Month: September 2023

Travel & Explore

Why you should visit Dubai ?

head dubai September 7, 2023 No Comments

Las Vegas and Dubai have a lot in common. Both cities have a passion for the spectacular, and their skylines shine like beacons against desolate desert surroundings. Travellers from all over the world swarm to these glittering oasis to play hard. However, due to its magnificent seashore overlooking the cream-colored Persian Gulf, diverse culinary scene, and strange vistas, Dubai unquestionably surpasses the old Sin City as a vacation destination. A better and larger metropolis is being planned as the current one keeps growing. At one point, it was estimated that this area was home to one-fifth of all construction cranes in the globe. That suggests that Dubai’s growth may not even be limited by the sky.

Dubai is home to the tallest structure in the world, one of the largest shopping malls, and one of the largest man-made marinas. Although on a smaller scale, this emirate is nevertheless linked to its past as a small harbor town. The vibrant Gold and Spice Souks (marketplaces) thrive within the gigantic Dubai Mall. On Dubai Creek, traditional wooden abras (boats) coexist with motorboats. Jumeirah Public Beach’s natural dunes border the skillfully sculpted Palm Islands. Despite constantly looking toward the future, this metropolis finds it difficult to let go of the past. Dubai’s popularity as a travel destination was aided by this dynamic, and it will continue to be so.

Best Travel Months
From November to March is the ideal time to travel to Dubai. In terms of weather, Dubai only really has two seasons: hot and hotter. The city experiences clear sky and ideal beach weather during the winter. On the other hand, this is also the busiest travel period, so Jumeirah Beach should be crowded. If you go during the summer, you can avoid the throng, but you should be ready for triple-digit temperatures and high humidity levels.

Dubai Money Saving Tips
Make advance plans Dubai travel will be pricey. But if you book a hotel stay two to three months in advance, you’ll have a higher chance of getting a better deal.

Come throughout the summer. During this time of year, the majority of visitors can’t handle the heat, therefore there is little competition for the best hotel deals.

Remain sober Outside of restaurants and bars, where prices are nearly as exorbitant as those of the Burj Khalifa, alcohol is rarely provided. If you forego the beverages, you’ll save a lot of money.

Customs & Culture
The United Arab Emirates is made up of seven states (sometimes known as “Emirates”): Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al Quwain. The sheikh, or Arabic ruler, is in charge of each emirate. The Federal Supreme Council, the UAE’s legislative and executive branch, is presided over by the sheikh of Abu Dhabi, with the sheikh of Dubai serving as vice president. Dubai has long been the commercial and financial center of the emirates, despite the fact that Abu Dhabi is the formal capital of the UAE.

What to Eat
Spice is the main component of Emirati cuisine, the main cuisine of Dubai. Put down the salt and pepper; in Dubai, a larger selection of seasonings, some of which you might not be familiar with (Is za’atar in your spice cabinet? ), have already been sprinkled into the meal to add all the taste you’ll ever need. Cardamom, what about it?). The easiest way to explore Dubai’s diverse culinary environment is to start with the basics because there are so many intriguing and exotic dishes to try there.

Traveling in Dubai
The subway or a taxi are the two greatest ways to navigate about Dubai. Even though Dubai’s prices are high overall, a few trips in the taxi won’t break the budget. They also provide you the freedom to move whenever you want, without having to worry with traffic. Travelers can reach the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai International Airport (DXB) using the metro system in Dubai. Nearly 10 miles separate the airport from Dubai’s city center. The airport also offers automobile rentals, but be warned: driving in this region is not for the timid.

Requirements for Entry & Exit
An official U.S. passport that is still valid at least six months after your arrival date is required for Americans traveling to the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, travelers must have a return ticket or other documentation proving they will be leaving the UAE within that 30-day window. Travelers are required to get a tourist visa in advance of departure for stays longer than 30 days. Americans leaving the UAE by land will have to pay a departure tax of 35 dirhams ($9.60), which can only be paid in local currency.

Travel & Explore

The first-quarter tourism earnings in Saudi Arabia more than tripled to $9.9 billion.

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During the first three months of 2023, the monarchy welcomed roughly 7.8 million visitors.
As the country tries to draw more tourists from abroad and diversify its economy away from oil, tourism revenue in Saudi Arabia increased by more than three times in the first quarter of 2023 to 37 billion Saudi riyals ($9.86 billion).

As more people visited, incoming tourism revenue surged by 225% as compared to the first quarter of 2022, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), a state-run news agency.

