The Gulf Business Real Estate Summit will take place on 25 November 2025 at the Metropolitan Hotel Dubai, bringing together the region’s leading voices to explore the forces reshaping the property landscape. With Dubai’s market at record highs and tokenisation emerging as a transformative trend, the summit will examine critical questions around market dynamics, sustainability, and regulation — including whether prices may stabilise in 2026 and beyond, where the value lies in off-plan projects, and how technology is redefining the role of brokers.

The half-day event will feature four focused sessions that unpack the key themes influencing the next real estate cycle. Each 30-minute panel is designed to deliver sharp insights and practical takeaways across finance, regulation, development, and brokerage.

The entire event agenda can be found here: https://bit.ly/4q20CFz

Confirmed speakers include Lewis Allsopp, Chairman of Allsopp & Allsopp Group; Cherif Sleiman, CFO of Property Finder; Ben Crompton, Managing Partner at Crompton Partners; Capt. Pradeep Singh of Karma Realty; Gregory Lewis, CEO of AirDXB; Prathyusha Gurrapu, Head of Research at Cushman & Wakefield Core; Rashed Ahmadyar, CEO of Ahmadyar Developments; and Ali Shahin, Founder of HAS Media (The Real Estate Reports), among others.

As the UAE enters a new phase of property evolution, the Gulf Business Real Estate Summit will serve as a platform for industry leaders to debate the opportunities and challenges ahead — from tokenisation and regulation to sustainability, digital transformation, and investment trends shaping the next decade.

Register to attend: https://bit.ly/4o8OmBg

The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) has announced a six-month extension of the grace period to regularise the status of runaway domestic workers, effective from Tuesday, November 11, 2025. The process will continue to be managed through the Musaned platform, the ministry’s official system for domestic worker services.

Six months earlier, the ministry had introduced a similar grace period starting May 11, 2025, allowing domestic workers who were reported absent from work (known as huroob) to correct their legal status. The latest extension applies exclusively to workers reported absent before the new announcement date, a Saudi Gazette report said.

Read more-Work permits for expats: Saudi unveils new skill-based system

The ministry said the move aims to give both domestic workers and employers an opportunity to correct their status through simplified, automated procedures on the Musaned platform. The system enables new employers to log in and complete the necessary transfer procedures, thereby improving the work environment and ensuring the protection of rights for both parties.

“This initiative comes within the framework of ongoing efforts to develop the domestic worker sector and enhance the contractual relationship between employers and employees,” the ministry said in a statement.

Through this program, domestic workers who were previously reported absent, whose residency permits have expired, or who remain in the kingdom illegally can now transfer their services to other employers after fulfilling the required procedures.

It is noteworthy that Musaned serves as the official digital hub for household services and home employment under the supervision of the MHRSD.

Fourth phase of salary transfer service launched

In a related development, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced the launch of the fourth phase of its electronic salary transfer service for domestic workers through approved official platforms, effective October 1, 2025.

The initiative represents a major step in safeguarding salary rights and boosting financial transparency within the domestic worker sector. The ministry stated that this phase specifically targets employers with two or more domestic workers, continuing the gradual rollout of the system.

The programme began in January 2025 with the second phase covering employers of four or more workers, followed by the third phase in July 2025, which extended to employers with three or more. The service is expected to cover all domestic workers by January 1, 2026.

Enhancing transparency through digital payments

The electronic salary transfer service, operated through the Musaned platform, enables secure and traceable wage payments using official digital channels, such as licensed banks and approved digital wallets.

Key benefits include:

• Documenting regular salary payments to ensure compliance with employment contracts.
• Simplifying regulatory procedures when contracts end or workers travel home.
• Allowing seamless salary transfers to workers’ families in their home countries through verified, secure financial routes.

The ministry underscored that these reforms are part of Saudi Arabia’s broader push to modernise its labor ecosystem, ensure fair treatment for domestic workers, and strengthen employer accountability through digital transformation, a Saudi Press Agency report said.

The coordinated implementation of both the extended grace period and the salary transfer service demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to creating a more transparent, fair, and sustainable labor environment.

By combining legal flexibility with digital efficiency, the MHRSD continues to advance reforms that align with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives, fostering improved working conditions, promoting transparency, and enhancing worker welfare across the domestic employment sector.

Hitachi Rail has been awarded a contract by Hassan Allam Construction and Arab Contractors JV to modernise and upgrade the historic Alexandria Raml Tram, transforming it into a reliable, efficient, and digitally advanced transport system.

