分类： business

The United Arab Emirates banking sector is undergoing a transformative security modernization, decisively moving away from traditional one-time passwords (OTPs) delivered via SMS or email. This strategic shift, mandated with a deadline of March 31, 2026, sees financial institutions replacing outdated methods with integrated in-app transaction authorization systems designed to be both faster and significantly more secure.

The initiative is a direct response to a global surge in sophisticated fraud, particularly social engineering scams proliferating on social media platforms that have also victimized UAE residents. Banking executives and regulators identified the inherent vulnerabilities of SMS-based OTPs—such as interception and phishing—as a critical weakness. The new protocol mandates ‘hard authentication’ directly within a bank’s secured application, effectively creating a more robust barrier against unauthorized access.

Raheel Ahmed, Group CEO of RAKBank, championed the decision as a necessary and correct move for the industry. He emphasized that the transition is not merely a technical upgrade but a fundamental enhancement of customer security. RAKBank itself has already successfully expanded its in-app authentication system to over 180,000 customers, reporting an impressive 80% authorization rate and a smooth, friction-free adoption process supported by educational videos.

This cybersecurity enhancement is perfectly timed with the nation’s explosive growth in digital and e-commerce transactions, which are estimated to have surpassed a monumental $60 billion in 2025. Data from the Central Bank of the UAE further underscores this digital boom, showing a 22.57% increase in retail transactions under the UAE Funds Transfer System (UAEFTS) in 2024, with a total value of Dh7.4 trillion.

Beyond immediate security benefits, this initiative is a powerful catalyst for the UAE’s broader vision of a cashless economy, driving greater digital banking app engagement. Acknowledging the digital divide, banks are implementing thoughtful support systems, particularly for elderly customers, to ensure technological literacy does not become a barrier to access. This comprehensive approach ensures the nation’s financial ecosystem remains both inclusive and at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation.

In a significant development for the automotive lubricants industry, A-MAP Group has officially renewed its strategic partnership with ADNOC Distribution, cementing a powerful collaboration designed to reinforce market dominance and drive sustainable growth across key regions.

The enhanced alliance strategically combines ADNOC Distribution’s robust national energy platform with A-MAP Group’s extensive distribution infrastructure. This synergy is positioned to accelerate market expansion, optimize supply chain efficiency, and address the rapidly evolving demands of customers and sustainability standards throughout the UAE and international markets.

Asad Badami, Managing Director of A-MAP Group, emphasized the partnership’s critical role within the company’s growth strategy. He highlighted A-MAP’s commitment to delivering strong infrastructure, extensive customer reach, and an unwavering focus on performance and operational reliability to support ADNOC Distribution’s objectives.

Echoing this sentiment, Eng. Saber Mohammed Al Ammari, Vice-President of Lubricant, Base Oil & Specialty Products at ADNOC Distribution, underscored the value of their long-standing collaboration. He noted that the partnership has been fundamental in expanding the footprint of the ADNOC Voyager lubricant brand across the UAE. By leveraging trusted distributors like A-MAP, ADNOC can enhance its market penetration, streamline its supply chain, and deliver premium lubricant solutions tailored to the needs of modern drivers and fleet operators. Al Ammari stated that such large-scale collaboration is essential for fostering shared growth, building market resilience, and ensuring consistent value delivery across all served markets.

Operational metrics reveal the scale of this partnership: A-MAP Group currently manages over 700 customer accounts for ADNOC Voyager lubricants within the UAE, supported by a massive logistics and warehousing capacity exceeding 270,000 square feet. Beyond domestic operations, the group is expanding its global influence, operating in more than 60 international markets, which solidifies its status as a scalable and globally interconnected distribution leader.

The United Arab Emirates hospitality sector is witnessing a significant transformation in Ramadan services for 2026, with hotels implementing strategic price increases alongside substantially upgraded culinary and experiential offerings. Industry executives confirm that iftar and suhoor rates have risen across mid-range to luxury establishments, marking a return to pre-pandemic demand levels with earlier booking patterns emerging throughout the market.

According to Ayman Ashor, General Manager of Al Bandar Rotana and Al Bandar Arjaan by Rotana, the measured price adjustments reflect current market conditions and rising operational costs. “Any adjustment in rates is always matched with a richer experience,” Ashor emphasized. “This year, we have expanded our buffet selections, added more live cooking stations, and introduced new regional specialities alongside international favourites.”

The market analysis reveals distinct trends between corporate and individual bookings. Corporate clients are demonstrating preference for banquet-style iftars designed for scale, particularly favoring venues offering flexibility and personalized settings for team gatherings. Meanwhile, individual bookings are increasingly experience-driven, with guests selecting venues based on ambiance, live music, standout culinary stations, and atmospheric settings.

