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Arab Media Summit 2026 to conclude today after focus on innovation and media transformation

The Arab Media Summit 2026 concludes Thursday in Dubai, marking its 24th edition and silver jubilee. Over several days, the summit brought together media professionals, decision-makers and experts to discuss the state of the media industry and the rapid transformations reshaping it. Discussions focused on advances in content creation tools, the growing influence of digital platforms, and the expanding role of artificial intelligence in the media landscape. On its final day, the summit will continue to address issues shaping the future of the profession. Discussions will focus on the media’s role in creating awareness and influence, as well as the opportunities and challenges presented by new technologies and changing audience consumption habits. At a time of rapid change, the ability of media organisations to adapt, innovate and keep pace with transformation has become a key factor in maintaining their relevance and impact. The first and second days of the summit featured a wide range of events highlighting the future of media and the transformation of content creation. The programme also included workshops and panel discussions on film and drama production, the future of media work, and the development of Arab talent.

MBMobile Business•Emad Eddin Ibrahim19h ago

Doctor or influencer? Experts urge caution over online health advice

The session, “The Doctor or the Influencer... Who Do We Believe?”, held as part of the Arab Social Media Pioneers Summit, highlighted the impact of medical content circulating on social media platforms on public awareness and health decisions. The discussion came amid a growing presence of content creators and an increasing number of information sources. Speakers also addressed the challenges surrounding the accuracy and reliability of information, as well as the professional and ethical responsibility for its dissemination. The session featured Dr. Anwar Al Hammadi, Consultant Dermatologist; Dr. Talal Al Muhaisen, Consultant Dermatologist; Dr. Munther Al-Harini, physician and content creator; and media director Aya Khayat. The speakers discussed ways to distinguish reliable medical information from misleading content. They also examined the role of doctors and influencers in providing health content that combines scientific accuracy with the ability to reach and influence audiences. Dr. Anwar Al Hammadi stressed the importance of doctors being influential and effective in the digital space without becoming marketers. Dr. Talal Al Muhaisen said non-health influencers have become more visible than doctors on social media platforms. He attributed this to their high volume of content, bold promises, and use of attention-grabbing techniques, while noting that doctors operate within clear professional guidelines. Dr. Munther Al-Harini called on doctors to communicate in the language of their audiences and present information in a simplified and engaging manner. The session concluded that widespread content is not necessarily proof of authenticity. Participants stressed that medical expertise and scientific evidence remain the foundation for evaluating health information. They also highlighted the importance of strengthening the digital presence of doctors as health educators who contribute to prevention and help build a more informed society.

MBMobile Business•Emirates24719h ago

UAE weather forecast: Why it’s hard to cool down today - humidity reaches 95% as fog risk builds overnight

Dubai: The air is nearly fully saturated today, as relative humidity (RH) reaches 95% in coastal regions of the UAE, such as Abu Dhabi and Dubai. According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), today’s weather will be fair to partly cloudy eastward. Why you feel like you can’t cool down easily Humidity is on the rise, and will peak at 95% along coastal regions by night, and at 90% in internal areas, according to the NCM. High humidity during warm weather can cause you to feel clammy and uncomfortable because sweat doesn’t evaporate easily, hindering the body’s cooling mechanism. According to the US-based Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), prolonged exposure to high humidity can lead to dehydration and heat exhaustion, along with respiratory issues, which can be especially concerning for those with asthma. The NCM advises limiting outdoor activities in such conditions, staying hydrated, and dressing in cool fabrics. If you’re indoors, use dehumidifiers and air conditioning to help remove excess moisture from the air. With higher humidity, the NCM is also forecasting a high chance of fog formation tonight and tomorrow morning. Be cautious when driving, as horizontal visibility may drop considerably in such conditions. Warm weather Temperatures are holding steady in the low-40s across the UAE. According to the NCM, coastal and island regions will experience highs between 38°C and 43°C, while internal regions will be warmer, at 41°C to 46°C today. Abu Dhabi will reach 42°C today, while Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah will experience 41°C temperatures. Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain will see a high of 38°C. Moderate sea conditions The NCM forecasts light to moderate southwesterly to northwesterly winds, freshening at times, and reaching speeds of up to 30km/h. Both the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman are expected to remain calm, with gentle waves reaching up to two feet on-shore and up to three feet off-shore. Here is the complete breakdown of minimum and maximum temperatures across the Emirates today: Maximum Temp (°C) Minimum Temp (°C) Dubai 41°C 29°C Abu Dhabi 42°C 28°C Al Ain 43°C 28°C Sharjah 38°C 27°C Ajman 38°C 28°C Fujairah 38°C 29°C Ras Al Khaimah 41°C 27°C Umm Al Quwain 38°C 29°C Liwa 43°C 30°C

MBMobile Business•Sanya Nayeem17 Sept

UAE credit card fees: Customers hit with Dh400-Dh500 annual charges after fee exemption ends without warning

Abu Dhabi: Some bank customers have confirmed that they did not receive clear and prior notification at the end of the period of fee exemption, for their credit cards, after they obtained them as part of promotional offers that granted them an exemption for a period ranging between two and three years. The customers said that they were surprised by the imposition of annual fees on cards, reaching up to Dh500, depending on the type of card. Two bankers stressed the importance of banks clarifying the terms of offers and the mechanism for informing the customer, stressing that both parties bear the responsibility. In detail, bank customers reported that they were surprised to find annual fees, starting from Dh400, imposed on credit cards that they had obtained as part of promotional offers, in which the banks granted them exemption from fees for a period ranging between two and three years. They confirmed that they did not receive clear and prior notification at the end of the exemption period and the start of the fees. They said that they were used to using their credit cards for years without paying annual fees, which made them assume that the exemption would continue, especially since some of them did not remember that there was a specific period for the offer. Others reported that they did not notice the approaching end of the exemption period until the fee appeared in their account statement. One customer explained that he obtained a credit card as part of a promotional offer and it included exemption from annual fees for two years. He continued to use it after the end of that period, and discovered, upon reviewing his account statement, the addition of an annual fee of about Dh400. Fees out of the blue Another customer said that he used his card for more than three years without annual fees, before being surprised by the imposition of a fee when renewing it. The value of the fee, according to the type of card, can reach Dh500, while for some cards it can reach higher than that. The customer pointed out that he expected to be notified before the amount was calculated, so that he could make a decision about continuing to use the card or cancelling it. Customers stressed that their objection is not only related to the value of the fees, but also to the method of transitioning from the exemption period to imposing fees, considering that the continuation of the exemption for two or three years may reinforce in the customer the belief that no annual fees are imposed on the card, unless he/she is clearly reminded of the date of expiry of the offer, and the value of the fee that will be applied after it. For his part, banker Mohammed Ghazi said that offers that include exemption from fees for a specific period of time do not necessarily mean that the exemption continues after the end of the period, if the card conditions clearly stipulate the return of the annual fees after the end of the offer. He added that the main point in such cases is the clarity of the offer conditions and the mechanism for informing the customer, noting that the bank is supposed to clarify from the beginning of the banking relationship the duration of the exemption, the value of the subsequent fees, and the date on which they become due, so that the customer can make his decision based on clear information. Ghazi explained that the presence of the fee within the fee schedule or card conditions does not negate the importance of notifying the end of the free offer period, especially when the customer has benefited from the exemption for several years, noting that prior notification reduces cases of dispute and misunderstanding between the two parties. For his part, banker Tamer Abu Bakr stated that customers bear the responsibility of reviewing the card's terms and conditions, account statements, and bank notifications they receive, especially since free offers are usually tied to a specific period or conditions. He clarified that this does not diminish the importance of banks' commitment to transparency and disclosure. The fees that will be applied after the offer ends should be clear and unambiguous, and customers should be aware in advance that the card will transition from exemption to fee-based use. He pointed out that an amount ranging between Dh400 and Dh500 can be significant for some customers. Therefore, providing them with ample opportunity to know the fee before it becomes due enables them to compare the cost of holding the card with the benefits they receive and deciding whether to continue or cancel. Abu Bakr added that a customer surprised by the fee can first request clarification from the bank regarding the basis for its calculation, the end date of the exemption period, whether they received prior notification, and how that notification was sent. He noted that if a settlement cannot be reached with the bank, the customer can follow the established banking complaint procedures before resorting to the competent authority for resolution. Consumer protection rules Banking consumer protection rules stipulate that information regarding fees and costs must be clear. They also require that when offering a product or service as free for a specific period, it must be clarified that the free period will end after that period, and the customer must be notified 30 days before being subject to the expected fees. The rules also include requirements relating to the annual renewal of banking products, ensuring that the customer is informed in advance of the renewal date, and how to cancel or discontinue the service. This underscores the importance of credit card promotional offers being clear from the outset, so that the customer knows the duration of the fee exemption, the value of the fee that will be applied after the offer ends, and the date on which it will be calculated.

