Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum commemorated the 40th anniversary of Emirates’ inaugural flight, praising the airline’s transformative journey and its role in shaping Dubai into a global hub. In a heartfelt message shared on October 25, 2025, Sheikh Hamdan reflected on the historic moment in 1985 when Emirates took its first flight from Dubai, marking the beginning of an ambitious venture that continues to soar. He lauded the airline’s team, led by Chairman and CEO Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, for their unwavering dedication and vision, which have propelled Emirates to become a world leader in aviation. Earlier that day, Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also celebrated the milestone, describing Emirates as a ‘national pride’ that has transported over 860 million passengers worldwide. Starting with a modest $10 million investment and two leased aircraft, Emirates has grown into a global powerhouse with a modern fleet of Boeing 777, Airbus A380, and Airbus A350 aircraft, and over 300 planes on order. To mark the occasion, Emirates released a video showcasing the evolution of its fleet since 1985, highlighting its commitment to innovation and excellence in aviation.
分类： business
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RAG unveils the UAE’s tallest business center
In a significant milestone for the UAE’s business sector, RAG Holdings has officially launched the RAG Tower, now recognized as the tallest business center in the country. The unveiling took place during the RAG Business Conclave 2025 at the Grand Hyatt Dubai, under the theme ‘Building Tomorrow Together.’ The event, certified under the Hamdan Innovation Incubator by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to discuss the future of innovation, collaboration, and community-driven growth in the UAE. Dr Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament and former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, delivered a keynote address emphasizing the importance of public-private partnerships in fostering sustainable economies. Rassal Ahmad, CEO of RAG Holdings, highlighted the company’s mission to empower entrepreneurs through innovation and collaboration, stating that RAG Tower is more than just a business center—it is a symbol of ambition, creativity, and collective progress. The conclave also saw the launch of the RAG Club, an exclusive community for entrepreneurs, and the ‘RAG Idea HǪ Startup Awards,’ where RAG announced its investment in the Halal Journey App. The event concluded with a networking gala attended by over 350 entrepreneurs, celebrating innovation and shared purpose. Rassal expressed gratitude to the UAE’s leadership for creating an environment conducive to entrepreneurship and reaffirmed RAG’s commitment to contributing to the nation’s vision of community-driven growth and global excellence.
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First Drive: The 2025 212 T01 is built to conquer any terrain
The 2025 212 T01, a bold new entrant in the 4×4 segment, is poised to revolutionize off-roading in the UAE. Combining rugged heritage with modern refinement, this vehicle marks a significant milestone for desert enthusiasts. The Middle East, particularly the GCC, has a profound connection with the desert, where off-roading is more than a pastime—it’s a cultural emblem of freedom and resilience. Traditionally dominated by icons like the Toyota Land Cruiser and Jeep Wrangler, the market is now witnessing a shift with the emergence of Chinese off-roaders, and the 212 T01 is leading the charge. Exclusive to the UAE through Legend Motors, this SUV is a testament to innovation and capability. The BJ212 lineage traces back to the 1960s, when Beijing Automobile Works (BAW) introduced it as a military and civilian vehicle. The 2025 iteration boasts a striking design reminiscent of the Jeep Wrangler and Mercedes G63 AMG, with boxy proportions, circular LED headlamps, and chunky all-terrain tires. Its spacious, plush cabin features quilted leather seats, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and advanced tech like a wireless charger and driver massage system. Powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, it delivers 231 PS and 390 Nm, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and a robust 4WD system. With impressive off-road specs like a 650 mm wading depth and 5-link rigid axles, the 212 T01 excels in challenging terrains. This first drive hints at its potential to dominate the dunes, making it a promising contender for the Khaleej Times Desert Drive.
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DubaiVisa.com: Powering 11 million+ journeys – The UAE’s most trusted digital visa platform
DubaiVisa.com, a pioneering digital visa platform, has transformed the travel experience for over 11 million travelers from more than 200 nationalities. Established in 2006 under Al Hadaf Travel & Tourism LLC (DTCM Licence No. 589515), the platform has become a global leader in online visa facilitation, processing over 200,000 applications directly through its innovative digital ecosystem.