The kingdom welcomed 7.8 million tourists in the first three months of 2023, its best quarterly performance and a rise of 64% from the same period in 2019, before to the pandemic.

According to the SPA, the increase in revenue caused the kingdom to report a balance of payments surplus for the tourist industry in the first quarter, totaling 22.8 billion riyals, as opposed to a loss of 1.6 billion riyals in the same period previous year.
The National tourist Development Strategy’s goals are aligned with the Ministry of Tourism’s “efforts to strengthen the tourism sector and its role in the growth of the national economy,” according to the agency.

The kingdom’s tourism policy has established objectives such as bringing in 100 million new visitors, having the tourist sector contribute 10% of the gross domestic product, and creating 1 million new jobs by 2030.

According to data released in May by the World Tourism Organization, Saudi Arabia became the second-fastest growing tourist destination for the first quarter of 2023.

According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the country’s travel and tourism industry will expand by an average of 11% annually over the following ten years, making it the Middle East’s fastest-growing market.

According to a report from July 2022, by 2032, the sector might account for over 635 billion riyals of Saudi Arabia’s GDP, or 17.1% of the country’s whole economy.

Over 93.5 million tourists — 77 million local and 16.5 million foreign — traveled to Saudi Arabia in 2022.

Ahmed Al Khateeb, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, stated during an investment summit in Paris in June of this year that the country hopes to bring in 30 million tourists this year.

“The pandemic is over… We anticipate significant growth this year,” he stated at the time. He stated that it is “very doable” to reach the goal of 100 million visits by the end of the decade.

Additionally, he urged investors to seize “amazing opportunities in a market that remains untapped with a high rate of expansion over the next decade or two.”

The Saudi Tourism Investment Company, or Asfar, was founded in July by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund to aid in the sector’s expansion.

According to the PIF, the company would make investments in new tourism projects and create tourist destinations including lodging, attractions for tourists, retail, and food and beverage options in towns all around Saudi Arabia, the region’s largest economy.

Asfar will seek to provide a supportive environment for regional suppliers, contractors, and small and medium-sized firms to construct tourism projects in addition to providing co-investment opportunities to the private sector.

In order to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place to accommodate the anticipated amount of foreign visitors over the next ten years, the kingdom is additionally making investments in the aviation industry.

By 2030, the new national airline Riyadh Air hopes to have connections to more than 100 locations worldwide. It will start flying in 2025.

The national airline of Saudi Arabia, Saudia, and its low-cost affiliate, flyadeal, are both situated in Jeddah.

In November of last year, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced the opening of a new airport in the nation’s capital, Riyadh, with six parallel runways and the capacity to handle 120 million passengers annually by 2030.

Technology

The accelerator programs at the Dubai Centre for AI draw 615 businesses from 55 countries.

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30 entrepreneurs have reserved their places in the programs and will create cutting-edge AI solutions throughout the course of the 8-week program.
Since the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI) was established earlier this year by the Dubai Future Foundation, 615 startups from 55 different countries have sought to participate in the DCAI’s accelerator programs.

To give advanced technology startups and entrepreneurs the chance to explore AI uses and applications in the government and media sectors at AREA 2071, 30 startups have secured their spots in the programs and will develop their creative AI solutions during the 8-week program.

The first of its kind accelerator was created in collaboration between DCAI and Dubai Future Accelerators, a project of the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF).

The program encourages the creation of ground-breaking AI-based solutions to existing and upcoming problems in two key industries: media and communications and government services.

“The launch of this program follows the establishment of DCAI by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation, with the aim of converting Dubai into a global pioneer in the deployment of AI tools in the public sector,” said Saeed Al Falasi, Director of DCAI.

“The DCAI Accelerator Programmes helps the government sector in Dubai by creating new initiatives and identifying fresh approaches to present and upcoming problems,” he stated.

This international program supports startups and business owners from all over the world, strengthening Dubai’s position as a pioneer in utilizing emerging technologies to keep up with quick developments in many industries.

“This program has global significance and has drawn interest internationally,” Al Falasi continued. It symbolizes a cutting-edge strategy by which Dubai hopes to draw digital firms to collaborate with government organizations to use AI tools to shape the future of governance and improve everyone’s quality of life.

The Future of Generative AI in Government Services and the Future of Generative AI in Media and Communications are the two programs that make up the DCAI Accelerator.

The Future of Generative AI in Government Services Program intends to elevate Dubai to the top of the world in terms of governmental services by utilizing technology to the highest levels of speed, quality, and efficiency. The program’s main goals are to improve operational efficiency, develop new, creative services, enhance existing services, and give government workers access to generative AI tools to boost productivity and guarantee that everyone, everywhere may access services.

