First laptop produced in Riyadh demonstrates progress since the Lenovo & ALAT strategic collaboration was announced – marking the next phase of local technology production, with mass production expected to begin in late 2026

Dubai, ​September​ 1​, ​2026​ : Lenovo today unveiled its first laptop manufactured in Saudi Arabia, marking a major milestone in the company’s journey to establish a world-class manufacturing and innovation ecosystem in the Kingdom. As Lenovo continues to expand its presence across Saudi Arabia, the launch reinforces its commitment to developing local talent, advancing technology innovation, and strengthening the Kingdom’s position as a global manufacturing hub.

Unveiled at LEAP 2026 and produced in Riyadh, the device represents one of the first products to emerge from Lenovo’s manufacturing facility in the Kingdom. With mass production of limited products commencing in late 2026, the facility will contribute to the development of local industrial capabilities while supporting Lenovo’s regional and global operations.

Tareq Alangari, Senior Vice President and President, Lenovo Middle East, Türkiye and Africa, said: ” At LEAP last year Lenovo and ALAT announced an ambition to help establish Saudi Arabia as a global technology and manufacturing hub. Today, we are proud to unveil the first Lenovo laptop manufactured in the Kingdom. This announcement is proof of what can be achieved when long-term investment, local talent, and ambitious national goals come together. With this in mind Saudi Arabia will play an increasingly important role in Lenovo’s global manufacturing, innovation, and supply chain network.”

“Today’s milestone reflects what long-term partnership can deliver. Alongside Lenovo, ALAT is helping build advanced manufacturing capability in Saudi Arabia. This creates skilled jobs, develops Saudi talent, and strengthens the industrial foundation for Vision 2030. What matters most for us is that the capability we build together stays in the Kingdom for the years ahead.” Said, Dr. Muhammad Aldawood, Acting CEO, ALAT

Over the past year, Lenovo has significantly expanded its presence in Saudi Arabia through the establishment of its META Regional Headquarters in Riyadh. Lenovo has also advanced plans for research and development facilities, with the recent appointment of Dr. Rabeah Alzaidy, who will lead its R&D initiatives in Saudi Arabia. When it comes to Saudi talent development Lenovo has established a strategic partnership with ALAT, the Human Resources and Development Fund and the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, with the first cohort of Saudi engineers completing specialized training at Lenovo Global manufacturing facilities.

These investments are designed to strengthen local capabilities, accelerate knowledge transfer and research activity, and create opportunities for Saudi talent to gain experience in engineering, advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies.

Saudi Arabia is an important part of Lenovo’s global manufacturing and supply chain network and the Riyadh facility is the first globally to produce Lenovo’s full portfolio of products, including PCs, desktops, Motorola smartphones, and servers. It further expands Lenovo’s globally diversified production footprint of more than 30 sites in 11 different countries, while contributing to the Kingdom’s ambitions to become a regional hub for advanced industry.

At the same time, Lenovo is bringing its industry-focused AI solutions and services to Saudi Arabia to help enterprises accelerate innovation across sports, manufacturing and retail. Solutions showcased at LEAP include Lenovo’s Physical AI : Robotic Inspection, which helps customers in oil and gas, power and utilities improve inspection efficiency, reduce manual effort and enhance safety. Alongside advanced technologies supporting global sporting organizations, these solutions show how Lenovo is turning AI into real business value through industry-ready innovation.

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Dealing’s Guinness World Records™ achievement puts a number on something the investment industry has been working towards for years: using technology to give investors broader access to global markets at meaningful scale.

Dubai , September 1, 2026 : The financial industry has spent years proving that stocks can be tokenised. The more important question now is, how far can that idea scale?

For much of the tokenised-equities market, the answer has so far been measured in hundreds or, in some cases, low thousands of stocks and ETFs. Finvasia-backed global investment platform, Dealing.com has taken a fundamentally different approach, with 24,343 tokenised stocks available for trading through a single platform, the highest number independently verified by Guinness World Records™.

That difference in scale matters. If tokenization simply gives investors digital versions of the same small group of prominent stocks they could already access, little changes from an investor’s point of view.

