The Climate Transition Plan (CTP), announced during COP29, outlines the company’s strategy to cut absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 43 percent and Scope 3 emissions by 25 percent from its 2022 baseline
Author Archives: Nicole Abigael
Nicole Abigael is a Reporter at Arabian Business and host of the AB Majlis podcast. She covers a diverse range of topics including luxury real estate, high-net-worth individuals, technology, and lifestyle trends across the Middle East.
Nicole has led insightful conversations with global industry leaders, top executives, and influential decision-makers.
Her expertise spans across AI, fintech, luxury markets, and digital transformation, exploring how these forces shape economies and industries in the Middle East and beyond.
As a dynamic storyteller, Nicole is dedicated to uncovering the narratives that define the business landscape. From leading high-profile discussions or diving into investigative reporting, she brings a sharp analytical lens and a deep understanding of the evolving business landscape in the region.
For tips, media inquiries, or the AB Majlis podcast, you can reach out to her on:
Instagram: @nicoleabigael
LinkedIn: Nicole Abigael
Email: [email protected]
Elite Group
Elite Group Holding announces global debut hypercar ‘Zenvo Aurora’ in the UAE
Nearly half of these highly sought-after models have already been pre-booked ahead of production
AI
Majority UAE businesses have a ‘clear, shared vision’ for AI: ServiceNow research
The study also revealed that UAE businesses are already seeing tangible returns on their AI investments
Travel
Phuket, Zanzibar, European Christmas markets among top spots for winter holidays for UAE travellers: Expedia
Many UAE travellers, however, are also opting for destinations closer home such as Baku and Tbilisi and Doha for this year’s year-end holiday plans
Saudi Arabia
Outlier Ventures announces inaugural Web3 accelerator programme in Saudi Arabia
It selected ten startups focusing on sectors including gaming, real world assets, payment solutions, AI, and digital identity in its first cohort
Dubai
Dubai real estate: KASCO Developments unveils residential project ‘VAL’
The 13-floor project will feature 121 residences, comprising studios, one and two-bedroom apartments
Blockchain
Middle East operating WadzPay secures $37mn investment commitment from GEM Global Yeild
The company said the capital infusion will accelerate its growth strategy via acquisitions, partnerships and organic initiatives
Dubai
Emirates Dubai 7s: Ace cricketers, headliners Stormzy and Sugababes to notch up record participation this year
The mega ‘sportainment’ blitzkrieg, falling during the Eid Al Etihad long weekend of November 29-December 1, estimated to have seen about 7% jump in international arrivals at DXB
Al Fakhera
Saudi’s Al Fakhera to debut on parallel market Nomu this week
The company recently concluded its IPO of six million ordinary shares
Corporate sports sponsorship
Is corporate sports sponsorship important? Experts say its a ‘powerful’ strategy
Unlike traditional marketing, which tends to be a one-way street, sports sponsorship allows brands to become an integral part of the experience of sports enthusiasts, fostering a deeper and more dynamic connection
BSA
BSA Media Trading Group appoints Sheikh Mana as chairman
Sheikh Mana, known for his accomplished career in both academic and military fields, is expected to strengthen BSA’s leadership in the market
Delivery Hero
Talabat increases IPO offering amid strong investor demand
The IPO’s total offering size has been increased to 4,657,648,125 shares, up from the previously announced 3,493,236,093 shares
Real Estate
Sharjah reduces property transaction fees in bid to enhance emirate’s real estate sector
The move is expected to boost sales, attract investors, and elevate Sharjah’s real estate market
MENA
Fastex expands MENA presence with ftNFT Phygital Space and Web3 Meetups
The company said the launch of ftNFT phygital space is also aimed at supporting the UAE’s growing position as a global hub for digital assets
Padel
World Padel Academy opens new facility in UK in its first international expansion move
The company said it is proud to be the first in the region to take padel to an international audience
Al Furjan
Dubai real estate: ZāZEN unveils latest sustainable premium living project in Al Furjan
The Hub Residences is located just 150 meters from the Al Furjan metro station, making it ideal for end users and investors alike, the company said
Air Astana
