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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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Sharjah sets deadline for owners to collect impounded vehicles

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Motorists in Sharjah have been urged to take immediate action to retrieve vehicles and other items impounded by the Sharjah City Municipality, with a deadline set later this week.

In a notice issued on Monday, the Municipality called on owners of vehicles, machinery, motorcycles and bicycles that have been impounded for more than six months to complete the required release procedures.

Owners have been instructed to visit the Inspection and Control Department in Industrial Area 5 within four days from the date of the notice, ending January 29, to address the reasons for impoundment and collect their properties.

The Municipality warned that failure to comply within the specified period will result in the impounded items being sold through a public auction after the deadline.

The notice was shared via the Municipality’s official social media channels, where a QR code was also provided to allow owners to access a list of impounded vehicles and related items.

Residents are advised to act promptly to avoid losing ownership of their impounded properties.

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Abu Dhabi introduces new safety guidelines for e-scooters

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If you ride an e-scooter or electric bike in Abu Dhabi, it’s worth knowing where you’re allowed to go, and where you’re not.

The Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport has outlined designated areas where electric bikes and scooters are permitted, along with clear restrictions aimed at improving safety, easing traffic flow and supporting smarter urban mobility.

According to the department, e-bikes and scooters are allowed on internal roads with speed limits below 40km/h, dedicated cycling and e-bike lanes, and shared paths designed for both pedestrians and cyclists.

However, riding is strictly prohibited on highways, pedestrian-only paths, and roads outside the city where speed limits are 60km/h or higher.

The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) said the rules are part of a broader plan to create a safe, connected network of cycling and e-bike routes across the emirate, encouraging active transport and better integration with public transport.

Pedestrian safety remains a top priority. Riders are required to follow traffic laws, obey road signs and markings, ride in the direction of traffic, keep a safe distance from pedestrians and use designated cycling lanes whenever available.

Cyclists are also reminded that riding on roads with speed limits above 60km/h requires a special permit. On roads with speed limits of 60km/h or below and no cycling lanes, riders should keep to the right-hand side.

Parking is only allowed in designated areas to avoid blocking pedestrians or vehicles. Riders must also maintain at least a five-metre distance from school buses when warning lights are on, and the stop arm is extended. Group cycling tours must obtain prior approval from Abu Dhabi Police.

Authorities say the measures are designed to keep everyone, riders, pedestrians and motorists,  safe while supporting a more active and sustainable transport culture in the capital.





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Planning a trip to Mleiha? Sharjah warns against entering the park without permission

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Sharjah authorities have warned that strict legal action, including hefty fines, will be taken against any vehicle entering Mleiha National Park without official authorisation.

The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) said the park is a protected national site established by Emiri decree and governed by a strict legislative framework aimed at preserving its archaeological, cultural and environmental significance.

Shurooq stressed that unauthorised access by any type of vehicle, without exception, constitutes a direct violation of the park’s protected status and will result in financial penalties and other legal measures. The enforcement is intended to prevent damage to the park’s fragile terrain and irreplaceable archaeological remains, which cannot be restored once disturbed.

Mleiha National Park forms part of the Al Faya Site, which was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2025. The designation places additional responsibility on local authorities to ensure the long-term protection of the site as a rare and continuous record of early human history.

Public access to the park is therefore strictly limited to approved, organised activities supervised by the Mleiha Archaeological Centre. All visits must be booked exclusively through the centre and conducted along designated routes in accordance with established guidelines designed to safeguard the site.





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