Category: Business

 On 8 November 2025, Dubai hosted Russian Design Forum 4, the only professional forum for Russian-speaking interior designers and architects in the Middle East. The event was part of Dubai Design Week, which highlighted its importance for the regional design industry and strengthened the position of the Russian-speaking community in the professional environment of the UAE.The forum, organised by Olga Melnikova, founder of the Russian-speaking design community DUBAIDESINT, was held at Embassy Suites by Hilton Dubai Business Bay and brought together

Botim Money, the financial services arm of the messaging platform botim, said on Tuesday it has entered a partnership with Mastercard to widen the reach of its international money transfer services, enabling users to send funds from the United Arab Emirates to more than 150 countries through a single digital interface.The agreement integrates Mastercard Move into the Botim app, allowing customers to initiate cross-border transfers that can be received through bank accounts, mobile wallets or cash pick-up locations, depending on

MNA Ventures, a premier diversified holding group and "one-stop-shop" conglomerate, today released its 2025 Year-End Summary. The report details a transformative period of internal optimization and aggressive international growth, reinforcing the group's position as a global parent entity across the UAE, Europe, and emerging markets.Throughout 2025, MNA Ventures continued to execute its "solutions-first" strategy—developing internal tools to resolve complex corporate challenges before scaling them into market-leading subsidiaries.2025 Highlights: The Launch of QBS and OTC & PartnersThe definitive milestones of the past

Qatar and the United Arab Emirates are set to join a United States–led initiative aimed at securing global artificial intelligence and semiconductor supply chains, signalling a widening of Washington’s technology diplomacy into the Gulf and underlining the strategic importance of advanced computing hardware to future economic and security policy.The planned inclusion of the two Gulf states was outlined by Jacob Helberg, the US undersecretary of state for economic affairs, who said the move reflected growing alignment between Washington and key

Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company occupies a pivotal place in the UAE’s insurance sector, combining longevity with scale as it navigates a market shaped by regulatory tightening, rising claims costs and growing demand for specialised cover. Founded in 1972 and headquartered in the capital, the company was the first insurer licensed in the emirate, a distinction that continues to inform its market stature more than five decades later.Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company, widely known as ADNIC, has evolved from a

First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC has priced a $750 million five-year senior unsecured Eurobond under Regulation S, drawing strong investor demand and tightening pricing well inside initial guidance as global credit markets show continued appetite for high-grade Gulf issuers.The fixed-rate bond carries a coupon and yield of 4.299%, with a re-offer price set at par. The notes were marketed with initial price thoughts at 95 basis points over US Treasuries before being tightened to a final spread of 60 basis

Aldar Properties PJSC, Abu Dhabi’s largest property developer and real estate asset manager by total assets, has appointed a syndicate of global and regional banks for a planned US dollar-denominated hybrid notes issuance, a move that underscores the company’s intention to strengthen its capital structure while retaining balance-sheet flexibility.The company, which carries a Baa2 rating with a Stable outlook from Moody’s, has mandated Citi as sole structuring adviser, global coordinator and joint bookrunner. The wider syndicate includes Abu Dhabi Commercial

Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC and Emirates Water and Electricity Company have completed a Dh3.6 billion financing and development agreement for the Al Dhafra Power Plant, marking a significant expansion of dispatchable power capacity aimed at supporting the emirate’s fast-growing data centre sector. The project underlines Abu Dhabi’s strategy of pairing digital infrastructure growth with firm, utility-scale energy assets as demand from artificial intelligence, cloud computing and hyperscale operators accelerates.Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC, widely known as TAQA,

BinDawood Holding Company has agreed to acquire a controlling 51% stake in UAE-based Wonder Bakery in a deal valued at 96.9 million dirhams, marking a significant step in the Saudi retailer’s regional expansion strategy and its push into food manufacturing.The Riyadh-listed group said the share purchase agreement will be funded through internal resources alongside existing financing facilities, underlining a balance-sheet-led expansion rather than reliance on new capital raising. The transaction positions BinDawood beyond its core supermarket and hypermarket operations, reflecting

As Web Summit Qatar approaches, we spoke with Marina Levina, CEO of WISH, an international communications agency, about several persistent myths around PR. “During this marathon season of startup and investor events from Web Summit and Slush to GITEX Global, we at WISH keep hearing the same assumptions about PR repeated over and over again. Many of them sound reasonable at first, but in practice, they hold startups back rather than help them grow,” said Marina Levina. Let’s unpack a

Emaar, the Economic City has secured board approval for a sweeping balance-sheet overhaul that will lift its share capital by nearly 69 per cent through the conversion of debt owed to the kingdom’s Public Investment Fund, a move aimed at strengthening liquidity and reshaping the Tadawul-listed developer’s financial structure.The company disclosed that its board has authorised an increase in paid-up capital to 8.83 billion Saudi Arabian riyals, equivalent to about $2.4 billion, from 5.23 billion riyals. The expansion will be

