Author: Stuart

Azizi Developments has signed a 50-year land lease with Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group, a subsidiary of AD Ports Group, securing nearly 440,000 square metres of land. The agreement represents an investment of AED 2 billion and supports the expansion of Azizi’s manufacturing and logistics operations. The signing was attended by Azizi Developments Founder and Chairman Mr. Mirwais Azizi, KEZAD Group CEO Mr. Mohamed Al Khadar Al Ahmed, and senior leaders from both organisations. The agreement supports Azizi’s strategy to strengthen its vertically integrated model and build capacity for its major developments across Dubai. The leased land…

MBME Group, a UAE-based technology and digital services provider, and ZENDATA, an international cybersecurity firm, have signed a joint venture agreement to launch ZENDATA Cyber Defense. The new company will deliver end-to-end cyber defence services to clients across the Middle East and selected global markets. ZENDATA Cyber Defense will combine MBME Group’s digital payments infrastructure and regional reach with ZENDATA’s expertise in security operations, incident response and threat intelligence. MBME Group operates one of the UAE’s largest integrated digital service platforms, serving millions of users through a wide network of smart touchpoints. ZENDATA is a DESC and CREST-accredited cybersecurity company…

BEYOND Developments has launched SIORA, its first beachfront masterplan on Dubai Islands and its second large-scale community in less than a year. The project reflects the developer’s continued growth and its alignment with Dubai’s long-term urban development goals. SIORA covers more than 2 million square feet and is designed as a coastal retreat influenced by Japanese garden principles. The masterplan draws on the idea of Ikigai, which focuses on purpose and fulfilment in daily life. The concept guides the creation of spaces that support balance, clarity and wellbeing, while strengthening the connection between people, nature and place. Commenting on the…

Wafi Group and ALMAD Group announced a new partnership on 10 December, formalised in Dubai by H.H. Sheikh Mana bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, Founder and Chairman of Wafi Group, and Dr. Adrian Cheng, Founder and Executive Chairman of K11 by AC of ALMAD Group. The agreement includes the creation of a new entity, Wafi Anime 11, which brings together the long-standing local presence of Wafi Group with the cultural retail model of K11 by AC. The partnership will guide the next stage of Wafi City’s development, where heritage, culture and new concepts will work together. Wafi Group aims to reinforce…

Dubai-born hospitality group performs well on Palm Jumeirah as its F&B strategy and sustainability work support guest satisfaction Central Hotels & Resorts has recorded one of its strongest years, ending 2025 with an average occupancy of 84% across its hotels and achieving record Average Daily Rate (ADR), which led to solid revenue growth. The group, which operates both beach and city properties such as C Central Resort The Palm, Royal Central Hotel The Palm and Canal Central Hotel Business Bay, said results were supported by high-demand periods including Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, the summer staycation season and UAE National Day. These…

Gulf Medical University (GMU) has completed the first CCAT Aeromedical Transport – Foundation Level Course, held from 4 to 9 December 2025 on its Ajman campus. Due to strong demand and limited seats, the next intake will begin in June. The six-day course followed international aeromedical standards and aimed at doctors, nurses, paramedics, and allied health workers involved in patient transfer, medical evacuation, air ambulance work, and global medical repatriation. The programme represents a major step in training the regional workforce for the fast-growing aeromedical and retrieval medicine field. The course was developed with CCAT specialists from the United Kingdom…

The Strategic Development Fund (SDF), an investment body owned by EDGE Group, has signed an initial partnership and investment agreement with Machina Labs, a US company known for AI-led manufacturing and robotics. The discussions concluded at the Dubai Airshow 2025 and set the basis for a joint venture that will produce advanced metal structures in the region using Machina Labs’ software-defined factory methods. The agreement includes an initial investment with the option for SDF to provide further funding of up to AED 125 million. Both sides will review how Machina Labs’ production systems can support work in the UAE and…

Dubai will stage an exclusive professional women’s T100 race from 12–15 November 2026, as part of a new format for the 2026 T100 Triathlon World Tour agreed by the Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) and World Triathlon. The event marks a major step for women’s sport in the region. The Dubai T100 will feature the top female triathletes racing only against each other over the 100km distance, which includes a 2km swim, 80km bike leg and 18km run. The race will place women’s competition at the centre of the programme in Dubai. The women-only event forms part of a revised 2026…

Al Haboob (الهَبُوب), the first professional camel racing team operating across the UAE and GCC, has announced a major partnership with international footballer Paul Pogba. Pogba joins as both Ambassador and Shareholder, becoming the first professional footballer to hold ownership in a camel racing team. The partnership marks a significant moment for the sport and brings new global attention to camel racing, which has long been central to regional heritage. Pogba is recognised as one of the most influential footballers of his era, with a career including a FIFA World Cup, UEFA Nations League title, four Serie A championships with…

Grand Hyatt Dubai has confirmed that the Grand Hyatt Dubai Waterpark is now open to the public. The opening marks a notable point in the hotel’s 22-year history and supports its position as a major urban resort. The waterpark covers 20,000 sqm within the hotel’s 37-acre estate in central Dubai, close to Downtown. It has been developed as a space for leisure and recreation where guests can relax, explore, or take part in water attractions. The public opening comes ahead of UAE school holidays and the festive period, when family travel activity increases. Entry is priced at AED 375 for…