Dubai High-End Auction to Feature Exclusive $3.5 Million Supercars and $400,000 UAE-Themed Watch

Qatari Minister of State for Energy Affairs Saad Al-Kaabi, reaffirmed the importance of continuing investment in energy projects, stressing that a fair oil price is essential to ensure the sustainability of production.

Al-Kaabi made this statement during his participation in a panel discussion at the Qatar Economic Forum titled “Global Energy Security and Supply Assurance”, with CEO of Conoco Phillips Ryan Lance. He emphasized the growing global need for energy to support economic growth, as the world’s population will increase by between 1.5 to 2 billion people over the next 20 to 30 years.

Furthermore, Al-Kaabi discussed the outcomes of former US President Donald Trump’s recent visit to Qatar. He highlighted those Qatari American partnerships in the energy sector, including the Golden Pass LNG export project and the Golden Triangle petrochemical plant, which houses the world’s largest ethane cracker unit.

For his part, Lance explained that the tariffs imposed by Trump, markets may experience a rise in prices due to these tariffs, and the US has already begun to witness a decline in prices. He added that every commercial system or trade plan requires time to realize its intended economic vision.

Majid Al Futtaim, a leading pioneer in shopping malls, communities, retail, and leisure across the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia, today announced a major milestone at its flagship forest living community, Ghaf Woods with the launch of Capria, the development’s third phase. In addition, it has achieved the LEED Platinum certification for its newly opened Ghaf Woods Sales and Experience Centre.

Located in the heart of Dubai, Ghaf Woods redefines urban living by blending contemporary architecture with an immersive, forest-inspired environment rooted in sustainable design principles.

Capria introduces the Wellness Community and Tranquillity Collection, a premium residential enclaves designed around holistic wellbeing and mindful living. Tailored for families, wellness seekers, and fitness enthusiasts, this phase integrates biophilic and salutogenic design, WELL residential concepts, spa-style pools, wellness gardens, retreat zones, and an exclusive clubhouse.

Homeowners can select from two refined interior palettes, Radiance (light and airy) or Twilight (warm and bold). The Tranquillity Collection offers a nature-immersed experience, blending the privacy of suburban living with the conveniences of city life.

Ahmed El Shamy, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Properties, said: “Ghaf Woods represents a bold vision for the future of residential living, where nature and modernity coexist harmoniously. With Capria, we are reimagining how communities can integrate wellness into everyday living. The Wellness Community and Tranquillity Collection continues to build on our promise to redefine forest living in Dubai, offering a holistic lifestyle that nurtures both mind and body while respecting the environment.”

The newly opened Ghaf Woods Sales & Experience Centre has been awarded LEED Platinum certification, the highest distinction under the world’s most widely used green building rating system. This achievement reflects Majid Al Futtaim’s steadfast commitment to innovation-led sustainability in real estate. The Centre offers visitors an immersive journey through the community’s vision, featuring interactive AR/VR-enabled smart home demonstrations, a 3D projection room, and spatially dynamic zones including a reception lobby, multimedia room, meeting spaces, and a café.

Spanning 7,556 square feet, the Ghaf Woods Sales & Experience Centre offers a dynamic, immersive introduction to the forest living lifestyle. Architecturally inspired by nature, the center features organic, biophilic design and operates as a Net Positive Energy facility, achieving 144.5% energy savings through car park solar PV, high-performance insulation, reflective roofing, smart lighting, energy sub-metering, and an efficient HVAC setup.

Designed for occupant wellbeing, over 80% of regularly occupied spaces receive ample daylight and offer direct views of the outdoors, reinforcing the center’s alignment with Ghaf Woods’ forest-first philosophy.

“The LEED Platinum certification is a powerful testament to our vision for environmentally responsible communities and innovation in the built environment. The Sales & Experience Centre demonstrates how sustainable design can be seamlessly integrated into the customer journey, delivering energy efficiency, occupant well-being, and immersive technology in a single, future-forward space.”

