Author: Mahdeehassan

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), together with other members of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sustainable Finance Working Group (SFWG), has today launched a public consultation on draft “Principles for Climate Transition Planning” (the Principles). This marks a further step in the SFWG’s ongoing efforts to enhance the UAE’s sustainable finance ecosystem. The draft Principles are designed to help financial institutions develop credible, transparent, and effective climate transition plans. These plans are forward-looking strategies that align an organisation’s objectives, governance, risk management, and operations with their climate goals. The draft Principles cover eight key areas: setting…

Doha, Qatar – Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB), Qatar’s leading digital bank, has been named Qatar’s Best Islamic Bank and Qatar’s Best Digital Bank for SMEs at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025, reaffirming its market leadership and dedication to delivering innovative, Shari’a compliant digital financial solutions. This recognition from Euromoney, one of the world’s most respected financial publications, reflects QIB’s exceptional performance, strong market position, and strategic focus on digital transformation within the framework of Islamic banking principles. QIB’s sustained investment in technology and innovation, combined with its strong financial performance, has solidified its leader position. For the first quarter ended 31 March 2025, QIB…

Arab Bank recently received the “Best Bank in the Middle East 2025” award from New York-based Global Finance magazine, a testament to its leading position in the regional banking sector. This global recognition was made by the editors of Global Finance after extensive consultations with corporate financial executives, banking consultants, and analysts throughout the world. Global Finance considered several factors when selecting top banks, including asset growth, profitability, geographical coverage, strategic alliances, product innovation, and market expansion endeavors. The evaluation criteria also included the opinions of equity analysts, credit rating analysts, banking consultants, and industry participants. Global Finance Awards cover…

Dubai, UAE: The CEO of Union Coop, Mr. Mohamed Al Hashemi stated that the cooperative operates under a comprehensive plan to support local suppliers through operational, technical, and commercial facilitation. This includes exemptions from certain fees, simplified listing procedures, and discounts of up to 50% on display charges. Additionally, Union Coop provides logistical and marketing support within its outlets and organizes promotional events and field visits to local farms and factories, all of the efforts that help strengthen the relationship between producers and consumers. Mr. Al Hashemi emphasized Union Coop’s commitment to the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ initiative by highlighting…

Dubai, UAE: Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) of Dubai has hosted the graduation of the NOMU Al Ghurair Women in AI program, in collaboration with the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation (AGF) and the pioneering educational institution, ZAKA. The event recognised the achievements of 70 Emirati & Arab women who successfully completed the 20-week AI Certification program with ZAKA, which was established to increase the skills capacity in artificial intelligence and machine learning in the UAE. Organized by ZAKA Co-founder and Head of Partnerships, Larissa Abi Nakhle, the ceremony welcomed RIT Dubai President Dr. Yousef Al Assaf and Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation CEO Dr.…

Abu Dhabi, UAE: Mubadala Investment Company PJSC (Mubadala), an Abu Dhabi sovereign investor, and the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre (ADPIC) have signed a partnership agreement to foster collaborations in various areas which features a comprehensive framework for cooperation between the two organisations, aimed at advancing infrastructure initiatives crucial to Abu Dhabi’s development as a leading destination of choice. These include comprehensive feasibility studies, knowledge sharing, and assessments to evaluate the viability for proposed projects, as well as sharing insights to develop sustainable financing models. The agreement was signed on the first day of Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit (ADIS)…

Paris & Riyadh: Riyadh Air, the new national carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, today signed a deal at the 55th Edition of Paris Air Show at Le Bourget with Rolls-Royce for 50 Trent XWB-97 engines to power its fleet of 50 Airbus A350-1000 an order that was announced yesterday. The agreement was signed by Adam Boukadida, Chief Financial Officer of Riyadh Air and Rob Watson, President of Civil Aerospace at Rolls-Royce in the presence of Tony Douglas, Riyadh Air’s Chief Executive Officer, and Tufan Erginbilgic, Rolls-Royce Chief Executive Officer. At the same time, a Memorandum of Understanding was also signed…

Bangkok, Thailand 16 June 2025 – Central Chidlom, the flagship store of Central Department Store Group under Central Retail, proudly unveils its newly transformed destination as ‘The Store of Bangkok’ – an exceptional luxury shopping experience designed for international visitors and discerning Middle Eastern travellers. Located in the heart of Bangkok’s premier shopping district, Central Chidlom sets the standard for luxury retail by seamlessly combining world-class international brands with exquisite Thai craftsmanship. The destination provides exceptional convenience with direct access to Chit-Lom BTS Skytrain station and proximity to Bangkok’s most prestigious five-star hotels, renowned restaurants, and iconic cultural landmarks. A…

June 2025, Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Something special is rising at ME by Meliá Dubai this month. For one morning only, on June 17th, the hotel’s signature venue, Central Restaurant, will host an exclusive breakfast experience that brings together two celebrated culinary talents, Chef Bruno Dinel, founder of the award-winning French bakery Au Pain de Mon Grand-Père, and ME by Meliá Dubai’s Executive Chef Biljana Nava Villarreal, the creative force behind ME Dubai’s refined dining offerings. The one-day-only menu brings together buttery brioches, rustic sourdoughs, and freshly baked French baguettes crafted by Chef Dinel, alongside a vibrant lineup of signature dishes curated…

Lottery.com has signed a $2.5 million agreement to acquire a 90% stake in Nook Holdings, a sports and wellness incubator based in Dubai, founded by Ravi Bhusari. The deal will see Nook rebranded as part of the Sports.com platform, serving as Lottery.com’s MENA base. The acquisition is part of Lottery.com’s modular global expansion model focused on acquiring high-potential, cash-generating businesses in the sports, health, and entertainment sectors. Press release: Lottery.com has announced it has signed an amended stock purchase agreement to acquire 90% of Nook Holdings, a UAE-based sports and wellness incubator, for $2.5 million in cash. The deal is expected to…