UAE In-Focus — Aldar buys hotel and two islands; Dubai takes step to boost real estate market

In February and March, Aldar acquired Rixos Bab Al-Bahr resort and Al-Hamra mall in Ras Al-Khaimah for 410 million dirhams and 770 million dirhams, respectively.
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Updated 05 July 2022
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UAE In-Focus — Aldar buys hotel and two islands; Dubai takes step to boost real estate market

DUBAI: Aldar Properties, an Abu Dhabi developer, acquired two islands for residential development and the Nurai Island Resort hotel. 

The purchase came after acquiring land on Saadiyat island worth 3.7 billion dirhams ($1 billion) to build 2,700 units with a gross development value of 15 billion dirhams, according to MEED.

In addition, Aldar plans to renovate and expand the hotel. The two new islands purchased in Abu Dhabi will be used to build high-end luxury beachfront villas.

Along with the hotel, Nurai island includes water and estate villas owned by third parties.

In February and March, Aldar acquired Rixos Bab Al-Bahr resort and Al-Hamra mall in Ras Al-Khaimah for 410 million dirhams and 770 million dirhams, respectively.

Rental check payments

Emirates NBD, a leading bank in the the Middle East North Africa and Turkey region, and Dubai Land Department have partnered to boost and strengthen the UAE’s real estate market, according to a statement

Rental check payments will soon be automated and digitized through use of the Direct Debit System of the Central Bank of the UAE to support the rental market.

By eliminating the administrative activities required to manage post-dated checks manually, this collaboration aligns with Dubai’s vision of paperless payment ecosystems as well as the Dubai 10X initiative, the statement added.

In addition, tenants will be able to pay their rent using their bank account rather than issuing checks. In addition, their landlords or property management companies will be able to offer them flexible payment plans.

The Emirates NBD offers non-resident savings accounts that will facilitate investor purchases in Dubai and allow them to manage their property and collect rent conveniently.

A dedicated relationship management team will support overseas investors through the account opening process, the statement concluded.


Major airlines suspend, reroute flights amid US-Israel strikes on Iran

Updated 28 February 2026
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Major airlines suspend, reroute flights amid US-Israel strikes on Iran

  • Saudia says decision taken in line with aviation safety and security standards
  • Emirates said it temporarily suspended it's operations out of Dubai

RIYADH: Major international airlines across the Middle East and South Asia have suspended, canceled or rerouted flights following ongoing US-Israel attacks on Iran and the resulting airspace closures, according to official statements issued via X.

Saudia said in an official statement that it had canceled a number of flights due to developments in the region and the closure of airspace.

The airline said the decision was taken in line with aviation safety and security standards, noting that its Emergency Coordination Center is closely monitoring developments with relevant authorities.

Saudia urged passengers to verify the status of their flights before heading to the airport and said guests would be notified of updates through the contact details associated with their bookings.

The carrier added that further information would be announced in a subsequent statement if available.

Air Arabia said its flights were experiencing cancellations, delays or rerouting as a result of the evolving situation and airspace closures.

The airline advised passengers to check the status of their flights before traveling to the airport by visiting its website or contacting its call center.

Customers booked on affected flights will be notified directly, the airline said, adding that further updates would be provided as the situation develops.

Air India announced a broader suspension, stating that “in view of the developing situation in parts of the Middle East, all Air India flights to all destinations in the Middle East have been suspended.”

The airline said it remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety for passengers and crew and will continue to assess the safety and security environment for flight operations, adjusting services proactively as required.

Air India said its teams would extend necessary support to passengers and advised customers to check flight status online or contact its 24/7 call center for assistance.  

All flight operations at Dubai International and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International are suspended until further notice, according to a post by Dubai Media Office on X.

Dubai-based Emirates reported that regional airspace closures had caused disruption to several of its flights and that the airline had temporarily suspended its operations from its hub Dubai.

The airline said it is actively monitoring the situation, engaging with relevant authorities and adjusting operations in line with the latest developments. 

The carrier apologized to affected customers and said it is assisting them with rebooking, refunds or alternative travel arrangements, reiterating that the safety and security of passengers and crew remain its highest priority.  

Qatar Airways confirmed a temporary suspension of flights to and from Doha due to the closure of Qatari airspace.

The airline said it is working closely with government stakeholders and relevant authorities to support impacted passengers and will resume operations once the airspace reopens.

It warned that delays are anticipated when usual operations resume and said additional ground staff have been deployed at Hamad International Airport and other key airports to assist passengers.  

Meanwhile, Al Jazeera reported that British Airways had canceled flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain, adding to the list of carriers adjusting operations.

Across their statements, airlines consistently cited airspace closures and safety considerations as the primary reasons for suspensions and disruptions, while urging passengers to monitor official channels for updates as the situation continues to evolve.