Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, and Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani have jointly witnessed the signing of a landmark agreement to develop a high-speed electric passenger railway connecting the two Gulf nations. The move underscores the deep-rooted fraternal ties and expanding economic cooperation between Riyadh and Doha.

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The agreement, signed by Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser and Qatar’s Minister of Transport Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani, comes under the umbrella of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the rail initiative marks a strategic step toward bolstering developmental integration, sustainable growth, and broader regional prosperity.

Regional connectivity and strategic infrastructure

Spanning 785 kilometres, the high-speed line will link the capitals of Riyadh and Doha, passing through key hubs such as Hofuf and Dammam. It will also directly connect to King Salman International Airport in Riyadh and Hamad International Airport in Doha, positioning the route as a central transport corridor for business travellers, tourists, and regional commuters.

Designed for speeds exceeding 300 kilometres per hour, the rail service is expected to cut travel time between the two capitals to roughly two hours. Officials say the project will significantly enhance passenger mobility, support commercial flows, stimulate tourism, and strengthen overall quality of life in both countries.

Economic impact and sustainability goals

Scheduled for completion within six years, the project will deploy advanced rail technologies and smart engineering systems to meet global benchmarks for safety, reliability, and operational efficiency. Economic models project an impact of nearly SAR115bn on the combined GDPs of Saudi Arabia and Qatar once the line becomes fully operational.

The railway is expected to serve more than 10 million passengers annually and generate over 30,000 direct and indirect jobs, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for Gulf-wide development. Officials also highlight the line’s environmental benefits, noting its potential to reduce carbon emissions and accelerate the region’s transition toward cleaner, more efficient mobility solutions. As one of the most strategic transportation initiatives in the Gulf Cooperation Council, the project is set to deepen regional integration and define the next era of sustainable transport across the region.

Dubai has introduced a major overhaul of bereavement services, aiming to simplify and digitise all procedures linked to the death of a family member, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) said.

The move is part of the government’s wider “City Makers” initiative and is designed to offer faster, more humane support during what officials described as one of the most difficult periods for families.

The transformation is driven by a new system called ‘Jabr’, which centralises processes that previously required visits to multiple government offices.

Under the model, each case is assigned a government service oficer who handles all formalities on behalf of the family, coordinating with every relevant entity.

A unified digital platform also sends automatic notifications as soon as a death is registered, enabling government bodies to begin their tasks immediately.

Procedures such as transporting or repatriating the deceased, as well as burial and condolence arrangements, have been accelerated.

“The ‘Jabr’ system for facilitating bereavement-related services reflects Dubai Government’s profound commitment to placing people at the forefront of its priorities,” said Dr Alawi AlSheikh-Ali, director-general of DHA. He said the framework supports families psychologically and socially while easing administrative burdens.

He added that the system aligns with Dubai’s goal of keeping people at the centre of all services and reflects values embedded in the UAE community.

Majid Al Muhairi, official spokesperson of the Jabr system and director of Information Technology at DHA, said the new approach extends beyond paperwork. “The service is no longer limited to completing administrative procedures, it now extends to offering psychological and social support to the family before, during, and after the condolence period,” he said.

Al Muhairi said the transformation is part of a broader rollout under City Makers, adding that Dubai’s digital infrastructure has enabled services to be streamlined through advanced technologies and smart solutions.

Families will no longer need to visit multiple entities, and death certificates will be issued proactively and automatically circulated.

DHA said the updated system reduces emotional and financial burden on families, while supporting its goal of improving overall quality of life.

Juma Al Blooshi, consultant in the Public Health Protection Department, said the overhaul reflects Dubai’s commitment to integrating digital services in ways that ease pressure on families dealing with loss.

Highlights of the Jabr system

The Jabr system brings together several pillars, including assigning a dedicated officer for each case and providing real-time notifications across government entities.

Condolence tents will be offered to Emirati families with hospitality services for three days, supported by over 70 designated locations.

For residents, condolence initiatives are coordinated with eight public-benefit organisations and places of worship.

Psychological support is included, with 230 school counsellors trained to assist students coping with bereavement.

Optional religious lectures are available through the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department.

The digital framework includes a unified smart system that handles alerts and a dashboard used by entities to speed up decision-making.

Dubai Courts will open estate files proactively once a death certificate is issued, enabling heirs to move ahead with inheritance procedures without attending in person.

Funeral services have also been enhanced through volunteer training programmes for washing and shrouding the deceased, a shroud kit, and upgrades to cemetery facilities in coordination with Dubai Municipality.

Investors are heading into 2026 with fading momentum across major global markets as record valuations, shifting fiscal signals and geopolitical uncertainty weigh on sentiment, according to FOREX.com’s recently published 2025/26 Market Outlook.

