Emaar Hospitality Group is set to open Vida Aljada later this year, bringing its lifestyle hospitality brand to Sharjah’s flagship mixed-use destination and expanding its premium hotel portfolio in the UAE.

The new property will become one of only two five-star Vida hotels in the country, representing an elevated expression of the brand centred on lifestyle hospitality, social connection and contemporary design.

Located within Aljada’s creative district, the hotel is designed to complement the destination’s growing mix of residential, cultural and commercial offerings. The development reinforces Aljada’s position as an integrated urban community where hospitality, leisure and everyday living converge.

Strategically positioned with direct access to University City and Sharjah Airport Free Zone, Vida Aljada is also within easy reach of Dubai International Airport and Sharjah Corniche, offering convenient connectivity for both business and leisure travellers.

The hotel will feature a mix of guest rooms, suites and extended-stay residences, catering to short-term visitors as well as longer-stay guests. Its design focuses on flexible spaces that encourage movement, interaction and relaxation throughout the property.

Dining concepts will blend all-day restaurants, café spaces and outdoor social areas into a seamless guest experience, while wellness facilities are being designed to support both fitness and relaxation.

Beyond its accommodation offering, the hotel is expected to strengthen Aljada’s wider hospitality ecosystem as the master development continues to evolve into a mixed-use destination combining residential communities, retail, entertainment and cultural attractions.

Guided by Vida’s philosophy of simplicity, creativity and community, the property aims to provide contemporary lifestyle experiences while supporting Sharjah’s expanding tourism and hospitality sector.

Vida Aljada is the latest addition to Emaar Hospitality Group’s growing portfolio, reflecting the company’s continued investment in experience-led destinations and the ongoing expansion of the Vida brand across the region.

Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) is in full swing, bringing another packed week of family entertainment, live music, shopping rewards and limited-time offers across the city. From concerts and immersive experiences to mega prize draws and retail promotions, here are the top events and attractions to add to your calendar.

Modesh World

One of the region’s largest indoor family entertainment destinations, Modesh World returns until 23 August with free entry for all visitors.

The venue features a Fun Zone, Modesh Market and Family Zone, making it an ideal day out for families throughout the summer.

This week, visitors can also take advantage of a 100% Bonus Credits promotion on Tap Play Cards until Sunday, receiving double the credits with every top-up.

In addition, shoppers spending Dhs500 or more at Modesh World can enter the Win Your Home in Dubai raffle by scanning the campaign QR code and uploading their receipt.

Open daily: 10am to midnight

Beat the Heat: Cairokee Live

The fifth season of Beat the Heat begins on 11 July with acclaimed Egyptian rock band Cairokee performing live at Dubai World Trade Centre.

Known for their powerful lyrics and energetic performances, Cairokee remain one of the Arab world’s most influential contemporary bands.

Date: 11 July

Candlelight Concerts at Madinat Jumeirah

Music lovers can experience the popular Candlelight Concerts series at the Majlis Al Salam Ballroom, Mina A’Salam, Madinat Jumeirah on 11 July.

Set against the glow of thousands of candles, the evening will feature two immersive performances in one of Dubai’s most atmospheric venues.

Date: 11 July

K-Pop Demon Hunters Pop-Up

Fans of Korean pop culture can visit the K-Pop Demon Hunters Pop-Up at City Centre Mirdif from 9 to 19 July.

The activation features themed photo opportunities, official merchandise (subject to availability) and an interactive K-Pop Culture Experience Zone.

Dates: 9–19 July

Electronics Flash Sale Weekend

Tech enthusiasts can shop exclusive deals during the Electronics Flash Sale Weekend from 10 to 12 July.

Participating retailers include:

E City
Harman House
Virgin Megastore
My Shops

Expect discounts, bundles and exclusive offers across electronics, gaming, appliances, smartphones and home entertainment products.

Dates: 10–12 July

Win Your Home in Dubai

One of this year’s biggest DSS promotions, Win Your Home in Dubai, gives shoppers the chance to win one of 12 Binghatti Developers residential units, including a grand prize two-bedroom apartment.

Simply spend Dhs500 at participating malls and retailers, then upload your receipt through the campaign portal.

Win an MHERO at Dubai Festival City Mall

Spend Dhs300 or more at participating retailers, restaurants or entertainment venues at Dubai Festival City Mall for a chance to win an MHERO vehicle.

Customers can validate receipts at the Customer Service Desk to enter the prize draw.

Win a Cadillac at Mercato and Town Centre Jumeirah

Shoppers spending Dhs200 or more at Mercato Shopping Mall or Town Centre Jumeirah can enter through the PrivilegePLUS app to win a Cadillac LYRIQ worth more than Dhs300,000.

