logo
Hottest investment trends in the UAE: Watch our latest Breakfast Briefing panel event

Hottest investment trends in the UAE: Watch our latest Breakfast Briefing panel event

Gulf Business2 days ago

From global mobility and residence-by-investment to IPO outlooks and the great wealth transfer, this Gulf Business panel event in Dubai on June 25 brought together leading voices to decode the UAE's investment landscape.
Speakers included:
George Hojeige, Group CEO, Virtugroup
Rahul Singh, MD, Thrifty & Dollar Car Rental
Sanjay Sachdev, Group Marketing Director, Leptos Estates
Vishwajit Patil, SEO, Nuvama Private DIFC
Yogesh Khairajani, Global Market Strategist, Century Financial
Manasvi Ghelani, Associate Director, Frost & Sullivan
Muhammed Hassan, Capital Markets Leader, PwC
Damian Hitchen, CEO, Saxo Bank MENA
Yasmine Omari, Head of Wealth Planning, Bank of Singapore
Gemma Wild, Head of Global Collaboration, MENA GPB, HSBC
Dave Chaggar, Sales Director, Capital Club Limited
Moderators:
Claire Vuylsteke, Director, Orbcom
Nigel Sillitoe, CEO, Insight Discovery
Karishma Hingorani, Founder, Karishma Konnect

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

UAE petrol prices to change; Dubai real estate hotspots; Millionaire investment tips; Leave guide and 2026 holiday dates – 10 things you missed this week
UAE petrol prices to change; Dubai real estate hotspots; Millionaire investment tips; Leave guide and 2026 holiday dates – 10 things you missed this week

Arabian Business

timean hour ago

  • Arabian Business

UAE petrol prices to change; Dubai real estate hotspots; Millionaire investment tips; Leave guide and 2026 holiday dates – 10 things you missed this week

