Author: Sam Allcock

UAE retailers are investing heavily in artificial intelligence (AI) to reshape customer experiences, but shoppers remain unconvinced, according to the new AI in Retail Report 2025 by SAP Emarsys. Now in its third year, the report draws on insights from more than 200 marketers and 1,000 consumers across the UAE. It highlights a growing disconnect between retailers’ ambitions and customer perceptions. While 82% of UAE marketers say AI is central to their personalization efforts, only 31% of consumers feel brands tailor content to their needs. Just 18% believe they receive fair value in exchange for their personal data. The findings…

Consumers in the Gulf are adopting digital technologies at a faster pace than many global markets, according to Deloitte’s latest Digital Consumer Trends 2025 report. The survey of 2,000 people in the UAE and Saudi Arabia found rising use of generative AI, widespread reliance on smartphones, and rapid growth in social commerce. The study reveals that 58% of respondents have already used generative AI tools such as ChatGPT or Google Gemini, a figure far higher than that reported in the UK and Europe. Of these, more than half engage with AI-powered tools on a weekly or daily basis, employing them…

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has announced a curated collection of festive experiences for the 2025 holiday season, offering guests around the world the opportunity to celebrate with tailored stays that blend tradition, indulgence and innovation. As travellers begin planning their seasonal getaways earlier than ever, the luxury brand has positioned itself as a leading destination for holiday escapes, whether in tropical villas, alpine lodges or cosmopolitan city retreats. From candlelit dinners under the stars to teddy bear tea parties for children and festive rooftop villages, the programmes are designed to spark joy and create lasting memories. Family-first celebrations Four…

Ooredoo has confirmed its role as the Digital Innovation Partner at COMEX 2025, Oman’s largest technology and digital transformation exhibition. The event, which runs from 8 to 11 September at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Center, will see the telecom giant highlight its vision for enabling the Sultanate’s digital future in line with Oman Vision 2040. This year’s participation holds particular significance as it marks the company’s first major public showcase under its new leadership. Earlier in 2025, Ooredoo appointed Saoud Al Riyami as its first Omani Chief Executive Officer, signaling a new chapter in the company’s growth. With over…

Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, home to some of the world’s most celebrated theme parks, is reporting record demand for its annual passes, with supplies now close to running out. The passes grant year-round access to the island’s four flagship attractions — Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi and SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Collectively, the parks have been instrumental in shaping the capital’s reputation as a hub for leisure tourism in the Gulf. Officials say the surge reflects Abu Dhabi’s growing appeal as a family-friendly destination. Tourism to the emirate has been rising steadily, with Yas…

Azizi Developments has renewed its partnership with Finpower Aircon L.L.C, one of the UAE’s leading providers of HVAC systems, for the supply of Fresh Air Handling Units (FAHUs) and Fan Coil Units (FCUs) across all of its upcoming projects. Finpower, founded in 2012, has built a reputation for delivering durable and energy-efficient air conditioning solutions. Its FCUs are designed to offer strong cooling performance while reducing power consumption, a feature that aligns with Dubai’s wider focus on sustainable urban living. Farhad Azizi, Group CEO of Azizi Developments, said:“We are pleased to be extending our partnership with Finpower Aircon, a trusted…

LG Electronics has unveiled its latest home appliance, the LG XD2 Dishwasher, in the Gulf region, positioning it as a premium solution for modern households seeking efficiency, hygiene, and convenience. The XD2, finished in sleek black, combines advanced cleaning technology with energy efficiency, reflecting LG’s focus on meeting the diverse demands of families, professionals, and entertainers across the Emirates. At the centre of its performance is LG’s 100°C TrueSteam™ technology, which eliminates up to 99.9% of bacteria. The company says the high-temperature steam not only ensures hygienic cleaning for items like baby bottles and dinnerware but also reduces water spots,…

Ski Dubai, in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council, is preparing to stage the 16th edition of the Ice Warrior Challenge on Sunday, 14 September 2025. The event will be held inside the award-winning Ski Dubai Snow Park at the Mall of the Emirates, voted the World’s Best Indoor Ski Resort. Organisers say this year’s edition has already surpassed previous records for registration, with only a limited number of places left before the September 12 cut-off date. Demand has been so high that they expect tickets to sell out quickly through Premier Online. A test of strength and endurance The…

Union Coop, one of the UAE’s largest consumer cooperatives, has reported a sharp increase in retail activity during the back-to-school period, with August seeing peak demand at shopping centres and outlets across the country. The surge came as families prepared for the new academic year, driving higher sales of essential school and household items. Major campaigns launched To meet the seasonal demand, Union Coop rolled out three promotional campaigns covering a wide range of categories, including stationery, electronics, school bags, office supplies, food items and consumer products. The promotions featured discounts of up to 50 per cent on hundreds of…

Warba Bank, one of Kuwait’s leading Islamic financial institutions, has unveiled a new youth-focused digital platform called Wave Banking, marking a significant step in its digital transformation strategy. The service, launched under the slogan “Your Wave, Your Way”, is designed to give young customers more independence and confidence in managing their finances through a fully digital journey, from account opening to daily transactions. Ahmad Faisal Al-Qatami, Warba’s Chief Retail Banking Officer, described the initiative as a “strategic milestone” for the bank. “We believe youth are the driving force of change and progress in society,” he said. “Wave Banking provides them…