In a major departure from the long-stalled EU-GCC framework, the UAE is pursuing a solo trade pact with the European Union — its first direct effort since bloc-wide talks began in the late 1980s
Deep Dive
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Dubai property brokers
Million dollar broker: How reality TV star Ben Bandari built his AED22bn Dubai real estate portfolio
Million Dollar Listing UAE star Ben Bandari talks making it in Dubai, the cutthroat real estate industry, and navigating boom-and-bust through pure hustle
Azizi Developments
EXCLUSIVE: Meet Mirwais Azizi – The man behind billion-dollar developments in Dubai – and the world
From skyscrapers to opera houses, Mirwais Azizi is reshaping skylines and communities with a vision powered by legacy, humility, and heartfelt conviction
AI governance
Viral ChatGPT social media trends spark legal, ethical AI ‘threat’ as UAE experts warn of data risks
AI-driven Studio Ghibli, action figure images as part of viral trends raise alarms among UAE experts, warning that creatives’ rights and copyright protections are being compromised in the rush for innovation
Donald Trump
Analysis: Will Gulf economies feel the heat from Trump’s tariffs?
Regional analysts predict limited direct effects but warn of broader economic fallout if global slowdown hits oil demand
automotive industry
NIO MENA CEO eyes battery swaps to win over Gulf’s luxury EV market
How Mohammed Maktari is rewiring the Middle East’s EV future
Desert Rock
Inside the ‘camouflaged’ Desert Rock Resort: Saudi Red Sea destination draws global tourists at $3,200 per night
Saudi Arabia’s newest ultra-luxury mountain hideaway attracts international visitors off the beaten path with premium rates and invisible architecture
High Net Worth Individuals
EXCLUSIVE: UAE developers pour billions into Maldives as luxury island market heats up
Honeymooners may soon find the Maldives transformed into a lucrative second-home market, thanks to over $3 billion in UAE investments by 2030
Alwaleed Philanthropies
‘Women have run out of excuses’: Princess Lamia on what it takes to build the next generation
HRH Princess Lamia bint Majed Al Saud on empowerment, transformation, and why the future belongs to those who seize it
Abu Dhabi
UAE megaprojects 2025: 50 massive developments set to transform the nation
Here are some of UAE’s upcoming projects planned for the next decade
NEOM
Saudi Arabia megaprojects: 19 major developments transforming the kingdom
Saudi Arabia’s multi-billion-dollar projects to diversify its economy, generate jobs, and establish itself as a global commercial hub
Alisha Moopen
Meet Alisha Moopen: The UAE’s rising healthcare CEO looking to make a difference
Alisha Moopen, Managing Director and Group CEO of Aster DM Healthcare, on the future of the industry, mental well-being, and empowering women
Dubai
Salt Bae: Meet the butcher building a billion-dollar business one golden steak at a time
From meme to meat mogul, inside the rise of Nusret Gökçe aka Salt Bae
British American Tobacco (BAT)
Inside BAT CEO Tadeu Marroco’s view for a smokeless tomorrow
British American Tobacco’s CEO on new categories, sustainability, and the power of innovation
Abraham Accords
Analysis: Early days of Trump 2.0 signal major Middle East policy shift to transactional diplomacy
Experts weigh prospects for Trump’s deal-making approach as allies grapple with controversial Gaza plans and Iran stance
AI adoption
Analysis: DeepSeek’s $6 million AI breakthrough is a ‘Sputnik moment’ for American tech
The breakthrough suggests U.S. sanctions may have accelerated China’s push for technological self-reliance, rather than containing its advancement, experts say
diplomacy
Analysis: How Trump Secretary of State pick Marco Rubio will shake up Middle East relations
Rubio faces a complex set of immediate challenges, including implementing the Gaza ceasefire deal, managing escalating tensions with Iran, and attempting to revive the Abraham Accords, experts say