 By Umesh SangaralingamThe influx of private capital into Middle East markets is securing the region’s place as an evolving global investment hub. With sovereign wealth funds, institutional investors, family offices, and fund managers all increasing allocations, capital commitments are increasing at scale—but it’s not an equal field of opportunity for private investment firms in the region. Capital isn’t the sole defining factor that’s separating private markets winners and losers.The nature of the competitive landscape is shifting. Fund sizes are larger, legal structures are more complex, co-investment interest is

 President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held talks with American entrepreneur Elon Musk, focusing on advances in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies and how cross-border collaboration can accelerate innovation with practical benefits for societies and economies.The meeting underscored Abu Dhabi’s ambition to position itself as a global hub for advanced technology while engaging with influential private-sector leaders shaping the future of AI, space and digital infrastructure. Discussions centred on how rapidly evolving tools can be deployed responsibly

Abu Dhabi-based developer Modon Holding has awarded a Dh5 billion main construction contract for two large residential communities on Hudayriyat Island, underlining the pace of high-end housing development in the capital’s waterfront corridor. The award covers Nawayef East and Nawayef West and involves the delivery of 735 luxury villas, the company disclosed in a filing to the market.The projects sit within the Nawayef master plan on Hudayriyat Island, a fast-emerging leisure and residential destination positioned south-west of Abu Dhabi

Mubadala Investment Company and Bain Capital have completed the acquisition of Service Logic, a major provider of commercial heating, ventilation and air-conditioning services, marking a significant private equity investment into North America’s building services sector. The transaction, announced on Wednesday, transfers ownership from Leonard Green & Partners and positions the company for an accelerated expansion phase under joint sponsorship by the Abu Dhabi-based sovereign investor and the US private equity firm.Service Logic is widely recognised for its focus on mission-critical

Abu Dhabi-listed Two Point Zero Group has moved to full ownership of fintech platform Maseera, completing the acquisition of the remaining minority stake and consolidating its position in the fast-growing digital finance space. The transaction marks another step in the group’s strategy of scaling consumer-facing financial services across the Middle East and North Africa through tightly integrated platforms.Two Point Zero confirmed that its subsidiary, E Point Zero Holding Limited, acquired the final 5% stake in Maseera, lifting the group’s holding

Plans for Trump Tower Dubai place one of Japan’s most influential architectural practices at the centre of a high-profile addition to the city’s skyline, signalling how branded luxury developments continue to evolve in the Gulf’s most competitive real estate market. Nikken Sekkei, an architectural, engineering and urban design firm with a portfolio spanning major civic, commercial and transport projects worldwide, has been appointed to design the 350-metre tower for Dar Global along Sheikh Zayed Road.The development, branded Trump Tower Dubai,

Abu Dhabi-based International Holding Company has increased its ownership in Invictus Investment Company to about 40 per cent after acquiring an additional 17.5 per cent stake in a transaction valued at roughly Dhs420m, signalling a deeper strategic alignment between one of the region’s largest conglomerates and a global commodities trading platform.The investment was executed through the purchase of about 196 million shares in a major block trade, lifting IHC’s total holding to approximately two-fifths of Invictus’s issued share capital. The

PwC Middle East has relocated its Riyadh office to Laysen Valley, underscoring the professional services firm’s deepening commitment to the kingdom as demand for advisory, audit and consulting services accelerates alongside economic transformation programmes.The new office brings PwC’s teams and capabilities together in a larger, purpose-built environment designed to support collaboration, client delivery and skills development. The firm said the facility is intended to serve as one of the flagship premises within PwC’s global network, reflecting both the scale of

Dubai’s skyline is poised for a new addition as Dar Global, a London-listed luxury real estate developer, has appointed Edrafor Emirates LLC to carry out enabling and foundational works for the Trump International Hotel & Tower project along Sheikh Zayed Road, marking a significant early stage in the development of what is set to be one of the city’s most ambitious luxury properties.The contract covers the preparatory phase ahead of full construction, with Edrafor tasked with ground engineering, deep enabling

Alpha Dhabi Holding PJSC has unveiled a three-year dividend policy offering annual payouts of AED 2 billion, with a built-in 5 per cent increase each year starting from the 2025 financial year. The Abu Dhabi–listed investment house also proposed a share buyback scheme of up to AED 1 billion, capped at 10 per cent of its issued share capital.The dividend plan is subject to approval by the board and shareholders at the company’s next general assembly. If adopted, it would

Alpha Dhabi Holding moved to reassure investors with confirmation of a new three-year dividend framework and a parallel plan to repurchase a portion of its shares, signalling a strategic effort to sustain value creation across its portfolio. The Abu Dhabi-listed conglomerate said the policy is designed to provide predictable returns while supporting the group’s long-term expansion.The company said the proposed framework targets annual dividends of AED 2 billion, with a planned 5 per cent yearly increase over the three-year period.

