According to Arabian Business, Etihad Rail is preparing to launch passenger rail services from Dubai on September 30, 2026. The expansion builds upon the national rail network's initial passenger connection between Fujairah and Abu Dhabi, which began commercial operations earlier in the summer.
In the real estate sector, Dubai Land Department tenancy data analysed by fäm Properties showed that new residential leases outnumbered contract renewals for the first time since January 2023. New leases exceeded renewals by 633 contracts in July and by 2,139 contracts in August, driven by asking rents declining by up to 15 percent across select apartment communities. Separately, forecasts cited by Arabian Business project Dubai property prices could decline 5 percent in 2026, while Emaar hotel occupancy rebounded to 60 percent.
On the energy front, UAE motorists and businesses are awaiting the announcement of October 2026 retail fuel prices following price rises in August and September. Current September fuel rates stand at AED 3.61 per litre for E-Plus 91, AED 3.69 for Special 95, AED 3.80 for Super 98, and AED 4.30 for diesel, up sharply from December 2025 levels.
In financial and regulatory developments, the UAE Ministry of Finance announced its second sovereign retail Islamic bond issuance under the Sovereign Retail T-Sukuk Programme, offering government-backed instruments starting from AED 1,000 ($272). In neighbouring Oman, the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones issued Regulation No. 81/2026 under Royal Decree No. 38/2025, governing foreign freehold property ownership, residency, and business licensing.
Sources
- Arabian Business · 2026-09-25