MBMobile Business•Amal Al-Minshawi17 Sept

Arab Monetary Fund turns 50: Golden Jubilee celebrations in Abu Dhabi under the patronage of Mohammed bin Zayed

Under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Arab Monetary Fund is celebrating its Golden Jubilee on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of its establishment. The date coincides with the 17th regular session of the Council of Arab Finance Ministers, which will be held in the capital, Abu Dhabi, on Monday, September 28, 2026, hosted by the United Arab Emirates, and represented by the Ministry of Finance. The official ceremony highlights the Fund’s remarkable journey since its establishment in 1976, as one of the most prominent institutions of joint Arab action, and its pivotal role in establishing the foundations of economic and monetary integration, providing financial and technical support to enhance economic stability, and developing the financial and banking sectors in the Arab member states. The 17th session of the Council of Arab Finance Ministers will witness discussions on a number of working papers and strategic studies. The Arab Monetary Fund will present a report on the diagnosis and policies of public finance in Arab countries, and a report on the opportunities for artificial intelligence in fiscal policy and public finance, in terms of use cases and addressing challenges. The meeting will also review a working paper submitted by the World Bank Group on sustainable financing to achieve sustainable infrastructure, and a report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development on the latest developments in the application of tax decisions regarding base erosion and profit shifting. His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, affirmed that the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Arab Monetary Fund represents a historic milestone, reflecting the success of the Arab vision in building leading financial institutions capable of supporting regional financial stability and achieving sustainable growth. His Highness said that the UAE’s hosting of this prominent Arab event, under the generous patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, confirms the country’s firm approach to supporting and assisting joint Arab action institutions. The Arab Monetary Fund has proven over five decades that it is a fundamental pillar in enhancing the resilience of Arab economies, and we see in the meeting of the Council of Arab Finance Ministers a strategic opportunity to confirm this integration and transform current economic challenges into new horizons to support the comprehensive development of the people of the region. For his part, Minister of State for Financial Affairs Mohammed bin Hadi Al-Husseini, affirmed that the Arab Monetary Fund stands today as a witness to five decades of continuous giving and success in serving Arab economies, noting that the Fund’s golden jubilee carries profound strategic implications that embody the maturity of joint Arab financial action and its ability to confront global changes. He added that the generous patronage of this historic celebration by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed confirms the unwavering support of the wise leadership in Arab financial institutions and their developmental mission. This occasion is not limited to celebrating a rich historical legacy in supporting and developing the financial and banking sectors, but rather constitutes a starting point towards a more integrated financial future, in which we focus on activating sustainable financing tools and employing digital innovation and artificial intelligence in financial policies, in a way that contributes to enhancing the resilience of Arab economies and their competitiveness on the international stage. The Golden Jubilee celebration includes a documentary showcasing the pivotal milestones in the journey of the Arab Monetary Fund and its most prominent developmental and financial achievements, along with special honouring ceremonies celebrating five decades of its remarkable contributions to supporting Arab countries. The Arab Monetary Fund is headquartered in Abu Dhabi. It is an Arab financial institution established in 1976, and its members include Arab countries. The Fund aims to establish the foundations of Arab economic and monetary integration, support financial and monetary stability in Arab countries, in addition to providing technical and financial assistance, and developing capabilities in the financial and banking sectors of member states.

MBMobile Business•WAM17 Sept

Unlicensed driver causes fatal UAE crash: Court orders Dh295,294 repayment to insurance company

Abu Dhabi: The Al Ain Civil, Commercial and Administrative Court ruled that two young men must pay Dh295,294 to an insurance company, after it was proven that the first individual drove the vehicle owned by the second without a licence, and caused a traffic accident that resulted in the death of the driver of another vehicle and damage to two vehicles. The Court confirmed the right of the insurance company to recover from them the amounts it paid as compensation to the victims. The criminal court had obligated the second defendant, the owner of the vehicle, to pay Dh200,000, the value of the legal blood money, so that the total amount paid was Dh495,294. In detail, an insurance company filed a lawsuit against two young men, demanding that they pay Dh295,294, in addition to fees, expenses, attorney's fees, and legal interest at a rate of 12% from the date of filing the lawsuit until full payment, with the judgment being subject to immediate enforcement. The company indicated that the first defendant drove the vehicle owned by the second defendant and insured by it, without having a driver's licence, which led, as a result of his error, to a traffic accident that caused damage to others and resulted in the death of the driver of another vehicle, and a final criminal judgment of conviction was issued against him. The plaintiff indicated that, as the insurer, she committed to paying the compensation due to the victims, totalling Dh295,294, distributed as follows: Dh60,818 as compensation for the total loss of the two damaged vehicles, and Dh227,706 paid to the heirs of the deceased, the driver of the second vehicle, in implementation of the insurance dispute decision, in addition to Dh6,770 for ambulance fees to transport the deceased. She then filed her lawsuit based on her legal right to seek recourse against the driver and owner of the vehicle for the compensation she paid, in accordance with the recourse cases stipulated in the unified insurance policy, due to the proven fact that the vehicle was driven by a person who did not have a driver's licence. For its part, the Court explained in its ruling that the criminal judgment proved that the first defendant committed the accident as a result of his error and negligence, and that he was driving the vehicle without obtaining a driver's licence. It ruled to convict him of the charges of causing the death of the victim by mistake, damaging two vehicles, not complying with traffic signs, and driving without a licence, and punished him with a fine, and obligated him to pay the legal blood money to the heirs of the victim, amounting to Dh200,000, in addition to paying the expiation for unintentional killing. It noted that the plaintiff company, in accordance with its insurance obligation, paid the victims compensation amounts totalling Dh295,294, which proves the insurance company's right to seek reimbursement of the compensation it paid from the insured and the driver of the vehicle and to recover the compensation amounts it paid to the victims in accordance with the provisions of the unified vehicle insurance policy. The Court clarified that the second defendant’s claim that he paid the legal blood money amount of Dh200,000 and requested that it be deducted from the amount claimed is baseless, as the plaintiff company filed its claim after it had paid compensation for the damage to the vehicles, in addition to the compensation due for the material and moral damages to the heirs of the deceased, while the amount paid by the second defendant was in implementation of the final criminal judgment that obligated him alone to pay the legal blood money, which is an obligation independent of the civil compensations paid by the company, and therefore its right remains to return and recover the amounts it paid as compensation to the victims. The court ruled that the defendants must pay the plaintiff company the sum of Dh295,294, and the late payment interest at a rate of (3%) per annum on the sum awarded from the date of the lawsuit until full payment, not exceeding the original sum awarded. It also obligated them to pay the fees and expenses of the lawsuit, the expert's deposit, and the sum of Dh300 for attorney's fees.

