Author: Editorial team

In Dubai, there is a growing appetite for a new wave of luxury. It is something we have seen steadily build over recent years, but for a variety of reasons has accelerated significantly in 2026. When I say “luxury”, I think the word itself has evolved. Traditional luxury is so readily available in Dubai that it no longer feels particularly special. Instead, the city’s movers and shakers are seeking experiences that feel personal, exciting, authentic and, above all, unique. Firstly, a disclaimer. This does not by any means suggest that Dubai’s diners are abandoning their tuna crispy rice at Nobu…

DUBAI, 2nd July, 2026 (WAM) — Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has awarded the main construction contract for DIFC Heights Tower, an AED3 billion gross development value mixed-use project located within Gate District, to Al Basti & Muktha LLC (ABM), marking a significant milestone in the development of the destination. Located on the final remaining plot within DIFC’s original land bank, DIFC Heights Tower will deliver 366 luxury residences, premium commercial office space, and retail and dining offerings, with completion targeted for 2029. The appointment reinforces DIFC’s continued expansion as a leading global business and lifestyle destination, supporting growing demand…

GENEVA, 2nd July, 2026 (WAM) — The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) announced the appointment of Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government, as Chair of the ITU-T Study Group 17 Arab Regional Group (SG17RG-ARB), following the conclusion of the group’s virtual meeting for Arab States on 18th May 2026. Study Group 17 is the ITU’s lead international body for information security standardisation, developing global standards on cybersecurity, identity management, privacy and emerging technologies. It serves as a vital bridge between regional cybersecurity priorities and the international standards underpinning a safe and secure digital future. Dr. Mohamed…

WhatsApp is making preparations to implement usernames across its messaging platform. This change will allow users to connect without sharing their phone numbers in a move aimed at strengthening privacy. WhatsApp said users can begin reserving optional usernames this week, ahead of a phased global launch of the feature over the coming months. Users who opt-in will be able to message new contacts by exchanging usernames rather than phone numbers. The Meta Platforms-owned service noted the rollout is its “latest step to make WhatsApp even more private” because “a phone number is personal”, adding there will be no searchable public…

DUBAI, 2nd July, 2026 (WAM) — Standard Chartered today announced the launch of its capability enabling institutional clients to access USDC minting and redemption, developed in partnership with Circle Internet Group, Inc. (Circle), the issuer of USDC through its regulated entities. The launch makes Standard Chartered the first Global Systemically Important Bank (G-SIB) licensed to offer institutional clients integrated access to USDC minting and redemption through a single onboarding and service experience, without requiring clients to hold direct accounts with Circle. The capability enables institutions to move value across traditional and digital financial ecosystems with greater speed and transparency by…

As thousands of travellers prepare for their summer holidays, budget Indian carrier Air India Express has restored its full GCC flight network with the resumption of services to all its destinations across the region. The carrier has restored flight services across all its destinations in the Gulf after resuming operations on routes to Kuwait and Salalah which marks the restoration of its West Asia network. The move is expected to improve connectivity for travellers between India and the GCC, particularly those flying from Kerala and Karnataka. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. The…

DUBAI, 2nd July, 2026 (WAM) — The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) announced a new landmark initiative aimed at supporting digital learning, implemented by The Digital School. The new initiative aims to benefit more than 500,000 people in six African countries: Mauritania, Nigeria, Lesotho, Zambia, Namibia and Angola. The sustainable education initiative comprises multiple paths and projects, including supporting school education, equipping digital learning spaces, building teachers capacities and preparing youth for the job market. Coordination is underway to implement these projects, as The Digital School has signed memoranda of cooperation with relevant entities in target countries.…

Magna AI, Inc., the global integrated‑value‑chain sovereign AI transformation leader established through a partnership between Trend Micro and Wistron Digital Technology Holding Company (WDH), powered by NVIDIA, recently announced a strategic collaboration with Saudi Xerox, official representation of Xerox Trading Company in Saudi Arabia that is redefining the workplace experience by providing solutions to improve business processes, automation, and printing technology. The initiative was formalised during the Global AI Show 2026 in Riyadh by Dr. Moataz BinAli, Chief Executive Officer of Magna AI, and Mehmet Sezer, General Manager of Saudi Xerox. The strategic framework will enable both companies to advance…

A legal tussle is at the center of the delay in rolling out Indian consular services in the UAE, leaving scores of expats in limbo. The dispute pits two failed bidders against the Indian government’s decision to award the contract for consular services in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Australia, and it is now being fought in India’s Supreme Court. This comes as the rollout of Indian passport renewals and other services in the UAE is temporarily being undertaken by the Consulate General of India (CGI), Dubai and the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi starting Thursday. Earlier this year, the…

BEIJING, 2nd July, 2026 (WAM) — China’s trade in services expanded 6 percent year on year in the first five months of 2026, with exports of travel and knowledge-intensive services reporting particularly strong growth, official data showed on Wednesday. The total value of service imports and exports reached nearly 3.1 trillion yuan (about US$455.4 billion) from January to May this year, according to data released by the Ministry of Commerce. A breakdown of the data showed that service exports rose 15.9 percent to 1.23 trillion yuan, while imports edged up 0.4 percent to 1.87 trillion yuan. The service trade deficit…