Confluent, the data streaming pioneer, has announced the appointment of Karim Azar as Area Vice President (AVP) for the Middle East. In his new role, Karim will lead Confluent’s regional strategy, support customer success, strengthen relationships with partners, and accelerate the adoption of data streaming across the region. “We are delighted to welcome Karim,” said Kamal Brar, Senior Vice President Partners & Technology Group, Confluent. “His deep understanding of the region’s digital priorities, customer-first mindset, and ability to foster trusted partnerships make him the ideal leader for the Middle East. Karim’s leadership will help customers put real-time data to work,…
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
Pico Play continues to build a strong reputation and lasting presence in the Middle East, delivering high-quality fabricated attraction components for leisure and entertainment destinations across the region. September 2025 marks one year since the company opened its fabrication facility in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and its progress has exceeded expectations. Pico Play, a global leader in attraction design and delivery, established the advanced facility in Al-Kharj, south of Riyadh, to better support rising demand for its services in the Middle East. This increased demand has accelerated the company’s regional development strategy, with a second nearby facility scheduled to…
The festive season has arrived in Dubai, and Riva Beach Club on Palm Jumeirah is the perfect spot to soak up the cheerful atmosphere. With soft sandy shores, shimmering blue waters and a laid-back vibe, Riva is elevating the celebrations with a lively programme of weekly events, Christmas festivities and a dazzling New Year’s Eve experience. Guests can enjoy exclusive early bird rates until 10 November 2025 – the ideal excuse to book ahead and save. Christmas Day Brunch – Celebrate in True Riva Style Gather your loved ones for a spectacular Christmas feast that blends beachside charm with festive…
30MW hydropower mining site now operational in Ethiopia Developed alongside Ethiopian Electric Power, under the patronage of Abu Dhabi leadership H.C. Wainwright maintains Buy rating and AED 3.00 price target following strategic progress Phoenix Group PLC (PHX: ADX), an IHC portfolio company and global provider of digital asset infrastructure, has announced the launch of its 30MW hydropower-supported mining facility at the Bole Lemi Industrial Park in Addis Ababa. The project was delivered in partnership with Ethiopian Electric Power, the country’s state-owned electricity producer. This activation marks a significant step forward in the Group’s expansion into Africa’s energy-abundant markets and forms…
Race to Dubai frontrunner Rory McIlroy is aiming to finally secure the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship title – now celebrating its 20th edition – as he looks to complete his collection of UAE honours. McIlroy has claimed seven of his 20 DP World Tour victories in the UAE, including four Hero Dubai Desert Classic wins and three DP World Tour Championship titles, having first competed in the Emirates in 2006. However, despite multiple near victories – including four runner-up finishes in Abu Dhabi – the Masters champion has yet to lift the Falcon Trophy, leaving one notable omission from a…
Encouraging teams to stay active, connect, and prioritise well-being through the “30 Minutes for a Healthier You!” initiative Central Hotels & Resorts, a leading UAE-born hospitality group, has introduced its staff-focused wellness campaign, “30 Minutes for a Healthier You!”, in celebration of the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC). Throughout 1–30 November, employees residing in staff accommodation are encouraged to dedicate 30 minutes each day to movement—whether that’s walking, stretching, dancing, or joining small group exercise sessions. The Dubai Fitness Challenge, now in its ninth year, is inspired by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,…
The Saudi Film Commission (SFC), operating under the Saudi Ministry of Culture as one of its 11 dedicated sector commissions, has announced the opening of a new advanced virtual production soundstage at JAX Film Studios, the Kingdom’s newest premier production hub in Riyadh. Developed in partnership with internationally renowned VFX studio Pixomondo and equipped with Sony’s latest VERONA LED display systems, the purpose-built virtual production volume is now fully operational and prepared to serve high-end film and television productions. Key technical highlights include: 2,720 Sony VERONA Crystal LED panels featuring Sony’s flagship 2.3mm pixel pitch A production volume measuring 23…
Microsoft and global neocloud leader G42 are set to strengthen the UAE’s digital landscape with a 200-megawatt (MW) increase in datacenter capacity. Following Microsoft’s recent announcement of a $15.2 billion investment in the UAE, the company is advancing its strategic partnership with G42 to accelerate national digital advancement. The organisations confirmed a 200MW expansion of datacenter capacity to be delivered by Khazna Data Centers, a G42 subsidiary. The new capacity is expected to begin coming online before the close of 2026, signalling an important step forward in supporting the UAE’s ambitions through trust, technology, and talent. The expansion reflects a…
Hitit and Pegasus Airlines have reached a major milestone in modern airline retailing innovation. Powered by the Hitit Oxygen platform, now recognised as the world’s most extensive live Modern Airline Retailing system, Pegasus can seamlessly retail a wide range of additional travel products—not only through its own digital channels, but also via global indirect distribution networks. This development significantly enhances the passenger journey and establishes both companies as leaders in aviation’s ongoing digital evolution. Hitit, ranked among the world’s top three global airline and travel technology providers, has partnered with Pegasus Airlines—one of Türkiye’s most forward-thinking carriers in technology adoption—to…
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced the launch of the first Digital Heritage Forum, an international event that aims to reshape global approaches to safeguarding cultural heritage through the use of digital technologies. Taking place from 3 to 5 November at the Cultural Foundation, the invitation-only forum will bring together 250 attendees from the region and abroad, including 132 international speakers and representatives from 128 leading global organisations. Participants will include influential cultural leaders, innovators and specialists focused on digital documentation, heritage conservation and emerging cultural technology. The Forum will offer an…