Author: Sam Allcock

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…

Saudi Arabia’s hospitality industry is entering a new era of growth under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which is unlocking opportunities for tourism, business and investment. Responding to the surge in corporate travel, Hospitality Management Holding (HMH) has announced the expansion of its Corp Hotels brand across the Kingdom. This growth is guided by HMH’s innovative Business Leisure concept, designed to unite the efficiency of business travel with the comfort and enrichment of leisure hospitality. “Saudi Arabia is at the heart of one of the world’s most exciting growth stories, and hospitality is central to this momentum,” said Mr. Haytham, COO…

Internationally acclaimed British singer and songwriter Sami Yusuf is set to deliver an unforgettable evening of music at the historic Roman Theatre in the heart of Amman on Saturday, 11 October 2025. This landmark concert will unite history and contemporary artistry, as Yusuf performs exclusive selections from his highly anticipated forthcoming album Ecstasy, alongside reimagined renditions of his most cherished works that have inspired millions worldwide. The evening promises a captivating fusion of tradition and innovation. Joining Yusuf on stage will be an exceptional line-up of international vocalists and musicians, accompanied by the distinguished Amman Chamber Orchestra and an international…

FALCONE is preparing heart-shaped pizzas for Valentine’s Day from 9 to 15 February. The Italian restaurant will reshape its pizzas into hearts for the Valentine’s week, creating a sharing option for diners. The pizzeria has formed a partnership with Hatta Honey farm, the MENA region’s first specialised bee sanctuary. Guests can top their pizzas with artisan Emirati honey during the Valentine’s period. The partnership combines FALCONE’s Italian menu with a local honey producer. FALCONE introduces a limited-edition Fabbri rippled cherry gelato for the occasion. The gelato will serve as the monthly flavour through February. Valentine’s offer includes: Available 9 to…

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…

Sfumato, the modern culinary atelier located in the iconic Opus Tower, Business Bay, is reviving the classic power lunch with a new business lunch menu tailored to the city’s fast-paced lifestyle. Designed as a quick yet satisfying mid-day experience, the menu offers a seamless two- or three-course meal that delivers on both flavour and finesse. Inspired by the metropolitan power lunches that once defined urban dining scenes – where business leaders, creatives, and entrepreneurs forged connections over midday meals – Sfumato reinterprets the concept for Dubai. The restaurant offers a setting where work and dining come together, serving well-crafted dishes…

FALCONE will serve an Iftar menu throughout Ramadan that pairs Italian cuisine with traditional Holy Month elements. The menu costs AED 200 and uses a sharing format. This Ramadan, FALCONE offers an Iftar menu combining Italian cooking with Ramadan dining traditions. The AED 200 menu features updated versions of classic dishes designed for group dining. The Iftar starts with dates, dried fruits and nuts, then continues with lentil soup and mixed green salad. Guests select either risotto frutti di mare or rigatoni genovese for their main course. A special provola and zaatar pizza joins the menu in keeping with Ramadan.…

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.…

The village of Sagaidac in Cimișlia district is set to benefit from a major investment initiative led by Roses Kingdom Company. Developed as a partnership between the Netherlands, Belgium and the Republic of Moldova, the project aims to establish premium-quality rose cultivation in the region. The first phase of the initiative involves an investment of €1.2 million, covering the installation of modern greenhouses, advanced irrigation and climate-control systems, as well as packaging facilities. This initial stage is expected to create at least 20 full-time jobs for the local community. Future plans envision the project expanding to €10 million with a…