In recent years, the global real estate sector has witnessed a technological shift, making it clear that property technology – PropTech – and artificial intelligence are not only here to stay, but are set to grow. According to Grand View Research, the AI market is expected to grow globally at 38 per cent by 2030, reaching $1.7 trillion from $93.5 billion in 2021. A portion of this figure is projected to be derived from the UAE as the country strives to be the world leader in AI by 2031.
In line with the government’s directives, Abu Dhabi has placed itself at the forefront of the PropTech revolution, demonstrating notable expansion in AI and other cloud-based solutions. The capital understands the full scope of utilising PropTech innovations and the many long-term benefits it brings to the country and its various real estate players.
Last year, the Department of Municipalities and Transport launched two platforms in partnership with the property developer Advanced Real Estate Services. Quanta is focused on making real estate data accessible to all. This data includes reports and dashboards that are easy to use, and information on transactions, real estate supply, financing solutions and overall market performance.
Dari, the other platform, provides cybersecurity and guards consumers against scams, fake agents and bogus online property listings. It also acts as a one-stop shop for investors, allowing them to handle all real estate operations, from sales and leases of properties to creating real estate dashboards and reviewing licensed agents on one platform.
While the PropTech revolution is considered to be slower than the technology disruptions in other markets, this is the time for it to shine
Following in the government’s footsteps, the private sector in Abu Dhabi has also recognised the big shift that PropTech has created, and the competitive advantage it can give a company. As such, several businesses in the emirate are supporting startups in the PropTech field and are investing heavily in these emerging companies. For example, Aldar has launched various accelerator programmes in collaboration with Hub71 and other partners, such as “Scale-Up” to hunt for the most promising PropTech startups in real estate.
In recent years, several PropTech startups have penetrated the market with innovative solutions. This was further reinforced by the Covid-19 pandemic, which accelerated the urgency of such technological deployments. Huspy, for example, was founded in 2020 to help facilitate the process of finding verified properties for potential customers, arranging viewings as well as looking up the most suitable financing and mortgage options and get them approved in one place.
Whether it is augmented or virtual reality, GIS mapping, 3D printing, AI-powered big data analysis, blockchain or digital twinning, PropTech applications can be of tremendous value to all real estate players – be it investors, agents, landlords and even the government.
Augmented and virtual reality can help customers view properties from the comfort of their homes. In addition, they can conduct secure transactions, enjoy seamless operations with less paperwork while navigating and securing the different financing options available to them. This can instantly improve customer satisfaction and help landlords who offer such streamlined operations to attract and retain tenants. The agents’ experience can also be enhanced by the digitised process of purchasing or renting a property – from the moment it is listed and viewed online until the time a transaction is safely made, which helps them focus on closing more deals faster.
Using technology on a property also contributes to energy savings while maximising performance. AI and cloud-based applications can control and adjust energy consumption based on changing needs. These solutions can also detect equipment failures before they occur, allowing landlords or tenants to take proactive measures. Further, while construction, operation and other costs are being conserved by utilising technology, companies can also achieve higher sustainability credentials in line with their social responsibility towards the planet as well as meeting government requirements.
The Internet of Things, blockchain and big data can provide users with crucial information based on data-driven property analytics and valuation modules that can help make informed decisions around current challenges, future needs and more. As governments make exclusive data, such as transactions, supply, property prices and indices, available and accessible to the public, they are increasing their transparency. This has a direct link towards increasing the country’s credibility and improving the overall business sentiment. The result is a suitable economic and business environment that allows investors to assess and make informed decisions on their prospective investment opportunities in the country.
While the PropTech revolution is considered to be somewhat slower than the technology disruptions in other markets, this is the time for it to shine. Governments and the private sector are becoming more aware of its integral role in developing the built environment and improving the interaction between real estate parties. As a result, they are boosting investment to support its growth.
Through Hub71, Abu Dhabi is pushing further into attracting top international technology companies to set up their PropTech businesses in the capital. It is also working on enhancing the business environment by increasing transparency through its various PropTech launches. Abu Dhabi is at a phase where the real estate market is flourishing in terms of supply and demand, so it is perhaps the best opportunity for the city to capitalise on introducing new PropTech innovations for more optimised operations and enhanced user experience.
