The Ministry of Education, along with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, on Wednesday, March 4, announced that the commencement of spring break for all academic institutions has been pushed forward to March 9, with the last working day to be March 6. Normal classes are scheduled to resume from March 30. 

The academic calendar placed the spring break dates originally from March 16 and ending on March 29 which has now moved from March 9 to March 22. The change comes in light of the ongoing regional conflict, with the safety of students and staff at schools and universities as the highest priority. 

Classes had transitioned to online learning at the beginning of this week as a precautionary measure for all students and staff, which was further extended up to the end of this week. Exams for students have also been shifted to a remote format, allowing them to complete their assessments safely from home. 

Students, parents, and staff are advised to stay updated via official channels only, as the measures aim to protect the safety of all in the education sector.

(By Shura Kola)

The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has activated a new regulatory mechanism aimed at ending monopolistic practices in the UAE’s medical product market, marking a significant shift in how pharmaceuticals are distributed across the country.

Introduced under the 2024 federal law governing medical products, pharmacists and pharmaceutical establishments, the measure requires pharmaceutical companies to appoint more than one authorised agent for each medical product marketed in the UAE.

Officials say the move is designed to strengthen pharmaceutical security, ensure stable medicine supplies and enhance national preparedness during emergencies.

Ending single-agent control

Under the new framework, companies can no longer depend on a single distributor for a specific product.

By mandating multiple authorised agents, the EDE aims to:

• Prevent supply disruptions
• Improve distribution efficiency
• Increase supply-chain flexibility
• Eliminate monopolistic control over essential medicines

The authority said the mechanism will widen treatment options and promote healthier competition among distributors, ultimately benefiting patients and healthcare providers.

Boosting investment and market sustainability

Beyond addressing monopolies, the initiative is expected to make the UAE pharmaceutical sector more attractive to investors.

Officials note that diversified distribution channels reduce operational risks and enhance long-term sustainability, a key pillar in building a resilient healthcare ecosystem.

The reform aligns with the UAE’s broader strategy to modernise regulatory systems and position the country as a regional hub for life sciences and pharmaceutical trade.

Saeed bin Mubarak Al Hajeri, Minister of State and Chairman of the EDE’s Board of Directors, said the initiative reflects the UAE’s public policy approach to developing a robust national pharmaceutical ecosystem.

He emphasised the authority’s commitment to:

• Diversifying supply chains
• Enhancing regulatory efficiency
• Creating a flexible legislative environment
• Protecting public health

Officials stress that the mechanism goes beyond market competition. It serves as a strategic safeguard to ensure uninterrupted access to medicines during global disruptions or health emergencies.

What it means for the healthcare sector

The activation of the mechanism signals a transition toward a more competitive, transparent and secure pharmaceutical market.

• For patients: Greater consistency in medicine availability
• For distributors: Increased competition and operational flexibility
• For investors: A stronger, more sustainable regulatory environment

As implementation of the 2024 federal law continues, further refinements are expected to shape the future of the UAE’s pharmaceutical supply chain and reinforce national health security.

International developer BCD Global has acquired a second development plot in Dubai South, accelerating its UAE expansion after its inaugural Dubai project was fully committed within weeks of launch.

The 70-year-old real estate group is targeting approximately Dh300 million ($81.7 million) in UAE revenue during the first half of 2026, marking its first meaningful earnings contribution from the market.

The latest acquisition follows BCD Global’s entry into Dubai last month with a freehold mid-market residential development in Warsan, where construction has already commenced. According to the company, all units were committed shortly after launch amid strong investor demand.

Scalable Platform Strategy

Chairman Dr. Angad Singh Bedi said the rapid absorption of the first project validated the group’s strategy of building a governance-led, scalable development platform rather than pursuing opportunistic transactions.

“The acquisition of a second site in Dubai South reflects our conviction in the long-term fundamentals of this market,” Bedi said. 

“We are building a platform designed for sustained capital deployment and disciplined growth.”

BCD Global has delivered more than 155 million square feet of real estate across over 300 projects spanning residential, mixed-use and large-scale developments in seven countries over seven decades.

Chief Executive Amit Puri described the move as part of a phased expansion strategy focused on structural demand drivers.

“Dubai remains one of the most resilient global property markets, supported by population growth, capital inflows and regulatory stability,” Puri said. 

“Dubai South represents the next phase of urban expansion, with infrastructure growth and demographic momentum supporting long-term housing demand.”

Market Backdrop

Data from the Dubai Land Department show total real estate transactions in Dubai reached Dh917 billion in 2025, up approximately 20% year-on-year. Average residential prices have climbed to around Dh1,597 per square foot, while rental yields in mainstream submarkets range between 6% and 8%, among the highest across major international cities.

Industry analysts project continued residential demand across the UAE, with close to 300,000 units expected to be delivered by 2028 amid sustained population growth and investor migration.

Pipeline and Regional Expansion

The newly secured Dubai South site forms part of BCD Global’s broader UAE pipeline. Another groundbreaking is scheduled next month, with construction on the second project expected to begin in the coming months.

The developer said its strategy centres on mid-market housing targeted at end-users and long-term investors, positioning itself away from short-term speculative segments.

From its Dubai base, BCD Global plans to expand across the Gulf, identifying Saudi Arabia as a priority growth market as it builds a diversified regional portfolio.