Author: Stuart

For decades, property investment in Saudi Arabia meant substantial capital, complex transactions, and barriers that kept most retail investors firmly on the sidelines. That model faces its first serious digital challenge. Ghanem has gone live with fractional real estate ownership. The platform launched under the Real Estate General Authority’s regulatory sandbox this week, allowing eligible Saudi investors to purchase registered shares in income-generating properties through an entirely digital process. It’s the first initiative of its kind operating within REGA’s controlled testing environment—a framework designed to balance innovation against the strict governance standards that define the Kingdom’s property sector. The mechanics…

Ramadan doesn’t arrive until late February, but the retail countdown has already begun. This week, Max Fashion pushed its seasonal collection into stores across the Middle East, aiming to capture families early with a proposition that’s become increasingly popular in the region: coordinated outfits for every member of the household, from newborns to grandparents. The Landmark Group brand is leading with two distinct aesthetic directions this year. Both revolve around the same core idea—getting the entire family dressed in complementary pieces that work together without looking overly uniform. First comes what the retailer calls its spring-inspired story. Think daytime elegance…

The timing tells you everything. After years of aggressive expansion funded by venture capital heavyweights like SoftBank, Kitopi finally hit profitability—and immediately went looking for growth capital. Not equity. Debt. That distinction matters. On Tuesday, the Dubai-based food and beverage technology company announced it had raised $50 million in a funding round led by EvolutionX, the growth-stage private credit platform jointly established by Temasek and DBS Bank. For EvolutionX, the investment marks its first venture into the Gulf Cooperation Council region. For Kitopi, it represents validation that the business model works. The company now operates more than 200 locations across…

The workforce burnout gripping the UAE has become impossible to ignore. Across industries, from gleaming Dubai towers to expanding free zones, employees report mounting stress and exhaustion. Yet while most conversations circle around traditional wellness perks—meditation apps, gym memberships, flexible Fridays—one company argues the real solution lies somewhere unexpected: in how workplaces treat neurodivergent professionals. That’s the message Mohammed Husary delivered to hundreds of senior leaders gathered in Dubai this week. As founder and chief executive of VIWELL, a workplace wellbeing platform, Husary has spent years observing what actually moves the needle on employee burnout versus what simply looks good…

For most buyers in the UAE, a home symbolises stability, security, and comfort, with many prepared to make short-term sacrifices for long-term benefits. Emiratis dominate home ownership, with 75% owning their properties, while almost 90% of expatriates remain renters. First-time buyers account for 75% of the current rental market preparing for their first purchase, while 25% are existing homeowners aiming to expand their portfolios. ORA Developers has unveiled new research highlighting evolving trends among home buyers in the UAE, shedding light on differences in budgets, motivations, and decision-making drivers across various nationalities. The study reveals that Emiratis and Western buyers…

Zelo, a leading digital financing platform, has partnered with Watermelon Ecosystem, the UAE’s foremost F&B platform, to transform cash flow management for food and beverage suppliers. The collaboration introduces instant liquidity by enabling invoice financing within 24–48 hours, eliminating the conventional 60–90-day payment delays that often limit supplier growth. Addressing Critical Cash Flow Challenges This partnership directly tackles one of the F&B industry’s most enduring pain points: suppliers facing lengthy waits for payment while needing immediate access to funds for operations, inventory, and expansion. By leveraging Zelo’s automated invoice financing technology, suppliers within Watermelon’s network of more than 1,000 F&B…

Saudi Arabia’s hospitality industry is entering a new era of growth under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which is unlocking opportunities for tourism, business and investment. Responding to the surge in corporate travel, Hospitality Management Holding (HMH) has announced the expansion of its Corp Hotels brand across the Kingdom. This growth is guided by HMH’s innovative Business Leisure concept, designed to unite the efficiency of business travel with the comfort and enrichment of leisure hospitality. “Saudi Arabia is at the heart of one of the world’s most exciting growth stories, and hospitality is central to this momentum,” said Mr. Haytham, COO…

Internationally acclaimed British singer and songwriter Sami Yusuf is set to deliver an unforgettable evening of music at the historic Roman Theatre in the heart of Amman on Saturday, 11 October 2025. This landmark concert will unite history and contemporary artistry, as Yusuf performs exclusive selections from his highly anticipated forthcoming album Ecstasy, alongside reimagined renditions of his most cherished works that have inspired millions worldwide. The evening promises a captivating fusion of tradition and innovation. Joining Yusuf on stage will be an exceptional line-up of international vocalists and musicians, accompanied by the distinguished Amman Chamber Orchestra and an international…

FALCONE is preparing heart-shaped pizzas for Valentine’s Day from 9 to 15 February. The Italian restaurant will reshape its pizzas into hearts for the Valentine’s week, creating a sharing option for diners. The pizzeria has formed a partnership with Hatta Honey farm, the MENA region’s first specialised bee sanctuary. Guests can top their pizzas with artisan Emirati honey during the Valentine’s period. The partnership combines FALCONE’s Italian menu with a local honey producer. FALCONE introduces a limited-edition Fabbri rippled cherry gelato for the occasion. The gelato will serve as the monthly flavour through February. Valentine’s offer includes: Available 9 to…

Chinese brands strengthen position, EV adoption gathers pace, and extended resale timelines reflect shifting trends in the regional automotive market AutoData Middle East, a leading provider of automotive data solutions, has released its H1 2025 Used Car Market Report, offering comprehensive insights into market trends across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia (KSA). This fourth edition highlights a defining six months for the region’s automotive landscape, driven by the growing prominence of Chinese manufacturers, a rise in electric vehicle (EV) sales, and changing patterns of consumer behaviour in the used car market. Chinese Momentum and SUV Growth Chinese…