The platform’s fully digital approach simplifies the visa application process into three easy steps: completing the online form, uploading necessary documents, and receiving the visa via email. With express processing options delivering visas in as little as 12–24 hours, DubaiVisa.com ensures speed, transparency, and security for all travelers. Its 24/7 multilingual support and government-approved systems further enhance trust and reliability.
DubaiVisa.com caters to diverse travel needs, offering tourist visas (14, 30, or 60 days), transit visas (48-hour or 96-hour), and express services for urgent travel. The platform’s seamless process has earned praise from travelers worldwide, with many highlighting its efficiency, professionalism, and transparency.
As part of a broader travel ecosystem, DubaiVisa.com integrates with other ventures like AlHadafTourism.com, Plan My Trip, and Hadaf Holidays, providing comprehensive travel services. The platform also offers tailored support for specific nationalities, including UK BRP holders, US Green Card holders, and Qatar residents.
Aligned with Dubai’s Vision 2030 to welcome 25 million visitors annually, DubaiVisa.com continues to drive innovation in the travel industry. Its commitment to simplicity, security, and customer satisfaction has solidified its reputation as the most trusted digital visa platform in the UAE.
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US coffee prices spike due to tariffs and poor weather
The cost of coffee in the United States has surged dramatically, with the average price of a pound of ground coffee reaching $9.14 in September, marking a 3% increase from August and a staggering 41% rise compared to September 2024. This upward trend has been consistent since the beginning of the year, driven by a combination of factors including tariffs, weather risks, and inflation. According to the U.S. Labor Department, consumer prices for food, both for home consumption and dining out, rose by 3% in September compared to the same period last year. The broader consumer price index for coffee products, including instant coffee, showed a 19% increase from September 2024, remaining steady from August. Nikki Bravo, co-owner of Momentum Coffee in Chicago, recently raised prices by approximately 15% across her four locations. She cited a 15% increase in the cost of coffee beans and additional expenses such as cups and sleeves. Bravo has started roasting more beans in-house to mitigate costs, sourcing most of her beans from Africa. The minimum wage increase in Chicago to $16.60 an hour has also contributed to rising operational costs. High inflation has left consumers hesitant to spend on luxuries like takeout coffee, with the average price of a regular coffee at U.S. restaurants rising to $3.54 in September from $3.45 a year earlier. The U.S. relies heavily on imported coffee, with 99% sourced from countries like Brazil, Colombia, and Vietnam. Tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, including a 40% tariff on Brazilian products, have disrupted supply chains, leading to reduced availability and higher prices. Weather conditions such as heat and drought have further impacted global coffee production, driving prices up by nearly 40% in 2024. In response, a bipartisan group of U.S. House members introduced a bill in September to repeal all tariffs on coffee, arguing that such measures harm consumers and lack economic rationale. Rep. Ro Khanna and Rep. Don Bacon, co-sponsors of the bill, emphasized the need for Congress to address the issue, highlighting the negative impact of tariffs on everyday Americans.
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Sierra Leone hails Chinese investment as ‘pivotal’ to mining growth
Sierra Leone has lauded Chinese investment as a cornerstone of its mining sector’s growth, highlighting the pivotal role of Chinese enterprises in unlocking the nation’s mineral potential. Hadji Dabo, Director-General of the National Minerals Agency of Sierra Leone, emphasized this during his address at the 2025 China Mining Conference and Exhibition in Tianjin. The event, which drew international delegates, underscored the deepening partnership between China and Sierra Leone, extending beyond financial contributions to encompass mutual support on core interests and major concerns. Dabo noted that the collaboration, spanning 54 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, has been marked by robust bilateral cooperation. ‘Chinese enterprises have demonstrated unwavering confidence in Sierra Leone’s mineral resources, significantly contributing to our mining sector’s development,’ he remarked. The conference served as a platform to showcase the transformative impact of Chinese investment, fostering sustainable growth and economic resilience in Sierra Leone.