The Future of Generative AI in Media and Communications Programme is focused on collaborating with international AI startups to use the most recent methods for producing media content, streamline distribution, increase reach, customize user experiences, cut costs, increase quality and income, apply AI for data analysis and strategic planning, and assist advertisers in maximizing their return on investment and personalizing ads using AI.

The DCAI Accelerator Programs give business owners the chance to accelerate their company’s growth and broaden their customer base in new local, regional, and international markets. Additionally, entrepreneurs have the chance to collaborate with governmental organizations and network with professionals and specialists in a variety of emerging industries in the UAE and throughout the world.

A specialized committee made up of specialists in AI applications will assess the projects. Successful candidates will receive invitations to Dubai, where they will collaborate closely with administrative bodies to create their projects and get ready for implementation.

Technology

STC of Saudi Arabia purchases a 9.9% interest in Telefonica of Spain

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STC announced on Tuesday that it has paid 8.5 billion Saudi riyals ($2.27 billion) for a 9.9% interest in Telefonica, a Spanish company.

STC, the largest mobile operator in the country, will be able to increase its global presence in important markets thanks to the cooperation.

The Middle East and North Africa region’s leading provider of digital goods and services, STC, declared it had no plans to take controlling ownership of Telefonica.

According to Mohammed Al Faisal, chairman of STC Group, “Telefonica and STC Group share a lot in common with a vision to use technology to link people and a strategy to drive growth.”

“STC Group is continuing its growth strategy as we invest in crucial technology and digital infrastructure sectors with this long-term, significant investment,”

One of the biggest telecom firms in the world, Telefonica is based in Madrid and has operations in Brazil, Germany, Spain, and the UK.
In order to increase its free cash flow, which the company estimates might reach €4 billion ($4.3 billion) this year, Telefonica is set to submit a plan in November.
The most recent investment is consistent with STC’s expansion ambitions and growth strategy.

According to investment bank EFG Hermes, “the investment supports STC’s capital recycling efforts and growth strategy to expand in promising markets and profit from the return on these investments, which enhances the company’s ability to invest in new domains and maximize shareholder returns in a sustainable manner.”

The long-term effects of this investment will be favorable, and they won’t have an impact on STC’s approved dividend policy.

STC finished its €1.22 billion acquisition of the communications tower assets from the Netherlands-based United Group last month.

The Internet of Things (IoT) business Machinestalk was purchased in full by iot squared, a joint venture between STC and the Public Investment Fund, the sovereign wealth fund of the monarchy, in the same month.

The Riyadh-based Machinestalk’s field services capabilities, technology, unique IoT platforms, internal development capabilities, local and international partner as well as client contacts will offer value for iot squared, according to a previous article from the Saudi Press Agency.

According to Olayan Alwetaid, chief executive of STC, the company’s investment in Telefonica demonstrates STC’s confidence in the company’s “leadership, strategy, and ability to create value.”

Instead, Mr. Alwetaid added, “We see this as a compelling chance to invest to use our strong balance sheet while maintaining our dividend policy. We are not looking to acquire control or a majority stake.”

Telefonica stated in an SEC filing that it “takes note of STC’s welcoming manner and its backing to the management team, Telefonica’s strategy, and Telefonica’s ability to create value.”

The largest economy in the Arab world, Saudi Arabia, said earlier this year that it will invest more than $9 billion in its technology industry to support the country’s digital transformation.

According to Abdullah Alswaha, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, the investments are spearheaded by a $2.1 billion promise from Microsoft, which would develop a super-scaler cloud in the nation.

They also include $400 million from China’s Huawei to improve Saudi Arabia’s cloud infrastructure as well as Oracle’s promises to contribute $1.5 billion to increase the nation’s cloud computing capacity.

Technology

The primary industries of the UAE’s future will be shaped by four technologies.

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Big data analytics, AI, machine learning, and the Internet of Things are all expected to increase productivity and operational effectiveness.
According to the chief executive of Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company, investments in critical information and communications technology verticals are anticipated to be vital in advancing the UAE’s sustainability goals as it prepares for the economy of the future.

According to Fahad Al Hassawi, who spoke to The National on the sidelines of the Envision conference in Dubai, four emerging technologies—the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data analytics—are expected to boost operational effectiveness and productivity across a range of industries.

In cooperation with the International Data Corporation and the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technologies, Envision, hosted by EITC, also known as du, took place.

