Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has expanded its Bus-On-Demand service to Al Satwa, Al Quoz and Mirdif, increasing the network to 20 service areas as demand for the app-based public transport option continues to grow.

The expansion is part of RTA’s strategy to strengthen first- and last-mile connectivity by offering flexible transport links between residential communities and public transport stations, supporting Dubai’s broader smart and sustainable mobility agenda.

The authority said the service carried 527,000 passengers during the first half of 2026, marking a 25.1 per cent increase compared with the same period last year. June recorded the highest monthly ridership of the year, with 105,990 passengers using the service.

RTA attributed the increase to growing public confidence in the platform, alongside a 54 per cent expansion in service coverage and the growth of the operating fleet to 55 buses.

The Bus-On-Demand service allows users to book shared journeys through the dedicated mobile application, providing flexible transport at affordable fares.

Passengers can access the service by downloading the Dubai Bus On Demand app, registering their details and booking trips directly through the platform. Payments can be made using credit cards, debit cards or nol cards.

The latest additions bring the service coverage to 20 communities, including Al Barsha, Al Nahda, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Academic City, Al Rigga, Port Saeed, Business Bay, Downtown Dubai, Oud Metha, Al Karama, Barsha Heights, Al Mankhool, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Al Warqaa, Dubai Investment Park, Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), Al Qusais, as well as the newly added Al Satwa, Al Quoz and Mirdif.

RTA said it will continue enhancing the service as part of its efforts to build a smart, convenient and sustainable public transport network across Dubai.

Dubai Municipality has begun implementing the Dhs80m Dubai Creek Lights project, an urban initiative designed to transform the historic waterway into a world-class nighttime destination.

The project is being carried out under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.

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Extending across eight kilometres of Dubai Creek, the development will create an integrated visual and urban experience that highlights the area’s historical, architectural and cultural identity. It is also expected to strengthen the Creek’s appeal as a leading evening destination for residents and tourists.

A new nighttime experience

Dubai Municipality said the project forms part of its efforts to enhance urban landmarks and public spaces, improve quality of life and reinforce Dubai’s position as a leading global city in which to live, work and visit.

The lighting scheme is intended to celebrate the Creek’s heritage through a distinctive nighttime experience that showcases landmarks and brings greater vibrancy to its waterfronts, promenades and public spaces after sunset, a Dubai Media Office report said.

The project follows Dubai’s recognition as the World’s Most Beautiful City at Night for 2026, based on a global study assessing safety, the quality of the nighttime urban experience, the diversity of evening attractions, the availability of dedicated public spaces and the visual appeal of the urban environment.

Dubai Creek Lights will cover six key areas and feature more than 5,000 lighting units. The lighting scheme will be visible from more than 1,500 feet above ground level.

The areas include Creek Quay, the Creek Promenade at the Gold Souq, the Creek entrance at Infinity Bridge, Al Shindagha Historic District, Bur Dubai Souq and Al Seef Marina.

Highlighting heritage and architecture

An innovative lighting system will be used to strengthen the visual identity of each location while drawing attention to the distinctive character of the Creek’s waterfronts, historic districts, traditional markets and architectural landmarks.

The works will include upgrades to the lighting of promenades, Creek entrances, building façades and waterfront walkways. These improvements are expected to create a safer, attractive and vibrant public realm while supporting the objectives of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033.

Engineer Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, director general of Dubai Municipality, said: “Dubai Creek has served throughout the emirate’s history as a vital artery for trade and commerce and as the starting point of Dubai’s urban and economic development. It remains a landmark that has witnessed defining moments in the city’s growth and transformation.

“Through the Dubai Creek Lights project, we are bringing part of that journey back to life along its banks. The project will celebrate the Creek’s cultural heritage, showcase its urban identity and present it through a distinctive nighttime experience for residents and visitors. It reflects our commitment to making Dubai the world’s most beautiful and attractive city through an urban vision that preserves local identity while embracing advanced urban solutions.”

Sustainable lighting solutions

The project will incorporate sustainable lighting solutions designed to minimise environmental effects on marine life. Dubai Municipality said the approach is intended to balance improvements to the urban landscape with the protection of the Creek’s natural ecosystem.

Bader Anwahi, CEO of the Public Facilities Agency at Dubai Municipality, said: “Dubai Creek Lights is a landmark project that will transform the Creek into an exceptional nighttime destination combining architectural beauty, history and culture.

“The project will deliver an integrated lighting system using advanced technologies and engineering solutions tailored to the architectural and heritage characteristics of each area. The lighting has been designed to highlight waterfronts, traditional markets and historic buildings while ensuring visual comfort, enhancing pedestrian safety and elevating the overall nighttime experience.”

