Dubai International Airport Poised for A Record-Breaking Year

As the UAE continues its ambitious journey toward futuristic, sustainable urbanism, Ras Al Khaimah is set to host the Modern Buildings Summit 2025 on June 19 at the Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island. The highly anticipated event will bring together leading voices from across the architecture, engineering, construction, and property development sectors to explore the future of modern buildings.

With the theme “Building Tomorrow’s Skylines: Innovation, Sustainability, and Resilience in Modern Architecture,” the summit aims to spotlight the technologies, practices, and policies redefining the built environment across the Gulf and beyond.

A Platform for Visionary Dialogue

The Modern Buildings Summit comes at a pivotal time as Ras Al Khaimah experiences a surge in development, driven by sustainable urban planning, smart infrastructure, and investment-friendly initiatives. The emirate’s transformation into a regional hub for innovation makes it an ideal backdrop for an event focused on future-ready design and construction.

The summit will offer in-depth discussions and keynotes on:

• Green Building Design & Sustainability: Showcasing low-impact construction models and energy-efficient solutions.
• Smart Building Technologies: Unpacking IoT, AI integration, and automation in infrastructure.
• Retrofitting and Urban Modernization: Exploring the adaptation of existing structures for new-age performance.
• HVAC & Building Efficiency: Understanding cutting-edge systems that enhance indoor comfort and sustainability.

An Impressive Lineup of Speakers

The summit will feature a dynamic roster of industry leaders, including:

• Steven Velegrinis, Design Director, Gensler
• Ammar Al Assam, CEO, Dewan Architects + Engineers
• Mohammed Khader, CDO, Almal Real Estate Development
• Mahmoud Shahin, Associate Director – Design, P&T Architects
• Andreja Marolt, Director of R&D, LWK + PARTNERS
• Zain Ahmed, Senior Manager – Strategic Consulting, JLL
• Jide Sleiman Haidar, Associate Urban Designer, Insite International
• Dima Rachid, Founding Partner, Studio Libani
• Basem Mohamed, Associate Professor, Zayed University

Bridging Innovation and Opportunity

This event will also serve as a powerful networking platform, welcoming government representatives, developers, MEP contractors, architects, hotel groups, hospital chains, and real estate investors, among others.

As Ras Al Khaimah and its neighboring emirates push forward with bold infrastructure projects, the Modern Buildings Summit offers a front-row seat to the innovations shaping the region’s architectural future.

For registration and more details, visit: https://buildings-efficiency.com/ras-al-khaimah-uae/

As the UAE gears up for its busiest travel season, with summer bookings surging across the region, Priority Pass, the world’s leading airport experiences program by Collinson International, offers travelers access to premium airport lounges and curated travel experiences. Designed to elevate every journey, Priority Pass provides a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience for UAE travelers this summer. 

Holidays are no longer a luxury – they’ve become essential moments of rest and connection. Priority Pass aims to ensure every traveler has a moment of respite by making every journey as important as the destination. Research from Collinson International reveals that nearly half of travellers (48%) say airport lounge access is their top payment card perk, highlighting that people want comfort and convenience while waiting for their flights. Reflecting this, Priority Pass saw a 17% increase in lounge and experience visits in April 2025 compared to April 2024.

Priority Pass has grown its global network by 12% in the past year, adding 201 new lounges and airport experiences to keep up with travelers’ needs. Beyond traditional lounges, members can also enjoy sleep pods, immersive gaming spaces, tasty dining options, and wellness services like spa treatments, delivering personalized comfort for travelers at every stage of their journey.

Priority Pass offers unparalleled access to over 1,700 premium airport lounges and experiences worldwide, including key travel corridors such as the UAE, India, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Saudi Arabia. Whether flying for business or leisure, Priority Pass ensures seamless lounge access and premium experiences for some of the world’s most dynamic passenger flows. Through partnerships with international credit cards, access via payment card, and direct membership options, Priority Pass remains the go-to choice for travelers seeking premium airport hospitality.

