Dubai has always been a hub of innovation, luxury, and groundbreaking developments. This past week has been no different, with major announcements ranging from Dubai’s most expensive school project to Mohamed Alabbar’s funding offer for creative campaigns and the latest on Dubai’s real estate trends. Here’s a roundup of the top 10 stories you need to know.

1. Dubai’s Most Expensive School Unveiled by GEMS Education

GEMS Education announced its most ambitious project to date—a $100 million School of Research and Innovation (SRI), set to open in August 2025. Located in Dubai Sports City, the school will feature cutting-edge facilities like:

• A helipad for parents.
• An NBA-standard basketball court.
• An Olympic-size running track and Premier League football field.
• Annual fees up to AED 206,000 for Year 12 students.

This “school of the future” follows a British curriculum and promises unmatched educational experiences. Founding families are being offered a 20% discount for 2026.

2. Mohamed Alabbar’s Funding Pledge for Content Creators

During the 1 Billion Followers Summit, Mohamed Alabbar, founder of Emaar Properties, announced an incredible reward for content creators with innovative ideas to promote Dubai.

“Create a one-year campaign with incredible content, and I’ll sign the cheque,” Alabbar said, expressing his love for Dubai and commitment to showcasing its global appeal.

Held at Emirates Towers and the Museum of the Future, the summit drew 15,000 creators and 420 speakers, highlighting Dubai as a center for creativity and digital media.

3. Dubai Real Estate Trends: Q4 2024 Breaks Records

Dubai’s real estate market reached new heights in Q4 2024 with:

• Total sales hitting $31.7 billion (AED 116.5 billion).
• A 31.1% year-on-year growth in transaction values.
• Palm Jumeirah leading the way with the highest average prices.

The luxury property market remains a significant draw for high-net-worth individuals, while the off-plan sector accounted for more than half of total transaction values.

4. World’s Safest Airlines for 2025 Announced

UAE carriers Emirates and Etihad Airways ranked among the world’s safest airlines in AirlineRatings.com’s 2025 list. Competing with 385 airlines globally, Middle Eastern airlines proved their leadership in safety and service.

• Air New Zealand took the top spot overall.
• Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad ranked in the Top 10 Safest Full-Service Airlines.

5. Dubai’s Smart Rental Index 2025: A Game-Changer

Dubai Land Department launched the Smart Rental Index 2025, a digital system designed to ensure fair rental pricing by aligning rates with live market trends.

• Helps landlords justify rental increases for high-quality properties.
• Protects tenants from outdated, inflated pricing.

According to Lewis Allsopp, Chairman of Allsopp & Allsopp, “It’s a real win for both tenants and landlords.”

6. UAE Introduces New Laws for 2025

The UAE has rolled out transformative laws in 2025 to promote sustainability, social progress, and corporate governance.

• Focus areas include environmental protection, corporate transparency, and social equity.
• These reforms aim to strengthen the UAE’s position as a global leader in innovation and governance.

7. Dubai’s Position as a Startup Hub Grows

The UAE continues to dominate as the leading incubator for startups, with over 5,600 businesses registered in Q2 2024. Dubai’s tax-free benefits, strategic location, and business-friendly environment have made it a magnet for entrepreneurs.

Vadim Kouznetsov, Founder of JobX Dubai, remarked, “Dubai is what London was 20 years ago—diverse, vibrant, and open to new ideas.”

8. Creators HQ: Dubai’s Push to Attract Global Influencers

Dubai launched Creators HQ during the 1 Billion Followers Summit, with a goal to attract 10,000 influencers to the emirate.

This initiative includes:

• AED 150 million Content Creators Support Fund.
• Collaboration with platforms like X (formerly Twitter).

By fostering digital media, Dubai aims to establish itself as a global hub for influencer-led campaigns.

9. UAE Healthcare Experts Address Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)

With rising cases of HMPV in China, UAE doctors assured residents there’s no need for panic.

• HMPV is a common seasonal virus, similar to RSV, that causes mild to moderate respiratory symptoms.
• “Most patients recover quickly,” said Dr. Saheer Sainalabdeen, Specialist Pulmonologist at Medeor Hospital, Dubai.

10. Kuwait Declares a 3-Day Holiday for Isra and Mi’raj

Kuwait announced a three-day holiday from January 30 to February 1 for Isra and Mi’raj, providing workers with an extended weekend.

The announcement reflects the region’s cultural emphasis on significant Islamic holidays.

This week’s top stories highlight Dubai’s continued leadership in education, real estate, and innovation. From GEMS Education’s groundbreaking $100 million school to Mohamed Alabbar’s call for creative ideas and the unveiling of the Smart Rental Index 2025, Dubai is setting benchmarks across industries.

With its focus on fostering creativity, driving digital transformation, and maintaining excellence in real estate and infrastructure, Dubai proves why it remains one of the most dynamic cities in the world.

Stay tuned for more updates on Dubai’s evolving landscape as the city continues to break barriers and set global standards.