Latest from Arabian Business
Arabian Business
an hour ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
Riyadh Monopoly board game unveiled, showcasing Saudi capital's culture and landmarks
Riyadh Monopoly, a new edition of the world's most iconic board game, has officially been unveiled in the Saudi capital. The game was launched on June 26, 2025 at a high-profile event held at the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) Conference Centre, attended by government, cultural, education and media leaders. The launch marks Riyadh's first-ever Monopoly edition, designed to reflect the capital's most recognisable landmarks, historic streets and visionary developments — from ancient quarters to cutting-edge urban hubs like KAFD. Riyadh Monopoly Mazroua Al-Mazroua, Chief Marketing and Experience Officer, at the King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Company (KAFD DMC), said: 'Riyadh Monopoly reflects our goal of making big, strategic projects accessible and engaging to all ages. 'As the leading destination for international and local businesses in Saudi Arabia, we are creating new opportunities for the next generation to thrive. We want the new generation to recognise the names and places shaping their future. What better way than through play?'. With over 50 per cent of Riyadh's population under the age of 20, the game aims to bring families and young people together through competitive play — all while promoting awareness of Saudi Arabia's rich culture, modern transformation, and investment in youth empowerment. The Riyadh Monopoly edition is expected to appeal to both local families and international visitors, offering a dynamic introduction to the city through an interactive lens. Riyadh Monopoly will hit stores across Saudi Arabia in September 2025, and is expected to become a popular souvenir and educational tool — helping residents and tourists alike explore the city's transformation from historic capital to modern megacity. Among the iconic locations included in the board game's latest edition are: KAFD Financial Plaza Souk Al Zal Diplomatic Quarter King Fahd Road The Ritz-Carlton British International School
Arabian Business
an hour ago
- Business
- 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.
Arabian Business
an hour ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
Saudi Arabia launches Lazurde in Al Khobar with over 8,100 homes and major urban facilities
Saudi Arabia has launched a giant new real estate project in Al Khobar, which will grow to 8,100 homes on completion. Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Eastern Region, officially launched Lazurde in Al Khobar, marking a significant step forward in Saudi Arabia's ongoing housing transformation. The project is part of Saudi Arabia's broader commitment to sustainable urban development and the national goal of providing adequate housing for all segments of society. Lazurde in Saudi Arabia Total area: Over 3.9 million square metres Housing units: More than 8,100 villas and apartments Green spaces: Exceeding 778,000 square metres Community infrastructure: Includes educational, healthcare, and recreational facilities Development model: Built in partnership with private-sector developers During the launch, Prince Saud bin Naif praised the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, crediting their support for the rapid progress in the Kingdom's housing sector and the ongoing efforts to enhance quality of life across all regions.
Arabian Business
4 hours ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
Deloitte and AWS unveil $1bn Middle East digital transformation alliance by 2030
Deloitte Middle East and Amazon Web Services (AWS) have announced a landmark expansion of their strategic alliance, aiming to deliver $1bn worth of digital services by 2030. The agreement is set to transform key sectors across the Middle East by advancing cloud adoption, AI integration, and digital resilience at scale. Unveiled during a leadership meeting at Deloitte's offices in Dubai, the collaboration will drive large-scale transformation through cloud-native technologies, secure infrastructure, and generative AI, while also expanding talent capabilities and technical infrastructure in the region. Deloitte Middle East and AWS partnership This initiative will focus on helping organisations across industries modernise operations, boost agility, and unlock innovation. Sectors to benefit include: Banking and financial services Energy and utilities Public sector and healthcare Key focus areas will include: Cloud strategy and architecture Application modernisation AI development and integration Cybersecurity and governance Deloitte will increase its network of AWS-certified professionals and establish dedicated Centres of Excellence across the Middle East to support complex digital transformation efforts. Rashid Bashir, Technology and Transformation Leader at Deloitte Middle East, said: 'This initiative is a major step forward in our mission to drive large-scale transformation for organizations across the region. 'By deepening our alliance with AWS, we are not only investing in advanced technologies but also in the talent and tools that local businesses need to thrive. 'Together, we will help clients accelerate innovation, build resilience, and unlock long-term value through cloud and AI adoption at scale – starting right here in the Middle East.' The expanded alliance builds on successful collaborations in Europe and Africa, where Deloitte and AWS have supported hundreds of organisations with full-spectrum digital transformation—from strategy to execution. Tanuja Randery, Managing Director for Europe, Middle East and Africa at AWS, said: 'This collaboration means Deloitte and AWS can bring their proven methodology for industry solutions to customers in the Middle East. 'Customers can look forward to significantly accelerating the pace of their bold transformation projects by having a partner which will stay with them from inception to value realisation'.
Arabian Business
4 hours ago
- Automotive
- Arabian Business
Qatar launches self-driving robot taxi trials ahead of 2026 launch
Qatar has officially launched operational trials of self-driving robot taxis. The Level 4 autonomous electric taxis are a landmark initiative led by Mowasalat (Karwa) in coordination with the Ministry of Transport. The trials are currently underway in selected touristic and service areas and are a key part of Qatar's Autonomous Vehicles Strategy and broader vision for smart, sustainable mobility. Qatar self-driving taxis The pilot follows the success of previous autonomous electric bus trials and reflects the country's commitment to integrating AI-driven, zero-emission transport solutions into the national network. The trial will unfold in two distinct phases: Phase 1: Driverless trial runs without passengers, monitored by a specialised team to assess technical readiness. Phase 2: Full-scale public testing with passengers but no driver, running through the first quarter of 2026. Each autonomous taxi is equipped with six cameras, four radars, and four LiDAR units, enabling advanced detection, real-time decision-making, and safe navigation in complex urban settings. In addition to evaluating the technology, the pilot will support the development of regulatory frameworks and the necessary infrastructure to accommodate next-generation mobility solutions in Qatar.