To further enhance the airport journey, Priority Pass has introduced Pre-Book Assist, an AI-powered tool that forecasts lounge busyness and helps travelers reserve their spot in advance, ensuring a stress-free, personalized lounge visit, even during peak travel times.

These evolving traveler preferences present a key opportunity for banks and card issuers. Today’s travelers expect more than just rewards from their cards – they want experiences that make every step of the journey better. 84% of consumers say the benefits a card offers are just as important or even more important than the bank’s reputation. Appealing rewards such as lounge access not only drive engagement, with 61% spending more frequently, but also influence brand loyalty: 62% would consider switching providers if benefits like lounge access were removed.

Younger travelers, particularly Gen Z, are leading this shift. For high earners in this group, 75% would switch cards to retain airport lounge access, valuing it even more than cashback rewards. This shows people are looking for benefits that offer emotional comfort and convenience, not just transactional perks. 

When asked which travel-related card benefits matter most, consumers ranked them as follows:

1. Airport lounge access (48%)
2. Travel insurance (42%)
3. Complimentary airport transfers (41%)
4. Express security lane access (37%)
5. Discounts on airport dining and shopping (37%)

These insights make one thing clear: comfort, speed and premium, seamless services are no longer extras-they’re must-haves in today’s fast-paced travel landscape.

The cybersecurity industry continues to evolve rapidly, demanding a skilled and diverse talent pipeline to address growing threats. In a strategic effort to expand access to world-class cybersecurity education across the Middle East, EC-Council, the global leader in cybersecurity training and the creator of the world-renowned Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) credential, has partnered with CyberSHE to deliver impactful technical training and career development opportunities for aspiring women professionals across the region.

CyberSHE, an initiative by Women in CyberSecurity Middle East (WiCSME), was launched at Kuwait College of Science and Technology (KCST). The initiative brings together leaders from government, academia, and industry to deliver focused training, mentorship, and structured career pathways for women seeking to build technical capability and pursue careers in cybersecurity. By equipping more women with cutting-edge skills, the program is helping to unlock new perspectives and build stronger, more inclusive cyber teams across the region.

“Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing fields in the world, and the Middle East holds extraordinary untapped potential. At EC-Council, we see education as a catalyst for transformation. Through CyberSHE, we are opening the door to global-standard training, mentorship, and new career pathways for women across the region. This initiative represents the kind of purposeful collaboration that creates lasting opportunity. We are honored to support it, and we believe it is just the beginning of a much larger movement to shape the future of cyber talent in the region.” said Jay Bavisi, Group President, EC-Council.

CyberSHE is a four-week program built around EC-Council’s internationally respected certifications. Participants undertake technical training through the Certified Cybersecurity Technician (CCT), Certified Network Defender (CND), and Certified SOC Analyst (CSA) programs. The hands-on, lab-driven curriculum is delivered over three weeks and is followed by a structured set of career-readiness modules that include mentorship, soft skills development, and industry insights.

Dr. Reem Faraj AlShammari, Chairperson of WiCSME, added: “CyberSHE is more than just a program, it represents the power of collective efforts in action. Through CyberSHE, we are uniting key pillars of our society to create a generation of empowered, job-ready women professionals in cybersecurity. By building skilled workforce, the program is directly boosting the National Cyber readiness (Strategic Workforce Development), and is strategically positioned to improve the entire region’s Global Cybersecurity Index rankings.”

Following its launch in Kuwait, CyberSHE will expand to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Jordan, and Qatar. Over the next three years, the program aims to train 1,500 women, helping to strengthen national cyber capabilities and promote more inclusive workforce participation.

This partnership reflects EC-Council’s global mission to make cybersecurity education accessible, relevant, and transformative. By supporting initiatives like CyberSHE, EC-Council continues to shape pathways that empower women, elevate careers, and contribute to a safer digital future.

