Upbeat outlook for UAE catering services

The UAE catering services market is set for sustained expansion from 2025 to 2030 with a CAGR of about 6% over the forecast period.

According to a report from MarkNtel Advisors, the momentum is underpinned by the UAE's growing tourism base, more international events and exhibitions, a rebound in air travel, and the presence of globally-recognised catering service providers. 

At the same time, changing consumer preferences—toward healthier, fresher, and premium dining options—are reshaping menu innovation and pushing operators to differentiate through compliance, customer experience, and sustainable practices, the consultancy said. 

MarkNtel Advisors said the UAE catering industry is witnessing a new phase of growth, driven by shifting consumer preferences, technological advancements, and rising demand across the events, tourism, and corporate sectors. 

Customers are increasingly seeking hygienic, health-conscious, and customised meal options, while caterers are integrating innovations like digital ordering, cloud kitchens, and automation to enhance efficiency. 

With the country strengthening its position as a global hub for weddings, exhibitions, and meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), opportunities for catering providers are expanding rapidly. At the same time, sustainability initiatives such as ecofriendly packaging and dietary flexibility—including vegan, organic, gluten-free, and halal-certified menus—are reshaping offerings, making adaptability and innovation essential for market competitiveness. 

Drivers of market growth include:  

Tourism and events

The UAE's global positioning as a tourism hub is a central growth pillar. Large-scale international events—such as Expo, Intersec, and GITEX—alongside year-round trade fairs, conventions, and exhibitions generate steady demand for banquet and corporate catering. With Dubai and Abu Dhabi cementing their reputations as regional MICE capitals, event-driven catering volumes are expected to remain robust.  

Non-contractual catering is primarily linked to events, weddings, and short-term engagements. While cyclical and seasonal, it remains lucrative during peak tourism and event cycles.   

Aviation and in-flight catering

The UAE is home to leading global carriers such as Emirates and Etihad Airways. The surge in air passenger traffic, coupled with fleet expansion initiatives, translates directly into higher demand for in-flight catering. 

Emirates Flight Catering (EKFC), for instance, operates one of the world's largest culinary facilities, producing more than 250,000 meals daily across 160,000 sq m of space. Partnerships between airlines and catering providers are set to deepen, with opportunities for service differentiation around menu innovation and sustainability.  

Corporate and institutional demand

The rapid pace of corporate expansion in the UAE—driven by free zones, low corporate tax regimes, and foreign direct investment—has fuelled demand for contract catering in office complexes, schools, and hospitals. Contract-based catering services are particularly favoured for their long-term cost efficiency, menu flexibility, and reliability.  

The corporate segment is largest in this market, fuelled by the increasing establishment of MNCs and regional HQs. Caterers targeting corporates are increasingly offering customised, health-focused menus to match employee wellness initiatives. 

Healthcare growth

The healthcare sector is becoming a powerful demand centre for catering services. Hospitals are increasingly outsourcing patient meals, clinician catering, and canteen management to specialised providers. Post-COVID, the emphasis on nutrition, hygiene, and timely delivery has become even more prominent, positioning hospital catering as both a growth driver and a compliance-critical domain. 

Hospitals are emphasising specialised dietary plans aligned with patient recovery and clinical nutrition requirements, MarkNtel Advisors said.

Other significant sectors include:

Education

Schools and universities are investing in nutritious meal programs, particularly in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Healthcare: 

Defense and offshore

Demand for robust, HACCP-compliant food solutions in defense bases, mining, and offshore oil rigs.
Event Management & Leisure: Weddings, conferences, sports events, and cultural festivals drive this segment. 

Mining and engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) projects

Contracted services for remote sites, particularly for oil and gas exploration as well as infrastructure projects. 

With UAE's active oil and gas as well as EPC projects, remote and industrial catering demand is expected to rise further. 

Top players mentioned in the report include EKFC, ADNH Catering, Royal Catering, National Catering Company (NCC), Abela & Co., WLL, KEITA, Al Jazeera International Catering, Kelvin Catering, Baguette Catering Services, and Emirates Catering Services.

This diverse roster of players compete across corporate, healthcare, aviation, hospitality, and remote site catering. Competition is increasingly driven by menu innovation, compliance excellence, sustainability commitments, and ability to scale across multiple sites. 

On the geographical front, Dubai is the lead region due to its strong tourism ecosystem, the presence of major catering companies like EKFC, and an active events calendar. Urban lifestyles and casual dining trends also fuel catering demand here.

Abu Dhabi and Al Ain host significant demand from the healthcare, defence, and corporate sectors, complemented by megaproject activity.

Sharjah and the Northern Emirates may have a smaller share but are also growing, supported by regional universities, mid-size corporates, and community events. 

Opportunities and trends in the UAE catering services industry include: 

Growing air traffic

With iconic tourist attractions such as Burj Khalifa, Sheikh Zayed Mosque, and Palm Jumeirah, alongside rising business travel, UAE's air traffic is expanding rapidly. This directly boosts the demand for in-flight catering, positioning it as one of the most dynamic sub-segments of the market.  

