Global technology group e& has launched a free smart keyboard aimed at encouraging greater use of the Arabic language in everyday digital communication.

The keyboard mirrors the layout used by “Arabizi”, an informal system that uses English letters and numbers to represent Arabic sounds, placing Arabic letters in positions familiar to users accustomed to typing in English. e& said the design lowers barriers to writing in Arabic by retraining muscle memory without requiring users to change how they type.

Arabizi emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s alongside the rise of mobile phones and online chat platforms, when many devices did not fully support non-Latin scripts. It remains widely used across digital platforms.

The launch comes ahead of World Arabic Language Day on December 18, which marks the anniversary of the United Nations’ adoption of Arabic as an official language and language of work in 1973.

“Today’s digital habits move faster than language can adapt,” said Fares Hamad Fares, vice president for digital marketing at e&. “If we want Arabic to remain present in everyday communication, we must create tools that meet people where they are, not ask them to abandon the way they type.”

He added that the keyboard helps younger generations reconnect with Arabic in a way that aligns with their digital lives, and said protecting the language is not only an educational responsibility but also a technological and social one.

Read: GCEO Hatem Dowdidar on how e& is redefining the future of tech and connectivity

e& rolls out cultural and media projects as part of the initiative

As part of the initiative, e& will roll out a series of cultural and media projects, including a film produced in partnership with Diwan Publishing.

The film presents Arabic literary classics rewritten entirely in Arabizi to illustrate how meaning and identity are diminished when Arabic script is removed, before showing how the keyboard enables users to return to Arabic through familiar layouts.

The company said it will also work with libraries, schools and cultural figures to deliver interactive content and in-person experiences designed to strengthen engagement with the Arabic language.

e& said the initiative addresses growing challenges facing Arabic in the digital space, particularly as fast-typing habits on smartphones become more widespread.

The company said it aims to enable young people to express themselves in Arabic without sacrificing convenience, while also supporting the use of correct Arabic in professional and workplace settings.

Partnerships in place

In parallel, e& is establishing partnerships with schools, universities and cultural institutions, including writing and reading competitions and youth-focused educational content, to expand the initiative’s reach.

The company is also working to increase the presence of Arabic in artificial intelligence training datasets.

While Arabic is spoken by more than 400 million people globally, it accounts for less than 1 per cent of digital content online, according to multiple international estimates, which affects AI systems’ ability to accurately process both Modern Standard Arabic and regional dialects.

e& continues to support Arabic culture through initiatives such as the International Prize for Arabic Children’s Literature, which it sponsors to encourage authors, illustrators and publishers and promote knowledge-driven futures.

The keyboard is expected to be available for download from e&’s website, while the accompanying film, titled “Lughatuna Muftah Huwiyatina” (Our Language Is the Key to Our Identity), will be available online.

Saudi Arabia’s annual inflation rate fell moderately to 1.9 per cent in November from 2.2 per cent October, according to government data on Monday.

Inflation based on the consumer price index has hovered around 2.1 per cent to 2.3 per cent for most of the year, propped up by rising housing prices.

Housing rental prices rose 5.4 per cent, while passenger transport prices increased 6.4 per cent, according to Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Statistics.

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To tackle the rise in rents, Saudi Arabia’s real estate authority in September laid out new rules that included a five-year suspension of annual rental increases for residential and commercial properties located within Riyadh’s urban boundaries.

Earlier this year, the government approved a Real Estate Ownership and Investment Law, which will ease property purchases by foreigners when it takes effect next year.

The kingdom is in the process of building several massive new developments around Riyadh as part of its Vision 2030 programme to boost both tourism and the private sector in a bid to diversify the economy from oil.

On a month-on-month basis, November’s CPI increased a marginally 0.1 per cent.