In a significant regulatory development, expatriate workers in the private sector will soon be required to obtain an official exit permit from their registered employers before traveling abroad. This new measure, set to take effect early next month, is part of efforts to strengthen oversight of expatriate mobility while safeguarding the rights of both workers and employers.

The decision was formalized through a ministerial circular issued by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef. The directive requires all expatriate workers to obtain an exit permit before leaving the country.

The Public Authority for Manpower confirmed that the implementation of this regulation will require exit permits to include the worker’s personal details, travel date, and mode of transportation. The completed permit must be submitted electronically through a designated platform (SAHEL APP or the PUBLIC AUTHORITY OF MANPOWER WEBSITE) to streamline processing and maintain accuracy.

Authorities emphasized that the new system is designed to ensure that departures are conducted legally, protect all parties involved, and reduce incidents of workers leaving without proper notification.

Both employers and expatriate workers are urged to strictly adhere to this requirement, as enforcement of the regulation is set to begin from 1st July.

PURPOSE OF THE DECISION

• Ensure balance between employer and worker rights
• Enhance legal compliance and oversight
• Prevent illegal departures without employer notification
• Support labor market organization efforts

WHO MUST COMPLY?

• All expatriate workers registered under the private sector
• Applies to workers intending to leave Kuwait temporarily or permanently

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE EXIT PERMIT

• Submit request using CIVIL ID number
• Use the SAHEL APP or the PUBLIC AUTHORITY OF MANPOWER WEBSITE
• Request must be made BEFORE TRAVEL

IMPORTANT NOTES

• The system automatically verifies employer-employee matching
• If inconsistencies are found, the case is referred to specialized departments

El Palace Barcelona introduces El Jardín Libanés (‘The Lebanese Garden’), a new culinary pop-up rooftop experience, created in partnership with Chef Paul Haddad. Haddad brings the rich and colourful culinary traditions of Lebanon to life with a new menu inspired by family recipes passed down through the generations. El Jardín Libanés will open on 12^th June and be open every evening until the end of September.

El Jardín Libanés has been created in collaboration with chef Paul Haddad, whose 30 years of culinary and hospitality experience in Beirut and Barcelona have culminated in a distinct culinary style, bringing Lebanese authenticity and local flavours to every dish. Born and raised in Beirut, Paul honours Lebanese culinary traditions and the art of home cooking with his menu inspired by family recipes which have been handed down across generations.

Guests will be invited to relax and enjoy El Palace Barcelona’s blossoming fragrant rooftop terrace where orange blossom and jasmine are in full bloom, reminiscent of Lebanon and Lebanese gardens.  In Lebanon, orange blossom is a symbol of purity and prosperity, hence it is found in many ceremonies and celebrations similar to jasmine which is planted traditionally in archways, as it has been planted on El Palace Barcelona’s rooftop garden, framing the terrace’s view of the Sagrada Familia.

The menu will include generous spreads of traditional sharing plates, or mezze, true to Lebanese custom, including Haddad’s interpretation of classics, including houmous, moutabal, mouhamara, crudités, tabbouleh, fattoush, falafel with tahini, cheese ribak, kébbe kraás, spinach fatayer and traditional Lebanese bread. Guests can choose between two tasting menus. La Mezza del Chef which features a grilled selection of kebabs, shish taouk, lahem meshwi, kafta, sijouk, lamb ribs and grilled vegetables. Alternatively, La Mezza del Cedro includes the traditional fish dish samke harra, a roasted sea bass fillet with tomato, spices, almonds, and pine nuts, served with cumin-scented basmati rice and crispy pita. Both menus include a trio of classic Lebanese desserts: baklawa soirée (a nut-filled pastry with syrup and honey), mahmoul de pistacho (a semolina and pistachio biscuit with rose water), and mohalabihe (a Lebanese-style milk pudding topped with walnuts).

