Author: Emirates Insight

Twelve standout teams from the Hunter and Central Coast have made it to the final stage of this year’s I2N accelerator program, including several ventures led by University of Newcastle students and alumni. The 2025 cohort is tackling mental health breakthroughs, menopause support, smarter job platforms for international students, next-gen loan tech, foolproof plant care and even dating apps that get people off their phones and into real life, by founders from some of the region’s most promising new businesses. I2N began with 30 teams in a 10-week pre-accelerator program, before 20 founders advanced to the bootcamp phase. Now 12…

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will collaborate and partner with more than 20 African nations in tourism, aviation, transport, logistics, infrastructure, and digital transformation. The new investment mapping was announced in a joint ministerial statement following a high-level ministerial roundtable meeting in Dubai. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit 2025, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Held under the theme ‘Tourism at the Heart of Africa’s Growth Agenda’, the roundtable was attended by Abdulla…

Emirates NBD (“the Bank”), a leading banking group in the Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye (MENAT) region, has successfully executed its aircraft finance lease facility with IndiGo, India’s preferred airline, providing financing to support the acquisition of two Airbus A321neo aircraft. This transaction underscores Emirates NBD’s dedicated Aviation Desk’s commitment to supporting the growth of the aviation sector in India. The financing comes as IndiGo strengthens its position as India’s largest domestic airline. With one of the industry’s largest order books, IndiGo is expanding its fleet and international footprint to connect more destinations and meet rising demand for air…

Domain Days Dubai 2025 – hosted by AEserver.com at the Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah – concluded its most successful edition yet, cementing its status as the region’s premier event for the domain name and digital infrastructure industry. Held on October 22–23, the conference welcomed 319 attendees and 51 speakers, with record-breaking international participation from top-tier executives, investors, and innovators. The upgraded venue and expanded exhibition space enabled dynamic networking, product showcases, and strategic meetings – culminating in a spectacular after-party aboard the 74-metre mega yacht “Lotus” under the Dubai skyline which was sponsored by Nova Registry & Domora by Freename.…

Blacklane, the global chauffeur service, has expanded its partnership with dnata Travel Group to bring premium ground transport options to business and leisure travellers across the UK, Middle East, and Asia. The move builds on an existing collaboration that provides Pure Luxury guests, a division of dnata-owned tailor-made tour operator Gold Medal, with complimentary chauffeur-driven UK airport transfers in all itineraries. Under the new agreement, travel agents booking through more than 20 dnata Travel Group brands including Arabian Adventures, Destination Asia, Gold Medal, Travelbag and Travel Republic will now be able to add Blacklane’s first-class chauffeur service as part of…

Optimism over potential interest rate cuts fueled inflows of $921 million into digital asset investment products, Ethereum-based investment products recorded their first weekly outflows in five weeks, with $169 million, following steady withdrawals seen each day. Despite this, demand for 2x leveraged Ethereum ETPs stayed strong, which indicated continued trader interest in high-risk exposure. This comes as overall digital asset investment products attracted $921 million in inflows after several “choppy” weeks. The partial US government shutdown has clouded the macroeconomic outlook, limiting access to crucial policy data and creating uncertainty about the Federal Reserve’s next moves. However, Friday’s softer-than-expected…

Building a product startup can feel like a never-ending sprint. You launch, you iterate, you push new features, yet growth continues to feel like a treadmill rather than the much-anticipated hockey-stick curve. Many founders experience this because they’re chasing a product-market fit (PMF) that doesn’t really exist. They fall into the trap of thinking PMF is a sudden spike in sign-ups, user testimonials and investors at their door. Sold on this “aha” moment, founders chase the wrong signals, make premature scaling decisions and waste cash on growth tactics that never lead to lasting success. In truth, PMF is neither a…

The AsiaPacific Cities Summit & Mayors’ Forum 2025 kicked off today at the Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City Dubai, with the participation of Digital Dubai, which is showcasing its pioneering experience in driving digital transformation and advancing the concept of “City-as-a-Service.” Placing people at the heart of its priorities, Digital Dubai aims to reinforce the emirate’s position as a city of the future; one that harnesses technology to serve humanity and build more prosperous and sustainable communities. Affirming the importance of participating in this global event, H.E. Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of Digital Dubai, said: “Holding the…

The UAE Cabinet has approved the federal budget for 2026, estimated at AED92.4 billion in both revenues and expenditures, marking the largest budget in the country’s history since the establishment of the Union. The decision was made during a meeting chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi. In a post on X, Sheikh Mohammed said: “I chaired today’s Cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, during which we approved the federal budget for 2026, with estimated revenues of AED92.4 billion…

Sharjah offers a mix of major international brands, cultural markets, family attractions, and affordable shopping. Whether you’re looking for everyday essentials, high-street fashion, or traditional Emirati items, the malls here offer something for every shopper. Below is a practical, visitor-friendly guide to the best malls and must-visit stores in Sharjah. 1. Sahara Centre Location: Al Nahda border (easy access from Dubai) One of Sharjah’s most popular malls, combining shopping, dining, and entertainment. Best Stores Zara H&M Mango Sephora Levi’s Promod Aldo Lifestyle Samsung Toys ‘R’ Us Why Visit Adventureland: One of the largest indoor theme parks in the UAE with…