Global property and advisory firm BlackBrick has released new analysis indicating a major shift in how Dubai residents and businesses are deciding where to locate their offices. While the emirate is investing heavily in one of the largest mobility upgrades in the region’s history — including 226km of new roads, 115 bridges, multi-level interchanges, intelligent traffic systems, and corridor expansions — the most significant reductions in commute times are being driven by a different trend: the rise of neighbourhood business hubs inside residential communities.

According to BlackBrick, demand is accelerating for commercial spaces in secondary business districts — areas where residents can live, work, socialise and run companies within a 10–15 minute radius. The shift is driven by increasing traffic levels and a growing appetite for time-efficient, lifestyle-friendly working models.

“Traffic has become a dinner table topic in Dubai, but it is also an investment thesis,” said Matthew Bate, founder and CEO of BlackBrick. “If you buy or lease in the right mixed-use communities now, you are not just getting an office, but locking in time – now seen as the ultimate Dubai luxury by time-poor residents. Choosing an office in Expo City, Dubai South, Dubai Hills, or Motor City means converting a congested 45-minute journey into a ten-minute trip, which can have a meaningful impact on quality of life. Think longer mornings with the family, interaction at the school gates, leisurely evenings with friends, and an overall lifestyle aligned with Dubai’s ability to offer world-class convenience.”

BlackBrick identified five communities where this decentralisation trend is most pronounced:

Expo City Dubai: A walkable innovation hub

Expo City has transitioned into a permanent innovation district supported by 138 lane-km of new roads and 64 bridges delivered during the Expo phase. With free-zone offices, flexible workspaces and connectivity via Route 2020 Metro and an Dhs636 million road upgrade, the district offers a built-in commute advantage for residents of Dubai South, DIP, Jebel Ali and the Expo corridor.

Dubai South: Airport-backed commercial growth

Dubai South’s Business Park is gaining traction as a scalable, free-zone commercial hub anchored by Al Maktoum International Airport. Corridor upgrades across E311, E611 and Expo Road have improved flow across the southwest, with a future metro extension promising further connectivity.
Rents currently range from Dhs110–160 per sq ft per year, supported by low vacancy and strong demand from businesses based in communities such as Arabian Ranches, Town Square, Damac Hills and Dubai South itself.

Dubai Hills Estate: Centralised access with reduced congestion

Dubai Hills Business Park sits within a master community directly connected to Al Khail Road and Umm Suqeim Street. RTA corridor upgrades have reduced travel times by up to 60 per cent.
Residents of Dubai Hills, JVC, Barsha, MBR City and Arabian Ranches benefit from short commutes and a complete ecosystem of schools, clinics and Dubai Hills Mall. Office rents average Dhs280 per sq ft.

Motor City: Delivering the 15-minute work-life model

Motor City’s commercial core — including Control Tower, Detroit House and the Business Park — is supported by major improvements to SMBZ Road, reducing peak-time congestion by up to 70%.
Residents in Motor City, Sports City, Studio City and surrounding villa communities enjoy 5–10 minute commutes, with commercial assets seeing notable growth. Office sales in Control Tower now range from Dhs1,700–2,400 per sq ft.

Dubai Science Park: Stable, specialised demand

Serving the biotech, healthcare, wellness and professional services sectors, Dubai Science Park attracts long-term tenants who favour stability and specialised infrastructure. Commercial spaces are typically priced between Dhs1,600–1,800 per sq ft, supported by access to Al Khail Road and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road.

BlackBrick will continue publishing analysis on the evolution of these emerging business districts and providing advisory support to companies considering relocation closer to residential catchments.

Read: BlackBrick reveals Dubai’s top-performing villa communities for 2025–26

The UAE is officially launching its winter tourism season with renewed energy, highlighting the country’s rising prominence as a global destination during the cooler months. With mild winter temperatures and a broad spectrum of experiences across the emirates, the nation is attracting both domestic and international visitors seeking leisure, adventure, and cultural immersion.

