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Khaleej Times
a minute ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Study reveals consumer preferences during deal season
As summer reaches its peak in the UAE, sale events remain one of the key drivers for summer shopping, highlighting how customers increasingly time their purchases to these to maximise value. An independent research by Amazon with HarrisX found that 77 per cent of UAE shoppers feel a sense of satisfaction when getting something they want for less. Scoring a great deal is emotionally rewarding for many, often perceived as more exciting than certain life experiences, as 47 per cent find scoring a great deal more exciting than going on a spontaneous weekend trip, highlighting how deeply satisfying deal-hunting can be for consumers in the UAE. In a landscape full of digital options, there is growing affinity for digital subscriptions as more customers recognise the value of memberships that make their shopping experience more convenient. 'We found that 73 per cent of UAE shoppers agree that digital memberships make shopping more convenient. Their favorite elements of digital subscriptions are exclusive discounts (51 per cent), free delivery (49 per cent), and faster delivery (44 per cent) – all benefits that we currently offer as part of our Prime membership programme in the UAE. The research also revealed that memberships make customers more likely to shop with the same retailer repeatedly, showcasing the long-term value of programs like Prime,' Stefano Martinelli, Vice President of Amazon Middle East and North Africa, told Khaleej Times. This year, Amazon has extended its Prime Day sales to a full week, from July 25 to July 31. 'Today's customers are more strategic in their approach to sales events, always looking for ways to maximize their savings. Whether preparing for travel or stocking up on summer essentials, affordability is a core priority,' Martinelli said. According to the study, 29 per cent of UAE shoppers time their purchases around sales events; and 36 per cent are actively researching prices and using tools to ensure they get the best deals. This shows that UAE customers are shopping with greater purpose and precision. The study showed that 73 per cent of UAE shoppers prefer extended sale events because it gives them more time to decide what to buy. Furthermore, the research found that 75 per cent of UAE shoppers say it feels good to grab a deal before the product sells out. 'This excitement around limited time offers creates a thrilling shopping experience that resonates strongly with consumers in the UAE,' Martinelli said. The study also found that 77 per cent of UAE shoppers feel a sense of satisfaction when getting something they want for less. In 2024, top purchased products by Prime members in the UAE during Prime Day included smartphones, perfumes, moisturizers, makeup products, personal care appliances such as groomers, as well as grocery items including laundry detergent, batteries, pet food, and dishwasher cleaner. This year, Prime Day deals span over 30 categories. The Amazon-HarrisX study has shown that 33 per cent of customers in the UAE are more likely to buy a product only when it is on sale. 'We also found that customers in the UAE love the free delivery (59 per cent), exclusive discounts and deals (57 per cent), and faster delivery (45 per cent) that come with digital subscriptions. These subscriptions drive customer trust and loyalty, with 73 per cent of UAE shoppers agreeing that digital memberships and subscriptions make them more likely to repeatedly shop with the same retailer,' ' Martinelli said.


Zawya
a minute ago
- Zawya
Union Properties signs AED 700mln sale agreement, paving way for sustainable growth
UAE: Union Properties PJSC ('Union Properties' or the 'Company') (DFM symbol: UPP), has signed a conditional sale agreement valued at AED 700 million for a significant Real Estate project in Motor City. This marks a pivotal milestone in the Company's strategic roadmap, effectively concluding its comprehensive recovery plan which was designed to resolve all legacy debt settlements and restore long-term financial strength. Building on a record AED 1.3 billion in plot sales achieved in 2024 as part of its comprehensive debt restructuring strategy, this latest agreement is expected to be recognized in the Company's Q4 2025 financials. Importantly, the Real Estate project will contribute meaningfully to the continued evolution of MotorCity, one of Dubai's most established and sought-after communities. Structured under a deferred payment framework, the agreement further reinforces Union Properties ' disciplined financial approach, with the initial deposit already secured, ensuring strong cash flow visibility and continued balance sheet optimization. Upon completion, the proceeds will enable the Company to fully settle its legacy debt, marking the culmination of a multi-year recovery strategy. This milestone positions the Company to pivot decisively toward a new phase of sustainable growth, strategic capital deployment, and long-term value creation for its shareholders. Eng. Amer Khansaheb, CEO and Board Member of Union Properties, commented on the achievement, stating: 'This transaction is more than a sale - it is a signal of strength. With this transition, we bring our recovery plan to a close, settle all legacy debts, and lay the foundation for a bold new chapter. This milestone reflects not only the trust and confidence of the market in our vision, but also the resilience and discipline of our team in executing one of the most successful turnaround strategies in the sector. Today, we build from a position of strength, focused on strategic development, long-term value creation, and a sustainable impact across the UAE's Real Estate landscape.' Union Properties remains committed to delivering value-driven, market-responsive developments that elevate communities and support Dubai's broader urban vision. As the Company continues to execute its strategic objectives, this landmark transaction signals its resilience, agility, and forward momentum in an increasingly competitive market.


