Analysis Finance Gulf could turn a crisis into opportunity with catastrophe bonds Torrential rains, flash floods, cars adrift in streets turned into rivers – these are scenes often seen these days, from Malaysia to Valencia. They are also becoming more common in the Gulf. Flooding in April 2024 in the UAE, for example, killed five people and cost $1.8-$2.3 billion in property damage, according to Gallagher Re […] December 6, 2024
Food & Drink Dubai to reintroduce 30% alcohol tax Dubai will reintroduce the 30 percent sales tax on alcohol in January, according to an email sent by a local alcohol distributor to venues in the city. The correspondence sent by MMI, which also operates off licences in the city, said: “Please note, Dubai Government have informed us the 30 percent municipality tax on alcoholic […] December 5, 2024
Retail Perfume sales propel Dubai Duty Free to $2bn 2024 target Dubai Duty Free (DDF) recorded sales of AED7.13 billion ($1.94 billion) in the first 11 months of 2024, as it closes in on the $2 billion annual target. The airport retailer reported sales of $205.7 million last month, marking the fifth-best month ever, propelled mainly by perfume sales, the UAE state-run Wam news agency reported. […] December 5, 2024
Tech Damac to spend $3bn on data centres in Southeast Asia Edgnex, the data centre subsidiary of Dubai’s Damac Group, is planning to invest $3 billion in sites across Southeast Asia over the next three to five years. The investment is part of a $7 billion digital infrastructure strategy that aims to meet rising demand for artificial intelligence and cloud computing, Danish Nayar, Damac’s senior vice-president […] December 4, 2024
Real Estate Aldar acquires unfinished commercial tower in DIFC Abu Dhabi’s largest developer, Aldar Properties, has acquired an unfinished commercial tower in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) for AED2.3 billion ($626 million), as it continues its expansion into its neighbouring emirate. The tower, bought from H&H Development, has 40 floors of commercial and retail space and is due for completion in 2028. It is […] December 4, 2024
Analysis Markets Mena delivery app Talabat outperforms its German parent When Talabat makes its debut on Dubai Financial Market next week, the food delivery app will be worth nearly as much as its parent company despite providing only about a quarter of Delivery Hero’s revenue. This might suggest Talabat’s initial public offering (IPO) was overpriced but a closer look at both companies’ earnings shows otherwise […] December 4, 2024
Video length: 03:05 Video Finance Hedge funds and wealth managers ‘are a boon’ for DIFC The DFSA (Dubai Financial Services Authority) the independent regulatory agency that oversees financial services in the Dubai International Financial Centre, approved more than 60 new companies in the first half of 2024. Patrick Meaney, head of enforcement at DFSA, says that many of them are wealth management companies or hedge funds, which is a “boon […] December 4, 2024
Analysis Real Estate Reforms pay off as Sharjah property market surges ahead Successive reforms in Sharjah’s property market and sky-high rental prices in neighbouring Dubai are contributing to a surge in the price and popularity of the emirate’s rental properties. According to a report by property management firm Asteco, rental prices for the third quarter of 2024 in Sharjah increased 16 percent year on year for typical […] December 3, 2024
Tourism Jumeirah enters Africa to expand hotel portfolio Jumeirah, a member of Dubai Holding, has partnered with South Africa’s Thanda Group to expand the luxury brand into Africa, as it aims to diversify its portfolio of destinations. The companies have launched a private island and safari reserve. The Jumeirah Thanda Island, a villa retreat, is located on a remote island in a protected […] December 3, 2024
Aviation Emirates denies plan to acquire UK travel concierge firm Dubai airline Emirates has denied claims it plans to acquire UK-based travel concierge business DiamondAir International. A media report on Thursday said the carrier was in talks to buy the Heathrow Airport-based company. It offers premium meet and assist services and personalised travel concierge solutions at more than 600 airports worldwide. The report said its […] November 29, 2024
Opinion Leisure & Hospitality Dubai stand-up as cultural symbiosis – that’s a laugh Laughter Factory has evolved into a prime example of the Dubai “salad bowl” November 29, 2024
Analysis Lifestyle Dubai losing its lustre for squeezed expat middle classes Dubai, renowned for its lavish luxury and five-star everything, could be getting too expensive for expatriate middle-market workers, as costs continue to increase and pay rises become rarer. The emirate’s tax-free status and higher wages have long held a strong appeal for expatriates from all corners of the world. But as the cost of living […] November 28, 2024
Food & Drink Heineken joint venture to build brewery in Dubai Dubai is to follow Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah in opening its own brewery. Sirocco, a joint venture between the Dutch drinks company Heineken NV and the Emirates Group-owned Maritime and Mercantile International (MMI), will start construction on a new brewery, having secured all the necessary permits from the relevant local authorities, the company […] November 28, 2024
Retail UAE retailer Union Coop explores going public Dubai retailer and mall owner Union Coop has begun exploring a transition from a consumer cooperative society to a public joint-stock company. The company said the move is aimed at increasing its presence, expanding its operations and maximising its financial resources. Dubai-based law firm Al Tamimi Company has been appointed to conduct a study exploring the […] November 27, 2024
Opinion Infrastructure Africa’s port assets are irresistible for the UAE The privatisation of maritime infrastructure is often controversial in Africa November 25, 2024
Real Estate ANAX Developments to add $1bn to Dubai’s real estate sector Dubai’s ANAX Developments plans to build more than 2,000 homes in Dubai and contribute $1 billion to the emirate’s real estate market in a pipeline of new projects. This includes developments in Al Furjan, Meydan and Dubai Islands. Apartments at Evora Residences in Dubai’s Al Furjan neighbourhood are scheduled for completion by the third quarter […] November 25, 2024 In association with
Exclusive Trade Major trade shows to relocate to Expo City Dubai Dubai is to relocate its major trade shows next year from the World Trade Centre to the sprawling Expo City, 20 miles away. The move is a significant step in transforming the Expo City site into a centre for big events, businesses and sustainable living, a senior official has confirmed. “As of next year, all […] November 22, 2024
Real Estate Turks drawn to overseas property investments Turkish property investors are increasingly looking further afield as they seek real-estate opportunities. High interest rates and cooling returns on assets at home make the domestic market less appealing both to Turks and foreigners. While Turkey remains a property investment destination, with a net positive balance of capital movement, inflows are tapering off just as […] November 22, 2024
Tourism Space Perspective favours Dubai for balloon launches US company Space Perspective says it is in talks with Gulf countries about hosting rights to launch its high-altitude balloon flights. The company will operate flights carrying a luxury capsule into the stratosphere to a height of around 30km. Taber MacCallum, founder and chief technology officer, said at a tourism conference in Dubai that it […] November 21, 2024
Economy United Arab Emirates economy The latest economic indicators and demographic trends for the United Arab Emirates, including the UAE's GDP, inflation, oil prices, trade, population, expats, unemployment and more November 20, 2024
