Category: What’s On

Aldar Properties has announced 'The Wilds,' a groundbreaking residential development in Dubai that seamlessly blends luxury living with natural habitats. This initiative, in partnership with Dubai Holding, introduces a community designed to harmonize modern residences with diverse wildlife and lush greenery. Strategically located along Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, opposite Global Village, 'The Wilds' is set to become a sanctuary for families and nature enthusiasts. The development plans to offer nearly 1,700 homes, including five- and six-bedroom mansions crafted by renowned

Dubai’s International Financial Centre has seen an unprecedented 25% rise in company registrations over the last year, marking a record high. The financial district, now home to 6,920 active companies, has experienced a significant surge, up from 5,523 in the previous year. This surge signals a growing trend of international businesses, particularly hedge funds, flocking to the emirate’s burgeoning financial sector. The rapid rise in registrations comes as Dubai cements its status as a leading global financial hub. The DIFC

Saudi Arabia holds the largest portion of the Gulf Cooperation Council's debt capital market , accounting for 44.8 percent of all outstanding issuances, according to recent data from Fitch Ratings. This makes the kingdom a dominant player within the region's financial landscape, which has seen substantial growth over the past year. The total value of the GCC’s debt capital market surpassed $1 trillion by the end of January 2025, marking a significant 10 percent increase year-on-year across all currencies.

A high-level delegation from the UAE will soon engage with European Union officials as part of an effort to combat financial crime through enhanced cooperation on anti-money laundering measures. The meeting, set to take place later this month, is seen as a significant step towards reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to global efforts in fighting illicit financial activities. The UAE has been steadily improving its AML framework, with authorities introducing a range of initiatives in response to international pressure and evolving

As 2025 unfolds, entrepreneurs are strategically positioning themselves to harness emerging trends across various sectors. Key areas such as artificial intelligence , sustainability, and remote work are at the forefront, offering a plethora of innovative business opportunities. The AI industry is witnessing significant advancements, with startups like Figure AI leading the charge. The company is reportedly in discussions to secure $1.5 billion in new funding, potentially elevating its valuation to $39.5 billion. This surge in investment underscores the growing demand for

Emaar Properties PJSC has reported unprecedented financial results for 2024, with total property sales reaching AED 70 billion , marking a significant milestone in the company's history. This achievement is set against the backdrop of a robust UAE real estate market, which has experienced remarkable growth over the past year. The company's revenue for the year stood at AED 35.5 billion, reflecting a 33% increase from the previous year. Net income attributable to owners was AED 13.5 billion, up 16% from

Planning a multi-generational getaway that balances affordability and comfort? Here are ten U.S. destinations offering diverse activities to delight every family member. Orlando, Florida, stands out as a premier family vacation spot. Home to Walt Disney World Resort, it offers attractions like the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, providing entertainment for all ages. Families can also explore the Orlando Science Center and the Crayola Experience, ensuring a blend of education and fun. San Diego, California, boasts a pleasant climate and a variety

Elevision, a leading digital-out-of-home media company in the UAE, has announced a strategic partnership with Dubai Design District , a member of TECOM Group PJSC. This collaboration aims to revolutionise urban digital media within Dubai's creative hub. The agreement entails the installation of advanced digital screens throughout d3's premises, enhancing the district's digital infrastructure. This initiative is designed to provide brands with innovative platforms to engage with a diverse and dynamic audience, reflecting d3's status as a global centre for

The UAE has set a remarkable record, achieving a significant milestone in foreign trade with a total of Dhs3 trillion in 2024. This accomplishment comes as the UAE’s foreign trade expanded by an impressive 14.6 per cent, far outstripping the global trade growth, which only saw a modest 2 per cent increase. This surge in foreign trade marks a continuing trend for the UAE, solidifying its position as a global economic powerhouse. The country has maintained a robust trade environment, driven

Dubai's real estate sector is showing remarkable growth, with off-plan property sales dominating the market. A new report from Engel & Völkers Middle East reveals that off-plan transactions now account for 63 percent of all property sales in 2024, marking a significant increase from 54 percent in 2023. This shift highlights an evolving demand for newly developed properties, driven by a mix of competitive pricing, flexible payment options, and limited availability in the secondary market. The total residential sales in Dubai

DP World, a prominent global leader in end-to-end supply chain solutions, has made history with the launch of the Middle East and North Africa's first-ever corporate Blue Bond listing on Nasdaq Dubai. The $100 million bond, which is part of the company’s $10 billion Global Medium-Term Note Programme, signals a significant milestone in the region’s growing commitment to sustainable finance. The issuance, with a coupon rate of 5.250 percent, matures in 2029, and is the tightest spread ever achieved

The Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy has announced a significant milestone, supporting the establishment and expansion of 1,210 digital startups in Dubai throughout 2024. This achievement marks a 120% increase from the previous year, underscoring Dubai's growing appeal as a hub for digital innovation and entrepreneurship. In addition to fostering startup growth, the chamber has made substantial strides in enhancing local talent. Through the 'Create Apps in Dubai' initiative, 1,333 Emiratis received training in mobile application development, reflecting a 170% increase

Google Maps has a history of modifying place names and borders based on users' locations, particularly during geopolitical disputes. This practice underscores the significant influence that digital cartography holds in shaping public perception of territorial and naming conflicts. In the United States, following an executive order by President Donald Trump, the Gulf of Mexico is set to be renamed the Gulf of America. Google announced that it will update its maps to reflect this change for U.S. users once official government

A shift in recruitment strategies across the Middle East, especially in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, signals a major move towards prioritizing skills over traditional job roles, industry experts say. Companies in these regions are adjusting their hiring approaches to match the rapidly changing demands of modern workplaces and the skills required for innovation. The concept of hiring based on specific skill sets, rather than predefined roles, is gaining traction as employers seek to build agile and versatile teams capable of

Commercial real estate in the UAE represents a dynamic and rapidly growing market segment, encompassing office buildings, shopping centers, and warehouse facilities. Effective management of these properties is vital for ensuring profitability, tenant satisfaction, and maintaining asset liquidity. This process requires a comprehensive approach, including technical maintenance, marketing, lease optimization, and transaction support. Key Aspects of Commercial Property Management Office Building Management. Managing office buildings demands a professional approach, involving: Organizing the maintenance of engineering systems such as air conditioning, heating, and security

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has pledged to invest at least $600 billion in the United States over the next four years. This commitment was made during a phone call with President Donald Trump, who had previously suggested that Saudi Arabia could be his first foreign destination if the kingdom agreed to purchase $500 billion worth of U.S. products. The two leaders discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation and regional stability, with a focus on economic and security issues. This substantial investment

Youthful, glowing skin is often associated with health, vitality, and confidence. As we age, however, our skin undergoes changes that can make it appear dull, uneven, and less radiant. While these changes are natural, they can affect how we feel about ourselves. For many, the quest to maintain or restore youthful skin leads to exploring advanced cosmetic treatments. Laser treatments for face have emerged as one of the most effective methods for rejuvenating the skin. These procedures address many concerns, from

Dubai-based developer Sobha Realty is set to unveil a range of new projects in the UAE this year, capitalizing on the nation’s property boom. The company’s founder recently confirmed plans to introduce eight to 10 new ventures, collectively valued in the multibillion-dirham range. These upcoming developments come at a time when the UAE’s real estate market has shown significant signs of resilience and growth, despite global economic pressures. Sobha Realty’s expansion strategy goes beyond the UAE, with the company also

Numou, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), has significantly expanded its digital lending marketplace by partnering with prominent institutions, including the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development and private credit providers such as Credible-X, Klubworks, and NymCard Payment Technologies. This initiative aims to revolutionize financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), offering a seamless, fully digital application process that connects businesses directly with suitable lenders. SMEs constitute approximately 94% of all companies in

Hot weather makes keeping a car looking good very important. The intense sun and high temperatures create problems. These pose important challenges for vehicle owners. UV rays rapidly oxidize paint, causing colors to fade as well as surfaces to dull. Heat, furthermore, can worsen minor imperfections like swirl marks as well as scratches, thus increasing their visibility in addition to making them more difficult to fix later. Car polishing protects against ecological damage. Surface imperfections are removed, as well as a

A Dubai court has ordered the former CEO of Drake & Scull International, Khaldoun Al Tabari, alongside a former employee, to pay a staggering $41.3 million in damages. The court ruling follows the company's involvement in financial mismanagement that led to significant losses. Al Tabari and the ex-employee, identified as an unnamed former senior manager, were found guilty of embezzlement and fraudulent practices during their tenure at the firm. Drake & Scull, once a leader in the regional construction industry, has

Dubai's private education sector has achieved a notable milestone, with student enrolment increasing by 6% in the 2024-25 academic year, reaching a total of 387,441 students across 227 private schools. This growth underscores the city's commitment to providing diverse and high-quality educational options to its expanding and diverse population. In alignment with Dubai's Education Strategy E33, which aims to establish at least 100 new private schools by 2033, ten new private schools opened during the 2024-25 academic year. This

Carrefour has officially exited Oman, marking the conclusion of its collaboration with Majid Al Futtaim. This decision follows years of shared operations within the retail market, as the multinational giant, part of the French conglomerate Groupe Carrefour, faced increasing competition and changing dynamics within the regional landscape. Majid Al Futtaim, the operator of Carrefour in the region, has opted to pivot towards a new retail format called Hypermax. This new direction aligns with their strategy to reposition their retail offerings and