Health and wellness revolution

Caterers are rapidly adapting to the shift toward healthier meals. Trends include: 

• Organic and locally sourced ingredients
• Vegan and plant-based options
• Reduced reliance on frozen/prepared foods
• Customised dietary menus for corporate and hospital clients

Automation and technology

The adoption of automated kitchens and digital tools for menu planning, inventory, and HACCP compliance logging is transforming operations. Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled fleet management and kitchen robotics are gradually being tested to reduce turnaround time and enhance food safety.  

Sustainability 

UAE catering operators are integrating sustainable practices, including waste reduction programmes, ecofriendly packaging, and local sourcing partnerships (e.g., vertical farms like Bustanica). These initiatives align with both corporate environmental, sustainability and governance (ESG) mandates and government sustainability agendas.  

On the down side, input cost volatility, which can include imported food items and energy prices, are impacting pricing models. There are also labour management challenges due to the reliance on an expatriate workforce, as well as seasonal volatility linked to event-driven catering cycles. Caterers also need to navigate complex compliance requirements with multiple regulatory bodies and legislation: the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), Dubai Municipality, and the Federal Food Safety Law among them. 

Details

Explore the UAE Catering Services Market Research Report at https://www.marknteladvisors.com/research-library/uae-catering-services-market.html

FAB Group aims to lead in hospitality, dining and branding innovation across MENA

FAB Group, a new lifestyle and culinary venture created by UAE-based investment and development company DEAL Holdings, plans to launch popular boutique brands featuring Michelin-star talent from the UK and Europe across the MENA region, while also creating immersive culinary and lifestyle experiences.

FAB Group is committed to opening a minimum of 25 locations in the UAE over the next five years, with additional flagship destinations in Riyadh, Jeddah, Doha and the Red Sea.

Along with enhancing the region's growing reputation as a global culinary hub, the launch of FAB Group will support local talent, providing access to employment opportunities with roughly 800 jobs set to be created in the UAE alone over the next five years, and more across the wider GCC.

Andrew Cullen, FAB Group Regional F&B Director said: "Over the course of the next few months, we will be making some hugely exciting announcements which will significantly enhance the region's F&B offerings and redefine how the industry is perceived both on a regional and global level.

"The Middle East is already widely regarded as a leader in this space, with many of the world's biggest brands now operating in the region. Our ambition is to build on the fantastic work which has already been carried out and strengthen MENA's global status."

Abdalla Al'Mheiri, DEAL Holdings CEO added: "We are thrilled to introduce FAB Group to the Middle East market, marking a significant moment for the region's hospitality sector, which continues to thrive.

"Created by DEAL Holdings, FAB Group has big ambitions, and we are fully committed to making strategic investment, enabling the brand to evolve with a clear direction while achieving its long-term objectives."

FAB Group's portfolio will span fine dining, contemporary cuisine, café culture, nightlife, wellness concepts, and luxury brand collaborations. Several flagship projects are already in development and will be announced in the coming months.

A major investment and development company, DEAL Holdings boasts a substantial number of branded residences, hospitality projects and commercial real estate across the MENA region.

A traditional route to charity with Qalby Etmaan

The Qalby Etmaan programme has launched clay donation boxes for its eighth season in line with the national Year of Community. 

The boxes are made by Emirati potters and artisans locally, and packaged in environmentally-friendly burlap and recycled paper. Packed by humanitarian institutions and volunteers, such as the UAE Red Crescent, Zayed Foundation for Charitable and Humanitarian Works, and Khalifa Foundation for Charitable and Humanitarian Works, each box will be delivered at no cost.

This initiative aims instil the concept of goodness is within everyone's reach, simplifying charitable acts and emphasizing the importance of everyone's contribution to the community, while highlighting the profound impact their donations can have. The donation boxes also seek to revive tradition in the age of digitisation, especially with the decline in the use of cash.

Funds collected will be used to plant 100,000 date palms, with date sales directly supporting orphaned children in Gaza over the long-term.

Source: Qalby Etmaan. A clay donation box.

The boxes will be broken open on March 25, coinciding with the 25th day of Ramadhan, and the clay will be mixed with soil and used to improve soil quality and fertility.

Over 5,000 Clay donation boxes will be distributed, with 10 boxes containing free tickets for winners to attend the filming of the next season of the Qalby Etmaan program.

Details

The clay donation boxes will be available at multiple distribution points, including the Qalby Etmaan online store, Hamad Store, ADNOC fuel stations, and UAE Red Crescent kiosks in shopping malls.

