Author: Stuart

Business & Finance Editor, Dubai Week 📍 Based in Dubai — With over a decade of experience dissecting global markets, fiscal policy, and corporate strategy, Stuart Wagner leads the finance desk at Dubai Week, delivering in‑depth analysis tailored to UAE and GCC audiences.

Azizi Developments, a leading private property developer in the UAE, has closed 2025 with strong sales and construction results. The company recorded total unit sales worth AED 16 billion during the year, showing steady demand across its mixed-use projects. Based on this performance, Azizi has set a sales target of AED 30 billion for 2026. During 2025, Azizi made significant progress on construction across its portfolio. The developer completed 12,569,578 square feet of built-up area over 741 floors. More than 869,416 cubic metres of concrete were poured, with over 52,687,278 construction manhours logged on site. From a regulatory standpoint, Azizi…

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Chitarra, the new Italian restaurant at Mandarin Oriental Downtown, has opened to the public. The restaurant offers guests a taste of classic Italian cooking and warm hospitality. The opening comes as Dubai continues to show strong interest in handmade pasta and traditional food. At Chitarra, chefs make pasta by hand in front of diners. The open kitchen lets guests watch as sauces simmer, focaccia bakes, and pizzas cook in the oven. The setting reflects the feel of a local Italian trattoria. The restaurant follows three clear principles: simplicity, quality, and care. Chitarra uses seasonal ingredients and traditional recipes. An all-Italian…

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From Michelin-starred Japanese feasts to wallet-friendly weekday deals, Dubai’s business lunch scene is bursting with flavour, value and variety. Whether you’re impressing clients, escaping the office or just craving a great meal, these hand-picked lunch spots deliver quality without breaking the bank. 99 SUSHI – OMAKASE LUNCH Where: The Galleria, Four Seasons Hotel, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi Address Downtown Hotel, Dubai When: Monday – Friday | 12pm – 2:15pm Turn your lunch break into a luxury dining experience at Michelin-starred 99 Sushi. Their weekday Omakase Menu is a 10-course culinary journey curated by Culinary Director Chef Thinus van der…

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Your go-to guide for the city’s best weekend brunches — from show-stopping party brunches to laid-back garden feasts and family-friendly fun. Thursday Brunches Mi Amie (DIFC) Mi Amie Thursday Night BrunchKick-start the weekend with an al fresco dinner show in collaboration with multi award-winning Secret Parties. Expect high-energy live entertainment — dancers, singers and musical performances — all set against glittering DIFC skyline views. Once the show wraps, Mi Amie shifts into nightlife mode with a resident DJ and an afterparty that keeps the mood electric until late. When: Every Thursday, 8pm – 11pmAfterparty: 11pm – 2am Where: Mi Amie,…

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Celebrate the flakiest day of the year with irresistible croissant deals across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. From classic butter pastries to gourmet hot fillings, here’s where to go for the ultimate croissant fix. Costa Coffee UAE What’s HappeningCelebrate World Croissant Day with a delicious coffee-and-croissant combo at Costa Coffee. The OfferPurchase any Barista Made Drink and enjoy a croissant for just AED 5.Choose from: Butter Croissant Almond Croissant Pain Au Chocolat WhereAll Costa Coffee stores across Dubai & Abu Dhabi(Excludes airport and Sharjah locations) Price Guide Barista drinks from AED 19 Croissant add-on: AED 5 Important Terms Exclusive to Costa…

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The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is inviting visitors from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to discover Thailand’s rich culture and distinctive experiences this autumn, with highlights scheduled from September through December 2025. From exploring hidden historical landmarks to enjoying the magical Festival of Lights, travellers from the GCC will find countless reasons to choose Thailand as their next destination. Seasonal Highlights for GCC Visitors: Three Essential Experiences for GCC Tourists in Thailand This Autumn September – Explore Ayutthaya: Situated just an hour from Bangkok, Ayutthaya Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, provides an insightful window into Thailand’s golden…

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Country Hill International (CHI), a leading premium meat and seafood importer and distributor across the GCC, has announced a landmark collaboration with Yamayuki, the iconic Japanese tuna wholesaler operating from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market and led by Yukitaka Yamaguchi, globally recognised as the ‘King of Tuna’. This partnership marks a historic milestone for the UAE, further strengthening CHI’s position as the key facilitator in introducing the world’s most respected tuna authority to the region. As part of the agreement, Yamaguchi-san will travel to the Middle East for the first time, with the occasion to be celebrated through an exclusive event at…

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The Hero Dubai Desert Classic has confirmed a new partnership with Reflo, which will become the tournament’s Official Clothing Partner from 2026 onwards. The agreement builds on last year’s collaboration and reflects a shared focus on sustainability. The Hero Dubai Desert Classic returns to Emirates Golf Club from 22 to 25 January. The event has held GEO certification for three years and continues to lead on environmental standards in professional golf. Reflo launched in Dubai in 2021 and has grown into a recognised name in sustainable sportswear. While best known for golf apparel, the brand also serves runners, gym users…

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O Gold has relaunched as a lifestyle Super App, turning gold into a daily spending currency. With more than 800,000 users, the move marks a major step in the company’s shift from a digital investment platform to a full gold-based ecosystem. Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 12 January 2026: O Gold, the UAE’s Shariah-compliant gold investment platform, has confirmed its transition into a Super App and launched a gold-backed Mastercard. The update allows users to treat physical gold as a liquid asset for daily use. By linking fractional gold ownership with live payment technology, O Gold now supports both long-term saving…

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Fikra Ventures has announced a partnership with Hub71 to develop and grow AI-native companies from Abu Dhabi to global markets. Under the agreement, Fikra Ventures joins Hub71 as a partner venture studio. It will act as a venture builder within Hub71’s Initiate Programme. The company will create AI startups in-house and form joint ventures with selected global AI firms looking to enter the regional market from Abu Dhabi. Wael Aburida, CEO & Managing Partner of Fikra Ventures, and Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, signed the agreement at Hub71. As global use of AI grows, success depends on more than…

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