Global cloud communications platform Infobip today announced its Conversational Experience Orchestration Platform (CXOP) — a game-changing solution that places agentic AI at the heart of every customer interaction. CXOP enables brands to move beyond static, rules-based workflows to deliver dynamic, goal-oriented conversations across marketing, sales, and support — at scale. The announcement builds on Infobip’s AI Hub, marking a major step forward by natively infusing agentic AI across Infobip’s entire award-winning product stack — unifying channels, data, and automation into a single intelligent platform.

Built on Microsoft Azure OpenAI in Foundry Models, CXOP uses intelligent AI agents to orchestrate personalized customer journeys across channels like WhatsApp, RCS, and web chat. These agents understand context, act autonomously, and seamlessly collaborate with human teams when needed — reducing time to resolution, improving loyalty, and cutting costs.

Today’s consumers expect instant, relevant, and seamless interactions no matter what the channel. CXOP meets this demand by unifying messaging, automation, and AI-powered assistance within a single, intelligent platform that adapts to behavior, sentiment, and intent in real time.

With CXOP, businesses can:

• Deliver empathetic, goal-driven AI interactions across channels
• Slash response times and reduce service costs through automation
• Increase lead conversion and campaign performance with real-time personalization
• Support hybrid teams with human-in-the-loop for complex cases
• Launch fast with no-code or full-code deployment options

At its core, CXOP leverages a network of intelligent, agentic AI assistants that understand user intent and execute context-sensitive workflows. These agents don’t just answer — they guide, solve, and act, creating fluid, human-like experiences from lead generation to retention.

“CXOP enables enterprises to move beyond static workflows and deliver intelligent, empathetic interactions at scale,” said Ivan Ostojić, Chief Business Officer at Infobip. “It’s a foundational step toward building AI-first customer experiences that drive measurable business impact.”

“Using agentic AI instead of a rules-based automation, Infobip’s new CXOP is an enhancement for customer experiences,” said Myladie Stoumbou, Sr Director ISV Partnerships, at Microsoft. “Available within the Microsoft Azure Marketplace, clients can access such certified products and eliminate the complexity of managing individual vendor relationships.”

City Football Schools and Al Jazira Club Academy today announced a landmark collaboration that will see talented players in the UAE developed and helped on a professional pathway from the age of six years old.

From the start of next season, City Football Schools will deliver the coaching for the Al Jazira Club Academy foundation phase for six-to-nine-year-olds.

With more than a decade of coaching in the UAE, built on the philosophy and training program of the Manchester City Academy, City Football Schools will supply the coaches – all of whom hold a minimum UEFA B qualification, and have undergone Manchester City’s in house coach education.

They will coach and develop Al Jazira’s young players, introducing them to a structured methodology designed to create elite players, one that is used globally across all City Football Group clubs. This will be combined with the principles of a safe, creative and positive space, with player happiness and welfare at the forefront of the learning environment.

The move further demonstrates the unique and authentic player pathway in the UAE, allowing players who have demonstrated talent and aptitude for the game to flourish in a professional club and work through different age groups, with the ultimate aim of signing a professional first-team contract in the future.

For those behind this historic partnership, this not only offers the opportunity for helping produce the stars of tomorrow for Al Jazira Club, but it will also contribute to the wider development of football in the UAE.

City Football Group’s Head of Football Operations MENA, Simon Hewitt said: “This is a revolutionary partnership that will provide young players an incredible footballing opportunity for years to come. Early sports and football fundamentals are so important for a player’s development.  We will look for the best six to nine-year olds in Abu Dhabi and give them an incredible start to their football journey. Everything from coaching to facilities and wider pastoral care will be best in class with the goal of harnessing their skills and supporting them to reach the next level.”

This exciting new partnership will complement the market leading City Football Schools program that coaches over 2,500 players, both male and female, who train with City coaches on a weekly basis across eight venues in the UAE.

“The pathway being created between City Football Schools and Al Jazira Club hasn’t been seen before in the UAE and will benefit players, the Club, and the wider football ecosystem in the country,” added Hewitt.

