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Stay informed with the latest updates from Arabian Business, where our dedicated editorial team brings you a diverse range of stories. From real estate to technology and more, here's a glimpse of what unfolded on Wednesday:

The UAE has simplified home loans for Emiratis and approved a housing package worth more than $450m. A new housing loan approval system will make it easier for citizens to find funding for real estate in the country. The UAE Cabinet, chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, approved a new housing approval package for citizens valued at AED1.682bn ($458m).

In addition, the UAE has announced major changes to the way businesses and individuals can apply for residency permits, work visas, Emirates ID and many more essential documents in the country. The introduction of the second phase of the UAE Work Bundle is applicable across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and the entire country and slashes waiting times, cuts bureaucracy, speeds up document processing and simplifies many essential activities in the country.

Meanwhile, UAE weather authorities have revealed forecasts for the rest of the week and the start of the Eid Al Adha holidays. While conditions are expected to be fair and partly cloudy from Thursday to Saturday, Sunday – the first day of Eid Al Adha in the UAE – could see connective clouds and the chance of rainfall, according to the National Centre of Meteorology.

Aside from this, Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah Gate Development Authority has signed an agreement with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to train 15 Saudi professionals initially as the kingdom builds expertise in heritage preservation and the built environment. The memorandum of understanding provides a path for the company employees to gain RICS qualifications in fields like facilities management, real estate advisory and construction procurement, according to a statement on Tuesday.

On the technology front, the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), gave the world an insight into what Apple – the world’s largest smartphone maker – is planning in the near future. This year was no different as the third most valuable company in the world made a slew of announcements, including the much-awaited Apple Intelligence – how it intends to embrace the power of artificial intelligence in its products.

THE LONGER READ:

The demand surge, coupled with an increase in room tariffs by hotels, is leading to a jump in short-term rental bookings in the UAE and Saudi during the holiday season

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