Air Astana gets access to Etihad’s global network through codeshare
The largest Central Asian airline has started direct flights to Abu Dhabi from Astana and adding flights from Almaty soon
Aster
Dubai Insurance, Aster DM Healthcare partner to launch tailored health insurance plan
This innovative solution offers senior citizen access to comprehensive medical services, ranging from preventive care to advanced treatment, through Aster’s expansive network
Travel
UK tech venture Transreport launches new app to simplify travel in UAE
The company said its future developments will focus on providing seamless integration of multi-modal travel assistance requests
Dubai
Dubai real estate: Buyers split budget to acquire more units for self-use, rentals
This dual-property strategy is also reshaping Dubai’s rental market
Middle East
Crysp Farms, Alesca Technologies to deploy 500 vertical farms across Middle East
The partnership aims to revolutionise food production for the hospitality industry by providing more than 130 varieties of fresh produce through an innovative ‘Farming-as-a-Service’ model
Essar Group
Indian industrialist, Essar Group head Shashi Ruia dies
Among the Group’s global operations is a planned $4.5 billion green steel plant in Saudi Arabia
Barclays
UK regulator fines Barclays $51mn after it drops appeal over Qatar dealings
The fine by the Financial Conduct Authority dates back to the 2008 crisis, when Barclays scrambled to raise funds from overseas investors, including Qatar, in order to avoid a state bailout
finance
Morgan Stanley to set up Mideast regional HQ in Saudi Arabia
The regulatory nod will make it the latest Western bank to expand its operations in the country
Airfare
Global airfares set to rise again in 2025: Report
Fares on most routes are projected to rise next year, though the size of the increases will likely vary greatly by region
Adani Group
TotalEnergies to stop funding Adani firms till clarity on corruption accusations
US prosecutors last week charged the Indian group’s billionaire founder and seven others over an alleged multimillion-dollar bribery and fraud scheme
Dubai
Global real estate leaders to convene in Dubai for global event in December
Backed by nine international industry associations, the World Realty Congress is set to be the largest gathering of its kind in the region
boxing
Crypto influencers Ansem and BitBoy to battle as Crypto Fight Night returns to Dubai this December
Coinciding with the F1 Week in Abu Dhabi, the Dubai event is to bring the worlds of crypto and boxing together for an unforgettable evening of sport and networking, the organizers said
Austria
Bahrain-based global MMA promotion company BRAVE CF sets world record with Austria debut
Vienna tournament was the 16th European host nation for the organization, and 35th globally
ADNOC
ADNOC L&S gets delivery of new LNG Carrier ahead of schedule
Al Shelila has a capacity of 175,000m3, larger than ADNOC’s current fleet capacity of 137,000m3, and is delivered two months ahead of schedule
China
UAE, Saudi Arabia set for industrial equipment investment boom as Chinese firms eye regional expansion
Growing demand for clean energy solutions in the UAE is acting as an added attraction for these companies who are looking to tap the “huge” market opportunities in the Gulf region for their electric and energy-efficient equipment and machineries
CI Financial Corp
Mubadala Capital to take Canada’s CI Financial private in $3.34 billon deal
Shareholders to receive CAD32 in cash per share, representing a premium of 33% over the last closing price; Stock jumps 30%
Medication
Ozempic: Users look for ‘quick’ weight loss fuelled by celebrities, experts warn drugs are ‘tools, not solutions’
The growing popularity of weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy raises concerns about accessibility, sustainability, and holistic health approaches – but, what is driving this demand?
AB Majlis
AB Majlis podcast: Jebal Jais to have accommodation on the mountains ‘within a year’, reveals RAKTDA’s CEO
The CEO talks developments in the RAK tourism landscape including new launches, tourism goals, Wynn gaming resort and more
Dubai
RTA announces major entry, exit upgrades to four Dubai residential areas
The improvements are expected to increase capacity by 50 percent to 80 percent upon completion
Agriculture
UAE unveils first world’s first ChatGPT tool for farmers at COP29
The tool referred to as “CHAG” (Chat + Ag) – will leverage over 50 years of agricultural research data to support farmers worldwide
Artificial intelligence
Metaverse, AI, VR: Did overhype kill Web3?
