In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, UAE bank customers are demanding technology that combines speed, convenience, and personalization while retaining a human touch. This sentiment was highlighted by Gilbert Jadallah, Regional Sales Manager at Tungsten Automation, during a fireside chat at the 4th Banking Innovation and Technology Summit 2025, hosted by Khaleej Times on November 18. Jadallah emphasized that banks must overhaul not only their customer-facing applications but also their internal workflows to meet these expectations. By automating processes such as onboarding, KYC, lending, and trade, banks can reduce paperwork and allocate more time to client support. Jadallah noted, ‘Customers in the UAE want fast, simple, and personalized services. They also want digital journeys to feel human. To achieve that, banks have to free their staff from friction in the back office.’ The summit, now in its fifth edition, brought together senior leaders from banks, fintech firms, and regulatory bodies to explore how technology is reshaping financial services in the UAE. Moderated by Priyadarshinee Awatramani, Executive Director and Head of Client Experience at Standard Chartered Bank, the session delved into balancing empathy and efficiency in an increasingly digital banking sector. Awatramani stressed the importance of maintaining trust and the human element in a data-driven industry. Jadallah highlighted the potential of real-time data integration, explaining that many banks operate with disconnected data silos, which hinder their ability to anticipate customer needs. By leveraging automation platforms, banks can gain real-time insights, detect potential fraud, and respond proactively. ‘Real-time insights allow banks to move from reactive to proactive. That is where timely empathy comes in, being there for customers before they ask,’ he said. Awatramani added that scaling empathy across digital touchpoints requires responsible data usage and designing supportive customer journeys. The summit continues to serve as a vital platform for CEOs, CIOs, regulators, and fintech founders to collaborate and drive the UAE’s growth as a global hub for finance and technology.
分类： business
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Dubai Airshow 2025: Flydubai orders 150 Airbus aircraft worth Dh88 billion
In a landmark move at the Dubai Airshow 2025, Flydubai, Dubai’s smallest carrier, has inked a monumental agreement with Airbus for the purchase of 150 A321neo aircraft, valued at $24 billion (Dh88 billion). This strategic acquisition marks a significant step in diversifying Flydubai’s narrow-body fleet and bolstering its long-term expansion strategy. The aircraft are slated for delivery starting in 2031, aligning with the airline’s vision for sustained growth and operational efficiency.
The deal was formalized during a signing ceremony attended by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Flydubai, and Christian Scherer, CEO of Commercial Aircraft at Airbus. Also present was Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer of Flydubai. Sheikh Ahmed emphasized that this agreement represents a pivotal milestone in the airline’s journey, underscoring its commitment to innovation and excellence in the aviation sector.
Christian Scherer highlighted the A321neo’s advanced features, including its range, fuel efficiency, and passenger comfort, which align with Flydubai’s operational goals. The aircraft, part of the A320neo Family, incorporates cutting-edge technologies such as new-generation engines and Sharklets, delivering over 20% fuel savings and CO₂ reductions compared to older models.
This deal is the second major aircraft order announced at the Dubai Airshow 2025, following Emirates’ $37.8 billion (Dh139 billion) order for 65 Boeing 777-9 aircraft. Flydubai’s expanded fleet will further cement Dubai’s status as a global aviation hub, with the airline currently serving over 135 destinations across 57 countries. The new aircraft will also play a crucial role in supporting the expansion of Dubai World Central, enhancing the city’s connectivity and economic growth.
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UAE: Etihad Airways to buy 32 Airbus aircraft; first deliveries start in 2027
Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national carrier, has announced a significant fleet expansion with the acquisition of 32 Airbus aircraft. The deal, unveiled on November 18, 2025, includes a combination of A350-1000s, A350F freighters, and A330-900s, sourced through direct orders and lease agreements. The first deliveries are scheduled to commence in 2027. This move follows Etihad’s earlier agreement in 2025 to purchase 28 Boeing widebody aircraft, bringing the airline’s total new widebody orders for the year to 60 across both Airbus and Boeing. The Abu Dhabi-based airline emphasized that this expansion is a strategic step to accelerate its growth and solidify its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing full-service carriers. With the new Airbus order, Etihad will operate a comprehensive widebody fleet, including the A380, A350 family (including freighters), and A330neo. Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, highlighted the significance of the deal, stating, ‘These agreements reflect our confidence in Abu Dhabi’s aviation future and our commitment to positioning the emirate as one of the world’s leading hubs.’ He added, ‘With 60 new widebody aircraft ordered this year across Airbus and Boeing, we are building one of the most modern, efficient, and flexible long-haul fleets in the world.’ The announcement underscores Etihad’s ambition to enhance its global connectivity and operational efficiency.