From UAE petrol price changes and new credit rules to real estate innovations and millionaire savings plans, the Gulf is seeing rapid shifts in finance and lifestyle. Meanwhile, smart city projects, public sector reforms, and Ramadan 2026 forecasts are helping shape the months ahead. Catch up with 10 of the biggest stories this week, as selected by Arabian Business editors. UAE petrol prices to change for July 2025 The UAE is set to announce petrol prices for July 2025 in the next few days. Petrol prices have remained virtually unchanged for the past three months, following two months of freezes to the cost of filling up at the pump. Despite the current stability, it is currently significantly cheaper to fill up a tank than year ago, with all categories becoming more affordable, despite prices fluctuating throughout the past 12 months. Saudi Arabia announces new credit card rules The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has announced updated credit card rules. The updated regulations will be for credit card issuance and operation, targeting cost reduction for customers whilst increasing disclosure and transparency levels, and will take effect within 30 to 90 days. Under the updated framework, credit card issuers must notify customers of fee changes via SMS, with customers permitted to terminate their agreements within 14 days of receiving such notices. E-wallet top-ups via credit cards will no longer incur charges. The regulations establish new fee structures for cash withdrawals. For amounts below SR2,500, fees are capped at 3 per cent of the transaction value. Dubai residents can now instantly check credit scores online Dubai residents can now check their credit reports and scores directly through the DubaiNow app, thanks to a new integration with the Etihad Credit Bureau. The collaboration between Etihad Credit Bureau (ECB) and DubaiNow, the UAE's leading unified government services app, allows users to access their personal Credit Report and Credit Score in real time with a single click—simplifying financial planning and enhancing digital accessibility. DubaiNow offers more than 300 integrated services from both government and private sector entities. With the new feature, users can log in to the app and instantly view their credit insights—supporting informed financial decisions and streamlining access to key personal data. UAE real estate: 6 major hotspots to invest in right now, delivering 9% returns The UAE's real estate sector recorded transactions worth over AED 239bn (approximately $65bn) in the first quarter of 2024, according to official figures. Property consultancy Whitewill has identified six locations drawing investor attention during the summer period. According to the analysis, the market favours projects combining lifestyle, location, and financial returns. Indian Aces 2025: Meet the Gulf's most powerful Indian business leaders The Indian business community remains an indispensable pillar of the United Arab Emirates' economic architecture. These entrepreneurs, executives, and visionaries – many of whom are celebrated in our Indian Aces 2025 power list – have transformed industries across the Emirates. From retail and healthcare to technology and construction, these business leaders have created enterprises that form the backbone of the region's economic landscape. Dubai real estate: How to buy property for $545 – tokenization explained Dubai is reshaping access to real estate with a new government-backed platform that lets investors own a slice of the city's booming property market for as little as AED 2,000. By turning property into digital tokens, the initiative introduces a new model of ownership that aims to make real estate investment faster, more flexible, and more accessible — all within a regulated blockchain ecosystem. But, what exactly is Dubai real estate tokenization and how does it actually work? Ajman reduces work hours and launches remote work Fridays from July1 Ajman has unveiled a new plan with reduced hours and remote work on Fridays. The 'Balanced Summer' initiative for government employees is aimed at promoting work-life balance, family cohesion, and environmental sustainability during the summer months. The plan was approved during a meeting of the Ajman Executive Council chaired by Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman. Under the initiative, 100 per cent remote work will be in effect every Friday from July 1 to August 22, 2025. In addition, working hours from Monday to Thursday will be reduced to seven hours, running from 7.30 am to 2.30 pm across all government entities. UAE Ramadan and Eid 2026: Expected dates for Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha announced Expected dates for Ramadan 2026 in the UAE have been announced by the Emirates Astronomy Society. The Emirates Astronomy Society forecasts Ramadan will begin on February 18, 2026, with Eid Al Fitr likely on March 20 and Eid Al Adha on May 27. Ibrahim Al Jarwan, chairman of the board of directors of the Emirates Astronomy Society, shared expected dates for holidays and events next year. UAE residents need nearly $1,800 monthly to become millionaires in 10 years, financial experts reveal The UAE's wealth creation ecosystem has produced some of the world's fastest-growing millionaire population, with specific strategies emerging for building seven-figure wealth. Anchored by zero personal income tax, 100 per cent foreign ownership rules, and $817 billion in non-oil trade, the nation has transformed into a magnet for entrepreneurs, investors, and high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) seeking to drive their way to millionaire status But, how much can one build and save to hit AED1 million in the UAE? UAE Leave Guide 2025: Every type of holiday you're entitled to explained UAE workers will enjoy a public holiday on Friday, June 27, to mark the Islamic New Year — giving many a long weekend. But did you know there are nine official types of leave you're entitled to in the UAE? From annual holidays and sick leave to study breaks and maternity support, here's your full guide to every type of leave under UAE Labour Law in 2025.

UAE: 75,000 students to learn saving, budgeting under 'young investor programme'
UAE: 75,000 students to learn saving, budgeting under 'young investor programme'

Khaleej Times

time2 hours ago

  • Khaleej Times

UAE: 75,000 students to learn saving, budgeting under 'young investor programme'

