• Gold Coast project signals master developer’s first project outside New South Wales
• Arada construction subsidiary Roberts Co to deliver project
• Development scheduled for completion before 2032 Olympics

• Comprehensive workshop leverages insights from residents, businesses, and visitors to guide master planning and infrastructure projects
• Feedback prioritises expanded green spaces, cultural heritage preservation, active lifestyle amenities, and green mobility
• Four working groups address enhancing prosperity and authentic identity; healthy and vibrant communities; sustainability and resilience; and connected mobility

Abu Dhabi, UAE: The Urban Planning and Permits Centre UPPC at the Department of Municipalities and Transport DMT brought together nearly 90 representatives from more than 40 government and private sector entities for a wide-ranging workshop to discuss urban development projects in Al Ain Region. The session focused on exploring initiatives and projects to drive future growth while meeting the evolving needs of residents, businesses, and visitors.

It was attended by His Excellency Rashed Musabbeh Al Manei, Director General of the Al Ain City Municipality, as well as a number of executives, officials, and experts. Attendees were organised into four working groups addressing the key themes of Prosperity and Authentic Identity; Healthy and Vibrant Communities; Sustainability and Resilience; and Connected Mobility.

Centred on the results of the Plan Al Ain Survey: The Future of Urban Development, which was launched by the department earlier this year, participants discussed planning objectives, initiatives, and projects needed to support the region’s ongoing transformation.

Session participants leveraged these insights to establish shared priorities, map existing projects to the survey feedback, and identify new opportunities, particularly across public amenities, recreational facilities, mobility, and transport infrastructure. The workshop also strengthened inter-agency collaboration and clarified roles and responsibilities, ensuring that community feedback will be turned into actionable policies, initiatives, and projects.

His Excellency Eng. Abdulla Mohamed Al Blooshi, Director General of the UPPC, said: “Enhancing quality of life requires a collaborative approach that brings together government, the private sector and the community. This workshop enabled us to translate the survey findings into practical solutions that will inform future projects and respond to the needs and aspirations of Al Ain’s residents.”

“We thank all participating entities for their valuable contributions, as well as every community member who shared their views through the survey. Their insights will help guide Al Ain’s future growth while preserving the city’s distinctive identity, cultural character and natural environment.”

The department noted that 94 per cent of survey participants have lived in Al Ain Region for more than 10 years, with 82 per cent being UAE nationals. Expanding parks, green spaces, and public gardens emerged as the top priority, signalling a shift toward healthier, more active living. Cultural heritage also stood out as a major pillar, with 80 per cent of respondents visiting historic sites, reinforcing the need to integrate cultural preservation into the region’s evolution.

Saudi Travellers Turn to Secondary and Coastal Destinations During Summer 2026

Saudi travellers are broadening their summer travel choices, with a cluster of secondary cities recording sharp increases in searches for round-trip flights, according to the latest data from Wego, the number one travel app and the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

Vietnam’s Da Nang topped the list of rising summer destinations among Saudi travellers, recording a 117% increase in searches for round-trip flights compared with the same period last year. Spain’s Palma de Mallorca followed with an 82% increase, while Tivat in Montenegro recorded growth of 55%. Other rising destinations also recorded search increases of more than 50%.

The figures point to a growing appetite among Saudi travellers for destinations that combine coastlines, nature, local culture, and outdoor experiences, as they increasingly explore alternatives to major cities and traditional tourism hubs.

Rising Destinations:

According to Wego’s latest summer travel search data, Dalaman in southwestern Türkiye, Tivat in Montenegro, Da Nang and Phu Quoc in Vietnam, and Palma de Mallorca in Spain are among the secondary destinations attracting growing interest from travellers departing from Saudi Arabia this summer, spanning the Mediterranean, the Balkans, and Asia.

The rise of these destinations reflects a broader shift in summer travel preferences, with travellers showing greater interest in coastal landscapes, historic neighbourhoods, nature, outdoor activities, local culture, and regional cuisine.

Coastal and Island Destinations Gain Ground:

Interest in beach destinations is also increasing. Wego data shows that coastal and island destinations accounted for around 1 in 10 round-trip flight searches from Saudi Arabia this summer, compared with around 1 in 12 during the same period last year.

Coastal appeal is a common feature across several of the rising destinations. Tivat and Palma de Mallorca combine coastal settings with mountain landscapes, while Da Nang and Phu Quoc offer beaches alongside nature, national parks, and nearby heritage sites. Dalaman, meanwhile, provides access to quieter stretches of the Turkish coast beyond main resort areas.