To improve both reliability and operational efficiency, Hitachi Rail will deliver state-of-the-art signalling and communication systems (including fixed and wireless networks), an Operational Control Centre and Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, as well as security infrastructure featuring CCTV cameras, access control, passenger information systems, and on-board technologies.

The solution developed by Hitachi Rail will significantly enhance train operations, ensuring a fast, secure, and efficient public transport system that supports Egypt’s Vision 2030 for sustainable development.

As the oldest tramline in both the Middle East and Africa, the Alexandria El Raml Tram—dating back to 1863—operates on ageing infrastructure and was last modernised in the 1960s. Remarkably, it remains one of the few tramways in the world to operate double-deck trams in regular service.

The project includes the reconstruction of 24 stations and 13.2 km of tram track. Its modernisation aims to dramatically improve efficiency by reducing travel time from 60 to 35 minutes, doubling operating speed from 11 km/h to 21 km/h, and reducing headway from 9 minutes to just 3. Once completed, the upgraded tramline is expected to triple passenger capacity—from 4,700 to 13,800 passengers per hour per direction—enhancing urban mobility, easing traffic congestion, and lowering CO₂ emissions across Alexandria.

The Alexandria El Raml Tram Rehabilitation contract represents a major milestone for Hitachi Rail, further strengthening its presence in metro and railway systems across the region. Earlier this year, Hassan Allam Construction and Arab Contractors JV signed the main rehabilitation contract with the National Authority for Tunnels.

Investing in local talent and digital innovation

Hitachi Rail continues to expand its presence in Egypt through localisation and technology-driven growth. Local teams have been established across engineering, finance, legal, and other functions to deliver projects and support clients. Its CBTC systems now include locally implemented IVVQ activities, while AFC initiatives are creating high-tech jobs and promoting diversity. These initiatives align with Egypt’s national strategy and contribute to the country’s wider industrial development goals.

Enhancing passenger experience

Hitachi Rail’s digital innovations, including integrated passenger information systems and AFC platforms, are enhancing travel experiences and enabling seamless mobility across metro, LRT, and monorail networks. In Alexandria, the Abu Qir Metro will feature TRANSCITY AFC technology, offering multiple payment options such as QR codes, contactless cards, EMV bank cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Joaquim Santos, Signalling and Rail Solutions (SRS) OPPS – ICS, said: “Hitachi Rail has a long-standing presence in Egypt, built on trust, collaboration and shared ambition. Our commitment goes beyond delivering advanced technologies—we are deeply invested in developing local capabilities, supporting innovation, and contributing to the country’s sustainable mobility goals.”

Carlo Piacenza, Signalling and Rail Solutions (SRS) MEA regional director, added: “We are proud to announce that we have been awarded a contract by Hassan Allam joint venture and The Arab Contractors (Osman Ahmed Osman & Co.) to modernise and upgrade the oldest electric tram system in Africa, transforming it into a reliable, efficient, and digitally enhanced transportation system. This contract marks an important milestone, showing the capacity of Hitachi Rail technologies in the rehabilitation and modernisation of tramway systems.”

Dubai Municipality has launched the “Smart Municipality Eye” initiative, an advanced aerial monitoring system powered by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with artificial intelligence. The initiative introduces smart, mobile oversight of Dubai’s vast green spaces, assessing plant health and generating real-time reports to forecast potential issues. It strengthens the Municipality’s ability to proactively manage the city through advanced data-driven insights.

Through the Smart Municipality Eye, drones will conduct aerial and field mapping across 52 million square metres of green areas throughout Dubai. The system uses AI to analyse vegetation health, detect irrigation inefficiencies and pest-related problems, and process data for predictive maintenance. This approach ensures timely intervention, supporting the long-term sustainability and resilience of Dubai’s green infrastructure.

To further support the initiative, Dubai Municipality has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Eanan Al Samma for Remote-Controlled Aircraft Manufacturing. The agreement enhances collaboration in developing and deploying cutting-edge drone technologies and advanced AI solutions for municipal, inspection, and field operations—aligning with Dubai’s environmental and urban sustainability goals.

The MoU was signed by His Excellency Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, and His Excellency Rashid Hamdan bin Khadim Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Eanan Al Samma, during Urban Future Week, held at the Museum of the Future in partnership with Dubai Municipality on 10–11 November. The event gathered experts and decision-makers from around the world to explore the future of urban planning and strengthen cities’ readiness for emerging challenges.

His Excellency Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, said: “This collaboration with Eanan Al Samma represents an advanced step in positioning Dubai Municipality as a proactive leader supported by artificial intelligence and drone technologies in managing municipal operations and enhancing field services across the city. We are not merely planting trees; we are designing and preserving Dubai’s environmental and visual identity with precision. These technologies provide unprecedented capabilities to sustain and maintain our urban assets, contributing every day to making Dubai a more beautiful, sustainable, and liveable city.”

