This week has been eventful in the UAE, with significant updates regarding upcoming UAE holiday dates, an Emirates ID update, the booming tourism sector in Dubai, and crucial real estate tax analyses. The convergence of these developments underscores the dynamic environment in which both residents and businesses operate, presenting both opportunities and challenges.
From the announcement of upcoming public holidays to innovative adjustments in Emirates ID services and extraordinary growth in Dubai’s tourism market, this week encapsulated a wealth of important news. Notably, in real estate, UAE proptech startup PRYPCO made headlines by securing substantial funding from General Catalyst, and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) revealed plans to enhance infrastructure by adding 103 kilometers of new roads across the city.
Here are ten key stories from the week that you might have missed, as curated by the editors at Arabian Business.
Next UAE Holiday of 2025 Revealed
Residents can look forward to one more public holiday this year. The official holiday for the public and private sectors commemorating Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday is on Friday, September 5. Following that, the next break on the calendar will be National Day, celebrated on December 2-3, marking another occasion for employees in the UAE to enjoy time off.
Emirates Skywards Launches Premium Economy Flight Rewards
Emirates Skywards has rolled out new flight rewards specifically for Premium Economy travel. This initiative allows its 35 million members to redeem Skywards Miles for Classic Rewards and Upgrade Rewards across all Premium Economy cabins. Members can purchase tickets starting from 15,000 Miles one-way and request upgrades from Economy class to Premium Economy from as low as 7,020 Miles one-way.
UAE Real Estate Tax Rules Explained
In a significant update, the UAE has implemented a corporate tax structure that allows for a 4 percent annual depreciation on investment properties valued at fair market levels. This favorable change, welcomed by tax advisory firm Dhruva, enhances the prospects for real estate businesses amidst evolving corporate tax regulations.
Simplified Emirates ID Renewal Process
The UAE has introduced a streamlined, one-step process for renewing and replacing Emirates ID cards for its citizens, as part of the ongoing Zero Bureaucracy Programme. This simplification allows applicants to submit their requests alongside associated fees, with the system determining the validity period based on the applicant’s age.
PRYPCO Secures Major Funding for Real Estate Innovation
UAE-based proptech startup PRYPCO has garnered significant funding from General Catalyst in a Pre-Series A funding round. This investment is particularly notable as it marks General Catalyst’s first commitment in the PropTech sector within the Middle East. Founded by Amira Sajwani in 2022, PRYPCO focuses on disrupting real estate investment, financing, and ownership.
Dubai RTA Completes 103km of New Roads
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has successfully finished various internal road projects, including significant developments in Al Khawaneej 2 and Jebel Ali Industrial Area 1. The completion of these projects, which cover 103 kilometers in total, aligns with the emirate’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure and connectivity. Mattar Al Tayer, RTA’s Director General, stated, “These projects respond to the directives of our leadership to develop and enhance infrastructure in residential communities.”
Dubai Hotel Occupancy Rates Hit 81%
Dubai’s hotel occupancy has soared to 81% during the first half of 2025, marking a significant 4.5% increase year-over-year. The number of international visitors also saw a surge of 6.1%, bringing the total to nearly 10 million. The average daily rate for accommodations in Dubai has climbed to AED 745, indicative of a robust hospitality sector. In the coming months, Dubai is anticipating the opening of 19 new hotels, adding over 5,000 rooms to its existing inventory of 157,144 keys.
Dubai Introduces Stricter Regulations for Private School Hiring
In a bid to enhance transparency and accountability in the private education sector, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai has unveiled two new technical guides. These guidelines codify standards for teacher recruitment, conduct, and deregistration, aligning with the emirate’s Education 33 (E33) strategy to prioritize student wellbeing and educational quality in private schools.
New Regulations to Enhance Tourist Transport in Dubai
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has introduced a new Executive Regulation aimed at improving the quality and safety of tourist transport services. This regulation, established under Administrative Decision No. (97) of 2025, is expected to create a more integrated tourist transport system, reinforcing Dubai’s standing as a foremost global tourist destination.