News

Dubaim, April 17, 2026 :  Dubai Safari Park has been officially welcomed as an Institutional Member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) on 19 March 2026, marking a significant milestone in its journey towards global excellence in conservation, animal welfare, and education.

WAZA is the leading global organisation representing zoos and aquariums committed to the highest standards of animal welfare, conservation, scientific research, and public education. With this membership, Dubai Safari Park joins a select group of internationally recognised institutions, reinforcing its position as a credible and responsible wildlife destination aligned with global best practices.

The achievement builds on Dubai Safari Park’s existing membership with the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), further strengthening its international standing and commitment to continuous improvement across all areas of operation.

By joining WAZA, Dubai Safari Park enhances its contribution to global conservation efforts while gaining access to international expertise, research, and collaborative programmes. The membership also enables participation in global initiatives such as conservation funding opportunities and knowledge exchange platforms, supporting the Park’s long-term sustainability and biodiversity goals.

Home to more than 3,000 animals representing over 300 species, Dubai Safari Park is one of the largest wildlife parks in the region. Its continued development reflects a broader vision to integrate conservation, education, and visitor experience within a sustainable and future-focused environment.

Muna Alhajeri, Park Director of Dubai Safari Park, said: “Joining the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums marks a significant milestone for Dubai Safari Park and reflects our ongoing commitment to the highest international standards of animal welfare, conservation, and education. This membership strengthens our role within the global conservation community and supports our efforts to deliver meaningful educational experiences while contributing to the protection of biodiversity. It also reinforces Dubai Safari Park’s position as a responsible and world-class wildlife destination for residents, visitors, and partners.”

David Field, President of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), said:“WAZA is delighted to welcome Dubai Safari Park to this community of progressive conservation zoos. Their achievements to date and the aspirations and ambitions for conservation are truly admirable.”

This milestone reflects Dubai Safari Park’s alignment with global sustainability and biodiversity priorities, supporting Dubai’s broader vision to position itself as a leading destination for sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship. It also strengthens confidence among visitors, families, and educational institutions by reaffirming the Park’s adherence to internationally recognised standards.

Through its WAZA membership, Dubai Safari Park will continue to invest in advancing animal welfare practices, expanding conservation programmes, and enhancing public awareness through education and engagement initiatives. The Park remains committed to delivering high-quality visitor experiences while contributing to global efforts to protect wildlife and natural ecosystems.

Dubai Safari Park continues to play a key role in enhancing Dubai’s liveability, sustainability, and pioneering vision by creating immersive, educational, and responsible wildlife experiences that connect communities with nature.

Bahrain ,April 14 , 2016 : Bahrain’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew 3.5 percent at constant prices in 2025 compared with 2024, according to preliminary national accounts estimates released by the Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA).

Real GDP reached BHD15,709.8 million in 2025 at constant prices, up from BHD15,181.4 million in 2024.

In the fourth quarter, GDP expanded 4.6 percent at constant prices and 5.1 percent at current prices year-on-year, the Bahrain News Agency reported.

The non-oil sector rose by 7.4 percent at constant prices and 7.9 percent at current prices.

Dubai , April 15c, 2026: The UAE has announced that it will host the 2029 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Abu Dhabi, in yet another vote of international confidence in the country’s economy.

The move will further reinforce the UAE’s position as a global financial hub as well as a key partner in supporting the stability of the international economic system and shaping its future direction.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai said: “In a global vote that reflects international confidence and underscores the UAE’s strong financial standing, the United Arab Emirates has been chosen to host the 2029 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund in Abu Dhabi, a clear reflection of the strength and capability of its people.”

His Highness added: These global meetings bring together central bank governors and finance ministers from 190 countries and serve as a key platform to shape global financial stability policies and define the future of the international economy.

H.H. said: Proud of the United Arab Emirates, proud of its economic and financial talent, proud of its growing global standing, and proud of the trust it continues to earn from the world, day after day.

The UAE was selected to host the global event after securing the highest number of votes as part of an international evaluation process, demonstrating global trust in the country’s economic power, institutional readiness, and its stable and resilient economic environment.