Spanning 738,000 square meters off the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Highway, near Global Village, Ghaf Woods will feature over 7,000 premium units, including one, two, and three-bedroom residences and penthouses. The community will be home to a thriving forest of 35,000 climate-suited trees, including the iconic Ghaf tree, playing a crucial role in reducing soil erosion, conserving water, and cooling the environment—ensuring temperatures remain up to five degrees Celsius lower than the city’s average.

Prioritizing wellness, Ghaf Woods promises residents eight kilometers of walking trails, a three-and-a-half-kilometer biking loop, resort-style pools, fitness facilities, family-friendly gardens, and a yoga pavilion. The community will also be home to Majid Al Futtaim’s signature multi-purpose hub, Distrikt, which features a curated selection of retail and farm-to-table dining experiences.

Technology’s transformational role in revolutionizing the Middle East real estate marketplace has manifested one of the UAE’s greatest business success stories, with cloud computing and GenAI innovation supercharging a new era of digital real estate services across the region.

Property Finder, the Middle East’s leading real estate marketplace that serves millions of users every month in a booming US$388 billion market, first embraced cloud computing when it transitioned to Amazon Web Services (AWS) in 2012 to manage massive data volumes and high traffic that comes with being the number one online property platform in the region.

The implementation of serverless architecture has strengthened Property Finder’s market leadership, with the company now representing 65 percent online real estate advertising presence, leveraging AWS’s scalable and secure cloud infrastructure, and solidifying its position as a leading force in the evolving regional online real estate landscape.

More recently, Property Finder made a decisive move to migrate to AWS Redshift data warehouse service, and AWS QuickSight machine learning business intelligence service, a decision that has improved business performance by 81 percent, and reduced costs by 40 percent.

The business also recently migrated its data lakehouse to AWS to unify analytics infrastructure and streamline data integration. As most of Property Finder’s data sources already reside within the AWS ecosystem, this move enabled seamless connectivity, reduced latency, and simplified data ingestion pipelines.

In addition, the property portal integrates with AWS’s AI and machine learning services, like Amazon SageMaker, Amazon Q, and Amazon Bedrock, helping the business accelerate its development of intelligent features across its platform.

This successful migration highlights the powerful benefits of AWS, and its cutting-edge GenAI services to enhance business processes. These improvements span from AI-powered recommendations and intelligent chatbots, to advanced video processing, automated listing quality checks, and fraud detection.

These customized tech advancements were embedded in response to key challenges faced by Property Finder customers, of which nearly half (44 percent) regard ‘trust’ as the primary criterion when seeking their next property rental or purchase. Automated listing quality checks and fraud detection are examples of GenAI applications built on the AWS AI/ML ecosystem, including Bedrock and other services.

“Property Finder’s transformation showcases how technology is revolutionizing Middle East real estate,” said Himanshu Niranjani, CTO of Property Finder. “At its core, a strategic migration to AWS Redshift created more than just a modern data foundation – it became the springboard for AI innovation.

“By leveraging Amazon Bedrock’s diverse LLM capabilities and tight integration with their data warehouse, Property Finder rapidly deployed sophisticated GenAI solutions across our platform. This seamless connection between data and AI transformed everything from listing creation to ensuring listing quality, and detecting unavailable listings and processing millions of requests every month.”

Building a ‘property cloud’ vision, a nexus of the best tech talent

Founded in 2007, Property Finder’s tech-fueled rise mirrors the Middle East’s own digital transformation in recent years, with AWS and other tech leaders helping accelerate innovation in the region’s emerging AI economy.

“Today, Property Finder stands as the region’s pioneer in AI-powered real estate, where every interaction is enhanced by intelligent automation and delivered at lightning speed through AWS’s global infrastructure,” said Tanuja Randery, Vice President, Europe, Middle East, and Africa, AWS. “This integration of robust data architecture and advanced AI capabilities isn’t just transforming their business; it’s the manifestation of a ‘property cloud’ vision that is setting new industry standards.”

The AWS and Property Finder relationship also sets a blueprint for other organizations in the region looking to leverage cloud and AI technologies, while setting new standards for digital customer services across the Middle East and solidifying the region’s status as a nexus attracting the best tech talent.