The future of Web3 lies not in replacing existing systems but in complementing them
Dubai
Victor Gastou wants Donald Trump’s ring: Inside the collection of 700 rings at Dubai’s L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts
The collection will be at the L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts until April 2025 with Gastou’s son Victor playing a key role in delivering his father’s legacy to enthusiasts in Dubai
Breitling
Breitling’s 140-year evolution: Why the luxury watchmaker is opening cafes in Saudi Arabia
The brand is integrating food and beverage offerings into many of its boutiques, including launching Breitling Kitchens in markets such as Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and the UK
Dubai
Meet Ali Pacino: ‘Nobody cares about the smaller cars’ says the man behind Dubai’s F1rst Motors
Pacino’s vision for F1rst Motors involves opening more showrooms across several key locations in the world
Dubai
Dubai waterfront vs city view properties: Which is a better investment? Experts weigh in
Dubai’s real estate market offers distinct value propositions for waterfront and city view properties
Blacklane
Blacklane chauffeur service aims to redefine ride hailing in the region with premium features, chauffeur training, electric vehicles
Guests can benefit from an array of features including massage seats, noise-cancelling technology, HEPA filters and more
female executives
Number of women in executive roles in Britain falls for first time in 8 years: Report
The Pipeline, which analyses gender diversity at senior corporate levels, said the average proportion of women on executive committees at Britain’s 350 biggest, listed companies slipped to 32% in 2024 from a revised 33% last year
airline ticket for pets
Dubai’s rich are spending $10,000 to fly dogs, cats on private jet: ‘Pets are part of their family’ says K9 Jets CEO
The company has flown over 1,520 dogs and 80 cats to several destinations around the world
agricultural production
What’s at steak? Behind the politics of beef exports, with UAE, Saudi, Qatar boosting meat investments
The intersection of rising global beef demand, geopolitical shifts, food security initiatives, and sustainability concerns has turned steak into an increasingly attractive investment category
AI algorithms
‘Addictive’ AI chatbots: Experts express ‘real concern’ over impact on children, with users ‘vulnerable to manipulation’
With technology such as chatbots can bring comfort and utility, they also raise significant concerns about emotional dependency, data privacy, and potential manipulation
Egypt
Nobu to open in Egypt as part of SODIC’s launch of Eastown District New Cairo
With an aim to redefine New Cairo’s retail and leisure landscape, EDNC introduces new experiences, with Nobu’s upcoming opening marking a major milestone for Egypt’s upscale dining and hospitality sector
Dubai
Dubailand vs Dubai Creek Harbour: How much real estate can you buy for $1mn?
Here is a comparison of the type of properties you can buy in Dubailand and Dubai Creek Harbour for $1 million
Dubai
Green Vision Consultants reports tenfold revenue growth since 2020, fuelled by Dubai SME support
The firm, which began as a small local enterprise focusing on Dubai-based projects, has evolved into a regional player with operations spanning the GCC, Middle East, and Asia. It now boasts a workforce of over 15 professionals, offering specialised multi-disciplinary design consultancy services
Cryptocurrency
UAE, Saudi Arabia sees high interest in DeFi, crypto activity driven by youth
Saudi Arabia and the UAE are emerging as hotspots for DeFi activity within MENA, showing higher engagement with decentralised platforms compared to the global average
RAK real estate
RAK real estate: ‘The time to act is now’ as market booms ahead of gaming resort opening, experts say
The surge in property prices in Ras Al Khaimah reflects the growing attractiveness of the emirate as a real estate investment destination
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia National Day 2024: Kingdom celebrates 94 years with fireworks, shows, parades
The celebrations typically include a variety of activities that resonate with the values and traditions of Saudi culture
Arctic Edge
Dubai ice bath: ‘Rolls Royce’ of cold therapy opens as founder skips ‘dream job’ to bring ‘huge opportunity’ to the region
Tears, transformation and tranquillity – these are the feelings that George Kyriacou, founder of Arctic Edge, believes that one will experience through the process of cold water immersion
Dubai
Shamal Holding announces first Baccarat Hotel in Dubai: Details revealed
The hotel’s design draws inspiration from Baccarat’s crystal heritage, featuring a glass façade that aims to complement the city’s existing skyline