Dubai is gearing up for one of its most ambitious retail projects yet, and it’s absolutely massive. Emaar’s upcoming Dubai Square Mall at Dubai Creek Harbour is set to be three times the size of Downtown Dubai, cementing its place as one of the region’s biggest shopping and entertainment giants. 

Backed by a Dh180 billion investment, the project is expected to open in three years and is already being called a game-changer for Dubai’s retail future.

Emaar announced the Dubai Square project earlier this year, positioning it as a next-generation destination where residential, retail, dining, entertainment and lifestyle experiences all come together under one address. At the heart of it is the Dubai Square Mall, a tech-forward, eco-friendly retail hub designed to feel more like a futuristic city than a conventional shopping centre.

A mall designed for the future

Emaar founder Mohamed Alabbar revealed that the mall will go big on sustainability and technology. With Dubai’s EV ownership rapidly rising, the new mall will feature dedicated electric vehicle facilities, ensuring a smooth, modern and planet-friendly experience for visitors.

One of the mall’s standout features?
It will operate as a drive-through mall, aligning with Dubai’s push for smart, green and ultra-convenient infrastructure.

Future tech

Dubai Square Mall will use Artificial Intelligence to enhance the shopping journey, from personalised recommendations to seamless navigation and smarter retail services. Think of it as a mall that gets to know what you like before you even walk in. The mall will also integrate dedicated EV facilities and smart-drive design features.

Immersive design, inside and out

The mall’s architecture leans heavily into light, openness and immersive visuals. Expect:

• Striking skylights
• High-tech LED installations
• Glazed roofing and expansive glass windows
• Vast landscapes and greenery woven throughout

The result? A bright, airy, modern space that blends indoor and outdoor vibes, very much in line with Dubai’s evolving design language.

Emaar is already the name behind Dubai’s most iconic retail destinations, and Dubai Square Mall is set to add a whole new chapter to that lineup, bigger, smarter and more forward-thinking than anything the developer has done before.

If you’re planning to deck out your car for the UAE’s 54th National Day, the Ministry of Interior has just dropped a detailed reminder on what’s allowed and what could get your vehicle fined or impounded. The message is simple: enjoy the celebrations, but keep it safe and responsible.

“Violations will result in fines and the impoundment of non-compliant vehicles. Your commitment brings us joy, and your safety is our priority,” the ministry said.

So, what’s officially allowed?

Only two things make the approved list this year:

• National Day stickers
• The UAE national flag on your vehicle

That’s it, no extra add-ons, no wild customisations, and nothing that could block visibility or distract other drivers.

And what’s NOT allowed?

Here’s everything the ministry says you should avoid:

• Unorganised parades or random road gatherings
• Blocking or disrupting traffic
• Stunt driving or dangerous manoeuvres
• Leaning out of windows or sunroofs
• Overloading the car
• Covering your windscreen or licence plate
• Using loudspeakers, sirens or exaggerated horns
• Displaying non-official posters or banners
• Raising any flag other than the UAE flag
• Wearing a head mask or costume while driving
• Playing loud music outside designated celebration zones

Why all the rules?

It’s all about keeping the celebrations joyful, not chaotic. With thousands taking to the roads during the long weekend, the ministry wants to ensure safety, smooth traffic flow, and respect for everyone sharing public spaces.

While motorists are encouraged to join the celebrations, they’re reminded to follow all traffic and safety rules. Hoisting the UAE flag remains one of the most heartfelt ways to show patriotism during Eid Al Etihad, but it must be done safely, correctly, and with full respect.

The UAE has widened its foster care rules for children of unknown parentage, and for the first time, both Emiratis and resident expatriates can apply, thanks to new amendments published in the latest Official Gazette.

Previously, foster care was limited almost entirely to Emirati families or single Emirati women under strict conditions. But under Federal Decree-Law No. 12 of 2025, the criteria have been updated, oversight strengthened, and the path opened for more families to provide safe, stable homes.

Who can now foster?

Under the revised Article 6, a foster family must:

• Be a married couple living together in the UAE
• Have both spouses legally residing in the country
• Be at least 25 years old
• Have no convictions involving honour or trust
• Be medically fit and free from serious infectious or psychological conditions
• Be financially capable of supporting a child
• Meet any other conditions set by the Ministry or local authorities

Single women can also apply

Single women, including those who are unmarried, divorced or widowed — remain eligible, provided they:

• Live in the UAE
• Are at least 30 years old
• Have no convictions related to honour or trust
• Are medically and psychologically fit
• Can financially support the child
• Meet any additional requirements from federal or local bodies

Stricter safeguards and oversight

All applicants must sign a written pledge ensuring a stable, nurturing home environment. They’re also prohibited from influencing the child’s documented identity or beliefs.

Oversight committees have broad authority to verify compliance, including visiting the home or reviewing the child’s education and welfare. Local authorities must keep the Ministry updated with all data and documentation tied to these cases.

When custody can be withdrawn

Custody can be revoked if a foster parent or family no longer meets eligibility requirements or breaches their obligations. These decisions, based on reports from social researchers, are final and cannot be appealed.

For smaller violations, authorities may first issue a corrective plan with deadlines. But if the plan isn’t followed, custody will be withdrawn under the decree.