Business

5 ways Dubai’s record budget will change daily life for UAE residents

Dubai has approved its biggest-ever budget for 2026–2028, with Dh302.7 billion in planned spending and Dh329.2 billion in expected revenues. The numbers are large, but what really matters is how this will show up in your everyday life. Here’s what residents can expect.

Stonger healthcare, schools

A major share of next year’s spending goes toward social services. That includes funding for hospitals, clinics, schools, housing programmes, community centres, sports facilities, and support services for seniors and people of determination.

For families, that means continued investment in the places they rely on most. For young people, it means more programmes and facilities that support education, development, and opportunities.

More security, stronger ERTs

Part of the budget is dedicated to security, justice, and public safety. This supports the teams and systems that keep Dubai consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the world.

Residents will benefit from improved readiness, faster response times, and better resources for law-enforcement and emergency response teams (ERTs).

Upgraded commutes, services

Infrastructure is the largest part of the 2026 budget. That includes roads, bridges, tunnels, public transport, parks, sewage systems, waste management, and Government service buildings.

For residents, this means:

Less congestion as road networks expand
More reliable public transport
Better-maintained parks and walkways
Improved waste-management and sustainability services
Upgrades to key city systems that support day-to-day life

These projects shape how people move around the city and how services function behind the scenes.

More digital services, access

The budget continues Dubai’s push toward online and cashless services. Residents will see more digital options for paying fees, accessing government information, and completing daily tasks.

With the expansion of the Financial Data Platform and the rollout of the Dubai Cashless Strategy, services are expected to become faster, more transparent, and easier to use.

5. Improved customer service

The Dubai Government Unified Contact Centre is one of the initiatives supported by the budget. The aim is to make it simpler to reach government departments, resolve issues, and get information quickly.

This gives residents one touchpoint for many services instead of having to move between different entities.

Summary: Key everyday changes you’ll notice:

Better access to healthcare and education
More community facilities and support programmes
Improved safety and emergency readiness
Smoother roads and improved public transport
Parks, public spaces, and city services enhanced
Faster, more transparent digital services
Easier access to government help and information

Dubai’s largest budget to date is designed to boost quality of life across the emirate — not just through major projects, but through the services residents interact with every single day.

GULF NEWS

Business

Two major parks planned in Riyadh

Authorities in the Saudi capital have unveiled plans to develop two expansive public parks covering more than 310,000 square metres as part of a broader push to increase green spaces across the city.

The Riyadh Region Municipality confirmed on Wednesday that the new developments will be situated in the eastern and southern districts of the capital. The project is designed to transform the city’s urban landscape, shifting away from traditional park layouts toward integrated “urban destinations” that cater to both recreation and environmental sustainability.

Central to the design is a scenic valley that will serve as a functional and visual anchor for both sites. According to municipal officials, the parks are intended to bolster the city’s “urban fabric” by providing high-quality public areas that align with the quality-of-life goals set out in the Saudi Vision 2030 framework.

The facilities planned for the 317,200-square-metre footprint are extensive. Beyond standard greenery, the sites will feature a golf course, multi-purpose sports fields, and dedicated jogging tracks. Families will have access to children’s play areas and water features, while the inclusion of a theatre and designated event spaces suggests the parks will double as cultural hubs for the local community.

“These parks represent high-quality developments aimed at expanding public spaces across the capital,” the municipality said in a statement. The announcement noted that the projects would also include a range of commercial amenities, including restaurants and cafés, to ensure the parks remain active throughout the day.

This latest initiative follows a series of large-scale environmental projects in the Kingdom, where officials are increasingly prioritising “livability” as Riyadh undergoes population and infrastructure expansion. The municipality highlighted that the design focuses on “environmental sensitivity,” incorporating innovative greening techniques to manage the arid climate while maintaining sustainable water use.

Business

Prince William to Official Visit Saudi Arabia in February

Britain’s Prince William is set to visit Saudi Arabia for the first time in an official capacity, Kensington Palace announced on Wednesday. The trip is scheduled from February 9 to 11, 2026.

Strengthening Ties Between the UK and Saudi Arabia

According to Kensington Palace, the visit comes as the UK and Saudi Arabia mark growing trade, energy, and investment partnerships. It also coincides with celebrations of nearly a century of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

A First for the Duke

This will be Prince William’s first official trip to Saudi Arabia, highlighting the importance of the country in the UK’s international relations and economic strategy.

What to Expect

While details of the itinerary haven’t been fully released, the visit is expected to include meetings with Saudi officials and discussions on trade, investment, and energy collaboration.

The visit signals a continued focus on strengthening ties between London and Riyadh, while marking a historic moment in Prince William’s international engagements.

Business

Japan tourist arrivals hit record 42.7 million in 2025

Tourists to Japan hit a record 42.7 million in 2025, exceeding 40 million for the first time, Japan’s Tourism Minister, Yasushi Kaneko, told a press conference.

Total spending by inbound tourists reached 9.5 trillion yen ($60 billion) over the year, also ‌a record high.

WAM