News related to
UAE News

The city-state’s employers have set a striking pace as they head into the final quarter of 2025: a Net Employment Outlook of 45 per cent signals that nearly three in five organisations expect to expand their workforces. That optimism comes amid shifting global headwinds, structural reforms, and a rising demand for specialised talent.

The ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey canvassed 525 UAE employers across sectors to assess hiring intentions. A positive balance of 45 per cent means that those anticipating workforce increases outnumber those expecting reductions by nearly half. This figure places the UAE among the world’s more aggressive labour markets, especially given challenges such as global trade uncertainty, rising automation, and fluctuating commodity prices.

This projected hiring boom is not evenly distributed. The strongest demand lies in transport, logistics and automotive, energy and utilities, and consumer goods and services. These sectors appear ready to leverage infrastructure projects, green energy transitions, and regional consumption growth. Meanwhile, the information technology sector is showing solid demand at +48 per cent, reflecting sustained digital transformation pushes.

Driving much of this confidence is corporate expansion: 40 per cent of participating firms cited scaling operations as their primary reason for hiring. Another 28 per cent pointed to pivoting business models and growth into new areas. In addition, nearly 30 per cent of respondents acknowledged that talent shortages—and competition for specialised skills—are influencing recruitment strategies.

Yet the buoyant sentiment is tempered by caution. Roughly 10 per cent of employers still expect to trim staff, particularly in roles vulnerable to automation or in sectors facing structural disruption. Around 15 per cent responded that they will hold staffing constant, prioritising internal upskilling over external recruitment. In interviews, some HR executives noted that while they want to hire aggressively, wage inflation, geopolitical uncertainty, and regulatory shifts may prompt them to phase recruitment over several quarters.

Regional and global context strengthens the UAE’s position. In the third quarter of 2025, the UAE recorded a world-leading NEO of +48 per cent. That marked a standout alignment with its long-term growth strategy, and the Q4 figure of +45 per cent suggests sustained momentum rather than a cyclical spike. Elsewhere, the global average NEO stood at +24 per cent during Q3 — placing the UAE’s outlook nearly double the global benchmark.

Analysts view this hiring optimism as part of a broader strategy to reposition the UAE as a knowledge-economy hub. Recent government initiatives have focused on advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and logistics corridors. These programs have triggered demand not only for engineers and technicians but also for data scientists, sustainability consultants, and cross-disciplinary professionals. In one corporates sector round-table, a senior UAE CEO observed that “the competition for deep tech talent is global, and we must offer not just pay but opportunity, stability and a pathway for growth.”

Labour authorities are also aligning policies with employer needs. New visa frameworks, targeted Emiratisation programmes, and regulatory incentives for R&D investment are being synchronized with workforce forecasts. At the same time, the UAE’s PMI for non-oil activity has held above the expansion threshold, underlining demand growth across private sectors and supporting hiring intent.

However, potential headwinds remain significant. Global supply chain disruptions, slowing demand in key export markets, and monetary tightening in major economies could dampen growth. Employers may delay or scale back hiring plans if external pressures intensify. Some labour economists warn of mismatches between skills supplied locally and those demanded, especially in emerging fields.

Abu Dhabi — The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security has introduced sweeping changes to the UAE’s visa regime, adding four new visit-visa categories tailored to specialists in artificial intelligence, entertainment, events, and cruise or leisure-boat tourism, while also rolling out humanitarian and widow/divorcee residence permits.

Under the new framework, the AI Specialist Visit Visa allows single or multiple entries, provided applicants submit a sponsorship letter from a recognised technology or AI institution. The Entertainment Visit Visa is intended for individuals engaging in licensed entertainment or gaming activities, while the Event Visit Visa covers attendance at festivals, exhibitions, conferences, sports, or cultural events, sponsored by public or private hosts. The Cruise & Leisure-Boat Visit Visa offers multiple-entry permits for travellers arriving via marine routes, on condition of submitting a detailed itinerary and engaging a licensed host in the tourism industry.

