GCC

Dubai , February 2 , 2026 : ​LuLu Group today marked a significant milestone in its growth journey with the inauguration of its new Digital and Omnichannel Transformation Office in Dubai, officially launching LuLu 2.0 – the Group’s next phase of growth evolution firmly anchored in technology, artificial intelligence, innovation and a fully integrated omnichannel retail ecosystem.

Built on over five decades of customer trust in quality, value and service, ‘LuLu 2.0’ reflects the Group’s strategic response to changing market dynamics and evolving consumer expectations. The initiative brings together digital platforms, physical retail strength, advanced analytics and AI-driven capabilities to deliver seamless customer experiences across stores, mobile platforms and home delivery.

As the region’s number one full-line retailer, LuLu is leveraging its leadership position to shape the future of retail by creating a connected ecosystem where offline and online operate as one powerful omnichannel model.
The newly launched transformation office brings together an exceptional pool of global talent across technology, product innovation, analytics and digital operations, while also nurturing young professionals from UAE universities, building strong long-term digital capabilities within the Group.

A key highlight of LuLu 2.0 is the launch of Agentic Commerce, the first of its kind in the hypermarket segment across the entire MENA region, in partnership with Mastercard. This next-generation AI-powered shopping capability enables intelligent digital agents to assist customers in product discovery, personalised recommendations and secure payments, redefining the future of digital retail experiences.

Commenting on the milestone, Yusuffali M.A., Chairman of LuLu Group, said “LuLu 2.0 represents our commitment to continuously evolve with our customers and the changing world of retail, while remaining rooted in the trust and values that have defined us for more than five decades. Technology, AI, innovation and omnichannel retail are not separate initiatives, they are the foundation of how we are strengthening our core business for the future. By combining the strength of our physical network with world-class digital capabilities, we are building a smarter, more connected LuLu that will continue to lead retail transformation across the region.”

The LuLu 2.0 strategy focuses on owning customer relationships, digital platforms and data intelligence, enabling hyper-personalisation, intelligent supply chains, faster fulfilment and continuous innovation across all markets.

The Digital and Omnichannel Transformation Office will act as the central hub for developing next-generation retail solutions, including AI-enabled commerce, predictive analytics, digital payments, automation and enhanced customer engagement across channels.

The launch ceremony was attended by LuLu Group’s senior leadership including Yusuffali M.A., Chairman; Saifee Rupawala, CEO; Ashraf Ali M.A., Executive Director; Saleem V.I., COO; Global Directors Salim M.A. and Shabu Abdul Majeed; Yeshu Yarlagadda, Head of Omnichannel, V. Nandakumar, Director of  Marketing & Communications; Mohamed Anish, Chief Information Officer, along with senior management and key stakeholders from across the Group.

Dubai, February 2, 2026 : The preliminary day of the World Governments Summit 2026 kicked off today in Dubai. The summit will officially take place from 3rd to 5th February under the theme “Shaping Future Governments.” The opening day is set to host a series of forums, ministerial meetings and roundtables, bringing together heads of state and government, senior officials, leaders of international organisations, futurists, thought leaders and experts.

Forums featured on the preliminary day of the summit include Annual Arab Fiscal Forum, the Young Arab Leaders Forum, the UAE-Kuwait Economic Forum, and the High-Level Investment Forum: Latin America and the Caribbean.

Ministerial meetings and roundtables include the Ministerial Roundtable with Arab Youth Ministers, Ministers of Labour in GCC Countries Ministerial Meeting, Accelerating 5X AI Transformation Dialogue, the CEO Dialogue and others.

Dubai , February 2 , 2026 : Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will offer 300 premium number plates featuring 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-digit combinations for private and classic vehicles, as well as motorcycles, through its 82nd online auction.

The auction will include plate numbers bearing the following codes: H, I, K, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y and Z, covering private and classic vehicle categories.

Registration for the online auction will open on Monday, 2nd February, with bidding scheduled to start on Monday, 9th February, and to continue for seven days only. The sale of plate numbers will be subject to 5% Value Added Tax (VAT). Participation is open to customers holding a traffic file in the emirate.

Clear participation requirements and procedures apply. Bidders are required to submit a security cheque payable to RTA valued at AED 5,000, in addition to a non-refundable registration fee of AED 120. The registration fee may be paid at Customer Happiness Centres in Umm Ramool, Al Barsha and Deira, or by credit card via RTA’s website at www.rta.ae.

Successful bidders must settle the payable amount within 10 working daysfrom the close of the auction. Payment may be made at authorised service provider centres—in cash for amounts of up to AED 50,000, and by manager’s cheque or credit card for amounts exceeding AED 50,000—as well as at Customer Happiness Centres or via RTA’s website.

