Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed 90 per cent of a major infrastructure project that will provide direct access between Sheikh Zayed Road and Dubai Harbour, marking another milestone in the emirate’s efforts to enhance mobility and support continued urban and tourism growth.

The project involves the construction of a 1,500-metre bridge featuring two lanes in each direction, creating dedicated entry and exit points for Dubai Harbour, one of the city’s premier waterfront destinations and home to the largest yacht marina in the Middle East, a Dubai Media Office report said.

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Developed in collaboration with Shamal Holding, the bridge is expected to significantly improve connectivity to the area while reducing travel times and easing traffic movement for residents, visitors and businesses.

According to the RTA, the bridge forms part of its wider strategy to develop advanced infrastructure that strengthens the efficiency of Dubai’s road network and accommodates the emirate’s expanding population, tourism sector and economic activity.

Major construction milestone reached

Construction work has advanced rapidly, with the contractor completing a substantial portion of the project’s foundations, columns and concrete barriers.

The project currently employs approximately 1,400 engineers and workers operating across 12 teams. Since construction began, more than 4.2 million work hours have been recorded while maintaining stringent occupational health and safety standards.

Project figures released by the RTA show that more than 45,000 cubic metres of concrete and 8,273 tonnes of steel have been used throughout the development, underscoring the scale of the undertaking.

Under the current delivery schedule, the bridge is expected to open to traffic in phases. Motorists travelling from Sheikh Zayed Road, from both Deira and Jebel Ali, towards Dubai Harbour are expected to gain access via the new bridge this June.

A second phase is scheduled for July, when traffic movement from Dubai Harbour towards Al Naseem Street will open, along with access from the new bridge to the intersection of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street and Al Naseem Street.

Supporting Dubai’s growth vision

Mattar Al Tayer, director ceneral, chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, said the project reflects Dubai’s long-term commitment to infrastructure investment and urban development.

“The project translates the directives of the wise leadership to develop integrated infrastructure that supports Dubai’s rapid urban and economic growth. It also forms part of RTA’s ongoing efforts to develop an integrated and connected road network, while enhancing infrastructure readiness to support future growth across key areas,” he said.

Al Tayer added that the project highlights the importance of cooperation between the public and private sectors in delivering strategic infrastructure that supports economic development and quality of life.

“The project represents a model of public-private partnership and integration between road infrastructure projects and urban development through cooperation and coordination with Shamal Holding. It will help provide sustainable traffic solutions that support seamless access to Dubai Harbour, one of the emirate’s leading waterfront and tourism destinations, while enhancing mobility efficiency and quality of life for residents and visitors, in line with Dubai’s vision to consolidate its position as the best city in the world to live and work,” he said.

Journey times set for significant reduction

The new bridge is expected to deliver substantial traffic benefits once operational.

According to Al Tayer, the structure will begin at Interchange 5 on Sheikh Zayed Road near American University in Dubai, pass through the intersection of Al Naseem Street and Al Falak Street, cross over the intersection of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street and extend to Dubai Harbour Street.

“Work on the project is progressing at an accelerated pace, with completion reaching 90 per cent. The project includes the construction of a 1,500-metre bridge with two lanes in each direction, starting from Interchange 5 on Sheikh Zayed Road near American University in Dubai, passing through the intersection of Al Naseem Street and Al Falak Street, crossing over the intersection of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, and extending to Dubai Harbour Street,” he said.

“The bridge will have a total capacity of up to 6,000 vehicles per hour in both directions. The project also includes at-grade improvement works at four key intersections along the bridge corridor, enhancing traffic flow and improving connectivity to the area. Upon opening, the project will reduce journey time from 12 minutes to 3 minutes and improve traffic flow to and from Dubai Harbour and surrounding areas.”

The anticipated reduction in travel time is expected to improve accessibility for commuters and visitors while supporting future growth across the surrounding district.