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Bankruptcy tribunal saves 27 high-tech firms, 2,000 jobs since 2024
Since 2024, the Beijing Bankruptcy Tribunal has successfully rescued 27 small and medium-sized high-tech enterprises, safeguarding over 2,000 jobs and injecting 2.4 billion yuan ($337 million) in investments. These companies, operating in cutting-edge sectors such as artificial intelligence, big data, intelligent healthcare, digital culture, and computing power infrastructure, faced operational challenges due to rapid market changes and short technology lifecycles. The tribunal, under the Beijing No. 1 Intermediate People’s Court, employed judicial measures like restructuring and settlements to resolve over 10 billion yuan in debts. Vice-President Li Zhongyong highlighted the tribunal’s streamlined case-handling procedures and tailored debt settlement plans, which ensured the continuity of technological research during restructuring. The tribunal also relaxed legal standards for case reviews, enabling swift bankruptcy protection for distressed firms. Moving forward, the tribunal plans to refine rules for assisting high-tech enterprises and enhance legal talent education to professionalize case handling.
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Driving French business growth in Dubai: The Clemenceau Group strategy
Dubai has emerged as a magnet for global entrepreneurs, with French founders, professionals, and investors increasingly choosing the UAE as their base. Over 40,000 French citizens now reside in Dubai, forming one of the most robust Francophone business networks outside Europe and significantly contributing to the city’s economic vitality. This trend is driven not only by lifestyle and tax advantages but also by Dubai’s efficient business ecosystem, characterized by swift decision-making, transparent administrative processes, and supportive frameworks for ambitious ventures. The city’s strategic connectivity to Europe, Africa, and Asia further enhances its appeal. French entrepreneurship in Dubai has diversified beyond hospitality and retail to encompass e-commerce, consulting, real estate, logistics, and digital platforms. Entrepreneurs are drawn to Dubai’s streamlined business setup, manageable banking processes, and straightforward corporate tax rules. However, navigating the complexities of free zones, visas, and compliance can be daunting. Enter the Clemenceau Group, founded by Nouria Mamèche in 2018, which has become a pivotal advisor for French-speaking entrepreneurs. The group supports over 500 companies, offering expertise in business formation, visas, banking, and compliance. Its unique strength lies in its deep understanding of both the UAE’s administrative systems and cultural nuances, facilitated by its multilingual team. The Clemenceau Group’s step-by-step guidance helps entrepreneurs avoid costly mistakes and integrate smoothly into Dubai’s business environment. As the French community in Dubai matures, it has developed robust networks and collaborations, creating a structured ecosystem for sustained growth. With clearer regulations, stronger community ties, and a maturing advisory landscape, Dubai is now a natural extension of France’s global business footprint, offering speed, access, and stability for French entrepreneurs.
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R&B Fashion wins ‘Most Admired Value Retailer’ at SRF RetailMe Awards 2025
R&B Fashion, a prominent homegrown brand under the Apparel Group, has been honored with the ‘Most Admired Value Retailer’ title at the esteemed SRF RetailMe Awards 2025. The award ceremony, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, celebrated outstanding achievements in retail innovation and customer satisfaction. This accolade underscores R&B Fashion’s dedication to providing exceptional value while maintaining high standards of style and quality, solidifying its reputation as a leading fashion destination across the GCC region. The brand’s success is rooted in its ability to deeply understand customer needs and consistently surpass expectations. R&B Fashion’s winning strategy combines trendy designs, affordable pricing, and a customer-centric approach, which has resonated strongly with value-conscious shoppers. With a rapidly expanding presence of over 180 stores across 75 cities in 8 countries, the brand is on track to reach the milestone of 250 stores. R&B Fashion’s extensive product range, strategic sourcing for competitive pricing, and seamless shopping experience across both physical and digital platforms have been key drivers of its success. Additionally, the brand has invested significantly in understanding regional fashion trends and tailoring its offerings to meet local preferences. As R&B Fashion celebrates this significant achievement, it remains steadfast in its commitment to affordability, quality, and customer satisfaction, aiming to set new benchmarks in the value retail segment.
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Prime Minister oversees signing of 55 pacts in major push for Egypt’s offshoring industry
In a landmark move to strengthen its position in the global offshoring industry, Egypt has inked 55 strategic agreements with leading multinational and local technology firms. The signing ceremony, held under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly and attended by Dr. Amr Talaat, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, marks a significant milestone in Egypt’s journey to becoming a global delivery powerhouse. The partnerships include major players such as Teleperformance, Accenture, Deloitte, VOIS, Luxoft, RSA, and Capgemini, underscoring Egypt’s growing appeal as a hub for digital and business services. These agreements are expected to create over 70,000 high-value jobs, particularly in business process outsourcing (BPO), IT, engineering, and high-end technology services. This initiative aligns with the Information Technology Industry Development Agency’s (ITIDA) strategic goals to attract foreign investment, generate sustainable employment, and position Egypt as a trusted partner for global enterprises. Dr. Talaat highlighted Egypt’s RISE framework—Reliable talent, Infrastructure readiness, Strategic proximity, and Efficient cost structure—as key drivers of the country’s success. Eng. Ahmed Elzaher, CEO of ITIDA, emphasized the significance of these partnerships in advancing Egypt’s digital economy and expressed confidence in the nation’s ability to meet global market demands. The agreements not only reflect strong investor confidence but also demonstrate Egypt’s commitment to empowering its workforce with future-ready skills and fostering a knowledge-based economy.
