Author: Editorial team

SHARJAH, 14th October, 2026 (WAM) — Leading government officials, business leaders and investors at the Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF 2026) highlighted the need to move beyond facilitating business establishment towards creating the conditions for companies to expand, reinvest and sustain long-term growth. The insights and opinions were shared during a discussion, held on the opening day’s panel ‘Beyond Ease of Doing Business: Building Economies Where Businesses Grow,’ led by Hussein Al Mahmoudi, CEO of Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK); Abdelaziz Alshamsi, Assistant Director General for Communication and Business Sector at Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI); Mariam…

Dubai: Dubai Customs announced that the percentage of cashless payment transactions reached 99.3% of total payment transactions during the first half of 2026, compared to 99.4% in 2025 and 99.2% in 2024. This comes as part of Dubai Customs’ efforts to integrate its customs services and cashless payments in support of the Dubai Cashless strategy, which contributes to simplifying procedures, improving customer experience, and increasing the efficiency of business practices. These results reflect the development of the department’s digital infrastructure, the efficiency of its electronic payment systems, and its commitment to providing a smooth and secure customer experience, which enhances…

Sharjah has launched an artificial intelligence agent designed to help investors identify commercial and industrial opportunities that match their project requirements and budgets.The “Najm” AI agent, developed by the Sharjah FDI Office, or Invest in Sharjah, was unveiled at the ninth Sharjah Investment Forum on Wednesday in the presence of Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Shurooq.Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of Invest in Sharjah, said the tool was developed to address difficulties investors can face in finding relevant information quickly.“How can we deliver the…

Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, accompanied by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, attended the Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders 2026. Held in Dubai from 13 to 15 October under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the meeting is organised in partnership between the UAE Government, the World…

SHARJAH, 14th October, 2026 (WAM) — H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, witnessed on Wednesday morning, in the presence of H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), the launch of ‘Najm’, an AI agent by the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah). The launch took place during the opening ceremony of the 9th Sharjah Investment Forum, held at the Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre. The launch of ‘Najm’, which aims to help investors identify commercial and industrial opportunities in Sharjah that match the requirements…

Home UAE Ahmed bin Mohammed witnesses launch of second cohort of Dubai Financial Experts Program The initiative aims to develop the next generation of Emirati financial leaders through a partnership between MBRCLD, DIFC and Emirates NBD Group Emirates247 Published: 14 October 2026, 19:35 (UAE)6 min read His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, witnessed the signing of an agreement between the Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development (MBRCLD), Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Emirates NBD Group to launch the second cohort of the Dubai Financial Experts Program. The programme aims…

Dubai: Emaar Properties founder Mohamed Alabbar confirmed that the company does not offer discounts on the prices of its real estate units, nor does it modify payment plans, even in the event of a slowdown in sales, stressing that this policy aims to protect the rights of previous buyers and maintain their confidence in the company’s projects.Alabbar said during a dialogue session at the RISE Summit in Dubai on Wednesday that it is unfair to sell a residential unit at a fixed price and then offer a similar unit in the same building at a discount of up to 50%…

NEW YORK, 15th October, 2026 (WAM) — The US dollar climbed to an 18-month high on Wednesday as renewed expectations of an interest rate increase by the Federal Reserve later this month boosted the currency. The dollar index, which measures the greenback against a basket of six major currencies, rose 0.68% to 102.86, its highest level since April 2025. The euro fell 0.69% to $1.1121, hitting a fresh 17-month low against the dollar and a 16-month low against sterling. The British pound declined 0.58% to $1.3178, while the Japanese yen weakened 0.33% to 158.81 per dollar. Source: Emirates News Agency

Sharjah is looking beyond business formation to focus on helping companies expand, reinvest and commit capital for the long term, as policymakers and business leaders highlighted the importance of research, market access and institutional support at the Sharjah Investment Forum 2026.Speaking during the panel “Beyond Ease of Doing Business: Building Economies Where Businesses Grow,” officials said attracting companies was only the starting point, with the next phase requiring an environment that supports commercial growth and access to new markets.Hussein Al Mahmoudi, CEO of Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park, pointed to research infrastructure and specialist expertise as important factors for…

Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE, and President of the Dubai International Financial Centre, met with Lord Philip Hammond, Chairman of Innovo Group, a London-headquartered international construction and real estate development company with operations across four continents. The meeting explored opportunities for international companies to expand their operations in Dubai and develop projects that support growth and innovation. Discussions highlighted Dubai’s growing role as a hub for regional and global business operations, and the advantages it offers through its connectivity…