They can increase efficiency by implementing these technologies in important industries like manufacturing, agriculture, and smart cities, among others.
“With innovations spanning many sectors, ICT is a cornerstone in the UAE’s drive toward sustainability and plays an essential part in encouraging sustainability through facilitating innovations in many sectors,”

Real-time data analysis and collection will revolutionize decision-making procedures and spur innovation to new heights. In addition, he added, digitalization investments aimed at implementing automation, robotics, machine learning, and digital twins in various sectors of the economy will help lead initiatives to promote sustainability through lower carbon emissions.

Data-driven approaches to waste management and water conservation will save expenditures on an annual basis and boost the nation’s gross domestic product.

The UAE is making significant investments in its technical capabilities and launching a number of initiatives as it gets ready for the future economy.

According to the most recent data from the Ministry of Economy, ICT spending in the UAE is anticipated to reach $23 billion in 2024, representing a compound annual growth rate of 8% from 2019.

According to the report, the contribution of AI alone is anticipated to reach $96 billion by 2030, or 14% of GDP.

According to Statista estimates, global ICT spending is anticipated to reach $5.8 trillion in 2023, an increase of 6.4% year from 2022.

economic expansion
The UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative, which aims for Dh600 billion ($163 billion) in investments in clean and renewable energy sources over the next three decades, is supported in large part by advanced technologies.

In addition to promoting economic growth, ICT solutions also help achieve environmental objectives, according to Mr. Al Hassawi.

The development and implementation of “smart cities,” which are being promoted by various nations, encapsulates the significance of cutting-edge technologies.

According to Mr. Al Hassawi, they are “being crafted” in the UAE with an emphasis on streamlining public services, transportation infrastructure, and energy use.

According to statistics from Research and Markets, the market for smart cities will grow more than 2.5 times to $1.52 trillion by 2030 from an estimated $594.4 billion this year.

“The UAE is at the forefront of pioneering the merging of technology and sustainability in urban development as a result of leveraging the benefits of technology in urban environments,”

With an emphasis on technology and sustainability, the UAE continues to grow its manufacturing and industrial sectors.

By boosting the use of machine learning, deep learning, AI, additive manufacturing, and the Internet of Things in the value and supply chains that underpin the UAE, its Industry 4.0 initiative, which was unveiled in October 2021, aims to help the country realize its economic potential.

In addition to implementing waste-to-energy projects in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah, the UAE is additionally implementing other sustainability initiatives and will be hosting the Cop28 climate summit in November.
When finished, it is predicted that these projects will supply energy to hundreds of thousands of residences.

The UAE’s dedication to ensuring its citizens have a sustainable future is highlighted by these developments, according to Mr. Al Hassawi.

Precision farming, hydroponics, IoT, and data analytics are examples of developments in agricultural technology that are improving crop productivity and water conservation.

According to the latest data from the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park, vertical farming is a notable application, accounting for over 36% of the UAE’s AgriTech market.

According to Mr. Al Hassawi, “this strategy helps decrease the UAE’s reliance on food imports, supporting the employment market, and ensuring food security.”

Technology

Future skyscrapers of Masdar City in Abu Dhabi will be powered by data and artificial intelligence.

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Later this year, the company plans to unveil the first net zero building in the UAE at Cop28.
According to its chief executive, Masdar City in Abu Dhabi intends to use artificial intelligence to develop more effective and intelligent methods to promote the smart city agenda for the UAE capital.

Ahmed Baghoum claims that the sustainable research and development center, a division of Masdar, the renewable energy company based in Abu Dhabi, aims to gather and analyze data in a “swift manner” to support its objectives.

On the sidelines of the Envision conference in Dubai, which was put on by the Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company, commonly known as du, he added that this would help people see patterns in the consumption of water and power, as well as in transportation and mobility, and it would also help them become more efficient.

The “creation of the next wave” of structures and other assets, which will be supported by improved monitoring and control, will be significantly aided by smart technology as well, he added.
“AI is a major player in today’s world; it forms the foundation of every industry. Therefore, Mr. Baghoum remarked, “AI is unquestionably very crucial to us in order to establish more seamless processes and automations to run those cities.

Buildings and assets are now communicating with one another more frequently. This richness of data will be crucial in helping to construct a motivated and integrated society.

Masdar City is creating the first net-zero buildings in the UAE, which will use solar power and include several high-tech features.

According to Mr. Baghoum, additional projects as well as the “grand opening” of one of the buildings will be revealed at the next Cop28 climate conference in November, which the UAE will be hosting.

Masdar City also provides significant financial support to businesses that create green technology.