Dubai , January 31,2026 : Dubai’s live entertainment calendar is set for a major highlight this Valentine’s Day with the announcement of Comedy Mixtape Fest Vol. 2, scheduled to take place on 14 February 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The event is being brought to the city by Midas Events and Eva Live Middle East, in partnership with DXB LIVE.

Building on the success of its previous edition, Comedy Mixtape Fest Vol. 2 is positioned as one of the region’s most prominent stand-up comedy showcases, bringing together a curated lineup of South Asia’s leading comic performers for a single evening of live entertainment. From 6:00 PM onwards, audiences can expect high-energy performances by Munawar, Harsh Gujral, Ravi Gupta, Kanan Gill, Kaustubh, Mohd Suhel, Urjita Wani, Sonali Thakker And Vivek Desai

The event reflects the growing popularity of stand-up comedy as a mainstream entertainment format across the Middle East, driven by a new generation of performers who have successfully bridged live stage performances with strong digital followings. Organisers note that Dubai’s multicultural audience and appetite for premium large-format shows continue to make the city an ideal destination for comedy-led productions.

Commenting on the return of the event, Deepak Pawar, Founder and Director, Midas Events, and Deepak Choudhary, Partner Midas Events and founder of Eva Live Middle East, said in a joint statement:
“Comedy Mixtape Fest Vol. 2 reflects our continued focus on presenting contemporary stand-up comedy at scale. Bringing together some of the most influential voices in comedy today allows us to create a live experience that is relevant, engaging, and rooted in shared moments of laughter.”

From a venue and production perspective, the partnership with DXB LIVE further strengthens the event’s positioning within Dubai’s entertainment ecosystem. Khalid Al Hammadi, Senior Vice President, DXB LIVE, added:
“Dubai has firmly established itself as a global hub for live entertainment, and comedy continues to play an increasingly important role in that landscape. Events like Comedy Mixtape Fest Vol. 2 demonstrate how professionally curated shows can bring diverse audiences together while reinforcing the city’s reputation for world-class event experiences.”

Timed with Valentine’s Day, the event offers an alternative celebration centred on laughter and shared experiences. Tickets for Comedy Mixtape Fest Vol. 2 are now available, with organisers anticipating strong demand ahead of the event.

Dubai , January 29 , 2026 : His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), and His Excellency Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, honoured leading delivery companies and outstanding delivery bike riders during the second edition of the Delivery Sector Excellence Award.

The ceremony, held at the Dubai Police Officers Club, recognised excellence across the delivery sector and marked the first award of its kind in the region dedicated to acknowledging delivery riders. The initiative was launched following an analytical study of driver behaviour during delivery operations, with the aim of raising service quality standards while promoting adherence to traffic laws, occupational safety requirements and professional conduct.

The list of honourees spanned several award categories, including companies, riders, partners and the Best Strategic Partner. ELITE Zone Delivery Services secured first place in the Best Delivery Company category, followed by ZONE Delivery Services in second place and ZAJEL Logistics Services in third.

In the Best Delivery Company via Platforms and Smart Applications category, DB L.L.C – Delivery Hero (Talabat) claimed first place, with CAREEM Delivery Services finishing second and Motoboy Delivery Services taking third.

The ceremony also recognised the top 200 professional delivery riders, doubling the number of awardees compared to the first edition. Honourees included 50 riders in the Gold category, 60 in Silver and 90 in Bronze, with rewards increased in line with the level of excellence achieved.

A new category introduced this year, Best Partner Award, was won by Majid Al Futtaim Group in recognition of its support for the delivery sector and its contribution to achieving RTA’s strategic objectives. The Group was recognised for initiatives enhancing riders’ quality of life, including the provision and maintenance of water dispensers at several RTA-operated rider rest areas.

Commitment to Safety and Sustainability

Commenting on the event, Al Tayer said the Delivery Sector Excellence Award serves as a key regulatory tool adopted by RTA to embed safety, quality and sustainability standards across one of Dubai’s fastest-growing sectors.

“The delivery sector has become a core pillar of Dubai’s commercial and logistics transport ecosystem, requiring advanced governance that balances service efficiency, protects lives and improves quality of life,” he said.

He added that RTA, in collaboration with strategic partners such as Dubai Police, continues to develop a regulated and safe operating environment through flexible legislation, clear professional standards and incentive programmes that encourage compliance and reward excellence.

