Dubai leads globally for greenfield FDI projects for 5th consecutive year

- Dubai secured a record 7% share of global greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in 2025

Dubai has reinforced its position as the world’s leading destination for greenfield FDI projects for the 5th consecutive year, according to data published by the Financial Times’ fDi Markets database.

In 2025, Dubai delivered one of its strongest inward FDI performances since 2015 with a total of 1,253 greenfield FDI projects announced, a 10.5% increase on 2024. According to the data, Dubai also secured a record 7% share of global greenfield FDI projects, the highest in Dubai's history.  

The results further reinforce the ambitions of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), to double the size of Dubai's economy by 2033 and consolidate its position as a leading global destination for business, investment, and innovation. Launched in 2023, the D33 agenda includes the launch of projects that will drive sustainable economic growth through innovative approaches and double GDP by 2033, making Dubai the fastest, safest and most connected city in the world.

HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy PM, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai said: “Dubai’s sustained global leadership in attracting foreign direct investment reflects the confidence the world places in our economyal shifts into growth pathways, our institutions and our vision for the future. It is the outcome of a long-term strategy built on openness, connectivity, strategic partnerships and a commitment to creating the conditions for businesses to succeed. 

“We are proud of the trust that investors, entrepreneurs and innovators from around the world continue to place in Dubai. This confidence reflects the resilience of our economy, the strength of our fundamentals and our ability to constantly create new opportunities for growth.

“Dubai’s competitiveness is also built on our ability to anticipate change, adapt quickly and transform global shifts into growth pathways. As we strengthen our position as the preferred global destination for investment, we remain focused on creating long-term economic value and reinforcing Dubai’s role as a major player in the global economy. 

"Our ambition is not only to attract investment, but to create an environment where the world’s brightest talent and most ambitious businesses come together to build the industries and opportunities of tomorrow.” 

Strengthening its position as a preferred global base for multinational corporations, Dubai retained the No. 1 global ranking for headquarters greenfield FDI projects for the 4th consecutive year, reflecting sustained confidence in the emirate’s ability to support regional and international expansion. Dubai also maintained its global leadership in AI-related greenfield FDI projects for the fourth year running, reinforcing its position as a centre for innovation-led growth and advanced technologies.

Dubai further ranked No. 1 globally across several strategic clusters, including information and communications technology (ICT) and electronics, creative industries, professional services, life sciences, consumer goods, financial services, industrial equipment, and environmental technology. 

For the first time, Dubai ranked No. 1 globally in manufacturing FDI projects, marking a significant milestone in the city’s economic diversification journey and highlighting its growing role as an emerging cutting-edge manufacturing centre, directly aligned with the goals of the D33 Agenda. 

Dubai also secured the No. 1 global position in transportation and warehousing across projects, reflecting its continued strength as a global logistics and trade gateway. In addition, Dubai ranked first globally in several high-impact industries, including food and beverages, electronic components, healthcare, business machines and equipment, cleantech, metals and e-commerce. 

Notably, Dubai was the only destination city worldwide to attract more than 10 greenfield FDI projects across several of these sectors, meeting the global ranking threshold and demonstrating the breadth of its diversified economic base and its ability to sustain investment momentum across both established and future-focused industries.

Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) said: “Dubai’s ability to maintain its global leadership in greenfield FDI attraction for the 5th consecutive year is a testament to the visionary leadership of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, VP and PM of UAE and Ruler of Dubai and the continued confidence international investors place in the emirate. 

"While global markets may have navigated significant challenges over recent months, Dubai entered this period with quantifiable momentum, attracting record levels of capital. This is a clear reflection of the trust that investors and multinational corporations place in our future-ready ecosystem. 

“This performance underscores the strength of Dubai’s diversified economy, the depth of its public- private partnerships, and the efficacy of a well-defined forward-looking regulatory framework that continues to attract high-quality investment across priority sectors. These results further reinforce the ambitions of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, highlighting Dubai’s position as one of the world’s most resilient investment destinations.”

Beyond the headline rankings, 2025 saw broad-based growth across capital deployment and project activity. The city attracted US$8.83 B in greenfield FDI capital in 2025, according to the fDi Markets database. Greenfield FDI also supported the creation of 38,918 jobs in 2025, an 18.8% increase from 32,754 jobs in 2024. 

Performance during the year was also shaped by a mix of investment types, with continued momentum across greenfield projects, reinvestments, venture capital-backed activity, mergers and acquisitions, as well as strategic expansions. 

Dubai attracted investment across key business functions including business services; construction; retail; logistics, distribution and transportation; and manufacturing. This reflects investor confidence in Dubai’s ability to support diverse operational requirements, from regional headquarters and logistics hubs to advanced manufacturing and consumer-facing businesses. 

HE Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), the economic development arm of DET said: “The scale and quality of FDI inflows in 2025 reflect sustained global confidence in Dubai’s long-term growth trajectory. The continued inflow of capital investment is further evidence that investors are deepening their operational presence rather than adopting short-term positioning strategies. 

"From headquarters and high-value manufacturing to AI, fintech, logistics, and creative industries, the diversity and quality of investment flows demonstrate Dubai’s ability to anticipate structural shifts in the global economy. Investors recognise that Dubai offers a unique combination of agile regulation, world-class digital infrastructure, and access to top-tier global talent. 

"As we continue to advance the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, deal activity and expansion momentum remain strong, reinforcing our outlook for accelerating momentum in 2026 and beyond.”

Dubai FDI Monitor data confirmed continued confidence from a diverse mix of international source markets, reinforcing the emirate’s role as a globally connected investment hub. Source markets varied across capital flows and project activity, reflecting broad-based investor confidence from North America, Europe, Asia, and the GCC. India topped the list of top 10 investors, with China in 5th place and Singapore ranked 7th. 

Sectoral performance remained broad-based, with strong investment activity across business services, hotels and tourism, transportation and warehousing, consumer products, real estate, software and IT services, and financial services, demonstrating continued momentum across both traditional and future-economy sectors.

A recently-announced AED2.5 B economic incentive package reflects Dubai’s proactive approach to governance. Designed to ease financial pressures, enhance liquidity, and support business continuity across key sectors, the package includes fee deferrals across hospitality, trade, and licensing, extended customs grace periods, and streamlined residency permit processes to support global talent attraction and retention. 

Clorox brain study reveals that cleaning beats karak

Source: Clorox Arabia landing page. People feel better cleaning than playing video games.

A surprising new contender to drive happiness is emerging: cleaning. Following the global success of its Clean Feels Good platform, Clorox has brought its narrative to the Middle East with the Good vs Good experiment* to explore the emotional impact of cleaning compared to popular feel-good rituals.