Scott Sellars, Sporting Director of Al Jazira Club said: “We are delighted to partner with City Football Schools on such an exciting and visionary initiative. As the Pride of Abu Dhabi, we want to be able to offer young players the opportunity to excel and go as far as possible in the world of football. We are excited that some of the players who join us next season might be those running out with not only our first team, but also the UAE national team in the future.”

Gulf Navigation Holding, a leading maritime and shipping company listed on the Dubai Financial Market, has entered into a deal with Brooge Energy, a leading Cayman Islands-based crude oil, fuel oil and refined fuel products storage company, to formalize the sale and purchase agreement (SPA) in accordance with the acquisition structure that was previously approved by Gulfnav’s shareholders in the March general assembly meeting, thus marking a key milestone in the AED3.2 billion ($871 million) strategic acquisition.

This agreement finalizes Gulfnav’s acquisition of the assets and subsidiaries of Nasdaq-listed Brooge, including Brooge Petroleum and Gas Investment Company FZE, Brooge Petroleum and Gas Investment Company Phase III FZE, and BPGIC Phase 3 Limited.

Following the signing of the Sale and Purchase Agreement, both parties will work closely to fulfill the remaining conditions required to complete the transaction, including securing final regulatory approvals, satisfying all contractual and legal completion terms, and executing the necessary corporate actions.

As part of this process, Gulfnav will implement a capital increase, issue new shares to Brooge Energy Limited, and initiate a structured capital raising initiative through the issuance of Mandatory Convertible Bonds (MCBs).

Upon completion, the focus will shift to operational integration to ensure a smooth transition and to unlock synergies across both organizations. All final conditions of the deal are expected to be completed before the end of the third quarter of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions.

Signing the agreement reflects the continued commitment of both companies to transform the regional midstream oil and gas landscape.

This transaction reinforces Gulfnav’s strategy to become an integrated energy logistics powerhouse by significantly expanding its storage, terminal, and related infrastructure capabilities.

The acquisition, involves a settlement structure comprising cash, newly issued shares, and Mandatory Convertible Bonds (MCBs). This includes:

•Issuance of 358.8 million new shares to Brooge at AED1.25 per share, subject to a one-year lock-up.

•AED2.33 billion in MCBs issued to Brooge, convertible at AED1.25 per share.

•AED500 million in MCBs exclusively offered to Gulfnav’s existing shareholders at AED1.1 per share.

•A cash component of AED460 million.

Founded in 2013, Brooge today it is one of the most technologically advanced companies in the crude oil storage services sector, as the company’s facilities and terminals use advanced technologies consistent with the best international standards.

It has strengthened its investments and presence in Fujairah being an important hub in oil storage and exporting.

Gulfnav said this acquisition is expected to strengthen its market position and boost operational efficiency and competitive edge.

It will also diversify the company’s revenue streams and deepen relationships with key strategic partners in the energy sector, positioning Gulfnav to capitalize on future growth opportunities across local and regional markets.

Through this strategic expansion, Gulfnav aims to enhance financial performance and deliver greater returns to its shareholders.

“This signing marks a pivotal moment in our growth journey. This is more than an acquisition, it’s a strategic integration that will allow us to unlock new opportunities in the energy logistics space,” remarked its CEO Ahmad Kilani.

“By combining our maritime capabilities with Brooge’s cutting-edge infrastructure, we are well-positioned to deliver value to our customers, shareholders, and the UAE’s broader energy ecosystem,” he added.

Trussbridge Advisory (DIFC) Limited acted as exclusive financial advisor to Gulfnav on the transaction. Pinsent Masons acted as the lead counsel, while Ibrahim & Partners advised on structuring and regulatory matters of the transaction.

Egypt targets 30 million tourists by 2031 under a new investment plan for its tourism and antiquities sectors.

The target was part of a government strategy to increase foreign direct investment, which was reviewed at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly.