“Property Finder has seen a significant surge in tech hires over the last year and we continue to attract top talent,” added Niranjani. “Our team is made up of the best and brightest, united by a shared ambition to change living for good in the region. We attract top talent who want to make an impact, and we firmly believe that when our people grow, we all succeed.”

The UAE real estate market is constantly growing and expanding, making it an attractive destination for investors from around the world. However, amid these promising opportunities, it is essential for investors to adopt a strategic vision aimed at achieving successful real estate investments, rather than being drawn to quick gains. Investors must believe that real estate is not just a commodity, but a powerful tool for achieving long-term financial freedom, and should consider the following key points before embarking on any real estate investment.

1. Clearly define your goal: Before embarking on any real estate investment, ask yourself: what is your long-term goal—securing a comfortable retirement, protecting your income from inflation, or establishing your family’s financial future? Clarity of goal is the map that will guide your investment decisions.
2. Prioritize logic over emotion: You might be attracted by a beautiful design of a property or drawn to a specific location, but investment decisions must be based on comprehensive study of the numbers and a precise analysis of expected returns. Ignore emotional temptations and focus on data and facts.
3. Start with what you have, not what you dream of: Entering the real estate market should be proportional to your current financial capabilities. Logic and gradual progress are the foundation of success. Don’t overextend your budget in pursuit of luxuries at the beginning but rather start with calculated steps towards building your real estate portfolio.
4. Be wary of false promises: The market is full of tempting ads, but a smart investor must distinguish between genuine opportunities and false promises of quick and illogical profits. Rely on independent research and analysis, and don’t let marketing hype drive your decisions.
5. Diversify your investments wisely: To reduce risks and increase opportunities, implement a multi-faceted diversification strategy among different types of properties (ready, off-plan, in developing areas, commercial) in a way that aligns with market dynamics and evolving needs.
6. Invest in a promising market with attractive returns: The UAE real estate market boasts rental investment returns ranging between 7% and 11% annually in some key areas, which are among the highest globally. This advantage makes this market a strategic choice for long-term investors.
7. Gradual growth, not rapid speculation: Building a strong investment portfolio comes through gradual and well-considered growth, which is the safer approach. Avoid trying to achieve quick gains through speculation, especially by relying on the exceptional increases the market has recently witnessed, which cannot be considered a constant benchmark.
8. Arm yourself with awareness and knowledge: Before making any investment decision, invest your time in in-depth market research to understand supply and demand dynamics, price trends, and potential risks—the true foundation of success.

Successful real estate investment is not a matter of luck, but rather a long-term strategy and plan that requires market awareness, careful study, and rational decisions. The real estate market offers tremendous investment opportunities, but success within it lies in approaching it with awareness, not emotion. Real estate is not merely a one-time transaction but a progressive path towards achieving a successful investment and securing a more stable and prosperous future.

Turkish Airlines, a leading global airline, has mandated the first financing structure to use the Sompo AXIS Aviation Finance Insurance (SAAFI), Aviation Non-Payment Insurance (ANPI) product. This transaction, sealed at a signing ceremony in Tokyo, Japan, marks a significant milestone in aviation financing insurance as it is the first time SAAFI has been mandated following its launch earlier this year.

Under the terms of the mandate, JP Lease will arrange equity and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) will provide the debt to Turkish Airlines for the delivery of one A350-900 and one A321-271NX aircraft (both expected in 2026).  SMBC’s loan is supported 100% with an ANPI policy provided by the SAAFI insurers, Sompo and AXIS.  This use of the SAAFI ANPI product in connection with a Japanese Operating Lease with Call Option (JOLCO) structure has allowed Turkish Airlines to significantly lower its all-in cost of financing. The policy was brokered by Willis, a WTW business (NASDAQ: WTW).

“We are pleased to be the launching customer of “SAAFI” with the support of our valued insurers Sompo and AXIS, Insurance broker Willis, our long-term business partners SMBC and JP Lease. As Turkish Airlines, we are committed to participate in the development of innovative solutions that support our growth and fleet renewal strategies. With financing models like SAAFI, we not only enhance our financial flexibility and resilience but also reinforce our leadership in the industry,” said Assoc. Prof. Murat Şeker, Turkish Airlines Chief Financial Officer and Member of the Board and the Executive Committee.