His Excellency Rashid Hamdan bin Khadim Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Eanan Al Samma, said: “We are pleased to partner with Dubai Municipality to advance the use of modern drone technologies in support of sustainability and smart government services. This agreement reflects our shared commitment to developing innovative technological projects and intelligent systems that align with Dubai’s future vision, enhance operational efficiency, and improve quality of life.”

Under the MoU, both parties will exchange technical expertise, co-develop innovative solutions, and pilot advanced operational models to support Dubai Municipality’s goals of flexible and efficient municipal service delivery. The partnership strengthens sustainability, optimises resource management, and enhances Dubai’s position as a global model for smart, liveable cities.

Air Arabia (PJSC), the Middle East and North Africa’s first and largest low-cost carrier, has reported record financial and operational results for the third quarter and first nine months of 2025, underscoring its strong market position and resilience amid global aviation challenges.

For the quarter ending September 30, 2025, Air Arabia’s net profit surged 16 per cent year-on-year to Dhs656m, marking one of its strongest quarterly performances on record. Revenue climbed 14 per cent to Dhs2.04bn, reflecting robust travel demand across its expanding route network, a WAM report said.

Read more-Etihad, Air Arabia chart new routes: Here’s what travellers need to know

Passenger traffic also continued its upward trajectory, with more than 5.9 million travellers carried across Air Arabia’s hubs during the period, up 16 per cent from a year earlier. The airline’s average seat load factor, a key indicator of operational efficiency, rose four percentage points to 85 per cent, highlighting sustained demand and effective capacity management within its low-cost model.

Chairman Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammad Al Thani said the results underscored the “continued strength” of Air Arabia’s business model and the “sustained demand for its value-driven product.” He noted that despite ongoing geopolitical and supply chain challenges, the carrier has maintained solid profitability through operational efficiency, disciplined cost control, and network optimisation.

“Our performance is a testament to the management team, the trust of our customers, and the strength of our strategic vision,” Al Thani added.

Strong nine-month results driven by expansion

For the first nine months of 2025, Air Arabia reported a net profit of Dhs1.42bn, a 13 per cent rise over the same period last year, with total revenues reaching Dhs5.49bn, up 10 per cent year-on-year. Passenger numbers for the January–September period reached more than 16 million, an increase of 14 per cent compared to 2024. The average seat load factor for the nine months also rose four percentage points to 85 per cent, reflecting consistently high utilisation levels.

During this period, Air Arabia continued to strengthen its network reach and fleet capabilities. The airline launched 12 new routes across its operating hubs in the UAE, Morocco, Egypt, and Pakistan, expanding its total network to 212 routes. It also added six new aircraft to its fleet, bringing the total to 88 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, both owned and leased, with more deliveries expected before the end of 2025.

In a move that underscores its regional growth ambitions, Air Arabia, alongside Nesma Group and KUN, was selected by Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) to establish and operate a new national low-cost carrier based at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. The new airline aims to enhance connectivity within the kingdom and support Saudi Arabia’s broader aviation and tourism expansion goals.

Sustainability and social responsibility

Sustainability remains a central pillar of Air Arabia’s strategy. During the third quarter, the airline retained its MSCI ESG “AA” rating, placing it in the global “Leader” category for airlines. As part of its broader sustainability roadmap, Air Arabia completed a materiality assessment involving more than 400 stakeholders, identifying 12 key sustainability priorities.

A major milestone came with the delivery of its first Airbus A320neo, part of a 120-aircraft order that promises up to 20 per cent lower fuel burn and CO₂ emissions. These sustainability gains are reinforced by ongoing fuel optimisation initiatives, a paperless cockpit program, and digital transformation across operations.

Beyond environmental goals, the company’s Charity Cloud initiative continued to expand its global humanitarian footprint. Two new clinics opened in Bangladesh and Egypt, offering vital healthcare to underserved communities. This brings the total number of Charity Cloud schools and clinics to 15 across 12 countries, reaffirming Air Arabia’s commitment to community well-being and social development.

As Air Arabia enters the final quarter of the year, Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammad Al Thani said the airline will maintain its focus on executing its long-term growth strategy while sustaining profitability and efficiency.

“Our priorities remain centered on network expansion, operational excellence, and customer experience enhancement,” he said. “Through innovation and disciplined growth, we aim to deliver consistent, sustainable results and long-term value to all stakeholders.”