The business landscape in the UAE has taken center stage this week, featuring transformative tax reforms, record-breaking real estate transactions in Dubai, and a new Golden Residency initiative from Oman. Key highlights also include an in-depth look at the top workplaces throughout the Middle East, reflecting an evolving corporate culture. These developments underscore a dynamic atmosphere across the region, emphasizing growth and innovation.
From sweeping tax reforms in UAE Free Zones to record real estate sales in Dubai, it’s been a week of major headlines shaping the region’s business landscape.
Exclusive deals, like Tashas Group’s $27 million expansion with Arada, highlight shifting consumer trends, while Oman unveiled its landmark Golden Residency for investors. Corporate culture came under the spotlight with the unveiling of the Middle East’s 100 Best Places to Work, and Dubai’s $1.36 billion online food delivery market got a regulatory boost.
UAE announces new tax rules for Free Zones
This week, the UAE unveiled significant updates to its tax legislation concerning Free Zones. The Ministry of Finance (MoF) announced the repeal of Ministerial Decision No. 265 of 2023 and introduced the new Ministerial Decision No. 229 of 2025, which clearly outlines the scope of Qualifying Activities for Corporate Tax purposes in Free Zones.
The revised regulations broaden the scope of Qualifying Commodity Trading to encompass industrial chemicals, associated by-products of qualifying commodities, and environmental commodities.
Dubai real estate records $14 billion August sales, best areas and projects revealed
In terms of real estate, Dubai’s market recorded outstanding sales, amounting to AED 51.1 billion ($13.9 billion) in August 2025—a notable 7.9% increase compared to the same month last year, according to a recent market update from fām Properties.
The total number of transactions climbed 15.4% year-on-year to 18,678. Apartments dominated the market, generating AED 30.2 billion ($8.2 billion) in sales, marking a dramatic 29.2% rise with 15,900 transactions compared to August 2024.
EXCLUSIVE: Tashas Group bets on suburban UAE dining in $27 million Arada joint venture
Tashas Group has formed a AED 100 million ($27 million) joint venture with UAE developer Arada to establish at least 10 new restaurants throughout the Gulf in the next two years. This partnership reflects a shift in dining demand, moving away from traditional hotspots in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Shared exclusively with Arabian Business, this collaboration will introduce the group’s flagship Tashas café concept and the upcoming Café Sofi in Sharjah, Al Ain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Nad Al Sheba. The first locations are slated to open starting December, including a Tashas in Arada’s Aljada community in Sharjah.
The venture exemplifies changing consumer demographics and preferences throughout the UAE, where population growth, the Golden Visa scheme, and master-planned communities are enhancing lifestyle expenditures in suburban areas.
Revealed: 100 Best places to work in the Middle East
The 100 best workplaces in the Middle East have been unveiled for 2025, highlighting the region’s growing emphasis on employee satisfaction.
Great Place to Work, a recognized global research and consultancy firm, released its list categorizing the leading companies into large, medium, and small organizations.
Oman launches Golden Residency as FDI tops $77.9 billion
Oman has introduced its Golden Residency Program for Investors, a groundbreaking initiative that offers a renewable ten-year residency for investors and their families. This move is part of Oman’s strategy to position itself as an appealing long-term investment destination.
The Golden Residency provides numerous pathways to obtaining residency, including property ownership in integrated tourism complexes, establishing a business, investing in government bonds or shares, and depositing funds in Omani banks.
Residency eligibility also includes companies creating 50 jobs for Omani citizens or through nominations from foreign partners for their key employees.
Dubai issues new rules to boost $1.36 billion online food delivery market
The Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade (DCCPFT) has launched a working group including public and private stakeholders aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the fast-growing online food delivery sector.
This initiative encompasses new guidelines designed to improve business standards and attract further investment within the market. Developed in collaboration with key delivery operators and food establishments, the guidelines focus on platform terms of engagement, data access, and transparency.
Dubai’s World Islands show signs of revival as new capital pours in, projects advance
Dubai’s World Islands are experiencing a resurgence, attracting ultra-wealthy investors in what is being seen as the first consistent wave of development since the financial crisis of 2008 suspended progress on the intricate 300-island project.
Real estate executives and brokers report a strong demand from billionaires and family offices for properties in the World Islands following over 15 years of stagnation. Market trends indicate that property prices range from AED 50 million to 125 million ($14 million to 34 million), with entire islands potentially commanding prices as high as AED 588 million ($160 million), according to Ben Bandari, founder and CEO of property firms Benco and DevCore.
Saudi Arabia to add 600,000 sqm of lifestyle retail space by 2027: Report
According to data from Knight Frank, Saudi Arabia is set to expand its lifestyle retail spaces in Riyadh and Jeddah by 600,000 square meters, reaching a total of 1.31 million square meters by 2027. This growth responds to changing consumer behaviors as Saudi Arabia positions itself as a prime retail destination.
Though malls have proliferated in urban and suburban areas, the intense competition in the sector has made it challenging to foster lasting customer loyalty, as consumers now seek more than just retail experiences.
Dubai’s Nakheel Mall renamed Palm Jumeirah Mall
In recent news, Dubai Holding Asset Management (DHAM) has officially rebranded Nakheel Mall as Palm Jumeirah Mall. This announcement coincides with the unveiling of a revamped section that introduces an array of international and local fashion, lifestyle, and dining brands.
Since its debut in 2019, Palm Jumeirah Mall has attracted millions of visitors each year. This redevelopment and refreshed branding align with Dubai Holding Asset Management’s vision to create world-class lifestyle destinations within the city.
Dubai launches new digital security screener licensing system at airports
The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), in collaboration with the Dubai Police General Command, has rolled out a new Digital Security Screener Licensing System for security personnel at Dubai airports. This initiative aligns with both national and international standards and reflects a commitment to enhancing aviation security.
Set within a framework of institutional integration, this initiative aims to solidify the partnership between the DCAA and Dubai Police, showcasing their dedication to improving competencies and ensuring sustainable security measures within the aviation sector.