Author: Sam Allcock

MGE Events has confirmed plans to launch the Dhofar Marathon in partnership with Experience Oman. The announcement took place at a press conference on 16 December at Anantara Al Baleed Resort Salalah, under the theme “Dhofar Moves, A Generation Growths”. Organisers say the region is seeing a shift in how sport is viewed. Physical activity is being used as a tool to support healthier lifestyles and community engagement. Programmes linked to this movement have already reached more than 10,000 children, along with adults across Dhofar. The Dhofar Marathon will take place in November 2026 and will be hosted alongside Anantara…

OMODA&JAECOO UAE hosted its first official JAECOO J8 SHS test drive at the Dubai Autodrome on 24 December. The on-track event marked an important stage in the brand’s UAE rollout of its Super Hybrid System technology. The invite-only session included company staff, dealer partners, and more than 40 members of the regional media. Participants drove the JAECOO J8 SHS on the circuit and shared first-hand impressions based on live driving experience. The day began with a technical presentation and track briefing. The session outlined the vehicle’s core features and explained how the Super Hybrid System operates across different driving conditions.…

Al Habtoor Motors has launched three new JAC vehicles in the UAE as part of an expanded product line-up. The new models include the JS6 PRO SUV, the T8 Pro Petrol Pickup, and the RF8 Luxury MPV, covering key segments in the local market. The vehicles were revealed at a launch event held at the Al Joud Ballroom at Hilton Habtoor City. The launch reflects JAC’s continued development in the UAE, where the brand has operated since 2014. It also shows how the company has moved from its manufacturing origins in 1967 towards a focus on modern vehicle technology and…

Comera Financial Holdings, a member of Abu Dhabi’s Royal Group, and SC Ventures have entered into a strategic collaboration through a signed memorandum of understanding. The agreement focuses on developing financial solutions that support SMEs and align with the UAE’s wider economic goals. The partnership will explore solutions designed for corporates that work closely with SME networks. Areas under review include supply chain finance, improved access to working capital, and tailored funding models for specific sectors. By combining Comera’s digital finance platforms with SC Ventures’ knowledge of venture development and credit analysis, the organisations aim to support business stability and…

Ford Middle East and North Africa unveiled the 2026 Ford Everest at the Liwa International Festival, highlighting a new V6 engine developed for the region and presenting the Everest Tremor to local audiences for the first time. Ravi Ravichandran, President, Ford Middle East and North Africa, said:” The unveiling of the 2026 Ford Everest marks a new chapter for Ford in the region under our Ready.Set.Ford. direction. For more than 40 years, we’ve listened to our customers across the Middle East, and the new Everest reflects what they expect from a modern SUV: capability, everyday comfort, and advanced technology—ready for…

Stirling Hospitality Advisors has been appointed to advise on the launch of the St. Regis Residences on Dubai Islands, in partnership with Avenew Development. The project is positioned as a major luxury residential scheme along Dubai’s northern waterfront. As lead advisory partner, Stirling Hospitality Advisors is responsible for feasibility planning, brand selection, and early-stage development work across the hospitality and branded residences components. This includes assessing hotel performance potential and managing the search and negotiation process with operators. A final operator decision is expected by the end of the year. The St. Regis Residences, Dubai Islands, will feature about 250…

A dedicated dinner and live show experience marks the final night of the year in Dubai. Dubai, UAE; December 2025 – DREAM Dubai will host a single New Year’s Eve celebration created specifically for the night. The event brings together a tailored stage production and selected signature performances from the venue’s festive programme. Guests will be served a shared 10-course menu, featuring oysters prepared to order, truffle burrata with caviar, Canadian lobster, premium prawns, Angus beef tenderloin, and a range of desserts. Drinks will be available on a free-flow basis from 9 PM to 1 AM. The evening follows an…

SpeakUp reached a milestone moment on The Final Pitch Dubai, airing on OSN. In the season’s final episode on 15 December, the Dubai-based AI matching platform became the only startup to receive a live investment offer. One of the investor judges presented the founders with a SAFE agreement during the broadcast. Once the founders left the stage, judges discussed the company’s outlook. Several pointed to SpeakUp’s growth rate, ability to scale, and the size of the market it serves, noting its potential to grow into a large regional business. SpeakUp tackles a common issue in the events and media sectors.…

Comera Finance has received its final regulatory approval from the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) to operate as a Non-Banking Financial Company. The company is part of Comera Financial Holdings, which sits under Abu Dhabi’s Royal Group. The licence authorises Comera Finance to provide retail and wholesale financing services across the UAE. The approval enables Comera Finance to deliver regulated lending solutions in line with national financial regulations. It supports the group’s strategy to create a technology-driven and compliant financial services platform for individuals, SMEs, and corporate clients. The licensing process followed a comprehensive regulatory review that assessed governance,…

flyadeal has opened a new Integrated Operations Control Centre at its Jeddah headquarters. The facility was inaugurated by His Excellency Engr. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of Saudia Group. The Minister was welcomed by His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group and Chairman of flyadeal, alongside flyadeal Chief Executive Officer Steven Greenway. The opening marks a major operational milestone for the airline. The new IOCC is a dedicated standalone facility with four times the capacity of the previous centre. It provides more monitoring capability and workspace to support the…