Author: Emirates Insight

RAK Properties has reported a record year as international buyers lifted sales to more than double last year’s levels and pushed new project launches past AED5.4 billion, CEO Sameh Muhtadi said, as Ras Al Khaimah’s appeal to global investors strengthens. Speaking to Arabian Business on the sidelines of the developer’s 20th anniversary event, Muhtadi said the company had surpassed its most ambitious launch target yet, supported by a surge in foreign demand and a rising pipeline of hospitality and branded residence projects across the emirate. “2025 has been a stellar year for us,” he said. “Our sales have been incredible.”…

This New Year’s Eve, Metafoodies Group invites guests to celebrate across Bisou, Alba, and Himitsu at Dubai Opera Plaza, offering some of Downtown Dubai’s most exclusive front-row views of the Burj Khalifa fireworks. Set against the glittering backdrop of Downtown Dubai, the Dubai Opera Plaza transforms into one of the city’s most sought-after destinations on New Year’s Eve. With the Burj Khalifa fireworks at its doorstep, the atmosphere is electric yet effortlessly refined, creating a private vantage point for one of the world’s most iconic celebrations. Designed to balance exclusivity and value, Metafoodies Group’s New Year’s Eve experiences offer guests the luxury of…

Sharjah has approved a landmark package of media projects within Sharjah Media City “Shams”, marking one of the emirate’s largest ever investments in media infrastructure and government integration. The initiatives—approved by Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah—aim to create a unified ecosystem that elevates the emirate’s media capabilities, strengthens its cultural presence and supports long-term sector growth. The projects advance the vision of Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and are supported by Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler…

Bitwise’s Matt Hougan believes that larger DATs gain major advantages in debt markets, lending capacity, derivatives access, and M&A opportunities. Bitwise Chief Investment Officer Matt Hougan outlined a valuation framework for digital asset treasury companies (DATs) and said that analysis of the sector often misunderstands how these firms should be priced relative to the assets they hold. In a series of posts, Hougan said the core question for valuing any DAT is to consider what the company would be worth if it had a fixed lifespan. Illiquidity, Expenses, and Risk He explained that a Bitcoin-focused DAT announcing a same-day…

Consumers love convenience and rely heavily on innovative apps. Now, speed and digital ordering create pressure on food businesses to adapt. Delivery-first models are nimble. In fact, experts expect the ghost kitchen segment to reach $115B by 2032. That means traditional restaurant operations may struggle to keep pace. Rising utility, rent, and staffing costs make it hard to compete. However, with leaner infrastructure and quicker trend adoption, you too can unlock hidden possibilities. Here’s what restaurant owners and startups need to know to stay relevant in a rapidly shifting food landscape. Key Takeaways from Ghost Kitchen Trend Ghost kitchens cut…

Dubai Police have taken custody of a serval cat after a resident voluntarily surrendered the animal through the Safe Hand initiative, an awareness programme designed to educate the public about the dangers and legal consequences of keeping wild species at home. The individual contacted authorities after learning that possessing wild or dangerous animals can endanger people, harm the environment and result in legal penalties. Following its handover, Dubai Police transferred the serval cat to Dubai Municipality to complete all required procedures. Illegal ownership of dangerous animals Lieutenant Colonel Ahmad Khalifa Al Mazina Al Muhairi, Head of the Environmental and Heritage…

DP World’s flagship Jebel Ali Port handled a record 630,000 tonnes of breakbulk cargo in October 2025, the highest monthly total in nearly two decades. While the past decade saw strong growth in containerised, bulk and RoRo cargo, this new record reflects the renewed scale of industrial and construction activity across the region. Recent increases in imports of iron and steel for major UAE projects, such as the Dubai Metro Blue Line and the DWC airport expansion, along with rising sugar exports, have been key drivers. Building on a strong 2024 performance, when breakbulk volumes rose 23% year-on-year to 5.36…

RAIN entered the top 100 alts after a spectacular rally. Bitcoin continues to recover some of its recent losses gradually, and the asset tapped $89,000 earlier today for the first time since the calamity at the end of the previous business week. In the meantime, many altcoins have produced more impressive gains, including ENA, HYPE, and XRP. BTC Eyes $90K? Recall the events that transpired last week, which brought the primary cryptocurrency to its knees for the first time in months. The asset had already lost the coveted $100,000 level, but the bears were just getting started. Last Monday…

Four months after entering the UK market, controversial short-term subletting startup Kiki is following a familiar pattern as it finds its footing in London. Manual processes powered by Instagram, limited revenue, parties, and growing costs (including visa sponsorship for newly hired staff) are already defining Kiki’s local operations. Meanwhile, the startup is publicly projecting confidence while privately acknowledging user confusion and slower winter growth. Kiki entered the London market in July 2025, shortly after exiting New York. Its US operations had become increasingly untenable due to regulatory concerns. This week, those concerns were formalised. New York City’s Office of Special Enforcement…

UAE businesses are set to capitalise on one of the world’s most powerful consumer goods marketplaces as Ambiente, Christmasworld and Creativeworld return to Frankfurt from 6-10 February 2026, offering Emirates-based companies an unparalleled platform to expand their international reach and forge strategic partnerships across Europe and beyond. The UAE’s presence at the trio of world-leading trade fairs reflects the country’s ambitious drive to position itself as a key player in the global consumer goods sector. The UAE pavilion was among the key country pavilions on spotlight at this year’s edition of the event along with China, India, Turkey and Italy.…