Author: Sam Allcock

With Europe facing longer, hotter summers, Romanian firm Green Parking Solutions has devised a project designed to mitigate the impact of urban heat. First conceived as an architectural idea, it has since evolved into a practical programme now entering deployment. This is not just a futuristic vision but a ready-to-use, sustainable system, designed specifically for cities and capable of delivering a measurable improvement in thermal comfort. Beyond parking: creating cooler, greener cities At the heart of the concept are modular “green parking lots” – multi-purpose structures that lower ambient temperatures, generate shade, and reduce the risk of overheating in dense…

Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, one of the three entities operating under Dubai Chambers, has revealed that it supported the establishment and expansion of 308 digital startups in Dubai during the first half of 2025. This reflects a 39% increase compared with the 221 companies supported in the same period last year, underscoring the emirate’s rapid growth as a leading destination for digital enterprise. His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications and Chairman of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy commented: “We are committed to developing an integrated digital business…

Dubai has reinforced its status as the world’s leading destination for branded residences, outpacing international hubs like London, New York, and Miami. The city is now home to 48,474 branded units across 144 schemes, with 5,510 new residences completed in the first half of 2025 alone. This surge underlines a growing appetite for properties that reflect buyers’ identities, align with their lifestyles, and foster a strong sense of community. The appeal is underscored by premiums of 40–60 per cent typically commanded over unbranded luxury properties, confirming a robust market for homes that merge trusted brand recognition with curated, lifestyle-led experiences.…

First UAE property investment realised in collaboration with JINGDONG Property JD.com, also known as JINGDONG, has strengthened its presence in the region with the launch of a new warehouse in Dubai. Officially inaugurated on 8 August, the facility represents JD.com’s first asset investment in the UAE through JINGDONG Property and is operated by JINGDONG Logistics. The JAFZA-based warehouse spans more than 10,000 square metres, expanding the company’s UAE network to six logistics facilities. Featuring a digital operations system with real-time inventory oversight, the site ensures efficiency and full traceability. It is already managing nearly one million units for a prominent…

A landmark event for the region’s healthcare sector will soon take place as Khaleej Times Events prepares to host the 5th edition of the Future of Healthcare Summit 2025. Scheduled in Dubai, one of the Middle East and Africa’s fastest-evolving hubs for medical innovation, this year’s gathering will be guided by the inspiring theme: “Echoes of Tomorrow | Building the Future of Care.” Aligned with UAE Vision 2031, the summit is not only a forum for discussion but also a catalyst for tangible progress. It will examine how cutting-edge solutions such as artificial intelligence, precision medicine, connected infrastructure, and value-based…

Dubai International Chamber, one of the three chambers operating under Dubai Chambers, has reported a strong set of results for the first half of 2025. These achievements underline the chamber’s pivotal role in enhancing foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows and strengthening Dubai’s reputation as a global hub for business and investment. In H1 2025, the chamber attracted 143 new companies to Dubai, an increase of 138% compared with 60 in the same period last year. Among them were 31 multinational corporations (MNCs), representing a 138% rise from the 13 secured in H1 2024. The chamber also welcomed 112 SMEs, up…

The newly opened production hub in Dubai delivers high-performance rubber belts for both the automotive and industrial sectors across the Gulf region. Universal Rubber Belts Manufacturing has inaugurated a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Dubai, offering locally produced precision-engineered rubber belts for regional automotive and industrial applications. The establishment of this Made in Dubai facility bolsters supply chain resilience by cutting dependence on imported components, ensuring consistent quality, faster delivery, and tailored engineering for specific applications. “Universal Rubber Belt Manufacturing is addressing a long-standing gap in the regional market: the need for reliable, locally manufactured rubber belts that meet global technical…

Factory-level vehicle data ushers in new era of transparency and reliability AutoData Middle East, the UAE’s leading provider of automotive data intelligence solutions, has signed a landmark agreement with Mercedes-Benz Connectivity Services GmbH. This partnership establishes AutoData Middle East as a pioneer of transparency in the MENA region, introducing direct OEM data integration at scale through its Vehicle Report platform. By securing factory-level vehicle specifications via secure API connections, the collaboration strengthens trust across the sector. Already partnered with over 40 leading organisations and supporting more than 42,000 users in making safer purchasing decisions, Vehicle Report will now deliver even…

The Knowledge Lounge, an innovative initiative of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF), has announced an engaging August line-up of knowledge-centred and creative events. The programme aligns with the Foundation’s mission to build a sustainable knowledge-driven society and promote daily reading habits, offering activities that combine learning, creativity, and dialogue for audiences of all ages both in the UAE and internationally. The month opened with the Knowledge Lounge in Canada, where a session on the book Our Children Are Gems, But We Are Blacksmiths was paired with the interactive activity What Are You Reading?. This encouraged attendees…

Desert Group, a leading name in integrated landscaping and green infrastructure with close to 40 years of expertise in transforming arid environments into thriving, sustainable spaces, will showcase its newest innovations at Myplant & Garden ME 2025 at Expo. Known for its comprehensive approach to landscape design and development, the company will join industry leaders at the event to spotlight the future of sustainable urban environments. Established in 1988 and based in Dubai, Desert Group has evolved from a pioneering landscaping business into a multi-disciplinary enterprise, delivering end-to-end solutions across the full project lifecycle. Its capabilities span design, construction, plant…