Author: Stuart

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…

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…

Chitarra will serve a Ramadan Iftar menu throughout the Holy Month. The four-course offering brings together Italian cuisine and Ramadan dining traditions at sunset. The restaurant has built the menu around seasonal produce and simple preparation suited to breaking fast. Dishes include truffle-infused rigatoni, crispy calamari, meatballs, and classic Italian desserts including panna cotta and tiramisù. The cooking focuses on clear flavours and balanced dishes. Daily Iftar service takes place from sunset until 8:00pm during Ramadan. The restaurant offers space for family and friend gatherings with Downtown Dubai views. Iftar is available every day during Ramadan, from sunset until 8:00pm.…

As the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recently marked its National Day, EY Academy has announced major progress in advancing the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and Saudization objectives, with 214 Saudi professionals trained across 11 specialised programmes since its inception. The EY Academy was established to accelerate workforce readiness and leadership development, partnering with leading institutions and clients across Saudi Arabia to deliver impactful learning opportunities in key areas including accounting, auditing, sustainability, finance and leadership. To date, four major organisations have participated in EY Academy programmes, embedding new skills and strengthening national talent pipelines. Aligned with national priorities, EY KSA has…

Dubai is a city where tradition meets modern luxury, and this is particularly evident in the world of women’s fashion. From elegant abayas to bold streetwear, Dubai offers a unique blend of styles that reflect both cultural heritage and global trends. Each season, fashion enthusiasts eagerly look for the latest trends that define the city’s chic lifestyle. If you are a woman living in Dubai—or planning to visit—here are the top five fashion trends you should know about this year. 1. Custom Abayas: Redefining Elegance Abayas are a timeless staple in Dubai, but the modern woman is taking them to…

Dubai’s largest citywide celebration of home furnishings and appliances will transform the city into a hub of value, inspiration and innovation from 3 to 16 October Unbeatable discounts of up to 75% will be available across more than 100 home and electronics brands, with even greater savings during the limited-time Opening Weekend Mega Sale, plus over 20 exclusive retail activations Shoppers can look forward to exciting new experiences, limited-time promotions and even more thrilling mega raffles this year It’s time to give your home a new look as Dubai Home Festival (DHF) 2025 returns for its 7th edition, running from…

Your wedding day is one of the most important moments of your life, and everything—from your dress to your makeup—needs to be absolutely perfect. When it comes to weddings in Dubai, the right makeup style is more than just about looking beautiful; it’s about feeling confident, radiant, and truly yourself. With the vibrant culture, diverse fashion, and hot desert climate, choosing the right makeup for your Dubai wedding can be both exciting and overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to select the ideal makeup style for your Dubai wedding to ensure you look stunning from your ceremony…