UAE companies have launched an initiative to embed essential financial skills such as diligent saving, budgeting and strategic investing into young students from an early age. The programme aims to reach 50 schools and 75,000 students across the UAE. It was launched by National Bonds, UAE's leading Shari'a-compliant savings and investment company, in collaboration with the Knowledge Fund Establishment. The 'Young Investor Programme' blends classroom-based learning with immersive, real life training, offering students a unique and interactive pathway to understanding personal finance. Initially targeting students in Grades 5 and 6, the curriculum introduces fundamental financial concepts in a simplified yet impactful manner. Older students in Grades 11 and 12 also benefit from hands-on workshops hosted at National Bonds' headquarters. These sessions delve into critical topics including budgeting, investment planning, market research, data analysis, and essential communication skills, providing participants with a crucial behind the scenes perspective on the workings of financial services and bridging theoretical knowledge with practical career exposure. The curriculum is structured around six core modules: Money Management, Payment Systems, Loans and Debts, Savings and Investments, Insurance Protection Plans (with a specific focus on Takaful), and Long-Term Financial Planning. Beyond these fundamentals, the program integrates real-life application through engaging role-play exercises, interactive case studies, and practical workshop activities. New modules are continuously being introduced, covering areas such as artificial intelligence, digital currencies, and modern money management practices. During its successful pilot phase, the 'Young Investor Programme' has already been implemented in 11 private schools across Dubai. The participating institutions include Dubai Schools – Al Barsha; Dubai Schools – Al Khawaneej; Dubai Schools – Nad Al Sheba; International School of Creative Science – Nad Al Sheba; American School of Creative Science – Nad Al Sheba; American School of Creative Science – Maliha; American School of Creative Science – Al Layyah; Buds Public School; Nibras International School Dubai; Springdales School Dubai; and St. Mary's Catholic High School. Currently, the programme is catering to 3,500 students in Dubai. Building on this success, the initiative is now expanding beyond Dubai, entering Sharjah through the Masar initiative. National Bonds recently collaborated with the Masar initiative, launched by the Sharjah Capability Development Authority, which aims to empower Emirati university students and recent graduates through a blend of hands-on training and professional mentorship. This partnership ensures continuity in financial education, extending from middle school students in the Young Investor Programme to young adults preparing for the workforce through Masar. Specialised financial literacy workshops help young adults focus on essential concepts such as savings, financial planning, investment awareness, and risk management. National Bonds recently announced a three-year strategic expansion plan for the 'Young Investor Programme', aiming to reach 50 schools and 75,000 students across the UAE through scalable delivery models and regional activations. Beyond traditional classroom learning, students will be challenged to conceptualise real-world investment or business projects, with some receiving feasibility reviews, support, and recognition. Rehab Lootah, Group Deputy CEO at National Bonds, commented on the program's impact: 'The success of the 'Young Investor Programme' reflects our belief that financial education should start early, and in a way that resonates with young minds. By equipping students with the basics of saving and planning, we are helping them build habits that last a lifetime.' Lootah added, 'This initiative is more than just a programme; it's part of a larger movement aligned with the UAE's vision for a knowledge-based economy. As we expand into more emirates, we are proud to be giving the next generation the confidence and tools to navigate their financial future with purpose.'

Saudi Arabia opens airspace to enable smooth flow of air traffic
Saudi Arabia opens airspace to enable smooth flow of air traffic

Gulf Business

time2 hours ago

  • Gulf Business

Saudi Arabia opens airspace to enable smooth flow of air traffic

Image: Getty Images/ For illustrative purposes Saudi Arabia has opened its airspace to support the smooth flow of international air traffic amid recent The kingdom is now handling an average of more than 1,330 daily flights through its airspace, which is nearly double the number recorded before the crisis began. These additional flights were managed safely and efficiently, aided by advanced technologies and stringent security measures in full compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. According to SPA, the General Authority of Civil Aviation ( More than 220 international air carriers transited through Saudi skies during this time, prompting the activation of pre-planned airspace expansion protocols. Saudi reinforces airport and airspace security The kingdom reinforced its airport and airspace security through enhanced surveillance systems, risk management frameworks, and technical infrastructure upgrades. Crisis management teams, equipped with cutting-edge technologies, processed real-time data to provide rapid operational support to local and regional stakeholders. This allowed for seamless traffic flow and strengthened Saudi Arabia's reputation as a safe and reliable aviation hub. Saudi Arabia's air navigation system includes 20 control towers, two regional area control centres with 15 control sectors, 10 approach control centres, and over 1,200 navigation devices across the country, SPA reported. These are operated by a workforce of more than 1,900 aviation specialists, including over 700 male and female air traffic controllers, all working under advanced operational methodologies.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store