Tim Gaul, Financial and Political Risks Underwriter at Sompo said: “Sompo is honored to have been mandated by our long-term partner Turkish Airlines to launch the SAAFI product on its inaugural financing of two Airbus aircraft. Sompo has extensive experience in the Aviation Non-Payment Insurance market having been involved in the financing of more than 120 aircraft globally over the past eight years. We believe our partnership with AXIS through SAAFI will be a welcome addition to our current suite of aviation financing products available to our customers, with Turkish Airlines the first of many who will benefit from our additional capacity.”

Richard Jelf, Senior Underwriter at AXIS said: “AXIS is proud to be bringing the SAAFI product to the aircraft finance market alongside Sompo and thrilled to have Turkish Airlines as our first customer. Building on our extensive experience in the aviation sector, SAAFI is an important addition to our product offerings in the Aircraft Non-Payment Insurance space. Through this initiative, AXIS can partner with new and existing customers, playing an important role in both their growth as well as that of the airline industry.”

Stuart Ashworth, Managing Director of Financial Solutions, Willis, a WTW business, added: “We are delighted to be able to assist Turkish Airlines and SMBC with this financing. This is also our first SAAFI mandate from Turkish Airlines; an innovative financing solution supporting an innovative, dynamic and forward-thinking airline.”

This Eid, journey into the cultural heart of Italy, where Florence and Milan open their doors to moments of quiet wonder and exclusive discovery. At Lungarno Collection’s Portrait Hotels, the holiday becomes an invitation to Italy’s most intimate cultural experiences, thoughtfully tailored for those who seek meaning through beauty, history and connection.

At Portrait Firenze, Florence unfolds not in crowds, but in hushed reverence. Guests are welcomed to walk the hallowed halls of the Uffizi Gallery in rare solitude. Paintings appear as if suspended in time, from the haunting gaze of Cimabue to the lyrical grace of Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Allegory of Spring.

The journey continues with exclusive access to the Accademia for a private encounter with Michelangelo’s David, and onward to the echoing chambers of Palazzo Vecchio and the sacred beauty of Santa Croce. Guided by Portrait Firenze, these living, breathing chapters of history can open just for you.

In the evening, Florence transforms again. Within the frescoed splendour of Palazzo dei Medici-Corsini, art, architecture and gastronomy collide in a setting of timeless elegance. Wander among frescoes and grottoes once designed for Medici grandeur, then dine on a menu that celebrates Tuscan flavours with a contemporary flair, each course a dialogue between centuries.

For those drawn to craftsmanship, Antico Setificio Fiorentino opens its centuries-old silk workshop for a truly singular travel experience. As looms clatter and threads shimmer, guests are treated to a meal served within this historic atelier, where history is woven into every detail. The atmosphere is sensorial and soulful, every bite a tribute to Florence’s enduring legacy of artistry and taste.

End your day with a romantic dinner at La Leggenda dei Frati, a place of deep culinary finesse within an intimate Florentine setting. Or ascend to the tenth floor of San Gimignano’s medieval towers for a candlelit dinner served under the stars, surrounded by ancient silhouettes and sweeping views of valleys, mountains and Florence’s distant skyline.

At Portrait Milano, the Eid journey turns cinematic. Begin with a private walk through the sacred silence of Milan’s iconic Duomo. From the ancient archaeological site beneath to the soaring terraces once described by Stendhal and Mark Twain, every step restores a sense of affirming awe.

But the true Milanese magic may be found backstage. At the Ansaldo Workshops, guests are led into the hidden world behind La Scala. Step into this once-in-a-lifetime experience and explore the most exclusive areas of the theatre, from the stage to the royal box, as the unseen world of opera is revealed.

Portrait Milano also offers unique journeys through its remarkable home city. Discover Milan’s most poetic quarter during a private tour of the Quadrilatero del Silenzio (“Quadrilateral of Silence”). Starting with Bramante’s optical illusion at St. Satiro Church, the route winds through hushed streets and secret gardens, arriving at the sumptuous Villa Necchi, a portrait of Milanese elegance and history.

