Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) 2025 Celebrates Weekly Winners

Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) 2025 Celebrates Weekly Winners

News 1 month ago

Dubai,December 29,2025 : Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) 2025 has begun announcing weekly winners for its citywide Shop, Scan & Win campaign, offering shoppers the opportunity to win from a total cash prize pool of up to AED 1 million. Running from 5 December 2025 until 11 January 2026, the campaign rewards everyday shopping with weekly cash prizes and live winner celebrations held as part of DSF Nights.

As part of the promotion, shoppers who spend AED 200 or more at any participating outlet can scan the QR code on their receipt to enter the digital raffle. Entries are collected weekly, with six winners selected every week across 15 participating malls and community centres in Dubai.

Each Wednesday, raffle winners are announced, following which selected winners are invited every Monday to the DSF Stage for a live celebration experience. During these DSF Nights events, winners spin the wheel and instantly reveal their cash prizes, which range across multiple tiers starting from AED 10,000 up to AED 33,333.

Adding to the emotional resonance of the campaign, the inaugural weekly draw witnessed a particularly memorable moment on stage when two winners discovered they were long-lost friends who had not seen each other for years. Their unexpected reunion during the live announcement created a heart-warming moment, reinforcing the community-driven spirit at the heart of Dubai Shopping Festival’s citywide celebrations.

Several winners shared heartfelt reactions upon being selected, describing feelings of surprise, excitement, and gratitude. One winner noted it was their first-ever win after living in Dubai for 19 years, while others spoke about plans to use their winnings for family celebrations, personal commitments, and upcoming holidays.

Powered by Raffle Tech, the Shop, Scan & Win campaign combines simple digital participation with on-ground excitement, making it easy for shoppers to enter while ensuring transparency and efficiency in winner selection and prize distribution.

Weekly draws continue throughout the festival, with raffle entries closing every Wednesday and live Spin-the-Wheel celebrations taking place every Monday, until the campaign concludes on 11 January 2026.

Others

National Bank of Bahrain Announced as Forum Partner for Sustainability Forum Middle East’s 2026 4th Edition

News 1 month ago

Bahrain , December 29 ,2025 : Sustainability Forum Middle East (SFME) has announced National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) as a Forum Partner for its 4th edition, to be held on 27–28 January 2026 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Bahrain, under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Mohamed bin Mubarak Bin Daina, Minister of Oil & Environment and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs, and with the support of the Supreme Council for Environment.

Held under the theme “Advancing Alignment, Innovation, and Implementation for Energy and Climate Transformation”, the Forum will open with a special address by H.E. Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and will bring together more than 400 senior leaders from government, business, and the sustainability and climate sectors across the region and internationally.

As Bahrain’s national bank, NBB continues to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability through a strong ESG framework aligned with Bahrain’s Economic Vision and national climate goals. The Bank recently launched its Sustainable Finance Framework, supporting the financing of green and social projects in areas such as renewable energy, clean transportation, green buildings, and community development.

As part of the programme, Zaina Alzayani, Group Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer at NBB, will participate in a panel on unlocking climate finance, exploring innovative financial instruments and strategies to support decarbonisation, climate resilience, and sustainable economic growth across the GCC and wider MENA region.

The Forum’s 2026 edition will feature high-level national vision discussions, expert panels, and practical workshops addressing transition finance, energy transformation, industrial decarbonisation, emerging technologies, carbon markets, and human capital development. High-impact workshops will be led by organisations including KPMG, UNDP, and Anthesis Group.

SFME 2026 is supported by Lead Partners SAFA and Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK), Strategic Partner UNDP, and Forum Partners from across key regional industries, reinforcing the growing role of collaboration in advancing sustainable finance and climate action in the Middle East.

Sharjah brings global animation spotlight home with all-new Sharjah Animation and Comics Conference 2026

News 1 month ago

Sharjah, December 22, 2025

Sharjah is expanding its global cultural footprint with the launch of the newly renamed Sharjah
Animation and Comics Conference (SACC), an expanded evolution of the Sharjah Animation
Conference reaffirming the emirate’s commitment to nurturing creative industries and
championing storytelling in all its forms.
The 2026 edition will debut a dedicated ‘Animation and Comics Market’, making a major step in
expanding industry opportunities for creators. Set to run from 26-29 March 2026, the fourth
edition marks a significant milestone in the event’s growth. Spanning a space three times larger
than last year, SACC 2026 will introduce an expanded program featuring bigger stages, larger
exhibition areas, more hands-on workshops, and immersive activations.
As part of its expanded mandate, SACC will launch the official census of Arab illustrators,
authors, artists, animators, and creatives working across the Middle East and North Africa. This
initiative aims to create the first comprehensive mapping of the region’s creative community. All
Arab creators are invited to participate and contribute to building a unified, long-term Arab
creative ecosystem.
Organised annually by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), SACC has become one of the
region’s most influential gatherings for illustrators, animators, publishers, producers and
emerging creators. The previous edition in May 2025 drew more than 5,000 visitors from around
the world, hosting over 70 international experts exploring the rising intersection of AI-driven
innovation and human imagination.