Early Planning and Average Trip Lengths:

The shift in travel behaviour extends beyond destination choice to the way Saudi travellers plan their holidays. According to the data, travellers are booking their flights more than 30 days in advance on average, while the average trip length is around 10 days.

The combination of early planning and longer stays gives travellers greater flexibility to build more varied itineraries, including multiple cities or regions within the same trip. Direct connectivity where available, as well as connections through major regional hubs, can further expand the range of destinations travellers can incorporate into a single holiday, rather than limiting the trip to a single city.

Saudi Travellers Expand Options:

Commenting on the findings, Mamoun Hmidan, Chief Business Officer at Wego, said: “Saudi travellers are becoming more adventurous in how they explore familiar destinations. Major cities remain an important part of the journey; however, we’re seeing greater interest in extending trips beyond the traditional gateways to discover different regions, landscapes, and local experiences.”

Hmidan added: “This gives travellers more variety within a single holiday and allows them to experience a destination from a different perspective. As connectivity and access continue to expand, we expect this appetite for broader, more experience-led itineraries to continue shaping travel choices.”

A Changing Summer Travel Map:

The latest search trends point to a gradual shift in the summer travel map from Saudi Arabia. While established destinations continue to attract strong demand, the growing visibility of cities such as Dalaman, Tivat, Da Nang, Phu Quoc, and Palma de Mallorca reflects a broader evolution in how travellers discover and experience destinations, driven by a combination of beaches, nature, culture, and local experiences.

The trend suggests that summer destination choices are increasingly shaped not only by a destination’s popularity, but also by the variety of experiences, ease of access, range of activities, and opportunities to discover places beyond the main tourism hubs.

About Wego:

Wego is the number one travel app and the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Combining a dynamic travel marketplace with on-platform bookings, Wego enables travelers to easily search, compare, and book flights and hotels across hundreds of airlines, hotels, and online travel agencies. Beyond its B2C marketplace, Wego also operates WegoPro, a next-generation business travel platform, and WegoBeds, a MENA-focused bedbank. The company is dual-headquartered in Singapore and Dubai with offices in Bangalore and Mumbai.

• Khalid AlJarwan: “We are committed to creating a supportive environment for the accounting sector to thrive by promoting constructive dialogue and providing services that empower companies and strengthen their competitiveness.”

Dubai, UAE – Dubai Chamber of Commerce recently organised a specialised workshop for the accounting sector aimed at strengthening engagement with key stakeholders and discussing the opportunities and challenges facing accounting firms in the emirate.

The session was attended by 60 participants and came as part of the chamber’s ongoing efforts to support the growth of Dubai’s business community, enhance the competitiveness of companies operating in the sector, and raise awareness of the services and initiatives available to support businesses.

Khalid AlJarwan, Executive Vice President of Commercial and Corporate Services at Dubai Chambers, said: “We are committed to creating a supportive environment for the accounting sector to thrive by promoting constructive dialogue and providing services that empower companies and strengthen their competitiveness. This session was designed to raise awareness of the resources available to businesses and support them in keeping pace with rapid developments in the sector while adopting best practices and enhancing their efficiency in Dubai.”

The workshop examined key aspects of Dubai’s accounting ecosystem, together with the resources and services available to support local companies. Representatives from Dubai Chambers also highlighted a range of specialised services designed to meet the needs of the accounting sector and help companies enhance their efficiency and develop their businesses.

The session highlighted the latest developments and trends shaping Dubai’s accounting sector. Representatives from the Dubai Chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India provided an overview of the current market landscape. Discussions also explored the opportunities and challenges facing accounting firms, as well as the sector’s growth prospects and ways for companies operating in the emirate to develop their businesses.

Participants also learned how one member company benefited from the chamber’s services through a corporate success story showcasing the role of the attestation services provided by Dubai Chamber of Commerce in streamlining business procedures and enhancing operational efficiency.

The workshop concluded with an open discussion that enabled participants to raise questions and discuss relevant topics. The session also gave members of the business community an opportunity to explore how they can benefit from Dubai Chambers’ services and receive practical guidance from chamber representatives on the services and resources available.

Abu Dhabi, August : The UAE Mixed Martial Arts National Team added another medal as Youth B competition for athletes aged 14–15 concluded on the fourth day of the IMMAF Youth World Championships at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi. More than 1,100 athletes from 55 countries are competing in the championship.