Currently, its portfolio includes more than 1,000 businesses that are committed to long-term economic, financial, social, and environmental sustainability. These businesses include both large corporations and small and medium-sized businesses.

“We work directly with our partners to draw in all the technologies to pilot them and then implement them at Masdar City,” Mr. Baghoum stated.

“We act as a testing ground for their technologies, allowing them to advance and experience the impact of their technologies firsthand,”

Thanks to its digital-first initiatives, Abu Dhabi has maintained its position as the most intelligent city in the Middle East and North Africa, according to the International Institute for Management Development’s Smart City Index for 2023 published in May.

The most recent information and communication technologies are used in smart cities to connect people and objects, increase operational effectiveness, and stimulate total economic activity.

In three assessments starting in 2020, Mena ranked Abu Dhabi as the smartest city, placing it 13th overall. In 2022, the IMD did not publish an index.

Dubai’s overall position of 17th made the UAE, along with Switzerland, Australia, and Germany, one of only four nations with multiple cities in the top 20.

According to a previous statement by Abu Dhabi’s Technology Innovation Institute, the two emirates are also “well positioned” to lead the way in developing into fully developed smart cities. A number of initiatives have been put forth to aid in the transition to a cutting-edge digital economy.

Masdar City, meanwhile, is still concentrating on sustainability-related innovation. It was revealed last month by Adnoc and National Central Cooling Company that Masdar City would be the “first project” in the Gulf to use geothermal energy for power.

“The UAE is at the forefront of sustainability; it is no longer a wish-list item or a “nice to have” concept. It’s hardly surprising that it is now a necessity, according to Mr. Baghoum.

“Sustainability has risen to the top and established itself as the standard. We occasionally had doubts about whether sustainability would be successful, but we have shown that it is.

The projects of Masdar City are intended to assist the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative, which calls for investing Dh600 billion ($163 billion) in clean and renewable energy sources over the following three decades.

According to Mister Baghoum, Our long-term goal is to pioneer, advance, and focus efforts on going net zero by 2050, of course.

“We’d like to do that ahead of time and be in the forefront of the efforts.”

Food & Beverages

The UAE’s Food and Beverage Sector is Being Driven by 7 Top Trends

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With one of the largest food and beverage sectors in the region, the UAE is unquestionably one of the most alluring markets in the Middle East for exporters of these goods, coming in second only to Saudi Arabia. According to the statistics, industry spending is projected to impressively reach $44.5 billion in 2023! And with over 90% of the nation’s food coming from abroad, the need for imported food is practically unparalleled. The market is extremely competitive, but it can also be very lucrative for the appropriate brand and product.

1. Consumers Who Travel Through Food

UAE customers are constantly eager to explore new cuisines and are developing a rising hunger for new international flavors and meals due to the country’s highly globalized economy and its large expat population. The popularity of international cuisine increased as a result of COVID-19’s two-year dampening of travel opportunities as a way to experience other cultures without leaving the country. Asian cuisine is particularly popular, with customers frequently visiting Thai, Chinese, and Japanese restaurants.

2. Expensive Foods Continue to Be Popular

With a projected GDP per capita of US$41,800 by the end of 2022, the UAE is one of the richest nations by international standards. The substantial, affluent Western expat population in the UAE can be partly blamed for this high income. The huge demand for imported, high-end foods results from this consumer base’s high income and Westernization. In the UAE, Australian goods currently enjoy a solid reputation for quality, particularly in the market for high-end processed foods, and demand is anticipated to increase as disposable incomes increase. The need for new speciality foods and niche items is also being fueled by a young, experienced consumer base, which furthers the premiumization process.

3. People Value Convenience Highly

The UAE has a very urbanized population—86% of people live in cities! Due to the rapid rate of urbanization and the restoration of normalcy following the COVID-19 shutdown, consumers are leading increasingly stressful and busy urban lifestyles. It therefore comes as no surprise that demand for convenience is increasing, particularly in the food and beverage industry. Pre-made ready meals and frozen foods are becoming more and more popular, and over the next five years, strong growth is predicted in this market as a result of rising demand, manufacturer innovations that result in more nutrient-balanced frozen foods, and investments in cold chain logistics.

4. How Popular Non-Alcoholic Beverages Are

In the UAE, which is predominately a Muslim nation, only specific retail and dining establishments are permitted to sell alcohol. As a result, customers increasingly choose non-alcoholic beverages, which have shown double-digit growth over the past two years. The foodservice industry has been keeping an eye on a recent trend that is increasing consumption, especially at the more upscale end of the market, and encouraging demand for higher-quality alcohol-free beverages: the popularity of non-alcoholic bars like The Virgin Mary Bar. Customers are specifically looking for beverages that may mimic the flavor and sensation of alcoholic drinks.

