UAE Food & Trade: Global Food Week 2026 in Abu Dhabi is set to run its biggest edition yet, with a new model that blends B2B trade with consumer activities, giving SMEs, start-ups and producers direct market access across eight food-and-beverage sectors. Hospitality Outlook: Emaar’s Dubai hotels are seeing about 60% occupancy after war-era lows, with a push to return to pre-war levels within 12 months as travel demand gradually improves. Geoeconomics & Security: The UAE is using economic pressure as leverage in the Iran war, with US officials pointing to “forward-facing” UAE steps to tighten economic ties. Labour Rights: Abu Dhabi’s Labour Court recovered Dh7.8m for 948 workers across disputes, using deposits and settlements while keeping many jobs intact. Crime Prevention Agenda: The UAE will host the UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (Sept 26–Oct 1), focusing on cyber, financial and organised crime and ending with a UAE-led road map. Shipping Costs: Oil producers are increasingly using ship-to-ship transfers near Oman to keep exports moving, but freight costs have jumped above $30/barrel. M&A Watch: Paramount’s Warner Bros. Discovery deal cleared a major US antitrust hurdle via a settlement with state attorneys general, paving the way for a near-term close. Dubai Mobility: Parkin has started paid parking at Rashid Hospital, while patients retain free parking during visits and eligible groups get added benefits.