At 24,343 stocks, the conversation becomes bigger, moving from whether a stock can be tokenised to whether tokenisation can help investors access a substantially broader part of the world’s public markets through a single investment experience.

“The industry has already demonstrated that stocks can be tokenised. The next challenge is whether tokenization can genuinely broaden investment access at scale,” says Tajinder Virk, co-founder and CEO of Finvasia Group and Dealing. “Providing more than 24,000 tokenised stocks required us to build the market connectivity, regulatory relationships, custody, and technology capable of supporting that much larger universe.”

Several prominent tokenised-equity offerings publicly describe universes measured in hundreds or low thousands of securities rather than tens of thousands. Robinhood, for example, launched its European Stock Tokens offering in 2025 with more than 200 US stocks and ETFs and has since expanded to more than 2,000. xStocks currently offers more than 700 tokenised stocks and ETFs. 

Dealing’s 24,343, therefore, does not represent an incremental increase in choice. It represents a different order of magnitude. Because tokenization should expand the market, not just digitize the obvious.

Looking beyond the most obvious opportunities

An investment idea rarely stops at one company or one market. Take artificial intelligence: an investor may begin with the major technology names, but the opportunity stretches into semiconductor manufacturing, data centers, networking, energy, cooling systems, and industrial automation across different companies, markets, and market caps.

Dealing’s tokenised stock universe makes it possible to explore more of that ecosystem through one platform while bringing the benefits of tokenised infrastructure with it. Transactions can settle in around six seconds, investors participate in the economic performance of the underlying stock, and corporate actions such as dividends and stock splits are reflected accordingly.

“Investors increasingly think beyond a single market,” says Virk. “Tokenization gives us the infrastructure to make that wider opportunity more accessible while preserving the economic exposure investors expect from the underlying stock.”

24,343 is also an infrastructure story

Creating a digital representation of one security is one challenge; supporting more than 24,000 of them consistently is another.

Every additional security and market introduces operational requirements around market data, custody, corporate actions, regulatory frameworks, trading infrastructure, security, and technology. Those requirements multiply as the universe expands.

Behind the 24,343 stocks sits infrastructure connecting real-time multi-market data, token issuance processes, custodial relationships across relevant jurisdictions, compliance systems, and cybersecurity.

The investor may see one stock on one screen, but behind it, multiple systems need to work together. At this scale, tokenisation stops being only a technology story and becomes a market-infrastructure story.

Dealing’s wider platform currently provides access to 70,000+ investment opportunities across 15+ global exchanges, serves investors across 120+ countries, and is supported by more than 30 licenses and registrations worldwide.

Tokenisation itself is moving from pilot to scale

Tokenisation is no longer a fringe experiment in financial services. McKinsey estimates that total tokenised market capitalization could reach approximately $2 trillion by 2030, excluding cryptocurrencies and stablecoins, while noting that the industry is moving from pilots towards at-scale development as infrastructure matures.

The next phase will therefore be judged less by whether financial assets can exist on blockchain-based infrastructure and more by whether that infrastructure can solve meaningful problems at scale.

For tokenised equities, breadth is one of those tests: can platforms move beyond a limited collection of high-demand stocks and give investors access companies across more markets and sectors? Can custody, compliance, and market connectivity scale alongside the number of assets, while ultimately producing a simpler experience for the investor?

Dealing’s 24,343-stock record provides one real-world answer to those questions.

A different benchmark for tokenised investing

Dealing has already been recognized by Guinness World Records™, but the more interesting question now is what the record tells the industry.

For the first phase of tokenised equities, success meant proving that publicly traded stocks could be represented and made accessible through blockchain-based infrastructure.

The next phase is more demanding. It is about scale, market breadth, interoperability, regulation, investor understanding, and whether tokenization can materially improve the way people access global financial markets.

“The record is important, but the number is really evidence of something larger. If the infrastructure can support more than 24,000 tokenised stocks today, the conversation should no longer be about whether global investment access can expand. It should be about how far we can take it”, concludes Virk.

