The UAE Ministry of Finance has issued Cabinet Decision No. (197) of 2025, unveiling a revamped structure for selective goods taxation, including revised rates and methods for calculating the selective price. The latest decision marks a significant update to the country’s excise tax framework, with a particular focus on introducing a “tiered volumetric model” for sweetened beverages.

The new decision replaces Cabinet Resolution No. (52) of 2019 and its subsequent amendments, according to a WAM report.

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The amendment aligns with ongoing national efforts to promote public health and encourage healthier consumption patterns. It follows the recent revisions to Federal Decree-Law No. (7) of 2025 on excise tax, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to reducing sugar-related health risks and building a more transparent tax environment.

Officials said the updated framework seeks to unify legislative guidelines governing excise goods, offering clearer definitions and more straightforward tax calculations. The move is designed to help taxable businesses better understand and fulfill their obligations while also supporting the country’s long-term health objectives.

Tax rates tied to sugar content

Under the new tiered model, excise tax on sweetened beverages will be directly linked to sugar concentration per 100 millilitres. Beverages containing 5 grammes or more but less than 8 grammes of sugar per 100 millilitres will incur a tax of Dhs0.79 per litre. Those with 8 grammes or more of sugar per 100 millilitres will be taxed at Dhs1.09 per litre.

Products with less than 5 grammes of sugar per 100 millilitres, as well as beverages containing only artificial sweeteners, will be exempt from excise tax, reflecting the government’s intention to encourage healthier consumer choices.

Compliance and classification measures

The resolution also details the Federal Tax Authority’s procedures for product classification, including their addition to the official price list. Taxable persons who fail to provide necessary laboratory reports or supporting documents will temporarily be subject to the highest sugar-content tax tier until appropriate certifications are submitted. Once verified, tax assessments may be revised.

All amendments tied to the tiered volumetric model are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.

The Ministry of Finance emphasised that the new measures support the government’s broader agenda to reduce healthcare burdens associated with high sugar consumption while strengthening a clear, unified, and investor-friendly excise tax framework.

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has signed an agreement with Archer Aviation to set up a regulatory pathway that would allow electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft to operate across the kingdom, the regulator said.

GACA said it plans to base its framework on the US Federal Aviation Administration’s certification rules and the Department of Transportation’s eVTOL Implementation Pilot Program, aiming to support early operations in Riyadh, Jeddah and large development zones including Red Sea Global.

The roadmap is part of the aviation pillar of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and aligns with the country’s Vision 2030 push to expand advanced air mobility.

Archer-GACA agreement to cover proof-of-concept demonstrations

The partnership includes plans for proof-of-concept demonstrations and experimental flights to test regulatory processes, guide infrastructure rollout and build public confidence in electric air taxi services.

“This MoU is an important step in advancing the kingdom’s vision for advanced air mobility,” said captain Sulaiman bin Saleh Al-Muhaimedi, GACA’s EVP for Aviation Safety and Environmental Sustainability.

He said the collaboration strengthens the regulatory and operational groundwork needed to integrate eVTOL aircraft into Saudi Arabia’s aviation system.

Archer CEO Adam Goldstein said Saudi Arabia is moving quickly on advanced air mobility and that aligning the kingdom’s certification process with the FAA would support safe and rapid deployment.

The announcement follows Archer’s recent partnership with The Helicopter Company, owned by the Public Investment Fund, to launch eVTOL services with Red Sea Global.

GACA oversees civil aviation regulation in Saudi Arabia and leads the Saudi Aviation Program, which targets US$100 billion in public and private investment to modernise the sector, expand destination coverage to 250 cities and lift passenger traffic in line with the Kingdom’s long-term transport strategy.

Global air travel is witnessing a significant transformation as Emirates and Etihad Airways unveil strategic partnerships, innovative travel products, and new routes designed to enhance connectivity, flexibility, and sustainability. From the Caribbean to Southeast Asia and across Europe to the Middle East, these Gulf carriers are expanding their reach while responding to growing traveller demand for convenience, flexibility, and responsible travel.

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Through partnerships with regional carriers and the introduction of innovative solutions for leisure and corporate travellers, both airlines are demonstrating how strategic collaborations can create seamless, connected journeys that span continents. The move comes as the industry continues to recover from the pandemic, with a focus on optimising the travel experience while supporting global tourism and environmental goals.