How Apple's credit card works
The Apple Card looks different from a traditional credit card — there's no number on the front and the users' name is etched in metal. The card expands the company's digital Apple Pay services, marrying the physical card to a virtual one and integrating both with the iPhone. Its attributes include quick sign-up, elimination of most fees, strong security protections and cash back.
What does it cost?
Apple says there are no fees associated with the card. That means no late fee, no annual fee, no international fee and no over-the-limit fees. It also said it aims to have among the lowest interest rates in the industry. Users must have an iPhone to use the card, which comes at a cost. But they will earn cash back on their purchases — 3 per cent on Apple purchases, 2 per cent on those with the virtual card and 1 per cent with the physical card. Apple says it is the only card to provide those rewards in real time, so that cash earned can be used immediately.
What will the interest rate be?
The card doesn't come out until summer but Apple has said that as of March, the variable annual percentage rate on the card could be anywhere from 13.24 per cent to 24.24 per cent based on creditworthiness. That's in line with the rest of the market, according to analysts
What about security?
The physical card has no numbers so purchases are made with the embedded chip and the digital version lives in your Apple Wallet on your phone, where it's protected by fingerprints or facial recognition. That means that even if someone steals your phone, they won't be able to use the card to buy things.
Is it easy to use?
Apple says users will be able to sign up for the card in the Wallet app on their iPhone and begin using it almost immediately. It also tracks spending on the phone in a more user-friendly format, eliminating some of the gibberish that fills a traditional credit card statement. Plus it includes some budgeting tools, such as tracking spending and providing estimates of how much interest could be charged on a purchase to help people make an informed decision.
* Associated Press
MATCH INFO
Liverpool 4 (Salah (pen 4, 33', & pen 88', Van Dijk (20')
Leeds United 3 (Harrison 12', Bamford 30', Klich 66')
Man of the match Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Cricket World Cup League Two
Teams
Oman, UAE, Namibia
Al Amerat, Muscat
Results
Oman beat UAE by five wickets
UAE beat Namibia by eight runs
Namibia beat Oman by 52 runs
UAE beat Namibia by eight wickets
Fixtures
Saturday January 11 - UAE v Oman
Sunday January 12 – Oman v Namibia
The specs: 2018 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Price, base / as tested Dh99,000 / Dh132,000
Engine 3.6L V6
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Power 275hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque 350Nm @ 3,700rpm
Fuel economy combined 12.2L / 100km
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
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The details
Colette
Director: Wash Westmoreland
Starring: Keira Knightley, Dominic West
Our take: 3/5
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
MATCH INFO
What: 2006 World Cup quarter-final
When: July 1
Where: Gelsenkirchen Stadium, Gelsenkirchen, Germany
Result:
England 0 Portugal 0
(Portugal win 3-1 on penalties)
THREE
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Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-finals, first leg
Liverpool v Roma
When: April 24, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Anfield, Liverpool
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 2, Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
Challenge Cup result:
1. UAE 3 faults
2. Ireland 9 faults
3. Brazil 11 faults
4. Spain 15 faults
5. Great Britain 17 faults
6. New Zealand 20 faults
7. Italy 26 faults
Bookshops: A Reader's History by Jorge Carrión (translated from the Spanish by Peter Bush),
Biblioasis
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
Youth YouTuber Programme
The programme will be presented over two weeks and will cover the following topics:
- Learning, scripting, storytelling and basic shots
- Master on-camera presence and advanced script writing
- Beating the algorithm and reaching your core audience
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MATCH INFO
Sheffield United 3
Fleck 19, Mousset 52, McBurnie 90
Manchester United 3
Williams 72, Greenwood 77, Rashford 79
WOMAN AND CHILD
Director: Saeed Roustaee
Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi
Rating: 4/5
ENGLAND SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Jack Butland, Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope
Defenders: John Stones, Harry Maguire, Phil Jones, Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier, Gary Cahill, Ashley Young, Danny Rose, Trent Alexander-Arnold
Midfielders: Eric Dier, Jordan Henderson, Dele Alli, Jesse Lingard, Raheem Sterling, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Fabian Delph
Forwards: Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy, Marcus Rashford, Danny Welbeck
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
World Cup final
Who: France v Croatia
When: Sunday, July 15, 7pm (UAE)
TV: Game will be shown live on BeIN Sports for viewers in the Mena region
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
Company profile
Date started: 2015
Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki
Based: Dubai
Sector: Online grocery delivery
Staff: 200
Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
