Dubai’s property market has witnessed a significant surge, with prices increasing by up to 16% due to the emirate’s extensive transport and infrastructure projects, according to a recent study by McKinsey & Company commissioned by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The report highlights that proximity to metro stations and major highways has been a critical factor in driving real estate appreciation. Areas such as Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Business Bay, which are well-connected to the transport network, have experienced gains surpassing the overall market average, underscoring the importance of improved accessibility and reduced travel times in boosting property demand. The study, released on the RTA’s 20th anniversary, emphasizes the transformative role of the Dubai Metro, the first of its kind in the Gulf region. Over the past 16 years, the Metro has reduced travel distances by nearly 29.8 billion kilometers, alleviating congestion and enhancing mobility between business and residential districts. The Metro and Tram networks span over 100 kilometers across the emirate. Additionally, Dubai’s road network has made the city more accessible than comparable global cities, contributing to a reduction of 9.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions over 15 years. This reduction, equivalent to several billion dirhams in global carbon credit trading, has also positively impacted public health by decreasing respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses. The upcoming Dubai Metro Blue Line, a 30-kilometer extension with 14 stations, is expected to serve six key districts with a projected population of one million by 2040. The study links Dubai’s growth to two decades of sustained investment in mobility infrastructure, with Dh175 billion invested since 2005, generating Dh150 billion in revenues and saving Dh319 billion in fuel and time costs. RTA’s projects have contributed Dh156 billion to Dubai’s GDP, while property values have risen by Dh158 billion due to enhanced connectivity. The internal rate of return on RTA’s investments is estimated at 5%, with total cash returns projected to exceed Dh254 billion by 2050. Over the past decade, RTA’s initiatives have attracted Dh32.4 billion in foreign direct investment, particularly in logistics, distribution, and transport services. The study also highlights Dubai’s cost efficiency in infrastructure delivery, with the average annual length of road lanes built by RTA reaching 829 kilometers, double the global average. Mattar Al Tayer, Director General of the RTA, stated that transport investments have been a catalyst for Dubai’s long-term growth and that the emirate is preparing for a new era of sustainable mobility in 2026 with the introduction of autonomous taxis and aerial taxi services. Dubai has already commenced trial flights for its air taxis, with a network of vertical take-off and landing stations set to be established across the city by next year. The RTA has also launched a program to test autonomous taxis, aiming for 25% of total mobility in Dubai to be autonomous by 2030.
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New ‘retail sukuk’ initiative: UAE residents can buy govt bonds from just Dh4,000
The UAE has introduced a groundbreaking ‘Retail Sukuk’ initiative, enabling citizens and residents to invest in sovereign-backed Islamic financial instruments with a minimum investment of just Dh4,000. Announced by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance, this initiative aims to democratize access to public-sector financing while fostering a culture of saving and financial inclusion. The retail version of the government’s T-Sukuk programme allows individual investors to lend money to the federal government through Shariah-compliant instruments, receiving periodic profit payments and the face value at maturity. Previously reserved for institutional investors, this rollout marks a significant shift in the UAE’s financial-market architecture. The initiative aligns with the leadership’s vision of empowering individuals, promoting economic participation, and strengthening the domestic debt capital market. For residents, this offers a secure, government-guaranteed investment channel, diversifying savings beyond conventional deposits or real estate. The first participating bank is set to be announced on November 3, 2025. The broader public policy implications include enhancing financial inclusion, reducing reliance on foreign-currency debt, and reinforcing the UAE’s capital-market infrastructure. This initiative represents a strategic move to deepen the financial-market architecture while providing accessible investment opportunities for everyday residents.
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Civil aviation sector shows growth with release of upcoming flight season
China’s civil aviation industry has unveiled its 2025/26 winter-spring flight season, marking a significant step in the sector’s recovery and growth. The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) announced the new schedule on Sunday, which will run from October 26, 2025, to March 28, 2026. This season will see 210 domestic and international airlines operating approximately 119,500 passenger and cargo flights weekly, reflecting a 1.3 percent increase from the previous year. International routes are set to experience substantial growth, with 191 airlines planning to operate 21,427 international flights per week—a 10.8 percent year-on-year increase. These flights will connect China with 83 countries, including the resumption of passenger services between China and India after a five-year hiatus. New routes will also link China with Oman and Argentina for passenger travel, and with Panama, Chile, and Switzerland for cargo services. Major hubs such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou will handle 52.1 percent of international passenger flights, up 8.6 percentage points from last year. Beijing Capital International Airport will average 1,243 daily flights, including 166 international services, while Beijing Daxing International Airport will operate about 979 flights daily, with 82 international and regional services. Airlines like China Southern, China Eastern, and Air China are expanding their networks, introducing new routes and increasing frequencies on existing ones, signaling a robust recovery and growth trajectory for China’s aviation sector.
