Author: Stuart

House hunters across the UAE can now determine their borrowing power and secure verified mortgage pre-approval within hours, thanks to a new digital service launched by Mashreq that aims to eliminate much of the uncertainty plaguing property purchases in the Emirates. The Middle Eastern financial institution unveiled its fully digital home loan pre-approval platform on 15 January 2026, marking what the bank claims is the first completely online mortgage pre-qualification service in the country. Expatriate residents meeting specific criteria can now navigate the initial stages of mortgage approval from their computer browsers without visiting a branch. For salaried professionals earning…

A modern Indian tapas bar in Dubai Hills Estate has unveiled an ambitious new menu that takes diners on a culinary voyage across ten countries, fusing traditional Indian flavours with international cooking techniques. Revelry has introduced its Passport Menu this January 2026, marking a significant expansion of the venue’s food offerings. The new selection draws culinary inspiration from the USA, Mexico, China, Spain, Italy, Thailand, South Korea, France, Japan and the UAE, creating dishes that bridge familiar comfort food with adventurous flavour combinations. The bar-led dining concept puts cocktails at the forefront of the experience, with shareable plates designed specifically…

Indian diners in Dubai looking to celebrate Republic Day this month have a new reason to visit Rohini, the Indian restaurant at Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Lakes Towers. The venue has launched a special menu for the occasion, headlined by a trio of desserts designed to mirror the orange, white, and green of India’s national flag. The patriotic sweet selection comprises Tiranga Kalakand, Pistachio Malai ke Motichur, and Jalebi with Kesar Rabdi. Each dish takes inspiration from traditional Indian confectionery whilst adding a visual twist that aligns with the Republic Day theme. For guests seeking something beyond the usual dining experience,…

A leading data-driven video technology provider is preparing to demonstrate how artificial intelligence can revolutionise safety and security systems across the Gulf region at one of the Middle East’s premier security exhibitions. Milestone Systems will present its latest AI-powered video management solutions at Intersec Dubai 2026, as the UAE continues its push to establish itself as a global centre for artificial intelligence innovation. The company’s participation comes at a time when the region is increasingly adopting intelligent safety systems across multiple sectors, including smart cities, transport networks, critical infrastructure and industrial facilities. The Copenhagen-headquartered firm has recently expanded its artificial…

For the first time in his storied career, Yukitaka Yamaguchi—the internationally acclaimed tuna expert known throughout the culinary world as the ‘King of Tuna’—is travelling to the Middle East. His arrival marks a watershed moment for the UAE’s fine dining landscape, orchestrated through a groundbreaking partnership between his company Yamayuki and Country Hill International. The historic visit will be commemorated with an exclusive gathering at Atlantis The Royal in Gastronomy, where the region’s most distinguished chefs, hospitality executives, and culinary professionals will have the rare opportunity to experience Yamayuki’s legendary tuna selection directly from the source. It’s a moment that…

After more than twenty years of crafting quarterly market outlooks, John J. Hardy has never encountered a period quite like this. The Global Head of Macro Strategy at Saxo Bank admits he’s grappled harder than ever before with assembling any coherent base case for how the first quarter of 2026 might unfold. The challenge, Hardy explains, isn’t so much uncertainty about eventual outcomes but rather the timing of anticipated developments. And for traders, that distinction makes all the difference between profit and loss. Facing his quarterly deadline, Hardy turned to a weekly chat group of market professionals he regularly consults.…

A significant milestone in the UAE’s food manufacturing sector has been reached with the opening of a state-of-the-art production facility that represents one of the region’s most substantial investments in value-added food production infrastructure. Solico Group, a prominent Middle Eastern food manufacturer with over five decades of industry experience, has inaugurated its SoFood plant in Jebel Ali Free Zone on 15 January 2026. The AED 130 million ($35.4 million) facility marks the company’s most considerable financial commitment to the UAE and signals a strategic shift towards localized production in a nation historically reliant on food imports. Spanning 5,000 square metres,…

A dramatic reshuffling at the summit of Dubai’s property development sector has seen Binghatti leap four positions to claim the title of the emirate’s leading developer by transaction volume, capping a remarkable year that saw robust activity across both premium and entry-level segments. The developer completed 17,061 property deals throughout 2025, outpacing established rivals DAMAC Properties, which recorded 15,393 transactions, and market heavyweight Emaar, which finalised 13,149 sales. The shift in rankings underscores the dynamic nature of Dubai’s real estate landscape, where emerging players are increasingly challenging traditional market leaders. Meanwhile, Emaar continues to command the market when measured by…

A popular Italian dining spot in Dubai is transforming how residents approach their weekly routines, with a trio of new offerings designed to span every corner of the calendar. FALCONE, situated at Barsha Galleria Mall, has introduced Monday pizza nights, weekend breakfast service, and a monthly family brunch throughout January 2026. The move signals a strategic expansion beyond the traditional dinner-focused Italian restaurant model. For pizza enthusiasts seeking an affordable midweek indulgence, the venue has launched Pizza Club on Monday evenings. The promotion features four chef-selected varieties priced at AED 50 each: Margherita, Marinara, Spicy Salami, and Sausage & Mushrooms.…

With just seven days remaining until the first tee shot, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic is preparing to welcome thousands of spectators to Emirates Golf Club, many of whom won’t pay a single dirham for entry. The 37th edition of the Middle East’s oldest professional golf tournament runs from 22nd to 25th January, and organisers have confirmed that general admission remains completely free on both Thursday and Friday. Weekend passes for Saturday and Sunday cost AED 100 if purchased in advance, rising to AED 125 at the gate, while anyone under 17 enters free across all four days when accompanied…