The significance of Dealing’s milestone therefore extends beyond the record itself, shifting the question from “Can we tokenise stocks?” to “How much of the world’s market should an investor be able to access?”

As tokenisation moves from experimentation towards scaled financial infrastructure, 24,343 represents a new benchmark for what that access could look like- and how much further it could go.

For Dealing, 24,343 is only the beginning.

Singapore ,September 1, 2026 : Gold prices faced short-term pressure during early Asian trading on Tuesday, easing toward $4,443 per ounce at the timing of publication as escalating Middle East tensions pushed crude oil higher and fueled fears of persistent inflation.

Spot gold slipped to $4,440.34 per ounce after holding near $4,454.68 earlier in the session.

A surge in energy prices following recent geopolitical military exchanges has reinforced expectations that the Federal Reserve may maintain a hawkish monetary policy path, adding near-term headwinds to non-yielding bullion.

Sharjah , September 1, 2026 : Sharjah Police welcomed the 2026-2027 academic year with a comprehensive security and traffic system. This included increased deployment and monitoring around schools, activation of a mobile operations room to monitor traffic flow, and enhanced public awareness and communication services, all aimed at supporting student safety and smooth traffic flow.

The Sharjah Police General Command intensified its field efforts on the first day of the 2026-2027 academic year through a comprehensive system of security, traffic, media, and community plans.

It utilised its resources and field teams to enhance road safety, ensure smooth traffic flow, and raise awareness and security culture among community members.

The security efforts extended to Sharjah city and the Central and Eastern regions, through increased deployment and traffic monitoring around schools and the activation of a mobile operations room to monitor traffic conditions during peak hours. This contributes to rapid response and maintains the safety of students and road users.

Sharjah Police, through its 901 call centre, has dedicated a direct service to receive security and traffic-related comments and inquiries concerning schools, ensuring swift action and fostering direct communication with community members.

Awareness and school programmes

On the awareness front, the police conducted various visits and programmes within schools to reinforce traffic safety concepts and community awareness. This was done in conjunction with activating the “Ma’man” platform in cooperation with the Sharjah Private Education Authority to monitor reports related to students and school buses.

A media plan was also implemented, including visual content, designs, and awareness messages targeting different age groups.

Madinah, August 31, 2026 : Lulu has expanded its presence in the holy city of Madinah with the opening of a new hypermarket, further strengthening its retail network serving pilgrims, residents and visitors.

The new store is Lulu’s biggest and its second store in Madinah and 79th store in Saudi Arabia. The Group operates four stores within the Holy Sites, providing pilgrims with convenient access to essential products during the Hajj season.

The new hypermarket in Madinah Al Munawwarah, was inaugurated by Fahad Alyan Al-Mughir, Chairman of the Board, Madinah Chamber of Commerce, in the presence of Ahmed Bakr Zaidan, Secretary General, Madinah Chamber of Commerce and Yusuffali M.A., Chairman of Lulu Group, along with other dignitaries and senior officials.

“This expansion reflects our commitment to providing convenient shopping experiences for pilgrims, residents and visitors, while supporting the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. Our continued expansion in the Kingdom will also create more employment opportunities and contribute to the development of local economy,” said Yusuffali M.A., Chairman of Lulu Group.

“I extend my sincere gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the Government of Saudi Arabia for their continued support,” he added.

Strategically located near the Haramain Train Station on King Khalid Road in Madinah Al-Munawwarah, the new hypermarket spans approximately 95,648 square feet across two floors. It offers a modern and convenient shopping experience, with a wide selection of fresh food, groceries, daily essentials and other departmental products, including home essentials, electronics and mobile accessories, catering to the needs of pilgrims, visitors and residents.

The hypermarket also features ample parking facilities, ensuring a convenient shopping experience.

Also present on the occasion were Saifee Rupawala, CEO of Lulu; Ashraf Ali M.A., Executive Director of Lulu; Mohammed Harris, Director of Lulu Saudi Arabia, and other senior officials.