This year, tourism authorities are anticipating notable growth, underpinned by increasing demand for outdoor activities, heritage festivals, entertainment shows, and winter camps. These activities have become foundational pillars of UAE’s winter tourism, strengthening the country’s position as a leading hub for seasonal tourism in the region. According to a WAM report, the diversity of offerings ensures there is something for every type of visitor, from families and cultural enthusiasts to adventure seekers and luxury travellers.

Read more-Cooler days ahead: UAE to see light rain, rising humidity as winter nears

Running from mid-December through April, the UAE’s winter calendar is filled with a wide array of events designed to appeal to varied interests. Abu Dhabi is taking centre stage with the Liwa International Festival in Al Dhafra, held from December 12 to January 3. This 23-day festival presents an expanded programme, including heritage-focused events, sporting showcases on Tal Moreeb’s towering dunes, artistic performances, live music concerts, and shopping zones. The festival captures the richness of Emirati culture and offers visitors an immersive desert experience that is uniquely appealing during the winter months.

The capital city also hosts the Winter Season Programme at Umm Al Emarat Park, which continues to provide family-oriented recreational activities through April 2026. These activities include interactive performances, outdoor games, and entertainment specifically designed to appeal to children and families. Meanwhile, Yas Island is witnessing a strong turnout with its winter events at world-renowned theme parks, featuring snow-themed experiences, festive celebrations, and live shows, complemented by the Yas Winter Festival from December 12 to 21.

In Dubai, the winter season brings a packed calendar of attractions. Global Village remains a key highlight, featuring pavilions representing countries from around the world, showcasing cultural exhibitions, cuisines, and entertainment. Alongside this, the Dubai Shopping Festival offers promotional deals, live concerts, and fireworks, drawing thousands of shoppers and tourists to the emirate. A spectacular addition this year includes drone shows, running from December 5 to January 11, with performances at Bluewaters and The Beach opposite Jumeirah Beach Residence, adding a futuristic and visually striking element to the festivities.

Other Dubai attractions include the Winter City event at Expo City Dubai and Dubai’s Winter District, which continue through the end of April 2026. Seasonal winter markets at Madinat Jumeirah and Dubai Festival City also welcome visitors with festive programmes, local culinary experiences, and cultural displays, further enhancing the emirate’s winter appeal.

Adventure and mountain tourism

The UAE’s winter tourism extends beyond urban attractions to mountainous and natural destinations. Dubai’s Hatta Winter Festival, taking place from December 5 to 28, combines adventure and cultural experiences, offering mountain biking trails, eco-tours, heritage markets, and local arts and crafts workshops. Sharjah complements this with its own winter attractions across Al Majaz Waterfront, Kalba, and Shees Park, featuring light shows, outdoor activities, and seasonal markets that cater to families and leisure tourists.

Ajman’s winter programmes are centred around its waterfronts and cultural markets, providing a lively atmosphere for visitors. Umm Al Qaiwain is positioning itself as a destination for peaceful winter escapes, offering camping experiences in natural settings. Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah continue to benefit from moderate winter temperatures, hosting activities in mountainous areas and along beaches, in addition to sports and community events.

Al Ain also plays a key role in UAE winter tourism. The city offers an array of family and heritage activities, including programmes at Al Ain Oasis, events in parks and public squares, cultural experiences at palaces and museums, and a growing demand for safari trips and mountain adventures on Jebel Hafeet. These offerings cement Al Ain’s status as a destination for both relaxation and adventure, contributing significantly to the UAE’s winter tourism ecosystem.

Winter camps across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ras Al Khaimah are playing an increasingly important role in tourism activity. These camps combine recreational experiences with educational opportunities, covering technology, innovation, sports, arts, and environmental challenges. Organised by government entities, these programmes aim to foster skills development among youth while simultaneously offering enjoyable experiences, making winter tourism both engaging and enriching.

Emirates Airlines enhances Dubai experiences

Adding to the season’s appeal, Emirates Airlines is offering travellers exclusive opportunities to make the most of their Dubai visit.