At Lungarno Collection, no dream is out of reach. For guests who want to make the moment truly their own, Portrait Milano invites you to design an entirely bespoke private concert. Choose the setting, from a rooftop to a palazzo, a hidden garden to a historic chapel. Choose the music. Choose the menu. Then sit back as Italy’s finest sounds and flavours meet in an experience crafted just for you.

For a final touch of adventure, venture beyond the city. One of the most exclusive experiences begins in Sarnico, on Lake Iseo, the birthplace of the legendary Riva yacht brand, founded in 1842. Tour the original shipyard, then board your private Riva vessel for a glide across the lake to Lovere. There, a leisurely lunch awaits at Riva Privée inside Osteria Spirito Divino, complete with a four-course tasting menu. Sit in effortless luxury, an ode to the Italian art of dolce far niente (“the sweetness of doing nothing”).

From the rarest brushstrokes to the quietest corners of Milan and Florence’s rooftops, Lungarno’s curated cultural immersions are designed for travellers who crave rest as much as resonance. This Eid, trade the familiar for the unforgettable.

In a strategic move that reflects the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology‘s commitment to localizing modern technologies to serve people and society, the Ministry has issued the Public Policy for the Safe and Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Systems. This policy aims to govern the use of advanced technologies in a manner aligned with human values and national principles, while enhancing the Sultanate’s competitiveness in digital transformation and technological innovation.

This policy serves as a national reference framework stemming from the National Program for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Digital Technologies—one of the key initiatives supporting Oman Vision 2040. The document emphasizes the need for responsible and transparent use of AI systems, including generative AI, in an environment that respects individual privacy and promotes sustainable development.

A Vision Balancing Technology and Humanity

The policy focuses on establishing clear ethical principles and technical controls to govern the lifecycle of AI systems—from development to deployment. It is built on human-centric pillars such as transparency, fairness, accountability, inclusivity, and privacy. It also emphasizes ensuring human oversight in sensitive decisions, implementing necessary measures to reduce bias, and addressing risks related to the misuse of data or system outputs.

Furthermore, the policy mandates that all entities developing or utilizing AI systems—whether in the public or private sector—must implement effective governance. This includes regular performance evaluations, documentation of decision-making processes, and submission of compliance reports upon request by relevant regulatory authorities.

Fostering a Digital Environment and Empowering Innovation

The Ministry affirmed that this policy is part of its broader efforts to create a balanced legislative and regulatory environment that encourages innovation and supports digital entrepreneurship while considering ethical and societal aspects. The document also aims to reinforce Oman’s position as a hub for emerging technologies and enhance its digital readiness to keep pace with global developments in AI.

Call for Institutional Commitment and Sectoral Integration

The Ministry called on all regulatory bodies to align their internal systems with the content of this policy and to disseminate it to their affiliated entities to ensure coherence across the national regulatory framework. It also noted that additional sector-specific regulations may be issued, provided they adhere to the controls outlined in the document.

This policy embodies Oman’s strategic orientation toward leveraging AI as an enabling tool to build a leading and sustainable digital economy. It promotes responsible, safe, and ethical use of AI to serve humanity, uphold values, and strengthen the Sultanate’s presence on the global technological innovation stage.

Tourism revenue surged to $2.4 billion in the first third of 2025, marking a 15.3 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, according to preliminary data from the Central Bank of Jordan.

In April alone, tourism income rose by 34.2 per cent year-on-year to reach $710.3 million.

The bank’s figures also showed a 19 per cent rise in the number of tourists visiting the Kingdom. Tourism receipts from all nationalities increased, with gains recorded across the board: 7.5 per cent from expatriate Jordanians and other nationalities, 20.7 per cent from Europeans, 20.5 per cent from Americans, 15.6% from Arab countries, and 38.2 per cent from other regions.

Meanwhile, Jordanians’ spending on outbound tourism grew as well, rising by 6.5 per cent in April to $155.4 million. In the first four months of 2025, such spending totaled $646 million — a 12.8 per cent increase from the same period last year.

