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UAE’s business loan demand grows over economic recovery

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Business loan demand has surged in the United Arab Emirates during the third quarter, reflecting confidence of the corporate sector in the economic recovery, showed the data of Credit Sentiment Survey.

According to the survey of senior credit officers across the banking sector by the Central Bank of UAE (CBUAE), the demand is at its highest peak since 2014.

The survey shows that the UAE’s credit sentiment results for the September quarter points to increased demand for credit, from both businesses and households, coupled with a softening of credit standards for the household sector.

For the September quarter, survey results suggested that demand for business loans surged further with strongest increase since 2014.

According to survey results, 47.5 per cent of respondents reported no change, 42.5 per cent reported an increase in demand, while 10 per cent of respondents reported a decrease in demand.

Looking forward, expectations for business and personal loan demand along with changes in credit standards bode well for credit growth in the months ahead.

The UAE’s economic recovery is fuelling a positive outlook and higher expectations for business loan demand in the months ahead.

Data showed credit demand from corporates and small businesses reported solid increase in demand, which continued to strengthen across all emirates.

According to the report, increased demand was widespread among the different loan categories, comprising large firms, domestic firms, government-related entities, and small and medium enterprises, and was primarily driven by customers’ sales, the property market outlook, interest rates, customers’ fixed asset investments, and seasonal influences.

Looking ahead to the December quarter, business loan demand is expected to remain strong across all emirates, although survey respondents expect a minor net tightening of credit standards.

The survey found the main drivers of increased demand were the housing market outlook, change in income, financial market outlook, and interest rates. The outlook for the December quarter remains optimistic with survey respondents expecting a strong increase in credit demand and a net easing of credit standards.

The results of the third quarter credit sentiment survey revealed contrasting trends in credit standards applied by banks to business and consumer lending.

Data showed a tightening of terms and conditions for loans to businesses across all categories in the September quarter. Survey respondents reported the highest degree of tightening for collateralization requirements, as opposed to a lower degree of tightening for spread of loan rates over cost of funds. Over the next three months, survey respondents expect credit terms and conditions to tighten further, mainly with respect to premiums charged on riskier loans and collateralization requirements

Looking forward, survey respondents expect the factors driving the change in credit standards to remain the same as those reported in the September quarter.

In the consumer credit segment, survey respondents expect a continued net easing of credit standards for personal loans in the December quarter. Credit standards for personal loans are expected to ease across all categories, the survey found.

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Parents, take note: Dubai Police warn about teens riding motorbikes after Iftar in residential areas

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As Ramadan evenings get busier, Dubai Police are warning parents about a rise in teenagers riding motorcycles and recreational bikes in residential areas, especially after Iftar.

Why this matters

Police say many teens are:

  • Riding without proper safety measures
  • Using service roads and neighbourhood streets
  • Putting themselves at risk of collisions with cars or pedestrians

Residential areas are often filled with families, children and elderly residents during Ramadan nights, making the danger even greater.

What parents should know

Authorities have already:

  • Impounded motorcycles
  • Summoned parents
  • Filed official police reports

This behaviour is considered a legal violation and can have serious consequences.

What you can do

  • Talk to your children about road safety and legal responsibilities
  • Ensure any bike use follows UAE traffic laws
  • Supervise younger teens, especially during busy evening hours

Residents can report unsafe riding via the 901 hotline (‘We Are All Police’ service) or through the Dubai Police app.

A quick conversation at home today could prevent a serious accident tomorrow.

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Foodilicious: A new Dubai-based TV series that brings Ramadan culinary traditions and cultural stories to screen

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A new Ramadan television series is bringing communities together across the GCC, not through debate or drama, but through the shared experience of Iftar.

Haier presents Foodilicious, produced by Rigel Global Media, which premiered in February and airs every Saturday at 7:30pm (GST) on Zee TV, with streaming available on demand.

The English-language lifestyle series blends Iftar traditions, chef-led dining, hospitality features and cultural storytelling, reflecting the diversity that defines Ramadan in Dubai and across the Middle East.

More than a food show

Unlike conventional cooking programmes, Foodilicious positions food as a narrative tool.

Founder and CEO Abhishek K. Mishraa said the editorial approach mirrors news storytelling,  rooted in real life, cultural context and human experience.

The show was developed alongside Creative Head Puneet Verma and storyteller Aryaman Singh, who brought a contemporary lens to Ramadan traditions to connect with younger audiences.

Their goal? To treat food as memory, devotion and belonging, not just spectacle.

Familiar face fronts the series

Hosting the show is Lokesh Dharmani, radio jockey at City 101.6 FM, whose warm, conversational style anchors the format.

Behind the scenes, Production Manager Mukesh Dubey and Line Producer Tanim Ayub lead operations, while digital strategy is managed by social media personality Altamash Iqbal.

Backed by global brand support

The series is presented by Haier Gulf Electronics LLC, signalling growing brand investment in culturally resonant Ramadan programming, a season known for some of the region’s highest TV viewership figures.

Ramadan in the UAE brings together Emiratis, expats and visitors from across the world. By showcasing Iftar tables, chefs, hospitality experiences and shared traditions, Foodilicious aims to reflect that diversity on screen.












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Huge relief for drivers: New Dubai bridge cuts travel time to 1 minute

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Commuters using one of Dubai’s busiest corridors just got a major upgrade.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has officially opened a new 1,000-metre bridge linking Sheikh Zayed Road to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street, slashing journey times from six minutes to just one minute.

And this is only part of a much bigger transformation.

What’s the new bridge?

  • It spans 1,000 metres
  • Has two lanes
  • Handles up to 3,000 vehicles per hour
  • Connects traffic from Sheikh Zayed Road towards Al Karama and Deira

It’s the third bridge completed under the wider World Trade Centre Roundabout Development Project.

Two earlier bridges opened in February 2026, improving traffic from 2nd December Street towards Sheikh Rashid Street and Al Majlis Street.

Why this intersection matters

The World Trade Centre Roundabout is one of Dubai’s most critical traffic nodes. It connects five major roads:

  • Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street
  • Sheikh Rashid Street
  • 2nd December Street
  • Zabeel Palace Street
  • Al Majlis Street

It also serves key destinations like:

  • Dubai World Trade Centre
  • Dubai International Financial Centre

More than half a million residents and visitors rely on this corridor daily.

From 12 Minutes to 90 Seconds

When the full five-bridge project is completed:

  • Average delays will drop from 12 minutes to 90 seconds
  • That’s a 92% reduction
  • Free-flow traffic will operate in multiple directions
  • The existing roundabout will become a signalised junction

Two additional bridges, connecting traffic from Sheikh Rashid Street and Al Majlis Street towards 2nd December Street, are set to open in October.

Who benefits most?

  • Daily commuters heading to Deira and Karama
  • Residents in Zabeel, Al Satwa, Al Jafiliya and Al Mankhool
  • Businesses in DIFC
  • Event attendees at Dubai World Trade Centre

For drivers, the impact is immediate. For central Dubai’s traffic grid, the biggest gains are still coming later this year.

If you drive this stretch daily, you’ll likely feel the difference from your very next commute.

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