Participating retailers are also offering discounts of up to 75 per cent during the campaign.

SHARE Millionaire & Cashback

Majid Al Futtaim’s popular SHARE Millionaire promotion returns for DSS.

Spend Dhs300 or more at Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif and City Centre Deira to enter the draw. Four winners will each receive Dhs100,000.

Campaign runs until: 30 August

Win Skywards Miles this summer

Emirates Skywards members can earn extra rewards throughout DSS.

Customers spending Dhs200 or more with participating Skywards Everyday partners, including Careem and Amazon.ae, can enter a draw to become one of 500 winners receiving 10,000 Skywards Miles each.

First-time shoppers using Skywards Miles Mall and paying with a Visa card can also receive an additional 2,000 bonus Skywards Miles on qualifying purchases.

Ras Al Khaimah is set to add 25,600 new residential units between now and 2030, with apartments accounting for almost all future supply, as population growth, foreign investment and major infrastructure projects continue to reshape the emirate’s real estate market, according to new research from Cavendish Maxwell.

The property consultancy said just 170 homes were delivered during the first quarter of 2026, with a further 1,700 units expected by the end of the year. Delivery activity is forecast to accelerate sharply thereafter, with 23,900 additional homes scheduled for completion between 2027 and 2030. The busiest year is expected to be 2029, when around 9,100 units are due for handover.

Apartments represent 97 per cent of the planned pipeline, reflecting growing demand for higher-density residential developments.

The expansion comes as Ras Al Khaimah’s population is projected to increase from around 450,000 today to 650,000 by 2030, supported by rising investment and business activity.

According to the report, the emirate attracted Dhs39bn in foreign direct investment across 17 projects last year, the highest among the UAE’s emirates. During the first quarter of 2026, economic licence capital also increased 15.5 per cent year-on-year to Dhs11.5 billion.

Yousir Habib, associate director at Cavendish Maxwell Ras Al Khaimah, said: “RAK is undergoing major infrastructure investment in roads, aviation and maritime, strengthening regional connectivity and supporting the emirate’s 2030 economic diversification and competitiveness goals. As a result, the residential real estate sector secured Dhs12.3bn worth of sales across 6,600 transactions last year, when sales prices and rental rates jumped considerably. The market is now undergoing a sustained period of new supply.”

The study found that off-plan sales continue to dominate the market, accounting for 85 per cent of residential transactions and generating Dhs11.2bn in sales during 2025.

More than 40 per cent of the future housing pipeline will be delivered by RAK Properties, Al Hamra Real Estate and Ellington Properties, while Aldar, BNW Developments and Source of Fate Properties are also among the developers contributing to the emirate’s expanding residential market.

Residential prices continued to trend upwards, with apartment sale prices increasing by almost 5 per cent and villa prices rising nearly 4 per cent between October 2025 and March 2026. During the same period, apartment rents climbed by more than 6 per cent, while villa rents increased by 5 per cent.

Infrastructure investment remains a key driver of growth. Road upgrades to the E11 Sheikh Mohammed bin Salem Road and E311 Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road are expected to reduce travel times between Ras Al Khaimah and Dubai by up to 45 per cent.

Meanwhile, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport is expanding its capacity through a new 30,000-square-metre passenger terminal, a VVIP terminal and an 8,000-square-metre aircraft hangar, supporting its target of handling 3 million passengers annually by 2028. At Saqr Port, a new deep-water multi-purpose terminal is being developed to accommodate Capesize vessels carrying up to 400,000 tonnes of bulk cargo.

The report also highlighted growing momentum in the commercial real estate sector. Office rental rates increased 8.6 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026 and 5.3 per cent over the six months to March. Future office supply will include 82,000 square metres of Grade A space at RAK Central, while the upcoming Erisha Smart Manufacturing Hub at Al Ghail Industrial Park is planned to span 2.32 million square metres, supporting the emirate’s long-term economic diversification ambitions.

The UAE’s Ministry of Education has announced the schedule for the release of end-of-year results for the 2025-2026 academic year, with students across the country set to receive their results over two days beginning on July 12th.

According to a WAM report, Grade 12 students will be the first to receive their results at 10:00am on Sunday, July 12, followed by students in Grades 9 to 11 at 12:00pm.

The rollout will continue on Monday, July 13, when results for Grades 5 to 8 will be released at 10:00am. Students in Grades 1 to 4 will be able to access their results from 12:00pm the same day.

Read more-Dubai’s KHDA to resume school inspections from 2026-27: What schools, parents need to know

The ministry said students and parents can access results through the student portal from the designated release times. Digital certificates will also be available for printing between 8:00pm and 12:00am on each grade’s respective release day.

