UAE Announces Eid Holiday; Dubai Metro Station Renamed; $1m Real Estate Saving Guide; New Free Zone Rules – 10 Things You Missed This Week

Elsewhere this week the Dubai Metro saw a station renamed, new free zone rules were announced, a new luxury hotel opened in Jumeirah and a leading property developer shared plans to expand across the world.

Catch up with the biggest stories this week as selected by Arabian Business editors.

Eid Al Fitr 2025: UAE announces public and private sector holiday

The UAE has announced dates for the Eid Al Fitr 2025 holiday for the private sector.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation confirmed private sector holiday for Eid Al Fitr will be either a four or five-day holiday depending on moon-sighting confirmation.

A statement by the MOHRE said: “We announce that from Sunday, March 30 to Tuesday, April 1, will be a paid holiday for all private sector employees across the country on the occasion of Eid Al Fitr”.

Dubai Metro station renamed

A Dubai Metro station is being renamed after Al Fardan Exchange was granted naming rights.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed an agreement granting Al Fardan Exchange the naming rights for Al Khail Metro Station, which will now be known as Al Fardan Exchange Metro Station.

This naming rights agreement presents a valuable branding opportunity for Al Fardan Exchange, leveraging Dubai Metro’s prime locations to enhance brand visibility and enable direct engagement with a diverse commuter base.

Dubai announces major new rule for free zone businesses

Dubai has announced new rules for free zone businesses in the Emirate. New rules will encourage growth and allow businesses to operate outside of the free zone they are licensed to operate from.

In his capacity as the Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, issued Executive Council Resolution No. (11) of 2025, regulating the operations of free zone establishments in Dubai.

According to the resolution, any company or institution licensed by a free zone relevant authority may operate outside the free zone and within Dubai, as long as it obtains the necessary licences or permits from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).

Dubai real estate: Indians, British and Italians lead property purchases as Egyptian numbers surge

Dubai’s property market continues to attract global investors with Indians, Britons and Italians as the top three nationalities purchasing residential properties in 2025, a new report by Betterhomes revealed.

Russians and Pakistanis complete the top five buyer demographics.

The report highlights a 22 per cent increase in Italian investment, while Egyptian buyers recorded a remarkable 150 per cent growth compared to 2024. This significant rise from Egypt comes as investors seek financial stability amid currency concerns.

Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab: New Dubai luxury resort opens—Everything you need to know

Ultra-luxury resort Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab is now open.

Designed by Shaun Killa, the architect behind Dubai’s Museum of the Future, this superyacht-inspired development features 386 rooms, suites, and penthouses with panoramic terraces overlooking either the Arabian Gulf or the city skyline.

Located on a prime peninsula adjacent to Dubai’s iconic Burj Al Arab, bookings were open to the resort on March 14, 2025.

EXCLUSIVE: Azizi reveals massive global expansion plan with ‘five to six’ towers in London, eyes Australia, Canada, France and Germany

Dubai-based Azizi Developments is embarking on an ambitious international expansion plan, with London marking its first major overseas venture, Chairman Mirwais Azizi revealed to Arabian Business.

The property developer known for its luxury projects and the force behind Burj Azizi – the second tallest tower in the world, is planning to build “around five to six high-rise towers” in central London, signalling a significant investment in the UK market.

The decision to expand into London is a strategic one. London has long been a magnet for international investors, and Azizi Developments is looking to tap into this high-value market. While specific details on project timelines and financial commitments were not disclosed, Azizi confirmed that the company is entering London with a substantial investment.

Dubai real estate: How much do you need to save to buy a $1m property

In Dubai’s property market homeowners face a question: how much money do you need to set aside before diving into the million-dollar property pool?

Financial experts in Dubai say buyers should prepare for costs beyond the initial down payment when purchasing a $1 million (AED3.67 million) property, with recommended savings of AED1.25-1.6 million ($340,000-$435,000 approximately) before making the purchase.

Buyers should have at least 30-35 per cent of the property price in liquid savings, according to Mike Coady, a Dubai-based financial expert with more than 20 years of experience told Arabian Business.

Dubai announces new planning rules to allow home extensions and add living space

Dubai Municipality has announced new planning rules to allow home extensions and adding living space to homes in the emirate.

In line with the “Year of Community” announced by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Dubai Municipality launched the “Home First” initiative to enhance housing facilities for Emirati families.

The initiative introduces a comprehensive set of urban planning amendments designed to strengthen family stability, foster social cohesion, and improve quality of life for Emirati families.

UAE announces major new invoicing rule for businesses

The UAE has introduced new invoicing rules for businesses as it looks to boost financial efficiency in the country.

The Ministry of Finance has achieved a major milestone in the eInvoicing Programme, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to comprehensive digital transformation and enhancing the efficiency of the financial system, with the issuance of Ministerial Decision on the Eligibility Criteria and Accreditation Procedure for Service Providers under the Electronic Invoicing System.

This Decision marks a key step in the strategic development of the programme. This Decision establishes a regulatory framework governing eligibility criterion, accreditation processes, ongoing evaluation and termination of Accreditation under the Electronic Invoicing System. It also outlines company registration requirements, obligations for service provider compliance, tax registration commitments, and information security requirements for Peppol-compliant eInvoicing solutions, the self-declaration requirement, and the model and procedures for submitting an accreditation request and obtaining an operational permit.

Emirates issues Dubai Eid Al Fitr 2025 travel warning

Emirates has warned travellers of expected busy dates for Eid holidays and advised people going to and from Dubai International Airport to allow extra time for journeys.

Emirates anticipates busy weekends ahead of and during the Eid Al Fitr holiday with heavy traveller volumes departing from and arriving to Dubai.

The busiest time for departures in Terminal 3 will be on the March 28 and 29, and on the April 5 and 6, with more than 80,000 daily customers making their way abroad for their spring break holidays.