Dubai Fountain to Close for Five Months for Major Renovation

Discover Sobha’s New Launch in Business Bay Dubai
Sobha Realty has unveiled a new luxury project in Business Bay on Sheikh Zayed Road, close to the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel. This landmark development is set to become the world’s tallest residential tower, soaring to 110 floors of premium living. The project combines elegant design, a prime location, and the trusted quality that Sobha Realty is renowned for.
Prime Location in the Heart of Dubai
The tower is perfectly positioned in Business Bay, one of Dubai’s most vibrant and sought-after areas. Residents will enjoy a modern city lifestyle surrounded by world-class hotels, restaurants, shopping destinations, and business hubs. Located directly on Sheikh Zayed Road, the project provides easy access to major landmarks like Downtown Dubai, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Dubai International Airport.
Living here offers the perfect balance of luxury and convenience. Every day, residents can enjoy stunning city views, modern surroundings, and the energy of Dubai right at their doorstep.
Elegant Design and Modern Comfort
Sobha Realty is known for its attention to detail and premium craftsmanship. This new tower continues that legacy with modern architecture, thoughtfully designed layouts, and luxurious interiors. Each apartment is crafted to maximize natural light and provide unobstructed views of Dubai’s skyline.

DMCC Wealth Hub: Dubai’s New Platform for Global Wealth and Family Offices
Dubai has taken another step forward in becoming one of the world’s most important financial and investment hubs with the launch of the DMCC Wealth Hub. This new initiative by the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) is designed to provide a complete ecosystem for family offices, private investors, and financial firms. It offers a single, trusted entry point for wealth management in the UAE, making it easier for investors to establish, manage, and grow their assets in Dubai. Today, family offices in the emirate already control more than USD 1 trillion in assets, a figure that highlights the city’s strength as a global destination for wealth creation. With the Wealth Hub, DMCC aims to further support this growth by offering structured solutions for succession planning, governance, and investment strategies. Dubai is not just providing a safe place to protect capital, but also a platform where families and private investors can expand their wealth into future generations.

UAE President Launches 13 New Housing Projects in Abu Dhabi Worth AED106 Billion
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, today attended the launch of 13 major housing projects in Abu Dhabi. These initiatives aim to provide over 40,000 homes and residential plots for Emirati citizens, with a total investment of AED106 billion.
The launch marks a significant step in the UAE government’s ongoing efforts to provide modern, high-quality housing and to strengthen family stability and social well-being across the emirate. These projects will contribute to building fully integrated communities that meet international standards while preserving the UAE’s cultural values.
The agreements for these projects were signed by the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority and the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre (ADPIC) together with leading property developers. The projects include the construction of 25,244 housing units, valued at AED94 billion, and approximately 14,876 residential plots, worth AED12 billion.
The new communities are designed to offer residents a complete living experience, with essential services and facilities including schools, mosques, parks, commercial centers, sports facilities, and green spaces. These developments aim to support sustainable lifestyles while enhancing the comfort and wellbeing of Emirati families.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasized the importance of housing as a national priority. He highlighted that providing secure and high-quality homes plays a vital role in strengthening family cohesion, supporting social stability, and fostering a unified society. He also stressed the importance of collaboration between government authorities and the private sector to ensure that these housing projects meet the evolving needs of Emirati families.

Damac Islands 2 Dubai Launches Luxury Waterfront Villas and Townhouses in Dubailand
Damac Properties, one of the most recognized developers in Dubai, has officially launched its latest luxury project, Damac Islands 2 Dubai, a premium residential community located in the heart of Dubailand. The new launch is already creating excitement in the market, as it promises to deliver an unmatched lifestyle combining modern architecture, waterfront living, and resort-inspired experiences. Designed for both residents and investors, Damac Islands 2 sets a new benchmark for exclusive villas and townhouses in Dubai.
The development offers a wide selection of properties, including 4, 5, and 6-bedroom townhouses as well as 6 and 7-bedroom villas. Each residence is built with modern designs, spacious layouts, and high-quality finishes, making it ideal for families and investors searching for a luxurious lifestyle. The homes are positioned around crystal lagoons, landscaped gardens, and private beaches, creating a tropical atmosphere within the city. Prices start from AED 2.7 million (USD 620,000), with a flexible 1% monthly payment plan available, while the community is scheduled for completion in June 2029.
The launch of Damac Islands 2 highlights Dubai’s growing demand for luxury waterfront living. As more buyers look for spaces that combine comfort with long-term value, this community provides the perfect blend. Residents will enjoy the beauty of nature with crystal-clear lagoons and green landscapes, while also benefiting from world-class amenities. From private beaches and fitness facilities to family-friendly recreational spaces and dining options, the community is designed to provide a vacation-like lifestyle every day. This focus on combining leisure with modern living is what makes Damac Islands 2 stand out as one of the most promising new projects in the city.