MBMobile Business•Amr Bayoumi16 Sept

Emirati rescues injured gazelle in 48°C heat in Saih Al Salam, then returns it to where it was found

Dubai: Emirati citizen Mohammed Salem Al Muhairbi realised that the gazelle he saw standing in the middle of the Saih Al Salam desert in Dubai was not in a normal state. He knew from his experience with animals that a gazelle runs away as soon as a person approaches up till a certain distance, but this gazelle remained in its place. When Al Muhairbi tried to get closer, the animal, which had an injury in its leg, began to make faltering attempts to escape, which prompted him to retreat immediately and leave it for about half an hour until it calmed down, for fear that it would die from the severity of its fear and exhaustion, at a time when the temperature was reaching about 48 degrees Celsius. In detail, Al Muhairbi, 47, said that the incident occurred on July 17, during his usual visit to the Saih Al Salam area near Al Qudra Lakes. He explained that he saw the gazelle standing, and he knew the distance at which the gazelle usually runs away, but when he approached it, he found it not moving, and the closer he got, the more it tried to run with great effort and rapid breaths. He added that he realised that trying to catch it directly could endanger his life, and it might die trying to escape from him, especially since the temperature was 48 degrees Celsius, so he stayed away from him for about half an hour until he calmed down, then he returned to it. Al-Muhairbi contacted the veterinarian, while carefully restraining the gazelle before capturing it. It was then sedated to prevent it from moving its injured leg, before being transferred to receive treatment, which lasted for two weeks, during which it underwent treatment, intravenous injections, and nutrition, until its condition improved and it was able to return to its environment. The gazelle needed two weeks of treatment to recover. Picture credit: Supplied After its treatment was completed, Al-Muhairbi returned the gazelle to the same location where he found it, explaining that the fact that it was a male made returning it to its area important, especially since it had not fully recovered its strength after the period of injury and treatment, while moving it to a place where there were other males might put it at risk. He pointed out that dealing with the rescue of injured gazelles and oryx requires expertise, warning against trying to catch them randomly, as this may pose a danger to both the person and the animal. He explained that dealing with a male gazelle requires expertise, as well, especially since it has horns, and catching it incorrectly may lead to injury to the person trying to rescue it, or expose the gazelle itself to death as a result of extreme fear, which may cause its breathing or heart to stop. He stressed that he does not advise anyone who finds an injured deer to try to catch it unless they have experience in dealing with it, and advised calling for the assistance of specialists, given the sensitivity of these animals and their reactions when frightened. This was not the first time Al-Muhairbi had encountered an animal in distress during his tours, as he had previously found an oryx with a piece of wire mesh wrapped around its neck, but it had died moments before he reached it. Al-Muhairbi’s relationship with Saih Al-Salam goes beyond the incident of rescuing the gazelle, as he has been visiting the area for about 25 years, and has not stopped coming to it in summer or winter, continuing his connection to the place that began with his father, who used to hunt there about 50 years ago. One of the areas of Saih Al Salam holds a special memory for Al Muhairbi, as his father knew it and used to visit it, and he used to ask him about it during the period when he could no longer go there. As his son, he continued to visit it even after his father’s death, saying: “I remained loyal to this place, and I go to it every week, and I water the tree under which my father used to take shelter.” He mentioned that he visits the area weekly, often alone, despite its location deep in the desert and the difficulty of ordinary vehicles reaching it. The journey requires the use of a vehicle equipped to travel on sand, and he makes sure to bring enough quantities of water and other necessary supplies during his tours. Al-Muhairbi does not just inspect the place and the animals, as he said that he sometimes comes across vehicles that make disturbing noises that may harm and frighten the gazelles, so he goes to their owners and advises them to stay away from them and not disturb them. He also collects as much waste as he can from the desert visitors in areas that are difficult for cleaning workers to reach, and carries it in his vehicle to dispose of it, a habit he says he has maintained throughout his years of connection to the place.

MBMobile Business•Sumaya Al Hammadi16 Sept

International FinTech industry ranks Dubai first in world: Global Financial Centres Index

Dubai: Dubai has risen to become the world’s number one location for FinTech as ranked by industry professionals in the latest Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI). A testament to its resilience, the emirate retains its position as the only financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region within the global top ten. In addition to its FinTech leadership driven by Dubai International Financial Centre’s vision to drive the future of finance, Dubai climbed to second place globally for Professional Services. Reflecting the continued trust and confidence in the emirate and DIFC, Dubai’s global reputation ranking advanced to sixth. Dubai also maintained the number one spot for future potential, a category in which the emirate has now led for four consecutive GFCI reports. The latest GFCI report, compiled by the London-based consultancy Z/Yen in collaboration with the China Development Institute, collected 39,531 assessments from industry professionals worldwide who responded to the GFCI online questionnaire. The index combines these assessments with 143 instrumental factors. Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, said: "The GFCI results reinforce Dubai's position as a world leading financial centres and underscore the success of the vision set by our leadership through the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. DIFC has played a pivotal role in advancing Dubai's global competitiveness by attracting leading financial institutions, talent and innovation from around the world, while providing the regulatory, legal and business environment required for sustainable growth. As Dubai strengthens its position at the heart of the global financial system, DIFC will continue to support the emirate's ambitions and reinforce its standing among the world's most influential financial centres." Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, said: "Dubai's position in the GFCI is underpinned by the strength and scale of DIFC, and validated by the assessments of financial services professionals worldwide. As the largest ecosystem of regulated financial firms in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region, and the only financial centre in the region operating at scale across banking, capital markets, wealth and asset management, insurance and FinTech, DIFC provides a unique platform for innovation, growth and collaboration. This depth and diversity enable us to continue developing the financial services industry, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies and helping shape the future of the global financial landscape."