Maryam Almutwa claimed bronze in the Youth B Women’s 52kg division, taking the UAE’s overall medal tally to 18, including six gold, five silver and seven bronze.

Youth A competition for athletes aged 16–17 gets underway tomorrow, Friday, and will run for three days until the championship concludes on August 23.

Away from the action, the championship continues to bring athletes, coaches, families and delegations from around the world to Abu Dhabi. Their time in the emirate goes beyond the competition at Mubadala Arena, giving visitors the chance to experience Abu Dhabi and further strengthening its position as a destination for major international sporting events and sports tourism.

Mohammed Jassim Al Hosani, Member of the Mixed Martial Arts Committee at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, said: “The championship brings together young athletes who could become the future stars of the sport. Some of the athletes competing here could go on to become world champions, professional fighters or coaches. Hosting them in the UAE at this stage of their careers is important for the future development of MMA.

“The impact of the championship also goes beyond the competition. Athletes, families and coaches return home with memories of their experience in the UAE, from the organisation and sporting facilities to the hospitality they receive. Events like this strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a global sporting destination and introduce a new generation of visitors to the UAE.”

Abdullah Mohammed Al Jabareen, coach of the UAE Mixed Martial Arts National Team, said: “During our preparations, we focused on getting the athletes ready physically and technically. We also prepared them to face opponents with different styles. At this level, they need to stay focused and follow their game plan under pressure.

“The results show the hard work the athletes put in before the championship. But for us as coaches, it is also important to see them use what they have learned and compete with confidence. Facing athletes from so many different countries gives them valuable experience that is difficult to get anywhere else.”

Maryam Almutwa said: “One of my bouts did not start the way I wanted, but I remembered my coach telling me to stay focused until the end. I tried to stick to my plan and keep going. This championship has taught me not to give up when things get difficult. Of course, I wanted a better result, but I have learned a lot from competing here, and that experience will help me improve for the future.”

Families have also played an important role in the championship, particularly with younger athletes competing. Their support from the stands has added to the atmosphere at Mubadala Arena, making the competition a shared experience for athletes, coaches and their families.

With competition continuing until August 23, Mubadala Arena is bringing together young athletes, their families and coaches, as well as delegations from around the world.

Conceição Manassa Mohanha of Angola said: “From the moment we arrived in Abu Dhabi, everything has been well organised, from the welcome to transportation. It takes away some of the pressure that comes with competing internationally and allows us to focus on supporting the athlete and enjoying the championship.”

Natalia Dubrova of Ukraine said: “Mubadala Arena is a great venue for the championship. Everything is well organised, it is easy to move around the venue and there is a great atmosphere in the stands. We have had a very good experience in Abu Dhabi from the moment we arrived.”

• The exhibition will cover 107,000 square metres, a 17% increase compared to 2025.
• There will be 2,405 brands exhibiting, a 17% increase compared to the previous edition.
• 71 countries will be participating, a five percent growth with six new countries
• The exhibition will cover 15 unique sectors covering hunting and equestrian pursuits
• Eight falcon auctions will take place with four taking place ahead of the exhibition and four during the event
• 55 falcon farms will be participating at this edition reflecting a 20% increase compared to the 2025 edition, including nine new farms.

Abu Dhabi, August 2026: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers’ Club, the 23^rd edition of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX 2026) will take place from 28 August to 6 September at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. Extended to 10 days for the first time in the event’s history, this edition is set to be the largest since ADIHEX was launched in 2003, with the 2026 edition held under the theme “A Legacy of Pride”.

Open daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, the exhibition is being organised by ADNEC Group, a Modon company, in strategic partnership with the Emirates Falconers’ Club. The largest edition in ADIHEX history will feature record participation from specialist companies and brands across 15 sectors, showcasing the latest equipment, technologies and heritage experiences from around the world.

Commenting on the upcoming edition of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition, His Excellency Majid Ali Al Mansouri, Secretary-General of the Emirates Falconers’ Club, said: “For 25 years, the Emirates Falconers’ Club has been a key partner in preserving the practices, values and stories that form the heart of the UAE’s falconry and hunting heritage. What began in 2003 as a promising heritage event has evolved into the region’s leading platform for celebrating Emirati identity, guided by the vision of our wise leadership, which has ensured that this heritage remains a living and evolving part of our society rather than merely a memory of the past.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, for his continued support of all efforts to preserve our national heritage, and to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his vision and ongoing guidance, which have contributed to the development of this event into the region’s foremost gathering for enthusiasts of falconry, hunting, equestrian pursuits and outdoor activities.”