The decision is also a testament to the UAE’s balanced fiscal and monetary policies, advanced infrastructure, and extensive experience in hosting major international events, further strengthening its role as a global platform for multilateral economic dialogue.

The hosting also builds on the UAE’s track record in organising such meetings, having previously hosted the same event in Dubai in 2003.

H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, stressed that hosting the 2029 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund is in line with the country’s strategic vision of strengthening international partnerships and reinforcing its role as a key hub supporting global financial and economic stability.

H.H. noted that the UAE will continue to bolster its position in shaping the future of the global economy through an approach driven by openness, cooperation, and flexible fiscal as well as economic policies that stimulate growth and stability.

Sheikh Maktoum added: “This global event will provide a significant platform to promote constructive financial and economic dialogue among countries worldwide. We are committed to providing an ideal environment that leads to tangible outcomes supporting sustainable development and strengthening global financial and economic integration.”

Hosting this major international gathering, Sheikh Maktoum said, also showcases the UAE’s readiness, backed by its sophisticated infrastructure and proven organisational expertise, to serve as a global centre for economic decision-making and an effective platform for building international partnerships that shape the future of the global economy.

The Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund are among the world’s most important economic gatherings, bringing together finance ministers, central bank governors, policymakers and experts from more than 190 countries.

Every year, the meetings provide an ideal setting to discuss global economic priorities, including growth prospects, financial stability, sustainable development and challenges facing the global economy.

Therefore, hosting this event carries significant strategic importance for the UAE, further strengthening its role as a trusted partner in international economic decision-making.

The decision also builds on the UAE’s active role in supporting multilateral cooperation, fostering constructive dialogue between advanced and emerging economies.

Through such platforms, the country seeks to accelerate efforts to develop innovative solutions to global economic challenges while also promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth worldwide.

Sharjah , April 14, 2026 : The real estate sector in the Emirate of Sharjah continued its strong performance during the first quarter of 2026, achieving notable growth in trading value and total transactions despite regional challenges.

Total real estate trading value reached AED18.5 billion, compared to AED13.2 billion during the same period in 2025, marking a growth of 40.7 percent and reflecting the sector’s resilience and growing investor confidence.

According to data released by the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department, the total number of real estate transactions executed during the first quarter reached 29,235, representing an increase of 18.9 percent compared to the previous year.

Abdulaziz Ahmed Al Shamsi, Director-General of the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department, affirmed that the emirate’s real estate sector continues its accelerated growth despite current conditions, supported by investor confidence and an adaptive legislative environment. This reflects the success of strategic plans and enhances the market’s attractiveness for long-term investments.

He added that digital transformation and smart services have contributed to accelerating procedures and improving transaction efficiency, positively impacting customer experience and strengthening Sharjah’s position as one of the leading real estate markets in the UAE and the region.

During the first quarter of 2026, seven new real estate projects were registered in the Emirate of Sharjah. These projects spanned residential, industrial and commercial sectors, reflecting the emirate’s commitment to developing an integrated urban environment that meets the needs of residents and investors while supporting sustainable market growth.

A total of 47 projects in the Emirate of Sharjah have been approved for ownership by non-UAE nationals and GCC nationals since the issuance of Executive Council Resolution No. (30) of 2022 regarding property ownership in the emirate. Among these, three projects received approval during the first quarter of 2026.

Sharjah witnessed a notable increase in the diversity of nationalities investing in its real estate sector during the first quarter of 2026, reaching 113 nationalities, compared to 97 nationalities in 2025.

The number of properties traded by investors of various nationalities reached 15,926, compared to 11,852 properties during the same period last year, reflecting a broader investor base and reinforcing the emirate’s real estate market appeal.

UAE nationals accounted for approximately AED9 billion of the total trading value, represented by 10,099 properties. GCC nationals invested AED0.8 billion across 502 properties, while Arab nationals invested AED3.4 billion through 2,692 properties. Investors from other nationalities accounted for AED5.3 billion across 2,633 properties.

Dubai , April 13, 2026 : the global learning platform formerly known as Quizizz, is launching Learning Uninterrupted, an initiative that puts its full suite of premium tools in the hands of educators across the GCC, completely free of charge, through the end of the 2025–2026 academic year, with no contracts, no payment details and no strings attached.