Rashid Villages Dubai Global Humanitarian Project
Dubai has started a global humanitarian project called Rashid Villages to honour the late Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The project was announced by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister. The goal of the project is to provide safe homes, good schools, healthcare, and community support to families in need worldwide.
Sheikh Hamdan said his brother was a kind and caring leader who always helped people in need. Rashid Villages continues this mission and reflects the values of their father, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The initiative shows how Dubai is leading humanitarian projects and helping families around the world.
Rashid Villages are full communities where families can live safely and comfortably. Each village will have modern homes, schools with digital learning tools, healthcare centres, and social support services. The project aims to help families improve their lives, earn a steady income, and become independent. Rashid Villages focuses on creating long-term opportunities and hope for people in need.

Introduction to the Dirham Drop
What Triggered the Dirham Decline?
Over the past few months, the UAE dirham, traditionally pegged to the US dollar has shown signs of softening, especially in relation to other major currencies like the British pound, Euro, and Indian rupee. Several factors are behind this minor yet significant shift. Primarily, global economic pressures, softening oil revenues, and changes in monetary policies in Western economies have created currency volatility. While the dirham remains relatively stable, even small fluctuations can create massive differences when it comes to large-scale investments like real estate.
For international investors, especially those looking at million-dirham properties, even a 5% difference in currency value can translate to savings in the tens of thousands of dollars, or even more. This phenomenon has interest of buyers in the UK, Europe, and India, who now see the UAE property market not only as a luxury destination but also a smart financial move.
Overview of the Currency Impact on International Investment
Currencies aren't just numbers on a screen, they directly affect purchasing power. When the dirham weakens against another currency, it effectively makes UAE-based assets cheaper for foreign investors. For instance, a London-based investor holding GBP sees their money stretch further in the Dubai property market. An apartment that once cost £500,000 might now only cost £470,000 due to favorable exchange rates.
The drop has led to a mini boom in foreign investment activity. Real estate developers are now marketing heavily toward overseas buyers, sweetening deals with incentives, discounts, and flexible payment plans. The dirham’s dip isn’t just a random economic event, it’s become a beacon for those looking to diversify their portfolios while saving big.
Understanding Currency Fluctuations
How Exchange Rates Affect Property Investment
Exchange rates determine how much value one currency has compared to another. When you're buying property abroad, you're not just paying the sticker price, you’re also at the mercy of conversion rates. A favorable exchange rate can be the deciding factor between closing a deal and walking away. Let's say you’re an Indian investor. If the INR strengthens against the AED (dirham), then you’ll need fewer rupees to buy the same number of dirhams. In other words, your property just got cheaper without any changes in the listing price.
This dynamic especially matters in high-value transactions. A luxury villa priced at AED 3 million might cost you INR 68 lakh less than it would have six months ago, purely due to currency changes. Multiply that by a few properties or commercial real estate, and the savings add up to millions.
Currency fluctuations can also affect loan repayments, rental income value (when converted back to home currency), and even service charges and taxes. That’s why savvy investors keep a close eye on forex markets before making big moves in real estate.

Dubai is building something big again this time, it’s the tallest metro station in the world. This new station will be part of the Dubai Metro Blue Line, and it will stand 74 meters high, which is as tall as a 24-story building. It’s not just another station, it’s a new landmark that shows how fast and smart Dubai is growing.
Designed by the Creators of the Burj Khalifa
The same architects who designed the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, are behind this new station. The company is called Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM). They are famous around the world for building amazing towers and landmarks. This new station is called the "Crossing Gateway" and will be built in the Dubai Creek Harbour area. The design is very modern and unique. It will look great during the day and shine with lights at night, making it a beautiful part of Dubai’s skyline.