Latest news with #ArabianPost
Arabian Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Post
How to Choose the Right Catering Service in Dubai
Dubai is known for its vibrant event scene, from corporate functions and exhibitions to weddings, private dinners, and luxury celebrations. With so many events taking place every day, finding the right catering Dubai provider has become an essential part of successful planning. Key Factors to Consider When Booking Catering in Dubai Menu Variety Dubai is a multicultural city, and guests often expect a wide selection of international cuisines. The best catering companies offer customizable menus that include everything from Arabic and Asian to European and fusion dishes. ADVERTISEMENT Professional Service Quality of service is just as important as the food itself. Trained staff, punctual delivery, and smooth coordination are essential for any catering provider in Dubai. Event Type Experience Some caterers specialize in weddings, others in corporate events or private parties. Always look for a company with experience in your specific event type to ensure they understand your needs. Presentation and Setup A professional catering team should provide not only delicious meals but also elegant presentation and stylish table setup, especially for formal occasions. Client Reviews and Reputation Before booking, it's a good idea to check online reviews and see past client feedback. Positive testimonials are a good sign of consistent quality and reliability. Trusted Catering in Dubai If you're planning an event and looking for a trusted company in the catering Dubai market, Smart Catering is a service worth exploring. They offer a wide range of menu options, professional service, and flexible solutions tailored to each event. Whether it's a small private gathering or a large-scale corporate function, working with experienced caterers can make all the difference. Also published on Medium. Notice an issue? Arabian Post strives to deliver the most accurate and reliable information to its readers. If you believe you have identified an error or inconsistency in this article, please don't hesitate to contact our editorial team at editor[at]thearabianpost[dot]com. We are committed to promptly addressing any concerns and ensuring the highest level of journalistic integrity.
Arabian Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Post
Dubai Property Market Soars in H1 2025
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai's real estate market achieved a landmark surge during the first half of 2025, with transactions climbing 26 per cent to 125,538 and total value reaching AED 431 billion—an increase of 25 per cent year‑on‑year. The performance underscores the emirate's growing appeal to both local and international investors. Investor activity gathered notable momentum, with approximately 94,700 individuals completing transactions worth AED 326 billion—39 per cent more than a year earlier. Of this group, 59,075 were first‑time investors, injecting AED 157 billion and marking both a growth in investor numbers and value. UAE residents constituted 45 per cent of this cohort, signalling effective measures to convert renters into homeowners. ADVERTISEMENT Women also bolstered the market's resilience, executing nearly 35,000 transactions worth AED 73.2 billion. Meanwhile, foreign investors led contributions at AED 228 billion, with Arab and GCC nationals contributing AED 28.4 billion and AED 22.6 billion respectively. Residential and luxury segments showed marked performance. Al Barsha South Fourth recorded the highest transaction volume, followed by Al Yalayis 1 and Wadi Al Safa 5. In terms of value, Dubai Marina topped the list with AED 25.1 billion, followed by Business Bay, Burj Khalifa zone, and Palm Jumeirah. ValuStrat's H1 property index reported that unbuilt villas now command values 66 per cent above their 2014 peaks and 175 per cent above post‑pandemic levels. Apartment prices rose 1.1 per cent month‑on‑month, translating to annual growth of 20 per cent, notably in The Greens, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubailand Residence Complex, Palm Jumeirah, and Town Square—all exhibiting capital gains of over 22 per cent. Parallel to sales growth, rental price inflation decelerated mid‑year: by May, annual residential rent increase eased to 8.5 per cent from 14.3 per cent in January. Cavendish Maxwell attributed this moderation to the delivery of approximately 9,300 new units in Q1 and the introduction of the 'New Smart Rental Index,' which is influencing both landlord expectations and market dynamics. Mortgage activity reflected evolving buyer preferences. Data from DXB Interact indicates a 38 per cent rise in loan volume, although total mortgage value dipped by 8 per cent—signalling a shift towards cash purchases or smaller financing commitments. Off‑plan sales stood strong at 64,907 transactions, with a total value of AED 209.1 billion. Resale transactions numbered 34,150, valued at AED 119.7 billion. Amid this buoyancy, caution flags exist. Fitch Ratings warns of potential double‑digit price corrections—up to 15 per cent—in late 2025 and 2026, due to an expected supply surge of around 210,000 units. The agency nevertheless noted that banks and developers have reduced exposure and are poised to manage potential adjustments. Planning authorities have responded proactively. Dubai intends to add 73,000 homes in 2025, targeting a total of 300,000 new units by 2028—efforts aimed at aligning supply with investor momentum and population growth. Meanwhile, ongoing state‑led consolidation of developers, regulatory improvements under the Economic Agenda D33, and the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033 continue to underpin structural confidence. As forecasted by ValuStrat, property price growth may moderate but remain positive—potentially adding another 10 per cent by the end of 2025 as market dynamics evolve. The challenge now lies in balancing supply expansion, evolving mortgage behaviour, and price stability to sustain long‑term viability for investors and residents alike.
