-friendly city, with increased track usage and public satisfaction. Further expansion is scheduled for completion in 2026.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed 13 cycling tracks as part of a sweeping master plan aimed at transforming mobility across the emirate, marking a major step toward a more sustainable and connected urban landscape.

The newly delivered tracks form part of a broader blueprint that includes 15 routes spanning a total of 162 kilometres.

The initiative establishes an integrated cycling network linking key areas across Dubai, from Al Khawaneej to Al Mamzar Beach, Al Warqa’a to Saih Al Salam, and from Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) to Jumeirah, according to a WAM report.

Integrated network connecting key destinations

The project is designed to seamlessly connect residential communities with major destinations and public transport hubs, encouraging residents and visitors to adopt cycling as a practical mode of transport.

Read more-Here’s how Al Ras Walkway will transform Dubai’s urban landscape

Work is also underway on a number of pedestrian and cycling bridges, set to rank among the largest in the emirate. These include a bridge over Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road connecting Al Khawaneej track to Al Mamzar Beach, as well as another spanning Dubai–Al Ain Road to link Saih Al Salam with Al Warqa’a and Al Khawaneej.

Additional bridges are being constructed over Sheikh Zayed Road to connect Al Sufouh and Jumeirah with the Hessa Street track, and over Al Khail Road to link Dubai Hills with the cycling track along Hessa Street and Mall of the Emirates. All tracks are scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2026.

Ambitious vision for sustainable mobility

The expansion is part of a long-term strategy to grow Dubai’s cycling network to 1,000 kilometres by 2030, reinforcing the emirate’s commitment to sustainable urban mobility.

RTA’s efforts have already elevated Dubai’s global profile. The city secured a place among the world’s top 100 cycling-friendly cities in the 2025 Copenhagenize Index, becoming the first city in the Middle East to achieve this milestone. The index evaluates cities based on infrastructure quality, usage rates, corporate support, and mobility policies.

Mattar Al Tayer, director general and chairman of the board of executive directors of the RTA, underscored the significance of the initiative.

“The expansion of pedestrian and cycling tracks and bridges reflects the directives of the UAE’s wise leadership to enhance road safety and provide a safe and sustainable mobility environment for all road users,” Al Tayer said.

“The initiative also supports Dubai’s vision to become a pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly city, while enhancing quality of life and promoting the well-being of residents and visitors.”

Encouraging first-and last-mile connectivity

Al Tayer highlighted that both existing and planned cycling tracks form a unified network linking residential areas with key destinations and transit stations.

“These tracks encourage the use of bicycles and other sustainable individual mobility modes for first- and last-mile journeys,” he said.

He added that the selection of track locations was based on extensive field studies, factoring in population density, land use integration, proximity to tourism and economic hubs, and connectivity with public transport.

“These elements contribute to improving traffic flow and enabling safe, smooth mobility for pedestrians and cyclists across Dubai’s road network,” Al Tayer noted.

Rising usage and public satisfaction

Dubai’s investment in cycling infrastructure is already yielding measurable results. The total length of cycling tracks increased from 560 kilometres at the end of 2024 to 636 kilometres by the end of 2025, while cyclist satisfaction reached 85 per cent.

The number of cycling trips rose sharply from 46.6 million in 2024 to 57.3 million in 2025, representing a 23.5 percent increase. Additionally, 22.3 per cent of Dubai’s population now has access to dedicated cycling infrastructure.

Al Tayer described the emirate’s inclusion in the Copenhagenize Index as a culmination of sustained efforts aligned with the Dubai Bicycle-Friendly Strategy.

“This marks a step change in the concept of sustainable urban mobility,” he said.

Key projects across the emirate

The completed works span multiple districts, including Al Khawaneej 2 and Al Barsha 2, where 18.5 kilometres of cycling tracks were delivered under the Model Residential Neighbourhoods Project—8 kilometres in Al Khawaneej 2 and 10.5 kilometres in Al Barsha 2.

A 700-metre cycling track was also developed in Tolerance District, alongside enhancements introduced through the Soft Mobility Project. This initiative focused on improving access around public transport hubs, covering areas such as Al Souk Al Kabeer, Hor Al Anz, and Abu Hail, as well as major stations including BurJuman, Sharaf DG, Palm Deira, Baniyas, and Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall.

The scope of work further included 25 kilometres of dedicated tracks for bicycles and e-scooters, upgrades to pedestrian walkways, and the rollout of the Safe Streets concept across internal roads.