Learning Uninterrupted is designed to bridge learning for Middle East educators. It is a direct response offering free Premium licenses to all educators to ensure that learning continues without interruption, regardless of what is happening outside the classroom.

Thousands of schools across the Middle East have been forced to suspend classes or go online with little preparation, due to the current situation. Learning Uninterrupted makes a practical difference by providing engagement tools built specifically for online learning and supporting all learning environments. Furthermore, it provides teachers with an AI Quiz Builder for instant lessons and millions of ready-made activities, ensuring there is no disruption to their existing lesson plans.

More than 940,000 teachers are currently engaged in teaching across the GCC countries with more than half of them are in the primary classes. With the spread of online classes due to the current situation, they are teaching from home. The Learning Uninterrupted scheme will help all of them to access the industry-leading Artificial Intelligence (AI) learning tools that will help them to stay ahead of the game.

“Teachers carry an enormous responsibility, and we want to make sure the tools they need are never a barrier. This initiative is our commitment to the educators of this region – we are here, we are ready, and access to Waygroundshould never be what stands between a student and a great learning experience,” Ankit Gupta, CEO of Wayground, says.

Educators or administrators can register their interest through Wayground website. Once registered, users receive full Wayground AI Premium package for free through the end of the 2025-26 academic year. The process requires no contract, no payment details, and carries no obligation. It features seamless Learning Management System (LMS) integration for easy setup and allows for school-wide activation in minutes.

Wayground bridges educational priorities and classroom realities with the supplemental curriculum platform that helps students hit grade-level standards faster. Arabic teachers within this region are fully eligible to use and benefit from the platform. They can curate and translate content they are creating for study purposes in Arabic.

The programme is built on a simple belief: a teacher with the right tools can keep learning alive in any environment whether that’s a physical classroom, a hybrid setup, or a fully remote one. Wayground’s mission has always been to make great learning accessible to every student, everywhere. Learning Uninterrupted is that mission in action.

Participating educators receive full access to Wayground AI Premium, including: AI Quiz & Lesson Builder – Generate curriculum-aligned activities in minutes; Millions of Ready-Made Activities – Searchable by subject, grade, and curriculum standard; Live Lessons & Assessments – Real-time engagement tools that work in any learning environment; LMS Integration – School-wide activation in under an hour and Performance Insights – Actionable data for teachers and administrators alike.

Wayground is pairing the programme with weekly onboarding webinars and dedicated local support across the GCC ensuring every participating school can get up and running without friction.

The Learning Uninterrupted programme has the capacity to benefit all the teachers in the Middle East, as it is for all educators and administrators of educational institutions. The programme explicitly offers these free Premium licenses to all educators. As long as these teachers are seeking to strengthen their digital teaching capacity, planning for potential online transitions, or are already operating fully or partially online, they are eligible for the program. 

Educators and administrators across Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and the UAE can activate their free premium access at: https://learning-uninterrupted.withwayground.com/

Dubai , April 10, 2026 : The UAE has the audacity to defy uncertainty by strengthening its bond with the international community, make them part of its development and it will ride out the current situation faster than expected, HE Satish Kumar Sivan, Indian Consul General, Dubai and Northern Emirates, told the Dubai Chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) – the largest professional organisation in the UAE.

“India has been an integral part of the UAE. Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) form around 40 per cent of the UAE who call the country their home. That’s why NRIs are one of the few communities that are staying back in the middle of the regional conflict as they feel at home in the UAE,” Mr Satish Kumar Sivan told more than 500 accounting professionals attending a gathering in Dubai.

“Adversity is not new to Dubai or the UAE. The country boldly faced the Global Financial Crisis of 2008, the COVID-19 pandemic and came back strong from every crisis. This time also the country will bounce back from the current situation faster than one could think.”

He said, when the conflict broke out on February 28th, the Indian Consulate and Indian Embassy reached out to the community. 

“When we wanted to engage with the community, the first group of professionals that came to our mind was the Chartered Accountants, who have a better understanding of the situation than others,” Mr Sivansaid. “From you, we have received some valuable inputs that we have passed on to the Government. In time of crisis it is the accounting professions who know how to navigate out of the situation.”