Dubai, August 31, 2026 : As multigenerational travel continues to
evolve across the Middle East, Shaza Hotels is seeing a significant shift in
what families expect from luxury hospitality, with travellers increasingly
seeking meaningful experiences, greater personalisation and the freedom for
different generations to enjoy a holiday in their own way. Families today are
looking for destinations where they can spend quality time together while also
having the space and choice to pursue individual interests.
“Family travel has evolved considerably,” said Shaji Abu Salih, Vice President
of Business Development & Growth, Shaza Hotels and Mysk by Shaza.
“Families are no longer simply looking for a hotel with good rooms and leisure
facilities. They are looking for experiences that bring generations together,
create lasting memories and, at the same time, recognise that every member
of the family may want something different from the holiday.”
The trend is particularly evident among families travelling from the GCC and
wider region, where Shaza Hotels is witnessing greater demand for spacious
and flexible accommodation, privacy, diverse dining, wellness and recreation,
engaging experiences for younger guests and environments in which families
feel genuinely comfortable.
For Shaza Hotels, who has long placed family at its heart, this evolution is
closely aligned with the brand’s approach to the guest experience.
“A multigenerational family cannot be viewed as one guest segment,” Shaji
explained. “Children, teenagers, parents and grandparents may have
completely different expectations. The opportunity for hotels is to create an
environment that gives them choice when they want it and brings them
naturally together when it matters.”
This balance between ‘togetherness and individuality’ is becoming an
increasingly important consideration in the design of family hospitality.
Spacious accommodation and family-friendly room configurations remain
important, but families are equally influenced by varied dining experiences,
children’s activities, wellness facilities, recreation and inviting social spaces
where different generations can spend time together.

Personalisation is also emerging as an important driver of loyalty.
Understanding dietary requirements, remembering individual preferences,
recognising returning guests and anticipating the needs of different family
members can turn a hotel stay into a much deeper relationship between the
guest and the brand.
“Ultimately, repeat business is built through emotional connection,” said Shaji.
“Families return to places where they feel recognised, comfortable and
genuinely looked after. That sense of belonging is one of the most powerful
forms of loyalty we can create.
Our objective is simple: every generation should be able to experience the
hotel differently, while the family remembers the journey as one shared
experience,” concluded Shaji.

Sharjah, August 31, 2026 : Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) is accepting publisher submissions for the AED 1.4 million Turjuman Award until September 15, 2026. One of the world’s highest-value translation awards,
the prize will be presented at the opening ceremony of the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair.
The award welcomes Arabic works whose first printed translation, in any language, was
published anywhere in the world between 2016 and 2026. Eligible works span intellectual,
cultural and creative fields, rooted in or inspired by Arab and Islamic civilisations. The award
seeks to expand the presence and circulation of Arabic books in international publishing
markets and encourage the translation of Arabic works into new languages. It is the first award
of its kind globally to simultaneously honour both foreign-language translations and the original
Arabic works from which they are translated.
Expanding the impact of Arabic books
HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of Sharjah Book Authority, said: “The Turjuman Award
has given Arabic books an active role in the relationship between Arab culture and the world.
When a book is translated into a new language, it reaches a wider readership and enters new
contexts, including research, criticism and education, extending its contribution to cultural
dialogue beyond its original language. For this reason, the award assesses the value of a
translated work through two complementary elements, the significance of the original Arabic

book and its intellectual and creative value, and the quality of the translation in conveying its
ideas.”
He added: “The Turjuman Award embodies a practical dimension of the vision of His Highness
Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to
strengthen the contribution of Arab intellectual and cultural production to global knowledge.
Guided by the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of
SBA, the award reflects a clear understanding of a book’s journey into new markets, from
protecting publishing rights and ensuring high-quality translation to empowering Arab publishers
to bring their books to the world’s languages and readers. Dividing the award value among the
translator and the Arab and international publishers provides tangible recognition of the role
played by each party and encourages professional relationships that can extend to further
works, languages and markets.”
Honouring all contributors to the creative process
The award allocates AED 910,000, equivalent to 65% of the total prize value, to the winning
international publisher. The Arab publisher holding the original publishing rights to the Arabic
edition receives AED 390,000, representing 27.8% of the prize value, while the translator of the
winning work receives AED 100,000.
Professional submission and judging criteria
Interested publishers can visit the Sharjah Book Authority website for details on applying for and
participating in the Turjuman Award. All submissions must be received by the September 15,
2026 deadline.

