UAE Visa & Mobility: GDRFA Dubai says it issued 1.05m new residence permits and processed 5.08m entry permits in the first half of 2026, with services completed digitally in under four minutes on average. Women & Trade Diplomacy: The UAE backed BRICS women’s initiatives, including a pledge by 88 private firms to lift women’s representation in management to 30% by 2028. Business Travel & Immigration: Dubai reported 66,000 Golden Visas granted in H1 2026, while the UAE also rolled out a five-year multiple-entry tourist visa for all nationalities. Regional Shipping Shock: As US-Iran tensions flare, shipping firms are rerouting away from the Strait of Hormuz and the UAE is pushing alternatives like new port and terminal plans to cut dependence on Jebel Ali. Energy & Geopolitics: The US reimposed a naval blockade on Iran and stepped up strikes, while Iran warned it could halt Mideast energy exports—raising freight, insurance and logistics costs. Finance & Payments: Revolut received in-principle approval to offer crypto services in the UAE, and RAKBANK teamed with Mastercard to drive payments innovation. Aviation & Infrastructure: L&T and Mitsubishi were selected for the $35bn Al Maktoum airport expansion people-mover project, targeting operations in 2032.