Alongside these targeted visit visas, the ICP now issues a Humanitarian Residence Permit, valid for one year, with possible extension under certain conditions. This permit is designed to assist individuals from countries experiencing conflict, natural disasters, or severe unrest. Notably, it can be granted without a guarantor or host, though it may be cancelled or voided if the holder departs the UAE. In exceptional cases involving relatives or in-laws, the authority may waive requirements like financial solvency or degree of kinship.

The revisions also extend protections to foreign widows and divorcees. A one-year renewable residence permit is available to foreign women whose UAE-based husband died or divorced, provided applications are submitted within six months. If the husband was a non-UAE national, eligibility depends on whether the woman held residency at the time, whether she has custody of children, and whether she was previously sponsored. Provisions for adequate housing and financial stability apply, and custody disputes will be adjudicated by a designated committee.

Revised rules for sponsoring friends or relatives now incorporate income thresholds: sponsors must earn at least AED 4,000 per month to sponsor first-degree relatives, AED 8,000 for second- or third-degree relatives, and AED 15,000 to sponsor friends. The updated system also introduces a structured schedule defining visit-visa durations and extension rules.

Other key visa reforms include tightening the Business Exploration Visa criteria and easing Truck Driver Visas—allowing single or multiple entries provided drivers are sponsored by licensed freight or transport companies and meet health, fee, and financial guarantee conditions.

In a statement, Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of ICP, said the reforms emerge from “careful studies and forward-looking assessments” that considered global residency trends, client feedback, and the UAE’s strategic demands. He described the changes as intended to “meet the needs of customers while considering humanitarian and economic circumstances” and to drive technology, tourism, and economic diversification.

The Dubai Financial Services Authority has issued a decision notice barring HDFC Bank’s Dubai International Financial Centre branch from onboarding or engaging new clients, citing deficiencies in its onboarding procedures and promotional practices.

Under the DFSA’s directive dated 25 September 2025, the branch is prohibited from soliciting or conducting any business with clients who had not already completed the onboarding process by that date. The restrictions span across a range of financial services: advising on financial products, arranging investment deals, arranging or advising credit, custody services, and engaging in financial promotions.

HDFC Bank has confirmed the measure, stating the branch’s Dubai operations are not “material to [the] overall business or financial position.” It said it has initiated steps to engage with the DFSA and address the regulator’s concerns.

Existing customers of the DIFC branch remain unaffected by the decision, and clients who had already been offered services may still be served.

The DFSA’s public register confirms the restrictions imposed on HDFC DIFC under Article 75 of the Regulatory Law 2004.

Concern over HDFC’s UAE operations has been mounting since investigations linked to the mis-selling of Credit Suisse Additional Tier-1 bonds surfaced. High-net-worth non-resident Indian investors alleged that HDFC’s UAE arms had pushed leveraged exposure to these risky instruments without adequate disclosure. When Credit Suisse’s AT1 bonds were written down in 2023, several clients in the Middle East faced losses and margin calls.

Regulatory scrutiny has coalesced around whether the branch’s client onboarding systems sufficiently aligned with the stricter DIFC regime for assessing and classifying “professional clients.”

Observers note that the regulatory move at HDFC’s DIFC arm fits a broader trend in the UAE: ensuring that financial institutions operating in its free zones adhere to rigorous compliance standards. While the central bank has in recent months fined other banks and suspended new customer intake over Sharia or anti-money laundering violations, this is a rare case targeting the onboarding practices of a foreign bank’s offshore branch.

Market analysts suggest the restriction could dampen HDFC’s ambitions in the Gulf region. The DIFC branch caters largely to high-net-worth and institutional clients, a growing segment across the Middle East.

Analysts also note that, though the branch is currently a limited part of HDFC’s global footprint, reputational damage and extended regulatory enforcement could constrict cross-border investment programmes tied to its UAE hub.

