Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded the contract for the development of the Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street intersection with Al Awir Road and Al Manama Street, marking a significant step in the emirate’s long-term road infrastructure expansion strategy.

The project, according to a WAM report, includes the construction of 2,300 metres of bridges, the expansion of traffic lanes, and the paving of service roads along Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street and Al Awir Road in both directions. It will also feature the provision of new entrances and exits serving residential and development areas located along the corridor.

Read more-Dubai’s roads get a redesign: Bridges, tunnels and a new urban identity take shape

Once completed, the project is expected to dramatically enhance traffic capacity and reduce congestion on one of Dubai’s key arterial routes.

The development will increase the street’s capacity from 5,200 vehicles per hour in both directions to 14,400 vehicles per hour, representing a 176 per cent increase. Travel times along the corridor are also expected to improve significantly, dropping from approximately 20 minutes to just five minutes.

Construction is scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2028, aligning with RTA’s broader timeline for major transport network upgrades across the emirate.

Supporting urban growth and mobility

Mattar Al Tayer, director general and chairman of the board of executive directors of the Roads and Transport Authority, said the project forms a core component of RTA’s master plan to enhance Dubai’s road network.

“Undertaking this project is part of RTA’s master plan to develop the roads, bridges, crossings, and tunnels network to accommodate growing traffic volumes, enhance mobility, and ensure smoother traffic flow across Dubai,” Al Tayer said.

He added that the initiative supports the city’s ongoing urban expansion and population growth, noting that the project serves residential and development areas with a combined population of residents and visitors exceeding 600,000.

Al Tayer explained that the works include converting the existing roundabout into a grade-separated intersection, allowing free-flowing traffic movements in all directions. The project involves constructing main bridges on Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street with four lanes in each direction.

In addition, ramps will be built to support both right- and left-turn movements, with each ramp comprising two lanes. These changes are designed to reduce bottlenecks and improve overall network efficiency at one of the corridor’s most critical junctions.

Expanded connectivity to key routes

The project also includes constructing a bridge at the intersection of Al Awir Road with Emirates Road to serve traffic heading towards Al Awir and Sharjah. Parallel service roads will be developed along Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street and Al Awir Road in both directions, providing safe and efficient access to surrounding development areas.

Further upgrades will be carried out at the intersection of Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street with Al Manama Street. These works include widening the street from two to four lanes in each direction and enhancing the signalised surface intersection to improve operational efficiency and traffic capacity.

The improvement of Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street forms part of RTA’s wider development efforts, which began with extending the street over a 25-kilometre stretch from its intersection with Dubai–Al Ain Road to the roundabout on Al Yalayis Street. That phase included the construction of a four-lane road in each direction and the upgrading of several intersections across the surrounding road network.

Among the completed works are a grade-separated interchange at the intersection with Latifa bint Hamdan Street near the Global Village entrance for traffic inbound from Emirates Road, a signalised roundabout at Al Qudra Street, and a signalised surface intersection at Hessa Street. These measures serve as interim solutions that will be further enhanced in future development phases.

Dubai Silicon Oasis and Academic City enhancements

Additional improvements were delivered along a three-kilometre section extending from Dubai–Al Ain Road to the Academic City roundabout. This phase included the construction of two 120-metre bridges at the Dubai Silicon Oasis intersection, each providing four lanes in both directions and a combined capacity of 14,400 vehicles per hour.

A signalised surface intersection beneath the bridges was also developed, featuring 20 lanes with a total capacity of 8,000 vehicles per hour. These enhancements were designed to ensure smoother traffic flow towards Dubai Silicon Oasis and Zayed University, while improving movement at the Academic City roundabout.

Dubai’s Maritime Authority said it will implement a mandatory marine traffic management plan during the 2026 New Year’s Eve celebrations to ensure safety and orderly movement across the emirate’s waterways.

The plan will be enforced during peak hours from 10 pm on December 31 to 2 am on January 1, 2026, the Dubai Maritime Authority (DMA), part of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, said in a statement.

Sheikh Dr Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum, executive director of the DMA, said the authority is committed to implementing an integrated marine traffic management plan during periods of heightened activity, particularly at the start and end of the calendar year, to safeguard visitors and those attending fireworks displays held over Dubai’s waters.

He called on vessel owners, agents, marinas and yacht clubs to brief crews and passengers in advance, stressing the importance of adhering to designated routes and maintaining safe distances while navigating.

The authority has issued a comprehensive guide alongside its navigational warning, including maps, timings and organisational instructions for marine movements on New Year’s Eve.

Dubai’s Maritime Authority has a comprehensive plan in place

With marine activity expected to increase, the DMA said it has developed a comprehensive plan based on a one-way traffic system, scheduled departure and return times according to vessel size, and specific arrangements for each marina.