To test just how rewarding cleaning can be, Clorox conducted a study in the Middle East using electroencephalogram (EEG) technology. In Clorox's new Good vs Good experiment in the UAE, participants, including radio presenter and entrepreneur Kris Fade, KSA influencer Joud Aziz and others were fitted with EEG headsets to monitor brain activity in real time as they completed two types of tasks: one cleaning-related, and a personal "feel good" ritual such as playing video games, drinking karak**, or watching content online.

The neuroscience-backed results were surprising: on average, participants experienced a 20% higher Feel Good Index score during cleaning than during their chosen feel-good ritual. For instance, one participant saw a 54% mood boost when mopping versus eating ice cream, while another recorded a 31% higher Feel Good Index while cleaning than when watching their favourite videos.

According to Dr David Melcher, a professor of psychology who oversaw the experiment, "These sensors measure brain waves and give us a glimpse into what the brain is doing. By measuring these differences, we created our Feel Good Index which provides a read on positive emotions."

He added: "What we saw consistently is that cleaning triggered measurable boosts in the brain likely due to the sense of accomplishment, control, and clarity that comes from a tidy space."

To support the findings, Clorox conducted a survey across the UAE and Saudi Arabia in partnership with independent research consultancy Censuswide. The survey revealed that 98% of respondents say cleaning improves their mood. Nearly all (96%) reported feeling better after cleaning or even just walking into a freshly-cleaned space. Nearly half (46%) said they always clean to feel better, more than double the US average of 21%. Of those who do the cleaning themselves, 99% consider it a form of emotional support or stress relief.

Participants described the emotional payoff of a clean space with words like 'joyful', 'refreshed', and 'calm'. Seventy-four percent said a clean home made them feel joyful, 68% felt refreshed, 62% felt calm, and others reported feeling energised, proud, and more in control of their environment. These emotional associations are especially relevant in a time when burnout, screen fatigue, and stress are common experiences across the region, Clorox said.

"We're not saying give up your karak or your candles," said George Rechdan, MENA Marketing Director at The Clorox Company.

"But don't underestimate how good a clean home can feel. The results of this experiment show that cleaning with Clorox offers a surprisingly powerful emotional payoff, sometimes even more than our go-to indulgences."

Explore

Watch the videos on the Good vs Good experiment at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_wlxQV_Qgbi3-91CCXQlmERTJ9RK1Q_o

*The research was conducted by Censuswide with 2,001 general consumers (aged 16+) in UAE and KSA between July 2025- August 2025.

**Karak is a spiced milk tea popular in the GCC region.

Mark your calendars for these events in Abu Dhabi

 Abu Dhabi Calendar , a list of all the upcoming events in Abu Dhabi, has unveiled events for the 2025-2026 season. 
 

Source: Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism. The Traditional Handicrafts Festival will offer experiences that showcase heritage, culture and creativity.

This year's Abu Dhabi Calendar features highlights like the NBA Abu Dhabi Games; Saudi singer, actor and composer Abdul Majeed Abdullah; the winter experience Liwa International Festival; and the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025.

Kickstarting the action are back-to-back bouts from UAE Warriors 64, bringing mixed martial arts (MMA) to the capital. At the same time, culture-seekers can explore Mamluks: Legacy of an Empire, Louvre Abu Dhabi's main exhibition of the season. Running until January, it shines a light on the craftsmanship of one of the Islamic world's most influential dynasties – making it a must-visit cultural highlight. 

The excitement builds in October as global stars and regional legends take the stage from Smashing Pumpkins and Andre Rieu to Abdul Majeed Abdullah – with American comedian and actor Sebastian Maniscalco adding some homour to the event lineup. 

The NBA Abu Dhabi Games presented by ADQ will return together with basketball festival NBA District, bringing basketball action and exciting fan moments, alongside a combat sports schedule that includes Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, mixed martial arts fight UFC 321 and UFC ancillary events such as the Open Workouts, Official Press Conference, and Ceremonial Weigh Ins. 

Culture gets the limelight with Sheikh Zayed Festival and cultural centre Bait Al Oud's Strings Concert as well as exhibitions like Golden Ink: A Journey through Arabic and Islamic Manuscripts, annual exhibition and competition Art Here 2025 and Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim: Two Clouds in the Night Sky, a solo exhibition celebrating the work of pioneer Emirati artist Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim.

In November, concerts by Enrique Iglesias and Travis Scott headline the month, while foodies can indulge in culinary experiences at Michelin Guide Food Festival Abu Dhabi, Taste of Abu Dhabi and Open Fire Food Festival.

Cultural highlights include the Traditional Handicrafts Festival, Maritime Heritage Festival, Sounds of UAE, Abu Dhabi Art and Manar Abu Dhabi, all of which offer experiences that showcase heritage, culture, and creativity. Beetlejuice The Musical is also set to take over Etihad Arena this month.

The year draws to a close with music legends Rod Stewart and Arijit Singh lighting up Abu Dhabi stages, accompanied by the return of Saadiyat Nights, which brings star-studded concerts outdoors. Ludovico Einaudi and Lewis Capaldi will add both classical brilliance and soulful melodies to the month's lineup. 

F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025 is set to provide full-throttle excitement, while festivals like Liwa Village, a part of the annual Liwa International Festival, and Mother of the Nation transform Al Dhafra Region, Al Ain Region and Abu Dhabi City into hubs of heritage and creativity, live music and high-energy adventures. 

More events will be announced as the 2025-2026 season unfolds. 

Hashtags: #InAbuDhabi, #UFCAbuDhabi 

Orfali Bros Bistro is the best restaurant in MENA for 2025

The 4th Middle East & North Africa's 50 Best Restaurants awards, hosted in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT), has crowned Orfali Bros Bistro No. 1 for the 3rd consecutive year.

Founded in 2021 by Syrian-born brothers Mohammad, Wassim, and Omar Orfali, Orfali Bros Bistro - which also has a 2024 Michelin star - blends Aleppian heritage with Dubai's dynamic dining scene. The venue was ranked 46th on The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2023. 

Source: 50 Best via PRNewsfoto: Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 unveiled with Orfali Bros Bistro as the reigning No. 1 restaurant in the region.

Its web page notes: "We’re constantly pushing the boundaries of cooking to discover new flavours and sensations to our food and pastries...Some of our dishes and desserts we have made them again and again, food that we love to eat. We serve them because they link us to our past and remind us of who we are."

Trèsind Studio in Dubai retained its No. 2 spot, followed by Dubai's Kinoya at No. 3.

William Drew, Director of Content for MENA's 50 Best Restaurants said of Orfali Bros Bistro: "Its enduring success is a testament to the talent and passion of the Orfali brothers, whose dedication has earned them a loyal following both locally and internationally. We are also excited to see restaurants from 11 cities represented on this year's list, showcasing the rich variety of cuisines across the region."

- Omar Shihab of Boca won the Icon Award while Boca received the Sustainable Restaurant Award

- Tala Bashmi was recognised as the Estrella Damm N.A. Chefs' Choice 

- Carmen Rueda Hernandez claimed the Middle East & North Africa's Best Pastry Chef Award

- Row on 45 in Dubai was named the Highest Climber, rising 24 spots to No. 17

- Dara Dining by Sara Aqel in Amman, No. 18, also received the Highest New Entry Award.