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A strong new contender in utility pickups: HIMLA’s 2.3T + 8AT Powertrain leads the way
In a bold move to challenge the dominance of established players like Toyota and Ford in the global pickup market, Chery has unveiled its all-new HIMLA pickup. Debuting at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, the HIMLA is equipped with a cutting-edge 2.3T diesel engine paired with an 8AT automatic transmission, delivering 120 kW of power and 420 N·m of torque. With a cargo bed capacity of 1,276 liters and a payload exceeding 1,000 kg, HIMLA sets new benchmarks in the mid-to-large pickup segment. Its advanced powertrain ensures exceptional towing capacity, hill-climbing ability, and fuel efficiency, making it a versatile choice for both commercial and leisure users. Designed to tackle challenging terrains with ease, HIMLA boasts a 33° approach angle, 24° departure angle, and 220 mm ground clearance, complemented by an optional rear differential lock for enhanced traction. Set to launch in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa, HIMLA represents a significant milestone in Chery’s global strategy, offering a fresh alternative to traditional utility pickups.
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Engineering Contracting Company celebrates 50 years of building the UAE’s future
The Engineering Contracting Company (ECC) commemorated its 50th anniversary with a grand celebration at the Arabian Court, One&Only Royal Mirage in Dubai. The event, hosted by Chairman Hatem Farah and General Director Khodr Aldah, alongside senior executives, gathered government officials, industry leaders, financial service providers, and long-standing partners to honor ECC’s significant contributions to the UAE’s architectural and infrastructural development. Since its inception in 1975, ECC has successfully completed over 380 projects spanning residential, commercial, institutional, educational, healthcare, retail, industrial, and heritage sectors. Notable projects include Zabeel Park, Zayed University, and the world’s first 3D-printed office building. The company has expanded into eight specialized sister companies under the ECC Group, offering comprehensive construction solutions that emphasize innovation, sustainability, and quality. The celebration also featured the launch of a commemorative book, ‘A Story of Innovation, Quality and Legacy: 50 Years of ECC Contracting,’ authored by Myrna Ayad, which highlights ECC’s lasting impact on the UAE’s built environment.
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New UAE-Oman freight trains: Abu Dhabi firm, Hafeet Rail to launch daily service
In a landmark move to enhance regional trade connectivity, Abu Dhabi’s Noatum Logistics and Hafeet Rail have inked a preliminary agreement to launch a daily freight rail service between Sohar, Oman, and Abu Dhabi, UAE. The announcement was made at the Global Rail 2025 exhibition in Abu Dhabi, signaling a major advancement in cross-border logistics infrastructure. The service will operate seven container trains weekly, each with a capacity of 276 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), translating to an annual throughput of 193,200 TEUs. Dedicated trains will accommodate 20-foot, 40-foot, and 45-foot containers, catering to a diverse range of goods, including general cargo, manufactured products, food items, pharmaceuticals, and agrifoods. Samir Chaturvedi, CEO of Noatum Logistics, emphasized the strategic significance of the initiative, stating, ‘By linking two of the region’s most vital hubs via rail for the first time, we are offering a cost-effective, scalable, and sustainable transport solution.’ Rail transport is recognized for its predictability, efficiency, and lower carbon emissions compared to road transport, making it an ideal choice for bulk cargo over medium to long distances. This new service builds on Noatum Logistics’ existing rail shuttle between Khalifa Port and Fujairah Terminals, launched in 2024. The collaboration underscores the UAE and Oman’s commitment to fostering economic integration and sustainable development in the region.
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UAE launches Retail Sukuk, allows residents, citizens to invest in govt-backed Treasury bonds
The United Arab Emirates has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative titled ‘Retail Sukuk,’ designed to open doors for both citizens and residents to invest in government-backed Treasury Sukuk (T-Sukuk). This innovative program, launched by the UAE’s Ministry of Finance, marks a significant step in democratizing access to government financial instruments, traditionally reserved for institutional investors. The initiative will be rolled out in collaboration with national banks, with the first participating bank set to be revealed on November 3, 2025. By enabling individuals to invest in T-Sukuk through these banks, the UAE aims to foster a culture of saving, encourage personal involvement in economic growth, and provide a direct pathway for citizens to contribute to the nation’s development. This move underscores the UAE’s commitment to financial inclusivity and its vision of empowering its people to play an active role in shaping the country’s economic future.