Etihad Rail to Boost Fujairah Property Market
The launch of Etihad Rail‘s passenger network is expected to transform Fujairah’s real estate market, with property values near stations predicted to rise by 20 to 30 per cent between 2029 and 2031. According to Nasar Tajalli, general manager of Fujairah Real Estate Agency, demand is likely to emerge first around the Fujairah and Sakamkam station areas, with healthy interest in residential plots and villas, followed by retail and mixed-use developments.
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Searches for property sales in Fujairah | 8,337 |
| Rent leads | 1,306 |
| Sale leads | 92 |
The improved connectivity provided by Etihad Rail is expected to make Fujairah a more viable place to live, work, and invest, with shorter commutes, better amenities, and increased employment opportunities. Fibha Ahmed, vice-president of Sales at Bayut and dubizzle Property, notes that the launch of Etihad Rail’s passenger services could be a major turning point for Fujairah’s real estate market, making previously overlooked markets more attractive to residents and investors.
Fujairah already offers relatively affordable homes, larger properties, and a distinct lifestyle, with rail connectivity strengthening that proposition for buyers who want better value while remaining connected to the country’s major employment centres. The impact of Etihad Rail is expected to extend beyond residential demand, supporting tourism, attracting business activity, and encouraging investment in infrastructure and mixed-use developments.
One potential risk to consider is that the predicted growth in property values may not materialize if the demand for housing in Fujairah does not increase as expected. However, with search activity and rent leads already surging across the emirate, it seems likely that the improved connectivity provided by Etihad Rail will have a positive impact on the local real estate market.
Sheikh Zayed Road Expansion Eases Traffic
New Lane on Sheikh Zayed Road to Ease Morning Congestion
Dubai's Road and Transport Authority (RTA) has expanded Sheikh Zayed Road over a 2-kilometre stretch to improve flow in high traffic areas. As part of the expansion, a new lane was added in the direction coming from Abu Dhabi and heading towards the World Trade Centre Intersection, near Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station. Local commuters are affected by this change, as the new lane aims to reduce morning and evening congestion on one of Dubai's busiest highways.
The RTA is implementing a wider package of traffic improvement projects along Sheikh Zayed Road to improve traffic flow and keep up with the growing population's demands. This comes after a new lane and two U-turns were opened on Latifa bint Hamdan Street, cutting traffic by up to 30 per cent. The expansion of Sheikh Zayed Road is part of the RTA's ongoing efforts to enhance the city's transportation infrastructure.
The new lane on Sheikh Zayed Road is located near the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station, a key area with high traffic volume. This expansion is expected to have a positive impact on commuters who travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai for work or other purposes.
This development is connected to previous RTA projects, such as the opening of new lanes on Ras Al Khor and Al Khail roads, which have also aimed to reduce traffic congestion in Dubai.
UAE weather: Summer heat to ease after Suhail star rise
UAE Summer Heat to Gradually Ease After Suhail Star Appearance
The UAE has just passed through the peak of its traditional summer heat period, known as Ayam Al Ghayth, which usually lasts for about six weeks from early July to around August 10. Temperatures in the UAE have soared, crossing 51°C on August 5, with night-time lows reaching as high as 35°C. However, with the appearance of the Suhail star expected on August 24, residents can expect a gradual change in the weather.
The rise of the Suhail star has long been regarded as a seasonal marker across the region, and according to Ibrahim Al Jarwan, chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society, the days following its rise should bring a steady, rather than dramatic, easing in temperatures. While actual temperatures are likely to begin declining, the increased humidity could make conditions feel uncomfortable at times.
As temperatures begin to fall, humidity levels are expected to increase, which means residents may still experience a strong sensation of heat, even when thermometer readings are lower than they were during the height of summer. September and October are typically among the UAE's most humid months, and the rising moisture may also bring early-morning fog and dew, with the first signs possible from late August and becoming more common through September.
Residents should also not rule out short-lived returns of intense heat, known as Zafarat Al Qayth, which can occur after the peak season has passed. Such spells do not alter the overall seasonal trend but can bring temporary increases in temperatures before conditions become more stable around the autumn equinox on September 23. After that, evenings are expected to become progressively more pleasant, with cooler daytime conditions taking longer to arrive, likely in November, and a broader seasonal cooling trend continuing into mid-December.
The appearance of the Suhail star does not cause changes in the weather but serves as a reliable marker in the traditional Arabian calendar, coinciding with the gradual transition away from peak summer conditions. As the UAE transitions into a new season, residents can expect a gradual easing of the summer heat, but patience will be needed as humidity, fog, and occasional hot spells remain part of the weather environment.
Dubai traffic: 10 to 2 minutes
New Bridge Cuts Dubai World Trade Centre Exit Time
On Al Mustaqbal Street, a new 500-metre bridge is set to open, significantly reducing travel time for motorists leaving Dubai World Trade Centre from 10 minutes to just 2 minutes. This bridge, part of the Dh633-million Al Mustaqbal Street Development Project, aims to increase road capacity by 33 per cent. The project, undertaken by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), will eventually enable Al Mustaqbal Street to handle 8,800 vehicles per hour in both directions, up from the current 6,600, and reduce journey time along the corridor from 13 minutes to six minutes.
