Bentley Reid, the employee-owned wealth manager, has officially opened a Dubai office under the name Bentley Reid (DIFC) Limited. The firm is incorporated within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and has received a Category 4 regulatory...
Dubai’s creative arm of the Government Media Office, Brand Dubai, has launched the 12th edition of its Flag Garden at its permanent site in Jumeirah Beach, Umm Suqeim 2. The installation is part of the city’s ‘National Month’ campaign and aligns with the #ZayedAndRashid initiative, introduced under the direction of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council.
The 2025 display features 11,000 UAE flags arranged to form large-scale portraits of the nation’s founding leaders, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. The installation spans 60 meters in height and 90 meters in width, symbolizing national unity and loyalty to the UAE’s founding values.
Shaima Al Suwaidi, Director of Brand Dubai, said the Flag Garden “is one of Dubai’s most prominent national events, bringing together art, creativity, and national symbolism.” She noted that the garden, now in its 12th year, reflects the city’s ongoing tribute to the Founding Fathers and serves as a focal point for the wider ‘National Month’ campaign.
Mahra Alyouha, a member of the #ZayedAndRashid campaign organizing committee, described the garden as a “national icon and a prominent tourist attraction,” drawing thousands of residents and visitors.
Bentley Reid, the employee-owned wealth manager, has officially opened a Dubai office under the name Bentley Reid (DIFC) Limited. The firm is incorporated within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and has received a Category 4 regulatory licence from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA).
CEO Peter Clark has relocated with his family from the United Kingdom to Dubai to oversee the new operation, which is based in DIFC’s newly established Funds Centre. Clark highlighted the firm’s experience with high-net-worth international clients, particularly in Hong Kong, and described the Middle East expansion as a natural extension of the company’s growth over the past four decades.
Salmaan Jaffery, Chief Business Development Officer at DIFC Authority, welcomed Bentley Reid to the financial hub, noting that the firm’s UK and European presence aligns with DIFC’s strategy to attract global wealth and investment managers.
Dubai has increasingly become a focal point for affluent families. A Henley & Partners report shows that, as of the end of 2024, the city had the highest concentration of wealth in the Middle East. The UAE is projected to welcome roughly 9,800 new millionaires in 2025, surpassing traditional financial centres such as London and Singapore. DIFC hosts over 1,000 family-related entities, including 120 family offices managing $1.2 trillion in global assets, reinforcing its position as a hub for ultra-wealthy clients.
Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office
Alexander Agafiev Macambira
Alexander Agafiev Macambira is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.
The Emirates Group reported a record profit for the first half of the 2025-26 financial year, marking the fourth consecutive year of half-year profitability gains. The airline and travel services conglomerate posted a profit before tax of AED 12.2 billion (US$ 3.3 billion) and a profit after tax of AED 10.6 billion (US$ 2.9 billion), a 13 percent increase from the previous year.
Revenue for the Group rose 4 percent to AED 75.4 billion (US$ 20.6 billion), while EBITDA reached AED 21.1 billion (US$ 5.7 billion), up 3 percent from the same period last year. Cash reserves increased to a record AED 56.0 billion (US$ 15.2 billion) at the end of September, supporting aircraft deliveries, debt servicing, and dividends. The Group also completed the final AED 2 billion (US$ 545 million) dividend payout for the 2024-25 financial year.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, said the results reflect strong customer demand and global travel resilience despite geopolitical and economic challenges. The Group’s workforce grew 3 percent to 124,927 employees to support expanding operations.
Emirates Airline
Emirates expanded its network to 153 airports across 81 countries and territories, launching services to Danang, Siem Reap, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou, and increasing connectivity with 28 additional weekly flights to six cities. Five new A350 aircraft joined the fleet, while 23 aircraft underwent interior retrofits, extending the airline’s Premium Economy offering to 61 cities.
Passenger traffic rose 4 percent to 27.8 million, with an average seat factor of 79.5 percent. Emirates SkyCargo carried 1.25 million tonnes of freight, up 4 percent, while launching Emirates Courier Express for door-to-door shipping. Airline profit before tax reached AED 11.4 billion (US$ 3.1 billion), up from AED 9.7 billion (US$ 2.6 billion) last year. Revenue increased 6 percent to AED 65.6 billion (US$ 17.9 billion), while operating costs grew 4 percent.
