Latest news with #Dh165
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UAE: Dubai airports sells 2.5 million chocolate bars in 6 months, here are the top brands
Dubai Duty Free saw a surge in chocolate sales, with 2.5 million bars sold in the first half of 2025, driving Dh165 million in revenue/ Image Composite: Instagram Dubai's airports have become a chocolate lover's paradise, with a remarkable 2.5 million bars of locally made chocolates sold in just the first half of 2025. This surge in sales, which has generated an impressive Dh165 million in revenue, underscores the increasing demand for UAE-based chocolate brands. Speaking to local media outlet Dubai Eye, Ramesh Cidambi, CEO of Dubai Duty Free, highlighted that these sales have provided a significant boost to the local economy. Cidambi pointed out that, since these brands are homegrown, the majority of the revenue from these chocolate sales remains within the UAE, benefitting the country's economy as a whole. FIX : The Viral Pistachio Kunafa Chocolate FIX has become synonymous with "Dubai chocolates," particularly due to its world-famous pistachio kunafa chocolate. This unique fusion of traditional Middle Eastern dessert flavors with chocolate took the world by storm. Despite various attempts by other brands to replicate it, the authentic FIX taste remains an exclusive treat found only in the UAE. In an exclusive collaboration with Dubai's Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan, FIX crafted a one-of-a-kind chocolate flavor, tailored to his personal preferences, which included Halawt, a traditional Middle Eastern dessert. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo The brand has continued to innovate, recently launching a tropical flavor, "Time to Mango," which aims to capture the essence of Dubai's sunny climate. L'ocali: Luxury Meets Heritage The Dubai-born brand L'ocali blends two key pillars of the UAE, heritage and luxury. Its chocolates, which include dates wrapped in 24k edible gold, embody the opulence that Dubai is famous for. L'ocali's offerings also include chocolate-coated dates with various fillings such as pistachio, rose, and orange peel, as well as gourmet chocolates crafted from Belgian truffles and Swiss chocolate. The brand's focus is on capturing the essence of Dubai's luxury experience, making it a favorite among both locals and tourists. Bateel: The Pioneer of Date Chocolate Bateel is more than just a chocolate brand, it's a part of the UAE's culinary heritage. Established in 1992, the brand is deeply rooted in both the UAE and Saudi Arabian traditions, with its headquarters in Dubai. The word "Bateel" refers to the young offshoot of a date palm tree, symbolizing growth and new beginnings, which aligns with the brand's commitment to innovation in chocolate. Bateel revolutionized the chocolate industry when it "invented the date chocolate" in 2000, combining the rich flavors of dates with the decadence of high-quality chocolate. Beyond its signature date chocolates, Bateel also offers artisanal chocolates from regions like Brazil and the Dominican Republic, along with cookies inspired by Middle Eastern flavors like date dhibs and milk chocolate sesame praline. The brand's expansion into the broader food sector, with the opening of Cafe Bateel in 2007, cemented its position as a beloved spot for residents and visitors alike. In 2023, it launched Bateel El'an, a more compact, cafe-focused format. Al Nassma: The Camel Milk Chocolate Pioneer Founded in 2008 by Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Al Nassma is the UAE's first camel milk chocolate brand, and it has become an iconic name in the Middle East. Camel milk has long been a staple in the region, particularly among Bedouins, and Al Nassma uses this unique ingredient to craft chocolates that reflect the traditions of the Arabian desert. The brand has made a mark with its "hollow figures," caravan boxes, pralines, and chocolate bars. Known for its luxurious offerings, Al Nassma has positioned itself as the "Godiva of the Middle East," combining high-quality chocolate with the distinct flavor of camel milk. Samha: Camel Milk with a Twist Launched in 2019 by Prime Chocolate, the parent company of Al Nassma, Samha brings another dimension to the world of camel milk chocolate. While Al Nassma offers a broad range of camel milk-based chocolates, Samha focuses specifically on camel milk-covered dates, which are a local favorite. Samha has also embraced the pistachio kunafa flavor, adding a camel milk twist that brings a unique local touch. The bite-sized treats are a popular choice for birthdays, gatherings, and celebrations, helping people from diverse nationalities in the UAE share a taste of local culture. I Love Dubai: A Fusion of Local Flavors If you thought pistachio kunafa chocolate was the most innovative combination, think again. "I Love Dubai" offers some of the most unique chocolates in the region, including pistachio baklava chocolate and gahwa crunch. The pistachio baklava is a nod to the UAE's rich history of layered desserts, while the gahwa crunch incorporates gahwa, the Emirati term for Arabic coffee, a symbol of the country's legendary hospitality. Another standout is halwa rahash, a Middle Eastern dessert made from sesame seed paste. It has a nutty, fudge-like texture, and when paired with chocolate, it creates a truly distinctive local flavor experience.
