Dubai Land Department (DLD) has signed a memorandum of cooperation with Masdar City to allow companies operating within its free zones to own land and property in Dubai under the freehold ownership system, the two parties announced on Thursday.

The agreement is part of broader efforts by the DLD to enhance the competitiveness of Dubai’s real estate sector, attract new investors.

“Enabling companies registered in free zones to own property in the emirate aligns with our vision of building a more open investment environment,” said Majid Al Marri, CEO of the Real Estate Registration Sector at DLD. “This strategic step diversifies the investor base and stimulates new investment flows that contribute to market growth and sustainability.”

Clear regulatory framework

Under the agreement, the DLD and Masdar City will establish a regulatory framework defining eligibility criteria, as well as the legal and administrative procedures for property ownership.

The collaboration will streamline processes between the DLD and the Free Zone Authority and implement a digital system for application submission, document verification, and tracking.

The initiative will also include support services to help companies navigate legal and registration requirements, promoting transparency and ease of doing business.

“By simplifying property registration processes for companies within Masdar City’s free zones, we are enabling them to expand their operations seamlessly,” said Ahmed Baghoum, CEO of Masdar City. “This partnership reinforces Masdar City’s role as a global hub for innovation and investment.”

DLD-Masdar City to boost business integration

The cooperation aims to leverage Dubai’s position as a major investment destination by expanding property access to a broader range of businesses, particularly those in innovation and sustainability sectors based in Masdar City.

The move is also expected to support companies’ expansion plans by offering direct access to one of the region’s most dynamic property markets, further integrating the UAE’s real estate and business ecosystems.

DLD has recently taken multiple steps to modernise and open up its real estate market, including digitisation efforts and collaborations aimed at attracting long-term investors and enhancing market flexibility.

Read: Masdar City’s Mohamed Al Breiki on its net-zero journey

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, has launched Dubai Mallathon, a new community-focused fitness initiative that transforms shopping malls into indoor walking and running tracks during the summer.

The month-long programme, which runs daily from 7am to 10am from August 1 to 31, aims to make fitness more accessible to residents by leveraging the climate-controlled environments of Dubai’s largest malls.

Seven malls will participate, including Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Hills Mall, Deira City Centre, City Centre Mirdif, Dubai Marina Mall, and Springs Souk.

“With the Dubai Mallathon, we’re turning familiar spaces into places that inspire movement, connection, and better habits,” Sheikh Hamdan said. “This is a shared journey. We are all partners in transforming our city into the world’s best place to live, work, and visit.”

Public health push through Mallathon

The initiative forms part of broader government efforts to promote well-being and healthier lifestyles under the Dubai Social Agenda 33 and Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 33. It also aligns with the national ‘Year of Community’ campaign.

Backed by the Ministry of Defence and organised in cooperation with the Dubai Sports Council, the Dubai Mallathon targets all age groups and segments of society, including children, senior citizens, and mall employees.

Participation is free, with registration open at www.dubaimallathon.ae.

Registered participants receive a digital card and gain access to daily fitness activities, including stretching sessions, children’s zones, and health-awareness stations. Fitness-tracking tools will also be integrated to encourage consistency.

Using existing infrastructure

The programme also addresses the challenge of exercising in the extreme summer heat by repurposing underused mall space. Officials say it is a practical, low-barrier solution for maintaining physical activity year-round.

“Dubai seeks to set new global benchmarks in wellbeing by making fitness an integral part of daily life,” Sheikh Hamdan said, adding that the initiative reflects the city’s strategy to place people and families at the centre of development plans.

Retail collaboration

To support lifestyle change beyond exercise, Mallathon will feature collaborations with restaurants and retail outlets that offer health-conscious deals and products to participants, promoting better nutrition and long-term wellness habits.

The initiative also includes the ‘Walk for Better Health’ programme, a joint effort by the Community Development Authority and participating malls, aimed at promoting community participation in physical health.

Read: Dubai Fitness Challenge unveils refreshed brand identity

HR Hotel, a joint venture between Malta-based db Group and RAK Hospitality Holding (RAKHH), has signed a suite of agreements with Hard Rock International to develop Hard Rock Hotel & Residences Ras Al Khaimah, a branded mixed-use property slated to open in 2028.

Located on the Arabian Gulf adjacent to Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah’s Beach District, the project will include approximately 300 hotel rooms and 395 branded residences.

The project expected to be complete in 2028 will create around 500 permanent jobs.

Amenities will feature multiple dining outlets, a rooftop bar, beach club, spa, fitness centre, event venue and conference facilities.

“Hard Rock International is proud to introduce its hotel and residence accommodations to the region,” said Todd Hricko, SVP and head of Global Hotel Development at Hard Rock. “This development will open new doors for the Hard Rock global traveller.”

RAK is emerging as a high growth destination

Ras Al Khaimah has positioned itself as a high-growth destination by combining investment infrastructure with sustainable tourism. Attractions include Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak, and the world’s longest zipline.

“This partnership brings together db Group’s development track record, Hard Rock’s global brand, and our insight into Ras Al Khaimah’s market dynamics,” said Alison Grinnell, CEO of RAKHH.

The project marks db Group’s first major venture outside Malta. “With nearly four decades in hospitality, we aim to deliver a destination that embodies Hard Rock’s energy,” said Silvio Debono, chairman of db Group.

RAKHH is also involved in the upcoming Wynn Al Marjan Island integrated resort.

Hard Rock operates more than 300 venues across 80 countries.

Read – Inside Enclave: A look at Wynn Al Marjan Island’s latest ultra-luxe concept

Apple on July 23 introduced AppleCare One, a new service plan designed to provide simple, flexible coverage for multiple Apple devices under a single subscription. For $19.99 per month, customers can protect up to three Apple products, with the option to add more devices at $5.99 per month each.

The new plan builds on the features of AppleCare+ and expands protection across devices including iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. US customers can sign up for AppleCare One starting tomorrow through their iPhone, iPad, or Mac, or by visiting an Apple Store, an Apple report said.

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“At Apple, we’re focused on creating and delivering exceptional experiences,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “Built on the trusted foundation of AppleCare+, AppleCare One extends that same reliability and makes it easier than ever to protect the products you love and depend on.”

All-in-one coverage and support

AppleCare One offers all the benefits of AppleCare+, including unlimited accidental damage repairs for incidents like drops and spills, 24/7 priority access to Apple experts, certified repairs, and battery service. Notably, theft and loss coverage, previously limited to iPhone, has been expanded to include iPad and Apple Watch.

The plan’s pricing structure remains the same regardless of which devices are enrolled. According to Apple, users could save up to $11 per month compared to purchasing separate AppleCare+ plans for each device.

Add existing devices, up to four years old

In a notable shift from Apple’s previous policy, customers can now add eligible devices they already own, as long as they’re in good working condition and up to four years old. This expands protection opportunities beyond the typical 60-day purchase window for AppleCare+.

Flexible management for a growing collection

AppleCare One also streamlines plan management. When a user trades in a covered product directly to Apple, the device is automatically removed from their plan and replaced with the new one. As a month-to-month subscription, customers can keep coverage going indefinitely and can adjust which devices are covered at any time.

Apple says AppleCare One is ideal for users with multiple Apple devices who want comprehensive protection, convenience, and predictable monthly costs, all from a brand they trust.