MBMobile Business•WAM16 Sept

iPhone 16 and 17 prices drop up to 19% in UAE ahead of iPhone 18 Pro launch on September 18

Dubai: E-commerce platforms and retail outlets have recently introduced price reductions on a number of previous iPhone models, coinciding with the approaching launch date of the highly anticipated new iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models in the country’s markets, scheduled for Friday, September 18. A survey of a number of retail outlets revealed price offers on previous versions of iPhones, with discounts ranging between 10.6% and 19%, mainly including iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 models in various categories and specifications. The most notable offers included the sale of the iPhone 16 with 128GB of storage for Dh2,751, compared to a previous price of Dh3,399. The discounts also included offering the iPhone 16 Pro Max with 256GB of storage at a price of Dh4,179, instead of its previous price of Dh5,099, while the iPhone 17 Pro with 256GB of storage was offered at a price of Dh4,199, compared to a previous price of Dh4699. Consumers considered the discounts offered to be a positive development in the markets, as they allow those wishing to purchase these devices to obtain them at low prices. Meanwhile, retail officials considered that the offers were due to the increased intensity of competition in the markets, and the desire of stores to increase their sales shares and clear out their existing stock of old devices. In detail, consumer Khaled Amer said that the discounts offered by platforms and stores on previous versions of iPhones allow consumers to choose between different versions of those phones, noting that many consumers are looking to buy these devices at low prices, especially given the price differences between the new and previous versions. For his part, consumer Hassan Baher said that a large number of consumers prefer to buy previous versions of iPhones if they are offered at low prices, explaining that this usually happens in conjunction with the release of new versions in the markets, as stores seek to offer price deals on previous models to attract buyers and encourage them to make a purchase decision. Consumer Nadine Emad considered the discounts to be among the positive aspects that give consumers the opportunity to buy iPhones at good prices, noting that some consumers put price at the forefront of the factors that determine their purchasing decisions when they want to buy these products, and therefore the decrease in prices may encourage them to buy previous versions instead of waiting for the latest versions. Vikas Nilesh, a sales manager at an electronics store, said that retailers offering price reductions on previous iPhones, coinciding with the imminent release of new models, is mainly due to the growing intensity of competition in the markets and the desire of stores to increase and boost their sales shares. He added that competition between stores and platforms drives companies to offer deals and price reductions on previous releases, with the aim of attracting consumers and encouraging them to buy, especially as the new models are about to be released. Mohammed Shahid, a sales manager at an electronics store, agreed that offering discounts on previous iPhone models allows stores to attract more consumers to buy these products, which contributes to increasing their sales and clearing their available stock. He pointed out that some consumers see buying previous versions during the discount period as a better opportunity than waiting until the new versions are released, especially for consumers who do not require owning the latest version of the phone, and give greater importance to the price in exchange for obtaining a device with suitable specifications. For his part, Dilip Vishal, a sales manager at a retail company, said that local markets are currently witnessing remarkable competition between stores and platforms, through offering discounts at varying price percentages on different previous versions of iPhones. He explained that these offers come in conjunction with preparations for the launch of the new iPhones expected in the country’s markets, including the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models, which are scheduled to be released in the markets on Friday, September 18.

MBMobile Business•Ahmed El Sherbini16 Sept

Emirates hiring continues as airline targets further growth

Dubai: Emirates Airline is seeing strong booking momentum heading into the winter season, with demand matching or exceeding last year's levels in several markets, according to Adnan Kazim, Emirates' Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 in Dubai, Kazim said booking trends over the past three weeks have been positive, with demand remaining strong for both transit passengers and visitors travelling directly to Dubai. He said Dubai continues to benefit from its busy calendar of events and activities, particularly during the winter season, helping sustain strong tourism demand. Kazim also confirmed that Emirates continues to recruit employees and has not halted hiring. He said the airline's growth plans and the addition of new aircraft require recruitment across specialised fields, with hiring continuing in line with operational requirements. According to Kazim, several markets are recording particularly strong demand, including the UK, China, India, Pakistan and a number of African countries. He also highlighted strong performance in North and South America, particularly Brazil and Argentina, where flights are operating at high load factors. He noted that Emirates achieved seat occupancy rates of between 75% and 77% during the recent summer season, describing the performance as an excellent result despite travel restrictions that affected parts of the region. Kazim said the airline's previously announced figure of 8.6 million passengers carried during July and August reflected the strength of both the Emirates and Dubai brands, adding that booking volumes continue to increase on a weekly basis. He expressed confidence that winter demand could match or exceed summer levels, noting that December is traditionally one of the strongest periods of the year, supported by major events taking place in Dubai. Emirates has already added flights on several routes for the winter season, which Kazim said will help attract additional tourist traffic. Regarding passenger flows, he said around 70% of Emirates passengers currently travel in transit through Dubai, while 30% are travelling to the emirate as their final destination. He said one of the airline's objectives is to convert more transit passengers into visitors by encouraging them to spend time in Dubai. Kazim revealed that Emirates plans to announce new promotional initiatives after Arabian Travel Market aimed at boosting winter tourism to Dubai, targeting both direct visitors and transit passengers. He also highlighted strong booking activity for October, particularly during the final 10 days of the month, which coincide with mid-term school holidays. Kazim said the airline expects strong visitor flows from the UK and other European markets during that period, while outbound travel demand from the UAE is also expected to remain robust, mainly to destinations within four to five hours' flying time. Looking ahead, he said Emirates will continue expanding its network and adding flights, while increasing the number of Airbus A350 aircraft in its fleet from 30 currently to 36 by the end of the year. The additional six A350s will be deployed on routes across the network and support further capacity growth. Kazim added that Emirates is preparing to announce new destinations for the summer 2027 season, noting that the airline is currently receiving approximately one A350 aircraft per month. He also expressed optimism about the expected arrival of Boeing 777X aircraft in summer 2027, saying the new fleet additions will provide fresh momentum for the airline's growth plans.

MBMobile Business•Azad Aishu16 Sept

Emirates weighs switching Boeing 787 order to 777X amid delivery delays

Dubai: Emirates Airline is considering converting its order for Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft to Boeing 777X jets as it reassesses fleet requirements amid ongoing delays to the 787 programme. Adel Al Redha, Deputy President and Chief Operating Officer of Emirates, said the option of converting the order remains under consideration given the delays affecting the aircraft. Emirates currently has 35 Boeing 787s on order, comprising 20 Boeing 787-8s and 15 Boeing 787-10s. Speaking on the sidelines of Arabian Travel Market 2026, Al Redha said the airline is reviewing its plans in light of delivery schedules and cabin outfitting requirements, particularly as it expects to begin receiving Boeing 777X aircraft from the middle of next year. He noted that the Airbus A350, which is already entering service with Emirates, offers seating capacity and range capabilities similar to those of the Boeing 787. “The option of converting to the 777X remains on the table,” Al Redha said. “Everything is possible and we will discuss everything in this regard with the manufacturer.” He added that Emirates has two options: proceed with deliveries of the Boeing 787 according to a revised schedule agreed with Boeing or convert the order to Boeing 777X aircraft. According to Al Redha, discussions between Emirates and Boeing regarding the 787 order are expected to become clearer within the next two months, after which the airline will decide on its preferred course of action. If Emirates proceeds with the 787 order, he said deliveries are not expected to begin before the end of 2029. The review comes as Emirates continues expanding and modernising its wide-body fleet through the delivery of Airbus A350 aircraft and the anticipated arrival of Boeing 777X jets as part of its long-term growth strategy.

