UAE holiday guide; Saudi visa rules; Dubai real estate records; Coldplay in Abu Dhabi – 10 things you missed this week

Maximizing UAE Holidays in 2025

UAE workers can plan up to 46 days off in 2025 by using just 17 annual leave days strategically.

Upcoming public holidays include Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, the Islamic New Year, and National Day. Thoughtful planning around these dates can ensure extended vacation periods throughout the year.

Abu Dhabi Enhances Traffic Flow with $85.7M Bridges

Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has inaugurated two new bridges connecting Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street to Shakhbout Bin Sultan Street toward Musaffah.

This AED 315 million infrastructure project is expected to cut traffic delays by 80% during peak hours, serving 7,500 vehicles per hour. The development includes three-lane and two-lane bridges alongside pedestrian and cycling paths.

Critical Visa Rule for Saudi Expats

Saudi Arabia has clarified a key requirement for obtaining final exit visas.

Resident IDs must have at least 30 days of validity when requesting a final exit visa. If the ID has less than 30 days left, renewal is mandatory before applying. IDs with 30 to 60 days of validity will allow an exit visa matching the ID’s remaining validity, while IDs with 60 or more days will permit an exit visa valid for up to 60 days.

Crypto Boom Anticipated in UAE After EU Regulation

The UAE is set to benefit from a surge in crypto ventures relocating from the European Union due to new regulatory challenges under the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework.

With stricter rules impacting financial feasibility, experts predict a significant shift of crypto and stablecoin companies to jurisdictions like the UAE, UK, and Switzerland.

Jeddah Tower: A Game-Changer for Saudi Real Estate

The Jeddah Tower, set to become the world’s tallest building at 1 kilometer (3,281 ft), will transform Saudi Arabia’s global real estate profile.

Expected to be completed by 2028, this ambitious project will surpass Dubai’s Burj Khalifa by 180 meters (591 ft), attracting substantial international investment and showcasing the Kingdom’s urban innovation.

Coldplay Mania in Abu Dhabi

Coldplay’s concerts at Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi have sparked a surge in hotel prices, with some rates increasing by up to 300% during the event days.

International fans have also driven demand for alternative accommodations like homestays and vacation rentals. Coldplay will perform on January 9, 11, 12, and 14, marking a highlight in the UAE’s concert calendar for 2025.

Dubai Real Estate Agents Warned to Adapt

Renowned realtor Daniel Daggers, aka “Mr. Superprime,” has urged Dubai real estate agents to adapt to technological advancements or risk obsolescence.

With customer expectations reshaped by data-driven tools, Daggers emphasized the importance of creating content and building personal brands to remain relevant in a competitive industry.

Oman Declares 3-Day Weekend for Sultan’s Accession Day

Oman has announced a public holiday on January 12, 2025, to mark Sultan Haitham bin Tariq’s Accession Day.

The holiday will extend the weekend to three days for most workers in both public and private sectors. The announcement reflects Oman’s commitment to celebrating national milestones.