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In today’s newsletter:

Discover the latest stories from Arabian Business, compiled by our editorial team. Here's what you missed on Monday:

Abu Dhabi is set to don a new global feat, with one of the emirate’s islands is to host the world’s first eSports Island, estimated to be developed with an investment of more than $280 million.

On the real estate front, Dubai’s Samana Developers announced major investment in the city’s real estate sector, on Monday. The company is set to invest AED12.5bn (AED3.4bn) in several new residential projects in Dubai this year.

Aside from this, UAE residents can expect a long holiday on account of Eid Al Fitr which is expected to fall on Wednesday, April 10. Following recent trends, residents are increasingly seeking short-haul travels to visa-free destinations during the long weekend.

Meanwhile, Umrah bookings from the UAE to Saudi Arabia’s holy cities of Makkah and Madinah have surged this Ramadan compared to previous years, a religious tour operator told Arabian Business. Co-founder and CEO of UAE-based Umrah operator Umrahme, Mohammed Mahfooz BinMahfouz, credits the boost to recent Saudi efforts to streamline visa processes and improve infrastructure, making the pilgrimage easier and more accessible for many in the region and abroad.

In addition, Muslim high net-worth individuals (HNWIs) from across the globe are increasingly eyeing property investments in Saudi Arabia’s holy cities of Makkah and Madinah as a result of recent visa and policy reforms, experts told Arabian Business. The holy cities of Makkah and Madinah have long held profound significance for Muslims worldwide, attracting millions of faithful pilgrims every year and recent reforms are poised to transform these revered destinations into magnets for real estate investment as more properties come onto the market.

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