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), Dubai Chapter, has recently elected its new Managing Committee for the 2026–2027 term to be led by CA Rishi Chawla the new Chairman who will be supported by CA Amit Khaitan as Vice Chairman, CA Aashna Mulgaonkar as Secretary, and CA Sanjay Gagarani as Treasurer. 

CA Rishi Chawla, Chairman of ICAI Dubai Chapter, said, “The role of the accounting professionals are becoming crucial, especially in an evolving world with so much uncertainty and disruptions. Their role is becoming central to the survival of businesses as they are the financial engineers who know how to lead organisations out of crisis. That’s why, we have undertaken a number of steps to communicate with our members and the industry to share knowledge, adopt technology in order to lead through uncertainty.”

With more than 3,200 members, ICAI Dubai Chapter is the largest business group in the UAE. Established in 1982, it is also the largest, most active and award-winning chapter among the 54 overseas chapters of ICAI. It has registered a phenomenal growth in membership has exceeded 3,200 members who represent more than 1,550 multinationals and other companies.

The newly appointed committee assumes leadership at a time when the UAE’s financial and corporate landscape is undergoing rapid evolution, with increasing emphasis on governance, tax compliance, and strategic financial leadership. The newly constituted committee will further strengthen the Chapter’s role as a hub for professional excellence, industry collaboration, and knowledge exchange within the UAE’s growing financial ecosystem.

Anil Mohta, a Chartered Accountant and Group Chief Financial Officer of DP World, said, “Disruption is no longer an exception, it has become the operating environment. We are seeing disruptions that are more frequent, increasingly overlapping and prolonged enough to reshape how supply chains operate.

“For finance leaders, that changes the conversation fundamentally. Supply chain risk is no longer an operational issue – it is a financial one. Finance now sits at the centre of decisions on – liquidity management, capital allocation and resource prioritisation under uncertainty. Time becomes money in disruption – delays affect revenue timing, margins and cash cycles.

“For financial leaders, the goal isn’t to avoid disruption – that’s not realistic. The goal is to be ready for it – in the balance sheet, in capex flexibility, in how we manage cash, inventory, customer and supply terms. Resilience is no longer just an operational capability – it is a financial discipline.”

As the UAE strengthens its position as a global business hub, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), Dubai Chapter remains committed to supporting its members through continuous professional development, thought leadership initiatives, and strategic partnerships aligned with the nation’s long-term vision. 

ICAI is the largest professional body of Chartered Accountants across the world with over 1,000,000+ students and around 450,000+ members. ICAI has a wide network with five Regional Councils, 176 Branches, 54 Overseas Chapters, and 31 representative offices across the globe. And among 54 overseas chapters, ICAI Dubai Chapter is the largest and most vibrant chapter of ICAI. Of the 8,000 Indian Chartered Accountants active in the UAE‘s private sector, 1,400+ are currently leading businesses in senior positions.

ICAI Dubai Chapter, established in 1982, is the most active and award-winning chapter among the 54 overseas chapters of ICAI. It has registered a phenomenal growth in membership in recent years and currently has over 3,000 members representing more than 1,550 multinationals and other companies.