Emirates connects the Caribbean and Asia

Emirates has activated an interline partnership with Bahamasair, allowing travellers from its global network to reach The Bahamas with ease. The partnership connects Emirates’ hubs in Miami and Orlando to Nassau/Paradise Island and Freeport on Grand Bahama Island. Following a Memorandum of Understanding signed in June, the agreement allows passengers to book a single ticket across both airlines, with streamlined baggage handling and simpler connections.

Emirates operates daily flights to Miami using retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft with four cabin classes, alongside five weekly services to Orlando in a three-class configuration. From these Florida gateways, passengers can transfer to Bahamasair flights operated by Boeing 737 aircraft to reach the Caribbean islands. Earlier this year, Emirates also partnered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Bahamas to jointly promote tourism, further strengthening the airline’s Caribbean footprint, an Emirates media report said.

At the same time, Emirates is enhancing travel in Southeast Asia through the Emirates Asia Pass. The pass simplifies multi-city travel across Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Singapore, and Laos, all under one ticket. Travellers can book one to ten flights, revisit cities, and tailor itineraries according to their preferences, without juggling multiple airline tickets.

Key gateways such as Singapore, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur serve as ideal starting points, with onward connections provided by partner airlines Bangkok Airways and Batik Air Malaysia. Emirates-operated flights connect Thailand to Vietnam and Cambodia, providing further regional flexibility. For travellers seeking to explore the region, the Asia Pass offers convenience, value, and freedom, all from a single platform.

Etihad advances sustainability in corporate travel

Meanwhile, Etihad Airways is focusing on sustainability and corporate travel solutions. The airline has enhanced its Etihad for Business (EYB) platform to allow corporate clients to redeem EYB credits for carbon offsets in collaboration with CarbonClick*. This development allows companies to align their travel with environmental commitments while managing business travel more efficiently.

Javier Alija, vice president of Global Sales and Distribution at Etihad Airways, emphasised: “Business travel management should be straightforward, not complex. By integrating carbon-offsets into Etihad for Business, corporate clients can seamlessly manage their emissions and support climate action through their everyday travel programmes.”

The EYB platform, fully digital and launched earlier this year, consolidates contract access, spend tracking, credit redemption, and other travel management features into a single, intuitive portal. Upcoming enhancements will include automated performance reports, real-time analytics, and simplified contract management, reinforcing Etihad’s position as a leader in sustainable corporate travel.

Expanding European access with Condor partnership

Etihad is also extending its network in Europe through a strategic partnership with German carrier Condor. The airlines will implement an extensive codeshare agreement and introduce daily flights connecting Frankfurt and Berlin to Abu Dhabi, starting in Summer 2026.

From May 1, 2026, Condor will operate daily flights between Frankfurt and Abu Dhabi using Airbus A330 aircraft, followed by daily Berlin-Abu Dhabi flights from June 15, 2026 on Airbus A320 aircraft. This partnership significantly increases direct access to Abu Dhabi for German travellers while providing seamless onward connections across Etihad’s extensive network in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Australia.

Arik De, chief revenue and commercial officer at Etihad Airways, noted: “Adding Berlin alongside new Frankfurt options meets clear passenger demand. Above all, this partnership puts the traveller first.” Jens Boyd, commercial director at Condor, highlighted the agreement as a key step in expanding connectivity within Europe and globally.

Etihad Guest members will benefit from loyalty programme perks, including earning and redeeming miles on Condor-operated flights. The codeshare agreement will come into effect after regulatory approval, offering travellers enhanced options to experience Abu Dhabi and beyond.

Seamless travel across continents

Together, these initiatives by Emirates and Etihad illustrate a broader trend in the aviation industry: the drive toward seamless, flexible, and sustainable travel. Emirates’ partnerships in the Caribbean and Asia focus on leisure travellers seeking convenience and exploration, while Etihad’s corporate and European partnerships prioritise business travellers and sustainability initiatives.

By connecting key regions, Caribbean, Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, these airlines are enhancing market reach, promoting tourism, and supporting environmental goals.

The focus on integrated digital tools, flexible passes, and codeshare agreements reflects an evolving landscape where travellers increasingly value control, transparency, and convenience.