Bridging communities and enhancing accessibility

Among the standout developments is a 7-kilometre network of pedestrian, cycling, and micromobility tracks connecting key areas to ONPASSIVE Metro Station and Al Quoz Bus Station. A new pedestrian and cycling bridge over Al Manara Street has also been completed to improve connectivity.

The bridge features an aesthetically designed structure that reflects the character of the surrounding area. Measuring 45 metres in length, 5.5 metres in width, and 6 metres in height, it includes access ramps extending 210 metres on both sides.

Additional projects include 11 kilometres of pedestrian and cycling tracks at the entrances of Al Warqa’a, linking to existing routes, as well as approximately 10 kilometres of cycling tracks delivered under the Al Shindagha Corridor Development Project.

High winds hit Dubai: What’s driving unstable weather conditions?

Strong winds of up to 53 km/h and dust alerts sweep parts of the UAE as a regional weather system intensifies

Gulf Business
Gulf Business

29 March, 2026

High winds hit Dubai: What’s driving unstable weather conditions?
Kite surfers along Dubai's famous Kite Beach on Sunday, March 26, 2026. (Photo: Gareth van Zyl)

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Dubai experienced strong winds, up to 53 km/h, due to a regional low-pressure system and other atmospheric disturbances. The National Center of Meteorology issued dust alerts for reduced visibility across the UAE, including Abu Dhabi and the northern emirates. While wind speeds are expected to ease, dusty conditions might persist.

Dubai experienced strong winds on Sunday, with gusts reaching up to 53 km/h, as unstable weather conditions swept across parts of the UAE.

According to weather data, sustained winds of around 35 km/h from the west-north-west were recorded, placing conditions in the “fresh to strong breeze” category on the Beaufort scale, with peak gusts approaching “high wind” levels.

The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) issued dust alerts on Sunday afternoon, warning of reduced visibility in several areas across the country between 13:20 and 17:20.

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Maps shared by the authority show affected areas stretching across parts of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and the northern emirates, with orange zones indicating more intense conditions.

The alerts come as shifting winds lift sand and dust into the air — a common feature during unstable weather systems in the region.

Windy.com shows higher winds in Dubai on March 29, 2026.

What’s driving the strong winds?

The current conditions are being driven by a combination of atmospheric factors:

  • Low-pressure system: A regional low-pressure system is drawing air into the area, increasing wind speeds
  • Upper-level disturbance: Cooler air moving at higher altitudes is creating instability in the atmosphere
  • Pressure gradients: Strong differences in air pressure are accelerating winds across the UAE
  • Wind shift: Westerly to north-westerly winds are funnelling across the Arabian Gulf into the country

Together, these factors are creating a more dynamic weather pattern than usual for this time of year.

Apple Weather indicated gusts of up to 56 km/h in Dubai on Sunday, March 26.

Conditions expected to ease

Forecast data suggests that wind speeds are likely to gradually ease into the evening on Sunday, dropping below 20 km/h later in the day.

However, dusty conditions may persist in some areas, particularly where winds remain active.

Magnitude wins Dubai World Cup 2026

The global sporting event saw a total of 101 horses from 17 countries compete across nine races for a total prize money of $30.5m

Neesha Salian
Neesha Salian

29 March, 2026

Magnitude wins Dubai World Cup 2026

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American colt Magnitude, trained by Steve Asmussen and ridden by Jose Ortiz, won the 30th Dubai World Cup. Competing against international runners, the four-year-old secured the $6.96m top prize. Japan's Forever Young placed second, with the UAE's Meydaan finishing third. The event, attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, featured 101 horses from 17 countries and total prize money...

American colt Magnitude won the 30th edition of the Dubai World Cup held at the Meydan Racecourse on Saturday, March 28.

This year’s Dubai World Cup features horses and jockeys from across the globe, representing some of the sport’s most prominent owners, breeders and trainers.

A total of 101 horses from 17 countries competed across nine races for a total prize money of $30.5m.

Trained by Steve Asmussen and ridden by Jose Ortiz, the four-year-old completed the 2,000-metre race on dirt in 2:04.38, taking the $6.96m top prize from the $12m purse sponsored by Emirates airline.

He finished 0.98 lengths ahead of his closest challenger in a field of nine international runners.