Al Tayer praised the commitment demonstrated by the honoured companies and riders, noting that investing in occupational safety and rider empowerment directly supports the sustainability of the sector and strengthens Dubai’s position as a global leader in smart and integrated transport systems.

Focus on Traffic Safety

Lieutenant General Al Marri reaffirmed that traffic safety remains a strategic priority for Dubai Police and aligns with the Dubai Road Safety Strategy, which seeks to reduce traffic incidents, injuries and fatalities across the emirate.

He noted that the rapid growth of the delivery sector requires operating models that enhance compliance, oversight and awareness. “Recognising outstanding performers reflects Dubai Police’s approach to encouraging responsible traffic behaviour and strengthening institutional partnerships to create a safe and sustainable transport environment,” he said.

Al Marri added that Dubai Police continues to work closely with RTA to implement high-impact initiatives, deploy smart systems, and roll out targeted awareness and training campaigns for delivery bike riders to ensure their safety and that of all road users.

Increased Participation and Transparent Evaluation

The second edition of the Award recorded a 20 per cent increase in participation compared to the inaugural edition. A clear and transparent evaluation mechanism was implemented, with assessments conducted by RTA specialists in collaboration with Dubai Police.

The event, attended by senior officials and delivery company owners, featured a presentation highlighting the Award’s objectives, judging process and committees. Committee members and subcommittee teams were also recognised during the ceremony.

Winners were selected based on strict criteria, including compliance with safety, quality, health and environmental standards, adherence to RTA requirements, application of global best practices, use of modern technologies, continuous training, and customer satisfaction. Criteria for selecting the Best Rider included a clean record free of complaints, violations and accidents, alongside performance evaluations.

Sharjah, January 29, 2026 : Workshops on the opening day of the Xposure International Photography Festival 2026 drew strong participation, with audiences engaging throughout a full programme of practical, skills-led sessions. Nine workshops were delivered across the dedicated Zone 11, running from morning through to evening, underscoring the festival’s emphasis on learning, experimentation, and professional development.
Among the day’s early highlights were two interactive sessions led by Peter Chanthanakone,
Canadian animator and Assistant Dean at Zayed University, Dubai. Titled Synthesised Dreams:
Redefining Animation through AI, the workshops introduced participants to the fundamentals of
AI-assisted image creation, character design, and basic animation. Working step by step,
attendees, including a strong contingent from the University of Sharjah, explored emerging
generative tools with a focus on practical application and creative workflow.
Another well-attended workshop given by the Emirates Photography Society, Portrait
Photography: Light and Shadow, examined how light, emotion, and composition combine to
create compelling portraits. Designed for beginners and photography enthusiasts, the hands-on
workshop demonstrated how both professional cameras and smartphones can be used
effectively with simple lighting setups. Participants took part in live demonstrations and guided
shooting exercises, with volunteer models and aspiring photographers rotating through setups
as lighting techniques were tested in real time.
The programme also addressed long-term creative practice through How to Develop a
Photography Book in 2026, led by Paris-based publisher and photography expert Gilles
Cargueray. The session offered a practical overview of transforming a photographic project into

a coherent publication, covering sequencing, design, production, and current commercial
considerations. Cargueray outlined the differences between working with publishers and self-
publishing, alongside guidance on proposals, funding, distribution, and professional
collaboration.
Drawing on more than four decades of experience supporting photographers and visual brands,
Cargueray shared case studies from completed projects and discussions with prospective
artists, offering insight into both creative decision-making and logistical challenges.
Delivered in both Arabic and English, the opening-day workshops concluded with open
discussions and the presentation of completion certificates. The sessions received strong
interest and positive feedback, reinforcing Xposure’s role as a platform where learning, practice,
and creative exchange are central to the festival experience.
The 10th edition of the Xposure International Photography Festival, held under the theme “A
Decade of Visual Storytelling”, runs from 29 January to 4 February 2026 at Aljada, Sharjah,
United Arab Emirates. Festival, running until February 4 in Aljada, Sharjah
For immediate release
Sharjah, January 29, 2026
Workshops on the opening day of the Xposure International Photography Festival 2026 drew
strong participation, with audiences engaging throughout a full programme of practical, skills-led
sessions. Nine workshops were delivered across the dedicated Zone 11, running from morning
through to evening, underscoring the festival’s emphasis on learning, experimentation, and
professional development.
Among the day’s early highlights were two interactive sessions led by Peter Chanthanakone,
Canadian animator and Assistant Dean at Zayed University, Dubai. Titled Synthesised Dreams:
Redefining Animation through AI, the workshops introduced participants to the fundamentals of
AI-assisted image creation, character design, and basic animation. Working step by step,
attendees, including a strong contingent from the University of Sharjah, explored emerging
generative tools with a focus on practical application and creative workflow.
Another well-attended workshop given by the Emirates Photography Society, Portrait
Photography: Light and Shadow, examined how light, emotion, and composition combine to
create compelling portraits. Designed for beginners and photography enthusiasts, the hands-on
workshop demonstrated how both professional cameras and smartphones can be used
effectively with simple lighting setups. Participants took part in live demonstrations and guided
shooting exercises, with volunteer models and aspiring photographers rotating through setups
as lighting techniques were tested in real time.
The programme also addressed long-term creative practice through How to Develop a
Photography Book in 2026, led by Paris-based publisher and photography expert Gilles
Cargueray. The session offered a practical overview of transforming a photographic project into