“Major indices have tested multi-decade highs, but momentum appears to be fading,” said Razan Hilal, CMT, market analyst at FOREX.com. “We are seeing the early stages of a retracement phase across key benchmarks, suggesting that 2026 will be defined by recalibration rather than expansion.”

US small-cap equities, tracked by the Russell 2000, are once again pushing up against the 2,500 resistance zone, a level last seen before the tariff-driven sell-off in 2025.

Larger benchmarks show similar exhaustion: the Dow Jones Industrial Average has stalled below 48,000, the Nasdaq remains capped under 26,300, and the MSCI US Index continues to struggle to break 20.50.

“While the AI and tech sectors have driven exceptional gains, valuations north of $4tn for mega-cap leaders like Microsoft and Nvidia have pushed sentiment to stretched levels,” Hilal said. “A measured correction could restore balance to what has become an overheated market.”

Gold, silver and oil prices

Safe-haven metals rallied sharply in 2025, with gold hitting an inflation-adjusted record above $4,300 an ounce and silver rising to $54.30, their strongest levels in dollar terms since 1980. Both are now consolidating after steep gains. FOREX.com expects potential pullbacks toward $3,500 for gold and $42 for silver before the next cyclical advance. “Momentum fatigue in safe havens mirrors what we’re observing across risk assets,” Hilal added. “The underlying structural bid for inflation protection remains intact, but investors should expect a normalisation in volatility.”

The US dollar index has slipped to a 17-year trendline near 96 under pressure from weaker labour data and dovish policy expectations, though FOREX.com sees this as a possible long-term support zone. The level could help sustain relative dollar strength and maintain stability for pegged currencies including the UAE dirham.

Oil prices remain supported by a structural floor near $55 a barrel, a level aligned with a trendline dating back to the 1860s. Still, OPEC’s slow unwinding of supply cuts and uneven global demand may leave crude vulnerable to declines toward $49 before finding a base.

Outlook for UAE remains positive

Despite the more cautious global backdrop, the UAE continues to strengthen its position as an investment and innovation hub, supported by crypto-friendly regulation, rising healthcare-tech activity and long-term infrastructure projects.

These trends coincide with the broader recovery in industrial demand and renewed digital asset adoption amid a US–China trade truce.

“The UAE’s progressive stance on digital finance and sustainable growth is attracting young capital inflows,” Hilal said. “As global trade frameworks stabilise, we expect emerging economies to gain momentum in 2026, particularly across energy, logistics, and technology.”

FOREX.com said 2026 is likely to be shaped by legacy fiscal policy, recalibrated liquidity cycles and changing energy-market dynamics. “Markets are transitioning from reaction to reflection,” Hilal said. “2026 will be about endurance, not euphoria, as investors adjust to the long arc of second-term economics.”

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will expand the scope of its taxi ride-sharing service under a six-month trial, following a strong uptake since the initiative launched last year, the authority said.

The existing route, which offers shared taxi trips between Ibn Battuta Mall in Dubai and Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi, has seen a 228 per cent jump in ridership, RTA said.

The service has become popular among commuters looking for a quicker and lower-cost transport option between the two emirates.

RTA adds two new points for taxi ride-sharing service

The pilot will add two new starting points, Al Maktoum International Airport and Dubai World Trade Centre, with connections to several key destinations including Dubai Marina Mall, Business Bay Metro Station, Al Satwa Bus Station and the Palm Jumeirah Atlantis Monorail Station.

“Strong demand has encouraged us to expand the service on a trial basis,” said Adel Shakri, director of Planning and Business Development at RTA’s Public Transport Agency. He said the expanded routes were selected after field studies and analysis aimed at reducing fare costs for riders, particularly those relying on taxis for regular travel within Dubai.

The authority said the initiative supports efforts to ease congestion by allowing multiple passengers to share a single taxi, cutting the number of vehicles on the road and reducing emissions.

It also helps limit the use of unlicenced transport by offering a regulated and monitored alternative, the authority added.

RTA taxis used for the service are equipped with safety features including cameras linked to the Operations Control Centre and systems that monitor driver performance.

The ELIE SAAB MAISON is evolving into a complete luxury lifestyle entity, translating its haute couture DNA of meticulous craftsmanship and timeless elegance into architecture. Elie Saab Jr discusses the vision behind Stellar by ELIE SAAB in Abu Dhabi and the strategic expansion of their authentic, enduring branded residences across the GCC.

As CEO of the Elie Saab Group, how do you balance the creative demands of the fashion house with the business strategy and growth of the real estate division?