Customers booking return flights to Dubai by December 21, 2025 can enjoy complimentary access to two premier attractions: a 90-minute sunset dinner cruise along Dubai Marina and a multi-sensory art experience at the Arte Museum Dubai. The offer is valid for travel between January 7 and March 18, 2026, with bookings open from December 8 to 21 .

The Xclusive Yachts sunset cruise features a 125ft glass houseboat, international buffet dinner, live music, and panoramic Marina views at sunset. Meanwhile, the Arte Museum Dubai fuses digital artistry with sensory storytelling through immersive installations, striking visual landscapes, custom fragrances, and original soundscapes, creating a fully multi-sensory experience for visitors.

Beyond exclusive experiences, Emirates continues to enhance visitor experiences with My Emirates Pass, offering over 700 special deals across Dubai, from outdoor festivals to major seasonal shopping events. Members of the Emirates Skywards programme can earn Miles with global partners, including hotels, airlines, car rentals, retail outlets, and banking services.

These Miles can be redeemed for reward tickets, upgrades, or entry to concerts and sporting events. Skywards members also benefit from free onboard Wi-Fi and citywide privileges with partners such as Dubai Duty Free, Dubai Mall, Arabian Adventures, and Emirates Holidays.

Tickets for Emirates flights and winter packages are available via emirates.com, Emirates Sales Offices, retail outlets, The Emirates App, travel agents, or online booking platforms.

This year’s winter season demonstrates the UAE’s growing strength as a tourism destination, combining cultural heritage, adventure, family entertainment, and luxury experiences. Abu Dhabi’s heritage festivals, Dubai’s futuristic attractions, Hatta and Al Ain’s mountain adventures, and nationwide winter camps offer an unmatched combination of experiences for all visitor segments.

Moderate winter temperatures, rich cultural offerings, expansive adventure activities, and world-class hospitality have cemented the UAE as a global hub for winter tourism. Government initiatives, emirate authorities, and private partners, including Emirates Airlines, are collectively creating a tourism season that is educational, adventurous, and unforgettable, promising memories that will last long after the winter months.

Careem Pay has expanded its international remittance service to include Canada and Bangladesh, enabling UAE residents to transfer money directly to bank accounts in both countries at competitive rates. The move strengthens Careem Pay’s growing footprint in the region’s remittance market, where it now facilitates transfers to more than 35 countries, including major corridors such as India, Pakistan, Europe, the UK and the Philippines.

The service offers fast and secure transfers, with some payments completing in as little as seven seconds in 2025. Careem Plus members also receive preferential rates on transfers made through Careem Pay.

Under the new corridors, customers can transfer up to Dhs150,000 per transaction and Dhs450,000 monthly to Canada, and up to Dhs90,000 per transaction and Dhs200,000 monthly to Bangladesh. Transfers are supported in CAD for Canada and BDT for Bangladesh.

To mark the launch, Careem Pay is offering 1 per cent cashback up to Dhs100 on a customer’s first transfer to Canada when sending Dhs2,000 or more using the code CANADA.

Mohammad El Saadi, VP of Careem Pay, said: “We’re excited to extend our money transfer service to two important expat communities in the UAE. Following the expansion of our remittance corridors to 35+ countries, Canada and Bangladesh were natural next steps. From supporting families and covering school fees to managing properties and financial commitments back home, we wanted to make cross-border transfers simpler, faster, and more affordable for both Canadian and Bangladeshi expats.”

Read: New! Careem Pay expands remittance service to 18 European corridors

The UAE’s Canadian expat community remits an estimated Dhs800m annually, while Bangladesh remains one of the UAE’s top five remittance destinations, with annual flows of around $3.9bn. Demand typically spikes by around 20 per cent during the holiday season, making the timing of the new launch strategically significant.

The expansion aligns with Careem Pay’s broader mission to simplify financial services in the region through a unified payments platform offering international transfers, P2P payments, bill payments and digital wallet features.

UAE residents can begin using the new corridors by updating the Careem app and selecting ‘Pay’ from the home screen.