5. Trends in Organic, Health, and Plant-Based Foods Keep Growing

The UAE has adopted Western eating trends due to the presence of an expat community. The epidemic has considerably increased the demand for nutritious, useful, and organic foods and beverages, which is one of these trends. The pandemic has forced people to rethink their bad lifestyle choices and place a greater emphasis on health and wellbeing. Given the high rates of obesity—more than 30% of the population—in the UAE, this has assumed particular importance. Sales of goods including organic juices, low-calorie selections, and substitute milks have increased particularly. There is a strong focus on organic food in particular, which has become the UAE’s fastest-growing sector. The UAE also depends on organic imports due to its arid climate which represents a unique opportunity for exporters in space.

These developments are being driven by sustainability issues in addition to health concerns. Even though it’s still primarily just a trendy word, UAE consumers are paying more attention to the sustainability and origins of the food they eat. This can be seen in actions like cutting back on meat consumption or switching to a more flexible diet. In actuality, 35% of buyers increasingly prioritize sustainability when choosing a brand. Foodservice establishments are already reacting, and an increasing number are expanding their menus to include vegetarian and vegan options. As consumer awareness of plastic pollution grows, so are retailers, with supermarkets boosting their selection of plant-based, sustainably sourced goods as well as plastic-free products.

6. Gut-healthy foods and superfoods supported by wellness trends

Beyond more general health issues, a few substances in particular are grabbing the attention of consumers. For instance, people are becoming more aware of the advantages of “superfoods” like goji berries, kale, and chia seeds as they actively seek them out as sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Natural foods, such as pure honey, wild salmon, or fresh fruits and vegetables, which each offer specific health advantages, are undoubtedly the focus. Ingredient lists are getting shorter and shorter in the packaged food industry as a result of this trend. Foods that support gut health, such as yoghurt and kimchi, are another area to monitor as probiotics and digestive health become popular buzzwords.

7. Increase in Sports Nutrition

As we’ve seen, the epidemic made the population of Emiratis more aware of the value of eating well. But the emphasis on leading an active lifestyle goes hand in hand with this trend. As a result, even prior to the pandemic, there has been a considerable increase in the demand for sports nutrition products. Products including protein powders, protein bars, ready-to-drink items, weight-management items, and dietary supplements are among the main areas of concentration here. This demand is a reflection of both the market’s exposure to Western culture and body standards as well as the rise in health consciousness. The expansion of health food stores like Holland & Barrett, which carry sports nutrition items along with a wide selection of vitamins and supplements, is one effect of this trend.

 

Food & Beverages

Bring Your Best Products to Market with Fish Focus

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Processors of battered and crumbed fish and shrimp are now more productive, efficient, and safe than ever thanks to new equipment and processing techniques. The key to processing the best breaded fish is clean, effective, high-capacity frying, and the fryer used to prepare items like these has a significant impact on the quality of the final product.

Heat and Control, a single-source provider, offers a comprehensive selection of industrial processing equipment that enables you to stay on top of consumer trends, meet demand, and market your best fish products.

Breading Applicator for SureCoat

Processors are substantially investing in equipment to help them make (or expand their range to include gluten-free versions of conventional favorites) due to the approximately 121 million gluten-free consumers worldwide. The two largest trends in breadings right now are gluten-free and clean label; to assure the quality of a new recipe and ensure you are getting the same crispiness and flavor development as traditional breadings, dealing with an experienced, food industry supplier is recommended.

The SureCoat Breading Applicator from Heat and Control provides complete coverage on all product surfaces with the hardest-working applicator in the industry. It is appropriate for items including seafood, meat, poultry, vegetables, prepared dishes, and meat substitutes and has the shortest changeover and cleaning times in the industry.

The special design of SureCoat applicators enables it to evenly apply batter or flour pre-dust, granular and non-free-flowing breadings, and even fine Japanese-crumb or flake coatings. Large diameter, adjustable-speed augers are used to quickly transfer the breading, and top and bottom coatings can be adjusted separately for better coverage of all product surfaces.

Fried Breaded Goods

For goods like tempura shrimp, chicken nuggets, bone-in chicken, meat patties, breast fillets, meatballs, egg rolls, coated vegetables, and meat substitutes, the Breaded goods Fryer also offers clean, effective, and high-capacity frying.