The measures are designed to reduce congestion, limit collision risks and ensure smooth traffic flow in key locations, including Dubai Marina, Dubai Harbour Marina, the east and west marinas of Palm Jumeirah and the entrances to the Dubai Water Canal.

The authority said all marine vessels must comply fully with issued guidance and marina instructions and plan trips carefully in line with designated routes, weather conditions and vessel capabilities.

Navigational safety and adherence to collision-prevention regulations remain top priorities during the period, it added.

Sheikh Dr Saeed said that monitoring teams working with strategic partners will be deployed at key locations to ensure compliance. Vessel movements will be tracked using AIS systems, cameras and maritime patrols.

Violations will be subject to penalties under Dubai’s executive regulations governing vessel licensing, including potential suspension of vessel licences, captains or crew members.

He added that no accidents were recorded during previous New Year’s Eve celebrations, maintaining a zero incident rate.

The authority aims to preserve this record, reflecting Dubai’s capacity to manage large-scale events while ensuring the safety of residents and visitors on land and at sea.

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has forecast partially cloudy to occasionally cloudy weather across the UAE, with a chance of rainfall over some coastal and northern areas as unsettled conditions continue to impact the country. Winds are expected to remain light to moderate, becoming active at times, according to official forecasts.

In a statement, the NCM said winds will blow from southeasterly to northeasterly directions at speeds ranging between 10 and 25 km/hr, with gusts reaching up to 40km/hr at times. Sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf are expected to be slight to moderate, becoming rough during nighttime hours, according to a report by WAM.

Read more-UAE weather update: Dubai Police issue public safety alert

The first high tide in the Arabian Gulf will occur at 09:38am, followed by a second at 23:00. Low tides are expected at 5:08pm and 03:15am. In the Sea of Oman, waves will remain slight to moderate, with high tides forecast at 8:10pm and 06:21am, and low tides at 1:02pm and 01:24am.

Low-pressure systems drive multi-day weather disruptions

Looking beyond the immediate forecast, the NCM has warned that unsettled weather conditions are expected to persist across the UAE over the coming days. The country remains under the influence of a surface low-pressure system extending into the region, accompanied by an upper-air low-pressure system. This weather pattern is likely to sustain partly cloudy to cloudy skies, intermittent rainfall, and a noticeable drop in temperatures, particularly in coastal and northern areas.

From Monday, December 15, skies are expected to remain partly cloudy to cloudy at times, with continued chances of rainfall. Winds will be light to moderate, becoming fresh at times. Sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf are forecast to remain slight to moderate before turning rough by night and into early Tuesday, while conditions in the Sea of Oman will stay slight to moderate.

Stronger winds and rough seas expected midweek

On Tuesday, December 16, convective cloud activity is forecast to increase, bringing rainfall to scattered areas across the country. Winds are expected to strengthen, blowing from southeasterly to northeasterly directions at moderate to fresh speeds, and may become strong at times. Wind speeds could reach up to 45 km/hr, potentially causing blowing dust and sand. Sea conditions are expected to be moderate to rough in the Arabian Gulf and may become rough at times in the Sea of Oman.

Similar weather patterns are expected to continue through Wednesday and Thursday, with partly cloudy to cloudy skies and intermittent rainfall, especially over coastal areas. Winds are forecast to shift from southeasterly to northwesterly and may reach speeds of up to 50 km/h, contributing to dusty conditions. Sea conditions in both the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman are expected to remain moderate to rough.

Authorities have advised residents and marine users to exercise caution during periods of strong winds, reduced visibility, and rough seas, and to remain informed through official weather bulletins.

Abu Dhabi-based IHC said on Friday it has increased its stake in Invictus Investment Company to about 40 per cent after acquiring an additional 17.5 per cent holding in a transaction valued at roughly Dhs420m.

The investment was made through the purchase of 196 million shares in a major block trade, lifting IHC’s total shareholding in Invictus to approximately 40 per cent, the company said.

Invictus Investment Company operates across global trade corridors covering food commodities, industrial inputs, logistics and supply chain solutions.

The company reported strong growth across its international operations, delivering its highest financial performance to date.

Invictus posts robust growth in H1 2025

In H1 2025, Invictus posted a 164 per cent year-on-year increase in EBITDA to Dhs189.7m, while revenue rose 43 per cent to Dhs6.1 bn, marking its strongest half-year performance since listing on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange in 2022.

Total equity increased to Dhs1.3 bn. The company expanded its geographic footprint to 65 countries, entering 10 new markets during the period and advancing acquisitions to strengthen its midstream and downstream capabilities.

IHC said the additional investment reflects its confidence in Invictus’ long-term growth trajectory and aligns with its strategy of backing globally integrated platforms operating in sectors critical to economic stability.

