The first SaladStop! outlet in the United Arab Emirates won’t open until 2026. That’s two years away—an eternity in the fast-casual dining world, where brands typically race to capture market share before competitors notice. Yet for SaladStop! Group, the Singapore-born healthy eating pioneer, the extended timeline signals something different. This isn’t a land grab. It’s a calculated entry into one of the world’s most competitive and unforgiving food markets, where international brands arrive with fanfare and often depart quietly. The brand announced this week it has appointed Mohamed Hareb Al Otaiba Investments as its master franchise partner for the UAE,…
Author: Sam Allcock
Sam Allcock
Sam Allcock is a seasoned journalist and digital marketing expert known for his insightful reporting across business, real estate, travel and lifestyle sectors. His recent work includes high-profile Dubai coverage, such as record-breaking events by AYS Developers. With a career spanning multiple outlets. Sam delivers sharp, engaging content that bridges UK and UAE markets. His writing reflects a deep understanding of emerging trends, making him a trusted voice in regional and international business journalism. Should you need any edits please contact editor@dubaiweek.ae
Six hundred horsepower. A 1,300-kilometre driving range. Zero to 100km/h in 5.8 seconds. On paper, the specifications read like a wish list that ignores the laws of automotive compromise—the kind where you choose between brutal acceleration and actually reaching your destination. Yet on 2 February, against Dubai’s glittering skyline, OMODA&JAECOO UAE insisted those numbers were real. The Chinese automaker unveiled its flagship JAECOO J8 SHS—Super Hybrid System, for the acronym-averse—at an invitation-only event that gathered government officials, dealers, and industry observers into one landmark venue for what the brand called “Super Hybrid Night.” The vehicle represents OMODA&JAECOO’s most aggressive play…
Financial markets are projecting confidence that doesn’t match reality, according to Ken Rogoff, and the gap between investor sentiment and the scale of uncertainty facing the global economy could prove costly. The former IMF chief economist describes current conditions as ‘solid but not exciting’—then warns of a significant stock market correction looming within three years. That’s the unease threading through ACCA’s latest Global Economic Outlook, released this week. The report projects global GDP growth of around 3% for 2026, broadly matching last year’s performance and supported by looser monetary policy, fiscal stimulus and continued artificial intelligence investment. Reasonable, yes. But…
The rooftop terrace overlooks Palm Jumeirah’s western edge, where the sunset marks more than just another Dubai evening this month. At THREE CUTS Steakhouse, perched atop Palm Jumeirah Mall, the holy month has prompted an unexpected fusion: chophouse cuisine reimagined for Ramadan’s nightly fast-breaking ritual. It’s an unlikely pairing. Steakhouses don’t typically spring to mind when Dubai residents plan their iftar outings. Yet that’s precisely what makes the offering intriguing. Whilst five-star hotels dominate the city’s Ramadan dining landscape with sprawling buffets and traditional Arabic spreads, this rooftop venue has taken a different approach—a four-course sharing menu that bridges Western…
The Saudi Ministry of Culture has announced a collaboration with Google Arts & Culture to launch an official page dedicated to Historic Jeddah, one of Saudi Arabia’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The initiative aims to leverage modern digital technologies to highlight the cultural and historical significance of the district. The announcement was made during the Cultural Investment Conference held in Riyadh. The dedicated page, titled ‘Explore Historic Jeddah’, showcases more than thirty stories about Jeddah’s rich history and includes immersive online tours of notable sites within the district, such as Beit Jokhdar Hotel, Bayt Nassif, the Tariq Abdulhakim Museum, and…
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Chairman of the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO), delivered the opening address at a high-level ministerial roundtable hosted by WGEO during the 11th World Green Economy Summit in Dubai. The session, held under the theme ‘Delivering Climate Ambition by 2030 and Beyond – United Action for Green Transition’, aimed to advance global climate ambitions and promote dialogue on aligning policies, finance, and innovation with sustainable development goals. The roundtable brought together senior government officials including HE Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment; HE Dr Ayman Suleiman, Minister of…
The first-ever Ajman edition of the world’s biggest book sale, Big Bad Wolf, continues to welcome an overwhelming number of families, students, and book enthusiasts since opening under the patronage of the Ajman Department of Tourism Development. Running until 5 October 2025 at Youth X HUB, the sale is offering an extraordinary selection of over 250,000 books at discounts of up to 90%, with prices starting from as low as AED 2. The Ajman edition has created a lively and family-friendly atmosphere, combining books with engaging on-ground activities, F&B pop-ups, and exciting promotions. Visitors who spend AED 300 or more…
Azizi Developments, one of the UAE’s most prominent private developers, has announced the launch of Azizi Noura, a premium residential project in the heart of Downtown Jebel Ali. Neighbouring Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) – the Middle East’s largest port and a global logistics powerhouse – Azizi Noura offers investors and homeowners the chance to own modern, freehold residences in one of Dubai’s most strategically located districts. The project will officially launch on 7 October 2025 with prices starting from AED 570,000. Azizi Noura combines style and functionality with its selection of studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments designed to…
Global hygiene and health company Essity has announced the launch of its new Middle East regional headquarters for its Health & Medical division in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This strategic move reinforces Essity’s commitment to advancing healthcare transformation across the region. By establishing its regional base in Riyadh, Essity aims to strengthen its presence in the Middle East and enhance healthcare delivery by expanding access to its products and innovative solutions. Essity will distribute its health and medical products through established Saudi healthcare distributors, enabling stronger partnerships to ensure the delivery of high-quality solutions to patients and healthcare providers. “Saudi Arabia…
UN Tourism and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) have officially launched the UN Tourism Awards for Excellence in Sustainable Sports Tourism powered by FIA. The awards, featuring four categories, aim to honour initiatives that demonstrate excellence in sustainability, innovation, social impact, and strong public-private partnerships within the sports tourism sector. By recognising these efforts, the awards encourage responsible practices that align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The four award categories are: Most Sustainable Sport Event Community Impact in Sports Tourism Innovation in Sports Tourism Development Outstanding Public-Private Partnership in Sport Tourism The launch builds upon the strategic…