This popular product is made to operate effectively and continuously. By removing the heating elements from the fryer pan, the system oil volume is greatly reduced. Every minute, 100% of the system oil volume is circulated between the fryer, filter, and external heat exchanger, resulting in superior oil quality and the highest quality output.

To protect the product’s coatings and orientation, the incoming oil and product velocities are precisely matched. Oil inlets with a gentle flow avoid high-velocity currents and maintain a constant oil flow and temperature throughout the pan’s breadth.

This fryer uses 25–40% less system oil than comparable direct heated fryers since it only uses as much oil as is necessary to completely cover your items. This increases the oil turnover rate and extends the shelf life of your goods.

The market for food processing is extremely competitive, and demand from consumers for new and unique prepared food products is rising. Developing your recipe or broadening your product line can be difficult, but with the correct tools, you can bring your best products to market.

Heat and Control provides equipment testing and trials and can assist you in optimizing your food processing operation.

Food & Beverages

Unveiling the Middle East’s Future of Healthy Food in Dubai 2023.

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The region’s leading Free From Food Event will debut in Free From Food Dubai, sponsored by Expo Business Communications, alongside partner UAE Food & Beverage Business Group (FBMG). The event is scheduled to take place at Le Méridien, Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, United Arab Emirates, on September 20 and 21 from 08:00–17:00. The growing Healthy, Organic, Vegan, Plant-Based, Functional, and Free-From food sectors across Middle Eastern nations will undergo a change thanks to Free From Food Dubai.

The most committed social gathering of its kind, Free From Food Dubai is dedicated to promoting a better lifestyle and meeting the rising need for nutrient-dense food options.

The gathering of renowned worldwide food producers, importers, merchants, retailers, and different distribution channels from European, Asian, and Middle Eastern nations offers a special setting for networking, knowledge sharing, and company expansion.

Additionally, this two-day, 100% B2B event will include a physical showcase of cutting-edge companies and products, a thorough program of carefully selected matchmaking with a guarantee of a high number of meetings for attendees, and a conference schedule with keynote speakers from around the world in their respective fields. Professionals will gain vital market knowledge and instruction from presentations on the topics of free-from, vegan/plant-based, natural/organic, functional/healthy ingredients, and product features.

With the participation of more than 50 international businesses, Free From Food Dubai has attracted considerable interest from well-known industry players. Notably, the UAE Food & Beverage Business Group (FMBG), organizers of the concurrent Future Food Forum, have pledged their support for the event. Bolst Global, Halal Trade & Marketing Center, and Global Management are a few more backers who help Free From Food Dubai maintain its position as a pioneering effort in the field of healthy foods.

Top businesses that have made significant inroads into the global market are featured among the exhibitors, including Ladou, Luca’s Natural, Steviala, Organic & Natural Co., Polyhealth, Clearspring, Happy Planet People, and many others. Their involvement highlights the importance of Free From Food Dubai in fostering global business prospects and stimulating industry innovation. With effective matching services planned by Global Management Dubai, a meeting professional and seasoned organizer for the Saudi Export Development Authority and the Saudi Pavilion at Gulf Food, attendees and exhibitors will be ready to make the most of their time. Previous visitors to the Free From Food events in Barcelona in 2019 and Amsterdam in 2021 said that the event’s special matchmaking was one of their favorites, with 97% of attendees forming new business relationships and 95% anticipating purchases after the event.

Free From Food Dubai will be held concurrently with the expo and FBMG’s 5th edition of the Future Food Forum, which will feature a complete conference program with talks from well-known leaders in the food industry and a wide range of themes. There are two particularly noteworthy sessions: “Unveiling the Future: Trends Driving the Food and Beverage Industry” and “Applying Innovation for a Sustainable Future: Accepting Circular Economy Principles.” Intriguing panel discussions will also center on the subjects of “How AI is changing the Food Processing and Manufacturing Industry?” and “The Future of Food: Nourishing Health and Wellness.”

Over a thousand people will attend the event, giving them access to the exhibition. and the matchmaking program, which hosts more than 200 sessions every day, guarantees worthwhile connections and encourages successful business partnerships.
Participants who register in advance are guaranteed free admission to the exhibition as well as a number of exclusive benefits. Don’t pass up this chance to take part in the Middle East’s largest healthy food event!

Development in Dubai

As the real estate market booms, Dubai aims to reduce the risk of debt.

head dubai September 2, 2023 No Comments

With its global ambitions restored thanks to a quick economic recovery following COVID, Dubai is vying for talent and investment to fuel long-term growth.

