Technology start-ups across the Middle East are being encouraged to seize the benefits of the region’s expected economic expansion over the coming decade by adapting their models to serve multiple converging industries. According to a recent PwC analysis, the regional economy could reach $4.57 trillion by 2035—an increase of around $1 trillion from today’s levels. The study also suggests that AI adoption and the transition to low-cost renewable energy could generate an additional $232 billion in value. For UAE-based entrepreneur and investor Abdumalik Mirakhmedov, these forecasts represent a significant opportunity for founders to scale their ventures and deliver innovative solutions…
Author: Sam Allcock
Real estate investors in Dubai have been advised not to base their decisions solely on forecasts suggesting imminent price corrections, particularly those built around new housing supply data. Instead, they should consider a broader set of signals shaping the market. In recent months, agencies such as Fitch and Moody’s, alongside property experts, have projected potential price drops of around 15% by late 2025 or early 2026. Responding to this, Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fäm Properties, one of Dubai’s leading agencies, emphasised that predictions based purely on the volume of units due for completion often overlook other critical market forces.…
Reform Social & Grill has added an ambitious new dish to its weekend repertoire, rolling out what it’s calling Mega Schnitzels every Friday through Sunday at its Lakes location. The gastropub, which bills itself as Dubai’s first authentic British pub-restaurant hybrid, is now serving four varieties of the enlarged schnitzel, each designed to push the boundaries of traditional comfort food portions. Diners can opt for chicken, Dingley Dell pork loin, Black Angus beef, or veal, with each cut crumbed and fried before being plated alongside parsley butter and chips. Pricing begins at AED 99 for the base offering, positioning the…
Opening scheduled for June 2027, IntercityHotel Riyadh Al Rayaan will comprise 216 modern guestrooms, a full-day dining venue, a ballroom, eight meeting spaces, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, and a swimming pool Guests will also enjoy the brand’s signature lobby café, The Breakery This development marks the seventh IntercityHotel in the Middle East, reinforcing H World International’s regional pipeline H World International, a global leader in hospitality management, has confirmed the signing of IntercityHotel Riyadh Al Rayaan in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Representing the seventh IntercityHotel under the brand in the Middle East, the announcement marks a key step…
Dubai Investment Real Estate (DIR), a subsidiary of Dubai Investments, has announced that Danah Bay, its landmark waterfront community on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, has received the title of “Best Mixed-Use Development” at the distinguished Arabian Property Awards 2025–2026. This recognition highlights Danah Bay’s forward-thinking design, detailed planning, and comprehensive approach to integrated lifestyles, firmly establishing it as one of the region’s most notable coastal destinations. Occupying prime shoreline on Al Marjan Island, the project consists of 189 villas ranging from two to five bedrooms, including exclusive breakwater villas with direct sea views. In addition, two towers…
Abu Dhabi-based STORY Hospitality, the operator of an expanding collection of luxury hotels and resorts, has unveiled a set of achievements that reinforce its reputation as one of the most innovative players in the MENA and Indian Ocean hospitality landscape. With sustainability, digital innovation, and employee development guiding its strategy, the group demonstrates how prioritising guest experiences can also drive meaningful progress across the industry. At STORY Seychelles, sustainable operations and staff growth have been defining themes this year. The resort marked its 10th anniversary while securing the International Sustainability Award 2025 and its third successive Green Key certification. It…
HONOR and Alibaba have formalised a milestone strategic cooperation agreement in Hangzhou, China. James Li, CEO of HONOR Device Co., Ltd., and Eddie Wu, CEO of Alibaba Group, were present to witness the signing. This ground-breaking agreement is rooted in a shared ambition for expansion and aligned strategic priorities. The two technology giants will pursue a wide-ranging and systematic partnership across key fields, with a focus on AI ecosystems, AI models and capabilities, and intelligent services. The collaboration aims to nurture a robust AI ecosystem while capitalising on the vast opportunities presented by AI-led industrial transformation and the convergence of…
Qatar’s push towards becoming a regional technology hub has gained significant momentum with the Middle East and Africa’s largest financial institution renewing its commitment to one of the world’s premier tech gatherings. QNB Group has secured its position as Diamond Sponsor for Web Summit Qatar 2026, marking a three-year partnership designed to accelerate the nation’s digital ambitions. The collaboration positions the banking giant at the heart of Qatar’s efforts to cultivate a knowledge-driven economy, aligning directly with objectives outlined in Qatar National Vision 2030. The partnership represents more than corporate visibility at a major international event. It signals QNB’s strategic…
Precious metals have surged to fresh record highs as diplomatic tensions over Greenland expose deeper anxieties about fiscal sustainability and the reliability of conventional portfolio hedges. According to Ole Hansen, Head of Commodity Strategy at Saxo Bank, the developments signal a fundamental reassessment of where true safety resides in an increasingly volatile global system. The diplomatic standoff between Washington and European capitals over Donald Trump’s territorial ambitions in Greenland has reignited investor appetite for tangible assets. Yet analysts caution that this latest geopolitical flashpoint merely accelerates a trend that has been gathering momentum for months, rather than creating it from…
A commanding performance at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show has seen Hisense collect 58 industry awards, underscoring the company’s expanding influence across both display technology and home appliances. The accolades span multiple categories, with the electronics manufacturer securing four CES Innovation Awards among its haul. Two products claimed Best Innovation honours—the 163 MX television and the X-zone Master washer-dryer—whilst the 116UXS RGB MiniLED TV and Laser Projector XR10 both earned Innovation Award Honoree status. Beyond displays, Hisense demonstrated considerable strength in the smart home sector. The X-zone Master, described as the world’s first X-in-one heat pump washer-dryer, garnered particular attention…