“As we mark this important milestone, ADIHEX 2026 provides an opportunity to reflect on the achievements made throughout our journey while looking ahead to the next generation that will carry this message forward. Every edition has added a new chapter to this story, and this year, during the Year of the Family, we are proud to welcome families to discover the world of falconry and heritage together, ensuring that these enduring traditions continue to be passed from one generation to the next, as they have been throughout history.”

Al Mansouri noted that, since its establishment, the Emirates Falconers’ Club has worked to safeguard falconry practices, support environmental conservation efforts, and promote the UAE’s heritage on the international stage, while the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition has become the flagship initiative of the Club and its premier annual platform.

He added that the exhibition has welcomed millions of visitors from around the world and has evolved from a heritage-focused event into a global platform encompassing falconry, hunting, equestrian sports, arts and outdoor lifestyle pursuits, while continuing to uphold and promote the values established by the founding fathers of the United Arab Emirates.

Humaid Al Dhaheri, Group CEO of ADNEC Group, said: “This year’s edition is the largest in the exhibition’s history since its inception in 2003 and reflects record growth across all key performance indicators, including exhibition space, exhibitor participation and the number of participating countries. ADIHEX brings together leading stakeholders, experts, specialists and industry pioneers, helping to build partnerships, facilitate knowledge exchange and showcase the latest innovations and sustainable practices across the hunting, equestrian and heritage sectors. These achievements would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our wise leadership and its continued commitment to preserving the nation’s heritage and passing this rich legacy on to future generations.”

Al Dhaheri explained that the number of participating companies and brands has increased by 17%, reaching 2,405 companies and brands representing 71 countries, including six countries participating for the first time. Exhibition space has expanded by 17% to 107,000 square metres compared to the previous edition. The number of participating falcon farms has also increased by 20%, reaching 55 farms, including nine new participants. In addition, the exhibition is accompanied by eight falcon auctions, with four held before the exhibition and four taking place during the event.

This edition of ADIHEX will showcase 15 diverse sectors, each highlighting a unique aspect of heritage, sport and lifestyle. The Falconry sector celebrates the deep-rooted significance of falcons in Emirati culture. The Hunting Tourism & Safari sector presents opportunities and destinations for sustainable hunting and adventure tourism.

The Veterinary Products & Services sector offers the latest advancements in animal healthcare and welfare, and the Preservation of Environment & Cultural Heritage sector is dedicated to initiatives and innovations that protect both natural landscapes and cultural traditions. The Hunting & Shooting Sports Guns & Equipment sector displays a wide range of firearms, ammunition and accessories for enthusiasts and professionals, while the Equestrian sector celebrates the art of horsemanship and the significance of horses in Arabian culture.

In addition, the exhibition features the Arts & Crafts sector, spotlighting traditional and contemporary artistic expressions inspired by regional heritage, and the RV’s & Caravans sector, highlighting mobile lifestyle solutions for outdoor and adventure enthusiasts. The Fishing Equipment & Marine Sports sector caters to lovers of angling and water sports, the Hunting & Camping Equipment sector provides essential tools and supplies for outdoor expeditions, and the Outdoor Leisure Vehicle Equipment sector showcases the latest products for automotive adventures. The Camel, Arabian Saluki, Knives and Souq sectors continue to honour distinct strands of Emirati and regional heritage.

This edition of ADIHEX would not be possible without the support of its partners and sponsors, including Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, Al Fares Tent, Abu Dhabi Agriculture And Food Safety Authority, Premier Motors, Caracal, Focus Hunting Tools and Equipment (By IGG), Carlex Design, Hans Wrage & Co. GmbH, Ludwig Schiwy, Khalifa Fund for Enterprise and Development, GAC, Tadweer Group, UR OFFROAD Trading LLC, K2 Holding, ADCB Bank, B.O.N Natural Product, Zaman Alandi Watches, Retag Oud, Oud Al Khoori, Super Oud Perfume, Abdul Rashid Oudh & Perfumes, Leslie Perfumes, Al Rawnaq Perfumes, Mohd. Hilal Group and Mistoria Perfumes.

The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2026 offers an opportunity to experience Abu Dhabi’s rich heritage and traditions in hunting, equestrianism, and cultural heritage. Whether you’re a passionate enthusiast or simply curious about the region’s legacy, ADIHEX 2026 invites you to explore a vibrant showcase of cultural exhibitions, thrilling competitions, and captivating traditional performances.