“The government is working to formulate clear plans with specific targets in order to present investment opportunities in various sectors, in a way that contributes to increasing foreign direct investment,” the prime minister said at the start of the meeting at the government’s headquarters in the New Administrative Capital.

Madbouly added that the tourism sector is one of the country’s most important, and the meeting aimed to follow up on the efforts of the tourism and investment ministries in this regard.

Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, said a unit is being formed to monitor investment opportunities with the goal of creating an “investment opportunities bank” to present available projects in the sector. The minister clarified that achieving the tourist arrival target is linked to expanding hotel capacity.

In 2024, hotel capacity grew by an additional 7,200 rooms, 55% of which were new, the minister said. Around 19,000 new hotel rooms are expected to be added in 2025. The plan also calls for investment in tourist restaurants, cafeterias, and the preservation and restoration of antiquities. The Supreme Council of Antiquities has averaged 36 projects annually over the past five years, he noted.

The minister reviewed the targeted investment plan for 2025 to 2031, which covers hotel rooms, restaurants, safaris, camps, and theme parks across Egypt’s governorates. It also includes investment in the rehabilitation and reuse of archaeological sites and museums through public-private partnerships.

Hassan El-Khatib, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, said the meeting was the third in a series to discuss sectoral investment targets within the state’s unified national investment strategy.

He described tourism and antiquities as a vital area for investment, adding that opportunities in these sectors will be made available on the country’s investment map with all necessary data for investors.

El-Khatib explained that the national investment strategy’s methodology involves diagnosing each sector, setting priorities, proposing policy and legislative reforms, and preparing a detailed investment map with ready-to-implement opportunities. The implementation timeline includes coordination meetings between relevant ministries, the formation of joint working groups, and the submission of periodic progress reports to the cabinet.

The meeting was attended by the ministers of Tourism and Antiquities, and Investment and Foreign Trade, along with officials from both ministries.

The UAE Restaurant Group (UAERG) has announced its support for a first-of-its-kind study aimed at addressing food waste across all sectors in the UAE, including the hospitality sector. Led by ne’ma – the National Food Loss and Waste Initiative, the UAE’s First Food Loss and Waste Baseline Study will measure and collect real data across the value chain. These insights will contribute to the creation of national FLW indices, forming the foundation for evidence-based actions and long-term progress.

Backed by a coalition of hospitality leaders, including HAMA MEA and Dubai Hotel Group, UAERG will spearhead industry-wide collaboration and mobilize key stakeholders to ensure robust data collection. By generating sector-specific data, the study will support the generation of actionable insights that drive meaningful progress across the hospitality sector. It will also empower businesses to adopt unified measurement tools and best practices for reducing food waste, contributing to the UAE’s goal of halving food loss and waste by 2030, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 12.3.

Abdulla Al Mulla, Chairman of UAERG, said, ‘We are thrilled to support this vital study by ne’ma alongside HAMA MEA and Dubai Hotel Group as we collectively work towards a more efficient and sustainable future for the UAE’s hospitality sector. By leveraging our platform and industry network, we aim to empower restaurants to make meaningful changes that significantly reduce food waste in the years to come.’

Khuloud Hassan Al Nuwais, Chief Sustainability Officer of Emirates Foundation and ne’ma Committee Secretary General, said, “The UAE’s commitment to sustainable production and consumption calls for shared responsibility and collective action to address food loss and waste across all sectors. ne’ma is collaborating with the UAE Restaurant Group (UAERG), HAMA MEA, and Dubai Hotel Group to engage the hospitality sector in driving measurable change and support the UAE’s first Food Loss and Waste Baseline Study. The study will generate real data, build national benchmarks, and inform evidence-based interventions. By participating, restaurants and hospitality leaders will be empowered to track progress, adopt best practices, and contribute meaningfully to the national target of halving food loss and waste by 2030, while also helping scale the hospitality sector’s role in achieving long-term sustainability goals.”