Shamal Holding highlights long-term impact

Abdulla Binhabtoor, CEO of Shamal Holding, said the bridge will play an important role in the continued development of Dubai Harbour and reinforce its position as a leading destination.

“This bridge is an important milestone in the evolution of Dubai Harbour and a testament to what can be achieved through strong collaboration with the Roads and Transport Authority. Enhanced connectivity is fundamental to creating great destinations, and this development will play a significant role in supporting Dubai Harbour’s continued growth as one of the region’s leading seafront districts. At Shamal, we invest with a long-term perspective, focusing on opportunities that create lasting value and contribute to the future of the city. The completion of this bridge reflects that commitment, strengthening the destination today while helping to shape its next chapter for years to come.”

The project is expected to become a key component of Dubai Harbour’s transport infrastructure, supporting increased visitor numbers and strengthening links between one of Dubai’s fastest-growing waterfront destinations and the wider road network.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Investment has unveiled a new set of requirements for non-resident foreign companies seeking to own property in the kingdom without engaging in economic activities, marking a significant regulatory update under the Investor Guide 2026.

The move comes as Saudi Arabia continues to refine its investment framework and strengthen transparency around foreign real estate ownership, in line with the kingdom’s new Investment Law, a Saudi Gazette report said.

According to the ministry, foreign companies applying to own property must submit a commercial registration certificate issued in their home country. The document must be translated by an accredited translation office and authenticated by the Saudi Embassy. Companies are also required to provide their articles of incorporation, translated and certified through the same process.

Registration and representation requirements

The ministry said applicants must submit an authorization document appointing a company representative, with the document translated and authenticated by the Saudi Embassy.

Read more-Foreigners owning property in Saudi: The rules you need to know

In addition, companies are required to appoint a natural person as their authorised representative through a certified power of attorney to complete registration procedures.

The ministry noted that companies without an identification document recognised under Saudi regulations must obtain a digital identity through Saudi diplomatic missions abroad before proceeding with the registration process.

Annual updates and compliance obligations

For annual registration updates, the ministry stipulated that no changes should have occurred to a company’s ownership structure or management after its registration with the Ministry of Investment.

Officials said the service is now available immediately through the ministry’s electronic portal, providing foreign firms with a streamlined route to complete registration requirements.

Major update to foreign property ownership rules

A key addition to the Investor Guide 2026 is a dedicated chapter titled “Registration of Non-Saudi Companies for Property Ownership Purposes,” which outlines the procedures governing foreign corporate ownership of real estate in the kingdom.

The chapter details registration requirements, the appointment of authorised representatives, obligations related to property management and disposal, as well as procedures for opening bank accounts and updating company and representative information with relevant authorities.

The ministry described the addition as one of the most significant updates in the 2026 edition of the guide, noting that property ownership by foreign companies had not previously been addressed with this level of detail or in a standalone framework.

Bahrain activated warning sirens nationwide and Kuwait reported intercepting missile and drone threats in the early hours of Saturday, as military tensions continued to escalate across the Gulf and around the Strait of Hormuz.

The developments came a day after the United States military said Iran launched seven ballistic missiles towards Kuwait and Bahrain following a series of military exchanges involving US forces, Iranian drones and maritime traffic near the strategic waterway.

According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), Iran fired seven ballistic missiles towards the two Gulf states on Friday after US forces intercepted four Iranian one-way attack drones heading towards the Strait of Hormuz.

CENTCOM said the drones posed an immediate threat to regional maritime traffic, prompting US forces to strike Iranian coastal surveillance radar sites in Goruk and on Qeshm Island.

Initial assessments indicated that six of the missiles were intercepted, while a seventh failed to reach its intended target.

“There are currently no reports of harm to US personnel,” CENTCOM said, adding that Iranian claims of damage to the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain were false.

Bahrain activates emergency measures

Residents across Bahrain were urged to move to safe locations after warning sirens were activated nationwide at approximately 4:15am local time on Saturday.