The new bridge will provide a direct connection from Dubai World Trade Centre and One Central towards Al Mustaqbal Street and Za’abeel Palace Street, greatly improving traffic movement around the area, especially during major events. The Al Mustaqbal Street project stretches 3.5km from Financial Centre Street to Za’abeel Palace Street and includes widening the road from three to four lanes in each direction, as well as constructing around 2km of bridges and tunnels. This development is expected to benefit around half a million residents and visitors, enhancing access to key areas such as Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Za’abeel, Downtown Dubai, and Business Bay.
Further improvements are planned, with three tunnels spanning a combined 1,500 metres scheduled to open in February 2027 at the intersection of Al Mustaqbal Street and Trade Centre Street. The largest tunnel will be a three-lane tunnel on Al Mustaqbal Street towards Deira, with a capacity for 4,500 vehicles per hour. Additionally, a new pedestrian bridge on Al Sukook Street, upgraded pedestrian walkways, a cycling track, and improvements to existing intersections are part of the project. RTA also plans to open another bridge by the end of August for traffic travelling from Sheikh Rashid Road towards 2nd December Street, and the final bridge under the World Trade Centre Roundabout project is scheduled to open in October.
The ongoing development of Dubai's infrastructure, particularly the Al Mustaqbal Street project, aligns with the emirate's strategic plans to enhance its transportation network and reduce congestion. By investing in such projects, Dubai aims to improve the quality of life for its residents and visitors, making it an attractive destination for business and tourism.
Dubai Rent Now Pay Later: Zero-Interest Instalments
Dubai Introduces 'Rent Now, Pay Later' with Zero-Interest Instalments
Dubai is set to launch a "Rent Now, Pay Later" service in September, allowing tenants to split their annual rent into up to 12 monthly payments with zero interest. The initiative, developed by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) in partnership with a local bank, aims to provide tenants with greater payment flexibility and make housing more accessible.
According to the plan, tenants would choose a residential property, and the participating bank would pay the landlord the full year's rent upfront. The tenant would then repay the bank in flexible, zero-interest instalments over a period of up to 12 months. The final mechanism is still being developed, with full eligibility requirements and details covering applications, financing, repayments, and the relationship between tenants, landlords, and the bank expected to be announced when the service is officially launched.
This initiative follows the launch of DLD's Flexi Rent initiative, announced on June 23, which gave Dubai tenants more flexibility by allowing rent to be paid monthly, quarterly, or twice a year. The new "Rent Now, Pay Later" service could make Dubai the first city in the world to implement such a scheme as part of its rental market.
The impact of this service on the neighbourhood is expected to be significant, as it would allow tenants to better manage their housing costs and provide landlords with guaranteed annual rent. However, the success of the service would depend on the eligibility requirements and the repayment terms, which are still being developed.
One potential risk associated with this service is the possibility of tenants defaulting on their payments, which could lead to financial losses for the participating bank. However, the DLD and the bank are likely to implement measures to mitigate this risk, such as credit checks and repayment guarantees.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | September 2026 |
| Payment Terms | Up to 12 monthly payments with zero interest |
| Participating Entities | Dubai Land Department (DLD) and a local bank |
In terms of traffic, schools, and amenities, the impact of this service would depend on the location of the residential properties offered under the scheme. However, the service is expected to make housing more accessible to a wider range of people, which could lead to increased demand for properties in certain areas.
Aston Villa All Out Against PSG Super Cup Clash
Villa Eyes Super Cup Success Despite Depleted Squad
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is preparing his team to face Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup, despite a severely depleted squad. Injuries and extended rest periods for key players, including Emiliano Martinez, Ollie Watkins, and Ezri Konsa, have complicated Emery's preparations. Midfielder Amadou Onana and new signing Johan Manzambi are also unavailable due to injury.
The club has undergone significant changes during the transfer window, with midfielder Youri Tielemans joining Manchester United and Morgan Rogers moving to Chelsea for a British record fee. Despite these departures, Emery stated that Villa's ambitions remain unchanged, and the club is making a huge effort to grow on and off the pitch.
Villa will face a tough challenge against PSG, who are looking to retain the trophy. However, Emery is optimistic about his team's chances, saying that they will start with the players they have and hope to get a good result. The match will be played in Salzburg, Austria, and will mark Villa's first continental success since they won the European Cup in 1982.
The absence of key players will be felt, but Emery is looking to the future, with new signings such as Joao Gomes and Johan Manzambi, and a potential revival for Alejandro Garnacho. Of the 16 players who featured for Villa in their last meeting against PSG, five have left the club, and Amadou Onana will also be absent due to an ACL injury.
Aston Villa's Super Cup squad includes goalkeepers Martinez, Bizot, Wright, and Asemota, and defenders Cash and Nedeljkov. Despite the challenges, Emery is determined to lead his team to success, saying that the effort is not changing, and the club is moving in the same direction as he is trying to move.
The match against PSG will be a significant test for Villa, but Emery is confident in his team's ability to perform. With a depleted squad and tough opposition, Villa will need to be at their best to achieve a good result.
Villa's goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who is currently unavailable, has been a key player for the team in the past. His absence, along with that of other key players, will be felt, but Emery is looking to the future and is excited about the new era for the club.
In their last meeting against PSG, Villa had 16 players feature, but five of those players have since left the club. Amadou Onana, who started the game, will also be absent due to an ACL injury. Despite these challenges, Emery is determined to lead his team to success and is looking forward to the match against PSG.
The UEFA Super Cup is a significant tournament, and Villa's participation reflects their growth and success. Emery is proud of his team's achievements and is looking to build on their recent success. With a depleted squad and tough opposition, Villa will need to be at their best to achieve a good result, but Emery is confident in his team's ability to perform.