Details

Browse the list at https://www.theworlds50best.com/mena/en/lists/1-50

Subway UAE adds Daqoos Series to menu

Source: Subway. Subway UAE has teamed up with Excellence Hot Sauce to serve up nostalgic UAE flavours in every bite.

Subway UAE has localised its menu for the first time ever through a partnership with Excellence Hot Sauce (Daqoos, دقوس).

A celebration of Excellence Hot Sauce and crushed chips, typically Chips Oman, is at the heart of the campaign, termed The old days, served fresh: Daqoos Series. The decades-old signature heat, crunch and tang elevates street food across the region.

The lineup features three creations:

- Fresh & Furious, with crispy chicken bites, Excellence Hot Sauce, and crunchy chips 

- Wahed Sub Laham (literally "(give me) one beef sub"), combining tender beef Philly steak, melted cheddar, Excellence Hot Sauce, chips, fresh vegetables, and ranch dressing

- Fery Good, Fery Nice (Dynamite Chicken), a side dish starring crispy Dynamite Chicken bites enhanced with Excellence Hot Sauce and chips.

"The beauty of this campaign lies in its ability to take something deeply rooted in local culture and give it a fresh, contemporary perspective," said Ibrahim Hasan, Regional Head of McCann Content Studios – MENA.

"Subway UAE proves that with the right approach, global brands can tell local stories with authenticity and impact." 

Mahmoud Mneimne, Marketing Director for Subway UAE said: "Our goal was to craft an experience that captures the soul of UAE cafeteria culture while offering a fresh and innovative take. 

"We're proud to have created something that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly new, reflecting the vibrant community we serve."

The limited-edition menu is available across Subway UAE outlets. It is complemented by a limited-edition merchandise collection designed by Waggish. Inspired by Dubai's street vendor culture, the line includes hoodies and stickers that combine street-style aesthetics with Subway's branding.

Explore

Watch an associated video from Subway UAE's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DC6zj0avy6f/

Waggish's Instagram channel is at https://www.instagram.com/waggish.ae/

Ryotaro Muramatsu's DANDELION PROJECT on display in Osaka, Taiwan, Sharjah

Source: NAKED. The DANDELION PROJECT.

Tokyo-based creative company NAKED and its founder Ryotaro Muramatsu are at the 2023 Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival, which ends 21 January, 2024. 

The Sharjah festival, with artists from over 40 countries, showcases Muramatsu's DANDELION PROJECT. Launched in 2020 as a response to the pandemic-affected world, the project aims to unite divided people through art.
 
Selected for its theme of transcending differences and fostering global connection through prayers for peace, the DANDELION PROJECT involves planting dandelion-shaped installations globally. Participants blow on a dandelion, and their prayers for peace travel virtually as a dandelion seed through the project's network, blooming as digital art flowers at another location. This initiative has been implemented in 56 locations worldwide, including in Tokyo, Shanghai, and the G7 Hiroshima Summit.

"DANDELION is an art piece that connects people worldwide with a simple physical act of making a wish on a dandelion—a childhood memory that many of us share. I hope we can go beyond our differences to connect with one another through art and plant flowers of peace throughout the world," commented Muramatsu.

The project is also live at the Tower of the Sun in the Expo '70 Commemorative Park in Osaka and in Taipei.

3 Fils is MENA's best restaurant for 2022

Source: MENA's 50 Best Restaurants. 3 Fils restaurant took the No.1 spot at the first-ever Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants awards 2022.

3 Fils in Dubai, UAE, has been named The Best Restaurant in Middle East & North Africa 2022, as part of the Middle East & North Africa's 50 Best Restaurants awards.

3 Fils, an unlicensed casual and contemporary restaurant located in Dubai's historic Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, was founded in 2016 by two Emiratis and a Singaporean and combines Asian fusion dishes with a personable service style.

William Drew, Director of Content for MENA's 50 Best Restaurants said: "It's a great honour to announce that 3 Fils has made it to No. 1 in the inaugural Middle East & North Africa's 50 Best Restaurants list. It is a brilliantly executed home-grown restaurant, loved by local residents and visitors alike. This hidden gem prides itself on elevating every dining experience with a sense of comfort, discovery and a shared love of food."

Winners represent 11 different countries across the MENA region, including Kuwait and Qatar, though the majority of the awards went to UAE winners. Lowe in Dubai received the Sustainable Restaurant Award while Trèsind Studio, also in Dubai, won the Art of Hospitality Award. Reif Othman of Reif Kushiyaki in Dubai, was voted by his peers for the Chefs' Choice Award, while Emirati chef Sahar Parham Al Awadhi took home the MENA's Best Pastry Chef Award.

Explore: View the winners.

Bee'ah and Chinook Sciences announces first waste-to-hydrogen project in Middle East

Building on its commitment to zero-waste cities and clean energy solutions, Bee'ah, a sustainability specialist, announced that it will be pursuing plans for the region's first waste-to-hydrogen project in the UAE.

Source: PRNewsfoto/Chinook Sciences, Bee’ah. During a visit by Chinook Sciences Chairman and CEO, Dr Rifat Chalabi (front left), the evolution of the plans to a waste-to-hydrogen project was agreed during a signing ceremony in the presence of HE Salim Al Owais (front right), Chairman of Bee'ah, and a delegation of senior officials from both entities.

The project includes a green hydrogen generation plant and a hydrogen vehicle fuelling station, in collaboration with UK-based Chinook Sciences, an industrial, renewable fuel and environmental technology company.

During a visit by Chinook Sciences Chairman and CEO, Dr Rifat Chalabi, the evolution of the plans to a waste-to-hydrogen project was agreed during a signing ceremony in the presence of HE Salim Al Owais, Chairman of Bee'ah, and a delegation of senior officials from both entities. The waste-to-hydrogen plant will be adjacent to the fuelling station, overcoming the challenges of costly transportation of hydrogen. The waste-to-hydrogen plant will take in non-recyclable plastic waste and waste wood, generating green hydrogen that is fed to the fuelling station to power hydrogen vehicles.

HE Salim said: "Green hydrogen will be a vital pillar of our future energy landscape and Bee'ah has been looking into this market for some time now with Chinook in alignment with our long-term strategy to develop new, sustainable energy solutions. As a sustainability leader, Bee'ah is keen to further support the UAE in its hydrogen economy ambitions, energy diversification and decarbonisation efforts."

HE Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO of Bee'ah, which is operational in the UAE, KSA and Egypt, said: "As a waste management leader in the Middle East, we are proud to pursue the first waste-to-hydrogen solution in the region. This project will showcase the potential of waste-to-hydrogen. Bee'ah has always recognised the value of energy recovery from waste and through this new project, we aim to support a circular economy across multiple fronts throughout the region."