Khoula Al Mujaini, Executive Director of SACC, reaffirmed that the conference continues to build
on the cultural vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme
Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, under the guidance of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour
bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA).
“Sharjah has always believed in the power of creativity to drive knowledge, innovation, and
cultural exchange. Through the Sharjah Animation and Comics Conference, we are not only
connecting creators from across the region and the world, but also nurturing a vibrant
ecosystem where Arab talent can thrive, collaborate, and shine on the global stage. SACC 2026
represents our commitment to building a future where storytelling and imagination shape
industries, inspire communities, and elevate the region’s creative voice internationally,” she
said.

Sharjah Investment and Development Authority achieves 96% sales across flagship projects

News 1 month ago

Sharjah, UAE – December 22, 2025 – The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has recorded AED 5.8 billion in total sales across its flagship real estate projects, achieving 96.4% of units sold across Maryam Island, Sharjah Sustainable City, and Ajwan in Khorfakkan. Together, these developments comprise 4,520 units, of which 4,358 have been purchased by local and international buyers.

Maryam Island, a waterfront joint venture with Eagle Hills, achieved 99% sales with AED 3.14 billion in transactions, while Sharjah Sustainable City, developed with Diamond Developers, fully sold its 1,252 units generating AED 2.5 billion. Ajwan Khorfakkan has sold 62% of its 185 units, totaling AED 271 million, and will feature premium residences alongside leisure and tourism amenities.

The performance underscores Shurooq’s contribution to Sharjah’s urban development and the UAE’s non-oil economy, with real estate representing 7.6% of national non-oil GDP. The results also reflect strong investor confidence and the growing global appeal of Sharjah’s property market.

Yousif Ahmed Al Mutawa, Shurooq’s Chief Real Estate Officer, said the results highlight the authority’s role in driving Sharjah’s urban transformation and providing long-term investment value. He confirmed that new landmark real estate projects are planned to strengthen Sharjah’s competitiveness and promote sustainable growth.

Nisus Finance invests Dh220 million in acquiring Lootah Avenue in Motor City

News 1 month ago

Dubai , December 22 , 2025 :

Nisus Finance Services Company Limited (NIFCO) has acquired Lootah Avenue, a fully occupied residential development in Dubai Motor City, for Dh220.76 million, including acquisition, transaction and refurbishment costs. The investment was made through the Nisus High Yield Growth Fund, domiciled in the Dubai International Financial Centre, with a feeder structure in GIFT City to enable Indian investor participation.

Completed in 2021, Lootah Avenue comprises 273 residential units, along with a medical centre and eight retail outlets. The deal is backed by Emirates NBD and supported by global institutional investors.

The acquisition comes amid continued strength in Dubai’s property market, where real estate transactions reached Dh624.1 billion in the first 11 months of 2025. Nisus Finance said the investment reflects rising institutional confidence in Dubai real estate, particularly in established communities such as Motor City, which has shown stronger price growth than the wider market.

The transaction is Nisus Finance’s largest investment in the UAE to date and more than doubles the combined value of its existing UAE portfolio. The firm said its strategy focuses on ready, income-generating assets to meet demand from end users and investors seeking alternatives to off-plan projects.

Dubai RTA Deploys Drone Technology to Inspect Dubai Metro Tunnels

News 1 month ago

Dubai , December 22 ,2025 : Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has begun using drone technology to inspect Dubai Metro tunnels, in collaboration with metro operator Keolis MHI, marking a major shift in inspection practices and digital innovation.

The RTA said the new technology has reduced inspection time by 60 per cent, improved safety by limiting human exposure to difficult-to-access areas, and enhanced inspection accuracy through high-resolution imagery and wider visual coverage. The drones also enable automated data collection and digital reporting, supporting better maintenance planning and future use of artificial intelligence for image analysis.

The initiative aligns with RTA’s 2024–2030 strategy and the UAE’s National Innovation Strategy, focusing on sustainability, smart infrastructure, and operational excellence. Officials said the move sets new benchmarks for predictive maintenance and asset lifecycle management.