IHC move reflects support for high-performing businesses

“Increasing our shareholding in Invictus Investment Company underscores our conviction in its strategic direction and its expanding role in global trade and supply chain ecosystems,” said Syed Basar Shueb, chief executive of IHC. “This investment reinforces IHC’s commitment to supporting high-performing businesses that deliver resilience, innovation and value across global markets.”

Amir Daoud Abdellatif, chief executive of Invictus Investment Company, said the increased investment was a vote of confidence in the company’s strategy and execution. “The progress achieved by Invictus Investment across financial performance, operational scale and strategic expansion reinforces our confidence in the direction we are taking and our optimism for the future,” he said.

The transaction strengthens IHC’s exposure to sectors supporting critical economic infrastructure worldwide, the company said.

As Abu Dhabi cements its status as one of the world’s most influential financial centres, family offices are emerging as a core pillar of its investment ecosystem. Today, ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market) is not only celebrating a decade of regulatory excellence and institutional expansion, but also positioning itself as the most sophisticated jurisdiction for global and regional family offices seeking governance, stability, and long-term wealth preservation.

Few leaders have had a closer vantage point to this transformation than Arvind Ramamurthy, chief market development officer at ADGM, who has witnessed firsthand the explosive growth of private capital entering Abu Dhabi. In this interview, he outlines how family offices are reshaping the UAE’s investment landscape, why ADGM has become their jurisdiction of choice, and how international interest—particularly from the UK—is accelerating.

This comes at a milestone moment for ADGM, which marks its 10th anniversary with record-breaking growth and unprecedented global interest. Since its inception in 2015, the financial centre has attracted over 300 financial firms, collectively managing $28.6tr globally, according to estimates from AIMA. Over the past three years alone, the number of financial institutions within ADGM has grown by 135 per cent, rising from 131 at the end of 2021 to 308 as of H1 2025—making ADGM one of the fastest-growing international financial centres worldwide.

In parallel, ADGM surpassed its 5-year Growth Strategy (2022–2027) targets in just three years, fuelled by a surge in funds, asset managers, and private capital platforms choosing Abu Dhabi as their operational base. The centre now counts more than 11,000 active licenses, with a 42 per cent jump in assets under management (AUM) in H1 2025, reinforcing its position as the largest financial hub in MENA.

Against this backdrop, family offices—local, regional, and increasingly global—have become one of ADGM’s most strategically important constituencies.

Ramamurthy is unequivocal about their importance.

“Family offices are among the fastest-growing investment vehicles globally, and Abu Dhabi is no exception,” he says. “In fact, family offices are deeply embedded in the economic and social fabric of the UAE, acting as custodians of generational wealth and key contributors to national growth.”

The scale of their influence is significant. “With billions of dollars in AUM across the UAE, family offices represent a high-quality and stable pool of capital. Their strategic and long-term investment horizons align well with the ambitions of Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification journey.”

ADGM sits at the centre of this “Capital of Capital” ecosystem. “ADGM alone sits within a wider Abu Dhabi capital ecosystem of over $1.82tr in Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs), with family offices managing an estimated $200bn, highlighting their strategic importance within the investment landscape.”

Abu Dhabi leads the Middle East and Africa in liveability, according to the Global Liveability Index by the Economist Intelligence Unit. The city distinguished itself through improvements in stability, healthcare, and infrastructure. These fundamentals give confidence that Abu Dhabi is not just a place to invest, but also a place to live, grow, and thrive long term, Ramamurthy states. But the role of family offices in the emirate goes far beyond capital deployment. “In Abu Dhabi, they are not just capital allocators but ecosystem builders. They’ve been first movers in establishing diverse businesses, nurturing talent, and investing in transformational sectors including technology, healthcare, infrastructure, financial services
and sustainability.”

Crucially, many now operate as co-investors and long-term partners to sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, and institutional asset managers. “They increasingly operate not only as investors but as co-investors and capital partners alongside sovereign wealth funds and institutional players, playing a pivotal role in shaping the investment direction of the region.”

To support this fast-expanding segment, ADGM has developed one of the most sophisticated and flexible family office frameworks globally.

“At ADGM, we have built a sophisticated and tailored ecosystem for family offices, providing flexible structures, bespoke regulatory frameworks, and world-class service providers to support the full spectrum of their needs,”
says Ramamurthy.

The jurisdiction offers an unusually deep toolkit of governance and wealth-structuring mechanisms. “The platform that ADGM provides is particularly suited to the unique complexities of family offices, offering governance tools like trusts, foundations, private trust companies, and robust dispute resolution mechanisms, including direct application of English Common Law.”

Succession planning, a major priority in the region, is embedded in ADGM’s offering. “We also facilitate succession planning and intergenerational wealth transfer through structures like Foundations, where we now host over 448 foundations as of September 2025, one of the highest in the region.”