Dr Rifat, Chairman and CEO of Chinook Sciences said: "We are very excited to use Chinook Sciences' patented RODECS gasification and pyrolysis technology in the UAE, which breaks down hydrocarbons from waste through advanced thermal treatment to release and recover green hydrogen. When the green hydrogen is used in vehicles, it emits only water and no carbon emissions."

"Through the use of Chinook's RODECS technology, the cost of green hydrogen from the plant shall be very competitive and has the potential to be equal to or even less than the cost of diesel and gasoline. At maximum production capacity, the plant shall be capable of fuelling 1,000 hydrogen-powered large vehicles per day," said Dr Rifat.

The UAE has previously announced its aim to become a major hydrogen producer, and to reduce carbon emissions by 24% by 2030. Plans include investment in green hydrogen, which is produced using renewable energy like solar power as well as using carbon-capture technologies to create what is known as blue hydrogen.

Order food from KRUSH Brands companies in UAE using what3words

What3words, the location technology company that enables people around the world to identify and share any precise location using just three words, is teaming up with Freedom Pizza, a KRUSH Brands company, for its first UAE-based food delivery partnership. This allows customers to have Freedom Pizza delivered to a specific 3 m square without the need for additional directions.

Street addresses across the UAE can be inaccurate: pins can drop in the centre of the buildings, leaving riders struggling to find the correct door or access point and searching through large areas. The what3words addresses are more accurate than postal addresses, the company said. It is also the first addressing system entirely optimised for voice, and available in over 45 languages.

The what3words model is based on a grid of 3 m squares mapped onto the globe. Each one has a unique what3words address, made of three words from the dictionary. KRUSH Brands riders can then deliver anywhere across Dubai with the right words. For example, the front door to Freedom Pizza's Downtown location can be found at '///flicked.host.officers'.

KRUSH Brands has introduced the technology across their portfolio of locally-born companies, including Wildflower Poke & More, Coco Yogo Vegan Kitchen, Salad Jar along with foodpreneur partners Jet Lagged Chef and Viking Bageri.

To find the what3words address for a specific location, KRUSH Brands customers can visit what3words.com or download the free what3words app, then select where they would like to receive their delivery, after which they will see its easy-to-remember what3words address. They can then log in to any of the KRUSH Brands websites or applications to add their precise what3words address to their profile.

KRUSH Brands has a database of over 350,000 customers, with 60% of all orders coming directly on the brand platforms built by their in-house tech team. At least 95% of the orders received will be for delivery which equates to about 10,000+ deliveries per week for the KRUSH Brands delivery team to fulfil. Integrating what3words with their existing addressing system ensures speed, precision and reliability in a hyper-competitive market and allows KRUSH to maintain its 23 minutes average delivery time as demand increases.

KRUSH Brands Founder & CEO, Ian Ohan said: "We are super excited to partner with what3words to provide our customers with easy to use and more accurate and fast delivery. Whether you are at home, the beach, in the desert or one of the UAE's amazing parks, we will find you with what3words. We love its simplicity and believe it is the future of global addressing in the region and internationally. Good ideas matter and what3words is a great one.

"The benefit of what3words for food deliveries are clear. Providing three simple words in your online checkout means no more lost or cold pizza," added Chris Sheldrick, CEO and co-founder of what3words.

"We are really excited to partner with KRUSH Brands in Dubai to give customers a more accurate and seamless delivery experience anywhere, anytime".

Emirates Literature Foundation launches digital discussion series

A new initiative to promote international cultural understanding through the power of books and words has been launched by the Emirates Literature Foundation. Literary Conversations Across Borders will use a digital platform to host Emirati writers and commentators in live discussions with high-profile experts from around the world on critical topics.

The series will launch on 30 May 2020 at 17:30 (GST) UAE/19:30 (IST) India, with the intellectual, writer and Indian politician Shashi Tharoor and HE Zaki Nusseibeh Minister of State: Office of Cultural Diplomacy, UAE who will debate how the events of 2020 will change the course of history, for better or worse.

Isobel Abulhoul, CEO and Trustee of the Emirates Literature Foundation said that the project was timely and that it was important to continue international dialogue during the current crisis. "Having these conversations across cultures strengthens our bonds and brings greater appreciation of the topics that affect us in the world today, no matter where we live," she said.

"We originally planned Literary Conversations Across Borders as a travelling project, taking Emirati authors and experts to book fairs and literary festivals throughout the world. World events have conspired to make that not possible at the moment, however we have grasped the initiative and re-designed it, with discussion being taken into the heart of people's homes, recognising the common concerns, joys and sorrows that affect us all, no matter who we are."

There will be eight sessions in this first series. An upcoming session will feature Jane Goodall, the scientist and environmentalist, in a discussion on 6 June with the UAE Minister of State for Food Security, HE Mariam bint Mohammed Al Mheiri.

On 13 June, Will science be the new religion in the post-pandemic world? will be the question posed in a debate by HE Omar Ghobash Assistant Minister, Office of Cultural Diplomacy and Lesley Hazleton, journalist and author of The First Muslim. They will consider whether an increased appreciation for the factual certainties of science, following the leading role it has played in tackling the pandemic, will have an impact on our belief systems based on the intangibles of faith, hope and trust.


The Emirates Literature Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation which supports and nurtures a love of literature in the UAE and the region through a programme of varied cultural initiatives. Established in 2013 by Royal Decree issued by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, VP and PM of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Foundation aims to foster a love for literature, with a focus on the Arabic language.

In line with the National Reading Policy of the UAE, the Foundation has implemented several long-term projects including the School Librarian of the Year Award and the annual Arabic Language Week, as well as conducting year-round student education programmes, book clubs and creative writing courses.

The Foundation is also the governing body of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, the UAE's premier literary festival, which will be held 2–6 February, 2021.

Details:

The sessions are free to watch but preregistration is required. After the event the session will be hosted on the Emirates Literature Foundation YouTube channel. Full details on the upcoming programme will be available on the Emirates Literature Foundation website

Call for submissions: the Zayed Sustainability Prize

Zayed Sustainability Prize, UAE's pioneering global award for sustainability, invites innovators from around the world to submit entries for the 13th edition of the award. Winners of each category will receive US$600,000 to further implement their sustainability solutions to transform lives around the world.

HE Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of State and Director General of the Zayed Sustainability Prize says: “With a 12-year record of recognising and rewarding excellent solutions, we are confident the Prize will continue to attract more of the world’s most dedicated innovators to submit their entries, in support of resolving the world’s most pressing sustainability challenges.”

“Inspired by Sheikh Zayed’s legacy of commitment to global sustainability and humanitarianism, the Prize also aligns with the emphasis our leadership has given this year to planning, preparing and finding solutions for the next 50 years,” he added.

