Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced an exciting opportunity for businesses across the UAE, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to engage in 116 tenders and auctions available until the end of 2025.

This initiative is part of the Dubai Government’s Public-Private Partnership Strategy 2024–2026, which is aimed at stimulating economic growth and fostering strategic collaborations within the emirate.

The tenders cover a broad range of sectors, including services, consultancy, infrastructure, insurance, outsourcing, operations and maintenance, information technology, and investment. RTA’s push to engage the business community underscores its commitment to enhancing public-private collaboration, supporting national companies, and driving innovation in various industries.

Abdulla Yousef Al Ali, CEO of the Corporate Administrative Support Services Sector at RTA, explained, “We are actively supporting Dubai’s business community through incentive-driven initiatives, including recognition programmes that celebrate major companies collaborating with SMEs.”

He continued, “To participate in RTA projects, companies need to meet specific qualification criteria, which can be easily accessed through RTA’s streamlined digital process via the Electronic Prequalification System on our official website. This system supports the development of government projects by attracting top-tier local and international companies, ensuring efficient project delivery, facilitating knowledge exchange, and developing national talent. It plays a crucial role in attracting investment and stimulating the national economy.”

The RTA’s electronic prequalification system is available free of charge, allowing companies to register by creating a username and password. Once registered, companies can select the ‘Supplier and Investor Management System’ to access the Electronic Prequalification System, where they can upload the required documents and specify their business activities of interest.

For more details on the available tenders and auctions, companies can visit the RTA website at www.rta.ae.

Big changes are coming to Jebel Ali as the historic racecourse is set to be transformed into a walkable neighbourhood filled with parks, homes, shops and community spaces.

The five-square-kilometre area will be developed under a master plan created by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and backed by A.R.M Holding. The project, known as the A.R.M Holding Mega Project, will turn the former racetrack into a new “green district” that puts people, nature, and community at its heart.

What to expect

At the centre of the development will be a large central park that keeps the memory of the racetrack alive. Around it, a series of small, mixed-use neighbourhoods will be built – with homes, shops, offices, and parks all within walking distance. The idea is to let nature flow through the district, connecting the different areas like “urban islands in a sea of green.” The development is set to begin in 2026.

A city designed for well-being

The entire area will follow a “city-as-gym” concept where everything is walkable within five minutes, whether it’s your local park, a shop, your workplace or a community space. This setup aims to encourage an active lifestyle while improving public health and happiness.

The project also includes eco-friendly features like urban farms and passive cooling, supporting the goals of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. It will also include modern equestrian facilities to honour the area’s racing heritage.

Keeping it local

A key goal is to blend global design with local identity. A.R.M Holding says the community will reflect Emirati culture, values, and social needs, while also welcoming small local businesses to thrive within the neighbourhood.

“This masterplan will serve as a bridge for communication, understanding, and empathy – all of which are central to our vision of enabling prosperity,” said H.E. Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi, CEO of A.R.M Holding.

The Jebel Ali redevelopment promises to offer a new kind of living experience in Dubai – one where green spaces, community, and culture come together.

The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has decided to keep its Base Rate unchanged at 4.40%, following the US Federal Reserve’s move to hold interest rates steady.

This rate applies to the Overnight Deposit Facility (ODF) and acts as a guide for short-term interest rates in the country.

The CBUAE also confirmed that the interest rate for borrowing short-term funds from the central bank will remain 50 basis points (0.50%) above the Base Rate.

The Base Rate is linked to the US Federal Reserve’s Interest Rate on Reserve Balances (IORB) and reflects the UAE’s overall monetary policy direction.