Dubai freezes private school fee increases

Separately, parents in Dubai will not face tuition fee increases for the 2026-27 academic year after the emirate’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) confirmed a freeze on private school fee hikes.

The decision follows directives issued under Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, as part of a broader economic support package aimed at easing financial pressures on families and supporting key sectors across the emirate.

The move marks a departure from the previous academic year, when eligible for-profit private schools were permitted to apply for fee increases of up to 2.35 per cent under the Education Cost Index, which is linked to operational costs such as salaries, rent and support services.

Dubai’s latest measures form part of a wider Dh1.5bn economic incentives package, bringing the total value of recent support initiatives to Dh2.5bn. The package includes 33 initiatives that will be introduced over periods ranging from three to 12 months, with education among the sectors receiving targeted support.

Under the measures, KHDA-regulated private schools will receive operational relief through deferred or instalment-based licence renewal fees and deferred fines, while early childhood centres will benefit from exemptions on licence renewal fees, fines and Dubai Municipality market fees.

Policybazaar.ae, the UAE’s leading insurance marketplace, and Tabby, the region’s foremost financial services app, have announced a strategic partnership designed to transform how UAE residents manage insurance payments. The collaboration introduces flexible payment options for customers purchasing car and health insurance, allowing them to spread premium payments over time without additional costs.

Inspired by the UAE’s long-standing focus on accessibility and connectivity, reflected in landmarks such as Ibn Battuta Mall, which celebrates global journeys and innovation, the partnership represents another step towards making essential services easier to access for residents across the country.

Read more-Policybazaar freezes UAE health insurance costs for up to 5 years

Policybazaar.ae customers can now convert their insurance premiums into manageable instalments through Tabby, with a four-month payment option available at zero interest and zero processing fees. Customers seeking extended flexibility can also select repayment periods of six, eight, or twelve months.

The integration is live on Policybazaar.ae, with Tap Payments serving as the payment infrastructure provider behind the checkout experience. Tap Payments’ checkout infrastructure enables customers to select Tabby at the point of purchase, creating a seamless, secure, and transparent payment journey.

Removing upfront payment barriers for essential insurance coverage

At the centre of the partnership is a shared commitment to improving financial accessibility for UAE consumers. Customers purchasing car or health insurance can divide their premium into four equal monthly payments without any additional charges.

For customers requiring longer repayment timelines, six-, eight-, and twelve-month payment options are also available. The initiative addresses a long-standing challenge in the insurance sector: the need for customers to pay annual premiums upfront.

While insurance remains an essential requirement, large single payments can often influence purchasing decisions and prevent customers from selecting the level of coverage that best meets their needs. By introducing flexible payment solutions at the point of purchase, Policybazaar.ae and Tabby aim to reduce financial pressure and help customers make insurance decisions based on protection requirements rather than immediate affordability.

The four-month No-Cost payment plan allows customers to access comprehensive insurance coverage while avoiding the burden of a large upfront payment.

Industry leaders highlight customer-first approach

Toshita Chauhan, chief business officer, Policybazaar.ae, said, “Insurance decisions should never come down to cash flow. What we kept hearing from our customers was simple: the coverage they wanted was the right choice, but the upfront payment made them hesitate. Customer research showed that upfront annual premiums remain one of the biggest barriers to purchasing comprehensive insurance.”

She added, “Partnering with Tabby lets us remove that hesitation entirely. With a No-Cost payment plan option built directly into the checkout, customers can now choose the plan that truly protects them, not just the plan they can afford to pay for in one go. Our goal is to remove upfront cost as a barrier, allowing customers to choose the cover that best suits their needs rather than what fits their immediate budget.”

Zain Khan, senior director of Business Development, Tabby, said, “We’re seeing households increasingly rely on Tabby for flexibility in managing both discretionary and essential expenses. While insurance is a need for most households, many are often stuck trying to work through the cost when it comes due all at once.”

He added, “Partnering with Policybazaar.ae puts a practical solution at exactly the right moment: customers can now get the cover they actually want, paid over time, rather than settling for less because of timing.”

Strengthening digital insurance access in the UAE

The partnership reflects rising consumer demand for greater flexibility in managing essential expenses while simplifying the insurance purchasing experience. With Tap Payments supporting the checkout infrastructure, Policybazaar.ae and Tabby are enabling a more transparent, flexible, and customer-focused approach to insurance payments.

As digital financial solutions continue to reshape consumer experiences across the UAE, the collaboration highlights the growing importance of flexible payment models in helping residents access essential products and services with greater ease.