Etihad Rail’s vision for cross-country travel picked up speed this week, as UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi joined CEO Shadi Malak and senior officials aboard a test trip between Al Qudra in Dubai to Fujairah on Wednesday.

The trip marked the first full-length test of the passenger route, which will open commercially in 2026.

Once operational, Etihad Rail will connect 11 cities from Al Sila on the western border to Fujairah on the east coast, improving access between key destinations.

Each train will carry up to 400 passengers, with annual ridership projected to reach 36.5 million by 2030.

Al Zeyoudi said the new passenger network would be “a critical step” in expanding the UAE’s transport infrastructure.

“This landmark infrastructure project is already expediting the movement of goods and materials between industrial zones, ports and transport hubs, and will now also provide passenger services to enable greater connectivity for our population and, in doing so, support sustainable economic development and reduce harmful emissions,” he said.

In preparation for the launch, Etihad Rail earlier this month signed a joint venture agreement with French transport operator Keolis, which also helps manage the Dubai Metro. The partnership will oversee passenger service operations, safety, maintenance, and customer experience, bringing international best practices to ensure world-class standards across the network.

The passenger service builds on Etihad Rail’s freight network, which spans 900 kilometres from Ghuwaifat on the Saudi border to Fujairah, linking ports including Khalifa, Jebel Ali and Ruwais. The system currently moves heavy freight such as sulphur, aggregates and building materials, and is projected to carry more than 60 million tonnes annually by 2030.

Speaking earlier this month at the Global Rail 2025 exhibition in Abu Dhabi, Azza Al Suwaidi, Deputy CEO of Etihad Rail Passenger Services, said preparations were advancing to ensure “seamless and connected journeys” for residents and visitors alike.

She said the company was working with local transport providers and municipalities to deliver integrated first- and last-mile solutions.

Trains will operate on fully separated tracks to improve safety and reliability.

Travel times are expected to be 57 minutes between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, 70 minutes to Ruwais and 105 minutes to Fujairah. Onboard, passengers will have dedicated areas for work, reading and relaxation, while stations are being designed as accessible, connected hubs.

Etihad Rail estimates the network will contribute around Dhs145bn to the UAE’s GDP over the next five decades.

Emerge has launched a new platform designed to position Dubai as a leading global destination for emerging technologies and next-generation innovators.

Supported by the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority (DWTCA) Free Zone’s regulatory framework, the initiative aims to connect founders and startups with opportunities across high-growth sectors including blockchain, fintech, gaming, e-commerce, and entertainment.

Based within the Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone, Emerge operates as a founder-first ecosystem enabler that offers startups and scale-ups licensing, company setup, and tailored business support to accelerate their growth.

The platform also provides access to workspace solutions, investor introductions, and community networks across Dubai’s innovation landscape.

Abdalla Albanna, VP of Free Zone Regulatory Operations at Dubai World Trade Centre, said: “The launch of Emerge within the DWTC Free Zone further enhances our ecosystem by providing technology-focused start-ups with specialised support to establish and scale their businesses. Companies joining our free zone gain direct access to DWTC’s year-round calendar of world-class exhibitions, conferences, and mega-events, placing them at the heart of Dubai’s vibrant commercial landscape. DWTC Free Zone remains committed to fostering innovation and enabling business growth in line with Dubai’s ambitious D33 Agenda.”

Located at the heart of Dubai’s central business district, the DWTCA Free Zone offers a world-class environment for entrepreneurs and multinational companies, hosting more than 2,000 firms across over 40 sectors. Its LEED-certified Grade A offices at One Central and flexible workspace options provide a hub for startups seeking credibility and scale.

Emerge’s mission and plans

Emerge’s offering includes regulatory and licensing support across key tech sectors, business setup services, legal and immigration assistance, and market advisory.

It will also introduce industry-specific programmes, beginning with a gaming-focused initiative followed by an e-commerce programme.

“Our goal with Emerge is to remove friction for global founders and give them the right regulatory advice, and business and community support from day one,” said Kokila Alagh, director of Emerge. “Dubai has everything startups need — and Emerge is here to make that entry seamless.”

Preparations have begun to relocate GITEX GLOBAL and Expand North Star to Expo City Dubai in 2026.

The international technology event will take place from December 7–11 2026, marking a new chapter in its 45-year journey.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy the world’s first and largest ‘TechCation’ experience at the event, merging technology and lifestyle through citywide activations.

The move aims to advance the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which targets positioning Dubai among the world’s top three urban economies.

For many years, GITEX GLOBAL was annually hosted at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) while Expand North Star has taken place at Dubai Harbour.

New era for GITEX Global

The repositioning of GITEX to December aligns the event with Dubai’s peak tourism season, offering international executives and investors an opportunity to engage in business and experience the city’s cultural calendar.

GITEX TechCation will extend beyond the exhibition halls, transforming Dubai into a connected showcase of technology, business, and lifestyle.

The 2026 edition, referred to as GITEX 5.0, will be held at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City, which is undergoing a $2.7bn expansion to become the region’s largest purpose-built indoor events venue.

The upgraded venue will provide the scale and infrastructure for GITEX to expand into new frontiers of global technology and AI-driven economies.

The event will open on December 7 2026 with the new GITEX Scale Summit, a day dedicated to strategic dialogue among global leaders on policies and opportunities shaping AI economies.

From December 8–11 , the expo will feature innovations across AI, quantum computing, biosciences, and advanced manufacturing.

GITEX Global and Expand North Star will reunite at the new venue, creating an integrated platform that brings together startups, investors, policymakers, and technology companies.

GITEX works in collaboration with the Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism and other entities representing sports, hospitality, eco-tourism, and wellness to create destination-led experiences for visitors.