Supporting tourism and commerce

Dubai Creek played a central role in the emirate’s commercial development. For decades, ships and traditional trading dhows relied on lights along its banks to guide their journeys while transporting goods and supporting Dubai’s trade.

Through the new project, light will return with a contemporary purpose, creating an urban experience in the heart of the city. The initiative is also expected to support commercial and tourism activity along the waterfront by extending the appeal of the area into the evening.

Dubai Municipality said the project will enhance the cultural and aesthetic value of Dubai Creek and reinforce its position as a major historical, cultural and economic landmark.

The Dubai Creek Lights project is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2027. It forms part of Dubai Municipality’s portfolio of transformative developments specifically aimed at turning waterfronts and public spaces into integrated global destinations that support tourism, economic growth and quality of life.

UAE-headquartered mobility company Moove has raised $250m in a Series C funding round that valued the business at $2.1bn, as it seeks to expand the infrastructure supporting autonomous vehicle operations globally.

The round was led by Abu Dhabi sovereign investor Mubadala Investment Company and co-led by Woven Capital, Toyota’s growth fund, and investment firm Ion Pacific. BlueCrest Capital Management and Sona Capital also participated.

Moove said the funding would support the expansion of its autonomous vehicle business, including fleet ownership and the development of robotics-focused depots known as “Nests”. The facilities are designed to charge, service, maintain and coordinate autonomous vehicle fleets around the clock.

Funding autonomous mobility infrastructure

The company also plans to use the capital for launches in new markets and expects to increase its autonomous vehicle workforce from about 150 employees to around 500 by the end of 2026.

Moove, founded in Lagos in 2020 by Ladi Delano and Jide Odunsi, finances, owns and operates vehicles used by mobility platforms. The company is now headquartered in the UAE and employs about 3,300 people globally.

It operates approximately 42,000 vehicles across 29 cities in 13 countries, up from an initial fleet of 76 vehicles in Lagos, according to the company. Moove said it had reached annual recurring revenue of $420m.

The company has expanded through acquisitions including Brazilian mobility platform Kovi and Tokyo Taxi in Japan.

Moove is also a fleet operations partner of Alphabet-owned autonomous driving company Waymo. Its operations with Waymo are active in Phoenix and Miami, while London has been identified as the partnership’s first international autonomous vehicle market.

Waymo announced in October 2025 that it intended to offer fully autonomous rides in London in 2026, subject to securing the necessary regulatory approvals. Moove is supporting the operational groundwork for the planned service.

“Every major technology revolution becomes an infrastructure race. The internet required data centres. AI required compute. Autonomy requires fleets, charging, maintenance, data systems and 24/7 operations in every city, and that is what Moove is building,” Moove co-founder and co-chief executive Ladi Delano said.

Moove plans to apply its experience in vehicle financing, charging, maintenance, logistics and fleet management to autonomous transportation as driverless services expand into additional markets.

Mubadala boosts investment in Moove

Mubadala first invested in Moove three years ago.

“As autonomous mobility moves from innovation to scaled deployment, the infrastructure supporting it becomes increasingly important,” said Ali Eid AlMheiri, executive director of diversified assets at Mubadala’s UAE Investments Platform.

“Mubadala is investing in enabling infrastructure and scalable platforms like Moove that support economic diversification and strengthen the UAE’s role as a hub for advanced technologies.”

Moove’s existing investors include BlackRock, MUFG, Franklin Templeton and Uber.

Read: Mubadala Capital inks agreement to buy French hospitality company Pierre et Vacances

The UAE’s Digital Tourist VAT Refund System continued its expansion during the first half of 2026, with the number of connected retail outlets surpassing 19,300 as the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) accelerated efforts to enhance digital tax services and improve the experience for international visitors.

The authority said the number of retail outlets registered with and electronically connected to the Digital Tourist VAT Refund System reached approximately 19,340 by the end of June 2026, marking a 5.9 per cent increase from 18,260 outlets recorded at the end of the first half of 2025, according to a WAM report.

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During the first six months of 2026, another 449 retail outlets joined the platform, compared with 697 during the corresponding period last year. Over the past two and a half years, the total number of retail outlets connected to the system has reached 2,983, reflecting the continued expansion of the authority’s digital ecosystem.

Digital infrastructure continues to expand

The FTA also reported steady growth in the network of self-service VAT refund kiosks available to tourists across the country.

By the end of the first half of 2026, the number of kiosks had increased to 100 from 93 a year earlier, representing an annual growth of 7.5 per cent. A total of 23 kiosks have been added over the past two and a half years.