Arabian Post
5 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Post
Etihad Reaches Unprecedented 20 Million Passenger Landmark
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Etihad Airways has surpassed the 20 million annual passenger mark for the first time, boosted by strong first-quarter profit and rising customer satisfaction. The airline's operating fleet now exceeds 100 aircraft as it intensifies its global expansion and pursues ambitious 2030 targets. Etihad posted a Q1 profit after tax of AED 685 million, a 30 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. Total revenue rose 15 per cent, supported by growth in both passenger and cargo operations. Passenger revenue alone increased by 16 per cent to AED 5.5 billion, reflecting stronger demand and enhanced flight frequency. The carrier flew 5 million passengers in the quarter, a 16 per cent jump year‑on‑year, with a solid load factor of 87 per cent. ADVERTISEMENT Over the past 12 months, Etihad has carried more than 20 million guests—doubling its annual passenger figures in just 30 months—and is now regarded as the fastest-growing airline in the region. Chief Executive Antonoaldo Neves described this milestone as evidence of 'sustained growth driven by expanding demand, a dynamic global network, and a clear strategic focus'. Customer satisfaction surged to record highs, with Q1 scores up 20 per cent versus a year ago. The airline attributed this to refreshed lounge and inflight menus, improved digital services, high-speed Wi‑Fi, and a revamped website and mobile app. Etihad's fleet currently comprises over 100 aircraft, including the return of its seventh Airbus A380 and the delivery of a Boeing 787‑9 with an Emirati crew, alongside its first of three Airbus A350‑1000s. A further 18 aircraft are expected in 2025, highlighted by the introduction of the A321LR narrow‑body fleet on 1 August, which will feature private First Suites, lie‑flat Business seats, 4K entertainment screens, and high‑speed Wi‑Fi across all cabins. The airline has added 27 new routes so far in 2025 and plans to operate nearly 90 destinations by year‑end. These network additions form part of Etihad's longer-term strategy to expand its global footprint to over 125 destinations and grow its fleet to more than 170 aircraft, with the aim of carrying 38 million passengers annually by 2030. Operational efficiency gains also strengthened Etihad's balance sheet. EBITDA rose 32 per cent to AED 1.4 billion, yielding a 21 per cent margin, while net leverage improved to 1.1×, down from 1.9× in March 2024. Cash flow from operations reached AED 1.8 billion, an 11 per cent improvement. These developments follow a broader resurgence at Etihad. The carrier turned around from consecutive annual losses of recent years to report a record USD 476 million profit in 2024, flying 18.5 million passengers that year—a 32 per cent increase—and generating revenue of nearly USD 6.9 billion. The Q1 results affirm progress in cost optimisation, network rationalisation and fleet modernisation initiated under CEO Neves since taking the helm in 2022 under Abu Dhabi sovereign fund ADQ. Looking ahead, Etihad plans to sustain delivery of 20-plus new aircraft annually, including further Boeing 787s and Airbus A350s, to meet projected demand. It is also preparing infrastructure and service upgrades connected to Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport, whose terminal expansion tripled annual capacity to 45 million passengers, reinforcing the city's role as a global hub. On the route front, 16 further destinations have been announced for 2025, complementing an already swift rollout of 27 new routes. The A321LR rollout from August will unlock First Class on single‑aisle sectors, with an upgraded passenger experience including concierge transfers, chauffeur services and luggage‑free travel in Abu Dhabi. Etihad's turnaround, driven by disciplined execution of its 'Journey 2030' strategy, has paid off. With record profits, growing customer satisfaction and a fleet age structure among the youngest globally, the airline is moving ahead of Gulf competitors as a stronger, customer‑centric global carrier.