MBMobile Business•Azad Aishu16 Sept

Emaar approves AED 4.4bn special dividend for shareholders

The Board of Directors of Emaar Properties has approved the distribution of an exceptional one-time cash dividend of AED 4.4 billion to shareholders at AED 0.50 per share. The move reflects the company's focus on enhancing shareholder returns while continuing to invest in its development pipeline. In a filing to the Dubai Financial Market (DFM), the company said the special dividend is in addition to its regular annual dividend. The proposal remains subject to shareholder approval at the general assembly and the necessary regulatory approvals. The company said details of the record date and payment date will be announced in due course in line with approved procedures. The proposed distribution comes as Emaar continues to report strong financial performance, supported by sustained demand for its real estate projects and the expansion of its business portfolio. According to investor relations data, real estate sales, including joint ventures and joint development agreements, reached AED 26.6 billion in the first half of 2026. Net profit stood at AED 11.1 billion. Future revenue from property sales reached AED 164.9 billion at the end of June, providing a substantial revenue pipeline for the company. The figures highlight the continued strength of Emaar's core real estate business, alongside its shopping malls, hospitality, leisure and property management operations. The company has a significant presence in Dubai and international markets, with a land bank of nearly 590 million square feet across the UAE and key overseas markets, according to company statements.

MBMobile Business•Mohamed Abbas16 Sept

Emirates signs new tourism, travel and business partnerships at ATM

Emirates has signed three new destination partnerships and expanded collaborations with travel technology platforms, cruise operators, business councils and banking partners. The agreements aim to broaden the airline's customer reach and develop targeted offerings for different traveller segments. Emirates and the Mozambique National Agency for Tourism Development and Investment, Public Fund (ANDITUR) have partnered to support the growth of international tourism to Mozambique. The agreement will see the partners explore opportunities to promote Mozambique to travellers in key markets and strengthen connectivity through airline partnerships across Africa. With more than 2,500 kilometres of coastline, Mozambique is known for its beach destinations, ocean activities, cultural experiences, cuisine and vibrant cities, offering a diverse range of attractions for international visitors. Emirates and the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) have signed a partnership agreement to support the growth of inbound tourism to Kenya. Already one of the most popular destinations on the airline's Africa network, Kenya is expected to benefit from joint efforts to attract visitors from both emerging and established markets. Tourism remains a key pillar of Kenya's economy, supporting jobs and attracting millions of visitors each year. The Kenya Tourism Board aims to position the country as Africa's leading tourism destination through a year-round calendar of diverse, sustainable and authentic experiences. Emirates and Alibaba Fliggy, one of China's largest online travel agencies, have signed an MoU to strengthen their strategic partnership in China. The collaboration will combine Emirates' global network with Alibaba Fliggy's digital travel platform. Areas of cooperation include co-branded marketing campaigns, customer engagement initiatives and potential integration opportunities between Emirates Skywards and Alibaba Fliggy's membership ecosystem. The partnership aims to increase brand visibility, stimulate travel demand and deliver more personalised travel experiences for Chinese consumers. Emirates and MSC Cruises have signed an MoU that expands their long-standing partnership across fly-cruise distribution, air-sea product integration, crew travel and customer loyalty initiatives. The agreement builds on more than a decade of collaboration. Under the latest MoU, Emirates and MSC Cruises will expand fly-cruise distribution across the Emirates network in line with MSC Cruises' seasonal homeport strategy. The partners will develop through-fares and open-jaw itineraries, and review gateway markets for additional opportunities. They will also create tailored products for MSC Grand Voyages and repositioning cruises, using the Emirates network to provide seamless one-way travel options. In addition, Emirates and MSC Cruises will explore extending Dubai's Port Rashid model to other cruise ports. Areas of cooperation include terminal check-in, through-baggage solutions, coordinated transfers, and joint protocols for disruption management and passenger repatriation. The partnership will also expand cooperation on crew mobility. Emirates and MSC Cruises will work together on seafarer rotations, with Emirates serving as a preferred carrier. The arrangement includes dedicated crew fares, enhanced baggage allowances and specialised services tailored to seafarers. Emirates has signed an agreement with the Finnish Business Council (FBC), a non-profit organisation supporting Finnish businesses and professionals in the UAE. The partnership aims to strengthen Emirates' engagement with the Finnish business community, particularly ahead of the launch of the direct Dubai-Helsinki service on 1 October. Emirates will provide FBC members with exclusive benefits, while the council will facilitate engagement between the airline and its members. Emirates has also partnered with the Vietnamese Business Council (VNBC), a non-profit organisation supporting Vietnamese businesses and professionals in the UAE. The agreement aims to strengthen ties with the Vietnamese business community and follows the announcement of additional services to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City this winter. Under the partnership, VNBC members will receive exclusive Emirates benefits, while the council will support engagement opportunities between the airline and its network. Emirates has partnered with Cutting Edge, a travel management company specialising in international sports tourism, to develop tailored travel packages for fans attending major sporting events around the world. Combining Emirates' network of nearly 140 destinations with Cutting Edge's access to cricket, football, motorsports, golf and tennis events, the partnership will offer end-to-end travel experiences linked to Emirates sponsorships and other key sporting fixtures. Emirates Holidays, the tour operating arm of Emirates Airline, and the Spain Tourism Office have signed an MoU to support inbound tourism to Spain. The partnership aims to encourage more travellers from Emirates' Middle East network to visit Spain through Emirates Holidays packages. The partnership will see Emirates Holidays and the Spain Tourism Office explore initiatives to increase destination awareness in key Middle East markets and drive package holiday bookings. These include integrated marketing campaigns, seasonal promotions and holiday packages combining Emirates flights with accommodation, local experiences and additional traveller benefits. Emirates Skywards and Emirates Islamic have strengthened their long-standing partnership by renewing their strategic agreement at ATM. The renewed agreement focuses on product innovation and enhancing benefits for Emirates Islamic Skywards co-branded cardholders. The partnership, which spans 18 years, now includes three Emirates Skywards co-branded cards, including the Emirates Islamic Skywards Black Card, as well as a co-branded savings account, salary transfer proposition and miles exchange product. The partnership began with the launch of the Emirates Islamic Skywards Card in 2008, the region's first Islamic co-branded airline credit card. It combined Emirates Islamic's Shariah-compliant banking services with the Emirates Skywards loyalty programme. Under the 2026 agreement, the partners will continue to focus on product innovation and enhanced benefits for co-branded cardholders, further strengthening the offering for Emirates Islamic customers.