Etihad Airways is launching non-stop flights to Charlotte, North Carolina, starting 4 May 2026. This marks the first airline from the region to fly directly to Charlotte, enhancing connectivity between the UAE and the US.

The service connects Abu Dhabi with one of America’s most dynamic financial and cultural hubs, offering travelers greater access to Etihad’s global network and the UAE capital’s hospitality.

Charlotte becomes Etihad’s sixth destination in the United States, joining New York, Chicago, Washington, Boston, and Atlanta.

The route will operate four times per week on Etihad’s flagship Boeing 787 Dreamliner, offering award-winning service in both Business and Economy cabins.

Charlotte is a thriving center for finance, technology, motorsport, and culture, home to major U.S. corporations and attracting millions of visitors annually.

With early morning departures and midday returns, Etihad’s schedule ensures smooth onward connections via its global network.

Guests arriving in Charlotte as domestic passengers benefit from US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi.

“Charlotte represents a strategic addition to our US network, unlocking direct access to one of the country’s most dynamic and fast-growing regions,” said Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways. “We’re excited to be the first airline from our region to serve this market, and we look forward to connecting more travelers to Abu Dhabi and beyond.”

A key policy issued by the Ministry of Energy and Minerals recently, enabling the self-generation and direct sale of electricity from renewable sources, has been described as a strategic catalyst in Oman’s shift towards a low-carbon future.

Eng Mohsin al Hadhrami, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, hailed the regulation, titled ‘The Policy on the Use of Renewable Energy for Self-Generation and Direct Sale of Electricity’ as “strategic stride to accelerate the transformation of the energy sector and amplify the contributions of renewable sources to the national energy mix.”

In an interview featured in ‘Wealth’, the monthly newsletter of the Ministry, Al Hadhrami represents a bold effort by the government to further liberalise Oman’s electricity market. Per this policy, eligible generators can sell output from renewable sources, chiefly solar and wind, directly to eligible consumers (typically large industrial and commercial entities), without the need to engage with the country’s sole offtaker, Nama Power and Water Procurement Company. The policy outlines a regulatory framework governing the transit of electricity through the national grid, ensuring stability and operational efficiency.

Importantly, the policy sets out a clear pathway for small-scale users, notably households and farms, to consider self-generation to support their individual energy requirements. Any surplus generation can be potentially monetized as well.

For investors and developers, the policy unlocks the possibility of entering into direct contracts with consumers—a paradigm shift that is expected to spur innovation and give rise to new business models in the energy space.

“From an investment perspective, the policy represents a golden opportunity to attract both foreign and domestic capital, as the Sultanate of Oman offers a transparent legislative environment and robust investment incentives,” the Under-Secretary said.

“This strategic alignment is concordant with Oman Vision 2040, which sets forth targets for the generation of 30% to 40% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030, mounting to 60% to 70% by 2040. These efforts are consistent with global endeavors to reduce carbon emissions, as well as the Sultanate’s own vision to increase the share of renewable energy and enhance energy efficiency by 2030.”

Additionally, the policy is expected to spark a wave of industrial investments and technological investments, according to the official. It promises to open up new avenues for local enterprises in sectors such as solar panel manufacturing, energy storage, and green technology development. This local value creation is critical to Oman’s broader economic diversification strategy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels while nurturing a homegrown green economy.

In essence, the policy represents a strategic step towards a sustainable and low-carbon economy towards a sustainable and low-carbon economic paradigm, wherein environmental imperatives are seamlessly integrated with avenues for investment, all within the framework of an ambitious national vision that anticipates a green and prosperous future.

It solidifies Oman’s position as a key nexus in the future of green energy in the region and the world, he added in conclusion.

Minister of State for Communications Affairs, Omar Al-Omar, held a high-level meeting with Ruth Porat, Chief Investment Officer at Alphabet Inc. (Google), during her official visit to Kuwait. The meeting underscored the growing strategic collaboration between Kuwait and Google, with a strong focus on expanding technology and digital investment partnerships that align with Kuwait’s digital transformation objectives.

Discussions centered around boosting digital integration across government agencies, leveraging Google’s global expertise to enhance efficiency, innovation, and service delivery. This aligns with Kuwait’s national development strategy, “New Kuwait 2035,” which envisions a diversified economy powered by innovation, digital infrastructure, and international partnerships.