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Officials praise UN’s role and China’s contributions to global development
As the United Nations commemorated its 80th anniversary, high-ranking Chinese and international officials gathered in Beijing to celebrate UN Day and reflect on the organization’s pivotal role in global governance. The event, held on October 24, brought together senior diplomats, Chinese government representatives, and UN agency officials, who collectively lauded China’s substantial contributions to global development and sustainability. Ban Ki-moon, the eighth UN Secretary-General, emphasized the UN’s irreplaceable position as the most legitimate global body, despite rising international distrust and division. He called for unity and partnership, citing China’s remarkable achievements in poverty alleviation and green innovation as a model for global progress. Cai Wei, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the historical significance of the UN’s 80th anniversary, coinciding with the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. He underscored China’s foundational role in the UN and its commitment to multilateralism through initiatives like the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative. Siddharth Chatterjee, UN Resident Coordinator in China, praised China’s leadership in renewable energy and South-South cooperation, emphasizing that its global initiatives align with the UN Charter’s founding principles. The event concluded with a reaffirmation of the UN’s commitment to deepening cooperation with China, aiming for a greener, more resilient, and prosperous future that benefits all nations.
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Video: Passenger from Dubai caught at Delhi airport with hidden gold in bottle cap
In a recent incident at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, a passenger arriving from Dubai was apprehended for attempting to smuggle gold into India. The individual, traveling on flight AI-996, was flagged for suspicious behavior and discreetly monitored by customs officials from the moment he disembarked. Upon reaching the green channel, the passenger was intercepted for further inspection. During a routine X-ray screening of his luggage, anomalies were detected, prompting a thorough search. Authorities discovered a gold round cleverly concealed beneath the cap of a plastic bottle. The seized gold weighed 170 grams and was confiscated under the Customs Act of 1962. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the smuggling operation and any potential accomplices. This incident highlights the vigilance of Indian customs officials in curbing illegal activities at the country’s borders.
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Cockroach ‘hanged until death’: Air India logbook entry on Dubai-bound flight goes viral
An unusual entry in an Air India flight logbook has captured the attention of social media users worldwide. The incident occurred on a Dubai-bound flight from Delhi on October 24, 2025, when a cabin crew member documented the discovery of a live cockroach mid-air. The logbook entry, which read ‘Cockroach found alive by guest – cockroach hanged to until death,’ has since gone viral, sparking a mix of amusement and debate online. The phrasing, though grammatically unconventional, appears to be a literal attempt to record the pest’s neutralization. The entry was shared alongside more routine complaints, such as in-flight entertainment malfunctions and a clogged washbasin. Indian social media users have engaged in tongue-in-cheek discussions, questioning whether the cockroach deserved an ‘execution’ or could have been simply ‘squashed.’ The incident has also raised concerns about onboard hygiene on one of India’s busiest international routes. Khaleej Times reached out to Air India for comment, but the airline had not responded by the time of publication. The viral post highlights the power of social media in amplifying even the most mundane yet peculiar incidents.
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Ireland’s president elect is a left-wing, anti-establishment figure who is outspoken on Gaza
In a decisive electoral victory, independent lawmaker Catherine Connolly has been elected as Ireland’s president for the next seven years. The 68-year-old left-wing politician secured 63% of the votes in Saturday’s election, defeating her center-right opponent, former Cabinet minister Heather Humphreys. Connolly’s win was bolstered by the unified support of Ireland’s left-leaning opposition parties, including Sinn Féin, positioning her as a vocal challenger to the country’s center-right government. Although the Irish presidency is largely ceremonial, it holds significant symbolic power on the global stage, and Connolly is expected to continue the tradition of being a unifying voice on major issues. She succeeds Michael D. Higgins, a popular president known for his outspoken views on international matters such as the Gaza conflict and NATO spending. Connolly, a mother of two, has a rich political and personal background. She grew up in social housing in Galway, one of 14 children, and has degrees in clinical psychology and law. Her political career began in 1999 as a Labour Party member of Galway City Council, and she later became the city’s mayor in 2004. Connolly has been an independent lawmaker since 2007 and made history in 2020 as the first woman to serve as deputy speaker of Parliament’s lower house. Known for her outspoken views, Connolly has been a vocal critic of Israel’s actions in Gaza and the European Union’s growing militarization. She has also defended Ireland’s tradition of military neutrality, calling for a referendum on government plans to alter the conditions for deploying Irish soldiers abroad. Connolly’s campaign emphasized social equality, inclusivity, and diversity, resonating strongly with younger voters. In her acceptance speech, she vowed to be an inclusive president and a voice for peace, pledging to champion diversity and Ireland’s unique identity.
