Author: Sam Allcock

Greenstone, the Middle East’s largest fund placement firm, has secured a Category 4 licence from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), enabling it to operate within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The move marks a significant step for the 15-year-old firm, which is headquartered in Dubai and has built a reputation for providing streamlined access to international private equity and alternative investment opportunities. Strengthening investor links The new licence allows Greenstone to directly serve DIFC-based institutional investors and family offices under the DFSA’s regulatory framework. It positions the company as a gateway for global fund managers seeking capital from…

Ferrari has launched the 849 Testarossa, a hybrid super sports car delivering 1,050 cv and promising to set a new benchmark in performance and sustainability. The new berlinetta replaces the SF90 Stradale as Ferrari’s most powerful production car, combining a re-engineered twin-turbo V8 engine with three electric motors. The hybrid system allows the Testarossa to achieve unprecedented acceleration while improving efficiency and reducing emissions. A powertrain built for the future At the heart of the 849 Testarossa is an 830 cv V8 engine, the most potent iteration of Ferrari’s award-winning power unit. Paired with three electric motors, the system produces…

Dubai-based airline flydubai has signed a new interline agreement with TAROM, Romania’s national carrier, giving passengers access to 15 additional destinations through Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP). The deal allows flydubai customers to connect to cities on TAROM’s domestic and international network, including Athens, Amsterdam, Brussels, Cluj-Napoca, Frankfurt, Madrid and Paris. Ramesh Anantharaman, Divisional Senior Vice President of Revenue Management and Business Effectiveness at flydubai, said the agreement would expand travel opportunities for customers while strengthening commercial links.“We are excited to add TAROM to our growing list of interline partners. This newest agreement will enable flydubai customers to benefit…

Azizi Developments, one of the UAE’s largest private developers, has signed an agreement with AkzoNobel Decorative Paints LLC, the supplier of Dulux Paints in the UAE. The deal will see Dulux decorative wall paints and floor coatings used across multiple Azizi projects in Dubai, including the developer’s ambitious AED 75 billion Azizi Milan master community. AkzoNobel, founded in the Netherlands, is a global leader in paints and coatings, with Dulux recognised worldwide for its durability, design appeal and sustainable formulations. Its products are used in both residential and commercial projects globally, with a focus on long-lasting performance and reduced environmental…

Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE) has signed a strategic agreement with Ajman Bank to bolster cooperation in infrastructure development, sustainability and long-term growth across the Northern Emirates. The deal, announced this week, aligns with the UAE’s wider national development priorities, particularly in enhancing resilience and efficiency in the utilities sector. The signing ceremony was attended by Eng. Yousif Ahmed Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer of EtihadWE, and Mustafa Al Khalfawi, Chief Executive Officer of Ajman Bank, alongside senior representatives from both organisations. Speaking at the ceremony, Eng. Al Ali said the partnership reflects a shared vision to accelerate infrastructure delivery.“Joining…

Emirates Skywards, the loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubai, has officially introduced flight rewards for Premium Economy travel. The move, announced this week, allows its 35 million members worldwide to redeem miles for both Classic Rewards and Upgrade Rewards on the airline’s newest cabin. The change reflects growing demand from travellers for more flexible options beyond standard Economy and Business Class, particularly on long-haul routes such as London, Sydney, Melbourne, and New York. Dr Nejib Ben Khedher, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates Skywards, said the decision followed sustained interest from members since the cabin was launched. “We’re thrilled to…

Apple has unveiled its latest line-up of products, including four new iPhone models, refreshed AirPods Pro and an updated Watch range. While the event delivered hardware improvements, analysts noted the absence of major advances in artificial intelligence. The new smartphones include the base iPhone 17, the slimline iPhone 17 Air, the high-end iPhone 17 Pro and the top-tier Pro Max. The standout is the iPhone Air, measuring just 5.6mm thick and weighing 165 grams. Josh Gilbert, market analyst at eToro, said the model demonstrates Apple’s strength in turning subtle changes into headline features. “Apple has always had a unique ability…

Global fintech company Rapyd has launched a new suite of stablecoin payment solutions, offering businesses the ability to accept, settle and pay out using stablecoins. The move positions the firm as a single provider for companies looking to navigate volatile currencies, slow settlement times and fragmented payment systems. Rapyd’s platform allows businesses to: “Stablecoins have moved from early-stage concept to global utility, and companies need partners who can bridge digital assets with real-world business needs,” said Arik Shtilman, Rapyd’s CEO and co-founder. “Rapyd’s role is to strip away the complexity, integrate stablecoins into global money movement, and give businesses more…

HEINZ has launched a new global campaign suggesting that french fry boxes around the world bear a striking resemblance to its iconic keystone logo. The campaign, called “Looks Familiar”, is running across eight major markets, including the US, Canada, Mexico, the UK, Brazil, Germany, the UAE and China. It highlights the brand’s claim that fries and HEINZ ketchup are an inseparable pairing. According to HEINZ, french fries remain one of the most popular foods worldwide, featuring on more than half of all restaurant menus and ranking as the most-ordered item on Uber Eats. But despite this popularity, the company points…

IFF (NYSE: IFF), a global leader in food, beverage, health and wellness, has launched SipScape, a digital platform designed to help brands innovate in the fast-changing adult beverage market. The initiative provides actionable insights on product design, flavor modulation and sweetness reduction, with a particular focus on no- and low-alcohol beverages. It also highlights the growing use of botanicals, natural colors and functional ingredients, reflecting current consumer demand for health-conscious and experience-driven drinks. Rethinking why people drink Fernanda De Paula, vice president of global beverages category for IFF Taste, said SipScape was about redefining drinking occasions in line with modern…