Author: Sam Allcock

In a move aimed at strengthening regional financial ties, Sharjah Islamic Bank (SIB) has signed a landmark cooperation agreement with Alawneh Exchange, one of Jordan’s largest exchange companies. The partnership is set to transform cross-border remittance solutions between the UAE and Jordan, making them faster, more secure, efficient, and cost-effective. The agreement was formalised at a high-profile ceremony attended by Mr. Hakam Abu Zarour, Chief Operating Officer of SIB, and Mr. Ayman Alawneh, CEO of Alawneh Exchange. Also present were H.E. Hamad Abdullah Al Matroushi, Acting Head of the UAE Embassy in Jordan, along with senior officials from both organisations…

Ooredoo Oman has announced a strategic partnership with Mursi United Company to launch ESG-as-a-Service, a pioneering digital platform designed to help businesses monitor and enhance their sustainability performance. The AI-driven solution enables organisations across sectors such as industry, oil and gas, and banking to measure, manage, and report on key Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics. By offering a unified platform, ESG-as-a-Service empowers enterprises to track compliance, reduce emissions, and take concrete steps towards carbon neutrality. The agreement was signed at a ceremony held at Ooredoo’s headquarters in Muscat, attended by senior executives from both companies. The initiative aligns with…

Samsung Electronics Levant has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Jordan, marking a strategic step to enhance higher education through technology integration and practical learning. The agreement was formalised by Jongho Kang, President of Samsung Electronics Levant, and Dr. Nathir Obeidat, President of the University of Jordan, in a ceremony attended by senior officials from both institutions. This partnership aims to bridge the gap between theoretical education and hands-on technological experience, ensuring university graduates are better equipped to meet the demands of a fast-evolving digital job market. The collaboration reflects Samsung’s long-term commitment to sustainable investment…

DP World has announced that its trade finance division has surpassed $1 billion in working capital mobilisation, delivering vital financial support to businesses across emerging markets and helping close the global trade finance gap. This milestone combines DP World’s own lending capabilities with a network of over 32 global financial institutions, including J.P. Morgan, Standard Bank, and Nedbank. Together, these partners have created tailored financing solutions aimed at supporting small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) in sectors ranging from agriculture to engineering. The initiative forms part of DP World’s broader mission to build a more inclusive and resilient global trade system,…

Crédit Agricole Egypt has partnered with renewable energy leader Infinity to offer financing solutions aimed at making solar energy more accessible to Egyptian households. The strategic agreement was formally signed by Mr. Jean-Pierre Trinelle, Managing Director of Crédit Agricole Egypt, and Mr. Ashraf El Bishry, General Manager of Infinity, along with senior executives from both organizations. The initiative introduces a tailored solar loan from Crédit Agricole Egypt, providing Infinity customers with preferential interest rates and repayment terms of up to seven years. The financing is designed to make clean energy products — particularly solar home systems — more affordable for…

Formula E has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Marvel Studios to bring superheroes to the racetrack for the season-ending double-header of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. The collaboration marks the integration of Marvel’s upcoming film The Fantastic Four: First Steps into the motorsport world, rebranding the season finale as The 2025 Marvel Fantastic Four London E-Prix. The races will be held at the ExCeL London on 26 and 27 July 2025. The event is set to blend high-speed racing with cinematic spectacle, in what Formula E describes as a “milestone moment” in motorsport entertainment. Ellie Norman, Chief Marketing…

Caparol Paints, a global leader in high-performance coatings, has announced a significant expansion across the Middle East, underscoring its ambitions in one of the world’s fastest-growing construction markets. The company reported a 35% increase in sales across the region in 2024, driven by the success of its flagship products and a widening retail footprint. This includes the launch of new product lines tailored to the region’s harsh climate and continued investment in sustainable, climate-adapted building solutions. First entering the UAE market in 1998, the German paint manufacturer has steadily grown its reputation for delivering durable, environmentally conscious coatings. In recent…

Maserati marked a triumphant return to its home track at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli during the fourth round of the GT2 European Series powered by Pirelli. The iconic Italian marque secured two overall runner-up finishes, a pole position, and claimed victories in both Am Cup races, alongside a Pro-Am podium. The standout performance came from the LP Racing team’s number 1 Maserati GT2, piloted by Philippe Prette. Prette secured pole and led most of Race 1 on Saturday, ultimately finishing second overall while taking the top spot in the Am Cup category. His dominance continued into Race 2,…

Hatta, the mountainous enclave of Dubai, is set to welcome over 3,000 participants on July 27 for the Open Sports Day, a major event under the Dubai Sports Council’s (DSC) flagship initiative, Our Summer is Sporty. Backed by the Supreme Committee for the Development of Hatta, the event will transform the scenic town into a hub of fitness, family fun, and community spirit. The full-day affair includes both competitive and recreational sports, with activities designed to engage people of all ages, nationalities, and fitness levels. Among the headline events are a free public kayaking competition and a running race at…

Kuwait Telecommunications Company (stc) has reported strong operational and financial results for the first half of 2025, underpinned by the successful rollout of 5G Advanced, an expansion in consumer services, and a continued focus on digital transformation aligned with Kuwait Vision 2035. Eng. Muataz Abdullah Aldharrab, CEO of stc, described the results as a reflection of the company’s “strategic focus on quality growth, operational efficiency, and a flexible business model.” He credited the robust performance to the company’s dual approach—expanding individual and enterprise digital services and strengthening technological capabilities. Key Highlights: 5G Advanced Rollout In June 2025, Kuwait became one…