Northern Emirates are experiencing particularly strong recovery, with Iftikhar Hamdani, Area General Manager for Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel and Coral Beach Resort Sharjah, reporting that corporate and group iftars have returned to pre-Covid levels. “Guests are not only paying for a meal; they are paying for a complete Ramadan experience—from the moment they arrive until the end of the evening,” Hamdani noted, adding that Ramadan décor budgets have doubled compared to 2025.

A notable shift in consumer behavior involves younger guests showing increased preference for traditional ambience and cultural authenticity. Hotels are responding by creating dedicated Ramadan tents, outdoor venues for suhoor, and implementing extended late-night timings with lounge-style seating arrangements.

In Abu Dhabi, Rosewood Managing Director Remus Palimaru described “considered pricing adjustments” rather than significant increases, emphasizing the market’s mindfulness of Ramadan’s spiritual significance. “Pricing strategies are taking into account quality, atmosphere, and service as part of the full Ramadan offering,” Palimaru stated, confirming that any increases are matched by expanded or elevated offerings.

The overall market demonstrates robust recovery with booking patterns occurring significantly earlier than previous years, indicating strong consumer confidence and anticipation for premium Ramadan experiences throughout the UAE hospitality sector.

Dubai’s gold market experienced a notable downturn this week as prices continued their descent for the second consecutive trading session. The precious metal’s decline, attributed primarily to a strengthening US dollar and subdued trading activity across Asian markets, has created favorable conditions for both retail consumers and strategic investors.

According to the latest data from the Dubai Jewellery Group, 24K gold opened Tuesday’s trading at Dh596.75 per gram, representing a significant drop from Monday’s closing price of Dh602.0 per gram. This downward trajectory has persisted for six consecutive days, cumulatively reducing gold prices by nearly Dh14 per gram across all variants.

The price correction has extended across all gold categories, with 22K, 21K, 18K, and 14K gold now trading at Dh552.5, Dh529.75, Dh454.25, and Dh354.25 per gram respectively. This broad-based decline has generated renewed interest among jewelry shoppers in the UAE, particularly those planning purchases for upcoming weddings and special events.

Concurrently, international spot gold prices reflected the trend, trading at $4,941.18 per ounce with a 1% decline as of 9:10 AM UAE time on Tuesday. Market analysts interpret this correction as a potential buying opportunity, with many investors increasing their exposure to both physical bullion and digital gold assets.

Vijay Valecha, Chief Investment Officer at Century Financial, provided expert analysis of the underlying market dynamics. ‘Recent US CPI data offered limited relief,’ Valecha noted. ‘While headline CPI benefited from energy price movements and core inflation moderated slightly due to softer shelter components, underlying details remain concerning. Core goods inflation has shown signs of firming, potentially indicating early effects of tariff implementations.’

The Federal Reserve’s monetary policy outlook has consequently adjusted, with Fed funds futures currently pricing approximately 62.1 basis points of cuts by year-end—equivalent to roughly two and a half quarter-point adjustments. This anticipated easing cycle, potentially beginning in June and extending through the second half, traditionally provides support for gold valuations.

Valecha further highlighted gold’s complex behavior during equity market stress periods, noting that ‘in times of extreme equity market distress, the precious metal sometimes experiences correlated declines as investors liquidate liquid assets to cover losses elsewhere.’ This characteristic underscores gold’s dual role as both a safe-haven asset and a liquid financial instrument.

Air India Express has officially announced the launch of non-stop flight services connecting Hyderabad and Dubai, marking a significant expansion of its Gulf network. The new route, scheduled to commence operations on March 29, 2026, represents a strategic realignment within the Air India Group’s restructuring initiative that will see numerous Middle Eastern routes transition to its low-cost subsidiary.

The airline confirmed that passengers booking these flights will have access to its premium ‘Gourmair’ hot meal service starting at just ₹500. This development comes alongside the carrier’s ongoing ‘Xpress More Sale,’ offering substantial discounts of up to 20% on both domestic and international routes, with approximately five million seats available at promotional fares.

Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport already serves as a operational hub for Air India Express, with existing connections to multiple Gulf destinations including Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dammam, Doha, Jeddah, Kuwait City, Muscat, and Sharjah. The addition of Dubai flights further solidifies the airline’s position in the competitive India-Gulf aviation market.

The promotional sale, which began with early access through the airline’s digital platforms on February 1, officially ran from February 2-5, 2026. Bookings made during this period are valid for travel between February 11 and December 31, 2026, covering the carrier’s entire route network.