Dubai​,  August​ 30​,  2026:​ In line with the directives of the leadership to continue developing
and enhancing the efficiency of Dubai’s road infrastructure to keep
pace with the emirate’s rapid urban and economic growth, while
improving traffic flow and quality of life, Dubai’s Roads and
Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded two contracts for Al Meydan
Street Development Project, one of RTA’s key strategic projects to
enhance Dubai’s main road network, at a total cost of AED 1.161
billion.
Given the scale of the project, the works have been divided into two
contracts to accelerate delivery, realise traffic and development
benefits, strengthen the road network’s readiness to accommodate
future growth, and support urban development and development
projects across the emirate.
The project includes the development of several key intersections
along Al Meydan Street through the construction of 3,700 metres of
bridges and 17 kilometres of roads, in addition to cycling tracks that
will enhance connectivity with the existing cycling network.
The project will serve a number of residential and development
areas with a combined population of more than 500,000 and is
scheduled for completion by the end of 2028.
Highly Efficient Road Network
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the
Board of Executive Directors, Roads and Transport Authority, said:
“RTA continues to deliver strategic projects to develop Dubai’s road
network, guided by the leadership’s vision, which regards
investment in infrastructure as a fundamental pillar of
comprehensive development, enhancing Dubai’s competitiveness
and reinforcing its position as a leading global city in which to live,
work and invest.
“RTA follows a proactive approach to planning and delivery, focused
on developing an integrated and highly efficient road network that
keeps pace with urban, population and economic growth and
delivers high levels of traffic flow and mobility flexibility. This
contributes positively to quality of life and supports the objectives of
the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and Dubai Economic Agenda
D33.”
He added: “Al Meydan Street is one of Dubai’s key strategic
corridors, running parallel to and supporting Sheikh Mohammed bin
Zayed Road and Al Khail Road. The project will strengthen
connectivity across the main road network, provide alternative
routes that improve traffic distribution, enhance traffic flow, and
increase mobility efficiency between key areas.

“It will also raise the capacity of north–south traffic corridors by 18%
and reduce travel time from Al Manama Street and Dubai–Al Ain
Road to Umm Suqeim Street from 30 minutes to 10 minutes, an
improvement of 66%. The project will also support the emirate’s
rapid urban growth.”

Project Details

Al Meydan Street Development Project extends from its intersection
with First Al Khail Street to Umm Suqeim Street, passing through
several key roads, including Al Khail Road, Latifa bint Hamdan
Street and Al Marabea’ Street. The project also includes the
development of Al Marabea’ Street up to Sheikh Mohammed bin
Zayed Road.

Sharjah, August 30, 2026 : Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA) has announced the opening of
participation for the third edition of its student photography competition and
exhibition, “I Am at Sharjah Museums – Through Their Lens: Traditional
Emirati Ornaments,” inviting Cycle 2 and Cycle 3 students from public and
private schools across the United Arab Emirates to submit their entries
starting from Monday, 31 August 2026.
Designed to combine visual creativity with museum-based learning, this
year’s competition theme, “Traditional Emirati Ornaments,” encourages
students to explore and document the beauty of traditional Emirati
ornaments found across various museums under Sharjah Museums
Authority, fostering a deeper appreciation of the nation’s cultural heritage
while strengthening young people’s connection with museums as inspiring
spaces for learning, creativity, and cultural discovery.
The competition invites students to discover traditional Emirati ornaments
across the Authority’s various museums, spanning art, heritage,
archaeology, Islamic civilisation, science, and maritime history in Sharjah,
Khorfakkan, and Kalba.
The third edition of the exhibition will be hosted at Taymiyyah School,
where the winning photographs will be showcased. The exhibition will
officially open on Thursday, 28 January 2027, during a ceremony that will
also announce the competition winners, continuing the initiative’s mission
of celebrating young talent and showcasing students’ artistic interpretations
of Emirati heritage through photography.

