Weekly News · UAE & Qatar | Dubai Launches Autonomous Taxi Service in Partnership with Baidu and WeRide; Qatar Continues Expanding Global Footprint Through Innovation-Driven Investment

Dubai Partners with Baidu and WeRide to Launch Autonomous Taxi Services

According to AGBI, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority, in collaboration with Baidu Apollo Go and WeRide, has officially opened autonomous taxi services to the public in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah. Users can book rides via the Uber or Apollo Go apps. Dubai previously issued the first-ever fully driverless vehicle testing permit to Apollo Go, while WeRide has also secured a federal-level autonomous taxi operating license in the UAE. This series of deployments marks Dubai's accelerated progress in building a future-oriented smart mobility system. (AGBI)

Abu Dhabi Global Market's Financial Services Regulatory Authority Releases 2025 Annual Report

According to the Emirates News Agency, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market has published its 2025 annual report, comprehensively summarizing key achievements in regulation, licensing, and policy development. The report shows that FSRA issued a total of 94 financial services licenses and 120 principle approvals throughout the year, representing year-on-year increases of 22% and 32% respectively, and signed 5 new international memoranda of understanding. Moving forward, FSRA will continue to foster a transparent, robust, and internationally aligned regulatory environment to consolidate Abu Dhabi Global Market's position as an international financial center. (WAM)

Dubai Launches $5.45 Billion Road Project to Reduce Cross-City Travel Time

According to AGBI, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority has initiated the Latifa bint Hamdan Corridor Development Project and awarded construction contracts totaling 2 billion dirhams (approximately $5.45 billion). As a key component of Dubai's 2040 Urban Master Plan, the project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2028. Once operational, the corridor will accommodate 16,000 vehicles per hour in both directions, serving an estimated 650,000 residents and visitors, and enhancing east-west road connectivity in Dubai. (AGBI)

UAE Rises to 17th Globally in QS Future Skills Index

According to the Emirates News Agency, the UAE Ministry of Education and Scientific Research announced that the UAE has climbed to 17th place globally and 1st in the region in the 2027 QS World Future Skills Index with a high score of 86.5, a significant improvement from 29th place the previous year; the country ranks 3rd worldwide in the "economic transformation" indicator. Covering 89 countries, the index focuses on evaluating the driving force of education on innovation and economic growth. (WAM)

Qatar Expands Global Footprint Through Innovation-Driven Investments

According to The Peninsula, Qatar's International Media Office stated that Qatari institutions are continuously strengthening their influence in global markets through strategic investments, with a focus on critical sectors shaping the future of the global economy, including healthcare, artificial intelligence, robotics, renewable energy, infrastructure, real estate, and financial services. These investments reflect Qatar's overall strategy to build partnerships with leading international enterprises and promote the development of transformative technologies. (The Peninsula)

Qatar Processes Over 6,500 Land Transport Transactions in H1

According to ZAWYA, data released by Qatar's Ministry of Transport shows that the Land Transport Affairs Department handled 6,585 transactions in the first half of 2026, covering areas such as road management, transport planning, public transport, and transport licensing. Transaction volume in the second quarter increased by 21% year-on-year, reflecting the sustained rise in demand for infrastructure construction and transport services. The Ministry of Transport stated that it will continue to improve service efficiency and quality through digital transformation and streamlined administrative procedures. (ZAWYA)

Qatar's Amended Labor Law Introduces New Rules on Professional Licensing, Flexible Work Arrangements, and Non-Compete Clauses

According to ZAWYA, Qatar's Ministry of Labor has clarified the amendments to the Labor Law No. 9 of 2026, focusing on three key areas: specific professions require certified qualifications, recognized training, and competency assessments; part-time and freelance work models are legally recognized; non-compete clauses are further optimized to balance labor market needs and workers' rights. The new regulations aim to improve workforce quality, enhance service standards, and strengthen safety and productivity across all industries. (ZAWYA)

Qatar's Residential Mortgage Transactions Reach $3.56 Billion in Q1

According to ZAWYA, data from Qatar's Ministry of Justice shows that in the first quarter of this year, 426 mortgage transactions totaling 12.966 billion Qatari riyals (approximately $3.56 billion) were recorded in Qatar's real estate sector, demonstrating strong economic resilience and sustained industry growth. Notably, the top 10 largest mortgage transactions accounted for 52% of the quarter's total value, reflecting the driving effect of large-scale deals on the market. (ZAWYA)

Upcoming Events

"Dubai Business Forum · China" to Debut in Shenzhen in October, Registration Now Open

The 5th "Dubai Business Forum · China" will be held in Shenzhen on October 14, 2026. Under the theme "Unite for Shared Success, Forge Ahead into New Horizons", the forum will introduce the diversified development opportunities brought by Dubai's Economic Agenda (D33) to the Chinese business community and explore new paths for bilateral cooperation and strategic investment. As a high-end platform driving strategic economic collaboration between Chinese and Dubai business leaders, the Dubai Business Forum · China brings together core representatives from China's top multinational corporations, unicorns, high-growth tech enterprises, venture capital firms, and family businesses; the Dubai Chamber of Commerce will lead a top-tier delegation consisting of key local enterprises, prominent family offices, leading investment institutions, and critical government departments to attend the event. If you are interested in this year's Dubai Business Forum · China, please scan the QR code below, orclick "here" to fill out the registration form and apply for a seat.

English Services

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