President Sheikh Mohamed meets with Vladimir Putin During Official Russia Visit

President Sheikh Mohamed arrived in Moscow on Sunday for an official visit aimed at enhancing the longstanding relationship between the UAE and Russia. His visit includes high-level discussions with President Vladimir Putin, who hosted a special dinner in his honor at his official residence that evening.

During the dinner, Sheikh Mohamed expressed gratitude to President Putin for his dedication to strengthening UAE-Russian relations. In return, Putin emphasized the importance of furthering bilateral ties, as reported by state news agency WAM.

Upon his arrival at Vnukovo International Airport, Sheikh Mohamed received an official reception, complete with a guard of honor and the playing of both countries’ national anthems.

Delegation and Agenda

Sheikh Mohamed’s delegation is notable, comprising key figures such as:

  • Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs
  • Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs
  • Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad, Adviser for Special Affairs at the Presidential Court
  • Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology
  • Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade
  • Ahmed Al Sayegh, Minister of State

On Monday, Sheikh Mohamed and President Putin will engage in discussions aimed at bolstering cooperation across various sectors, including economy, trade, investment, and energy. Their talks are part of the strategic partnership between the two nations, and they will also address regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Previous Engagements and BRICS Summit Participation

This meeting follows Sheikh Mohamed’s prior engagements with Putin, including a state visit to the Emirates in December, where they discussed issues such as the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. The two leaders also met in St. Petersburg during Sheikh Mohamed’s working visit to Russia last June.

Notably, the UAE has become Russia’s largest trading partner in the Gulf, accounting for 55% of total Russian-Gulf trade. During this visit, Sheikh Mohamed will also participate in the 16th BRICS summit, held in Kazan from October 22 to 24. This marks the UAE’s inaugural participation in the summit as a member, having joined the bloc, which initially consisted of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, in January 2024.

Sheikh Mohamed’s visit underscores the UAE’s commitment to fostering strong ties with Russia, highlighting the importance of collaboration in various sectors to support mutual interests.

Dubai Airport to Implement AI-Driven Facial Recognition for Seamless Travel Experience

Dubai Airport is set to replace all physical passport control stations and smart gates with facial-recognition cameras powered by artificial intelligence, allowing travelers to be continuously scanned and verified as they navigate through the terminal.

According to a senior government official, there will be no need for passengers to stop and present documents from the moment they enter the airport until they board their flights. “The concept of gates and passport corridors will be eliminated,” he stated.

This comprehensive system will confirm travelers’ biometric data, identify them, and officially record their arrival or departure during the passport control process. Khaled bin Madia Al Falasi, Deputy Assistant Director for Smart Services at Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, emphasized, “We have all the travelers’ data; we have all the citizens’ and residents’ data.”

The system will collect biometric prints as passengers pass through the airport, get off the plane, retrieve their luggage, and head to their vehicles—effectively removing the sensation of encountering border control.

The advanced Travel Without Borders program, which will be implemented in collaboration with airlines and other partners, is expected to launch “very soon” at Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central, according to Al Falasi.

Initially, the network of facial-recognition cameras will cater to first-class and business-class passengers, providing them with a “seamless” travel experience through departure and arrival halls, with plans to extend the system to all travelers.

First-time visitors to Dubai airports will need to complete an app-based “pre-registration process” prior to arrival. Al Falasi explained, “We will perform a match the first time upon entry, and then they can utilize the Travel Without Borders system.”

Emirates Crowned ‘World’s Best Airline’ in Telegraph Travel’s 2024 Study

UAE-based Emirates Airline has earned the distinguished title of “World’s Best Airline” in the Telegraph Travel’s comprehensive 2024 study. This evaluation scrutinized 90 international airlines, showcasing Emirates’ outstanding performance across more than 30 key service metrics.

The airline rose to the top following an extensive assessment that included data from over 18 independent international awards, passenger surveys, and expert evaluations. Important performance indicators such as punctuality, baggage handling efficiency, route network coverage, fleet modernization, and overall inflight service quality were taken into account.

According to the Telegraph Travel report, “Emirates ticks nearly every box,” reinforcing its dominant position in the global aviation landscape. The airline operates the world’s largest fleet of Airbus A380s, which has transformed passenger comfort across all cabin classes. These “superjumbo” aircraft are renowned for their spacious configurations, providing ample legroom even in economy class—a vital factor in today’s competitive travel market.

Premium travelers have special reason to celebrate, as Emirates’ premium economy service, available on 21 major international routes, has been recognized as “the best in the sky.” This service features meticulously designed leather seats with a generous 40-inch pitch, advanced entertainment systems, and exclusive dining options, including vintage champagne.

