Author: Sam Allcock

Dubai authority becomes first cultural organisation in the UAE to receive the certification Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has received Great Place to Work certification for 2025 from the US-based organisation Great Place to Work. The recognition makes Dubai Culture the first cultural authority in the UAE to achieve this status. The certification reflects sustained efforts to build a professional workplace based on trust, employee wellbeing and shared responsibility. The Authority achieved strong results across all areas of the independent Great Place to Work assessment, which uses a research-based approach to measure employee experience and engagement. The evaluation…

Sharjah Ladies Club has announced the 11th edition of the Sharjah Ladies Run 2026, continuing its role as the emirate’s leading women-only running event. The annual run returns with a new concept designed to bring women together through sport and shared participation. This year’s event takes place under the theme “Into the Virtual Universe”, offering a fresh setting that combines physical activity with creativity and enjoyment. The concept aims to create an engaging experience while keeping the focus on health and community. The run will be held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohamed Al Qasimi, Wife…

New location marks one year of XPENG operations in the UAE XPENG UAE, represented by Ali & Sons, has opened a new flagship showroom in Abu Dhabi. The opening marks one year since the brand entered the UAE market and reflects its continued focus on electric vehicles and intelligent mobility. The showroom is located in Al Salam Tower, placing XPENG in the centre of a city known for strong electric vehicle uptake and long-term sustainability goals. The showroom introduces XPENG’s retail concept, built around digital displays and hands-on customer areas. Visitors can view materials, colours and finishes through a dedicated…

Summit outlines future models, technology plans and international expansion VOYAH, represented in the UAE by Performance Plus Motors, joined the 2026 Passenger Vehicle Global Partnership Summit in Xiamen. The event brought together global partners to review VOYAH’s expansion plans, upcoming vehicle programmes and technology direction under Dongfeng Motor Corporation. The summit reinforced the brand’s commitment to the UAE and its role in future electric mobility. Dongfeng used the platform to restate its focus on the SUV category, where VOYAH continues to expand its product range. Recent launches have seen strong customer interest. The VOYAH Taishan recorded more than 10,000 orders…

SilverCAT, the power catamaran brand under Gulf Craft Group, has completed the delivery of three customised 34-foot vessels to selected markets in the Caribbean. These deliveries mark a further step in the brand’s international expansion. SilverCAT designs are based on the strengths of the catamaran platform. The vessels provide stable handling, lower fuel use, wide deck areas and strong access to the water. Demand for catamarans continues to grow worldwide, as owners and operators choose twin-hull boats for comfort, flexibility and reliability in varied sea conditions. SilverCAT models support fishing, diving, leisure use and commercial operations, while maintaining control and…

Seasonal dining, relaxed celebrations and ready-made feasts for December December at voco Bonnington Dubai brings a focused programme of festive dining and group celebrations. From Christmas Day brunch to New Year’s Eve dinner, the hotel offers practical options for guests who want to celebrate well, either at the restaurant or at home. Festive takeaway meals For those hosting at home, voco Bonnington Dubai offers festive takeaway meals prepared by the hotel’s kitchen team. These dishes are designed to be served straight to the table. Guests can choose a roast turkey with traditional sides for AED 849, or a roast beef…

TBWA\RAAD has been named Best Place to Work at the 2025 Campaign Middle East Agency of the Year Awards, completing a rare double after winning the global Best Place to Work title at Campaign’s worldwide awards in June. The achievement marks the first time an agency from the Middle East has secured both honours in the same year. The consecutive awards place TBWA\RAAD among the leading workplaces in the creative sector, with its culture recognised at both regional and international level. The recognition follows a year of continued industry acknowledgment, including four straight appearances on Fast Company Middle East’s Most…

Azizi Developments has signed a 50-year land lease with Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group, a subsidiary of AD Ports Group, securing nearly 440,000 square metres of land. The agreement represents an investment of AED 2 billion and supports the expansion of Azizi’s manufacturing and logistics operations. The signing was attended by Azizi Developments Founder and Chairman Mr. Mirwais Azizi, KEZAD Group CEO Mr. Mohamed Al Khadar Al Ahmed, and senior leaders from both organisations. The agreement supports Azizi’s strategy to strengthen its vertically integrated model and build capacity for its major developments across Dubai. The leased land…

MBME Group, a UAE-based technology and digital services provider, and ZENDATA, an international cybersecurity firm, have signed a joint venture agreement to launch ZENDATA Cyber Defense. The new company will deliver end-to-end cyber defence services to clients across the Middle East and selected global markets. ZENDATA Cyber Defense will combine MBME Group’s digital payments infrastructure and regional reach with ZENDATA’s expertise in security operations, incident response and threat intelligence. MBME Group operates one of the UAE’s largest integrated digital service platforms, serving millions of users through a wide network of smart touchpoints. ZENDATA is a DESC and CREST-accredited cybersecurity company…

BEYOND Developments has launched SIORA, its first beachfront masterplan on Dubai Islands and its second large-scale community in less than a year. The project reflects the developer’s continued growth and its alignment with Dubai’s long-term urban development goals. SIORA covers more than 2 million square feet and is designed as a coastal retreat influenced by Japanese garden principles. The masterplan draws on the idea of Ikigai, which focuses on purpose and fulfilment in daily life. The concept guides the creation of spaces that support balance, clarity and wellbeing, while strengthening the connection between people, nature and place. Commenting on the…