Author: Editorial team
Andrew Harrison-Chinn, Chief Marketing Officer, Dragonpass. Dubai — Dragonpass, a global leader in travel and lifestyle loyalty solutions, has unveiled new findings from its Loyalty Index, a global benchmarking study comparing consumer loyalty behaviours across key markets. The data reveals a clear divergence in how loyalty is experienced globally, with the GCC emerging as one of the most dynamic markets, where consumers prioritise tangible value, everyday relevance, and seamless experiences – creating new opportunities for banks, fintechs and loyalty partners to differentiate through more customer-centric, value-led propositions. Value Takes Centre Stage in the GCCIn the GCC, loyalty is firmly driven by clear and immediate…
The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) in the UAE issued a warning on Thursday, urging investors to avoid dealing with an unlicensed entity called ‘Better Experience’. The advisory is part of the regulator’s ongoing efforts to ensure market integrity and protect investors under Federal Law No. (4) of 2000 governing the SCA and UAE financial markets and related frameworks. According to the SCA, it has observed that some entities advertise and promote financial services or activities under its regulatory scope without obtaining the necessary licenses, approvals, or authorisations. In its latest notice, the authority specifically cautioned investors against engaging with…
In the UAE’s luxury gold market, bigger is a lot more than just better. From layered bridal sets to heritage-inspired statement pieces, high-value purchases are increasingly defined by weight, craftsmanship, and a deeper sense of purpose. Across leading retailers, the most expensive gold pieces are no longer just about ornamentation. They are tied to milestones, shaped by culture, and increasingly positioned as long-term assets. In many cases, they are bought with the intention of being passed down. “The pieces that command the highest value right now are from our diamond and heritage gold collections,” said John Paul Alukkas, CEO of…
ABU DHABI, 16th April, 2026 (WAM) — AD Ports Group has successfully drawn on its diversified logistics capabilities to strengthen local and regional supply chains in the Gulf region, ensuring continued resilience. Since the onset of the recent regional developments at the end of February, the Group has continued to operate as normal, serving the needs of its global clients by establishing alternative routes and rerouting cargo across land, rail, sea, and air to mitigate supply chain disruptions affecting Arabian Gulf ports, in light of the traffic conditions through the Strait of Hormuz. To date, AD Ports Group handled over…
ABU DHABI, 16th April, 2026 (WAM) — Researchers at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) have identified the structural properties of the marri nut that could inspire the development of stronger and safer materials for protective applications. The study, published in Advanced Science, found that the nut’s exceptional toughness is due to its layered internal structure, which combines a hard outer shell with a softer, flexible interior. This design enables it to absorb impact and distribute force without cracking. Wegood Awad, postdoctoral associate at NYUAD, said, “The marri nut demonstrates how strength and flexibility can be combined within a single…
DUBAI, 16th April, 2026 (WAM) — The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai announced that its “Neighbourhood Mosques” initiative achieved significant community impact during the first quarter of 2026, with contributions supporting development projects exceeding AED5.7 million. The initiative included the installation of new carpets in more than 30 mosques at a cost exceeding AED2 million, alongside sponsorship and maintenance for nearly 35 mosques with an annual value of over AED3.7 million, reflecting strong community engagement and trust. Approximately 15,500 square metres of high-quality carpeting were installed, enhancing comfort and safety for worshippers while improving mosque readiness in…
The European Commission (EC) recently announced that its digital age verification app is technically ready and will soon be rolled out to citizens. This news marks a major step in the European regulator’s efforts to limit children’s access to social media platforms. EC president Ursula von der Leyen announced the initiative in Brussels, positioning it as a “harmonised” and “Europe-wide technical solution” for age verification as member states weigh stricter online safety laws, including minimum age limits for social media access. The open-source app, compatible with smartphones, tablets and computers, will allow users to verify their age using a passport…
Dubai’s Crown Prince on Thursday announced the city’s first air taxi station — located near Dubai International Airport — was now ready. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, reviewed the progress of the purpose-built electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxi station — the first of its kind in the world — which forms part of a wider network including Downtown, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Marina, all set to be completed by the end of this year. The leader revealed he has directed the service to be launched for public use this year,…
Lauren Estess, a third-year student at Tufts University School of Medicine, believes knowing how to make chickpea stew will make her a better doctor. She and 14 other students spent a recent evening making dinner as part of a two-month culinary medicine class to train doctors, dentists and dietitians that the university began offering last spring. Using case studies and cooking, the course aims to convince future medical professionals that good, affordable food targeting specific diseases can be as important as medication. “It’s unfortunately a big misconception that medicine doesn’t have anything to do with food,” she said, chopping dill…
DUBAI, 16th April, 2026 (WAM) — H.H. 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, affirmed that the completion of the first Air Taxi station in Dubai is a strategic leap in the emirate’s journey towards leading the future of urban mobility, embodying the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to reinforce Dubai’s position as a global hub for innovation and future-ready solutions. H.H. Sheikh Hamdan said, “As we mark…