In business class, Emirates continues to stand out with its comprehensive door-to-door service, which includes the increasingly rare complimentary chauffeur transfers. First-class passengers are treated to what Telegraph Travel calls “the finest wine list of any carrier,” along with the unique luxury of onboard showers available on A380 flights.

This premium experience extends beyond the cabin, with access to over 34 dedicated airport lounges globally, including seven located in Dubai. Emirates serves 140 cities across 77 countries, showcasing its extensive route network. This remarkable connectivity, coupled with consistent service excellence, earned the airline top honors in Telegraph Travel’s reader poll, where around 30,000 participants named it the best long-haul carrier worldwide.

The year 2024 has already been remarkable for Emirates, having secured 19 major industry awards in the first half alone. Notable accolades include seven prestigious Skytrax World Airline Awards, recognizing excellence in various categories such as inflight entertainment and family-friendly services. The airline’s innovative ice entertainment system, offering over 6,500 channels in more than 40 languages, has consistently been praised for its diverse content and superior connectivity options.

Further validation of Emirates’ leadership came from the Business Traveller Middle East Awards, where it was named “Best Airline Worldwide,” along with awards for its premium economy class, first-class service, airport lounges, and frequent flyer program. The airline’s dedication to customer loyalty was also recognized at the International Loyalty Awards, where Emirates Skywards was honored as the “Global Loyalty Programme of the Year Middle East.”

Families traveling with Emirates benefit from the airline’s thoughtful service approach, which includes priority boarding, spacious seating configurations, and dedicated entertainment options for children. The airline pays special attention to unaccompanied minors and provides services for neurodivergent passengers, underscoring its commitment to accessible travel.

Emirates’ success is further complemented by technological innovations. AirlineRatings.com recognized the airline for its superior inflight entertainment and connectivity solutions, offering all passengers some form of complimentary Wi-Fi access to enhance their travel experience.

The methodology used in the Telegraph Travel study incorporates multiple independent sources, making it a reliable measure of airline excellence. As the air travel landscape continues to evolve, Emirates’ dedication to innovation, comfort, and service excellence positions it as a leader in the industry. This latest accolade as “World’s Best Airline” not only highlights current achievements but also points to a promising future for premium air travel.

Emirates Expands Boeing 777F Freighter Fleet Amid Rising Cargo Demand and Delays

Dubai’s Emirates Airline, recognized as one of the largest cargo carriers globally, is moving forward with an expansion of its Boeing 777F freighter fleet to meet the expected surge in global cargo demand. According to industry sources, the airline has placed fresh orders for additional 777F freighters, despite ongoing tensions with Boeing over delivery delays of the next-generation 777X passenger jets.

Boeing confirmed it had received orders for 11 777F freighters in September from undisclosed buyers, and sources have revealed that Emirates is among those customers. However, both the airline and Boeing have declined to comment on the specifics of the deal.

Emirates has been a long-time operator of the Boeing 777 family and holds the title of the largest customer for the delayed 777X model, which Boeing recently announced will be pushed back to 2026 due to ongoing industrial challenges. Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, recently expressed frustration over the cumulative six-year delay of the 777X, adding to the complexities surrounding the airline’s fleet expansion.

Currently, Emirates operates around a dozen Boeing 777F freighters, with four more on order, and is leasing four 747 freighters with crews to meet rising demand. As the airline looks ahead, it’s in discussions to further grow its cargo fleet, considering the freighter versions of the newer Airbus A350 and Boeing’s future 777X models. Emirates aims to triple its cargo fleet by 2030 to keep pace with the global demand for air freight.

A senior Emirates executive recently hinted at upcoming announcements regarding further investments in freighters. Meanwhile, analysts point out that the delays in passenger planes have further fueled the need for dedicated freighter aircraft. As a significant amount of air cargo typically travels in the bellies of passenger jets, the shortage of passenger planes has shifted focus toward freighters.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that average global cargo yields increased by 12% in August, marking the highest growth in over two years. This uptick in cargo yields underlines the growing demand for freighter capacity, especially as passenger plane production faces delays from both Boeing and Airbus.

 

Dubai Reduces Dh47 Billion Debt as IPOs and Corporate Tax Fuel Revenue Growth

Dubai’s economy has seen a robust recovery since the pandemic, with all sectors experiencing exponential growth. As a result, the Dubai Government has successfully paid off over Dh47 billion in debt, according to a new report released on Wednesday.