MBMobile Business•Emirates24716 Sept

Emirates, KHDA partner to boost Dubai’s appeal as global education hub

Emirates and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on key initiatives supporting Dubai’s ambition to become a leading global destination for higher education, international students and lifelong learning. The partnership supports the goals of Dubai’s Education 33 (E33) strategy by improving student accessibility, strengthening international connectivity, and promoting the City of Students game changer and Study Dubai programme in key global markets. The MoU was signed on the sidelines of Arabian Travel Market 2026 by Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, and Dr Wafi Dawood, CEO of the Strategic Development Sector at KHDA. Under the agreement, Emirates will develop travel programmes offering a range of benefits and privileges to students enrolled at KHDA-regulated private higher education institutions. The Emirates-KHDA student package will include specially tailored fares, additional baggage allowances, and greater flexibility when booking travel to and from Dubai across the Emirates network. Faculty and teaching staff will also receive travel benefits through the Emirates Academic Programme. In addition, the airline will provide dedicated travel support for students in the Hamdan bin Mohammed Scholarship Programme. Emirates will also participate in Study Dubai student recruitment missions and international promotional events alongside KHDA, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, and TECOM Group. The initiative aims to promote Dubai as an attractive study destination in key markets across the Emirates network. The two organisations will also share insights on international student travel patterns and coordinate efforts to market Dubai as a leading higher education destination. Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, said: “Emirates is proud to support KHDA’s efforts in positioning Dubai as a top global destination for students to pursue higher education. Global connectivity, a compelling value proposition and promotional efforts will underpin that goal. Our network of nearly 140 destinations puts us in a strong position to attract more students and bring them and their families to Dubai throughout the year. It also helps us build lasting relationships with younger travellers that extend beyond graduation. By keeping Dubai among the world’s most connected cities, Emirates supports Dubai’s Economic Agenda (D33) across tourism, trade, logistics and now education.” Dr Wafi Dawood, CEO of the Strategic Development Sector at KHDA, said: “Attracting and retaining global talent is central to the vision of the E33 strategy. This partnership with Emirates supports that ambition by making Dubai more accessible and attractive to students worldwide. Through enhanced travel benefits, greater flexibility and improved connectivity, we are helping create a seamless learning journey from enrolment to graduation. Emirates’ global network will also strengthen the reach of the Study Dubai programme and help connect with prospective students in key international markets. Together, we are creating a more connected and rewarding student experience.” Education is a key pillar of Dubai’s Economic Agenda (D33) and is delivered through the Education 33 (E33) strategy. Under its City of Students initiative, E33 aims to increase the proportion of international students in Dubai’s higher education institutions to 50 per cent by 2033. The strategy also seeks to place Dubai among the world’s top 10 student cities and increase education tourism tenfold. Emirates has also signed an MoU with the International Consultants for Education and Fairs (ICEF), a leading B2B network in international education, becoming its preferred airline for education travel. The agreement was signed on the sidelines of ATM. ICEF operates in more than 100 countries and connects accredited education agencies with institutions worldwide through events, training programmes and market intelligence platforms, including ICEF Monitor. Emirates has also signed an MoU with the International Consultants for Education and Fairs (ICEF) becoming its preferred airline for education travel. (Supplied) Under the partnership, Emirates and ICEF will collaborate on dedicated travel programmes for ICEF-accredited agencies and their student clients travelling across the airline’s network. The two sides will also explore booking support and account management services for ICEF member organisations. The partnership includes co-branded campaigns targeting international students and education professionals, as well as Emirates’ participation in major ICEF events in Berlin, Dubai and the United States, strengthening the airline’s profile within the global education sector. The agreement also covers training and market intelligence. Emirates will participate in ICEF Academy programmes for education agents, share insights on student travel and destination trends, and contribute to ICEF conferences through speaking engagements and industry partnership opportunities. Together, the partnerships reinforce Dubai’s position as a global education hub and a natural gateway for students travelling between their home countries and campuses around the world.

MBMobile Business•Emirates24716 Sept

Etihad Airways, Swissport expand global ground handling, cargo partnership

ABU DHABI: Etihad Airways and Swissport, the world’s largest provider of aviation services by revenue, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding at Arabian Travel Market to expand their global partnership, increasing the number of airports at which Swissport serves the airline from 30 to 40. The expanded partnership covers airports across Africa, Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia. Captain Majed Al Marzouqi, Chief Operations and Guest Officer, Etihad Airways, said, "Working with one partner across 40 airports gives our guests the same experience whether they are departing from Europe, Asia or North America, and gives our operation the consistency it needs to match that expansion.” Warwick Brady, President and Chief Executive Officer, Swissport, said, "Etihad and Swissport are a natural fit. We share the same ambition for operational excellence and an uncompromising focus on the customer experience. Etihad is embarking on an exciting phase of growth, and Swissport is proud to support that journey with our global network, our teams’ operational expertise and our technology capabilities.” Under the MoU, the two companies will work together across ground handling and cargo services, with scope to extend the relationship into airport hospitality through Swissport’s Aspire brand. Technology and innovation will be important drivers of the expanded partnership as Etihad and Swissport explore opportunities to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen service delivery and improve the guest experience. By applying automation, artificial intelligence and data-driven insights, including Swissport’s work on autonomous ground vehicles, the two organisations aim to support safer, smarter and more seamless airport operations, while investing in the people and capabilities that will support it.

MBMobile Business•WAM16 Sept

India's NSE to launch $2.3b IPO amid investor caution over derivatives-fuelled growth

