The emirate is reshaping its infrastructure to meet the growing needs of the technology sector and the international community. TECOM Group is investing AED 615 million in the fourth phase of Innovation Hub, even as the third phase is under construction and already fully leased. The concentration of high-income professionals is transforming the residential market around tech hubs, while authorities are responding with education reforms aimed at expatriate families.
Phase three unfinished, phase four already launched
TECOM Group has announced the fourth phase of Innovation Hub in Dubai Internet City, covering 263,000 square feet. The third phase is fully leased ahead of its 2027 completion, highlighting a clear shortage of high-quality office space. Total investment in the project is set to reach AED 2 billion by 2028. The first phase hosts Google and Gartner, while the second hosts Fortune 500 companies. Dubai Internet City generates 65% of Dubai’s technology GDP.
Over the first nine months of 2025, TECOM reported revenues of AED 2.1 billion, reflecting 20% year-on-year growth. The project is entirely financed from internal resources, with no external debt. The presence of industry leaders creates a strong network effect, attracting additional firms to nearby locations. The concentration of highly paid tech professionals directly affects real estate updates today – rising housing demand in Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Lake Towers, and Business Bay continues to push rental rates higher as affluent tenants enter the market.
Read also: The UAE will introduce a new VAT mechanism for scrap metal trade from 2026.
Airline expands premium class on key routes
Emirates will introduce refurbished Boeing 777 aircraft with premium economy cabins on flights to Beirut starting 6 January 2026 and to Beijing from 1 February. Beirut will offer premium economy and business class in a 1–2–1 configuration for the first time. The new schedule provides convenient connections to cities with large diaspora communities:
- Sydney, New York, Los Angeles, and Montreal for Lebanese passengers
- London, Johannesburg, Madrid, and Riyadh for Chinese travelers
The four-class aircraft include 260 economy seats, 24 premium economy seats, 40 business-class seats, and 8 first-class suites. Premium economy offers a near-business-class experience at a more accessible price, featuring leather seating, 13.3-inch screens, and in-seat power outlets. The growing number of foreign professionals in the aviation sector is influencing the housing market, as evidenced by up-to-date statistics on Dubai rental properties: flight crews and airport staff increasingly seek long-term rentals without tourist premiums in areas such as International City and similar districts.
Read also: Emirates launches premium economy on Beirut and Beijing flights.
Schools admit children four months earlier
The UAE is shifting the enrollment cut-off date from 31 August to 31 December starting from the 2026–27 academic year. Children will be eligible to enter Pre-K at age 2, provided they turn 3 by the end of December. The change applies to British, IB, American, Indian, and French curricula. Age requirements include:
- FS1 or Pre-KG: the child must turn three by 31 December
- FS2 or KG1: the child must turn four by the same date
Children born between 1 September and 31 December 2021 were previously ineligible to start school in 2025–26, but in 2026–27 they will be able to enroll in KG1 or KG2, depending on readiness. Parents are increasingly seeking to reduce commute times, which is driving higher demand for housing near educational institutions. This week underscores the emirate’s comprehensive approach to technological transformation, including the expansion of office clusters, improved air connectivity, and the adaptation of the education system to meet the needs of a global population