The National
17-04-2025
- Business
- The National
Dubai's Mall of the Emirates to undergo $1.36bn makeover to mark 20th anniversary
Dubai's Mall of the Emirates, one of the UAE's most popular retail destinations, is set to receive a Dh5 billion ($1.36 billion) makeover two decades after it first opened doors to shoppers from around the world, its owner Majid Al Futtaim has said. The multiyear expansion programme will include the addition of 20,000 sq m of retail space, which will house about 100 new stores, Majid Al Futtaim, one of Dubai's biggest private sector companies and the Middle East's largest mall operator, said in a statement on Wednesday. The conglomerate – which also owns and operates the City Centre chain of malls and Carrefour hypermarkets in the Middle East and North Africa – has already invested about Dh1.1 billion in improvements that are currently under way at Mall of the Emirates, which formally opened doors in November 2005, it said. The upgrades span well-being, culture and dining, in addition to infrastructure improvements, the results of which will be seen "soon", Khalifa bin Braik, chief executive of Majid Al Futtaim Asset Management, told The National. The expansion projects will be completed in phases, with the New Covent Garden, a cultural hub with a 600-seat theatre being developed with the Dubai Performing Arts Academy, opening in 2025. Lifestyle and entertainment spaces will be ready by 2026, while additional dining outlets will follow in early 2027. A number of projects, such as the Dh165 million bridge connecting the Umm Suqeim Street and Sheikh Zayed Road to the mall, have already been completed. "The vision is part of a broader 2030 programme that will continue to evolve the iconic mall into an even more dynamic and experience-driven destination," Mr Bin Braik said. Majid Al Futtaim will keep sustainability at the forefront of its expansion scheme and will integrate energy-efficient technologies, smart systems and eco-conscious design, for a "future-ready" retail experience, he added. The expansion at Mall of the Emirates comes as the Gulf retail industry is projected to grow further amid a resurgence in brick-and-mortar shopping following the standstill induced by the Covid-19 pandemic. The sector is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 4.6 per cent between 2023 to 2028, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia leading the region's growth, a previous report by advisory Alpen Capital had shown. UAE-based Landmark Group, whose portfolio includes Centrepoint, Emax and Fitness First, in September announced plans to invest $1 billion over the next three years to open 400 shops in the Gulf, India and South-east Asia. Mall of the Emirates welcomed more than 40 million visitors in 2024, latest company data shows. It has 545 shops, 96 restaurants and cafes, the largest Vox Cinemas in the Middle East, one of the four Apple Stores in the UAE and the region's first indoor ski resort and snow park, Ski Dubai. "This continuing transformation, coupled with the region's strong economic momentum, has positioned Mall of the Emirates as one of the world's highest-performing malls for leading brands," Mr Bin Braik said. Last week, Majid Al Futtaim announced the expansion of its luxury retail portfolio in 2025, after a record 2024 in which the business posted a 26 per cent growth. Part of the move includes the addition of a number of Italian brands and the opening of more than 30 stores across the UAE and Saudi Arabia. That is a follow-up to the reopening of Italian luxury house Bottega Veneta's flagship Mall of the Emirates store in June 2024 after an extensive revamp. In March, the conglomerate reported that its 2024 net profit jumped 18 per cent annually to more than Dh2 billion as revenue rose 1 per cent to nearly Dh34 billion, amid "complex macroeconomic factors". Occupancy at Majid Al Futtaim's 29 malls hit 97 per cent, with footfall remaining stable from the record growth it posted in 2023, it said.
The National
09-04-2025
- General
- The National
UAE charity delivers 615,000 iftar meals in Dh165 million Ramadan drive
A leading UAE charitable organisation delivered more than 600,000 iftar meals in the Emirates and across the globe as part of a Dh165 million ($44.9 million) Ramadan drive. The International Charity Organisation – which was established in Ajman in 1984 and operates in 23 countries – offered critical support to people in need through a variety of humanitarian projects held during the holy month. The ICO organises charity campaigns annually in celebration of the generous spirit of Ramadan, which this year was observed from March 1 to March 29 in the Emirates. Key successes of the 2025 initiative included the distribution of 315,000 iftar meals in "highly impoverished regions" and 22,000 food parcels in more than 450 villages internationally, state news agency Wam reported on Wednesday. Within the UAE, the ICO served up a further 300,000 iftar meals, 3,500 Ramadan food baskets, and 80,000 Fitra – also known as Zakat Al Fitr – donations of food given to needy families before the start of Eid Al Fitr. The Ramadan effort also funded the building of 258 mosques, supported the drilling of 1,000 water wells in areas facing water scarcity, and provided assistance to 60,000 orphans. Additional charitable endeavours encompassed medical care and equipment provision, debt relief efforts, and support for income-generating family projects. Sheikh Dr Mohammed Al Nuaimi, chairman of the ICO's board of trustees, said crucial support from the public had helped exceed the initial targets of the campaign and reiterated the UAE's commitment to providing assistance to vulnerable people in all corners of the globe. He offered his thanks to the dedicated teams of the ICO for their outstanding contributions during Ramadan and highlighted that a spirit of giving remained at the heart of the body's work. The UAE seeks to put philanthropy in focus during Ramadan, with charitable drives regularly launched during the period. This year, the UAE raised more than Dh3.72 billon through the Fathers' Endowment campaign, which was created to provide 'treatment and health care to the poor and needy'. This figure was reached thanks to the contributions of 277,000 donors. Meanwhile, the UAE Food Bank distributed millions of meals both domestically and internationally as part of its United in Giving campaign.