Arabian Post
5 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Post
Middle East Funds Chart Stronger Course into Chinese Markets
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai A significant majority of sovereign wealth funds from the Middle East are poised to increase their investments in Chinese assets over the coming five years, according to the latest findings from Invesco's Global Sovereign Asset Management Study. This shift places China at the forefront of strategic allocation decisions, reflecting growing confidence in its innovation-led sectors. The study, conducted between January and March and covering funds and central banks managing a combined US$27 trillion, reveals that around 60% of Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds are planning to boost exposure to China. This places the region only behind Asia‑Pacific and Africa, where 88% and 80% of funds respectively intend to raise allocations. North American counterparts also show strong interest, with approximately 73% signalling intent to increase investment in China. ADVERTISEMENT Funds across regions cited strong returns—identified by 71% of respondents—as a key motivator, alongside diversification goals cited by 63% and improved market access for foreigners mentioned by 45%. Chinese innovation sectors, including digital technology, software, advanced manufacturing, automation, and clean energy, are particularly attractive, with 89% indicating interest in digital tech and software, and 70% each for manufacturing and green energy. Participants in the study included 141 senior investment professionals—chief investment officers, asset-class heads and portfolio strategists—drawn from 83 sovereign wealth funds and 58 central banks globally. The high participation rate lends weight to the findings: China is now ranked as a high or moderate priority for 59% of funds, a notable jump from the previous year. Despite geopolitical tensions between Washington and Beijing, sovereign funds appear more focused on structural opportunities. North American allocations towards China are framed as strategic, long-term bets in innovation rather than reactive moves to policy friction. As one Invesco executive described, investors appear driven by fear of missing out on China's strides in semiconductors, AI, EVs and renewable energy—'a strategic urgency they once directed toward Silicon Valley'. A regional lens reveals the Middle Eastern shift as part of a larger recalibration. Sovereign funds in the Gulf and from oil-rich neighbours are increasingly turning to China not just for commodity trades but for diversified returns and access to high-growth sectors. One Middle Eastern fund commented that the credit spectrum in fixed income markets currently offers more attractive risk-adjusted returns than public equities, underlining a broader repositioning. Globally, sovereign investors are embracing active management, allocating more to fixed income and private credit as markets normalise post ultra-low interest rate era. Thirty‑nine per cent of funds plan to increase fixed income exposure, underscoring a pivot towards liquidity management and resilience. Private credit usage has expanded sharply, from 30% to 44% in direct or co-investments, reflecting growing appetite for yield and portfolio diversification. Central banks are also reshaping strategy, with 64% planning to grow reserve holdings and 53% aiming to diversify further within two years. Gold remains a popular hedge: almost half intend to expand allocations over the next three years. The dominance of the US dollar persists, with 78% expecting no credible alternative supply within the next two decades. A modest entrant in the digital asset space, sovereign wealth funds are gradually increasing exposure to digital currencies. Direct allocations rose to 11% from 7% in 2022, most pronounced in the Middle East, Asia‑Pacific and North America. Stablecoins, viewed as more accessible than traditional crypto, are gaining attention among emerging market funds. China remains a focal point for global sovereign investors seeking exposure to growth-critical sectors and structural diversification. The convergence of strong returns, market access improvements, and sectoral opportunities is driving Middle Eastern and other funds to recalibrate their portfolios. China has transitioned from an optional allocation into a central pillar of future-focused asset strategies, marking a calculated investment pivot amid an evolving global landscape.