Accepting entries until 11 June 2020 via its online portal, the Prize received a record 2,373 entries from 129 countries last year. There are five categories – Health, Food, Energy, Water and Global High Schools, with innovative solutions in sustainable and humanitarian development recognised across these sectors.

The Prize’s US$3 million annual fund rewards winners US$600,000 in each category. While the scope of the submissions vary, core elements of each entry lie in the innovative ways in which technology, applications and solutions are driving positive transformations of people’s lives.

For the Health, Food, Energy and Water categories, organisations should demonstrate that they are improving access to essential products or services and have a long-term vision for improved living and working conditions. Only small and medium enterprises (SMEs) or non-profit organisations (NPOs) are eligible to take part in these categories.

The Prize has named 86 winners in its history. One of them is water management company, ECOSOFTT, which became the first organisation from Singapore to receive the award when it won the Water category in 2019. ECOSOFTT’s technologies enable water sustainability through total management of the water cycle for living communities, including townships, homes, commercial buildings and villages.

Prior to winning, over 50 projects in five countries gave more than 500,000 people access to clean water. The prize money has allowed the company to reach even more communities. Marcus Lim, Co-Founder and MD at ECOSOFTT, said, “The Zayed Sustainability Prize has gained a reputation for recognising leading sustainability solutions globally. Winning the Prize was an important recognition of our unique and innovative approach to address the challenges communities face on account of water shortage, scarcity and quality.

"It has also helped us to connect with a global network of influencers and innovators that are working towards the Sustainable Development Goals."

This year, the Zayed Sustainability Prize also opens up nominations for potential candidates with its #FindThePioneer campaign – to recognise pioneers who are changing lives in any of the five competition categories. Nominations can be made by tagging the organisation or school in a social media post with the campaign hashtag #FindThePioneer, or emailing the nomination to press@affluencepr.media.
Winners of the Zayed Sustainability Prize 2021 will be announced at the annual awards ceremony held during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in January 2021.

UAE relaxes rules on foreign residency

The UAE government has announced a new residency programme, the Golden Card visa, for foreign nationals in the UAE. In May 2018, five- and 10-year visas were announced for expats investing AED5 and AED10 million respectively, real estate included.

Other criteria for the visa have yet to be revealed but it is confirmed that permanent residency status will include the spouse and children of the visa holder.

Previously, foreign nationals could only stay two to three years at a time on employer-linked visas. Foreign nationals comprise roughly 90% of residents living in the UAE, the second-largest economy in the Arab world.

“This is a shining example of visionary leadership striving to create a big opportunity for everyone aspiring to work and invest in the UAE. Dubai, besides being a business friendly and tax-free environment, is also a vibrant property market offering high quality real estate, stable rental yields and continuous planned expansions.

“It is also a great initiative for real estate investors who have been here for long. It is a big security to know that you can remain,” said Kanika Gupta Shori, founder and COO of leading proptech firm, Square Yards. Square Yards has been helping non-resident Indians as well as other foreign nationals navigate UAE’s primary residential markets.

“Overall, I feel this will encourage expats to invest more in this country and to give back even more through their businesses, professional services and social work,” Shori said.

Three new celebrity chefs at the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah

Source: Jumeirah Group. From left: Costa, Joinie-Maurin, Kurdahl, Semblat and Silva.

The Burj Al Arab Jumeirah has had three new chefs join its celebrity restaurants as part of its aims to create elevated dining experiences for its guests.

Jose Silva, Jumeirah Group's CEO said: "We are very proud to announce the arrival of three new culinary experts at our flagship hotel in Dubai. This appointment reveals the start of a more diversified and innovative culinary offering, in addition to our continued focus on the guest experiences, which is a core element of the luxury industry. Dubai's diverse culinary scene will be a delight for Expo2020 visitors next year, and with over 60 restaurants in Dubai, we are ready to welcome its epicurean guests. This is the start of several other exciting culinary and customer experiences we plan to announce in the near future."

The news follows the recent milestone recruitment of Michael Ellis as Chief Culinary Officer, the former MD of the Michelin Guide.

Francky Semblat, Kim Joinie-Maurin and Kasper Kurdahl have a combined seven Michelin stars at their most recent culinary appointments. Semblat and Joinie-Maurin are both protégés of Joël Robuchon's school of excellence, while Kurdahl has worked alongside Roger Souvereyns.

The Burj Al Arab Jumeirah's contemporary French diner Al Muntaha welcomes Semblat and Sky View cocktail bar & restaurant Joinie-Maurin. Kurdahl joins the Al Mahara seafood restaurant.

Anthony Costa, Regional VP, Jumeirah Group and MD Burj al Arab, said of the three: "Their experience at some of the world's best restaurants coupled with their diverse backgrounds and entrepreneurial adventures will pave the path to a wonderful gastronomic journey."

Dubai attracted over 1,000 millionaire residents in 2018

- Hamdan bin Mohammed: "The leadership’s clear vision for the future has transformed the UAE into a leading global lifestyle and business destination”

- More than 1,000 millionaires chose to move to Dubai in 2018

HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai said that the UAE has been able to create a robust investment and economic environment due to the clear vision of the country’s leaders. Their keenness to ensure high levels of happiness for residents, visitors and investors, and create a supportive environment for ideas and innovation, have helped make the UAE a leading lifestyle and business destination.

HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, VP and PM of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai seeks to make Dubai and the UAE a land of opportunity for talent and a magnet for investments that can benefit not only the region but all of humanity, Sheikh Hamdan added.

Sheikh Hamdan’s comments came on the back of a new report that shows Dubai was a major beneficiary of changing global wealth trends in 2018. The Global Wealth Migration Report for 2019, developed by AfrAsia Bank and New World Wealth, says that Dubai attracted more than 1,000 millionaires from outside the country, surpassing major cities like Los Angeles (US), Melbourne (Australia), Miami (US), New York (US), San Francisco (US) and Sydney (Australia).

The report described Dubai as the most prominent financial centre in the Middle East, and one of the safest cities in the region as well as a popular destination for high-net worth individuals (HNWIs) and wealthy expatriates. It also said that Dubai is an example of the power that business incentives have in encouraging business formation.  

Approximately 2,000 HNWIs, each with at least US$1 million worth of net assets, moved into the UAE in 2018, boosting the local economy. The number of affluent migrants in the UAE rose 2% in 2018 compared to the previous year, according to the report.

The 2019 Global Wealth Migration Report said that global wealth migration saw an acceleration in 2018. Approximately 108,000 millionaires (HNWIs) migrated in 2018, compared to 95,000 in 2017. China saw a mass exodus of 15,000 millionaires in 2018, the most significant of any country in the world. India saw an exodus of about 7,000 millionaires, while Turkey saw 4,000.

The report also found that HNWIs migrate because they are looking for security and safety, modern lifestyle, high standards of living, better educational opportunities and healthcare. Driven by its success as a focal point for global trade, and as an important transportation hub, Dubai offers many advantages that make it a haven for the world's wealthy.