In an alert issued by the Ministry of Interior, citizens and residents were advised to remain calm and follow emergency guidance issued by authorities.

The precautionary measures came amid heightened regional tensions and concerns over potential threats to civilian areas.

Bahrain hosts the headquarters of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet and remains a strategically important security partner for the United States in the Gulf.

Kuwait intercepts missile and drone threats

In neighbouring Kuwait, the country’s General Staff of the Armed Forces said air defence systems were responding to missile and drone threats in the early hours of Saturday morning.

According to state news agency KUNA, any explosions heard across the country were the result of interception operations carried out by Kuwaiti air defence systems.

Military officials urged residents to follow safety and security instructions issued by the relevant authorities.

The latest incident follows an attack earlier this week on Kuwait International Airport, which resulted in casualties, injuries and significant damage to Terminal 1, prompting heightened security measures across the country.

Iran claims tanker strike

Separately, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had targeted one of four oil tankers attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz.

The IRGC claimed the vessels ignored warnings from Iranian authorities and were attempting what it described as an “illegal transit” through the strategic waterway, alleging the move had been encouraged by the US military.

Iranian authorities said one tanker was struck and forced to halt, while the remaining vessels turned back.

The claim could not be independently verified, and there was no immediate confirmation from shipping authorities or international maritime agencies regarding damage to any commercial vessel.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to become the biggest tournament in football history, with 48 teams competing across 104 matches in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

For businesses across the UAE, the expanded tournament presents a significant commercial opportunity. Broadcasters, streaming platforms, hotels, restaurants, sports bars, food delivery operators and advertisers are expected to benefit from a month-long surge in football viewership, particularly as many matches will be played during late-evening and overnight hours in the Gulf region.

The tournament kicks off on June 11 with hosts Mexico taking on South Africa and concludes on July 19 with the final. While the majority of fixtures will be played between 11pm and 8am UAE time, the schedule includes a number of prime-time matches that could drive increased consumer spending across hospitality and entertainment venues.

The expanded format introduces a Round of 32 for the first time, increasing the total number of knockout matches and extending the tournament’s commercial footprint. The latter stages are expected to deliver some of the highest audience figures of the year, with the semi-finals scheduled for July 14 and 15 and the final taking place at 11pm UAE time on July 19.

For businesses planning campaigns, activations or extended operating hours, below is the complete FIFA World Cup 2026 schedule in UAE time.

The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) have announced additional precautionary measures for travelers arriving from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of Uganda and the Republic of South Sudan as part of the UAE’s efforts to strengthen preparedness against the Ebola virus.

The measures form part of the country’s proactive strategy to safeguard public health and enhance national readiness in response to developments related to Ebola, authorities said on Friday, a WAM report conveyed.

New restrictions to take effect on June 6

According to the two authorities, the issuance of all new visas for nationals of the three countries, including visit visas, will be suspended beginning at 13:00 on Saturday, June 6, 2026.

Read more-New Ebola advisory issued: Emirates, Oman issue travel rules

Officials noted that the decision may be extended depending on the evolving health situation and ongoing risk assessments. Cargo flight operations between the UAE and the three countries will continue without disruption.

The authorities said travelers arriving directly from the listed countries will be denied entry to the UAE under the new measures.

Transit passengers also affected

The restrictions will also apply to passengers traveling through one or more transit destinations if they have recently been in the affected countries. However, travelers who have remained outside the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan for more than 21 days before arriving in the UAE will be permitted entry.

Authorities clarified that transit flight operations through UAE airports will continue as normal and will not be impacted by the new procedures.

In a joint statement, NCEMA and ICP reaffirmed their commitment to closely monitoring developments related to the Ebola virus in coordination with local and international partners. The authorities added that they will continue evaluating potential risks in other countries and implement any necessary measures in accordance with approved health standards and ongoing risk assessments.