Keolis MHI said the deployment reflects a shared commitment to innovation and safety, contributing to a smarter and more efficient rail transport system.

UAE

Arab Women’s Sports Tournament 2026 venues in Sharjah praised for readiness

News 1 month ago

Her Excellency Sheikha Hayat Al Khalifa, Chair of the Supervision Committee of the Union of Arab National Olympic Committees, has praised the readiness of venues hosting the Arab Women’s Sports Tournament 2026 in Sharjah, citing their high standards of infrastructure, operational efficiency and athlete services.

During an inspection tour across the emirate, Sheikha Hayat commended Sharjah’s ability to deliver an integrated hosting experience that supports the development of Arab women’s sport. She also expressed appreciation to Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi for her continued support, which she described as central to the tournament’s success.

The tour, attended by senior officials from the Union and the tournament’s organizing committees, reviewed competition and training venues to ensure technical, logistical and operational readiness. Officials also met with club representatives, who confirmed their full support for the event.

Her Excellency Hanan Al Mahmoud, Vice Chair of the Supreme Organizing Committee, said the venues reflect Sharjah’s advanced infrastructure, safety standards and commitment to excellence in women’s sport. Meanwhile, Games Director Her Excellency Moza Mohammed Al Shamsi highlighted the importance of precision and coordination in delivering a seamless experience for athletes and delegations.

The inspection covered multiple venues across Sharjah, including women’s sports centers, cultural and sports clubs, and facilities for athletes with disabilities. Reviews included competition halls, training areas, logistics, safety, medical services and security arrangements, ensuring a safe and well-organized tournament environment.

الجسران المنجزان يوفران انسيابية الحركة المرورية باتجاه شارعي الشيخ راشد والمجلس 3

Dubai RTA Opens Two Bridges as Part of Trade Centre Roundabout Development

News 1 month ago

Dubai , December 21 : Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has opened two new bridges under the Trade Centre Roundabout Development Project, improving traffic flow between 2nd December Street, Sheikh Rashid Road and Al Majlis Street.

Opened ahead of the planned mid-January date, the bridges each have two lanes in both directions, a combined length of 2,000 metres, and a capacity of about 6,000 vehicles per hour. The new links reduce travel time from 2nd December Street to Al Majlis Street, Al Mustaqbal Street and Zabeel Palace Street from 10 minutes to just two minutes, while easing congestion at the busy roundabout.

RTA Director General Mattar Al Tayer said the AED 696 million project involves five bridges totaling 5,000 metres and the conversion of the existing roundabout into an at-grade intersection. Overall completion has reached nearly 50%, with phased openings planned.

Another bridge connecting Sheikh Zayed Road to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street is set to open in March, while two more bridges serving Sheikh Rashid Road and Al Majlis Street towards 2nd December Street are scheduled for October 2026. Once completed, the project is expected to cut average delays at the intersection from 12 minutes to 90 seconds.

The development will benefit key areas including Dubai World Trade Centre, DIFC, and surrounding communities, serving more than half a million residents and visitors. The project is part of a wider master plan that includes upgrades to Al Mustaqbal Street, scheduled for completion in 2027

