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.

Saudi Arabia’s real gross domestic product grew 4.8 per cent year on year in Q3 2025, driven by strong expansion in both oil and non-oil sectors.

Figures from the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) showed oil activities rose by 8.3 per cent from a year earlier, while non-oil activities expanded by 4.3 percent. Government activities increased by 1.4 per cent.

On a seasonally adjusted basis, real GDP grew 1.4 per cent compared with Q2 of 2025.

Quarter-on-quarter, oil activities increased by 3.3 per cent, non-oil activities rose by 0.6 per cent, and government activities grew by 1.1 per cent, the data showed.

The latest figures underline continued momentum in the kingdom’s diversification push as non-oil growth remains resilient alongside a rebound in hydrocarbon output.

Saudi GDP shows continuous growth: Q2 2025

The kingdom’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew 3.9 per cent in the second quarter of 2025 driven by the non-oil sectors, according to government data estimates.

Non-oil activity grew by 4.6 per cent compared to the same quarter last year, according to GASTAT.

Sectors like electricity, gas and water showed the highest growth followed by finance, insurance and business activities.

The economy grew across all sectors with oil up 3.8 per cent and government activities growing 0.6 per cent.

Oil activities showed largest growth compared to Q1, rising by 5.6 per cent.

His Highness 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, has approved a series of policy frameworks designed to strengthen urban planning, citizen housing, and the emirate’s digital resilience.

The decisions were announced during a meeting of The Executive Council held at Emirates Towers, attended by His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE.

Aligned with the Year of the Family announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Dubai Social Agenda 33 launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the newly approved initiatives include a planning model for residential communities, the Digital Resilience Policy, and the general plan for The Executive Council’s 2026 Agenda.

Sheikh Hamdan said the new policies reinforce Dubai’s commitment to development models that centre on citizen welfare, social cohesion, and long-term sustainability.

“Guided by the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, citizen welfare and family empowerment form the foundation of Dubai’s future plans, driving efforts to make it the best, most beautiful, and most advanced city in the world. This model focuses on creating socially interconnected, service-integrated communities that enhance quality of life through homes, neighbourhoods, parks, schools, and their service centres,” he said.

New urban model prioritising family and sustainability

The Executive Council approved a new framework for citizens’ residential areas, designed to align with the Dubai Urban Plan 2040 and strengthen community cohesion. The model reinforces the traditional concept of the Fareej, creating integrated neighbourhoods linked by shaded walkways, dedicated cycling and running tracks, and interconnected green spaces.

It also introduces a major expansion of parks and facilities. Across Madinat Latifa and Al Yalayis, the plans include:

• 152 new parks, with every home located within 150 metres of green space

• Over 33 km of cycling paths and extensive shaded pedestrian corridors

• Community majlis and wedding halls

• Enhanced social infrastructure, including early childhood centres, schools, clinics, and mosques

In Madinat Latifa, 11 per cent of the total area will be dedicated to open and green spaces, supporting 141,000 residents across 18,500 homes. In Al Yalayis, the model includes a connected green corridor and facilities designed for 66,000 residents.

The integrated approach supports Dubai’s 20-Minute City objective, enabling residents to access key services within minutes.

Strengthening digital resilience

Sheikh Hamdan also approved the Digital Resilience Policy, which provides a comprehensive governance structure to safeguard digital infrastructure and ensure the continuity of essential government services.

“We have one of the most advanced digital infrastructures in the world. To fulfil the objectives of the Dubai Digital Strategy launched in 2023 – digitalising life in Dubai, strengthening the digital economy, and empowering society – we continue to develop a robust digital government model and maintain the continuity and efficiency of digital services. The Digital Resilience Policy has been approved as a key tool to enhance digital leadership in a comprehensive and proactive way,” Sheikh Hamdan said.

The policy is built on a methodology that enhances preparedness, response, recovery, and transformation to ensure operational continuity and strengthen protection of critical digital assets. It emphasises coordinated action between the public and private sectors, covering data centres, networks, cloud platforms, and user systems.

2026 agenda approved

The Executive Council also reviewed Dubai’s 2025 agenda achievements and approved the general plan for its 2026 Agenda. The plan supports Dubai Plan 2033 and outlines targets across economic development, infrastructure, social programmes, security and justice, entrepreneurship, and public services.