Venture capital funding in Saudi Arabia and the UAE has experienced a notable decline, as shifting investor priorities and regional economic trends impact the growth of startups and early-stage businesses in both countries. The drop reflects broader changes in the global investment landscape, marked by a heightened focus on risk-adjusted returns and increased caution in the face of global economic uncertainty. In the past year, venture capital funding in these two Middle Eastern powerhouses has seen a reduction in the volume

Abu Dhabi has introduced a new initiative aimed at easing business setup procedures, creating a more efficient environment for entrepreneurs and investors. The Abu Dhabi Regulatory Authority (ADRA) has been established to streamline business registration processes, offering faster, more transparent services to individuals and companies looking to establish operations in the emirate. ADRA’s formation marks a significant shift in how businesses interact with regulatory bodies, as it consolidates multiple services previously handled by various departments under one umbrella. This new centralized

These days, laptops are such a part of our lives. It has indeed helped in giving us the lead to keep connected, productive and entertained as well. Amongst best-selling reliable and versatile laptops available in the market is HP, which is marked with performance and durability. Despite always having a price tagged when it comes to buying a brand-new HP laptop. This is where refurbished HP laptops at PC Mart Dubai come to the rescue. They give just the right

A significant rise in criminal activities linked to cryptocurrency has become evident as digital assets continue to attract widespread attention. Fraud, hacking, and illicit transactions are taking advantage of the growing market, drawing the focus of law enforcement agencies worldwide. The allure of cryptocurrencies for both investors and criminals has generated a rapidly expanding industry that remains vulnerable to abuse. In 2024, the global cryptocurrency market's value surged to record levels, reaching over $2 trillion. As its popularity grows, so too

AD Ports Group has refinanced and increased its revolving credit facility (RCF) from $1 billion to $2.125 billion, aiming to optimize financing costs by improving interest margins and extending the facility's maturity from 2026 to 2028, with an option to extend further until 2030. The new facility has garnered significant interest from local, regional, European, Asian, and international banks, leading to an oversubscription of over 2.5 times the facility amount. This strategic move is expected to enhance AD Ports Group's

Central banks across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have reduced key interest rates, mirroring the U.S. Federal Reserve's decision to lower its benchmark rate by 25 basis points (bps). This synchronized monetary policy adjustment underscores the region's commitment to maintaining currency pegs to the U.S. dollar and supporting economic stability. The Federal Reserve decreased the federal funds target rate range to 4.25%–4.5%, signaling a cautious approach to future rate reductions amid stable unemployment and modest inflation improvements. In response, GCC nations,

The United Arab Emirates has unveiled a pioneering system enabling tourists to obtain Value Added Tax (VAT) refunds on e-commerce purchases made during their stay. This initiative, launched by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) in collaboration with Planet, the authorized operator of the VAT refund scheme, aims to enhance the UAE's appeal as a premier destination for both tourism and online shopping. Under this new system, tourists can request VAT refunds directly through registered e-commerce platforms by providing their travel document

The UAE property market has experienced a significant surge in demand as a growing number of Europeans relocate to Dubai, seeking a dynamic lifestyle and favorable business environment. According to Ali Sajwani, Managing Director of Damac Properties, a leading real estate developer in the region, the shift has been fueled by a combination of factors that make Dubai an increasingly attractive destination for expatriates. These factors include the city's relatively tax-friendly environment, its strategic location, and a high standard of

Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) is open to acquiring other banks and financial technology (FinTech) businesses as part of its strategy to expand its market presence and strengthen its service offerings. CEO of DIB, Adnan Chilwan, highlighted the bank's interest in further diversifying its portfolio to meet the evolving needs of customers. This approach is in line with DIB’s broader growth strategy, which has already seen significant investments in the digital space. As one of the largest Islamic banks in the UAE,

The United States government has granted approval for the export of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) chips to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking a significant development in the global AI hardware market. This decision, part of a strategic agreement with Microsoft, enables the UAE to enhance its technological infrastructure and further its ambitions in the field of AI and data science. The chips in question are designed to support complex machine learning tasks and are considered essential for the continued

Uber Technologies has officially rolled out autonomous ride-hailing services in Abu Dhabi in collaboration with WeRide, a leading autonomous vehicle technology firm. This strategic partnership marks a significant step forward in integrating autonomous mobility solutions within the region, leveraging WeRide’s advanced autonomous vehicle systems on Uber's platform. WeRide, recognized for operating the largest autonomous fleet in the UAE through its TXAI app, secured national authorization in 2023 to operate self-driving cars on public roads. This regulatory groundwork enabled the