Dubai , April 9 , 2026 : Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in partnership with
Careem, has announced that more than 10 million cycling trips have been
completed through Careem Bike service since its launch in February 2020
to April 2026. This milestone reflects RTA’s leadership in delivering a safe
and sustainable mobility system, alongside a continued commitment to
encouraging environmentally friendly transport modes and supporting
Dubai’s vision to become a bicycle-friendly city, enhancing community
health and quality of life for residents and visitors.
RTA continues to develop cycling infrastructure through an integrated
network of existing and planned tracks, connecting residential areas with
key destinations and public transport stations. Designed in line with the
highest international standards, these tracks facilitate efficient and
seamless access across the emirate, supporting first- and last-mile
journeys and promoting the use of sustainable individual mobility modes.
To mark this achievement, RTA and Careem honoured the most active
users by awarding complimentary subscriptions to the service and
Careem DineOut vouchers. The most active user was also recognised
after completing nearly 5,000 trips, reflecting Dubai’s growing culture of
active and sustainable mobility.
Careem Bike will offer single-trip passes at a promotional price of AED 9.5
for new users on 11 th and 12 th April using the code BIKE10M, compared to
the standard fare of AED 19. This initiative aims to expand access to
sustainable mobility options and make them more accessible.
Hussain Al Banna, CEO of Traffic and Roads Agency at RTA stated: “The
achievement of more than 10 million trips through Careem Bike service,
used by over one million users, highlights the effectiveness of RTA’s First
and Last-Mile Strategy, which is based on sustainability, shared mobility,
and user safety. Cycling trips also support integration with public transportand promote environmentally responsible mobility behaviours. Since the
launch of the service, Careem Bike trips have contributed to reducing
approximately 6.59 thousand tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions,
equivalent taking approximately 2,084 vehicles off the road.”
Al Banna added: “This achievement reflects the success of Dubai’s plans
and projects to expand the cycling track network and integrate
infrastructure across the emirate. The total length of cycling tracks has
increased from 6 km in 2009 to 636 km by the end of 2025, with plans to
reach 1,000 km by 2030. Infrastructure enhancements in residential areas
and around public transport stations have also contributed to increased
community adoption of cycling as a practical, healthy, and environmentally
friendly mode of transport, resulting in a 23% increase in cycling trips,
from 46.6 million in 2024 to 57.3 million in 2025.”
Bassel Al Nahlaoui, Chief Business Officer at Careem, said: “We are
proud to celebrate the achievement of more than 10 million trips through
Careem Bike service. This milestone, together with the rapid expansion of
the service, reflects the strength of our ongoing partnership with RTA. This
support plays a key role in expanding micro-mobility solutions across
Dubai, ensuring that safe and sustainable short-distance travel options
remain accessible to all.”
Since its launch in 2020, Careem Bike service has established itself as a
key component of Dubai’s public transport ecosystem. The network has
expanded from 71 stations to 210, providing more than 2,000 bicycles and
serving 49 residential communities across the emirate.
The network extends across major residential areas and key destinations,
including Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach and Jumeirah Street, Jumeirah
Lake Towers, The Greens, Barsha Heights, Dubai Water Canal, Dubai
Media City, Downtown Dubai, Al Qudra, Al Karama, and Al Mankhool.

Dubai , April 9 , 2026 : Sanzen has officially commenced construction on Sukoon by Sanzen, a landmark AED 1.5 billion residential development in Sharjah, marking a bold vote of confidence in the UAE’s real estate sector amid a period of regional caution among developers.

The project, which will deliver 859 villas and townhouses across four phases, is positioned as a new model for community living—one that prioritizes everyday wellbeing rather than traditional leisure-focused design.

Construction began on April 7, 2026, following a formal signing ceremony held at Sanzen’s headquarters in Festival Tower, Dubai Festival City. The agreement was signed with PTC Contracting in the presence of senior leadership from both organizations and more than 20 media representatives.

Strategic Partnership and Leadership حضور

The ceremony brought together key figures including Abdulaziz Al Sanad, Chairman of Sanzen; Amro Saleh, CEO and Founder of Sanzen; Mohammad Obaid Alshaali, Chairman of PTC Contracting; and Hesham Mustafa, Project Manager at PTC Contracting.

Phase 1 construction has been awarded to PTC Contracting, a long-established Emirati firm with over 50 years of experience delivering projects across Dubai and Sharjah. The collaboration signals the start of a strategic partnership focused on quality, reliability, and long-term value creation.

A Community Built Around Daily Wellbeing

Derived from the Arabic word for “peace” or “calm,” Sukoon introduces a design philosophy centered on integrating rest and recovery into daily life. Instead of a single central clubhouse, the development distributes wellness amenities throughout the community, ensuring that residents are always within walking distance of green spaces, relaxation zones, and wellness facilities.

At the heart of the project lies a 3,000-square-meter lagoon connecting all four residential clusters, designed to encourage daily routines such as walking and outdoor reflection.

