Author: Emirates Insight

The UAE tourism sector is attracting rising levels of investment as entrepreneurs tap into strong government-backed funding, underpinned by tourism’s contribution to GDP, job creation and income diversification. Sustained public investment in tourism and hospitality infrastructure has opened new avenues for long-term, sustainable economic growth. The country has actively encouraged tourism investment by building a globally competitive investment environment and empowering start-ups through a wide network of national funding funds. These initiatives provide tailored financing solutions, early-stage support and business continuity tools aimed at ensuring long-term success. UAE tourism investment Over the past decades, the UAE has launched dozens of…

New data shows business-linked wallets dominate stablecoin volume on Ethereum, signaling real-world payment adoption. Ethereum-based stablecoin transfers are changing shape, with new data showing that businesses and merchants now move far more value on-chain than individuals. The findings point to Ethereum quietly becoming a settlement layer for corporate payments and consumer spending, rather than just peer transfers. And while most stablecoin transactions, by count, still happen between individuals, the bulk of the money now flows through business-linked wallets, a sign that real-world payment use is gaining ground. Institutions Drive Volume, Consumers Fuel Growth The findings, published in an Artemis…

Dubai’s reputation as one of the safest cities in the world is not accidental; it is the result of strategic planning, advanced technology, and a strong emphasis on community well-being. Safety is one of the key reasons people choose to live, work, and travel in Dubai, and the city consistently ranks high in global safety indexes. One of the main factors behind Dubai’s safety is its efficient law enforcement system. The police force is highly trained, well-equipped, and supported by advanced surveillance technology. Cameras and smart monitoring systems are integrated throughout the city, allowing authorities to respond quickly to incidents…

It’s almost too daunting a task to summarise a year that could be best represented by this….. The long blood donation lines (hours long wait for many) to help the Bondi shooting victims. If there is an image that can truly sum up this year full of chaos, violence, war and fragile peace, technological advances and the associated existential threats, where democracy is under threat and the divide seems to grow wider between the haves and have nots, between those in power and those and those they are supposed to represent; it is this image of thousands lining up to…

Italian rail and hospitality specialist Arsenale has announced a strategic agreement with SIMEST, part of the Cassa Depositi e Prestiti Group, for Dream of the Desert, the first Italian ultra-luxury train to operate in Saudi Arabia. The deal marks Arsenale’s entry into the Middle Eastern market and reflects deepening economic cooperation between Italy and the Kingdom. The transaction includes a joint equity investment of €37m ($40m) by Arsenale and SIMEST, alongside a €35m ($38m) loan provided by the Saudi Tourism Development Fund. Saudi rail network The project stems from an agreement signed by Arsenale with Saudi Arabia Railways granting access…

Dubai is known for its futuristic skyline and luxurious lifestyle. However, its soul lies in its historic heart. A day in Old Dubai offers a glimpse into its rich heritage, bustling markets, and charming cultural cafés. Step back in time and experience a side of Dubai that remains beautifully preserved.Al Fahidi Historical District is a window into Dubai’s past. The neighborhood is filled with restored wind-tower houses, narrow alleys, and hidden courtyards. Through its sandy-colored lanes, you will find museums, art galleries, and cultural centers. Each corner tells a story of Dubai’s early trading days and Bedouin traditions. The Dubai…

[PRESS RELEASE – Johannesburg, South Africa, December 23rd, 2025] South Africa has been on the forefront of crypto innovation and has produced one of the leading regulatory frameworks across the world. Since April 2024, over 300 crypto asset service providers have obtained a licence. VALR, which was among the first to obtain such a crypto licence in South Africa, also recently obtained an Over-the-Counter Derivatives Provider (ODP) licence from the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA). This enables VALR to provide a range of over-the-counter derivatives, including Contracts for Difference (CFDs), Quarterly and Perpetual Futures Contracts, Options, Forwards, and Swaps, all…

Dubai Municipality has announced the launch of the region’s first integrated recreational vehicle (RV) route, marking a pioneering step in developing a new model of nature-based tourism in Dubai. The initiative will establish a single, easily accessible network of dedicated RV stations, serviced parks, and connected road trip experiences, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading regional destination for RV tourism while enhancing quality of life for residents and visitors through new outdoor experiences. As part of its strategic role, Dubai Municipality will develop the core infrastructure and issue the regulatory framework required to enable private-sector developers and operators to build,…

Despite the continued strained economic climate, we’ve seen some big chunks of change thrown around in 2025. While early-stage funding stayed constrained for much of the year, large cheques concentrated around a smaller group of companies certainly prevailed. In some cases, twice. These were some of the largest Australian startup raises of 2025, and the companies that secured them. And in news that will surprise no one, there aren’t many women in the mix. Firmus: $330 million and $500 million September and November 2025 Firmus founders Tim Rosenfield and Oliver Curtis  AI infrastructure startup Firmus raised $330 million in September as it accelerated…

Saudi Arabia has announced the completion of Six Flags Qiddiya City, with the flagship theme park set to open on 31 December as the first operational asset at the Qiddiya entertainment development. The announcement was made during a government press conference, where Abdullah Al-Dawood, Board Member and Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company, confirmed that Six Flags Qiddiya City is complete, while Aquaarabia, the adjacent water park, is more than 95 per cent finished. Six Flags Qiddiya City features record-breaking attractions, including the Falcon Roller Coaster, which has set three world records as the longest, fastest and tallest roller coaster…