Global rating agency S&P highlighted that the emirate repaid Dh40 billion in debt during 2022-2023 and an additional Dh7.1 billion in bonds. This significant reduction is expected to bring Dubai’s general government debt down to 34% of its GDP by the end of 2024, compared to 70% in 2021.

S&P noted that the government’s debt repayment included a Dh20-billion loan from Abu Dhabi and the Central Bank of the UAE and Dh7.1 billion in bonds. This debt reduction has been supported by Dubai’s booming economy and strong revenue streams, including the introduction of a 9% corporate tax.

In addition to the tax, the government has monetized several of its assets through IPOs over the past two years, raising approximately Dh33 billion. Major listings included partial sales of Dewa, Salik, Empower, and Tecom. With more companies scheduled to go public, Dubai could see further financial boosts, helping to reduce debt or fund significant projects like airport expansions.

Dubai’s gross government debt is expected to decline further, with S&P predicting fiscal surpluses from 2024 to 2027 and no additional debt issuances during this period. However, funding for large-scale projects such as the Al Maktoum Airport expansion and the Tasreef rainwater drainage system remains uncertain in terms of timing and government participation.

Gold Prices in Dubai Reach New Heights as 22K Hits Dh304 per Gram

Gold prices in Dubai surged to an all-time high on Friday, driven by a global increase that saw gold surpass $2,700 per ounce. According to the Dubai Jewellery Group, 24K gold rose by Dh2.50, now priced at Dh328.25 per gram. Meanwhile, 22K gold hit Dh304 per gram, with 21K and 18K priced at Dh294.25 and Dh252.25 per gram, respectively.

Chris Weston, head of research at Pepperstone, noted that gold bulls are closing the week with renewed confidence after major price milestones were broken. The breakthrough above the $2,700 mark has left sellers absent from the market, further driving prices up.

Weston acknowledged the rapid rise in gold’s value, commenting on the steady demand for this safe asset amid market volatility. While gold’s price movement lacks the volatility seen in cryptocurrencies, its stability appeals to risk-averse investors.

Deenar’s co-founder, Maruf Yusupov, highlighted gold’s strong performance in recent months, achieving multiple record highs. He credited this growth to central bank policies and regional conflicts, which have boosted investor sentiment towards gold as a reliable safe haven.

As of Friday, the global price of gold stood at $2,708.44 per ounce, marking a 0.55% increase.

UAE Pioneers Palm ID Technology for Payments: Goodbye Cards and Apps

In a groundbreaking move, the UAE is set to become the first country in the Middle East to introduce ‘Palm ID’ technology for payments and cash withdrawals. Soon, residents won’t need credit cards, mobile apps, or traditional payment methods. Instead, a simple palm scan will complete transactions.

This cutting-edge technology is being developed by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) and is currently in the final stages of development. It aims to link residents’ palm vein biometrics to their personal profiles, offering a faster, more secure, and seamless experience for accessing services and making payments.

Unveiled at Gitex Global 2024, Palm ID is part of the UAE Vision 2031 initiative. The technology will be available in public and private sectors, allowing residents to pay bills, withdraw cash from ATMs, and even access metro stations by scanning their palms instead of using cards.

Palm ID offers a less intrusive alternative to facial recognition technology, as the unique patterns of each person’s palm veins ensure security and privacy. Registration will be simple—residents can link their biometrics to their Emirates ID or other official documents through the ICP platform.

The UAE is expected to roll out Palm ID once the regulatory framework is completed, marking a new era in smart living and digital innovation.

UAE’s GDP Expected to Grow by 4.1% in 2025, Says World Bank

The World Bank has announced that the UAE’s economy is projected to grow by 3.3% in 2024 and then increase to 4.1% in 2025. This information comes from their latest semi-annual report on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

The report highlights that the UAE will see the highest growth in real GDP per capita, estimated at 2.5% in 2024 and 3.4% in 2025, mainly due to strong performance in the non-oil sector.

However, the UAE’s current account surplus, which reflects the country’s earnings from exports versus its spending on imports, is expected to decrease from 9.2% of GDP in 2023 to 7.5% in 2024. Despite this, the UAE is predicted to maintain healthy fiscal surpluses of 4.9% of GDP in 2024 and 4.7% in 2025.

In terms of regional growth, the overall GDP for MENA is anticipated to rise to 2.2% in 2024, up from 1.8% in 2023. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including the UAE, are expected to see stronger growth, increasing from 0.5% in 2023 to 1.9% in 2024 and further to 4.2% in 2025.

While oil-importing countries in the region may experience slower growth, oil-exporting countries are forecasted to see a decline in their growth rates as well.

Overall, the UAE is set to continue its path toward economic expansion, driven by its diversification efforts and robust non-oil sector performance.