Japan’s Forever Young, owned by Susumu Fujita and trained by Yoshito Yahagi, placed second to earn $2.4m.

The UAE’s Meydaan, owned by Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and trained by Simon and Ed Crisford, finished third under William Buick, collecting $1.2m.

Magnitude’s win adds to the strong record of US horses in the Dubai World Cup since the race began in 1996.

Dubai World Cup/ Image courtesy: Dubai Media Office

Dubai World Cup: Celebrating 30 years

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, attended the 30th edition of the race. He was accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, at the 30th edition of the race/ Image courtesy: Dubai Media Office

Speaking on the occasion, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said the Dubai World Cup has, over three decades, established itself as one of the world’s greatest equestrian events, reflecting the UAE’s long-term vision and its ability to turn bold ideas into success stories.

Read: Dubai Racing Club, Tokinvest to develop a global equine token marketplace

Lead image courtesy: WAM

UAE continues to be global hub for capital, talent, cross-border expansion, says Asia Bankers Club CEO

The UAE has rapidly positioned itself as a bridge for capital, talent, and strategic investment between Asia, the Middle East and beyond, says Kingston Lai

Neesha Salian
Neesha Salian

29 March, 2026

UAE continues to be global hub for capital, talent, cross-border expansion, says Asia Bankers Club CEO

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Despite global instability, the UAE remains a compelling investment destination, driven by transparent regulations, world-class infrastructure, and a diversification-focused leadership. Its strategic location fosters access to emerging markets. As global companies increasingly base operations there, Asia Bankers Club expands its UAE presence, offering market-entry support and strategic advice to facilitate cross-border growth in this dependable hub.

Amid ongoing global economic fluctuations and geopolitical shifts, the UAE continues to distinguish itself as a resilient and forward-looking destination for investors. Transparent regulations, strong infrastructure, and a leadership vision centred on diversification and innovation are reinforcing investor confidence.

The country’s role as a global connector between East and West further enhances its attractiveness, offering businesses access to high-growth emerging markets while maintaining strong links to established economies.

Companies operating in the UAE are not only sustaining momentum but actively expanding and thriving. As such, global companies are increasingly choosing the UAE as their strategic base, with the UAE witnessing a significant shift in global capital flows, particularly from Asia.

In line with this momentum, Asia Bankers Club is expanding its UAE membership services to offer enhanced international market-entry support, curated introductions, and strategic advisory services. This includes facilitating access to cross-border opportunities, trusted networks, and actionable market intelligence.

“Our experience on the ground reinforces this reality every day. Sentiment remains strong, underpinned by transparent regulations, world-class infrastructure, and a forward-thinking leadership committed to diversification and innovation. Rather than being defined by regional challenges, the UAE has reinforced its position as a dependable hub for capital, talent, and enterprise. This measured, forward-looking approach ensures that our members view the country not only as a place to preserve value, but as a platform for sustainable growth and long-term expansion,” said Kingston Lai, founder and CEO of Asia Bankers Club.

Read: Dubai rises to 7th place in Global Financial Centres Index

What makes the UAE appealing

The growing appeal of the UAE is reflected in corporate presence. Approximately 70 per cent of Fortune 500 companies have already established regional headquarters or operations in the country—a figure expected to rise significantly in the near future as the UAE continues to attract global talent and enhance its regulatory frameworks.

Free zone partnerships are also playing a pivotal role in simplifying market entry and enhancing operational efficiency for international businesses. By collaborating with leading UAE free zones, companies are able to seamlessly navigate regulatory frameworks while gaining early access to trusted networks, strategic partners, and valuable local insights that accelerate cross-border growth.

“This flight to stability, combined with the UAE’s business-friendly environment and strategic location, is accelerating cross-border flows. We expect this momentum to strengthen over the next five years. The UAE is rapidly positioning itself as a bridge for capital, talent, and strategic investment between Asia, the Middle East, and beyond,” added Kingston Lai.

The UAE is no longer just a secondary base for global companies. It is increasingly becoming the primary hub for organisations and high-net-worth individuals looking to access markets across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East from a single, trusted location.

“Our expanded presence in Dubai reflects both personal and organisational confidence in the UAE market. We are committed to enabling our members to navigate new markets with speed, credibility, and confidence,” concluded Lai.

In an increasingly uncertain world, the UAE continues to attract investments and provide opportunities for long-term growth. It is not just a place to preserve value, but a platform for sustainable expansion.

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