The airline also invested in brand visibility through sponsorships with FC Bayern Munich, Real Madrid Basketball, the ATP Tour, and other sports properties. Environmental initiatives included sustainable aviation fuel usage at 37 airports and joining the Aviation Circularity Consortium.
dnata
dnata recorded half-year revenue of AED 11.7 billion (US$ 3.2 billion), a 13 percent increase, and profit before tax of AED 843 million (US$ 230 million), up 17 percent. Profit after tax rose 22 percent to AED 697 million (US$ 190 million), with EBITDA reaching AED 1.4 billion (US$ 372 million).
Airport services remained the largest revenue contributor at AED 5.5 billion (US$ 1.5 billion), supported by 450,903 aircraft turns and 1.59 million tonnes of cargo handled. Flight catering and retail operations grew 11 percent to AED 4.1 billion (US$ 1.1 billion), while travel services revenue increased 11 percent to AED 2.0 billion (US$ 538 million).
dnata made strategic investments, including 800 new ground support equipment units valued at US$ 110 million, expanded its airport hospitality brand in the U.K., and acquired a minority stake in WonderMiles, a booking platform. The company also entered sports sponsorship, supporting Dubai Basketball.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has formalized partnerships with five leading companies to serve as platinum sponsors for the UITP Global Public Transport Summit 2026. The agreements were signed in the presence of His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, RTA Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, and Mohamed Mezghani, Secretary General of the International Association of Public Transport (UITP).
The sponsors include Al Naboodah Group, Dubai Taxi Company, Keolis Group, United Motors & Heavy Equipment Company, and RATP Group. Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of RTA’s Public Transport Agency, signed the agreements on behalf of the authority, with company representatives completing the signings: Mansoor Al Falasi (Dubai Taxi Company), Khalifa Saif Darwish Al Ketbi (United Motors & Heavy Equipment Company), Ajit Kumar (Swaidan Trading Company, part of Al Naboodah Group), Vikas Sardana (Keolis Group), and Khellil Beneloucif (RATP Dev).
Bahrozyan said the sponsorships strengthen public-private sector collaboration, support national economic growth, and contribute to the success of Dubai as a host city for international events. “The participation of these key partners is vital for ensuring the success of this global event and reinforcing Dubai’s standing in exhibitions and conferences,” he said.
The sponsors highlighted their commitment to advancing sustainable and innovative transport solutions. Khalifa Al Ketbi of United Motors & Heavy Equipment Company noted the shared goal of shaping the future of connected cities. Ajit Kumar of Al Naboodah Group praised Dubai’s progress in public transport infrastructure. Mansoor Al Falasi emphasized Dubai Taxi Company’s role in promoting integrated, sustainable mobility. Laurence Broseta of Keolis Group highlighted the opportunity to showcase innovative mobility solutions, while Khellil Beneloucif of RATP Dev emphasized promoting accessible and sustainable urban transport.
The UITP Global Public Transport Summit 2026 is scheduled to take place in Dubai, with wide-ranging international participation.
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, the Dubai International Baja will take place from November 20 to 23.
Organized by the Emirates Motorsport Organization (EMSO), the event will conclude both the FIA World Baja Cup for cars and the FIM Baja World Cup for bikes and quads, marking the end of the Middle East’s motorsport season. Now in its ninth edition under the Baja format, the event traces its origins back to the Dubai Rally launched in 1979.
Widely recognized for its challenging terrain and scenic backdrops, the Dubai International Baja attracts leading international drivers and riders. Competitors will set off from Dubai Festival City, tackling the Prologue in Hatta’s rugged Hajar Mountains before facing two demanding stages in the Al Qudra desert dunes.
The Baja is supported by several Dubai Government entities, including Dubai Police, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), and Dubai Municipality, alongside Al-Futtaim Toyota as the Official Automotive Partner.
Registration closes on November 6, after which the official entry list will be released. Competitors will aim to succeed 2024 champions Nasser Al Attiyah (cars), Konrad Dabrowski (motorcycles), and Abdulaziz Ahli (quads).
His Excellency Khalid Ben Sulayem, President and Board Member of the EMSO, said the event’s return as the final round of the Bajas World Cup calendar underscores its importance on the global motorsport stage. He expressed appreciation to Sheikh Hamdan for his continued support, highlighting the event’s role in reinforcing Dubai’s standing as a hub for world-class sport.