Louis Philippe Enters Bahrain with its 1st Exclusive Store

News 1 month ago

Bahrain, December 20, 2025: – Louis Philippe, the iconic menswear brand celebrated for its timeless
elegance, sartorial finesse, and modern design sensibilities, has announced the launch of its first
exclusive store in Bahrain. The 1,586 sq. ft. store, located at City Centre Bahrain in the Seef District,
was inaugurated by H.E. Vinod K. Jacob, Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Bahrain, Jacob
John, President, Aditya Birla Lifestyle Brands Limited franchisee partner Prakash
Pattabhiraman, Managing Director, Kalyan Silks and Mahesh Pattabhiraman, Executive
Director, Kalyan Silks, Juzer T Rupawala, Director, Lulu Group International, Bahrain. The
opening marks a significant milestone in the brand’s international expansion, further strengthening its
presence across the GCC.
Following the brand’s successful global expansion with exclusive stores in Dubai, Qatar, Mauritius,
Nepal, etc., the debut in Bahrain brings Louis Philippe’s signature blend of style, craftsmanship, and
quiet sophistication to a discerning and fashion-forward audience. Designed in line with the brand’s
new retail identity, the store features a refined, teal-toned interior – a modern, minimalist space that
reflects Louis Philippe’s evolving aesthetic rooted in clean lines, contemporary classics, and a design
language shaped by confidence and global perspective.
Commenting on the launch, Jacob John, President, Aditya Birla Lifestyle Brands Limited, said,
“Bahrain marks an important milestone in Louis Philippe’s international growth. The market’s affinity
for premium fashion makes it a natural fit for our brand. This launch reflects our commitment to
delivering world-class menswear with modern design and exceptional craftsmanship. We are also
expanding our footprint in the region, with five new stores planned across the Middle East in the
coming year.”
Prakash Pattabhiraman, Managing Director, Kalyan Silks, added, “Our association with Aditya
Birla Lifestyle Brands Limited has played an integral role in bringing some of India’s most respected
fashion brands to the Middle East. Louis Philippe holds a unique place in premium menswear, and
with its debut in Bahrain, we are confident of creating a destination that resonates deeply with today’s
style-conscious consumer.”
The first store in Bahrain offers Louis Philippe’s complete lifestyle range — thoughtfully curated to
cater to the modern gentleman’s dynamic wardrobe needs. From sharp workwear and polished
ceremonial attire to relaxed off-duty essentials, the collection reflects the same global design direction
seen at the brand’s latest store in BurJuman Mall, Dubai. Signature offerings include elevated day-to-
evening looks, effortless casualwear, airy linen shirts, refined polos, structured separates, and elegant
evening layers — each crafted with the brand’s characteristic attention to detail and contemporary
refinement.
New arrivals will be introduced regularly to keep the assortment aligned with international style
sensibilities and seasonal trends, ensuring a refreshed and globally relevant wardrobe for customers
throughout the year.
With its Bahrain debut, Louis Philippe further accelerates its international momentum, strengthening
its presence across key fashion hubs in the GCC. The brand remains committed to delivering a
refined menswear experience built on legacy, modernity, and craftsmanship – setting the stage for
continued growth and deeper engagement with discerning consumers in the region.

V. Nandakumar Honoured as the Retail Professional of the Year at Retail Congress MENA 2025

News 2 months ago

V. Nandakumar Honoured as the Retail Professional of the Year at Retail Congress MENA 2025

Dubai, UAE – The Middle East Council of Shopping Centers & Retailers (MECSR) presented its Annual Top Retail Industry Awards at the Retail Congress MENA 2025 in Dubai, recognising outstanding leadership and excellence across the region’s retail sector.

One of the key honours of the evening’s awards, Retail Professional of the Year, was conferred on V. Nandakumar, Director – Global Marketing & Communications, LuLu Group International, in recognition of his long-standing contribution to the Middle East retail industry and his role in shaping contemporary retail marketing, communications, and brand leadership in the region.

The awards ceremony formed part of the MECSR Retail Congress, a flagship industry platform that convenes senior executives, retail groups, mall owners, developers, and solution providers to deliberate on sector trends, transformation, and sustainable growth. The Congress has established itself as one of the region’s most influential forums for recognising leadership and innovation in retail.

Commenting on the recognition, V. Nandakumar said “This recognition is particularly meaningful to me as it comes from the industry and its key stakeholders — peers whose work and leadership I deeply respect. It reflects the collective effort of the teams I have had the privilege to work with over the years. Retail is ultimately about people, and this award belongs to the wider LuLu family that continues to build trust through purpose-led growth.”

The Middle East Council of Shopping Centers & Retailers (MECSR) represents the collective interests of the region’s retail and shopping centre industry, bringing together leading retailers, developers, investors, and service providers. As the regional affiliate of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), MECSR connects the Middle East retail community with global insights, best practices, and international benchmarks, while driving research, advocacy, and knowledge-sharing across the sector.

With over 25 years at LuLu Group International, V. Nandakumar has been closely associated with the Group’s evolution into one of the Middle East’s most trusted and diversified retail organisations. In his current role, he oversees global marketing and communications across LuLu’s portfolio, spanning hypermarkets, shopping malls, hospitality, and allied businesses across the globe.

Over the years, Nandakumar has played a pivotal role in strengthening brand equity, leading large-scale retail and corporate campaigns, and advancing omnichannel and customer engagement strategies. He is widely recognised as one of the region’s leading marketing professionals, having been featured among the Top Marketing Leaders in the Middle East by Forbes Middle East and Khaleej Times, and is a regular speaker at prominent industry conferences and leadership forums.

The MECSR Retail Congress 2025 also recognised and honoured several organisations and leaders for excellence across key categories including Retailer of the Year, Shopping Centre of the Year, Sustainability Initiative of the Year, Retail Innovation, and Customer Experience Excellence, reflecting the depth and diversity of the region’s retail ecosystem.