Amit Nayak, CHA, Chairman of Dubai Hotel Group & Vice President of HAMA MEA, stated: “Sustainability is no longer a choice; it is a responsibility. As industry leaders, we must set the benchmark for positive change. At HAMA MEA and Dubai Hotel Group, we recognize that tackling food waste is critical to shaping a more resilient and responsible hospitality sector. By supporting ne’ma’s groundbreaking study, we are not only contributing to the UAE’s national sustainability goals but also empowering businesses with the insights they need to implement meaningful, informed solutions. This collaboration reflects our commitment to powering innovation, driving impactful change, and ensuring a future where sustainability and profitability go hand in hand.”Tyrone Reid, UAERG Board Member and CEO of MMI & ELR, added, ‘As a voice in the UAE’s F&B sector, UAERG is proud to support ne’ma’s national mission to reduce food loss and waste. This collaboration reflects our commitment to sustainability as a business priority and as part of our shared responsibility to the UAE’s long-term goals. By participating in the baseline study and embedding data-driven practices across our member restaurants, we are contributing to a more efficient, resilient, and globally recognized hospitality sector.’

Originally founded as the Dubai Restaurant Group in 2020, the UAE Restaurant Group (UAERG) brings together leading voices from across the food and beverage landscape. Beyond championing culinary excellence and positioning the UAE as a global dining destination, the group plays a key role in supporting innovation, sustainability, and sector-wide growth. In line with this role, the group has proposed the creation of a dedicated working group comprising leadership from HAMA MEA, Dubai Hotel Group, and UAERG to further the UAE’s leadership in sustainability within the hospitality industry.

As UAERG continues to elevate the UAE’s F&B industry, initiatives like ne’ma’s pioneering study ensure the nation stays at the forefront of innovation and sustainable best practices. Through promoting data-driven solutions and encouraging industry-wide collaboration, UAERG’s support of this study, alongside industry leaders HAMA MEA and Dubai Hotel Group, marks a major step toward a more resilient and responsible hospitality ecosystem.

People do like to sit high in their rides, but this high? A ladder would have been helpful to mount the extra-tall Krug Expedition Bedrock XT2, a US$690,000 go-anywhere camper from an Austrian company that wants to conquer the American off-road RV market. This is off-the-beaten-path glamping at its finest.

The example tested is, so far, the only one, but Krug has high hopes for the American market, which has a growing appetite for “expedition” off-road vehicles ranging from trucks to beefed-up RVs. The company describes the XT2 as a “6×4 off-road machine converting a luxury variant of the Ford Super Duty F-550 and bringing it to the next level with suspension and chassis frame reliability.” In other words, it’s a rugged three-axle truck with a double bed attached. The camper is a joint production with Iceland-based Arctic Trucks, which specialises in polar expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic.

One of Arctic’s vehicles set a speed record of 108 hours from the Russian Novolazarevskaya Antarctic research station to the South Pole in 2010. The XT2 might be ideal, then, for a trip through the spectacular scenery of Alaska or for hitting the highway in Canada and driving north. The truck is ready to go off the grid, supported by electric power from a 1,450-watt-peak solar panel array and a 23-kilowatt-hour battery bank.

The founder of Krug, Viktor Ermolov, tried a competitor’s expedition vehicle around 2010 and thought he could do better with a vehicle filling an unmet need for a light (relatively speaking) expedition camper that could drive well in extreme terrain. The first truck came out in 2011.

“Our clients are adventure-seeking individuals with a passion for nature and conservation. They prioritise quality, reliability, and sustainability in their purchasing decisions and are motivated by the desire for unique and meaningful experiences,” Krug Expedition CEO Slawa Knorr said in a statement to Penta .

Asked about the typical client, he said that young couples and families with children are being seen more and more.

On the road, the 9,000 to 10,000-pound XT2, which looks like a normal truck-mounted camper on steroids, was surprisingly easy to drive. Under the hood was a Ford Powerstroke 6.7-litre diesel with direct injection and 330 horsepower, with the weight of the camper yielding something like nine miles per gallon. The assisted steering was fairly light. The brakes felt like they were hauling down considerable weight, which they were. The biggest consideration while driving was considering the width and avoiding contact with cars lining the road. The cab was relatively comfortable, and the visibility good except toward the back, where the big mirrors became extra important.

