Author: Sam Allcock

Mastercard has announced a strategic collaboration with enza, a payment solutions provider, to expand access to embedded payment technologies for fintech companies across Africa. The partnership aims to accelerate digital innovation and financial inclusion across the continent by giving fintech innovators easier access to Mastercard’s global payment network. The collaboration comes amid a sharp rise in fintech activity on the continent. According to the European Investment Bank, the number of fintech companies in Africa has nearly tripled since 2020, driven by a growing demand for inclusive financial services and alternatives to traditional, costly banking models. Through this partnership, fintechs operating…

Seventy-five percent of new analytics content will be contextualised for intelligent applications through generative AI (GenAI) by 2027, according to a new forecast from Gartner, Inc. The firm predicts a transformation in how businesses consume and act on data, with AI playing a central role in enabling dynamic, perceptive and autonomous decisions. “We’re moving from an era where analytic tools help business people make decisions, to a future where GenAI-powered analytics becomes perceptive and adaptive,” said Georgia O’Callaghan, Director, Analyst at Gartner. “This will enable composable connections between insights and actions, with the potential to transform enterprise and consumer software,…

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with global biopharma company Sanofi at the BIO International Convention 2025 in Boston, USA, to accelerate vaccine research and development while strengthening local manufacturing capabilities. The agreement was signed by Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at the DoH, and Baptiste de Clarens, General Manager Greater Gulf, Vaccines at Sanofi. It was witnessed by H.E. Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the DoH, and Laurie Gery, Global Head of Business Development, Vaccines at Sanofi. The partnership aimed to leverage…

Emirates and Uber have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance travel experiences through digital integration and loyalty benefits, in a bid to provide more seamless and connected journeys for passengers across the Emirates global network. The agreement was inked by Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, and Anabel Diaz Calderon, Vice President and Head of EMEA Mobility at Uber, marking the start of a wide-ranging collaboration. The partnership aims to deliver several travel-focused solutions including an integrated booking experience, where Emirates customers can combine Uber ride vouchers with flight bookings, streamlining airport transfers and…

Airbus Defence and Space has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cluster 2, a key operator of 22 international and domestic airports in Saudi Arabia, to deliver next-generation digital solutions aimed at improving airport operations, efficiency, and security. The agreement was formalised during the Paris Air Show, in a ceremony attended by H.E. Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), alongside Wouter Van Wersch, EVP of Airbus International, and Gabriel Semelas, President of Airbus in the Middle East and Africa. Representing Cluster 2, Mr. Saad A. Alajlan, General Manager of Commercial Operations and Business Development,…

The first-ever Dubai Open Table Tennis Academies Championship (DOTTA) concluded at the ISD courts in Dubai Sports City, with UAE’s Mayed Nawaf Al Kaabi emerging as a standout talent, clinching the Under-12 title in front of an enthusiastic crowd. Organised by the Dubai Sports Council, in cooperation with the UAE Table Tennis Federation and operating partner ISD Dubai, the tournament marked a promising addition to the emirate’s grassroots sporting calendar. The event is part of Dubai’s broader initiative to identify and nurture young sporting talent across various disciplines. The championship, held at the ISD Table Tennis courts, attracted a full…

Azizi Developments, a prominent private UAE developer, has announced a strategic partnership with Thomsun Industries, a local leader in construction support services. The collaboration will bolster site operations across Azizi’s major developments in Dubai South, Al Furjan, Dubai Healthcare City, and Dubai Sports City—notably including its landmark project, Azizi Venice. The agreement positions Thomsun Industries to deliver a full spectrum of site support services, reinforcing Azizi’s rapid construction momentum and project delivery capabilities. Thomsun, known for operational reliability across the UAE’s built environment sector, is set to play a pivotal role in ensuring seamless workflow and efficient on-ground execution. Farhad…

Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road, one of Dubai’s most centrally located hotels, is inviting guests to enjoy a refined summer escape with a limited-time seasonal offer that blends modern comfort, convenience, and exceptional value. Perfectly positioned on Sheikh Zayed Road, the hotel places travellers within minutes of iconic attractions such as the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and the Museum of the Future. Whether visiting for business, leisure, or a local staycation, the property offers a smart base for making the most of the city. The hotel’s Business Suites and One-Bedroom Apartments provide expansive city views and a harmonious…

Jazeera Airways, Kuwait’s leading low-cost carrier, has announced the return of its seasonal direct flights to Abha, Saudi Arabia, starting 15 July 2025. The route will operate three times a week through September, offering convenient access to one of the Kingdom’s most scenic and temperate summer destinations. Nicknamed the “Bride of the Mountain,” Abha is located in the high-altitude Aseer region, known for its cool climate, dramatic mountain ranges, and rich cultural heritage. With summer temperatures ranging between 25–30°C, it offers a refreshing escape from the Gulf’s intense heat. Barathan Pasupathi, CEO of Jazeera Airways, highlighted the significance of the…

In a major step for cricket development in the Gulf, Kuwait Cricket Board has entered a landmark partnership with the DP World International League T20 (ILT20), marking the first time a country has been formally recognised as a strategic partner of the franchise league. The agreement was signed at Dubai International Stadium in a ceremony attended by senior officials from both sides. The partnership will see domestic cricket tournaments held annually in Kuwait, mirroring the UAE’s ILT20 Development Tournament, to identify and groom local talent for potential selection by ILT20 franchises. There are also plans to host official ILT20 matches…