Middle East Snapshot: Extended School breaks, New Travel Visas, and Soaring Dubai Property Values
August 20, 2025 | Archyde Editors
The Middle East continued its dynamic pace this week with notable announcements impacting education, travel, and real estate across the UAE and GCC. Students in the UAE can anticipate a longer winter break under a revised academic calendar, while Kuwait has introduced new visa-on-arrival provisions for residents of neighboring Gulf nations.Concurrently, Dubai’s property market is breaking records, signaling robust economic confidence.
UAE Scales Up Academic Year with Extended Holiday Periods
The UAE Ministry of Education has unveiled a revamped academic calendar for the 2025-2026 school year, introducing unified term dates, extended breaks, and novel mid-term holidays. Approved by the Education, Human Progress, and Community Development Council, the updated schedule commences on August 25, 2025. This aligns with the nation’s “Year of Community” initiative,fostering stronger family ties and promoting a more balanced learning environment for students.
Did You know? The UAE’s commitment too educational reform is part of a broader national strategy to enhance student well-being and family engagement.
Kuwait Eases Entry for GCC residents with New Visa Initiative
Kuwait has announced a significant update to its visa-on-arrival policy, extending the benefit to expatriate residents currently living in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. This strategic move,revealed by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al Yousef Al Sabah,aims to stimulate tourism from its immediate neighboring countries,making travel more accessible for a significant segment of the region’s expatriate population.
| Country | Visa Benefit |
|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | Visa on Arrival |
| Saudi Arabia | Visa on Arrival |
| Qatar | Visa on Arrival |
| Bahrain | Visa on Arrival |
| Oman | Visa on Arrival |
Dubai’s Rental Market Shows Divergence Amidst Regulatory Shifts
Dubai’s rental market presented a mixed picture in the first half of 2025. Prime waterfront areas like Business Bay and Dubai marina experienced substantial rent surges, largely attributed to demand from young professionals seeking proximity to the city’s financial hubs. Conversely, neighborhoods such as International City and Discovery Gardens saw rental rates decline, influenced by market adjustments and increased competition.
“Business Bay saw rental rates increase in H1, driven by high demand from young professionals and its proximity to Downtown Dubai and DIFC,” noted Ronan Arthur, Director and Head of Residential Valuation at Cavendish Maxwell. This trend underscores the evolving urban landscape and housing preferences within the emirate.
etihad Rail Poised to Transform UAE’s Real Estate and Trade Landscape
The ongoing development of Etihad Rail is anticipated to catalyze significant transformation across the UAE’s real estate, investment, and trade sectors. Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fäm Properties, believes the extensive rail network will forge new corridors for living, commerce, and investment, enhancing connectivity and reducing travel times throughout the Emirates. The project’s impact is expected to extend beyond infrastructure, driving demand in burgeoning markets and redefining economic opportunities.
UAE Enhances Passport Renewal process for Citizens
In a move designed to improve convenience for its citizens, the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, customs, and Ports Security has extended the passport renewal window. Effective August 18, 2025, UAE nationals can now renew their passports up to one year prior to their expiry, a significant increase from the previous six-month limit. This update,accessible via the authority’s smart services platform,aims to facilitate international travel planning and streamline official transactions.
Dubai Smart Rental Index Cultivates Fairer Rental Market
Seven months after its introduction, Dubai’s Smart Rental Index is demonstrating its effectiveness in moderating rental increases and fostering more equitable tenant-landlord relationships. The index, launched by the Dubai Land Department in January 2025, empowers tenants to challenge unjustified rent hikes, leading to more balanced rental agreements. Property brokers report a shift in bargaining power, creating a more stable rental environment.
Pro Tip: Leverage tools like the Dubai Smart Rental Index to understand fair market rental values before negotiating your next lease agreement.
Record Dubai Property Sales Exceed $13 Billion in July
Dubai’s residential real estate market continued its extraordinary growth in July 2025, with total sales reaching AED51.3 billion ($13.96 billion). Data from Betterhomes and Property Monitor reveals a substantial month-on-month increase in transaction volumes and values, driven by strong demand for off-plan properties. The average price per square foot also saw a notable rise, reflecting the market’s sustained momentum.
- Total Sales Value: AED51.3 Billion ($13.96 Billion)
- Month-on-Month Sales Value Increase: 10.6%
- Off-Plan Sales Share: 65% of Transactions
Mandarin Oriental Set to debut Second Dubai Property
the luxury hospitality sector in Dubai is expanding with the upcoming opening of Mandarin Oriental Downtown, dubai, in October 2025. Situated within the architecturally significant Wasl Tower, the new property will feature 259 hotel rooms, suites, and 224 branded residences.The development highlights Dubai’s continuous investment in world-class hospitality experiences and luxury urban living.
GCC Investors Prioritize Lifestyle and High Yields in dubai Real Estate
Analysis from Asico indicates that GCC property investors are increasingly prioritizing off-plan investments, strong rental yields, and long-term lifestyle benefits when considering the Dubai real estate market for the latter half of 2025. This trend highlights a maturing investment approach, focusing on sustainable growth and quality of life as key decision factors.
Abu Dhabi Streamlines Road Toll System with Cap Removal
Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Center has announced revisions to the emirate’s Road Toll Executive Regulations (DARB), effective September 1, 2025. Notably, the daily and monthly road toll caps will be removed, a move intended to optimize traffic flow and alleviate congestion. The peak toll periods will also be adjusted, with the evening toll commencing earlier at 3 PM.
Navigating the Evolving GCC Landscape
The recent developments across the UAE and Kuwait reflect a broader trend of strategic economic diversification and enhanced regional connectivity. As nations within the GCC continue to invest heavily in infrastructure, education, and tourism, these initiatives are not merely short-term projects but foundational elements for sustained long-term growth and improved quality of life.The UAE’s education reforms signal a commitment to nurturing future generations, while Kuwait’s travel policy eases cross-border interactions, fostering greater cultural and economic exchange. Dubai’s consistently strong real estate performance, bolstered by smart regulatory tools and large-scale infrastructure projects like Etihad Rail, demonstrates its resilience and attractiveness to global investors and residents alike. These interconnected advancements are shaping a more integrated and prosperous future for the entire region.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the main changes in the UAE school calendar for 2025-2026?
- The UAE school calendar for 2025-2026 introduces unified term dates, a longer winter break, and new mid-term holidays to promote family cohesion and a balanced learning environment.
- Who can benefit from Kuwait’s new visa-on-arrival rules?
- Expats residing in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman can now avail of Kuwait’s new visa-on-arrival rules specifically for tourism.
- Which areas in Dubai saw the highest rent increases in H1 2025?
- Prime areas such as Business Bay and Dubai Marina experienced significant rent surges, driven by demand from young professionals seeking convenient access to financial districts.
- How is the Etihad Rail project expected to impact UAE real estate?
- Etihad Rail is projected to transform the UAE’s real estate market by creating new corridors for living, trade, and investment, boosting connectivity and driving demand in emerging areas.
- What is the advantage of the new UAE passport renewal rule?
- UAE citizens can now renew their passports up to one year before expiry, allowing for better travel planning and smoother completion of international transactions.
- how does the Dubai Smart Rental Index benefit tenants?
- The Dubai Smart Rental Index empowers tenants to challenge unjustified rent hikes,leading to fairer rental agreements and reducing conflicts with landlords.
- When will Abu Dhabi’s road toll caps be removed?
- Abu Dhabi will remove daily and monthly road toll caps starting September 1,2025,as part of new DARB regulations.