The third axle decreases ground pressure up to 25%, and the big Continental multi-purpose tires provide a lot of grip. The rear air suspension is adjustable from the cab to accommodate heavy loads and rough terrain.

The exterior camper panels are made from a high-grade, glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) laminate that is 70% fibreglass. Inside, the XT2 offers functional luxury. There was a comfortable-looking king bed in its own nook, a kitchenette, a bathroom with walk-in shower supported by a 118-gallon filtered water tank, and a dining area and lounge with a 32-inch TV (with Starlink connectivity) and a table that converted to a second sleeping area. For a week away, it was more than fine, and the buyer can make it as luxurious as they want.

The kitchen’s fresh water uses the General Ecology Seagull IV-X2 system to banish chemicals, bacteria, and viruses. It may be cold where you’re going, so the quiet Truma Combi diesel-powered air heating system is on board, providing cabin heat and hot water. A hydronic system for underfloor heating is also available for colder climates, with automatic frost protection and radiators in the bathroom and dining area radiators. And for hotter weather, there’s the highly energy-efficient Nomadic Cooling air-conditioning system.

If cooking al fresco is desired, a portable outdoor kitchen can be built into the underfloor storage boxes.

For weekend getaways, any number of less-expensive camper solutions are available. The XT2 is aimed at rugged adventurers, who want to be virtually self-sufficient for excursions off the beaten path. It’s not the only vehicle in this expedition category. There’s also the evocatively named Storyteller GXV Epic, priced at a similar US$696,377. This is a big, tough all-wheel drive truck with up to 1,800 miles of range, 18 kilowatt-hours of available power, a built-in washer and dryer, and more.

Or how about the Ford F-250-based US$350,000 27 North Ascender RexRover truck, which sleeps four? Need more room? The cabover Loki Steyr 1491 accommodates six.

The woman who set LPGA Tour records when she was a kid is taking a step back to help a new generation of girls gain their own special experiences through the game of golf.

In 2000, the 10-year-old Michelle Wie West became the youngest player ever to qualify for the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship. Three years later, she became the youngest player to make the cut of an LPGA tournament at the Kraft Nabisco Championship in Southern California and the youngest to do the same in a U.S. Women’s Open—making her an immediate media superstar sensation.

Saudi Roads General Authority (RGA) has launched the largest and most advanced AI-powered road inspection fleet in the world for the Hajj season.

This fleet consists of 18 high-tech units utilizing five state-of-the-art technologies, all aimed at improving road safety, enhancing quality, and ensuring an exceptional experience for pilgrims.

It includes specialized equipment for scanning surface damage, measuring the International Roughness Index (IRI), assessing pavement layer thickness, evaluating structural deflection, and testing skid resistance.

As the national regulator of Saudi Arabia’s road sector, RGA said it aims to elevate the quality of roads in the kingdom to rank sixth globally by 2030 and reduce road fatalities to fewer than five per 100,000 people.

Saudi Arabia currently boasts the world’s leading intercity road connectivity, with a total network exceeding 73,000km.

On the new fleet, RGA said its key highlights include seven surface damage scanners equipped with high-resolution cameras, laser units, GPS, and data storage systems for precise analysis and immediate maintenance decisions, especially critical on routes to the key sites. Four IRI units evaluate road smoothness and driving comfort using laser sensors. Another three use multi-frequency radar to check pavement layer thickness, while another three measure road deflection under traffic loads using advanced sensor systems.

A single skid resistance unit simulates rainy conditions to test friction levels and ensure safety in adverse weather.

The fleet is completed by a mobile digital imaging scanner that inspects unpaved elements such as road signs and safety barriers, assisting in identifying potential risks and optimizing maintenance planning.