Based on an ethos of peaceful coexistence and tolerance, the UAE is home to people of over 200 nationalities. Its strong legislative framework provides high levels of safety and security while its infrastructure incudes high-quality tourism facilities, service levels and entertainment offerings. Dubai has built a global reputation as a city with a highly developed infrastructure, and attracts millionaires due to business incentives, robust foreign trade and international connectivity.

Dubai Chamber white paper analyses Dubai startup funding environment

Source: Dubai Chamber. Cover for the white paper.

Startups in the UAE need a practical guide to help them navigate the UAE’s funding landscape along with access to a wider network of investors who are eager to finance new business ventures, a new white paper published by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry has said.

The report, Helping Startups Access Funding, was published in collaboration with Roland Berger, and released during Dubai Startup Hub’s Entrepreneurship Advocacy Series event in March. Dubai Startup Hub is the entrepreneurship arm of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The initiative provides clarity and direction in the journey of a startup entrepreneur through a wide range of programmes, workshops and training.

The white paper also called for allocation of more investment for startup incubators and accelerators, as well as for closer cooperation between universities, government agencies and investment funds to expand the scope of investments, to support the growth of startups in the UAE.

Navigating the complex local funding ecosystem, high hurdle rates to qualify for equity capital, and insufficient risk appetite of debt lenders were listed as key challenges for startups in the UAE. In addition, many banks still require startups to have an established company track record of at least three years before they can qualify for funding. The report also found that investor appetite is limited to a select number of business models, technologies and sectors.

Although the UAE has successfully attracted a diverse set of investors, interest in startups as an asset class is still relatively new, the white paper noted, with the bulk of investment still primarily directed towards other asset classes such as real estate and commodities. The document added that a lack of reliable market data adds complexity, cost and uncertainty when it comes to due diligence.

Building sector and technology specific ecosystems is the way forward to further elevate the role of startups in the economy, the report said. This in turn would help drive the UAE forward in its mission to be a world leader in innovation, and develop an entrepreneurial ecosystem where startups, small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), and major corporations can promote the use of modern technology, leading to the diversification of the economy, and the creation of new job opportunities.

The white paper also underlined the need to build more incubator capacity to cater to the growing number of entrepreneurs, adding that most of the currently available spaces still come at a cost that require start-ups to run on a self-financed basis for a fair period.

Startups still continue to experience some degree of difficulty in opening a bank account in the UAE, largely due to the various risk policies adopted by banks, the report said, calling on government entities to play a leading role in reducing the risks incurred by banks in financing early-stage startups.
On a positive note, the report said the building blocks for a thriving ecosystem are now in place, noting that the number of startups in the UAE has grown considerably in recent years as the country has become a preferred regional destination for entrepreneurs operating across a wide variety of sectors and fields.

Results of the new white paper were based on insights obtained by a survey of banks, startups, venture capital firms, angel investors, incubators, accelerators, and government entities in the UAE.

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Download the Helping Startups Access Funding white paper (PDF)

Dubai’s flag-carrier airline is the most impressive brand amongst women in the UAE

Source: YouGov. 2019 Women's Choice Rankings, top 10 for the UAE.

Emirates tops the UAE women’s YouGov BrandIndex Women's Rankings* for the 3rd time in a row, and has received the highest positive Impression score of +70.0 among women in the UAE. WhatsApp also holds on to second position this year, while Carrefour moves up one place in the list to 3rd, replacing Apple which has dropped one place to 4th.

The rankings were compiled using the Impression score from YouGov’s daily brand tracker, BrandIndex, by asking respondents, “Which of the following brands do you generally have a positive/negative feeling about?” over the past 12 months.

Last year Emirates paid a tribute to its female employees for International Women’s Day through a video entitled Superwomen flight. The movie showcased an all-female crew operating the flight from UAE to San Francisco, USA. The video created a lot of noise and was received positively.

Another brand that has managed to boost its Impression among women in the UAE is Samsung, which has moved up from 8th to 5th this year. Likewise, Almarai has improved its perception among women since its debut in 10th last year and is now in 9th place.

Baskin-Robbins has improved steadily year-on-year, and is in 6th this year. Facebook, on the other hand, exits the list in 2019.

The past year has been difficult for technology brands. Scores for those in the top 10 list declined year-on-year. Google and iPhone both move down two places from last year to 7th and 8th respectively, and YouTube has seen a consistent slide, from 6th in 2017 to 7th in 2018 and now at the bottom of the list in 10th for 2019.

YouGov also revealed the 10 brands that made the largest improvement to their Impression scores over the past 12 months. Coca-Cola is the most improved brand of the past year among women with a change in score of +10.1, going from an Impression score of 7.4 in 2018 to 17.5 in 2019.

Netflix’s original content may be one of the factors impressing women in the UAE as it has become the second-most improved brand with a score of 23.4 this year (up +9.9 from 13.5 last year). Fast-food chains like KFC and McDonald’s seem to be resonating well with women and have also registered improvement.

Newly-opened entertainment venue Warner Bros. World, fabric softener Downy and Chinese mobile giant Huawei are some of the other top improvers. Finally, food brands Lacnor and Sadia complete the list as the 9th and 10th most improved brands.

*The 586 brands in the UAE for the YouGov BrandIndex were ranked using the Impression score, which asks respondents, “Overall, of which of the following brands do you have Positive/Negative impression?” Scores are net scores, calculated by subtracting the percentage of negative responses from the percentage of positive responses for each brand.

The Women’s Rankings chart shows the brands with the highest average Impression scores between February 1, 2018 and January 31, 2019. The Impression Improvers chart ranks the brands with the highest increase in Impression scores when comparing the scores for the 12 months ending January 31, 2019 and the 12-month period ending January 31, 2018. To be included the year-over-year variance must be positive. Scores are representative amongst women.

All Impression scores listed have been rounded to a single decimal place. However, YouGov has used additional precision to assign ranks.

All brands must be tracked for at least six months to be included in the rankings, and must have been tracked for at least six months in the prior year’s period (as well as being currently tracked) to appear in the movers tables.

Winners for MRM Business Award and MRM Business Innovation Award announced

Source: Dubai Chamber. HH Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum
honoured winners of the 10th MRM Awards.

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, who is also Chairman & Chief Executive of the Emirates Airline & Group, has honoured the winners of the 10th Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum (MRM) Business Award and the 2nd MRM Business Innovation Award in Dubai, UAE.

The awards ceremony, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, was organised by Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The MRM Business Award, which is part of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, was presented to:

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB);
Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company (ADNIC);
Al Khaleej Sugar Company;
All Food For Food Stuff;
Apparel Group;
Arabian Automobiles Company;
ASGC Construction;
British Orchard Nursery;
China State Construction Engineering Corporation (Middle East);
Doka Gulf;
Gulf Extrusions;
Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC);
Jindal Shadeed Iron & Steel;
Network International;
RAK Hospital;
Tablix Technology;
TASC Outsourcing; and
Transguard Group.

