The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has decided to keep its Base Rate unchanged at 4.40%, following the US Federal Reserve’s move to hold interest rates steady.

This rate applies to the Overnight Deposit Facility (ODF) and acts as a guide for short-term interest rates in the country.

The CBUAE also confirmed that the interest rate for borrowing short-term funds from the central bank will remain 50 basis points (0.50%) above the Base Rate.

The Base Rate is linked to the US Federal Reserve’s Interest Rate on Reserve Balances (IORB) and reflects the UAE’s overall monetary policy direction.

The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) has officially launched a new corporate identity, marking a major milestone in its journey toward innovation and global leadership in the aviation sector.

The new look is part of a wider strategy to modernise the authority’s image while staying true to its deep-rooted history and aligning with Dubai’s vision for the future of civil aviation.

A Fresh Start with a Nod to the Past

The identity was unveiled under the slogan “Returning to the Beginnings with New Horizons. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the DCAA, said the new identity represents a perfect balance of heritage and forward-thinking, symbolising a new era in the authority’s development.

Designed for the Future

The refreshed identity includes:

• A custom traditional typeface, inspired by the 1970s Civil Aviation Department nameplate
• A unified colour palette, symbols, and visual elements for all platforms
• A design that brings together heritage and modern aesthetics

Mohammed Abdulla Lengawi, Director-General of the DCAA, said the identity aims to foster a work environment of excellence, innovation, and institutional pride.

A Unified Brand

The updated identity will be rolled out across digital platforms, publications, and communication channels.

Dubai Holding has announced plans to list a 12.5% stake in its residential real estate investment trust (REIT), offering investors a new opportunity to tap into the emirate’s fast-growing property market.

The REIT, known as Dubai Residential REIT, focuses on leasing and manages a portfolio of 35,700 residential units across Dubai, including well-known communities like City Walk and Bluewaters. The listing will mark Dubai’s first IPO of 2025, with trading expected to begin around May 28.

According to sources, the offering could raise up to $500 million, although Dubai Holding has not officially confirmed the valuation.

Why It Matters

Dubai’s property sector has seen a major surge since the pandemic, driven by foreign investment and residency reforms. The city’s real estate prices have soared, reversing the effects of the 2009 crash, which had required a multibillion-dollar bailout. Since then, the government has worked to consolidate major developers and stabilise the market.

The Dubai Residential REIT is expected to become the largest listed REIT in the GCC, with a gross asset value of $5.9 billion (Dh21.6 billion). It also represents the latest effort by Dubai to make its property market more accessible to a broader pool of investors, particularly those seeking steady, long-term returns.

Investor Snapshot

Dubai Holding plans to offer 1.63 billion units in the IPO through its subsidiary DHAM Investments. The listing is structured for both retail and institutional investors and will follow a semi-annual dividend policy, with payouts beginning from 2026. The REIT aims to distribute at least 80% of its profit for that year.

Despite global market uncertainties and IPO slowdowns, Dubai Holding sees this as a defensive investment backed by government support and the emirate’s rising population.

Who’s Behind the Deal

Dubai Holding owns top-tier real estate brands such as Nakheel, Meraas, and Meydan. The company is also one of the UAE’s largest landowners. Citi, Emirates NBD, and Morgan Stanley are acting as global coordinators and joint bookrunners for the IPO.