Pearl Initiative convened a senior-level dialogue in Dubai this week on strengthening governance in health systems during escalating global crises With global health aid expected to shrink to $38.4 billion by the end of 2025, the call for transparent and strategic funding has become urgent Leaders from organisations including IRC, UNHCR, WHO Foundation, and Nabta Health emphasised trust-based collaboration and ethical innovation as priorities Mental health, costing the global economy over $1 trillion annually, continues to be underfunded, highlighting the need for culturally responsive philanthropic investment Pearl Initiative this week brought together international leaders, philanthropic organisations, and cross-sector representatives at…
Author: 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
Binghatti and Mercedes-Benz have joined forces again following the success of their first project. This time, they have revealed a much larger vision with the launch of Mercedes-Benz Places | Binghatti City. It is the world’s first Mercedes-Benz branded city and Binghatti’s first master-planned community. The AED 30 billion development covers more than ten million square feet in Nad Al Sheba. The launch event in Meydan became one of the largest gatherings in Dubai’s real estate history. Hosted by actor Terry Crews, the evening welcomed 25,000 guests, the biggest turnout at any Binghatti event so far. A large drone display…
This Ramadan, Rohini at Mövenpick Jumeirah Lakes Towers invites guests to experience Dawat, a special iftar inspired by North Indian hospitality. The experience offers a generous spread of classic dishes in a calm and elegant setting. It suits family gatherings and business iftars alike. Guests can enjoy a wide range of starters and slow-cooked favourites. These include murgh tikka, seekh kebabs, samosas, and mixed kebabs. Main courses feature butter chicken, fragrant pulao, haleem, dal makhani, and a variety of freshly baked Indian breads served throughout the evening. Dessert includes Kunafe Rasmalai cheesecake, sheer khurma, fresh fruit, and dates. Together, the…
Central Hotels & Resorts is inviting residents and visitors to enjoy a new line-up of dining and social experiences this month at two key locations: Canal Central Hotel Business Bay and C Central Resort The Palm. Guests can choose from after-work drinks with skyline views, midweek catch-ups with friends, or relaxed Saturday sessions by the water. The January programme focuses on easy-going social moments in well-known settings across the city. At Canal Central Hotel Business Bay, Lilly’s Social House Bar and Restaurant sits on the third floor and offers indoor and outdoor seating. The venue overlooks the Dubai Canal and…
The endless cycle of restrictive eating has left many consumers exhausted. Calorie counting, portion anxiety, and the perpetual search for substitutes that never quite measure up have turned healthy eating into a chore rather than a choice. Yet across the Gulf region, a different narrative is emerging—one built not on deprivation, but on discovery. Enter Shirataki, an ancient food product derived from the Konjac plant that is quietly reshaping how people think about their plates. Though it has been a dietary staple throughout East Asia for centuries, its arrival in mainstream Gulf markets represents something more significant: proof that wellness…
For children battling critical illnesses across the United Arab Emirates, the fulfilment of a heartfelt wish can provide a moment of joy amidst challenging medical journeys. Now, the organisation dedicated to making those wishes reality has gained crucial operational support through a new alliance with one of the region’s established mobility providers. Make-A-Wish Foundation UAE announced on 16th January 2026 that it has entered into a partnership with Thrifty Car Rental, securing access to vehicles that will enhance the foundation’s ability to coordinate its wish-granting activities throughout the Emirates. The collaboration addresses a fundamental challenge faced by charitable organisations: ensuring…
Two towers linked by a dramatic bridge, a landmark design element that embodies unity, balance, and community spirit Ras Al Khaimah secures AED 700 million in foreign direct investment in the first half of 2025, with its population forecast to grow by 60% by 2030, creating demand for 45,000 additional homes Ellington Properties, Dubai’s leading developer known for its design-led approach, has announced the launch of Soto Grande, a new residential project set within Al Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah. The development signals the company’s expansion into the northern emirates and underlines its ambition to create lifestyle communities defined by innovative…
Zoom introduces AI Companion 3.0 featuring agentic AI, bringing forward new functions and workspaces to reshape the way teams connect and collaborate within its ecosystem Zoom Business Services set to roll out agentic AI tools for Customer Experience Zoom Virtual Agent to transform both customer and employee engagement Zoom Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZM) has announced the arrival of a new era in productivity, intelligent teamwork, and connectivity with the launch of AI Companion 3.0. The latest release introduces advanced agentic AI across Zoom Workplace and Zoom Business Services. Revealed during Zoomtopia 2025, the company’s annual flagship event, the unveiling underlines…
More than 400 million people worldwide speak Arabic, yet access to quality technical education in their native language remains severely limited. That gap is now being addressed through a new partnership bringing comprehensive software development training to Arabic-speaking learners at no cost. Arabic.AI announced on 16th January 2026 from Dubai that it will deliver Replit’s complete educational platform in Arabic through its Arabic.AI Academy. The initiative represents the first time the global development platform’s full learning ecosystem has been made available in the Arabic language. The move targets a longstanding challenge facing aspiring developers across the Middle East and North…
Flying out of Dubai this month? Coffee lovers are in for a treat with Grind now open at Terminal 3 Departures. Emirates Leisure Retail (ELR) Dubai has added another global favourite to its expanding portfolio by welcoming Grind, one of London’s most recognisable coffee names, to the Middle East for the very first time. Opening at Dubai International (DXB) Terminal 3 Departures, near the Emirates check-in counters, this launch marks Grind’s debut in the region – strengthening ELR’s position as a key player bringing world-class dining brands to the UAE. Celebrated as the UK’s leading challenger coffee brand, Grind is…