Author: Emirates Insight

Growing a business without external investors requires innovative funding approaches, as demonstrated by the 18 creative revenue models explored in this article. Industry experts share how strategies like paid early access, client partnerships, and performance-based payments can effectively fund sustainable growth. These practical alternatives to traditional investment provide entrepreneurs with greater control while building strong financial foundations for their ventures. Monthly Engineering Retainers Secure Predictable Revenue Pay-Per-Success Model Eliminated Financial Risk CRM Audits Generate Cash Before Product Launch Bid-Based Marketplace Flips Traditional Funding Model Performance-Based Payments Turn Clients Into Partners Usage-Based Pricing Lowered Entry Barriers White-Label Services Built Strong Revenue…

The UAE and wider Gulf saw a week of major policy shifts, market milestones and regulatory updates shaping 2026 and beyond. Dubai’s record-breaking real estate performance, new UAE tax and VAT rules, and the first public holiday of 2026 dominated national headlines. Across the region, Oman accelerated long-term residency investment, Qatar expanded visa access for GCC residents, and Saudi Arabia approved a SR1.31tn budget. Catch up with 10 of the biggest stories this week, as selected by Arabian Business editors. First UAE holiday of 2026 dates revealed UAE citizens and residents enjoyed the final public holiday of the year this…

The 31st edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), the world’s longest-running annual retail celebration of its kind, commenced today. Starting with an unforgettable opening weekend, the DSF extravaganza running until 11 January 2026 will transform Dubai into a vibrant hub of shopping deals, raffles, and immersive entertainment, drawing millions of visitors to experience the city’s unmatched blend of retail innovation, culture, and global flair. The opening weekend promises high-energy concerts, captivating family entertainment, and cutting-edge visual displays, setting the tone for a 38-day season of wonder, excitement and family entertainment. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail…

As part of the National Month celebrations and the #ZayedAndRashid campaign launched by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, Dubai Airports and the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) is welcoming all passengers arriving atthe emirate’s airports with acommemorative ‘Zayed and Rashid’passport stamp that captures the spirit of the 54th Eid Al Etihad celebrations. The initiative pays tribute to the late Sheikh Zayed…

The UAE has launched the National Practical Training Platform for Higher Education Students, a new nationwide system designed to connect university students with advanced, high-quality practical training opportunities across the labour market. Introduced through the Nafis platform, the initiative strengthens collaboration between government, academia and the private sector, supporting national efforts to equip Emirati talent with the practical skills required for future employment. Developed jointly by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (Nafis), the platform enables students to register for training programmes through an…

Jamie Coutts highlights capitulation volume and a hammer candle on MSTR, hinting at a potential trend reversal. Shares of Strategy (MSTR), the enterprise software firm turned Bitcoin (BTC) holding company, have flashed one of its most active technical setups in months this week, according to market analyst Jamie Coutts, who today highlighted a cluster of signals forming near the $195 zone. He said the pattern may reflect a turning point for the company as Bitcoin steadies after weeks of volatility. The potential move matters because Strategy has once again become a bellwether for market sentiment, with major institutions now treating…

This week saw more $24 million in VC funding go towards AI onboarding tools, seaweed tech and more. Keep reading to learn more about the six Australian startups with fresh capital to deploy. Bodd: $15 million Bodd cofounders Rob Fisher and Dave McLaughlin. Source: supplied 3D body scanning platform Bodd has raised $15 million as it looks to expand globally. The round was led by US-based strategic investor Blue Sky Capital, with support from Ellerston Capital. Existing investors, including chairman Tim Allison, director Peter Leonard, Sydney Swans director John Gerahty and his family office Liangrove Group, commodities trader Ken Loughnan,…

The third edition of the DXB500 Communication Training Programme, designed to build the capabilities of media and communication officials of Dubai’s government and semi-government entities, delivered a series of sessions featuring innovative government campaigns and practical workshops aimed at equipping participants with the skills to effectively communicate Dubai’s vision. The programme, launched by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, is implemented by the Government of Dubai Media Office in partnership with leading global media organisations. It aims to train and qualify 500 public sector…

Qatar Executive, the private jet charter division of Qatar Airways Group, has announced a major milestone in private aviation, confirming that its entire fleet of Gulfstream and Bombardier aircraft will be equipped with Starlink ultra-high-speed, low-latency internet by early 2026. The rollout represents one of the most extensive Starlink integrations in the global business aviation sector and underscores the company’s push to redefine in-flight digital connectivity. The upgrade builds on Qatar Executive’s long-standing focus on innovation and client experience. Starlink Wi-Fi on Qatar Airways private jets Half of the Gulfstream G650ER fleet and the entire Bombardier Global 5000 fleet are…

Movie magic meets festive fun at the inaugural edition of Festive Fun at VOX Cinemas. From 05December to 07 January, cinemagoers can experience a blockbuster celebration featuring Festive Films, movie re-releases of Christmas classics; Festive Funfair, live entertainment at select locations; and Winter Lounge by VOX Cinemas, joyful seasonal flavours and meet-and-greets with Santa Claus.For bookings and enquiries, visit voxcinemas.com or download the VOX Cinemas app. Festive Films Relive the classics! Guests of all ages can enjoy a heartwarming movie lineup of timeless holiday favourites including Annie (1982), Arthur Christmas, Elf, Happy Feet, Jumanji (1995), Labyrinth, Matilda (1996), The Adventure…