The new initiative is part of Dubai’s broader strategy to enhance its global competitiveness, attract investment, and foster a knowledge-based economy.

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has overtaken other global markets in branded residential development, accounting for 36 per cent of new worldwide signings, according to new data from Global Branded Residences (GBR), a leading advisory firm in the sector.

The surge cements MENA’s position as the fastest-growing region for branded living, driven by an increasing number of fashion-branded and standalone residential projects.

Dubai leads the global market, with nearly 160 branded developments either completed or in the pipeline, surpassing traditional hubs such as Miami, New York, and London by a significant margin.

In MENA, standalone projects — those without a hotel component — make up 31 per cent of completed developments and 51 per cent of the pipeline.

As a result, 45 per cent of all branded residential projects in the region will soon be standalone, compared with a global average of 36 per cent.

The data suggests the regional market is moving beyond the traditional model where branded residences are tied to operating hotels.

Fashion brands driving branded residence growth

Fashion brands are playing a key role in this shift, dominating the non-hotel branded segment across MENA — the only region globally where they hold the lead. Fashion labels account for 51 per cent of all non-hotel branded projects, nearly double the global average of 26 per cent.

More broadly, non-hotel brands now represent 30per cent of the regional pipeline, up from 24 per cent of completed projects, underscoring growing demand for design, fashion, and automotive-led residential concepts.

Fairmont is poised to be the largest operator in the region, with 19 branded residential schemes in both completed and pipeline stages.

The MENA market is also seeing new entrants, including jewellery house De Grisogono, which ranks fourth in the regional pipeline with eight projects, and restaurant and hospitality brand Nobu, which has six developments underway.

According to GBR’s proprietary data, the global branded residential market now comprises 1,746 schemes — 779 completed and 967 in the pipeline.

The MENA region represents nearly 13 per cent of existing global supply and 25 per cent of future developments. It currently has 99 completed projects and 241 under development.

The UAE leads the region with 201 projects, while Saudi Arabia follows with 43 and Egypt with 32.

The data shows robust growth across both urban and resort locations, reinforcing MENA’s strong position in the branded living market.

GBR expands to Middle East, opens office in Dubai

In response to rising demand, GBR has established a dedicated office in Dubai, led by founder and director Riyan Itani.

GBR’s expansion into the Middle East follows its recent launch in Asia Pacific. The company provides services including brand and operator selection, feasibility and brand premium studies, and product and pricing definition, supported by its data-driven approach and global operator network.

GBR has advised on over 150 projects across 45 countries, including developments for Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, One&Only, Rosewood, and Ritz-Carlton.

“The Middle East has always been a beacon for branded residential excellence, and our launch here is both a continuation and evolution of our work in the region,” said Itani.

“Having advised on some of the most ambitious and prestigious projects across MENA, we are now doubling down on our commitment with dedicated in-market expertise and an expanded service offering,” he added.

Multiply Group, the Abu Dhabi-based investment holding company, has signed an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Italy’s ISEM Packaging Group, a leading European packaging manufacturer, marking its expansion into a fifth consumer-focused vertical.

Under the terms of the deal, Multiply Group will hold a 60.8 per cent stake in ISEM, while European private equity firm Peninsula Capital and minority investors will retain the remaining 39.2 per cent.

The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals, represents Multiply’s sixth global partnership since its listing on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange in December 2021.

Multiply Group enters into the packaging sector

The acquisition signals Multiply Group’s entry into the packaging sector, complementing its existing consumer-focused businesses in beauty and apparel. The company said the move aligns with its strategy of building scalable platforms in high-growth industries and reflects its ambition to broaden its global footprint.

Founded in 1949 and headquartered in Bologna, Italy, ISEM Group is a highly automated packaging specialist renowned for its craftsmanship and “Made in Italy” design standards.

Its key clients include LVMH, Kiko, Gucci, L’Oréal, Puig, and Coty Lancaster.

The group manufactures rigid boxes, folding cases, silk paper, and dust bags, operating 11 production facilities across more than 100,000 square metres.

“This transaction is our second in Europe this year as we continue with our global growth ambitions,” said Samia Bouazza, group CEO and MD of Multiply Group. “With 3x revenue and 4x EBITDA growth from 2021 to 2024, a long-standing blue-chip client base, a highly automated industrial footprint, and strong fundamentals, we believe ISEM Group is a great fit for our portfolio. With this acquisition, alongside Peninsula Capital and the management of ISEM, we see opportunities to maximise competitive advantages, elevate value creation, and create synergies within the industry and potentially with our beauty and apparel sectors.”

Multiply and Peninsula said their partnership combines Multiply’s long-term investment approach and experience in platform building with Peninsula’s sector knowledge and reach across Southern Europe.

Multiply, Peninsula Capital investment to help ISEM grow industrial platform

“We are proud of the journey accomplished together with ISEM Packaging Group, which has become a European leader in packaging and a partner of choice for global beauty and fashion leading brands,” said Borja Prado, founding partner of Peninsula Capital. “Since our entry, revenues have tripled through strong organic growth and targeted M&A. Confident in its future, we are pleased to reinvest in the group through our latest flagship fund and join forces with Multiply Group – a strategic global investor with a strong track record in scaling businesses.”

Francesco Pintucci, CEO of ISEM Group, said Multiply’s investment will enable ISEM to grow its industrial platform and global reach. “This important step represents full continuity with our long-term vision and growth strategy – to build the world’s leading industrial group capable of supporting our customers at 360°, combining the highest standards of quality, innovation, and service with a strong ESG commitment,” he said.

Multiply Group continues to expand its portfolio through targeted global partnerships while aligning its investments with the UAE’s broader economic diversification goals.