The National
07-04-2025
- Business
- The National
Cartoon for April 7, 2025
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAdam%20Wingard%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EBrian%20Tyree%20Henry%2C%20Rebecca%20Hall%2C%20Dan%20Stevens%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A 6.30pm: The Madjani Stakes Listed (PA) | Dh175,000 | 1,900m 7.05pm: Maiden for 2-year-old fillies (TB) | Dh165,000 | 1,400m 7.40pm: The Dubai Creek Mile Listed (TB) | Dh265,000 | 1,600m 8.15pm: Maiden for 2-year-old colts (TB) | Dh165,000 | 1,600m 8.50pm: The Entisar Listed (TB) | Dh265,000 | 2,000m 9.25pm: Handicap (TB) | Dh190,000 | 1,200m 10pm: Handicap (TB) | Dh190,000 | 1,600m. SMEs in the UAE are defined by the number of employees, annual turnover and sector. For example, a 'small company' in the services industry has six to 50 employees with a turnover of more than Dh2 million up to Dh20m, while in the manufacturing industry the requirements are 10 to 100 employees with a turnover of more than Dh3m up to Dh50m, according to Dubai SME, an agency of the Department of Economic Development. A 'medium-sized company' can either have staff of 51 to 200 employees or 101 to 250 employees, and a turnover less than or equal to Dh200m or Dh250m, again depending on whether the business is in the trading, manufacturing or services sectors. %3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3EMeshal%20Al%20Jaser%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3EAdwa%20Bader%2C%20Yazeed%20Almajyul%2C%20Khalid%20Bin%20Shaddad%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A Name: Peter Dicce Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics Favourite sport: soccer Favourite team: Bayern Munich Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates %3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Khalid%20Fahad%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStarring%3A%20Shaima%20Al%20Tayeb%2C%20Wafa%20Muhamad%2C%20Hamss%20Bandar%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A Stage 5: 1. Jonas Vingegaard (DEN) Team Jumbo-Visma 04:19:08 2. Tadej Pogacar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates 00:00:03 3. Adam Yates (GBR) Ineos Grenadiers 4. Sergio Higuita (COL) EF Education-Nippo 00:00:05 5. Joao Almeida (POR) Deceuninck-QuickStep 00:00:06 General Classification: 1. Tadej Pogacar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates 17:09:26 2. Adam Yates (GBR) Ineos Grenadiers 00:00:45 3. Joao Almeida (POR) Deceuninck-QuickStep 00:01:12 4. Chris Harper (AUS) Team Jumbo-Visma 00:01:54 5. Neilson Powless (USA) EF Education-Nippo 00:01:56 Hobby: "It is not really a hobby but I am very curious person. I love reading and spend hours on research." Favourite author: Malcom Gladwell Favourite travel destination: "Antigua in the Caribbean because I have emotional attachment to it. It is where I got married." Date started: 2015 Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki Based: Dubai Sector: Online grocery delivery Staff: 200 Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends Price, base / as tested: Dh155,000 / Dh205,000 Engine: 3.3-litre, turbocharged V6 Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic Power: 370hp @ 6,000rpm Torque: 510Nm @ 1,300rpm Fuel economy, combined: 10.6L / 100km A foster couple or family must: be Muslim, Emirati and be residing in the UAE not be younger than 25 years old not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his or her health and well-being A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially Saturday AC Milan v Sampdoria (2.30pm kick-off UAE) Atalanta v Udinese (5pm) Benevento v Parma (5pm) Cagliari v Hellas Verona (5pm) Genoa v Fiorentina (5pm) Lazio v Spezia (5pm) Napoli v Crotone (5pm) Sassuolo v Roma (5pm) Torino v Juventus (8pm) Bologna v Inter Milan (10.45pm) Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric Range: Up to 610km Power: 905hp Torque: 985Nm Price: From Dh439,000 Available: Now %3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ELong-range%20dual%20motor%20with%20400V%20battery%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E360kW%20%2F%20483bhp%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E840Nm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESingle-speed%20automatic%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMax%20touring%20range%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20628km%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E0-100km%2Fh%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204.7sec%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETop%20speed%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20210kph%20%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh360%2C000%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeptember%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A %3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Adil%20El%20Arbi%20and%20Bilall%20Fallah%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EWill%20Smith%2C%20Martin%20Lawrence%2C%20Joe%20Pantoliano%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A Director: Jared Hess Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa Rating: 3/5 Date started: Okadoc, 2018 Founder/CEO: Fodhil Benturquia Based: Dubai, UAE Sector: Healthcare Size: (employees/revenue) 40 staff; undisclosed revenues recording 'double-digit' monthly growth Funding stage: Series B fundraising round to conclude in February Investors: Undisclosed %3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Yabi%20by%20Souqalmal%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMay%202022%2C%20launched%20June%202023%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAmbareen%20Musa%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EInitial%20investment%3A%20u%3C%2Fstrong%3Endisclosed%20but%20soon%20to%20be%20announced%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E12%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Eseed%C2%A0%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EShuaa%20Capital%3C%2Fp%3E%0A Range Rover Sport Autobiography Dynamic Engine: 5.0-litre supercharged V8 Transmission: six-speed manual Power: 518bhp Torque: 625Nm Speed: 0-100kmh 5.3 seconds Price: Dh633,435 On sale: now 1 Adam Yates (GBR) Mitchelton-Scott 4:42:33 2 Tadej Pocagar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates 0:01:03 3 Alexey Lutsenko (KAZ) Astana 0:01:30 4 David Gaudu (FRA) Groupama-FDJ 5 Rafal Majka (POL) Bora-Hansgrohe 6 Diego Ulissi (ITA) UAE Team Emirates 0:01:56 General Classification after Stage 3: 1 Adam Yates (GBR) Mitchelton-Scott 12:30:02 2 Tadej Pocagar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates 0:01:07 3 Alexey Lutsenko (KAZ) Astana 0:01:35 4 David Gaudu (FRA) Groupama-FDJ 0:01:40 5 Rafal Majka (POL) Bora-Hansgrohe 6 Wilco Kelderman (NED) Team Sunweb) 0:02:06
Khaleej Times
16-02-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
From Dubai Loop to Rail Bus: 4 ways UAE is changing travel across land, air, water
The recently concluded World Governments Summit in Dubai unveiled groundbreaking transportation initiatives set to transform urban mobility for both residents and tourists. From advanced tunnel infrastructure and solar-powered transit systems to air corridors for flying taxis and cargo drones, the summit showcased cutting-edge solutions. A fast and affordable vehicle that has the speed of an aircraft with the accessibility of a boat, is also part of the plan. Here's a look at the key innovations shaping the future of transportation in Dubai: 1. Rail bus This groundbreaking autonomous, solar-powered transit system is still in development. The Rail Bus is a fully 3D-printed vehicle made from recyclable materials. Designed for sustainability and efficiency, the Rail Bus features two rows of orange seats and space for disabled passengers, ensuring accessibility for all. Each carriage has 22 seats and can accommodate 40 passengers. Operating on elevated tracks set to be built across the emirate, the system will provide frequent and flexible routing, seamlessly integrating with other public transport networks to enhance first- and last-mile travel. Capable of reaching speeds of up to 100kmph, the 2.9-metre high, 11.5.5 meter-long bus will run entirely on solar energy and function independently. 2. Seaglider Combining the speed of an aircraft with the affordability and accessibility of a boat, the Seaglider offers a unique solution for fast, cost-effective travel. Passengers will pay just $45 (Dh165) for a 12-seater ride between Abu Dhabi and Dubai Marina. Seagliders are built to meet the same safety standards as modern aircraft and watercraft. They can operate on routes up to 300kmph using current battery technology, with the potential to extend to up to 800kmph once next-generation batteries are available. The first commercial vehicles are expected to be delivered by late 2026 or early 2027. and is expected t 3. Dubai Loop This ambitious project, in partnership with Elon Musk, aims to connect the Dubai's most densely populated areas through a cutting-edge tunnel infrastructure system. Spanning over 17 kilometres with 11 stations, the Dubai Loop will have the capacity to transport 20,000 passengers per hour. Designed for efficiency, the loop will allow travellers to reach their destinations directly, without stops in between. Powered by electric vehicles, it will operate at speeds of up to 160 kmph. 4. Corridor for flying taxis, cargo drones The planned aerial routes will link key international airports and iconic landmarks across the UAE, facilitating seamless operations for piloted and autonomous air taxis and cargo drones while redefining the nation's urban landscape. Over the next 20 months, these aerial routes and regulations will be defined, paving the way for innovative transportation solutions for passenger and cargo transport, easing congestion on traditional road networks and enhance connectivity.