This year’s route once again combines innovation and tradition, showcasing Dubai’s distinctive landscapes while maintaining the demanding standards that define the Baja.
Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office
Alexander Agafiev Macambira
Alexander Agafiev Macambira is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.
Dubai is gearing up for the ninth edition of the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC), launching November 1 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. The annual initiative encourages residents and visitors to commit to 30 minutes of daily physical activity for 30 days, with the goal of making Dubai one of the world’s most active cities.
Running through November 30, DFC 2025 carries the theme “Find Your Challenge,” offering a month-long program of free workouts, sports events, and wellness sessions across the city. The schedule includes four flagship events — Dubai Ride (Nov. 2), Dubai Stand Up Paddle (Nov. 8–9), Dubai Run (Nov. 23), and Dubai Yoga (Nov. 30) — alongside three major Fitness Villages at Kite Beach, Zabeel Park, and Al Warqa’a Park, plus over 25 community hubs in neighbourhoods across Dubai.
His Excellency Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, said the initiative has evolved into a “citywide movement that transforms lives and strengthens communities.” Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, called it a celebration of “movement and connection,” aligning with the UAE’s Year of Community.
DFC will also coincide with major international sporting events, including the Dubai Premier Padel P1, Dubai T100 Triathlon, DP World Tour Championship, and Emirates Dubai 7s, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a global hub for sport and wellness.
Organised by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and the Dubai Sports Council, with support from DP World, Dubai Municipality, Mai Dubai, and the Roads and Transport Authority, DFC 2025 aims to inspire lasting healthy habits and community participation citywide.
Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, is marking three decades of operations to Nairobi, underscoring its enduring role in strengthening air connectivity between Kenya and the global market. Since its inaugural flight in October 1995, the Dubai-based carrier has transported more than 6.6 million passengers to and from the Kenyan capital on over 34,000 flights.
Currently operating double daily Boeing 777 services, Emirates links Nairobi to more than 145 destinations across six continents, serving both business and leisure travelers. Passenger traffic between Kenya and major markets in Asia, Australasia and North America remains robust, with routes connecting Nairobi to cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Sydney, Melbourne, New York and Washington.
In 2023, Emirates expanded its regional footprint through an interline partnership with Kenya Airways, offering customers streamlined connections on a single ticket across East Africa. Since its launch, over 31,000 passengers have used the partnership, with destinations including Rwanda, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique and Burundi proving especially popular.
“Nairobi has long been one of the busiest destinations in our African network,” said Christophe Leloup, Emirates’ Country Manager for Kenya. “For 30 years, we’ve invested steadily in our operations to deliver our signature world-class service and to support Kenya’s growth as a leading economic and tourism hub.”
Earlier this year, Emirates opened Africa’s first Emirates World retail store in Nairobi. Located on Riverside Drive, the modern facility offers customers travel planning services, interactive displays and an immersive experience reflecting the airline’s latest retail concept.
Emirates continues to be the only carrier serving Kenya with private First Class suites, and offers competitive baggage allowances and regionally inspired cuisine prepared by award-winning chefs. Its inflight entertainment system features over 6,500 channels, including Kenyan films, television and music.
Kenya and the United Arab Emirates strengthened their long-standing trade relations this year with the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Emirates SkyCargo supports this relationship through freight services that include three weekly dedicated freighters to Nairobi, transporting high-value exports such as fresh flowers. In 2024 alone, the airline moved more than 16,000 tonnes of Kenyan cut flowers to markets worldwide within 24 hours of harvest.
Emirates employs more than 1,100 Kenyans across its global network, including 254 cabin crew and 41 pilots. The airline also supports local social initiatives through the Emirates Airline Foundation, which funds programs for children in need, including partnerships with the Little Prince Nursery and Primary School, Alfajiri Street Kids, and the Starehe Boys’ Centre.
Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office
Alexander Agafiev Macambira
Alexander Agafiev Macambira is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.
Nakheel, part of Dubai Holding Real Estate, has announced the launch of Palm Central Private Residences, a new development on Palm Jebel Ali aimed at advancing the island’s resort-style residential offering. The project is located along the island’s central spine between Fronds M and N and represents a shift toward community-focused living within one of Dubai’s most prominent coastal destinations.