The kiosks are strategically located at shopping centres, hotels and tourist departure points across the UAE, allowing visitors to complete VAT refund transactions conveniently before leaving the country.

Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Mulla, director general of the FTA, said, “The authority is committed to the continuous development of its systems and services, including the Digital Tourist VAT Refund System. We continue to introduce new measures to enhance the process of registering retailers in the system by introducing new features that further simplify registration through a system that is considered the most advanced of its kind globally and operates through fully digital processes.”

He added, “Continuous enhancements to the system have further strengthened its performance. Within minutes, tourists can complete their transactions, receive a digital invoice and submit it directly through the system before leaving the UAE. They can also use one of the self-service kiosks available at all departure points covered by the system, as well as at numerous hotels and shopping centres, to complete their VAT refund process quickly and easily.”

Digital transformation remains a key priority

Al Mulla said the FTA remains focused on advancing its digital transformation agenda in line with the UAE government’s broader vision of delivering efficient, innovative and customer-centric public services.

He emphasised that the authority is pursuing ambitious plans to further enhance tax services while strengthening the country’s business-friendly environment through future-ready government solutions.

The FTA also revealed that visitors from India, the Russian Federation, Turkey, China and the US accounted for the largest share of beneficiaries using the Tourist VAT Refund Service during 2026.

New features improve customer experience

The authority said several enhancements have been introduced to the Tourist VAT Refund Service in recent months to improve operational efficiency and provide a smoother customer experience.

Among the most significant developments is the integration of the Noon e-commerce platform into the Digital Tourist VAT Refund System. The move enables eligible tourists to claim VAT refunds on qualifying online purchases made while visiting the UAE.

According to the FTA, the initiative is the first of its kind globally and forms part of its broader strategy, implemented in collaboration with Planet, the approved system operator, to expand the number of participating online retailers and platforms while widening access to the service.

The authority also announced the launch of an enhanced version of Planet’s smart application during the current year. The updated app now supports 12 languages, including English, following the addition of 11 new language options, making the service more accessible to visitors from a wider range of international markets.

In addition, the application now incorporates the UAE’s official dirham symbol, further aligning the platform with the country’s evolving digital services ecosystem.

The continued expansion of the Digital Tourist VAT Refund System reflects the UAE’s wider commitment to leveraging technology to streamline government services, improve customer satisfaction and strengthen its position as a leading global tourism and retail destination.

Oil prices trended lower on Thursday on the progress in Iran-Oman talks, with investors cautiously waiting for signs of a US-Iran peace deal and progress on reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Brent crude futures fell 33 cents, or 0.42 per cent, to $79.12 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate futures declined 42 cents, or 0.56 per cent, to $74.80 a barrel. Brent settled up slightly on Wednesday, while WTI edged lower.

Iran and Oman have reached an understanding on the geographic coordinates for a shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, and a joint announcement is being finalised, provided certain third parties did not interfere, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Wednesday.

“Some selling pressure emerged following reports that talks between Iran and Oman are making progress,” said Yuki Takashima, economist at Nomura Securities.

Prices have returned to the levels seen when the United States and Iran signed an interim peace agreement on June 17, with investors closely watching whether the two sides can reach a final deal, he added.

A proposed deal between Iran and Oman to help end the US-Iran conflict would give Tehran control over ships entering the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz, a senior Iranian source and two regional officials told Reuters on Wednesday, one of the biggest concessions yet to Iran.

There was no immediate US comment on the proposal. While President Donald Trump has said a deal reopening the strait is imminent, US officials have repeatedly insisted they would never agree to Iran controlling access to one of the world’s most important trade route for energy supplies.

Iran has warned Gulf states that any new US attack on its territory would trigger retaliation against critical energy infrastructure across the region, according to five sources, as Tehran seeks to raise the cost of military action by threatening Washington’s closest regional allies.

“The real hinge point now becomes the trajectory of US–Iran discussions, because meaningful progress there is essential before disrupted energy flows can realistically resume,” ING analysts said in a note on Thursday.

Gulf countries’ crude oil and condensate exports were largely steady in July and remained about 40 per cent below pre-war levels, shipping data showed.

Meanwhile, Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis said on Wednesday they had launched a missile attack on a Saudi oil tanker off the coast of the kingdom’s Red Sea port city of Yanbu and another missile attack on a Saudi oil tanker in the Gulf of Aden. There was no confirmation from Saudi Arabia on either incident.

Takashima said concerns that Houthi attacks could hit Red Sea shipping were limiting optimism about the outlook for an end to shipping disruptions in the Middle East.

Separately, US crude stocks rose as refineries eased processing slightly and imports edged higher, data from the Energy Information Administration showed on Wednesday.