MUMBAI: The National ‌Stock Exchange of India (NSE) will launch its $2.3 billion public offering on Wednesday amid investor caution over capital market firms because of declining derivative trading volumes, which have already impacted the offer price. The IPO for India's biggest bourse - set to be the country's third-largest ever - will begin with anchor investor bidding from institutional funds and is an offer-for-sale from existing private shareholders with no new capital being raised. Open subscriptions will begin on Thursday and close on September 21. Investors are being asked to value the world's largest derivatives bourse at a time when its biggest growth engine is slowing down, raising questions about ⁠how much of the exchange’s extraordinary derivatives-driven growth can continue. The NSE shares will be offered in a price band of 1,700 to 1,785 Indian rupees ($17.72 to $18.60), valuing the company at $46 billion, public filings showed on September 11. However, that is 15% to 20% lower than the valuation sought in pre-deal roadshows, according to two sources with direct knowledge of the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity, and is 40% lower than what ‌private markets sales of NSE shares in 2024 indicated. Investors are reluctant to pay higher prices because of regulatory changes that have slowed growth in options trading and an overhaul of trading rules to align Indian markets with global standards. The NSE gains 80% of its revenue from trading of which 60% is options trading and ‌those volumes have dropped 27% from their peak in 2024. "NSE's high exposure to derivatives is a double-edged ‌sword. Its dominant liquidity pool and scale are clear competitive strengths, but they also make earnings more sensitive to regulatory changes and shifts in ‌trading activity," said Gary Tan, portfolio manager at Allspring Global Investments. Still, ‌even at this valuation, NSE would be among the top 10 largest listed exchanges globally. At the lowered offer price, several global institutional investors, including sovereign wealth funds and long-only asset managers, have provided commitments, the two sources with knowledge of the ‌matter said. That includes Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, Singapore's GIC, Fidelity, Carmignac, Norges Bank Investment Management and Life Insurance Corporation of ⁠India (LIC), they said. GIC, Norges, ADIA, Carmignac and Fidelity declined to comment when contacted by Reuters, while queries sent to LIC were not answered. In a press conference on Saturday, Sriram Krishnan, chief business development officer at NSE, pointed to a disconnect between the offer price and current shareholder expectations. "Some of the shareholders feel that the NSE's valuation is much more ⁠than the valuation at which we ⁠are proposing to do the IPO. To them NSE is more valuable. There is some money on the table, possibly." OPTIONS SLOWDOWN TESTS VALUATION The NSE has seen a bottom-line impact from its reduced derivative trading volumes. The exchange's revenue from operations fell 3.1% in the fiscal year ending March 2026, while profit dropped 15.5%. According ⁠to Bernstein, Indian equity derivatives volumes are entering a phase of normalisation and they forecast growth will slow to about 5% in the fiscal year ending in 2027 due to regulatory measures on options trading. Still, the NSE's IPO valuation implies a forward earnings multiple of 35 to 38 times FY2028 earnings, higher than the 23 to 31 times earnings global exchange operators Nasdaq, CME Group, Deutsche Börse, HKEX and LSEG currently trade. "The current pricing is factoring, options trading slowdown due to regulatory tightening and initial teething issues in the new mechanism to determine closing prices. ‌Perhaps had the IPO launched at any other time, valuation could have been better," said Anubhav Dayal, founder of Hong Kong-headquartered fund manager Soach Global Corporation. His flagship fund is selling 20% of its NSE holding in the offering. In the past 15 months, the NSE has launched electricity futures, electronic gold receipts, natural gas futures and incorporated a national coal exchange. On Saturday, NSE's Krishnan pointed to these efforts as positives that outweigh any short-term concerns around derivative volumes. "In the longer term, there will be so much diversification of revenue and as a natural consequence people will forget this current focus on index options," he said. ($1 = 95.9500 Indian rupees)

MBMobile Business•Reuters16 Sept

ByteDance completes $290 million fundraising for AI drug unit after its spin-off

HONG KONG: Chinese social media and internet company ByteDance ‌has completed a $290 million fundraising for its AI drugmaking unit after spinning it off from the group, two people with knowledge of the matter said on Wednesday. Shanghai-headquartered Anew ⁠Labs, which uses AI for drug discovery, has achieved a valuation of $1.5 billion after its inaugural external fundraising, said ‌one of the sources. The fundraising was led by HSG, formerly known as Sequoia China, ‌IDG Capital and Hillhouse Investment, ‌the sources said, adding that 5Y Capital ‌was a co-lead ‌investor. Other investors included Gaorong Ventures, Primavera Venture Partners, Boyu Capital as ‌well as strategic investor SBP Group and ⁠state-backed Shanghai Future Industries Fund, the sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity as ⁠the ⁠information is not public. ByteDance and the investors did not immediately respond to requests for comment. ByteDance ⁠spun off the AI drugmaker to better support its long-term development, as AI drug discovery follows a different industry logic and management approach than the group's ‌core operations, said one of the sources. ByteDance will maintain a 56% stake after the fundraising, said the second source.

MBMobile Business•Reuters16 Sept

Etihad Airways, Etihad Rail collaborate to enhance UAE air-rail transport integration

Abu Dhabi: Etihad Airways and Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE’s National Rail Network, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore opportunities to create a seamless air-rail travel experience across the UAE, helping connect visitors and residents more easily to destinations across the country. The agreement, signed during Arabian Travel Market, brings together two of the UAE’s key transport networks with a shared vision to develop an integrated mobility ecosystem that supports tourism growth, economic diversification and sustainable transport. Under the MoU, the organisations will explore a range of initiatives designed to simplify travel and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a gateway to exploring the wider UAE. Key areas include studying opportunities to improve connectivity between Zayed International Airport and the Mohammed Bin Zayed City Passenger Station through dedicated shuttle services, enabling smoother transfers between the airport and the national railway network and enhancing multimodal travel integration. The partnership will also explore the development of integrated air and rail booking experiences, station-based passenger services, creating a more seamless end-to-end travel experience from the point of departure to the final destination. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, Etihad Airways, said, "Etihad Airways plays a unique role in bringing millions of visitors to Abu Dhabi each year and our partnership with Etihad Rail reflects a shared ambition to strengthen the emirate’s position as a leading global destination. Through this partnership with Etihad Rail, we will explore new opportunities to link air travel with destinations across the UAE, supporting tourism growth, creating greater convenience for travellers and contributing to Abu Dhabi’s long-term economic development.” Azza AlSuwaidi, Chief Operating Officer, Etihad Rail, said, "The country continues to develop an integrated national transport system that keeps pace with its comprehensive development journey and supports its future ambitions, recognising that the future of transport lies in the integration of different modes of mobility. Since the launch of passenger rail services earlier this year, Etihad Rail has continued to strengthen the role of the national railway network in connecting cities and regions across the UAE, while providing a smoother mobility experience for residents and visitors. Our partnership with Etihad Airways represents a further step towards strengthening integration between rail and aviation, supporting the growth of the tourism sector, economic diversification and sustainable development across the UAE.”

