In a major boost for small businesses, Dubai South has rolled out a powerful new support package, offering financial relief and flexibility to help SMEs stay resilient in a shifting market.

The initiative, targeting companies based in the Business Park, introduces rent-free incentives tied to contract renewals, along with more flexible payment deferrals and even the waiver of minor administrative penalties. In a move likely to be welcomed by business owners, current rental rates will also be locked in for eligible renewals.

Real relief for growing businesses

The package is designed to ease operational pressure on SMEs, widely seen as the backbone of Dubai’s economy, while giving them room to grow and adapt.

Officials say the measures won’t be static either. Instead, they’ll be continuously reviewed and adjusted to keep pace with changing market conditions. 

In a major move last week, Dubai approved economic facilitation measures worth Dh1 billion, set to support businesses for the next three to six months starting April 1. The goal? Immediate relief in a fast-changing market.

Big players step in

Support isn’t just coming from the government.

• du is focusing on keeping SMEs connected, ensuring uninterrupted digital access, which has become a lifeline for many businesses.
• Retail giant Majid Al Futtaim, in collaboration with Dubai SME, has launched the “Ma’an” programme to strengthen the wider business ecosystem.
• Dubai’s Alserkal Avenue has introduced “Blank Space”, offering selected UAE-based collectives free warehouse space for four weeks, along with utilities and marketing support, a rare opportunity for creatives to experiment and grow without financial pressure.

From billion-dirham stimulus packages to free workspaces and digital support, Dubai is building a safety net, and a launchpad, for its SME sector.

The move aligns with Dubai’s broader push to maintain economic stability and strengthen its position as a global business hub. Supporting SMEs is a key part of that vision, as these businesses drive innovation, job creation, and long-term growth.

Timely support matters

Commenting on the initiative, Nabil Al Kindi said the goal is to provide “practical and timely support” while ensuring a stable environment for businesses to thrive.

With rising costs and global uncertainty impacting businesses everywhere, this package could be a game-changer for many SMEs, offering not just relief but a chance to plan with confidence.

For businesses in Dubai South, support is here, and it’s designed to keep you growing.

Amid global uncertainty, the UAE is making one thing crystal clear: there is no shortage of food, and authorities are stepping up efforts to keep it that way.

During a recent market inspection, Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri reassured residents that food supplies across the country remain stable, with warehouses fully stocked and daily imports flowing without disruption.

Speaking after a visit to a key market in Al Ain, the minister emphasised that safeguarding food availability and protecting consumers are top national priorities. The visit is part of a wider push to monitor prices, ensure fair trade practices, and maintain stability in the market.

Strict monitoring

Officials confirmed that supply chains are operating efficiently, backed by strong strategic reserves and advanced logistics systems. Behind the scenes, authorities are working continuously to redirect supplies when needed and prevent any disruptions.

At the same time, enforcement has ramped up. Since the start of the current period, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism has carried out over 12,000 inspection campaigns, uncovering violations such as unjustified price hikes and issuing hundreds of warnings to businesses.

Warning against panic buying

Authorities also issued a clear message to the public: buy responsibly. Excessive purchasing and stockpiling can lead to waste and unnecessary price pressure, even when supplies are stable.

Strengthening local food production

The UAE is also boosting its domestic food production. During a separate visit to Grand Mills, officials reviewed flour production and strategic stock levels, highlighting the growing role of local industries in securing the nation’s food future.

With advanced infrastructure, flexible supply chains, and strict market oversight, the UAE is positioning itself as one of the most resilient food systems in the region.

The UAE is gearing up for a massive transformation in how people move across the country, and it could redefine your daily commute.

In response to rapid population growth and rising traffic pressure, the government has unveiled an ambitious infrastructure plan that includes a game-changing addition: a new national highway designed to ease congestion and supercharge connectivity.

Announced by Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, during the UAE Infrastructure and Housing Council meeting, the project signals a bold new phase in the nation’s mobility strategy, one that aims to make travel faster, smoother, and far more efficient.

Game-changer for Dubai–Sharjah–Ajman commutes

One of the biggest highlights is a new public transport system connecting Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman, one of the busiest commuter corridors in the country.

The plan includes 10 major routes powered by Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), a high-capacity system that runs on dedicated lanes, offering metro-like speed but with greater flexibility. With direct links to metro stations and key city hubs, the network aims to cut travel time and reduce reliance on private cars.

Officials say the move could significantly ease daily congestion while improving connectivity across densely populated areas.

Fourth federal corridor takes shape

Alongside public transport upgrades, progress is underway on the Fourth Federal Corridor, a major new highway set to stretch 68km with up to 8 lanes in each direction.

Designed to boost capacity and improve traffic flow, the corridor will feature 10 major intersections and four flyovers, strengthening links between emirates and supporting smoother movement of goods and people.

Once complete, it will join the UAE’s key highways: E11 (Al Ittihad Road), E311 (Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road), and E611 (Emirates Road).

Crack down on rising car numbers

Beyond infrastructure, authorities are also looking at ways to curb the rapid rise in vehicle ownership.

According to Al Mazrouei, car growth in Dubai has surged past 8%, far exceeding the global average of around 2%. This has prompted discussions around stricter ownership policies, alongside expanding road networks and integrating smarter transport systems.

If these plans move forward as expected, daily commutes between emirates could soon look very different, faster, more connected, and far less stressful.