Family offices can also leverage ADGM’s networking and capital access advantages. “In addition, our ecosystem, wherever needed, connects family offices to leading fund managers, tech innovators, and private capital platforms.”

Collaboration with key industry bodies ensures alignment with market needs. “We are also collaborating with the Emirates Family Office Association and key networks like MEVCA and MEIMA to ensure alignment with market needs.”

A wide range of licensing options allows for flexibility across sophistication levels and operational scope. “Depending on their stage and scope, family offices can choose from three bespoke licensing pathways: Single-Family Office (SFO), Multi-Family Office (MFO), or Structuring Only via SPVs, Trusts or Foundations.”

ADGM also offers confidentiality mechanisms. “ADGM’s RSC (Restricted Scope Company) structure also enables enhanced confidentiality while maintaining full legal integrity.”

Perhaps most importantly, ADGM has built a white-glove onboarding system for families relocating to or operating from the emirate. “Through ADGM’s CRM team, we offer hands-on support in setting up operations, connecting with banks, office space providers, legal advisors and even relocation and education services, ensuring a seamless entry into the Abu Dhabi ecosystem.”

Over the past decade, Abu Dhabi’s relationship with family offices has transformed dramatically.

“There has been a significant shift,” Ramamurthy explains. “Family offices now see Abu Dhabi not just as a home base but as a global gateway, a jurisdiction that offers legal certainty, a stable tax environment, access to SWFs and co-investors, and connectivity to global markets.”

The institutionalisation of family offices is accelerating. “Many family offices that were once operated through fragmented structures are now centralising their operations, professionalising governance, and broadening their investment mandates across asset classes and geographies.”

Capital markets activity—both public and private—has been another draw. “The growing number of IPOs, new capital markets access, and greater regulatory clarity in ADGM have further attracted their attention.”

As of 2024, ADX surpassed $800bn in market cap, with active debt, equity, and green bond markets increasingly appealing to family offices seeking scalable exits. “This market cap has since grown in 2025, with recent numbers, and so has the interest from family offices.”

ADGM’s regulatory innovations—particularly in private credit and virtual asset funds—have also expanded the range of investment strategies available to family offices.

Perhaps one of the most impactful developments has been the introduction of Ministerial Decision 261 (2024), which created new tax clarity for structures commonly used by family offices. “It now allows Foundations to hold SPVs and Companies without triggering corporate tax, enhancing Abu Dhabi’s attractiveness for wealth preservation and intergenerational planning.”

The renewed global confidence in ADGM is reflected in the calibre of investors it is attracting. “Recently, several prominent international family offices and billionaire investors — including Ray Dalio, Elysium Management, Asif Aziz, Wafic Saïd, Kishin RK, RB Capital/Royal Holdings, Kapoor Wealth Partners, and Apeiron Investment Group — have established operations within ADGM.”

One of the most notable recent trends has been the surge of interest from the United Kingdom.

“Interest from UK-based family offices and high-net-worth individuals has grown meaningfully over the last few years,” Ramamurthy says. Proximity, lifestyle advantages, and investor-friendly policies play a role, but the legal environment is the
real differentiator.

“In my opinion, what is especially appealing to UK families is our legal environment. ADGM’s existence as the only jurisdiction with the direct application of English Common Law provides the familiarity and legal assurance that many UK entities seek. That, coupled with a favourable tax environment, is a difficult combination to find in this region.”

What began as curiosity has become action. “In recent years, we have seen this interest convert into action. UK-origin family offices are setting up Single-Family Offices, investing through SPVs, and engaging with local opportunities in venture capital, private equity, and real estate.”

The administrative experience is another draw. “They also benefit from ADGM’s simplified licensing process, digital application infrastructure, and concierge support, including real estate guidance, school selection, fast-track Golden Visas, and banking introductions.”

More broadly, Ramamurthy says the UK trend reflects Abu Dhabi’s positioning as the global centre of private capital. “We offer the ‘Path to Forward’ for family offices seeking jurisdictional resilience, next-gen readiness, and global connectivity. And we are seeing growing interest from UK families who appreciate the combination of operational flexibility and high lifestyle quality, all within a regulatory environment they understand and trust.”

ADGM’s 10th anniversary marks more than a milestone—it marks a strategic inflection point for Abu Dhabi’s financial future.

With its 123 per cent AAGR in AUM, 62 per cent AAGR in fund managers, and expansion to 11,000+ active licences, ADGM has not only become the largest IFC in MENA—it is now
one of the most influential hubs for private
capital globally.

Family offices are central to this next chapter. As generational wealth grows, as governance structures mature, and as Abu Dhabi continues its economic diversification journey, ADGM’s tailored frameworks, global connectivity, and regulatory sophistication position it as the natural home for the next wave of global family offices.