a coherent publication, covering sequencing, design, production, and current commercial
considerations. Cargueray outlined the differences between working with publishers and self-
publishing, alongside guidance on proposals, funding, distribution, and professional
collaboration.
Drawing on more than four decades of experience supporting photographers and visual brands,
Cargueray shared case studies from completed projects and discussions with prospective
artists, offering insight into both creative decision-making and logistical challenges.
Delivered in both Arabic and English, the opening-day workshops concluded with open
discussions and the presentation of completion certificates. The sessions received strong
interest and positive feedback, reinforcing Xposure’s role as a platform where learning, practice,
and creative exchange are central to the festival experience.
The 10th edition of the Xposure International Photography Festival, held under the theme “A
Decade of Visual Storytelling”, runs from 29 January to 4 February 2026 at Aljada, Sharjah,
United Arab Emirates.

Sharjah, January 29, 2026 — The Xposure International Photography Festival 2026 opened to a strong public turnout on Thursday, as visitors gathered at Aljada in Sharjah to experience the opening day of the festival’s landmark 10th edition, held under the theme “A Decade of Visual Storytelling.”

Audiences explored a wide range of interactive displays, exhibitions and introductory sessions as Xposure launched its seven-day programme dedicated to photography, film and visual storytelling. The festival offers an extensive lineup of activities, including workshops for children and adults, public talks, panel discussions, portfolio review sessions, and opportunities to engage directly with photographers and documentary filmmakers from around the world.

A highlight of this year’s edition was the introduction of an interactive experience that brought photography and music together, expanding visual storytelling beyond static images into live artistic performance. In one of the festival halls, photographic exhibitions were complemented by musical renditions of classic works by Umm Kulthum and Fairuz, performed by Julie Al Bahiri, a media student at the American University of Sharjah (AUS), alongside her colleague Abdulrahman Tawfiq on the oud.

The spontaneous performance blended seamlessly with the surrounding exhibitions, creating a dynamic interaction between visitors and the creative space, and drawing warm engagement from audiences. The musical intervention reflects Xposure’s broader commitment to supporting emerging talent and providing the public with an integrated artistic experience where image and sound intersect.

Education and professional development remain central to Xposure 2026, with 280 portfolio review sessions, a wide range of hands-on workshops, and discussions examining visual storytelling across editorial, documentary and creative practices.

Spanning indoor and outdoor spaces across Aljada’s 49,000-square-metre venue, the festival features 95 exhibitions showcasing more than 3,200 artworks. In total, over 570 visual events are scheduled throughout the festival, organised across 12 thematic zones.

The 10th edition of the Xposure International Photography Festival runs from January 29 to February 4, 2026, at Aljada, Sharjah.

Ajman, UAE – January 28, 2026

Mark & Save, one of the Gulf region’s fastest-growing large-format value retail chains, has strengthened its regional presence with the opening of its 22nd hyperstore in the GCC, marking its ninth outlet in the UAE. The new hyperstore, located in Al Tallah, Ajman, is part of the company’s aggressive expansion strategy that will see seven additional stores launched across the GCC within the next six months.

Spanning over 100,000 square feet, the multi-storied hyperstore has been designed to offer customers a spacious, comfortable, and convenient shopping environment. It features an extensive range of categories including fresh food, groceries, household essentials, electronics, hot food, bakery, fashion, and lifestyle products, positioning the outlet as a comprehensive one-stop shopping destination.

Established in 2022 to address a growing demand for value-driven retail in the region, Mark & Save has rapidly scaled its operations in just a few years. The Ajman opening underscores the brand’s growing popularity among cost-conscious consumers seeking quality products at competitive prices.

