The impending launch of Etihad Rail passenger services from Dubai on September 30, 2026, leads the week's major UAE business developments, according to a roundup by Arabian Business. The rail expansion introduces services at Dubai Al Yalayis Station—situated near Jumeirah Golf Estates—and Al Dhaid Station, connecting with operational routes launched between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah on June 30, 2026. The national passenger network operates along existing 900-kilometre rail infrastructure at speeds of up to 200 km/h.
In the real estate sector, Dubai tenants increasingly shifted towards new rental contracts in July and August as new lease asking rents declined by up to 15 percent across several apartment districts. Dubai Land Department (DLD) tenancy registrations analysed by fäm Properties revealed that new leases outpaced renewals by 633 contracts in July and 2,139 contracts in August. July marked the first time new leases exceeded renewals since the dataset began in January 2023, ending 36 consecutive months of renewals outpacing new agreements.
Commercial operators and motorists across the UAE are also monitoring fuel prices ahead of scheduled October 2026 rate revisions following consecutive monthly increases in August and September. In September 2026, fuel retailers priced Super 98 at AED3.80 per litre, Special 95 at AED3.69, E-Plus 91 at AED3.61, and diesel at AED4.30, compared with December 2025 prices of AED2.70, AED2.58, AED2.51, and AED2.85 per litre respectively.
Additional regional business developments cited include Emaar reporting a rebound in hotel occupancy to 60 percent, Oman issuing new free zone regulations, and ongoing vertical progress on Jeddah Tower.
Sources
- Arabian Business · 2026-09-25