Zawya
a minute ago
- Zawya
Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways may delay $1bln IPO to 2026
Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways is considering deferring its $1 billion IPO to the first quarter of 2026, allowing the UAE airline to capitalise on its recent partnerships, a source with knowledge of the matter told Zawya. These agreements include a JV with Ethiopia inked in March and another with China Eastern Airlines in April. The carrier has also accelerated its network expansion after the announcement of Wizz Air's decision to cease operations in Abu Dhabi from September 1. 'Etihad has done well signing JVs with partner airlines this year, and it now needs to deliver on these for its investors. While coming to market is not an issue, it just makes better business sense to push the IPO to early 2026,' the source said. Etihad is fully owned by the UAE wealth fund ADQ, and the airline's CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, has maintained that the decision to go public ultimately lies with its shareholder. Zawya reached out to Etihad, but no comment was available at the time of publication. The imposition of US-led tariffs, followed by a sudden flare-up in Middle Eastern tensions, had given markets pause, but Etihad's decision to defer its listing from H1 2025 was largely led by its growth strategy, the source said. 'Etihad is a national airline, with a shareholder that is not value sensitive. It wants to go public when there's a clearer story to map out its growth. You want to bring it [IPO] at the most opportune time, with market conditions that are 100% and will benefit the decision,' two banking sources familiar with the matter said. Growth plan Hungarian low-cost carrier Wizz Air's announcement this month has also created a market gap that could prove to be a lucrative opportunity for Etihad to capitalise on in the immediate months that follow, said analysts. Nishit Lakhotia, Group Head of Research at Bahrain's Sico Bank, said Wizz Air's decision to leave Abu Dhabi is an opportunity for Etihad to leverage its position as a market leader at a time when several airlines in the region have faced turbulence over repeated route cancellations and airport closures stemming from escalating geopolitical tensions. 'The total profitability of regional airlines last year was at record levels, and while some geopolitical challenges did affect Q2, the broader theme remains intact, and an Etihad IPO should ideally be on the cards,' said Lakhotia. Etihad has expanded rapidly after ownership was transferred to ADQ in late 2022, revising its growth target to carry 38 million passengers by the end of the decade, up from the previous goal of 33 million. In May, the airline reported a profit of 685 million UAE dirhams ($186.5 million) for the first quarter of 2025, up 30% year-on-year, driven by strong demand and efficiency gains. Fleet expansion has been a key focus of its $7 billion investment plan. Yet some say market sentiment towards aviation stock remains cautious following the muted performance of Saudi Arabia's budget carrier Flynas in June, as escalating tensions between Iran and Israel led to the closure of several airports and restricted airspace across the region. Despite being one of the biggest IPOs of the region at $1.09 billion, the airline's stock closed over 3% lower on its debut. John Strickland, an aviation analyst and the director of London-based JLS Consulting, observed that while there may be market sensitivity about investing in airlines currently, it would not present a hurdle to future listings in this sector. Strickland sees Etihad's IPO going ahead soon. (Reporting by Bindu Rai, editing by Seban Scaria)