The approved policy frameworks collectively reinforce Dubai’s long-term ambition to remain a global leader in sustainable urban planning, digital innovation, and family-centric development.

Mubadala Investment Company and Aldar have announced a landmark joint venture to unlock the next phase of development on Al Maryah Island, advancing Abu Dhabi’s position as the region’s leading international financial centre.

With a gross development value exceeding Dhs60bn, the project covers the final major landbank on the island’s north side — almost 500,000 sqm — and will add 1.5 million sqm of new mixed-use space. The expansion will introduce significant office, residential, retail, and hospitality capacity, reinforcing Al Maryah Island’s evolution into a fully integrated global business and lifestyle hub.

At the core of the development is a major enhancement of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), which has recorded unprecedented growth with more than 11,000 active licences and nearly 40,000 professionals based in the district. The new masterplan will deliver over 450,000 sqm of Grade A office space, effectively doubling the island’s current commercial supply.

Residential demand is also accelerating, driven by an influx of global investors and professionals. The expansion will introduce more than 3,000 new luxury waterfront residences, complementing branded offerings such as the W and St. Regis projects already under development.

The island’s lifestyle and retail ecosystem will also see notable growth. New plans include 40,000 sqm of experiential luxury retail and dining, a world-class marina, and additional hotel developments extending the island’s hospitality offering anchored by the Four Seasons and Rosewood Abu Dhabi.

A centrepiece of the expansion is the Al Maryah Waterfront enhancement project, featuring a new 75-metre-high bay fountain, alongside reimagined leisure, dining, and event spaces.

Dr Bakheet Al Katheeri, chief executive officer of UAE Investments Platform at Mubadala, said: “This landmark joint venture marks a defining moment in realizing the full potential of Al Maryah Island. As Abu Dhabi’s premier business and lifestyle destination, Al Maryah has always embodied Mubadala’s long-term commitment to cultivating globally competitive, future-ready destinations. By unlocking the island’s final major landbank, we are accelerating its evolution into one of the world’s most dynamic financial and lifestyle hubs — expanding its commercial strength, enhancing its residential and retail offering, attracting international investors, and reinforcing its vital role at the heart of Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification journey.”

Talal Al Dhiyebi, group chief executive officer of Aldar, added: “This expansion represents a pivotal milestone for Abu Dhabi’s continued growth as a global financial centre, with ADGM at its heart. With Mubadala and Aldar’s proven track record in master planning and delivering iconic destinations, we are collaborating to create a world-class, mixed-use environment that will attract leading businesses, investors and talent from around the world. It will support the UAE’s vision for a diversified and knowledge-based economy while enhancing the capital’s allure as a place to live, work and invest.”

Salem Al Darei, chief executive officer of ADGM Authority, said: “Today’s landmark expansion of Al Maryah Island marks a pivotal step in strengthening Abu Dhabi’s standing as a global capital for finance. With ADGM at the heart of this transformation, the development reflects our ambition to create one of the world’s most progressive and connected financial districts, an ecosystem where international institutions, investors, and innovators can thrive. This next chapter reinforces Abu Dhabi’s long-term economic vision and accelerates our journey in shaping a dynamic, future-ready hub that sets new global benchmarks for growth, opportunity, and impact.”

Connectivity upgrades form a core part of the masterplan. Proposed infrastructure includes 2.5 km of air-conditioned pedestrian corridors, over 12,000 parking spaces, and 20% dedicated open space. Three new bridges are planned to connect the north side of Al Maryah Island to Reem Island and the Abu Dhabi mainland, ensuring Saadiyat Island is less than a 10-minute drive away. Enabling works are scheduled for 2026.

The joint venture — held 60 per cent by Aldar and 40 per cent by Mubadala — marks the next chapter in a long-standing partnership spanning more than two decades. The two entities have collaborated on multiple real estate projects across Abu Dhabi, including Al Maryah Tower, One Maryah Place and a retail JV covering The Galleria, Yas Mall and the upcoming Saadiyat Grove Mall.

The Al Maryah Island expansion represents a defining step in shaping the future of Abu Dhabi’s most important business and lifestyle district.