ELIE SAAB today is evolving into a complete lifestyle brand, one that extends beyond fashion to shape how people live and experience elegance in every dimension of life. Real estate and furniture have become key pillars of this strategy, allowing us to express the brand’s identity through spaces that combine refinement, comfort, and authenticity.

In every new category we enter, our approach remains the same, to create something meaningful, true to the brand’s DNA, and executed to the highest standards. Growth for us is not about diversification for its own sake, but about expanding the Elie Saab universe with integrity, coherence, and a consistent sense of timeless elegance.

Stellar by ELIE SAAB is a highly anticipated addition to Abu Dhabi’s luxury landscape. Could you share the core creative vision for this project? How does the design and experience elevate the standard of branded residences in the capital?

Stellar by ELIE SAAB was conceived to embody Abu Dhabi’s sophistication and its connection to nature, culture, and the sea. As the first branded residence on Yas Island, it brings to life a vision of contemporary living defined by balance, proportion, and timeless design, offering residents an elevated lifestyle.

The architecture and interiors follow the brand’s timeless aesthetic, while the vast amenities, from wellness areas and lounges to cinemas and waterfront spaces, extend that same attention to detail beyond the home. It’s a project conceived not only to set a new standard for luxury residences in Abu Dhabi but also to celebrate the island’s vibrant spirit and its growing role as a destination for refined living.

Why was Abu Dhabi chosen as the location for the “Stellar” project at this particular time, and what specific demand or demographic are you aiming to capture here, distinct from your other projects in Dubai or Ras Al Khaimah?

Abu Dhabi is a strategic market for ELIE SAAB, with its strong cultural identity and vision for contemporary living. Yas Island offered the perfect setting for Stellar, combining vibrancy, accessibility, and lifestyle appeal.

The project was shaped alongside our partners, Emirates Development and Royal Development Company, reflecting a shared commitment to design excellence and quality of life. It speaks to a discerning audience seeking refined, modern living within one of the capital’s most dynamic communities.

How did the Haute Couture DNA of the EELIE SAAB brand translate into the architecture, interior design, and amenity offering of “Stellar”? Are there any signature elements residents will immediately recognise as ELIE SAAB?

In Stellar, the essence of the Elie Saab brand is expressed through meticulous attention to detail and a dedication to craftsmanship and timeless design. The interiors feature precious marbles, bronzed finishes, and soft light tones, creating an atmosphere of contemporary refinement and sophisticated balance.

All common areas are appointed with pieces from the Elie Saab Maison collection, designed by Saab and Carlo Colombo and crafted in Italy, ensuring aesthetic coherence and a seamless connection between architecture, furniture, and lifestyle.

The ELIE SAAB brand now has multiple residential projects across the UAE. What is the long-term strategy behind the brand’s commitment to luxury real estate, and how do you ensure each project maintains exclusivity and quality?

Every ELIE SAAB project is unique, shaped by its market, its location, and its environment. Before entering any new development, we study the context carefully to ensure the result feels both relevant and exclusive.

Our team is directly involved in every phase of the process, from design to construction, delivery, and even the living experience, ensuring that each residence truly reflects the essence of Elie Saab. Our long-term strategy is to continue evolving the way spaces are conceived and experienced.

Real estate allows us to translate the brand’s values into a tangible lifestyle, one defined by timeless design, craftsmanship, and emotional connection.

Given the global interest in branded residences, who is the primary buyer for a project like “Stellar by ELIE SAAB”, and is the purchase typically for residence or investment?

The project appeals to a discerning audience, attracting both residents who value refinement and comfort, and investors who appreciate the stability and long-term potential of a branded property.

Stellar by ELIE SAAB stands out for its thoughtful balance of aspiration and authenticity, offering a complete living experience defined by design integrity, comfort, and attention to detail, consistent with the brand’s standards.

The Middle East luxury real estate market is highly competitive. What differentiator does the ELIE SAAB brand bring that positions its residences above other designer-branded properties?

What sets us apart is authenticity. Every project is conceived with the same creative integrity and attention to detail that define the brand. We don’t simply place a name on a building, we curate an experience that reflects the brand’s values in every aspect, from architecture and materials to the way residents live and feel within the space.

Each development is designed to be timeless and relevant to its surroundings, combining emotional design with disciplined execution.

Beyond the UAE, are there plans to expand the ELIE SAAB real estate footprint into other GCC markets such as Saudi Arabia or Qatar?

We already have active projects in both Riyadh and Doha, two markets that share our vision for design excellence and contemporary living. The region continues to offer strong potential for meaningful developments that combine architecture, lifestyle, and cultural relevance.

Looking ahead, we will continue to propose new projects across the GCC with a selective and strategic approach, focusing on collaborations that allow the Elie Saab identity to be expressed authentically and at the highest level of quality.