Author: Stuart

On 20 November 2025, Jaime Castañeda completed a merger that shifted control of 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant from its Spanish founders to his Abu Dhabi-based investment firm. Three months later, the brand will open its first London restaurant in Mayfair. The transaction unified operations under Ninety Nine SB Investment L.L.C., relocating headquarters from Spain to the UAE. What began in 2005 as a family project by brothers Pedro and Fernando de León has transformed into a 10-restaurant operation spanning four countries, employing roughly 400 people. The Abu Dhabi flagship at Four Seasons Al Maryah Island has held a Michelin…

The rapid expansion of the PropTech industry is set to play a crucial role in strengthening the UAE’s position as a global centre for innovation, real estate, and smart urban development. By embracing cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR), the nation aims to enhance efficiency, transparency, and the customer experience across the property sector. According to insights from the market research and analysis firm ‘Research and Markets’¹, the UAE’s PropTech sector, valued at AED 2.24 billion in 2024, is forecast to nearly triple and reach AED…

Six-week Sikka Platform initiative cultivated expertise in stop-motion animation and visual storytelling The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has successfully concluded the Harakat Sikka training programme, an initiative aimed at enhancing participants’ skills in short-form stop-motion animation and advancing their visual storytelling capabilities. Supported by the Sikka Platform and aligned with the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy, this six-week programme underscores the Authority’s commitment to empowering emerging talent with opportunities to experiment, learn, and produce original creative projects—further cementing Dubai’s reputation as a global centre for culture, an incubator of creativity, and a thriving hub for talent. The…

King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), Riyadh’s flagship destination for business and lifestyle, has announced the arrival of The Executive Centre (TEC), Asia’s foremost premium flexible workspace provider, marking its first location in Saudi Arabia. The addition of TEC introduces world-class coworking facilities that cater to multinational corporations, entrepreneurs, freelancers, and professionals seeking adaptable office solutions. This milestone further strengthens KAFD’s reputation as a centre for innovation, talent, and business in Saudi Arabia and the wider region. The launch reinforces KAFD’s standing as a growing hub for business and entrepreneurship in the region. TEC’s new coworking space, spanning approximately 36,500 sqft,…

Mahesh Shahdadpuri built TASC Group from the ground up across the Middle East. Now, after years leading the business services firm, he’s handing the chief executive role to Jayajyoti Sengupta whilst stepping into the executive chairman position. The transition comes as TASC—which operates under multiple brands including TCS, AIQU, and Future Miles—positions itself for what Shahdadpuri describes as a “pivotal stage” centred on artificial intelligence and managed services expansion. Sengupta brings experience from Europe, Asia, and the Americas, where he’s worked with senior leadership teams to shift managed services away from traditional cost-cutting outsourcing models. His focus has been value…

For nearly two decades, Mohit Gaba built his career between Citibank’s trading floors and Bloomberg TV’s studios, where he dissected market movements for a global audience. Now he’s trading the television lights for a director’s chair at Klay Capital Ltd., the Dubai-based boutique wealth firm that’s quietly expanding its multi-family office platform. The appointment, confirmed this week, places Gaba at the centre of Klay Group’s investment advisory operations. He’ll report directly to Achal Aroura, who heads the firm’s multi-family office division—a growing segment of the wealth management industry that caters to ultra-high-net-worth families seeking alternatives to traditional private banking. Gaba’s…

Vedanta’s stock price touched lifetime highs repeatedly during the final three months of 2025, driven by a record-breaking quarter and a court approval that will reshape the Indian metals giant. The Mumbai-listed miner reported $5.2 billion in revenue for the three months ending 31st December, marking its strongest quarterly performance ever. Profit jumped 60% year-on-year to $0.9 billion. The surge came as the National Company Law Tribunal greenlit Vedanta’s long-awaited demerger proposal, a decision that had been months in the making. Within weeks, three international credit agencies—S&P, Moody’s, and Fitch Ratings—upgraded the company’s outlook from Stable to Positive. Two domestic…

For thrill-seekers and luxury aficionados alike, Seven Yachts has elevated the jet ski experience to new heights — blending high performance watercraft with bespoke service and panoramic views of Dubai’s iconic coastline. Located at the heart of Dubai’s yachting hub, Seven Yachts’ jet ski programme offers guests the adrenaline rush of riding a 2024 Kawasaki STX160, while enjoying all the refinements of a luxury marine experience. At AED 500 per hour, this is not just a rental — it’s a curated marine journey. Seven Yachts A Luxury Spin on Water Sports What differentiates Seven Yachts is not just the hardware,…

A limited-edition line-up where cosy classics meet inventive twists, crafted to make this autumn truly unforgettable. Picture the crunch of fallen leaves underfoot, the sweet aroma of apples, and a hint of warming spices in the air – Black Sheep Coffee is elevating the cosy vibes this season with a line-up that’s far from ordinary. Think autumnal flavours with attitude, designed for anyone who enjoys a twist on tradition – from die-hard pumpkin spice enthusiasts to matcha-loving trendsetters. Whether you’re craving a comforting cup, a dessert-inspired indulgence, or a fresh take on seasonal favourites, this drop is here to liven…

A new report released by the Moscow Innovation Cluster at the Moscow Startup Summit, organised by the Government of Moscow and Sber, challenges prevailing assumptions about the startup landscape. By comparing international data on failed enterprises with their own assessment of promising Russian ventures, experts have debunked several myths and provided a clearer understanding of startup survival rates in both Russia and globally. What’s happening? Across the world, perceptions of risk for emerging businesses are evolving. The so-called “Valley of Death” is no longer viewed solely as a danger but is increasingly recognised as an inevitable – and often valuable…