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Dubai: How NRIs can draft will for property, assets in India; documents explained
Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) residing in Dubai have multiple legal avenues to draft and register wills for their properties and assets in India. The process is governed by the UAE Personal Status Law for Non-Muslims, the Dubai Wills Law, and the DIFC Wills and Probate Registry Rules (DIFC WPR Rules). These laws allow non-Muslim residents to apply the legal framework of their home country for matters such as inheritance, wills, and property distribution. According to Article 1(1) of Federal Decree Law No. 41 of 2022, non-Muslims can opt to follow their home country’s laws for these purposes. Article 11(1) of the UAE Personal Status Law further permits individuals to draft wills that allocate their assets as they see fit, provided they comply with the Implementing Regulations of the Decree Law. Additionally, the Dubai Wills Law (Law No. 15 of 2017) establishes a ‘Register of Wills of non-Muslims’ at both Dubai Courts and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts. This register facilitates the formal registration of wills, ensuring legal validity. The DIFC WPR Rules also allow wills to include both movable and immovable assets located anywhere in the world, as per Article 11. NRIs can register their wills at Dubai Courts, the DIFC, or the Indian Consulate in Dubai. For registration at the Indian Consulate, individuals must provide two original drafts of the will, their passport and UAE visa copies, a photograph, and the presence of two Indian witnesses residing in the UAE. Witnesses must also provide their passport and UAE visa copies, along with proof of residence. Legal counsel is recommended to ensure compliance with Indian inheritance laws and to assist with the registration process. Ashish Mehta, founder of Ashish Mehta & Associates, emphasizes the importance of professional legal guidance in this process.
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China honors first Commemoration Day of Taiwan’s Restoration
China commemorated the first Commemoration Day of Taiwan’s Restoration with a grand ceremony in Beijing on October 25, 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s return to Chinese sovereignty. The event, attended by approximately 500 guests, including Taiwanese compatriots, was a significant milestone following the establishment of the commemoration day by the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress.
Wang Huning, Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, emphasized the importance of national reunification and the rejection of ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist activities. He highlighted the historical significance of Taiwan’s restoration, which followed Japan’s surrender in 1945, as a shared triumph for the Chinese people and the nation.
Wang underscored the commemoration day as a testament to China’s unwavering commitment to the one-China principle and territorial integrity. He called for continued adherence to the ‘one country, two systems’ framework and the 1992 Consensus, urging cross-Strait cooperation to preserve the achievements of the resistance war and advance national rejuvenation.
In a parallel event, the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council hosted a reception in Beijing. Song Tao, head of both offices, reiterated the commemoration day’s role in honoring history, opposing separatism, and promoting national unity. He expressed confidence in achieving reunification and enhancing the well-being of Taiwanese compatriots.
Chi Hsing, publisher of The Observer in Taiwan, echoed these sentiments, stating that the commemoration reflects the shared aspirations of the majority of Taiwanese compatriots and fosters a collective memory of unity and patriotism across the Strait.
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Crossing the strait: The red choice
Lin Cheng-heng, a descendant of Taiwan’s renowned Wufeng Lin family, emerged as a pivotal figure in the struggle against Japanese occupation and later as a steadfast member of the Communist Party of China. His profound compassion for the plight of his fellow Taiwanese fueled an unyielding commitment to revolution. In a poignant moment, Lin once gestured to a map adorned with small red flags, expressing his fervent hope that Taiwan would one day be marked by the same symbol of unity and progress. This vision, however, came at a great personal cost. At the age of 35, Lin’s life was tragically cut short at Taipei’s Machangding, where he was executed for his revolutionary activities. His legacy endures as a testament to the enduring spirit of those who dare to dream of a brighter future for their homeland.