“Mark & Save continues to expand its footprint across the UAE and the GCC by combining value-driven pricing with an unmatched customer experience,” said Debangshu Adhikari, Senior Vice President at Mark & Save. “We are extremely encouraged by the increasing consumer confidence in our value proposition, which delivers high-quality products at very affordable prices while maximizing customer savings.”

He added that the brand challenges the long-held perception that quality must come at a premium. “Our business model proves that high-quality products can indeed be affordable. By closely listening to our customers, we are able to continuously redefine value in the retail space.”

Operational excellence has played a key role in the brand’s rapid growth. Mohammed Fasil, Head of Operations at Mark & Save, highlighted the significance of reaching 22 stores within three years. “This achievement reflects strong teamwork, effective leadership, and meticulous planning executed with precision, particularly in an intensely competitive retail environment,” he said.

As part of its expansion strategy, Mark & Save has diversified its supply chain, sourcing products from countries including Poland, Turkey, Norway, the UK, Spain, China, Bangladesh, and Thailand, ensuring variety, quality, and competitive pricing across its product portfolio.

With a workforce exceeding 5,000 employees, the retailer continues to contribute to job creation and growth within the regional retail sector. Each Mark & Save hyperstore offers access to more than 200,000 product varieties under one roof, reinforcing the brand’s positioning as a destination for “affordable luxury.”

Mark & Save operates under the umbrella of Western International Group, one of the largest retail networks in the GCC. Currently present in the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, the company has outlined ambitious global growth plans, targeting 500 stores worldwide, including future expansions into India, Southeast Asia, North America, and Europe.

Dubai January 28 , 2026 : Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) completed 67 rapid traffic improvement measures across various areas of the emirate in 2025. These included 46 enhancements at key locations along major arterial roads and within residential areas, 12 improvements in school zones, and nine traffic enhancements across development
areas. This achievement forms part of a comprehensive strategic plan developed by the RTA to deliver rapid traffic improvement
measures aimed at optimising road network efficiency, improving traffic flow, and maintaining the safety of all road users.
RTA is preparing to implement more than 45 traffic improvement measures in 2026, including the widening and upgrading of key
intersections and development areas, enhancements to entry and exit points in residential and commercial districts, and the delivery of a package of rapid traffic improvement measures within school zones.
These traffic improvements reflect RTA’s commitment to delivering the leadership’s vision for sustainable infrastructure development, supporting mobility efficiency, reducing travel time & traffic congestion, and strengthening connectivity between residential, educational, and development areas. 

The initiatives align with Dubai’s ongoing urban growth while contributing to improved quality
of life and community well-being across the emirate. 
The rapid traffic solutions and improvement measures implemented in 2025 delivered tangible and measurable impacts, including enhanced road network efficiency, improved vehicular flow, and
reduced journey times by up to 45% within improvement areas. The measures also contributed to increasing 

vehicular capacity by up to  33% on several roads within the scope of the work of these improvements.
Traffic Improvements in Key Areas and Major Roads . The solutions and improvement undertaken in 2025 gave gad a
clear impact in enhancing traffic flow and expanding road capacity  across several key areas, most notably Al Warqa’a, Al Barsha
South, Nad Al Hamar, and Al Ras, as well as along major corridors  including Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Meydan Street, Emirates Road towards Sharjah, Umm Al Sheif Street, Al Wasl Street, Ras Al Khor  Road, Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street, and Al Manara Street.  In 2025, RTA also completed a series of enhancements along key
roads, most notably the widening of Sheikh Zayed Road towards Al Meydan Street from two to three lanes at the entrance to Al
Khawaneej, as well as increasing the capacity of Al Meydan Bridge from three to four lanes. The works further included widening the exit from Sheikh Zayed Road to Al Meydan Street from one to two lanes and expanding the connecting links between at-grade roads and the bridge. Additional traffic improvements were implemented at the intersection of Al Wasl Street and Al Manara Street, resulting in a 50% increase in vehicular capacity and more than 30% reduction
in waiting times. Traffic Improvements in School Zones  Over the past year, RTA also implemented 12 traffic improvement
measures serving more than 30 schools across Dubai,  as part of its strategy to enhance road network efficiency and ensure smoother traffic operations, particularly within school zones.
Key locations included Al Warqa’a First School Complex, Mizhar First School Complex, Al Qusais School Complex, Al Mawakeb
School in Al Garhoud, English College in Al Safa 1, Zayed Educational Complex in Mizhar 4, and Al Barsha South School
Complex, in addition to several other schools across various areas of the emirate. 

The improvements included providing dedicated parking areas, upgrades to entry and exit points, and implementing traffic calming measures, contributing to reduced congestion and queuing, while  improving road efficiency and enhancing traffic safety levels in school zones.