HDFC’s next steps include formal remediation under DFSA oversight, and the bank will need to demonstrate that its compliance and client due diligence processes meet the regulator’s expectations. Meanwhile, the directive will remain active until the DFSA issues a written amendment or revocation.

Arada has acquired a 75 percent stake in London-based residential developer Regal as part of a Dhs 2.5 billion investment that marks its first UK foray and second international expansion after Australia. The UK business will be rebranded as Arada London, with an ambition to turbocharge Regal’s pipeline from 10,000 units across 11 projects to over 30,000 within three years.

The acquisition was formalised in a ceremony attended by Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of Arada. Arada’s Group CEO, Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, said that more than half of the capital will be channelled into accelerating development and securing new land parcels. He described the London market environment as one presenting “right opportunities to acquire the right sites at the right price”.

Regal’s chief executive, Jonathan Seal, and the existing executive team will remain in post after the transaction. Seal remarked that Arada’s alignment with Regal’s strategic values and long-term vision made it a fitting partner to lead the next phase of growth.

The deal gives Arada an immediate platform in London, tapping into Regal’s diversified portfolio, which spans for-sale residential units, purpose-built student accommodation, and mixed-use regeneration schemes. Among ongoing developments is the Fulton & Fifth project in Wembley, comprising 876 homes of which 40 percent are designated as affordable housing, and Orchard Wharf in Tower Hamlets, which recently secured approval for 1,365 student beds and 200 homes.

Analysts see strategic logic in entering London via acquisition rather than greenfield development, citing the complexities and regulatory friction in the UK housing sector. Arada’s move follows a wave of Gulf-based developers expanding into London, including Damac, Aldar, and Modon, often via partnerships or subsidiaries.

However, entering the London residential market is not without risk. Regal’s 2024 accounts showed £252 million in short-term debt, contrasted against £196 million of investment property, reflecting potential balance-sheet stress. The UK housing sector continues to face headwinds from construction inflation, planning delays, and demand volatility.

Arada has defended the timing. Alkhoshaibi stated that entering markets when sentiment is subdued allows for acquiring desirable assets at lower cost, positioning for upside when conditions recover. He noted that Arada’s approach is to maintain momentum in its UAE operations while layering growth abroad.

Beyond the UK, Arada is also contemplating further regional expansion. The company is reportedly in discussions with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund about a large mixed-use project in the kingdom. In the UAE itself, Arada plans a Dhs 3 billion development project in Ras Al Khaimah next year, reinforcing its domestic footprint.

More than 180 UAE government Chief AI Officers gathered in Washington under the aegis of the US-UAE Business Council to build partnerships with US tech firms and experts, intensifying the country’s drive in AI governance and cybersecurity. The event leveraged sessions with global business leaders and government officials to share expertise in advanced technology, highlighting the AI Chief Executives Model as a catalyst for digital governance reforms.

Engineer Mohamed bin Taliah, Chief of Government Services, underscored that AI adoption across UAE government remains a top priority, anchored in strategic goals to elevate digital governance globally. He asserted that engaging directly with leading technology companies offers vital exposure to best practices, and that empowering local talent via high-level training is essential to establishing an innovative and “smarter” digital future.

Dr Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, heading the Cybersecurity Council for the UAE Government, flagged an increase in complexity and frequency of cyber threats, saying that international cooperation is now non-negotiable. He described protection of critical infrastructure, data privacy, and AI-driven defence as areas requiring urgent collaboration, emphasising building resilience through national expertise and shared knowledge.

Dr Abdulrahman Al Mahmoud of the Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications Office explained that the purpose of the visit is to position the UAE as a global node for innovation. He said the delegation’s exchanges aim at unlocking joint innovation opportunities, shaping practical AI solutions, and reinforcing the UAE’s digital transformation strategy.

Participants included leaders from SmartCohort, Dell Technologies, PwC, and organisations like Cisco, Google, IBM, Oracle, Applied AI, Akamai, Core42 and Cloudflare, among others.