Building on the success of its previous editions, the competition has
established itself as a platform for nurturing young creative talent. The
inaugural exhibition was held at Bait Al Naboodah, while the second edition
took place at Al Qasimia School – Museum of Education in Sharjah,
attracting more than 547 submissions from students representing public
and private schools across the UAE. The initiative has played an important
role in reinforcing museums as educational and cultural institutions that
inspire creativity while encouraging students to express their perspectives
on heritage and national identity.
This year’s competition focuses on Traditional Emirati Ornaments, one of
the most distinctive expressions of the UAE’s cultural identity. Students are
invited to capture ornaments found throughout Sharjah Museums
Authority’s museums, including decorative elements featured in traditional
architecture, clothing and textiles, furniture, household objects, and
traditional crafts, with particular emphasis on geometric patterns, floral
motifs, and heritage-inspired decorative designs that reflect the richness
and diversity of Emirati culture.
The competition is open to Cycle 2 and Cycle 3 students enrolled in public
and private schools across the UAE. Winners from both categories will
receive cash prizes, while their photographs will be featured in the
accompanying exhibition, providing participants with an opportunity to
present their work to the public and to photography, heritage, and culture
enthusiasts.
SMA has encouraged students wishing to participate to carefully follow the
competition guidelines. Entries must be original photographs taken during
2026 at one of the Authority’s museums, must not have been submitted to
any previous competition or earlier edition of “I Am at Sharjah Museums,”
and should be submitted as a single JPG image with a minimum resolution
of 300 dpi and without digital manipulation. Photographs will be evaluated
based on their relevance to the competition theme, creativity, originality,
composition, and technical quality.
The Authority noted that the deadline for submissions is Sunday, 25
October 2026. Entries should be submitted via the competition’s
designated email together with the official application form and all required

supporting documents. Winners will be announced during the exhibition
opening ceremony on 28 January 2027.
Through this initiative, Sharjah Museums Authority continues to reinforce its
vision of positioning museums as dynamic educational environments that
nurture creativity, observation, visual storytelling, and critical thinking
among young learners.
At the same time, the competition strengthens appreciation for Emirati
heritage and national identity while encouraging students to reinterpret
traditional cultural elements through a contemporary artistic perspective,
contributing to a lasting relationship between young generations, museums,
and culture.

Sharjah, August 29, 2026 : The Sharjah Collection has announced an exclusive 30% summer discount on stays across its luxury retreats, giving residents and international visitors an opportunity to explore Sharjah’s natural landscapes, heritage and Emirati hospitality at special rates.

The limited-time offer is available at four participating retreats — Kingfisher Retreat, Al Badayer Retreat, Najd Al Meqsar Retreat and Al Rayaheen Retreat.

From pristine beaches and desert landscapes to mountain escapes and nature reserves, the retreats offer guests a combination of luxury, privacy and authentic experiences.

The summer promotion is designed for a range of travellers, including couples looking for a romantic getaway, families seeking an outdoor adventure, and guests looking for wellness or a peaceful break from city life.

Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities, local culinary experiences and nature-based experiences while staying in luxurious surroundings.

Ahmed Ben Zaied, General Manager of Sharjah Collection, said summer is an ideal time to reconnect with nature and experience the diversity of Sharjah’s landscapes.

“Our retreats offer far more than accommodation; they provide immersive journeys where guests can discover nature, heritage and authentic Arabian hospitality in truly distinctive settings,” he said.

Sharjah Collection is known for its portfolio of luxury retreats that combine the emirate’s cultural heritage and natural beauty with sustainable tourism practices.

The 30% Summer Offer is available for a limited period.

Participating retreats

• Kingfisher Retreat
• Al Badayer Retreat
• Najd Al Meqsar Retreat
• Al Rayaheen Retreat

For reservations: +971 6 801 2020
Email: reservations@sharjahcollection.ae