The MRM Business Innovation Award was presented to:

Al Ansari Exchange;
ALEC Engineering and Contracting;
Almajdouie Logistics Company;
ASGC Construction;
Aster Pharmacy Group;
DuBox;
ENOC Retail;
Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC);
Jebel Ali Free Zone;
Network International;
Samsotech;
Sharjah Islamic Bank; and
Transguard Group.

Gulf Petrochemicals Industries Co. (GPIC) was presented with the Outstanding Award for Business Excellence, while the Outstanding Award for Business Innovation went to ENOC Retail.

HE Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, UAE Minister of Economy and Chairman of judging panel for the MRM Business Award and MRM Business Innovation Award, said the MRM Business Awards have fostered a culture of excellence within business communities in the UAE and GCC, facilitated the adoption of best practices and raised industry standards. He noted that the MRM Business Innovation Award, which was launched in 2015 by Dubai Chamber and the UAE Ministry of Economy during the Year of Innovation, reflects the vision of the UAE’s leadership to encourage companies to make innovation a major part of their organisational cultures.

HE Al Mansoori said the second cycle of the MRM Business Innovation Award registered a 21% increase in the number of participants, reflecting the growing importance that companies in the region attach to innovation excellence.

Source: Dubai Chamber. HE Al Ghurair.

In welcome remarks, HE Majid Saif Al Ghurair, Chairman of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry said: “Since the establishment of the MRM Business Awards, we have worked to develop and improve the award programme in line with the changing needs of maturing business communities in the UAE and GCC. I am very proud at the progress that has been achieved by the outstanding companies that have participated in the programme to date.”

Dubai Chamber’s Chairman explained that the awards have served as a catalyst for enhancing business performance and boosting innovation activity on a regional level. He revealed that more than 1,800 companies have benefitted from the award programme since its establishment while 181 winning companies have been recognised for their outstanding achievements.

During the ceremony, HE Al Ghurair launched the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Customer Excellence Award, a new award under the MRM Business Awards platform. The award aims to recognise the efforts of outstanding companies and organisations in the UAE and GCC that are adopting innovative strategies to improve customer experiences.

“The MRM Customer Excellence Award will provide companies with another incentive to apply and participate in the MRM Business Award programme, enhance their customer approach and adopt best practices in line with international standards. The launch of this award stems from our strong belief that customer experience is among the most crucial factors impacting business performance,” said HE Al Ghurair.

HE Hamad Buamim, President & CEO of Dubai Chamber and Chairman of the Steering Committee for the MRM Business Award said: “Over the years, the MRM Business Awards have become benchmarks for business and innovation excellence and they remain the highest level of recognition in these areas within the GCC. With UAE Innovation Month upon us, it is an opportune time to put the spotlight on the outstanding companies we are recognising today that are driving innovation in a wide range of economic sectors.”

HE Buamim noted Dubai Chamber had received an overwhelming number of strong applications for both awards, with a 46% increase in the number of applications. He added that the awards support Dubai Chamber’s efforts to fulfill the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, VP and PM of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and lead the business community to a brighter future.

Zayed Sustainability Prize 2019 holds award ceremony

Source: PRNewsfoto/Zayed Sustainability Prize. The Zayed Sustainability Prize award ceremony 2019. HH Sheikh Mohamed handed the prizes to 10 winners across the categories of Health, Food, Energy, Water and Global High Schools, which was held within Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, ADSW.The ceremony was also attended by HH Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of Abu HH Dhabi Executive Council; HH Lt General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy PM and Minister of Presidential Affairs; HH Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chief of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court; and HH Sheikh Omar bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation; Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance, and a number of senior ministers and officials.

HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, UAE and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, VP, PM and Ruler of Dubai, alongside leaders and representatives from the winners' countries, have presented awards to the 10 winners of the 2019 Zayed Sustainability Prize.

HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed congratulated the winners and praised their efforts and valuable contribution to support sustainable development. He encouraged them to keep up the good work to find innovative and sustainable solutions to address current and future global challenges.

He also praised their creative ideas and efforts that have contributed to the economic and social development of their countries and regions.

"This year's awards mark a significant milestone in the history of the prize and the UAE. Throughout 2018, we saw the nation unite in commemoration of the UAE's Founding Father, with the Year of Zayed. The celebrations inspired the prize's evolution to recognise a wider scope of globally impactful solutions to address the world's sustainability challenges," said HH Sheikh Mohamed.

"Under the leadership of President HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the legacy of Sheikh Zayed's values continues to shape our global vision for development that is sustainable and inclusive, which we will celebrate throughout 2019 as the Year of Tolerance."

"By identifying work across sectors that are the cornerstones to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the prize presents an unparallelled global platform for ideas that have the power to benefit humankind and our planet. Through the wider impact created in the areas of healthcare, food security, energy access, as well as water and sanitation, we are uniquely positioned to embolden and empower a new generation of pioneers to create exciting innovations that will change the lives of millions of underprivileged people around the world."

The 2019 prize honours leaders whose work and spirit of enterprise has resulted in working solutions across communities around the world. Organisations , including small and medium-sized enterprises and non-profits, were invited to submit existing solutions that have already demonstrated a positive impact.

In the Health category, We Care Solar received the award for its Solar Suitcase, a portable maternity device to assist with childbirth and related medical services in off-grid rural areas. The unit brings together light, fetal monitoring and communications equipment and has already helped 1.8 million people by assisting doctors, midwives and medical professionals by providing emergency obstetric care across 3,325 health facilities in Africa.

Sanku, the winner in the Food category, was recognised for its flour fortification machines that equip and incentivise small-scale, local millers to fortify their flour with nutrients using innovative technology. Sanku has currently installed 150 fortification machines in flour mills across East Africa.

In the Energy category, BBOXX, an energy solutions provider, was recognised for its plug-and-play solar device, offering users an on-grid experience in an off-grid setting. BBOXX has installed over 160,000 solar home systems across Africa, South America and the Pacific region, connecting over 675,000 people with clean, affordable energy solutions, and offsetting an approximate 87,000 tonnes of CO² each year.

ECOSOFTT, the winner in the Water category, was awarded for its decentralised community water management standard, which outlines a set of solutions for source management, water use, water recycling and discharge. It has implemented over 50 projects in five countries and provided more than 200,000 people access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene.

The Global High Schools category seeks to inspire young minds and encourage entries based on concepts or proposed projects they can implement with the award's prize money. The category, which was introduced in 2012, expanded this year from five to six schools, with each representing a specific world region. Participating schools submitted a project proposal that addressed one or more of the four sustainability challenges: health, food, energy or water.