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Russian lawmakers approve tax hike bill to boost economy as the war with Ukraine nears 4 years
In a significant move to address economic challenges exacerbated by its ongoing conflict with Ukraine, Russian lawmakers have approved a series of tax increases aimed at boosting state revenue. On Tuesday, the State Duma, the lower house of parliament, passed the second reading of a bill that will raise the value-added tax (VAT) from 20% to 22%. This adjustment is projected to generate an additional 1 trillion rubles (approximately $12.3 billion) for the national budget. Additionally, the legislation lowers the annual sales revenue threshold for businesses required to collect VAT from 60 million rubles (about $739,000) to 10 million rubles (around $123,000). This measure, to be phased in by 2028, aims to curb tax evasion by preventing firms from splitting operations but is expected to burden many small businesses previously exempt from VAT. The tax hikes are part of a broader fiscal strategy by the Kremlin to revive Russia’s sluggish economy, which has been strained by high inflation and interest rates. Other proposed measures include eliminating preferential rates on car recycling fees, targeting high-end imported vehicles, and increasing taxes on alcohol, tobacco, and technology products like smartphones and laptops. These changes come as Russia’s economy, after two years of military-driven growth, contracted in early 2025 and is forecast to grow by only 1% this year. The government’s 2026 draft budget, also approved on Tuesday, allocates 12.93 trillion rubles ($159 billion) for military spending, reflecting the ongoing prioritization of defense amid the protracted war. The bills now await final approval by the State Duma, the upper house, and President Vladimir Putin’s signature to become law.
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Dubai: Gold prices plunge nearly Dh5 as 22K slips below Dh450 per gram
Gold prices in Dubai experienced a significant decline on Tuesday, with 22K gold slipping below Dh450 per gram, marking a drop of nearly Dh5. The global spot gold price also fell by 1.5% to $4,011.8 per ounce, driven by a stronger US dollar and diminishing expectations of US interest rate cuts. In Dubai, 24K gold opened at Dh483.5 per gram, down from Dh485.75 on Monday, while 22K gold decreased to Dh447.5 per gram from Dh449.75. Other variants, including 21K and 18K, opened at Dh429.25 and Dh368.0 per gram, respectively. The decline in gold prices reflects broader market uncertainty, exacerbated by delayed US economic data releases following a government shutdown. Analysts, including Fadi Al Kurdi of FFA Kings, noted that missing economic indicators have heightened market sensitivity, with potential weaknesses in upcoming reports possibly bolstering the case for Federal Reserve rate cuts. However, cautious remarks from Fed officials, such as San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly and Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari, have tempered expectations of further easing. Persistent geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe and the Middle East continue to support gold demand, providing some stability amidst the volatility.
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Former steel town purrs ahead on tail of ‘pet economy’
Once synonymous with the steel industry, Anshan, a city in Northeast China’s Liaoning province, is now forging a new identity as the nation’s pet breeding capital. This transformation is driven by the booming ‘pet economy,’ which has reshaped the city’s economic landscape and provided new opportunities for its residents. As China prepares for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), Anshan is positioning itself as a leader in the pet industry, leaving behind its industrial past. The city’s shift began in the 1980s when the steel industry faced overcapacity, declining demand, and fierce competition, leading to widespread layoffs. Many displaced workers, like Han Zongli, turned to alternative livelihoods. Han, a former steelworker, ventured into pet breeding after a chance encounter with a customer’s dog. His success inspired others, and soon, a thriving pet-related industry emerged, offering a lifeline to thousands of unemployed workers. Today, Anshan’s pet breeding sector is a major economic force, with over 30,000 residents involved in breeding, trade, and services for purebred dogs and cats. The city supplies approximately 70% of China’s pet dogs, with an annual output of 1.5 million animals in 2024, expected to rise to 2 million this year. The industry has also expanded to other cities in Liaoning, creating a comprehensive ecosystem that includes breeding, pet products, healthcare, and cultural activities. Employing over 150,000 people and generating more than 30 billion yuan annually, Anshan’s pet industry is a testament to the city’s resilience and adaptability.