MBMobile Business•WAM15 Sept

Emirates signs 11 new partnerships on day two of ATM

Emirates has signed eleven partnership agreements on the second day of Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, deepening its collaboration with seven destinations and opening access to and supporting new customer segments across its global network, as well as expanding codeshare agreements for deeper cooperation with partner airlines. His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, visited Emirates' stand during the second day of ATM, touring the airline’s product showcases on display. He was briefed by senior Emirates leadership on the airline's latest cabin innovations and passenger experience enhancements. Emirates and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) have renewed their partnership, building on a collaboration first established in 2022. Under the terms of the agreement, Emirates will continue to draw on its network of almost 140 destinations to promote Sri Lanka to global audiences and support the growth of visitor arrivals. The country welcomed more than 2.3 million international tourists last year, a 15.1 percent increase on the two million recorded the previous year. Emirates and SLTPB work together on a range of initiatives including marketing campaigns, tailored excursions, trade incentives and familiarisation trips designed to showcase the island nation across key feeder markets, along with developing special packages. Emirates and Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to boost visitor arrivals and stimulate traffic to the emirate from select markets within the airline’s network. RAKTDA and Emirates will work closely to explore implementing promotional activities including joint marketing and advertising, trade and media familiarisation programmes, with RAKTDA supporting visits through curated ground experiences that showcase the destination, in addition to multi-market campaign activities in Ras Al Khaimah’s target markets. Both parties will explore developing bespoke products and packages for Emirates customers, to be promoted directly through 'Dubai Experience' on the airline's website, alongside incentives for tour operators and the wider travel trade – enabling tourists to explore the full range of activities and experiences the UAE has to offer. Emirates and Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) have signed a new MoU to strengthen tourism promotion and further encourage travel between Japan, Dubai, and the wider Middle East. Emirates continues to invest in Japan through direct services to Narita, Haneda, and Kansai, with operations expected to reach 28 weekly flights in October 2026. The airline has also increased capacity through A380 deployments, introduced Chauffeur-Drive services at Narita and Kansai airports and opened a Travel Store in Osaka. The renewed partnership aims to raise awareness of Japan, meet growing travel demand, and deepen connections between the regions. Building on years of highly successful collaborations, Emirates and the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) have renewed their partnership to jointly support the growth of inbound tourism to the archipelago nation from across the airline's global network. The strategic partnership underscores Emirates' commitment to promoting tourism to the idyllic destination, which has been part of its West Asia and Indian Ocean network since 1987. Air arrivals to the Maldives rose almost ten percent last year, reaching 2.25 million, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Environment's Tourism Statistics 2025 report. Emirates has supported this growth drawing on its network of almost 140 destinations to attract visitors from key markets including the US, UK and Russia. Emirates has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoU) with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to strengthen support for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families. The partnership will explore collaboration between the two parties in the areas of welfare and social protection, repatriation assistance, reintegration and livelihood, CSR, and community engagement, including support for OWWA outreach activities across the Middle East. The collaboration underscores Emirates’ recognition of the significant contribution Filipino workers make to Dubai and the UAE. The partnership comes at a time when the welfare of Filipino workers abroad has moved further into focus. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority's 2024 Survey on Overseas Filipinos, the UAE is now the second-largest destination for Filipino workers globally, home to an estimated 271,000 OFWs[1]. Cash remittances from the UAE reflect this scale, reaching US$750.3 million in the first half of 2026, up 4.3% from US$719.6 million in the same period last year, per Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas data[2]. Emirates and Sharjah Police have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formalise a partnership that includes exclusive travel-related benefits for Sharjah Police employees and support for their events. Sharjah Police will promote Emirates across its communication channels and events, strengthening collaboration, employee engagement, and brand visibility for both organisations. The MoU was signed by Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer and Major General Dr. Ali Ahmed Bu Al Zoud, Director General of the General Department of Resources and Support Services. Emirates and DERTOUR Group are expanding their long-standing partnership across Europe. The agreement will strengthen group-level cooperation, broaden the availability of Emirates products across DERTOUR’s sales channels, accelerate New Distribution Capability adoption, and provide customers with enhanced content and booking options. The partnership will also focus on premium leisure travel by developing exclusive experiences, supporting travel advisors, coordinating marketing and communications, and pursuing growth opportunities in Central, Eastern, and Northern Europe. Emirates has signed strategic partnerships with Bologna Welcome and Parma Welcome to promote Italy's Emilia-Romagna region to international travellers. Through coordinated marketing campaigns, trade engagement, media outreach and familiarisation trips, the collaboration with two respective parties aims to raise awareness of the region's rich cultural heritage, world-renowned gastronomy, lifestyle experiences and business offerings. Emirates signed an MoU with Cisalpina Tours, one of Italy's leading travel management companies, expanding a long-standing relationship into a dedicated framework for marine crew movements, one of the industry’s most specialised travel segments. Part of MSC Group, a global cruise and shipping operator and a longstanding Emirates partner, Cisalpina brings more than 50 years of experience and direct access to maritime expertise, managing cruise crew traffic and marine logistics alongside its corporate travel and MICE business. Building on years of collaboration, the agreement positions Emirates as a preferred airline partner for marine crew travel and the mobility business and sets out a framework for the two companies to pursue joint commercial opportunities across the Emirates network. Both parties will explore ways to combine their respective strengths in crew travel solutions and share market insights on crew travel flows, port developments and broader industry shifts to guide joint planning. Growing airline partnerships Kuwait Airways and Emirates have signed a Memorandum of Understanding expand their existing interline partnership into a reciprocal codeshare. Under the new arrangement, Kuwait Airways customers will gain access to a wider range of destinations through Emirates' network via Dubai, with the ability to book multi-sector journeys on a single ticket and enjoy through-checked baggage to their final destination. Emirates customers will benefit reciprocally from Kuwait Airways' services and network.

MBMobile Business•Emirates24715 Sept

Emirates adds Jaywan card payments for flight bookings, unlocking UAE national card discounts from Dubai

Emirates and Al Etihad Payments have signed an agreement to bring Jaywan, the UAE's national card scheme to Emirates, expanding payment options for customers booking travel from Dubai. The agreement was formally signed by Abdulla Al Olama, Vice President Commercial Operations UAE for Emirates and Andrea Cianchetti, Chief Product Officer (CPO) at Al Etihad Payments, witnessed by senior leadership from both organisations. Starting on 16 September 2026, customers can book flights with their Jaywan cards in two ways: Online: At checkout, UAE-based customers can enter their Jaywan card details to complete their booking on emirates.com. In retail stores: Jaywan is accepted at Emirates Retail stores, with physical cards verified by staff before payment and issuance of tickets. Emirates will accept all Jaywan cards, including the Jaywan Royal Debit Card, Jaywan Prestige Debit Card and Jaywan Prepaid Card, with the security and seamless experience customers expect at checkout when booking their travel. Jaywan customers can also enjoy discounts across all cabin classes and most fare types, on both one-way and return fares from Dubai*. The offer is available for bookings made from 16 September 2026 until 31 August 2027, for travel until 29 February 2028. Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer said: "Emirates already offers UAE customers a broad range of ways to pay for their travel, and Jaywan is now added as a homegrown option that adds further choice and simplicity when booking. It also means more people across the UAE that use Jaywan cards can book with Emirates as easily as they would make any other payment. We've been working with partners across the UAE's digital payments ecosystem to accelerate cashless adoption within travel, and accepting Jaywan is one step further in delivering on our commitment. Our partnership with Al Etihad Payments and Jaywan also plays a part in strengthening the financial infrastructure the UAE is building for the years ahead.” Dr. Tariq Al Hawi, Chief Operating Officer at Al Etihad Payments, said: “Our partnership with Emirates Airlines reinforces Jaywan’s ambition to deliver more than a payment solution by creating tangible value and a seamless experience for every cardholder. The acceptance of Jaywan cards across emirates.com and Emirates’ retail stores gives Jaywan Cardholders greater choice, flexibility and convenience, enabling them to pay seamlessly whether booking online or purchasing in person. Combined with access to exclusive fares across all cabin classes, this partnership demonstrates how Jaywan can connect everyday payments with meaningful benefits and experiences for cardholders.” The agreement builds on Emirates' wider work to expand digital payments in the UAE. In October 2025, the airline signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Dubai Finance to promote the Dubai Cashless Strategy among international visitors, and in July it launched Crypto.com Pay, giving eligible UAE residents another way to pay on emirates.com and the Emirates app. Jaywan is the UAE's domestic card scheme, introduced by Al Etihad Payments for a resilient and robust national payments ecosystem. Created to handle local transactions safely and efficiently, it localises the country's card infrastructure and reinforces national financial sovereignty. Jaywan cards are issued by major banks across the UAE and are accepted by a growing network of merchants spanning ride-hailing and car rentals, restaurants, attractions, healthcare and pharmacies, retail, among other businesses.

MBMobile Business•Emirates24715 Sept