The recipients of the award for the 2019 Global High Schools category were: The Impact School (Guatemala), representing The Americas; Gymnasium Goethe (Tajikistan), representing Europe & Central Asia; American School of Dubai (UAE), representing the Middle East and North Africa region; African Leadership Academy (South Africa), representing Sub-Saharan Africa; SECMOL (India), representing South Asia; and Muntinlupa National High School (The Philippines), representing East Asia & Pacific.

Chair of the Zayed Sustainability Prize jury and former President of Iceland Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, said, "I would like to thank the UAE leadership for their foresight, 10 years ago, in establishing such an award. Through their commitment to its ideals and goals, the Zayed Sustainability Prize's new and broadened mandate facilitates a continuation of its reach, while transforming the lives of vulnerable communities across the world.

"The prize is a significant vehicle for generating support and advocacy for the global sustainability agenda and while we congratulate the 2019 prize winners, I would also like to recognise all entrants, shortlisted candidates, and finalists - as they have all demonstrated a clear passion and dedication towards creating a more sustainable future."

Dr Sultan bin Ahmad Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State and Director-General of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, said, "The Zayed Sustainability Prize aligns with our Founding Father's holistic, humanitarian vision and will build on the positive impact of the precursor, the Zayed Future Energy Prize. The prize's evolution and the expansion of the categories has resulted in record interest and we are particularly energised by the extraordinary work, passion and innovation taking place around the world to identify the most impactful solutions to global challenges.

"We congratulate the winners of the 2019 Zayed Sustainability Prize. The prize's success relies on a collaboration between all stakeholders - from governments and industry to the ingenuity and inventiveness at the grassroots. We continue to be inspired by their creativity and enthusiasm as they pursue sustainability-led solutions to achieving the global goals."

Since the prize was awarded for the first time in 2009, winners have had a direct and indirect impact on the lives of more than 307 million people around the world and have been able to contribute significantly towards reducing carbon dioxide emissions to 1 billion tons. They have also saved 1.2 billion megawatts of clean energy, while expanding access to energy to 27.5 million people in some of the poorest communities in Africa and Asia.

Dubai Chamber releases UAE GDP forecasts

The UAE is forecast to achieve an average real GDP growth rate of 3.8% between 2019 and 2023, supported by an increase in investment flows and private consumption, according to new analysis from Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The findings, based on the Dubai Chamber UAE Macroeconomic Model, also forecast a recovery in private consumption and sales of highly cyclical consumer products, extending to products such as vehicles, furniture, household appliances, and medical equipment. Meanwhile, robust growth in investment is projected on the back of government fiscal stimulus.

Real GDP for the UAE’s non-oil sector is projected grow by an average of 4.1% between 2019-2023, compared to the 2.8% accounted for in the 2014-2018 period. Momentum behind the UAE’s GDP growth over the next five years will likely be led by the country’s transport and communication sector which is set to record GDP growth of 7.9%, followed by construction (4.2%), and real estate and business services (3.8%).

In addition, recent measures to reduce cost of doing business in the UAE are expected to support activity within the country’s small and medium sized enterprise (SME) and private sectors in the near future.

The outlook for the global economy over the 2019-2023 period appears more modest, with real GDP growth projected to reach an average of 3.6%, according to recent projections from the IMF. Tightening fiscal policy, higher borrowing costs, and US-China trade tensions, are among the main factors expected to impact economic growth in the medium term. On the other hand, emerging markets are expected to see average real GDP growth of 4.8% between 2019 and 2023, outperforming advanced economies and the global average.

Emerging markets in Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS; excluding Russia) are expected to outperform the rest of the world over the next five years, with real GDP growth projections of 6.1%, 4.1%, and 4.1%, respectively.

The Middle East and North Africa accounts for the largest share of Dubai’s exports (41%), followed by Emerging Asia with 26%, Sub-Saharan Africa (18%), CIS (1%) and Latin America (0.8%), trade data for the first nine months of 2018 revealed.

Chemicals and allied products was the top-performing product category for Dubai’s exports to Asia, which includes perfumes and cosmetics, and fluorides of aluminium.

The Royal Atlantis Resort & Residences to host Ariana's Persian Kitchen

The Royal Atlantis Resort & Residences and Iranian-American celebrity chef Ariana Bundy have announced that her debut restaurant, Ariana’s Persian Kitchen, will launch at the destination property late 2019.

Served family style, Persian classics will be given a modern twist in terms of textures, ingredients and presentation. Guests can sample signature dishes such as Ariana’s Caspian-style filet kabab, rose-scented sea bass, a colorful array of new mezze dishes, and her take on classic Persian ice cream with saffron, pistachios and rosewater. Meals will be complemented by a range of specially created cordials and drinks as well as traditional Persian tea and baqlava (baklava).

An elegant, light yet relaxed and intimate setting, the restaurant will seat more than 140 guests offering sea views over the Dubai skyline from wooden ‘day beds’ in a garden terrace. Features of note include a cordial bar, vaulted domes and a masculine private dining room. At the heart of the restaurant is a show kitchen featuring a massive charcoal grill and fire pit tanoor serving fresh breads.

A TV chef and cookbook author, Bundy is on a mission to bring Persian cuisine to a wider audience.
“The stunning design of the resort, combined with the professionalism of the Atlantis and Kerzner teams, convinced me that this was the ideal time and place to open my first restaurant,” she said. 

Source: Kerzner International Holdings.
Bundy. 

“Ariana’s Persian Kitchen will bring to life the untold stories of Persian culture through plentiful and beautifully presented dishes. Complex, yet comforting flavours will work alongside an interplay of textures, spices and tastes, all served with charming and generous hospitality.”

Martin Chung, SVP, Global Development at The Royal Atlantis Resort and Residences said: “We have big expectations for Ariana’s Persian Kitchen, there is really nothing in the region that fuses a contemporary dining experience with the authenticity of the Persian cuisine. Joining the likes of Gordon Ramsay, Nobu Matsuhisa, Heston Blumenthal, Giorgio Locatelli and José Andrés, Ariana Bundy is another iconic addition to the Atlantis family.”

Bundy was first exposed to the food business by her restaurateur father, who owned French dining establishments in pre-revolution Iran and later Beverly Hills in the US. After learning her craft at Le Cordon Bleu and Le Notre in Paris and training at Fauchon Patisserie, Bundy became the head pastry chef for the Mondrian Hotel in Los Angeles, the US, catering for the Oscars and Golden Globes as well as movie premieres. 

Shortly after, Bundy published her first book, Sweet Alternative that features desserts using alternatives to dairy, gluten, or soy, inspired by her own food intolerances. Following the success of her book Pomegranates and Roses: My Persian Family Recipes in 2012 she went on to write, produce and present the cookery and travel series, Ariana’s Persian Kitchen on NatGeo People, in 2015. 

Kerzner International Holdings owns the Atlantis brand, which includes Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, a 1,500-room, water-themed resort on The Palm; Atlantis Sanya Hainan in China; and in development, The Royal Atlantis Resort & Residences in Dubai, UAE.