The meeting also served as a platform to explore future investment opportunities, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and capacity-building programs aimed at accelerating Kuwait’s journey toward becoming a regional digital leader.

Key attendees included Shaima Al-Terkait, Director General of the Central Agency for Information Technology (CAIT); Abdulrahman Al-Thehaiban, Managing Director at Google Cloud MENA; Salim Eid, Head of Government Affairs at Google MENA; and Martin Roski, Senior Director of Government Affairs at Google. Their presence highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts to drive sustainable digital growth and support national priorities through cutting-edge technology solutions.

Turkish Airlines, the airline that connects more countries than any other, offers travelers in the United Arab Emirates seamless access to its exclusive holiday platform, Turkish Airlines Holidays. Customers can effortlessly plan their entire holiday, including flights, hotels, curated tours and activities, car rentals, airport transfers, travel insurance, and more as an all-in-one holiday solution.

Initially introduced in 2021 to serve outbound travelers from Türkiye, Turkish Airlines Holidays expanded in 2025 to include over 60 departure countries, with the United Arab Emirates emerging as a key market alongside the United Kingdom, Europe, South Korea, Mexico, and Australia. Travelers from Dubai and Abu Dhabi can now enjoy an integrated booking platform offering departure options to more than 300 destinations.

The platform provides exclusive bundled benefits, including special pricing on flights and hotels, access to over 550,000 hotels worldwide, complimentary checked baggage with every package, and the opportunity to earn extra Miles&Smiles points across complete holiday bookings. Turkish Airlines Holidays positions itself as the airline holiday brand offering travel experiences across the most countries worldwide, delivering a streamlined and comprehensive holiday booking experience curated for maximum comfort and convenience.

This expansion into another key international market strengthens Turkish Airlines’ ambition to deliver an integrated, world-class travel experience, thus uniting air travel and holiday planning under one platform. Travelers in the UAE are invited to start planning their next adventure with Turkish Airlines Holidays through platform’s website.

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and e& today announced a strategic collaboration to help drive technological development and commercialization across a broad range of advanced connectivity, 5G and edge AI technologies in an effort to accelerate the digital transformation for the government, enterprise and industrial sectors. Edge computing refers to processing data closer to where it is generated—at the “edge” of the network—enabling faster insights, reduced latency, and enhanced security.

This collaboration is intended to benefit key aspects of the UAE economy. Qualcomm Technologies and e& plan to collaborate on:

• Industrial and enterprise 5G edge AI gateways that will enable core vertical sectors to deploy AI capabilities and other technologies at the network edge, enhancing efficiency, connectivity and performance Edge AI devices, ranging from PCs to XR devices powered by Snapdragon® platforms, which will integrate large language models (LLMs), supporting on-device generative AI capabilities and security-focused AI inferencing from edge to cloud for enterprise and government sectors
• Smart mobility and safety solutions designed to improve safety and road-user experiences and future proofing the UAE’s transportation infrastructure
• Connected industrial IoT solutions for enterprise

Qualcomm Technologies will also look to utilize its newly established Qualcomm Engineering Center in Abu Dhabi to support this collaboration with e& through evaluating new use cases to accelerate 5G and edge AI adoption in sectors like energy, manufacturing, logistics, retail and smart mobility.

“The cooperation between Qualcomm Technologies and e& will drive significant collaboration across some of the most transformative technology areas, including 5G, next-generation computing and intelligence at the edge. We look forward to working with e& to accelerate innovation and technology advancement across its ecosystem of enterprise and government customers in the UAE and beyond,” said Cristiano Amon, President and CEO, Qualcomm Incorporated.

“e& and Qualcomm Technologies have a history of cooperation, and this new agreement will help drive the digital transformation of enterprises significantly enhancing the UAE’s role in the global technology landscape. Together, we’re bringing powerful AI to the edge — from smart industrial gateways and wearables to mobility and infrastructure — enabling faster, more reliable, and secure experiences across sectors like manufacturing, transport, and government. These innovations will drive real-time intelligence, operational efficiency, and future-ready public services across the UAE,” said Hatem Dowidar, Group Chief Executive Officer, e&.

