O Gold has relaunched as a lifestyle Super App, turning gold into a daily spending currency. With more than 800,000 users, the move marks a major step in the company’s shift from a digital investment platform to a full gold-based ecosystem. Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 12 January 2026: O Gold, the UAE’s Shariah-compliant gold investment platform, has confirmed its transition into a Super App and launched a gold-backed Mastercard. The update allows users to treat physical gold as a liquid asset for daily use. By linking fractional gold ownership with live payment technology, O Gold now supports both long-term saving…
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
Fikra Ventures has announced a partnership with Hub71 to develop and grow AI-native companies from Abu Dhabi to global markets. Under the agreement, Fikra Ventures joins Hub71 as a partner venture studio. It will act as a venture builder within Hub71’s Initiate Programme. The company will create AI startups in-house and form joint ventures with selected global AI firms looking to enter the regional market from Abu Dhabi. Wael Aburida, CEO & Managing Partner of Fikra Ventures, and Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, signed the agreement at Hub71. As global use of AI grows, success depends on more than…
A new report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) outlines 40 key innovations that can help governments strengthen power systems, widen energy access and support local development. The report explains that there is no single solution for every country. It states that long-term progress depends on linking technology with strong policy, regulation, market design, system operations and business models. IRENA launched the report during a Ministerial Dialogue on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) at its Assembly. Titled Innovation landscape for sustainable development powered by renewables, the study shows that change happens when technical advances work alongside policy and…
OMODA&JAECOO UAE has entered into a partnership with the Esaad Card Center to expand its support for community initiatives and improve access to mobility services across the UAE. Colonel Salah Mohammed Al Marzouqi, Director of the Esaad Card Center, signed the agreement on behalf of Dubai Police. Mr Will Li, Executive Vice President, signed on behalf of OMODA&JAECOO UAE. Senior officials from both organisations attended the signing. The agreement was finalised on 10 December 2025 and will remain in effect for one year. It provides special vehicle purchase benefits to Esaad cardholders nationwide. Under this partnership, Esaad members can receive…
Under the theme ‘The Light Compass’, Manar Abu Dhabi lit up Abu Dhabi and Al Ain with 22 site-specific artworks across four locations: Jubail Island, Souq Al Mina, Al Qattara Oasis and Al Jimi Oasis. Manar Abu Dhabi, the public light art exhibition led by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) as part of the Public Art Abu Dhabi initiative, closed its second edition on 4 January 2026. The exhibition returned in November 2025 and attracted more than 800,000 visitors. Residents and tourists gathered to explore the emirate’s islands, mangroves, oases and city spaces…
Intersec 2026, the global event for the security, safety and fire protection sectors, will open next week for its 27th edition. The exhibition takes place under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council. The event will run from 12 to 14 January 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. This year’s edition will be the largest in Intersec’s history. More than 1,200 exhibitors from over 60 countries are set to attend, along with more than 50,000 trade visitors from around the world. Strong global demand…
Azizi Developments, a major private developer in the UAE, has partnered with Turkish manufacturer Mertoglu to supply outdoor play equipment at Azizi Venice. The project forms part of Azizi’s mixed-use community in Dubai South, built around one of the world’s largest swimmable lagoons. Mertoglu designs and produces outdoor play systems for residential areas, public spaces and large urban developments. The company is known for strong safety standards, durable materials and designs that suit different age groups. Its equipment supports physical activity, creativity and social play. Through this partnership, Azizi Developments continues its focus on family-friendly community design. Mertoglu’s play equipment…
Organic Foods & Café has partnered with nutritionist Harriet Hills to introduce a free 30-day health challenge. The programme aims to help people recover after the festive season and build simple habits they can keep. The challenge runs from Monday 12 January to Monday 9 February. It offers a guided reset that focuses on gut health, balanced meals, daily structure and proper rest. The plan avoids strict rules and crash diets. Participants will receive weekly video sessions led by experts, clear health goals, simple recipes, access to a private online platform and two live coaching calls with Harriet Hills for…
The first Semicon Summit – Dubai 2025 has closed on a strong note, marking its role as a working platform for the semiconductor sector in the UAE and across the GCC. Hosted by McKinsey Electronics, the two-day event brought together global chip makers, regional solution firms and industrial users for technical sessions, live demos and project-based talks. The Summit took place in Dubai and moved away from standard conference formats. It focused on direct engineering discussions, one-to-one meetings and hands-on demonstrations. These sessions addressed real issues across the semiconductor value chain, from parts selection and system design to factory use…
Central Hotels & Resorts has announced its growth plan for 2026, with a clear focus on high-yield demand from CIS and key European markets. France has been named as a new priority market. The strategy targets steady returns and long-term stability by focusing on regions that show strong travel demand to Dubai. In 2026, Central will focus on three main source markets: CIS, Germany and the United Kingdom. At the same time, the group will invest in France through targeted campaigns and tailored offers. The goal is to increase bookings and strengthen engagement compared to 2025, supporting wider growth across…