Emirates Islamic delivered a record AED 2.2 billion profit before tax in the first half of 2025, reflecting strong growth momentum. Total income rose 9% year-on-year to AED 2.9 billion, driven by continued expansion in both funded and non-funded income streams. Customer financing grew 13% to AED 80 billion, while customer deposits showed exceptional growth, rising 27% to AED 97.4 billion. Current and Savings Account balances now represent 65.5% of total deposits. These results highlight Emirates Islamic’s position as one of the UAE’s leading Islamic banks. Key Highlights – First Half 2025 Strong operating performance on higher funded income and…
Author: Steve Laidlaw
Steve Laidlaw
Steve Laidlaw is an entrepreneur, strategist, and founder of several high-growth ventures across Dubai and the UK. Based in the UAE, Steve is the CEO of Digital24, a media and reputation consultancy helping businesses build brand visibility and online authority across the MENA region and beyond. With over 20 years of experience in digital PR, content syndication, and strategic consulting, Steve has worked behind the scenes and on the front lines of brand transformation. His wider portfolio includes 24Black, a performance-driven advisory suite for founders and agencies, and Seven Yachts, a premium charter and yacht management company he co-owns and operates with his wife Clare in Dubai. Steve writes on topics including content strategy, digital reputation, founder branding, and what it really takes to scale in fast-moving markets like Dubai. His style is clear, actionable, and rooted in real operational experience. Follow him on LinkedIn or visit stevelaidlaw.com to learn more.
From everyday essentials, electronics, grocery, Amazon Fresh, home, kitchen, beauty, fashion, Amazon Devices, Prime Day deals will span top brands including Samsung, Bose, Dyson, Boss, Humantra, PlayStation, Tissot, CeraVe, e.l.f., KIKO Milano, Tommy Hilfiger, Lacoste, Pandora, Swarovski, Nescafe, Under Armour, and Adidas Prime members can save more with ADCB, Mastercard, and CBD instant bank discounts, flexible payment options, as well as free Same-Day and One-Day delivery at www.amazon.ae/primeday Amazon.ae is gearing up to release millions of incredible deals and deep savings exclusive to Prime members during this year’s Prime Day sale event in the UAE, running from July 25 (starting at 00:01am…
HONOR, a global leading AI device ecosystem company announces that registration for the exclusive V5 First Pioneers program is closing soon. This is the final opportunity for select users to experience the world’s thinnest and lightest inward-folding smartphone to date, the HONOR Magic V5, ahead of its regional launch. Interested participants are urged to act quickly to secure their spot in this limited-access program. Strong Community Engagement Through the V Future Pioneer Program The V Future Pioneer program began with the launch of the HONOR Magic V2, where it received great positive feedback from early adopters who were eager to…
By Ben Crompton, Managing Partner – Crompton Partners, Abu Dhabi Every year, as temperatures rise and schools wind down, the same assumption starts doing the rounds: that real estate activity slows to a crawl during the summer. It’s a persistent myth, and in the case of Abu Dhabi, particularly across the waterfront districts, it simply doesn’t hold up. In fact, if you’re looking for a strategic window to enter the market – either as a buyer or seller – summer may well be your moment. Let’s look at the data. In Reem, Saadiyat, Yas, Jubail and Raha Beach, we recorded…
From his new base in Dubai, a key international gateway, Hernán will steer Takeda’s strategic priorities across diverse, fast-growing EAMEA (Eurasia, the Middle East, and Africa) markets Takeda, a global, research and development-driven biopharmaceutical leader, has appointed Hernán Porcile as the new Area Head for its Eurasia, Middle East and Africa (EAMEA) region. Formerly General Manager of Takeda Mexico, Hernán Porcile assumed his new role on July 1, 2025, and is now based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from where he will lead the company’s strategic developments and accelerate growth across the diverse region. Hernán’s appointment comes at a pivotal…
Sailboats offer a unique way to experience the ocean. For those who crave adventure or simply wish to unwind in the serene waters, buying a sailboat can be the beginning of a lifetime of memories. Sailboats are available in various styles and sizes, catering to a range of needs from competitive racing to leisurely coastal cruising. If you’re in the market for a sailboat, it’s crucial to understand the options available and the factors that will affect your decision. Types of Sailboats for Sale Sailboats come in a variety of designs, each suited to different types of sailing activities. Some…
UAE families and residents are choosing comfort, convenience, and connection over long-haul travel As Dubai cements its position as a year-round destination not just for international tourists but also for domestic explorers, Central Hotels & Resorts, one of the fastest-growing hospitality management companies in the UAE, is reaping the benefits of a new hospitality landscape defined by leisure, locality, and lifestyle. The homegrown hotel group has recorded a 25 per cent increase in bookings from UAE residents in recent months, driven by the rise of staycations and summer getaways among families, couples, and millennial groups opting for curated experiences closer…
ESET, a global leader in cybersecurity, proudly announces that it is one of only two vendors, out of fifteen evaluated, to improve its relative position in the 2025 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Endpoint Protection Platforms1 (EPP). This year, ESET has advanced its position, reflecting a stronger Ability to Execute and enhanced Completeness of Vision. To ESET, this progress highlights its ongoing commitment to innovation, customer-centric development, and strategic focus on delivering high-performance endpoint protection platform solutions for organizations worldwide. As stated in the latest Gartner Magic Quadrant for EPP, where ESET is recognized as a Challenger, “ESET PROTECT is well-suited…
E. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah: “Dubai is continuing to strengthen its position as a global model for business empowerment, and strategic partnerships that contribute to economic growth.” The forum seeks to unlock new channels for capital inflows and strategic investments from the United States to Dubai, while showcasing the emirate’s robust economic fundamentals and competitive advantages. Dubai Chambers has announced that the fourth international edition of the Dubai Business Forum will take place in New York City on 12 November. The forum aims to introduce the American business community to the diverse opportunities created by the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).…
This summer, AVLU Greek & Turkish Restaurant is proud to announce a purposeful partnership with Al Jalila Children’s Foundation, turning every main course into a contribution toward a brighter future. From the end of June until August 25, the restaurant will donate 10% of proceeds from all main course dishes ordered throughout the weekdays to support the foundation’s mission in transforming children’s lives through medical innovation and compassionate care. At the heart of this initiative is AVLU’s signature menu – a vibrant expression of Aegean cuisine, where each main course pays homage to generations of Greek and Turkish culinary tradition.…