Fintech Week London (FTWL) has partnered with Trescon to launch London FinTech Summit, a premier global platform bringing together financial leaders, investors, policymakers, and innovators to shape the future of fintech. While FTWL continues as the umbrella for a week of finance-focused events in London, the new two-day summit – taking place on October 6-7, 2025 – will be the focal point for driving cross-border collaboration and investment.

The summit aims to connect leading financial hubs including London, New York, Singapore, Dubai, Mumbai, and Hong Kong, with a focus on investment, regulation, and technology. It will reinforce London’s role as a central platform for international fintech dialogue and dealmaking.

A Global Fintech Ecosystem Converging in London

Through its partnership with Trescon, the summit taps into a robust global network of financial institutions, government entities, and innovation leaders.

“London has long been at the center of financial innovation, and the London FinTech Summit 2025 will cement its role as a critical link between financial capitals,” said Raf De Kimpe, CEO of Fintech Week London. “With Trescon’s extensive international reach, we are creating a summit that brings together the most influential voices shaping the future of finance.”

Trescon, known for its expertise in curating high-impact international fintech and technology summits, will contribute its global ecosystem of investors, regulatory leaders, and industry pioneers.

“Our vision in forging the London FinTech Summit 2025, in partnership with Fintech Week London, is a powerful testament to the UK’s enduring role as a global financial nexus,” said Mohammed Saleem, Founder and Chairman of Trescon. He added, “By uniting the dynamic forces of London, New York, Singapore, Dubai, Mumbai, and Hong Kong, we are not just organizing an event but architecting the future of finance. This summit, fueled by Trescon’s global expertise, will be the crucible where innovation meets regulation and investment, solidifying London’s pivotal position in shaping the next era of financial services worldwide.”

Naveen Bharadwaj, Group CEO of Trescon, added:

“Our mission is to connect financial markets and foster international collaboration. By bringing our network of global investors, policymakers, and fintech innovators to London, the London FinTech Summit 2025 will be a key platform for shaping the next chapter of financial services worldwide.”

International Partnerships and Advisory Leadership

The summit is supported by leading UK institutions and government bodies, including:

Fintech Week London and the London FinTech Summit are supported by Strategic Partners including the London Stock Exchange Group, City of London, Department for Business & Trade, London & Partners, and a global advisory committee.

As an International Strategic Partner, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Innovation Hub, the MEASA region’s largest fintech start-up hub, adds global depth — bringing expertise, access to high-growth markets, and a shared commitment to advancing financial services.

These partnerships will spark key discussions on regulation, investment, and technology, shaping the future of fintech.

What Sets London FinTech Summit Apart

• Global Participation – Dedicated country and industry pavilions showcasing fintech advancements from major financial markets
• Investor Roundtables – Connecting fintech start-ups with global venture capitalists and institutional investors
• Regulatory & Government Engagement – Facilitating cross-border policy discussions with key decision-makers
• Fintech Innovation Showcases – Highlighting next-generation financial technologies

Backed by Trescon’s expertise in delivering industry-leading fintech and technology summits, including:

• HODL (formerly World Blockchain Summit) – The longest-running blockchain event series
• DATE with Tech – A fintech and emerging technology series hosted in India, Saudi Arabia, and Jakarta
• World Fintech Show – A key platform for fintech innovation and investment

Having successfully managed several government-backed events in the fintech, emerging tech & sustainability space, Trescon delivers a world-class platform that drives meaningful dialogue and advances financial services.

Key Themes & Agenda Highlights

The summit will explore critical trends shaping the future of fintech, including: 

• Cross-Border Regulatory Alignment 
• Institutional Investment in Fintech 
• Artificial Intelligence in Finance 
• Embedded Payments 
• Digital Assets & Tokenization
• Data, Risk & Fraud 
• Fintech for Good 

As an international financial powerhouse, London remains at the forefront of fintech innovation and regulatory leadership. London FinTech Summit 2025 will position the UK capital as the definitive global meeting point for fintech and financial innovation.