Author: Sam Allcock

Rateel Alshehri, aged 14, hosted the launch of Trump Plaza Jeddah, a USD 1 billion development by Dar Global with The Trump Organization. The event showed the growing role of young Saudis on the world stage. Rateel served as the event host and introduced key international leaders. These included Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of The Trump Organization, Yousef Al Shelash, Chairman of Dar Al Arkan, and Ziad El Chaar, CEO of Dar Global. Her presence showed trust in the next generation. “It was an honour to host the launch of Trump Plaza Jeddah and to be part of a…

Growing power demand and emerging sectors are accelerating renewable energy development as countries expand large-scale projects and storage infrastructure. New research from DNV, the independent energy assurance specialist, indicates that the Middle East is entering a period of rapid renewable energy growth, led by mega solar installations and expanding storage capacity. The report, Rise of renewables in the Gulf region, launched today at the World Future Energy Summit, projects that variable renewable capacity across MENA will increase by around ten times by 2040 and continue climbing through 2060, despite the region’s continued prominence in oil and gas production. Renewable energy…

A Royal Decree has been issued by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, may God protect and preserve him, confirming the establishment of the International Financial Centre of Oman (IFC Oman) and approving its dedicated legal framework. The launch of IFC Oman forms part of Oman’s broader economic agenda focused on diversification, strengthening its international financial profile, attracting global investment and encouraging innovation. The Centre also highlights the Sultanate’s dedication to creating a credible and effective financial ecosystem that supports the evolving needs of global investors and institutions. In accordance with Royal Decree No. (8/2026), which promulgates the Law of…

Fikra Ventures has partnered with Hub71 to create and grow AI-native companies based in Abu Dhabi. Under the partnership, Fikra Ventures becomes a partner venture studio within Hub71’s ecosystem. It will work as a venture builder for the Initiate Programme, creating AI startups in-house and forming joint ventures with global AI firms entering the region. Wael Aburida, CEO & Managing Partner of Fikra Ventures, and Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, signed the agreement at Hub71. As AI use rises worldwide, success depends on more than technology alone. Market reach, regulation and speed to launch now shape outcomes. This partnership…

IRENA has released a new report that identifies 40 innovations to help policymakers build stronger power systems, improve access to electricity and support local economies. The report explains that no universal solution exists. It states that real progress comes from combining technology with policy reform, regulation, market structures, system management and new business models. IRENA launched the study at its Assembly during a Ministerial Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence (AI). The report, Innovation landscape for sustainable development powered by renewables, shows how energy systems change when technical and policy innovation work together. The study highlights solutions such as AI tools, digital…

Manar Abu Dhabi returned under the theme ‘The Light Compass’, presenting 22 site-specific artworks across Jubail Island, Souq Al Mina, Al Qattara Oasis and Al Jimi Oasis. The public light art exhibition, organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) as part of the Public Art Abu Dhabi initiative, closed on 4 January 2026. Since reopening in November 2025, the event welcomed more than 800,000 visitors. Communities came together to experience the emirate’s coastal, desert and urban landscapes through light installations. Fifteen artists and collectives from 10 countries took part in the second edition.…

Azizi Developments has announced a partnership with Turkish company Mertoglu to provide outdoor play equipment at Azizi Venice. The community is located in Dubai South and is built around a large swimmable lagoon. Mertoglu specialises in outdoor play systems for residential and public spaces. The company focuses on safety, long-term use and designs that suit children of different ages. Its equipment encourages movement, imagination and social interaction. The agreement supports Azizi’s goal to build family-focused communities. Mertoglu’s equipment will be placed in shared outdoor areas across Azizi Venice. These spaces will give children safe places to play while supporting an…

The first Semicon Summit – Dubai 2025 has ended, setting a strong foundation for the region’s semiconductor industry. Hosted by McKinsey Electronics, the two-day event gathered global manufacturers, regional tech firms and industrial customers to share knowledge through technical sessions and live system demos. Held in Dubai, the Summit took a practical approach. It created space for direct talks between engineers, private meetings and working demonstrations. These sessions covered real challenges, including system design, component choice and large-scale deployment. Speakers focused on technologies already active in the region. They shared case studies showing how the UAE is using semiconductor solutions…

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 8 January 2026: Barq Group and Elroy Air have confirmed an initial agreement to form a joint venture focused on autonomous cargo aircraft manufacturing and support services in Abu Dhabi. Under the proposed structure, the partners intend to invest US$200 million in a local facility to produce the Chaparral hybrid-electric VTOL cargo aircraft. Subject to regulatory approval, the plant will serve customers across the Middle East and North Africa and will also provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul services. The approach aims to address regional demand for reliable middle-mile logistics through local capacity. The Chaparral aircraft can transport…

Quantitative asset manager Primrose Capital Management has secured Financial Services Permission from Abu Dhabi Global Market’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority, completing its regulatory approval process in the UAE. The licence follows the firm’s earlier in-principle approval and marks a key step in its strategy to expand operations in the Middle East. It also strengthens Primrose’s position as an investment bridge between Asian markets and Gulf capital. The approval highlights the role of Abu Dhabi Global Market as a regulated centre for innovation across both digital and conventional financial markets. It also reflects Primrose’s approach to compliance, risk oversight, and institutional…