Author: Emirates Insight

Lulu Retail Holdings reported a 5.9 per cent year-on-year jump in its first six month (H1) revenue, clocking sales of US$4.1 billion. For the second quarter (Q2) of the year, the company reported revenue of US$2.0 billion, up 4.6 per cent YoY. The largest pan-GCC full-line retailer revealed its EBITDA for H1 was up 7 per cent YoY at US$418 million, with a Q2 contribution of US$204 million, which was up 7.6 per cent YoY. Margins improved by 28 bps during Q2, reflecting strong operational performance. With seven new stores opening in the first six months, net profit was at…

Bullish is going bigger than expected. The crypto exchange, backed by Peter Thiel and the owner of CoinDesk, has increased the size of its IPO to $990 million. The company is now offering 30 million shares priced between $32 and $33, pushing its projected valuation close to $4.8 billion. Just last week, the goal was $4.2 billion. The Bullish IPO is one of the largest public offerings in crypto since Circle’s debut earlier this year. BlackRock and ARK Want In The bigger raise isn’t happening in a vacuum. Major investors like BlackRock and ARK Invest are reportedly taking part, showing…

From tourists to daily commuters, taxi ridership has jumped sharply compared to last yearAre you always hailing a cab to take you around the city? Well, you’re not the only one, Dubai taxis are getting more and more popular in recent years and in the first half of 2025, the total number of taxi trips was 59.5 million, which has grown from 55.7 million in 2024.The sector in general has grown 7% in the first half of 2025 compared to this time last year. The number of passengers has also gone up with 103.5 million in 2025, a rise from…

Fly from India to top cities like Chicago, Barcelona, and Dublin with discounted fares for travel between September 2025 and March 2026If you’ve been dreaming of a crisp autumn stroll along Chicago’s lakefront, the historic cobbled lanes of Prague, or a memorable European escape, Etihad Airways has served up a timely temptation. In honour of India’s Independence Day, the UAE’s national carrier has launched a sweeping flash sale, offering travellers departing from India a generous 30% off Economy fares to top destinations across the US and Europe.Booking must be completed by August 15, and the travel window spans an enticing…

Ethereum developer Federico Carrone, known as “Fede’s Intern” on X, has been released after a 24-hour detention in Turkey over alleged links to an ETH ▲8.92% privacy protocol. “I’m finally out, safe and free. There was a small moment were things looked very bad but thanks to help from many I got released,” – Federico Carrone, X post Carrone said Turkey’s Minister of Internal Affairs accused him of “helping others misuse Ethereum,” which was allegedly linked to a January 2022 research paper examining Ethereum privacy and Tornado Cash mixers. “We never helped anyone engage in illegal activity; it was purely research…

An AI-driven logistics platform powering millions of low-carbon deliveries for companies such as Australia Post’s StarTrack Courier has taken out the Startup World Cup Sydney pitch competition. The win earns cofounder Richard Savoie a trip to the Grand Finale in San Francisco where he’ll compete for US$1 million in investment this October. Hosted by Startup&Angels, together with global VC Pegasus Tech Ventures, the Sydney edition of the Startup World Cup saw 10 startups pitch for the chance to represent Australia up against more than 100 candidates on the global stage. A panel of leading Australian investors and startup mentors and…

Dubai’s party season starts strong as Ushuaïa opens with AnymaThe hype is real: on October 31, Quantum, Anyma’s immersive live show, touches down at Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience. He’s bringing more than music. Expect visuals, emotion, and a night that rewrites what a club experience can be.About AnymaAnyma is the solo project of Matteo Milleri, the creative force behind Tale of Us and Afterlife Records. Known for pushing the boundaries of dance music with immersive audiovisual shows, his artistry is focused on crafting an atmosphere that pulls you fully into the moment.About QuantumThis isn’t just sound, Quantum is a sensory…

The Index, launched by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) in January 2025, has shifted bargaining power towards tenants and created what brokers describe as a more balanced rental market, with data from the first half of 2025 revealing divergent trends across different price segments and neighbourhoods. Landlords are recalibrating their pricing strategies in response to the artificial intelligence-powered tool, which uses multiple data points including rental contract values, area averages, and building classifications to determine fair rental adjustments whilst requiring landlords to provide 90 days’ notice for increases. “Tenants have successfully used the index to challenge unjustified rent hikes, leading…

The Bitcoin News today opened with El Salvador’s Legislative Assembly passing the Investment Banking Law, establishing rules for financial institutions that cater exclusively to high-net-worth and institutional clients. The bill passed in the 68th plenary session with 55 votes. El Salvador’s new law enforces a $50 million share capital floor, prohibits crossover with commercial banking, and limits services to clients holding at least $250,000 in liquid assets, which may include BTC ▲1.15%, gold, tokenized securities, cash, or government bonds. “The goal is to position El Salvador as a regional operational base for private capital,” – Legislative statement Both Brazil and…

The classic career arc – decades of work leading to a single, distant retirement, is being reconsidered by a new generation in the UAE. While the concept of “micro-retirements” is sparking interest among digitally native Gen Z professionals, it’s important to note that this is not yet a widespread movement, but rather an emerging trend that aligns with a growing appetite for flexibility and well-being. Forget the outdated idea that personal fulfillment must be postponed until retirement. The UAE’s young professionals, known for their ambition and global outlook, are increasingly drawn to the idea of weaving shorter, intentional breaks into…