The India and Middle East region is of strategic importance to the Air France-KLM Group, Gumuseli said
Industries
Abu Dhabi
Masdar announces two major deals in Spain’s Iberian Peninsula
The UAE clean energy company acquires Saeta and enters into a partnership with Endesa that includes 49.99% stake
automobile business
Honda and Nissan confirm merger to create world’s third-biggest auto company
A holding company will be created and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange by August 2026; Mitsubishi will also be part of the merger
Drydocks World
Drydocks World inaugurates multi-million dollar expansion to lead global marine, offshore wind projects
The South Yard features the Middle East and Africa’s largest load-out jetty, capable of handling structures weighing up to 37,000 tonnes
Dubai
Dubai Duty Free records AED59.9m sales in 24 hours
The sale on the shop floor was supported by 800 pallets of merchandise issued from the Dubai Duty Free Distribution Centre, containing 265,799 units of items
Christmas
Revealed: Top European destinations for UAE travellers on Christmas, NYE 2025
Moscow, London and Baku took the top spots this festive season
Aviation
Turkish Airlines wins Guinness World Record for most countries flown
The ceremony was attended by executives from Turkish Airlines and officials from Guinness World Records
Dubai
Kate Spade New York opens new flagship store in Dubai Mall
Located on the ground floor of Dubai Mall, the opening marks Kate Spade’s second standalone store in Dubai
Abha International Airport
Saudi Arabia issues RFP for New Abha International Airport expansion project
Project will be completed in 2 or 3 phases; Four pre-qualified bidders in the fray; Capacity to reach 13 million by 2054
Al Khail Road
Dubai’s RTA opens key bridge, reduces travel time between Hessa Street and Al Khail Road by 12 minutes
RTA also announced that 54 per cent of the Hessa Street development project, which includes the upgrade of four major intersections, has been completed
Dubai
Union Properties breaks ground on ‘Takaya’ in Dubai Motor City
The $540 million project will have three residential towers with 788 units, apart from penthouses, townhouses, and villas
Employee engagement
UAE, Saudi banks push for enhanced employee experience in GCC: Report
The report highlighted the direct impact on profitability through prioritising employee experience on engagement, retention, and innovation
Airports
GCC airport retail sector forecasted to grow 9.5% annually through 2032
The growth is fuelled by increasing passenger traffic, growing tourism, and significant investments in airport infrastructure
Dubai
MBRHE and Wasl Group sign MoU to develop sustainable housing projects in Dubai
As part of the partnership, the agreement grants Wasl Group priority access to future investment opportunities in housing projects
fintech
Qi, in partnership with Ant International, launches SuperQi, the lifestyle super app
Developed in collaboration with Ant International and powered by Alipay+ Wallet Tech solutions, SuperQi introduces a transformative digital ecosystem
dairy industry
Lulu Hypermarkets in Middle East to offer Milma’s dairy whitener from Indian state of Kerala
The product will be marketed in the Middle East by Lulu Group’s export division Fair Exports
Dubai
Dubai real estate: Ultra-wealthy buyers targeted with new AED1bn Scandinavian-style villas in Al Wasl
More than 6,700 millionaires relocated to Dubai in 2024 alone, and projections indicate an annual influx of 6,500 UHNWIs through 2026