Finding the best conference room in Abu Dhabi is essential for hosting productive meetings, impactful presentations, and memorable corporate events. As the emirate continues to grow as a global business hub, its meeting and event spaces have evolved to match world class standards.Whether you are planning a board meeting, training session, investor presentation, or full scale corporate gathering, Abu Dhabi offers state of the art venues that combine comfort, technology, and accessibility.Below is a curated list of the top five

Multiply Media Group, a subsidiary of 2PointZero Group PJSC, has completed the full acquisition of London Lites, a prominent digital Out-of-Home operator in London, signalling a bold step in its UK expansion strategy. The acquisition, which transfers 100 per cent ownership to MMG, integrates more than 65 high-visibility digital screens across central London into the group’s portfolio under the Backlite UK brand.London Lites is recognised for premium digital signage, including landmark installations like The Cube at Flannels on Oxford

Sunteck Realty Ltd has launched its international arm, Sunteck International, and formally entered the UAE real-estate market with the unveiling of a 2.5-acre land parcel in Downtown Dubai. The site is positioned within seconds walking distance of the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall. The first development—a pair of ultra-luxury residential towers—is projected at AED 5 billion gross development value as the initial phase of a broader AED 15 billion pipeline over the next three years.Chairman and Managing Director

Starting a business in Dubai is one of the most exciting ventures you can undertake in 2026.The city’s dynamic economy, global connectivity, and investor-friendly policies make it an ideal destination for entrepreneurs and corporations alike. However, navigating government approvals, visa processing, and licensing can be time-consuming if you go it alone.That’s where PRO services in Dubai comes into the picture. These professional support services simplify documentation, speed up approvals, and ensure that your business complies with all local regulations efficiently

Abu Dhabi-based aerospace engineering firm Sanad Aerotech has reported a substantial increase in its order backlog and rapid expansion into new engine platforms as airlines face global supply-chain constraints in engine manufacturing. The company disclosed that its backlog rose by 5 billion UAE dirhams to more than 38 billion dirhams as of end-June, driven by heightened demand from carriers struggling to secure engine availability.Sanad, backed by the Abu Dhabi sovereign investment firm Mubadala, said it added 16 new

Aster DM Healthcare has secured a substantial financial boost of AED 265 million from the Emirates Development Bank, marking a significant step towards expanding its healthcare footprint in Dubai. The funding is designed to support the development of two multi-specialty hospitals, which will be pivotal in enhancing the UAE's healthcare infrastructure. The facility, with potential for upsizing, underscores the growing demand for advanced healthcare services in the region, aligning with Dubai's ongoing efforts to strengthen its medical sector.This financing

Nike is shifting its strategy to regain traction among serious runners by introducing high-performance, chunky sneakers that combine advanced technology with a bold design. The new lineup, part of Nike's broader efforts to diversify its offerings, aims to attract both seasoned athletes and the younger, style-conscious crowd who are seeking both function and fashion in their footwear.The company, long a leader in sports footwear, has seen increasing competition from other brands that have capitalized on the intersection of athletic performance

Oil traders are expressing doubts over OPEC+'s ability to implement production cuts next year, despite forecasts predicting a looming global supply surplus that could push prices even lower. A recent survey conducted by Bloomberg News revealed that nearly two-thirds of 25 brokers and analysts expect the oil-producing bloc to refrain from reducing its output in 2026, despite the market’s increasing vulnerability to a glut in oil supply.The expectation that OPEC+—comprising the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its

Airbus has forecasted a significant expansion in the Middle East’s aviation sector, predicting the need for 4,080 new passenger aircraft deliveries over the next two decades. This growth is expected to bring the region's in-service fleet from 1,480 aircraft in 2024 to 3,700 by 2044, reflecting the region's expanding demand for air travel.The Middle East has long been a key player in global aviation, and this forecast highlights the continued importance of the sector in the region’s economic future. Airbus

First Abu Dhabi Bank, one of the UAE's largest financial institutions, has successfully priced its EUR 850 million benchmark Regulation S green bond, marking a significant achievement in the sustainable finance space. The bond, set with a five-year maturity and a coupon of 3.1201%, highlights the growing appetite for green debt amid a surge in environmental-conscious investment.The issuance, which was rated Aa3 by Moody's and AA- by both S&P and Fitch, reflects a stable outlook across these three major rating

Shareholders of the Zurich-listed skincare company Galderma Group AG have secured approximately SFr 2.6 billion through a sale of an 8.4 per cent stake via accelerated book-building, making it the largest secondary share placement since the firm’s IPO. The sale by the consortium led by the private-equity house EQT AB along with the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and Auba Investment Pte. Ltd. comes after the Swiss dermatology specialist raised about SFr 2.3 billion in its March 2024 listing.This transaction

Mlak Finance has completed the sale of its subsidiary in Egypt to Al Baraka Bank Egypt for EGP 400 million, marking its full exit from the Egyptian market. This strategic divestment aligns with the company's broader objectives of streamlining operations and refocusing on other regions. The sale, as disclosed by Mlak Finance, will have a significant impact on its financial position, particularly affecting its retained earnings by AED 94 million.The decision to sell the Egyptian subsidiary follows a broader trend