 

Abu Dhabi Announces Plans for Second Sphere Entertainment Venue in Partnership with Sphere Entertainment Co

Abu Dhabi is set to host the world’s next Sphere entertainment venue, following in the footsteps of Las Vegas. The announcement was made by Sphere Entertainment Co. and Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism on Tuesday, positioning the UAE capital as the next destination for cutting-edge multimedia entertainment housed in a giant, glowing spherical structure.

The new Sphere will play a key role in Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030, which seeks to enhance the city’s reputation as a global hub for culture and innovation. H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, emphasized that the project aligns with the emirate’s commitment to pioneering new standards in immersive entertainment.

“By embracing groundbreaking entertainment projects like Sphere, we are not only elevating Abu Dhabi’s global profile but also setting new benchmarks for immersive experiences and cultural offerings,” Al Mubarak said in a news release.

James L. Dolan, executive chairman and CEO of Sphere Entertainment, shared that this new location will expand the company’s vision of establishing a global network of venues. While details about the Abu Dhabi Sphere’s exact location remain undisclosed, the new venue will mirror the impressive scale of the Las Vegas Sphere, which boasts a capacity of 20,000 and has redefined entertainment experiences since opening in September 2023 with performances by rock legends U2.

The Las Vegas Sphere, standing 366 feet tall and 516 feet wide, is recognized as the world’s largest spherical structure. Inside, it features the world’s highest-resolution wraparound LED screen, offering an immersive visual spectacle. The exterior, fitted with 1.2 million LED lights, allows dynamic imagery to be displayed on a massive scale, making it a visual landmark in its own right. The Las Vegas venue cost a staggering $2.3 billion to construct.

The Abu Dhabi project is part of a franchise agreement between the city’s tourism authorities and Sphere Entertainment, subject to the finalization of definitive agreements. While details about the construction timeline and cost remain unavailable, funding for the venue will come from Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism, with a franchise initiation fee payable to Sphere Entertainment for the right to develop the venue.

As plans move forward, Abu Dhabi is set to further cement its status as a leader in innovative entertainment and cultural experiences, building on the success of the Sphere in Las Vegas and aiming to provide audiences with an unforgettable new venue.

Range Developments Launches The Beach Vista at Al Marjan Island, Offering Prime Beachfront Living Opposite Wynn Resort

On October 15th, Range Developments successfully launched The Beach Vista at Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah, during an exclusive event held at the Bluewaters Forum, Banyan Tree Dubai. The prestigious launch drew significant interest from brokers, providing a first look at the last beachfront residential project directly opposite the Wynn Al Marjan Resort—MENA’s first iconic gaming destination.

The event, hosted by Range Developments’ Managing Directors Mohammed Asaria and Riaz Shariff, showcased The Beach Vista as an unparalleled opportunity for luxurious beachfront living. Brokers were introduced to the development’s standout features through detailed presentations, a 3D model, and insights from the Range Developments team. Known for its global expertise, Range Developments has earned a reputation for creating world-class luxury resorts and residential properties.

The Beach Vista will feature 151 units, ranging from 14 studios, 120 one-bedroom residences, and 17 two-bedroom apartments, many of which offer breathtaking views of both the beach and the Wynn Al Marjan Resort. The development promises a premium lifestyle with exclusive access to resort-style amenities such as a swimming pool, gym, and residents’ club, all just minutes away from Al Marjan Island’s vibrant entertainment and dining options.

Range Developments’ portfolio includes highly acclaimed projects like The Beach House and The Beach Residences, both also located on Al Marjan Island. The Beach Vista marks their third project on the island, further solidifying their reputation for delivering spectacular beachfront properties.

Globally, Range Developments has completed projects such as the Park Hyatt St. Kitts and the InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa, and they are currently finalizing the InterContinental Grenada Resort, set to open in 2026.

The exclusive Beach Vista launch signals strong demand for beachfront living in Ras Al Khaimah, where the real estate market continues to flourish. With the Wynn Al Marjan Resort set to elevate the region’s tourism and economy, The Beach Vista offers an exceptional investment opportunity, combining luxury living with high potential returns. Prices for the units start at AED 1,140,000, with a 70/30 payment plan.

“Ras Al Khaimah is rapidly emerging as a top destination, and The Beach Vista, being the last beachfront development opposite the Wynn Resort, represents an exclusive investment in this dynamic market,” said Mohammed Asaria. With limited units available and strong demand, The Beach Vista offers an unparalleled opportunity for those seeking beachside luxury in one of the UAE’s most sought-after locations.