For global travellers, these developments signal a new era of interconnected journeys, where passengers can easily navigate complex itineraries, explore multiple destinations in one trip, and make choices that align with personal and corporate sustainability goals.

As international travel rebounds and expectations continue to evolve, Emirates and Etihad are setting a benchmark for the industry, combining network expansion, innovation, and sustainability to create more opportunities for seamless global connectivity.

Kyndryl, the global provider of mission-critical IT services, has released the UAE edition of its second annual Readiness Report, revealing a landscape where organisations are rapidly advancing their AI agendas while grappling with intensifying pressure to modernise core systems, strengthen cybersecurity, and address widening workforce skills gaps.

“The UAE has set out one of the most ambitious AI agendas in the world, from its drive to build an AI-powered government to the transformation of key industries and the development of an AI-ready workforce,” said Raoul Van Engelshoven, managing director, Kyndryl UAE. “The findings of the Kyndryl Readiness Report reflect this momentum, showing how organizations across the UAE are accelerating their adoption of AI to match the nation’s vision.”

The report highlights both progress and persistent structural challenges across UAE enterprises:

AI returns growing — but scaling remains difficult
Seventy percent of UAE organisations report increased pressure to demonstrate ROI on AI investments compared to last year. Yet AI adoption remains largely experimental, with 66% stating their innovation efforts stall after proof-of-concept, and 67 per cent citing foundational issues in their technology stack as a major barrier.

Confidence surpasses capability
Although businesses remain optimistic about their readiness, leaders acknowledge systemic obstacles.
• 91 per cent say they struggle to keep up with the pace of technological advancement.
• 26 per cent cite complex technology environments as a barrier to scaling investments.
• 24 per cent say misalignment between business and technology teams hinders progress.

AI reshaping workforces amid significant skills gaps
The majority — 93 per cent — believe AI will “completely” transform jobs within their organisations over the next 12 months. However, concerns are rising over workforce readiness:
• 30 per cent are unsure how to upskill or reskill staff displaced by AI.
• 41 per cent cite gaps in core cognitive skills.
• 40 per cent report shortages in technical skills needed to fully leverage AI.

Cyber resilience a growing priority
With 86 per cent of organisations in the UAE experiencing a cyber-related outage in the past year, cybersecurity remains urgent. Despite this, only 38 per cent have implemented robust cybersecurity measures, and just 35 per cent are upgrading IT infrastructure to mitigate operational risks.

Regulation shaping infrastructure decisions
As organisations scale digital investments, 27 per cent cite regulatory or compliance requirements as barriers — highlighting the increasing influence of policy frameworks on cloud and data strategies.

Geopolitics reshaping cloud strategies
The report shows a significant shift in how UAE businesses approach cloud infrastructure:
• 86 per cent of leaders are concerned about geopolitical risks associated with storing data in global cloud environments.
• 68 per cent have already adjusted strategies, including data repatriation, vendor reassessment, and a shift toward private cloud models.

Kyndryl says these findings point to an inflection point for UAE organisations — one where accelerating AI ambitions must be matched by modernised infrastructure, upgraded cybersecurity, and coordinated workforce development to achieve sustainable transformation.

To read the full findings, visit Kyndryl’s Readiness Report.

The UAE will introduce a nationwide change to Friday prayer timings from January 2, 2026, as part of a broader move to standardise schedules and support the country’s Year of the Family initiatives. The General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat has confirmed that Friday sermons and prayers will begin at 12.45pm across all emirates, replacing the current fixed timing of 1.15pm introduced in 2022.

The new directive marks the second major adjustment to Friday routines since the UAE transitioned to a Monday–Friday working week nearly four years ago. At the time, the shift aligned the country with global markets, prompted half-day schedules for many public-sector employees, and led schools nationwide to revise classroom timetables.

With the upcoming change, education providers across the UAE are preparing for another round of timetable adjustments. Most schools are expected to shorten the academic day on Fridays to ensure pupils and staff can attend the sermon and prayer, though they await formal guidance from the relevant education regulators.

In its circular announcing the revised timing, the authority called on all worshippers “to take care to adhere to the new timings” and confirmed that the changes apply nationwide from the first Friday of 2026.

Sharjah, which adopted a four-day working week in 2022 and did not adjust Friday prayer timings at the time, is expected to follow the new 12.45pm nationwide schedule unless otherwise specified by local authorities.