The development comprises 212 residences across three mid-rise buildings, including one- to five-bedroom apartments and signature penthouses with private pools. Each unit is designed to emphasize space, natural light and the integration of indoor and outdoor living. Residents will have access to landscaped courtyards, wellness areas and communal lounges intended to balance privacy and social connection.
“Palm Jebel Ali advances Dubai’s vision for people-centred waterfront living,” said Khalid Al Malik, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding Real Estate. “With Palm Central Private Residences, we bring resort living into the everyday, creating a central neighbourhood where homes, wellness, learning, retail and worship sit within a short walk.”
Palm Central Private Residences follows the earlier release of the Palm Jebel Ali Beach and Coral Collection villas, designed in collaboration with international architects. While those projects emphasize exclusive coastal living, the new residences extend the island’s appeal through a more connected and accessible community layout.
The wider Palm Jebel Ali development includes plans for a 9,000-square-meter retail center and a mosque designed by architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. The mosque, accommodating up to 1,000 worshippers, features contemporary design elements that reinterpret traditional Islamic architecture with a focus on light and reflection.
Spanning 13.4 kilometers and encompassing seven interconnected islands, Palm Jebel Ali includes 16 fronds and over 90 kilometers of coastline. The project aligns with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, incorporating sustainable design principles and walkable spaces to foster a modern, mixed-use community.
Eaton, a global leader in intelligent power management, has begun construction of a new sustainable manufacturing and engineering facility in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The project, developed in partnership with the Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), represents a major investment in advanced manufacturing and sustainable industrial growth in the region.
Spanning 36,000 square meters, the site will open in 2026 and is expected to create more than 700 jobs, including positions in engineering, research and development, and advanced manufacturing. The facility will serve as a regional hub for producing electrical and electronic components used in data centers, utilities, and commercial infrastructure across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Eaton said the project aligns with Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33, which seeks to position the emirate as a global center for advanced, sustainable manufacturing. “Our latest advanced manufacturing and engineering center will enable Eaton to meet growing demand for safe, efficient, and sustainable power solutions,” said Paulo Ruiz, Eaton’s Chief Executive Officer.
The facility will integrate 20 Industry 4.0 technologies, including artificial intelligence, to advance automation and operational efficiency. Designed to achieve LEED Gold certification, the site incorporates renewable energy systems and energy-efficient processes to minimize environmental impact.
Dubai officials described Eaton’s investment as a reflection of the city’s growing appeal as a global industrial hub. “Eaton’s investment reinforces Dubai’s emergence as a center for advanced manufacturing, powered by high-skilled talent and world-class infrastructure,” said Hadi Badri, Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation.
Jafza, operated by DP World, continues to attract international manufacturers seeking access to Dubai’s logistics and trade ecosystem. “We’re proud to welcome Eaton to Jafza as part of Dubai’s strategy to lead in advanced manufacturing,” said Abdulla Bin Damithan, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of DP World GCC.
The initiative underscores Dubai’s broader industrial goals, including a target to add $5 billion to the local industrial economy by 2030. With more than 700 manufacturing companies from 73 countries already operating in Jafza, the zone remains central to Dubai’s plans for sustainable economic diversification and innovation-driven growth.
The Dubai Sports Council (DSC) has inaugurated the latest edition of the Dubai Open Football Academies Tournament (DOFA), in collaboration with the UAE Football Association and in partnership with Delta Aid Sport. The initiative forms part of the Council’s ongoing efforts to develop young athletic talent and reinforce Dubai’s role as a global sports hub.
This year’s tournament is the largest in its history, featuring 12,000 players - both male and female - forming 558 teams from 117 academies. The competition includes 40 girls’ teams and spans age groups from 6 to 23 years old. Participants represent academies from across all Emirates.
The event reflects steady growth, with a 9.1 percent increase in player participation and an 11.6 percent rise in team entries compared with last year’s edition, which involved 11,000 players and 500 teams from 100 academies. Matches are organized under a single-round league system, culminating in a Super Cup for top group winners. Competitions will take place throughout the sports season at nine venues, including Dubai Sports City, to ensure broad access for participants.
The DOFA Tournament is part of DSC’s broader strategy to nurture young talent, develop professional athletes, and strengthen Dubai’s position as a center for sports and human development. Facilities and infrastructure have been prepared to meet international standards of safety and professionalism, providing participants with opportunities to improve skills, gain competitive experience, and embrace teamwork and fair play.
Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office
Alexander Agafiev Macambira
Alexander Agafiev Macambira is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.
Dubai Municipality has authorized a select group of engineering consultancy offices to issue instant self-build permits for Emirati villas, in a move aimed at accelerating residential development and improving public services for citizens.
The initiative allows accredited consultancies to issue villa permits directly, eliminating the need for prior municipal engineer review. The change is designed to simplify the homebuilding process for Emiratis, saving time and administrative effort while maintaining compliance with the emirate’s regulatory standards.
According to the Municipality, each accredited office met strict technical and regulatory benchmarks to qualify for participation. The list of approved consultancies will expand in future phases, broadening citizens’ options and supporting the emirate’s goal of improving housing service delivery.
Eng. Maryam Al Muhairi, CEO of the Building Regulation and Permits Agency at Dubai Municipality, said the program marks a major step in facilitating self-build housing. “By offering a flexible, one-stop solution for villa construction, we are helping citizens build homes that reflect their needs while ensuring quality and sustainability,” she said.
Under the new system, citizens can apply for permits through accredited offices, which verify compliance with the Dubai Building Code and local planning regulations before processing applications via Dubai’s Building Platform. Once the permit is issued, the consultant appoints a contractor to begin construction.
Key regulations governing the system include adherence to structural and design standards under the Dubai Building Code, cost-efficiency requirements to prevent overdesign, and compliance with land use, height, and parking rules.
Dubai Municipality said the initiative reflects its ongoing efforts to enhance service quality, streamline housing-related procedures, and support Emirati families in building high-quality, well-designed homes that meet national urban development goals.
Dubai South’s Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH) announced that Avia Solutions Group (ASG), the Dublin-based aviation services company and the world’s largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider, will set up its new regional headquarters within the aerospace hub. The move marks a significant step in ASG’s global expansion strategy and underscores Dubai’s growing role as a center for aviation innovation and services.
The new facility, scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 2027, will accommodate up to 800 professionals and serve as a regional and global collaboration hub for the company. The site will feature modern offices, meeting facilities, and shared services supporting ASG’s operations in ACMI leasing, cargo charters, cybersecurity, digital marketing, and aviation insurance.
In addition, the complex will include an Agentic AI innovation hub - a first-of-its-kind initiative by ASG aimed at attracting international talent and advancing digital transformation in aviation.
H.E. Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South, said the decision reinforces Dubai’s position as a destination for multinational corporations seeking to expand in the Middle East. “Welcoming Avia Solutions Group to Dubai South strengthens the emirate’s standing as a global aviation capital, in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,” he said.
Gediminas Ziemelis, Founder and Chairman of Avia Solutions Group, described MBRAH as “one of the most advanced and integrated aviation ecosystems in the world,” adding that the new headquarters will help the company meet regional demand, attract skilled professionals, and enhance global efficiency.
Avia Solutions Group employs more than 14,000 professionals and operates a fleet of 209 aircraft across six continents. Its portfolio spans aircraft leasing, maintenance, ground handling, pilot training, charter operations, and aviation media and events.
Located within Dubai South, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub provides a dedicated ecosystem for aerospace and aviation businesses, including airlines, MROs, and private aviation companies. The hub aims to advance Dubai’s long-term goal of becoming a leading global aviation hub.
Fresh off a landmark season on the global cycling circuit, UAE Team Emirates XRG arrived in Dubai this week for a celebratory visit to the Emirates Group Headquarters. The stop marked the team’s first following their return from competition and underscored the close partnership between Emirates Airline and the UAE-based cycling team.
Led by world number one and four-time Tour de France champion Tadej Pogačar, the delegation included João Almeida, ranked fifth globally, alongside Florian Vermeersch, Jay Vine, Johnatan Narváez, and Tim Wellens. Team CEO Mauro Gianetti also attended. Emirates Airline President Sir Tim Clark welcomed the riders and congratulated them on a season defined by record victories and international acclaim.
Employees of Emirates, many of whom are cycling enthusiasts, met the athletes and celebrated the team’s accomplishments, reflecting the airline’s continuing commitment to sports development and national representation.
Emirates has served as co-title sponsor of UAE Team Emirates XRG since the team’s establishment in 2017 and renewed its partnership earlier this year.
To conclude the season, the team will take part in a community ride on Al Hudayriat Island on October 30, 2025.