Phased Development with Expanding Amenities

Each phase of Sukoon introduces additional lifestyle features:

• Phase 1 (Under Construction): Recovery pavilion, mindfulness spaces, quiet rooms, waterside pod, and outdoor stretching areas
• Phase 2: Infrared sauna, nap pods, reflexology path, family lawns, and community dining spaces
• Phase 3: Cold plunge pools, padel and tennis courts, and outdoor fitness areas
• Phase 4: Sound healing pavilion, sunset viewing point, and communal gathering spaces

The wider development will also include swimming pools, cycling tracks, children’s play areas, nurseries, mosques, retail outlets, and smart home technology integrated across all units.

Strong Market Response and Sales Momentum

Demand for Sukoon has been robust from launch. Phase 1, comprising 241 units, sold out on its launch day—highlighting strong appetite among both local and international buyers.

Building on this momentum, Sanzen is targeting AED 3 billion in sales within its first year. Phase 2 is now open for bookings.

The developer attributes this confidence to the UAE’s economic resilience and historical performance during global downturns. Investors who entered the market during the 2008 financial crisis reportedly achieved returns of around 80%, while those investing during the COVID-19 period saw gains of up to 150%.

Self-Funded Model and Price Stability

Sanzen emphasized its position as a fully self-funded developer, enabling it to absorb fluctuations in construction costs without transferring them to buyers. As part of this commitment, Sukoon property prices are locked for a minimum of six months.

Executive Commentary

Amro Saleh, CEO and Founder of Sanzen, said the launch reflects a deliberate strategy:

“When others pause, we build. The commencement of construction at Sukoon is a defining moment for Sanzen—and a clear statement of confidence in the UAE economy. We are not simply building homes; we are creating a new benchmark for integrated living.”

Hesham Mustafa, Project Manager at PTC Contracting, added:

“Despite current regional conditions, we are moving forward with full confidence. This project reflects our commitment to delivering the highest standards and creating real value for investors and the market.”

Location and Timeline

Sukoon is strategically located in Sharjah with convenient connectivity to Dubai and Ajman via major highways. The full development is scheduled for completion and handover in the second quarter of 2029.

Dubai , April 9 , 2026 : Smartphones are getting more expensive, and the Middle East is firmly part of that story. In the
final quarter of 2025, the global average selling price (ASP) of smartphones pushed past 400
dollars for the first time. 1 In 2026, that line isn't dropping: forecasts suggest prices will keep
edging higher as mid‑ to premium‑tier phones take a bigger share of what people actually buy.
At the same time, global shipments this year are likely to soften rather than surge as those cost
pressures work their way through the market – a reset rather than a collapse, with better
phones, higher prices, and more cautious upgrade cycles 2 .
Why the Middle East Isn’t an Exception
For the Middle East, the outlook for 2026 closely tracks these global patterns. Regional analysis
flags that growth this year is likely to moderate, as higher component and logistics costs push
pricing up. 3 At the same time, figures for the broader region suggest the market should remain
healthy overall 4 , just more particular than before – buyers are still upgrading, but they are more
selective about where each dirham or riyal goes.

The Hidden Cost of Memory and AI
One of the main reasons prices are rising is hidden inside every phone: memory. The DRAM
and NAND chips that make up a big share of a smartphone’s bill of materials are the same
types of components being bought at scale for AI data centers. 5 As AI infrastructure spending
accelerates, analysts warn that these memory markets are tightening, lifting costs for all device
makers and pushing brands in 2026 to focus less on pure volume and more on the mix of
products they sell. 
At the same time, today’s phones are expected to handle on‑device AI tasks, run demanding
apps on fast 5G – and in places like the UAE, 5.5G – and drive bright, high‑refresh‑rate OLED
displays, which means using more advanced chipsets and larger memory configurations, adding
even more pressure to prices.
Flagship-Level, Without the Flagship Price
Where things get interesting in 2026 is just below those top price points. A clear pattern has
emerged: many people who were ready to upgrade have been choosing phones that sit one or
two levels below the very highest‑priced flagships, rather than stretching all the way to the top. 7
This is not about basic, bargain devices, but about models that deliver a flagship‑like experience
at a more grounded price. With shipments expected to soften while prices keep rising, this
upper‑mid tier is where much of the realistic upgrade action is likely to stay.