Arabian Post
6 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Post
Dubai Eyes Digital Economy Gains With Cashless Push
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy and Dubai Finance have entered into a strategic partnership to bolster the emirate's ambitions of becoming a fully cashless economy. A Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two bodies outlines a coordinated framework that targets improved governance, fintech innovation, and wider digital payment adoption, in line with the objectives of the Dubai Cashless Strategy. The agreement was formalised during a ceremony attended by H. E. Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh, Director General of Dubai Finance, and H. E. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers. Representing the respective institutions, Saeed Al Gergawi, Vice President of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, and Ahmad Ali Meftah, Executive Director of the Central Accounts Sector at Dubai Finance, signed the document on behalf of their organisations. ADVERTISEMENT This collaboration underscores Dubai's growing emphasis on integrating digital solutions across public and private sector transactions, as the emirate positions itself as a global fintech and smart governance hub. The new agreement aims to accelerate digital payments across government services while enhancing efficiency, security, and accessibility. Under the framework of the MoU, both entities will establish joint task forces, undertake regular progress evaluations, and implement technology-driven initiatives to modernise financial infrastructure. The emphasis will be on enabling end-to-end digital transactions for individuals and businesses interacting with government entities. Officials involved in the signing highlighted the strategic relevance of the initiative, citing the pivotal role of digital transformation in achieving Dubai's broader economic diversification goals. Saeed Al Gergawi remarked that this step would unlock new economic potential and reinforce Dubai's reputation as a leader in digital innovation. He noted that the Chamber aims to promote the use of cashless technologies across all levels of society, particularly among small businesses and startups. Ahmad Ali Meftah echoed similar sentiments, noting that the DOF views this partnership as an opportunity to develop governance models that leverage real-time payment data and analytics to improve decision-making and transparency. He added that it marks a milestone in the effort to optimise public sector financial management through advanced digital tools. The Dubai Cashless Strategy, announced previously by the Dubai Government, focuses on transforming the way residents and businesses conduct financial transactions. Its three-pillar approach—governance, innovation, and the shift towards a cashless society—provides the structural foundation for this latest collaboration. The strategy also aligns with the UAE Digital Government Strategy 2025, which aims to foster a holistic digital ecosystem nationwide. Dubai has already made significant strides towards cashless integration. Key government services, including health, transport, and municipal utilities, have seen widespread uptake of digital payments. A growing number of private sector entities—particularly in retail, hospitality, and real estate—have also moved to offer fully contactless payment options. Data from payment solutions providers and financial regulators suggest that consumer behaviour in Dubai is increasingly shifting towards digital modes. Contactless transactions, QR-code payments, and mobile wallet usage are seeing double-digit growth, reflecting both convenience and trust in digital platforms. E-commerce platforms and delivery services in the city have reported a significant drop in cash-on-delivery usage, replaced by integrated payment gateways. Despite the surge in adoption, challenges remain. Concerns over cybersecurity, digital exclusion among certain demographics, and interoperability between platforms continue to demand coordinated attention. Experts believe that public-private partnerships, like the one signed this week, are vital to addressing these gaps. The joint initiative between Dubai Finance and Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy aims to prioritise inclusive design and data security in all future systems. Digital finance specialists have observed that the commitment from high-level institutions such as DOF and Dubai Chambers is an indication of long-term policy backing. The formalisation of this cooperation may lead to more unified regulatory frameworks, making it easier for startups and global fintech players to operate in Dubai's ecosystem. The agreement is also expected to boost investor confidence, particularly among digital-first businesses exploring Middle East expansion. Analysts note that initiatives aimed at institutionalising digital payments often serve as catalysts for broader technology adoption, including AI-driven financial services and decentralised finance platforms.