The opulent Gulf city-state’s strategy is a revamp of a flashy economic model that for years prioritized real estate investment, tourism, and money inflows from abroad.

Real estate is once again thriving, aided by Russian demand amid the conflict in Ukraine and looser residency regulations. Analysts believe that stronger safeguards are in place this time to prevent a recurrence of the issues that brought down Dubai following the global credit crunch in 2008.

Dubai, home to the tallest building in the world and artificial islands, has ambitious new objectives: D33, a 10-year economic strategy, seeks to quadruple the size of the economy and elevate Dubai to one of the top four financial centers on the planet.

By 2040, it also plans to extend its public beaches from 21 kilometers to 105 km and revitalize the dusty Palm Jebel Ali island, which was abandoned after the 2008 financial crisis.

According to data by Knight Frank, with 219 home sales over $10 million in 2018, Dubai was the fourth busiest ultra-prime real estate market in the world. Tourist numbers are virtually back to levels of 2019.

In addition, the demand for ultra-high-end goods and the rise in real estate prices are bringing back regrets from earlier excesses.

Dubai was severely impacted by the global financial crisis in 2008, which resulted in a capital and population exodus, a collapse in real estate values, and highly leveraged flagship businesses known as government-related enterprises (GREs) that were having trouble paying off loans.

The oil-rich capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi, eventually intervened with a $20 billion lifeline that is generally anticipated to be renewed a third time.

Nasser Al Shaikh, who led Dubai’s finance division until 2009, told Reuters that there is a danger that Dubai would become an unaffordable place to live and that new construction must ensure that there is a sufficient supply of mid-range housing to fulfill demand as the population rises.

“If developers in the private sector are unable to accomplish that, then the government and GREs may have a bigger role to do that while keeping prices reasonable,” Shaikh added, alluding to the top businesses that have driven Dubai’s explosive rise.

According to official figures, Dubai’s population increased to about 3.55 million in 2022, up 2.1% from 2021 and 4% since 2020; S&P estimates it to surpass 4 million by 2026.

The possibility of a significant new round of borrowing (by GRE developers) based on irrational expectations for real estate sales exists, but Justin Alexander, director at Khalij Economics and Gulf analyst at GlobalSource Partners, is optimistic that this risk will be reduced as a result of lessons learned from previous cycles.

In response to an inquiry for comment on how its strategy ensures that growth is sustainable and not speculative, the Dubai Media Office did not provide a response right away.

In order to acquire funds and expand its financial markets, Dubai established a Debt Management Office in 2022, paid off or restructured certain outstanding debt, and announced intentions to sell government holdings in 10 enterprises. Last year, it mentioned four of those.

Shaikh claimed that current financial officials had gained knowledge from the past mistakes of last 15yrs.

“Dubai has a strategy today, and the growth of capital markets is a key aspect of Dubai’s overall financial idea, not only to generate liquidity and pay off debt but also to deepen capital markets inside the financial sector.”

Worldwide Safe Haven

Dubai, the economic hub of the United Arab Emirates, has invested heavily in corporate and social reforms as well as industries like digital technology. Unlike the wealthy capital Abu Dhabi, less than 2% of GDP is derived from oil.

According to real estate research firm CBRE, villa prices increased by almost 15% in Q1, driving up average real estate prices by 12.8%. Sales of villas have topped 2014 peaks. Behind India and the UK, Russian buyers were third in Betterhomes’ list of the top 10 purchasers for May.

According to Richard Waind, group managing director at Betterhomes in Dubai, “Dubai has really established itself as a global safe haven,” adding that it is secure for families, politically, and economically.

“The market is no longer speculative. This market is based on sincere investment. That, in my opinion, is a significant departure from what we witnessed in 2008–2009 and perhaps the most recent peak in 2014.

According to S&P, Dubai’s gross general government debt will decrease from 78% of GDP in 2020 to 51% of GDP, or approximately $66 billion, by the end of 2023. However, due to large non-financial GRE liabilities, the overall public sector debt will remain elevated at approximately 100% of GDP.

Dubai’s five-year credit default swaps, which measure the price of insurance against a default, fell to a record-low 66 basis points on March 8 of this year, a significant decline from the 316 basis points it achieved at its peak during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

According to the 2022 Financial Times ‘fDi Markets’ study released last month, Dubai garnered an estimated $12.8 billion in FDI capital last year; FDI into Saudi Arabia was roughly 30 billion riyals ($8 billion).

Dubai’s infrastructure, schools, and hospitals continue to be in high demand despite increased competition from Gulf neighbors.