Brands Betting on Specs Over Status

In that upper‑mid space, brands such as HONOR and others have been playing a slightly
different game. They are building out their own ecosystems of phones, tablets, and wearables,
but rather than relying mainly on ecosystem lock‑in or long‑standing prestige, they put the focus
on what you actually get for your money: recent‑generation processors, generous RAM and
storage, large batteries with fast charging, capable camera systems, and quality OLED panels.
Across many current line‑ups, it is common to find a phone from these brands offering more
memory or a larger battery than a base flagship from an entrenched rival at a similar or lower
price point.  The same cost pressures that are pushing prices up across the industry still affect
them, but this “spec‑heavy for the price” approach makes their devices feel like stronger value in
a year when every extra dirham or riyal counts.

Are You Paying for the Phone or the Logo?

For Middle East consumers, the implication is not that premium flagships are suddenly a bad
choice. For users who are deeply invested in a particular ecosystem — with watches, laptops,

and subscription services all tied together — paying extra to stay inside that world can still be
rational. What is changing, as global average prices rise and growth cools slightly, is how visible
that trade-off becomes: the logo premium is far clearer when a device that carries it costs
significantly more than another phone with very similar day-to-day capabilities.

Before You Upgrade, Ask This

In a year when prices are rising and upgrades are slowing, it helps to treat a new phone like any
other major expense. Start by asking, at your actual budget, which device gives you the best
balance of camera performance, battery life, and everyday responsiveness – not just the most
familiar name on the shelf. Then look at how much you truly rely on the unique parts of a given
ecosystem, compared with how much of your life now runs through cross‑platform apps like
messaging, streaming, banking, and ride‑hailing.
There is no single “correct” choice, but the momentum in 2026 is clearly towards phones that
deliver most of the flagship experience without the very top‑tier price tag. 9 For buyers in the
Middle East watching prices climb, that is where brands like HONOR, alongside other
value‑focused players, are likely to become more relevant – not as a compromise, but as
options where more of each dirham or riyal goes into the hardware and experience you use
every day, rather than the logo on the back.

Dubai , April 9 , 2026 : Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced a new
global record, with its public bus fleet achieving a cumulative
operational distance exceeding 2 million km per bus while maintaining
high efficiency over 18 years of uninterrupted service. This
unprecedented milestone further reinforces Dubai’s position as a
leading global hub for innovation and sustainability.
This exceptional achievement reflects the success of RTA’s strategy to
maximise asset utilisation and adopt the highest circular economy
standards, while underscoring the efficiency of preventive and
operational maintenance practices implemented across the bus fleet.
Global Benchmarks
Figures confirm that RTA’s buses have surpassed the 2 million km
threshold, significantly outperforming their counterparts in major global
cities. The highest distances recorded were 1.3 million km in London
and 1.4 million km in Singapore. The fleet has maintained
uninterrupted operations for 18 years, exceeding its planned service
life while sustaining high operational efficiency. In 2025, the buses
recorded an availability rate exceeding 93%, alongside an
exceptionally low fault rate compared with global benchmarks.
Success Story
This achievement goes beyond being a mere figure; it represents a
genuine success story that reflects RTA’s vision of developing a smart
and sustainable public transport system that integrates advanced
technology with operational efficiency. It is the outcome of sustained
efforts by a dedicated professional team committed to the highest
standards of quality and performance, reaffirming Dubai’s steadyprogress towards strengthening its position among the world’s best
cities for quality of life and services.
This record milestone represents a qualitative addition to Dubai’s
distinguished track record of achievements and underscores its
continued commitment to delivering innovative and sustainable public
transport services that enhance customer happiness and support
smart mobility across the emirate.
This achievement carries far-reaching strategic dimensions that
reinforce Dubai’s standing as a smart and sustainable city. Extending
the operational lifespan of buses directly reduces waste associated
with vehicle manufacturing and replacement, supporting Dubai’s
environmental sustainability objectives. It also delivers remarkable
savings in capital expenditure by prolonging asset life and deferring
the need for fleet renewal.
Achieving these performance levels reflects the effectiveness of
preventive maintenance plans and precision maintenance practices
managed with high operational efficiency, setting a benchmark
regionally and globally.