Author: 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.

The directory features a comprehensive registry of specialised consultants across various management disciplines and sectors, including restructuring, succession planning, mergers and acquisitions, mediation, and commercial dispute resolution. The Dubai Centre for Family Businesses, which operates under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, has announced the launch of the first comprehensive directory of family business advisors in Dubai. The initiative seeks to empower family-owned businesses to effectively and efficiently access specialised consultancy services across a wide range of administrative and operational areas. The directory serves as an effective tool for connecting family businesses with 56 trusted advisors. The curated list features a…

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Looking for your next travel adventure? Step into the world of Al Habtoor Palace Budapest, where timeless elegance meets modern indulgence. More than just a hotel, this iconic property redefines luxury in the heart of Hungary’s vibrant capital. From exquisitely appointed rooms to impeccable service, here are seven compelling reasons why Al Habtoor Palace Budapest belongs at the top of your travel list. Experience Unparalleled Luxury Why settle for ordinary when you can embrace royalty? At Al Habtoor Palace Budapest, luxury is a way of life. Each of our 199 rooms and suites is meticulously crafted to combine heritage elegance…

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As the UAE continues to lead in values of giving and inclusion, LEOS Developments aligns its success with the well-being of the wider community LEOS Developments, in partnership with Dubai Charity Association, hosted a successful toy drive last month, collecting over 300 toys for underprivileged children across the city. Held at the LEOS amphitheatre in Business Bay, the initiative brought together members of the community to support vulnerable children, many of whom have been left without stable family support. The donated toys were distributed during a joyful afternoon event, where children were treated to refreshments, interactive games, and inclusive activities…

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Following its global debut at the Shanghai Auto Show in April 2025, Chery Group has announced it will host the iCAUR Brand Night and New Models Launch Event on August 1 in Dubai. As a key step in Chery’s deepening global expansion, the event will invite worldwide global partners, media representatives and Middle East dignitaries to jointly unveil iCAUR’s localized development strategy for the Middle East market along with the world premiere of its highly anticipated new cool models. Personalized Emotional Resonance Drives Continuous Category Innovation As Chery’s new brand focused on the global “young and young at heart”, iCAUR…

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Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) 2025 is turning up the shopping thrill during its second dedicated retail season, the Great Dubai Summer Sale (GDSS), with the return of the eagerly awaited GDSS Daily Surprises. From 18 July to 7 August, a brand-new surprise deal drops from leading brands across the city for one-day only – valid at only one of their locations from 10am until stocks last. Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), exclusive offers, incredible limited-time savings, and discounts as deep as 90 per cent off promise shoppers a daily dose of unbeatable deals from their favourite brands…

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The very definition of a luxury home is undergoing a profound transformation. As we look towards 2026, the traditional boundaries between opulent interiors and lush exteriors are dissolving, giving way to a new era of seamless living. This isn’t merely an architectural shift; it’s a fundamental change in how discerning homeowners experience their most personal spaces, driven by a profound desire for expansive comfort, a deeper connection with nature, and enhanced well-being. In a vibrant, sun-drenched city like Dubai, where outdoor living is a cherished part of the lifestyle, this trend is rapidly becoming the hallmark of true sophistication. This…

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Escape the heat and discover the new summer ritual. Carluccio’s has launched a vibrant collection of refreshing summer drinks, designed to bring a splash of Italian sunshine to your table, no passport required. Available exclusively for dine-in, the new seasonal drinks collection celebrates the joy of summer with vibrant ingredients and a touch of indulgence. From the creamy Island Chill with pineapple and coconut to the bright Tropical Sunset blending mango and raspberry, there’s something for every mood. Discover the Peachy Zen, a soothing mix of peach and chilled chai, or opt for something sparkling like the Tropical Passion Mojito,…

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The JVT-based dining venue is inviting friends and families to an authentic farm-to-table dining experience every Saturday Farmers Commons at Hotel Local brings a fresh farm-to-table experience to your weekend with the Farmers Market Brunch every Saturday. Perfect for big groups, families and couples prices start at AED 149 per person. Available daily from 1 PM to 4 PM, this exceptional culinary journey features everything from a live sushi counter and carving stations to irresistible sweet treats. Guests can graze at their leisure with offerings such as hand-stretched fresh pizzas, crisp locally sourced salads, an artisanal cheese selection, and hearty…

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PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI) introduced the new PETRONAS Urania, its flagship range of lubricants for commercial vehicles. Designed to address the evolving landscape of the on-road transport industry, the enhanced product line is backed by the company’s proprietary StrongTech™ technology and solidifies PETRONAS Lubricants International’s position as the trusted partner for today’s owner-drivers, fleet managers, and mechanics. PLI continues to deliver value across a shifting commercial vehicle landscape, where rising costs, technological evolution and sustainability goals are rewriting the rules of logistics and fleet performance. PLI Regional Managing Director EMEA, Giuseppe Pedretti said, “Transportation and logistics are changing fast. From…

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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…

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