To contribute to Qalby Etmaan projects and initiatives, visit https://www.emiratesrc.ae/Ghaith/Home.aspx

The Qalby Etmaan programme is available on YouTube, Abu Dhabi TV, and the Abu Dhabi TV app at:
7 pm UAE time | 6 pm KSA time

GAC completes Ramadhan charity drive in Dubai

GAC, known for its high-performance vehicles, has hosted a charity initiative in Dubai during Ramadhan. The company distributed 300 food boxes to local labour groups, reflecting the brand's commitment to giving back to society and strengthening bonds with the region's consumers. 

Two GAC M8 and two GAC GS8 vehicles provided transportation to key locations. GAC representatives distributed 30 food boxes to mosque workers at a local mosque, while 270 food boxes were given to labourers at a dormitory. 

 

Source: GAC. GAC strengthens community bonds with Ramadhan charity drive in Dubai. Wang Shunsheng, VP, GAC International, joined volunteers at the dealership to pack food boxes, reinforcing the company's hands-on approach to community integration. 

Best restaurant in the UAE, best restaurant in MENA 2025: Orfali Bros Bistro

The 4th Middle East & North Africa's 50 Best Restaurants awards, hosted in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT), has crowned Orfali Bros Bistro No. 1 for the 3rd consecutive year.

Founded in 2021 by Syrian-born brothers Mohammad, Wassim, and Omar Orfali, Orfali Bros Bistro - which also has a 2024 Michelin star - blends Aleppian heritage with Dubai's dynamic dining scene. The venue was ranked 46th on The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2023. 

Source: 50 Best via PRNewsfoto: Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 unveiled with Orfali Bros Bistro as the reigning No. 1 restaurant in the region.

Its web page notes: "We’re constantly pushing the boundaries of cooking to discover new flavours and sensations to our food and pastries...Some of our dishes and desserts we have made them again and again, food that we love to eat. We serve them because they link us to our past and remind us of who we are."

Trèsind Studio in Dubai retained its No. 2 spot, followed by Dubai's Kinoya at No. 3.

William Drew, Director of Content for MENA's 50 Best Restaurants said of Orfali Bros Bistro: "Its enduring success is a testament to the talent and passion of the Orfali brothers, whose dedication has earned them a loyal following both locally and internationally. We are also excited to see restaurants from 11 cities represented on this year's list, showcasing the rich variety of cuisines across the region."

- Omar Shihab of Boca won the Icon Award while Boca received the Sustainable Restaurant Award

- Tala Bashmi was recognised as the Estrella Damm N.A. Chefs' Choice 

- Carmen Rueda Hernandez claimed the Middle East & North Africa's Best Pastry Chef Award

- Row on 45 in Dubai was named the Highest Climber, rising 24 spots to No. 17

- Dara Dining by Sara Aqel in Amman, No. 18, also received the Highest New Entry Award.

Details

Browse the list at https://www.theworlds50best.com/mena/en/lists/1-50

Islamic robo-advisor Wahed launches in UAE

Wahed, a global shari'ah-compliant fintech, has launched after having been granted Financial Services Permission (FSP) from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). It is the country's first dedicated Islamic digital investment platform.

Wahed aims to democratise access to financial services in the UAE. With minimums of US$500, low fees, and no lock-in period for diversified shari'ah-compliant portfolios, Wahed removes the barriers to sophisticated investment management services that have been traditionally reserved for high-net-worth investors, the company said.

Since its launch in 2015, Wahed has attracted over 300,000 customers worldwide and has raised more than US$75 M in funding from family offices, institutions and high-profile backers, including Dubai Cultiv8, international footballer Paul Pogba and UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. Both Pogba and Nurmagomedov are Wahed brand ambassadors.

Junaid Wahedna, CEO, Wahed said: "We consider the UAE our home. I grew up in the UAE and am very excited to bring our technology and investment efficiencies to the UAE's flourishing business environment in Abu Dhabi, ADGM and beyond. We are committed to contributing to an increase in the savings culture amongst the youth and professionals in a safe and shari'ah-compliant manner, in line with the cultural values of the UAE."

Arvind Ramamurthy, Chief of Markets at ADGM said, "We are pleased to welcome Wahed to ADGM's international financial centre and vibrant community and congratulate them on being granted the FSP by ADGM's FSRA. With a world-class progressive regulatory ecosystem, ADGM aims to catalyse the growth of fintech innovators by fostering a trusted, collaborative, and enabling marketplace for Abu Dhabi, the UAE and the wider region. The launch of Wahed in the UAE brings next-gen financial services and strengthens our growing digital economy".

Sharjah Media City, Smartt. Studio team up to strengthen e-commerce in MENA

Source: Smartt. Studio. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) formalising the partnership was signed by HE Shihab Alhammadi, Managing Director of Shams, and Kartik Jobanputra, Founder & CEO of Smartt. Studio in the presence of HE Dr Khalid Omar Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Media City 'Shams'. Jobanputra (left), HE Alhammadi (right), with Dr Al Midfa between them.

Sharjah Media City (Shams) and Smartt. Studio have partnered to strengthen the e-commerce space in the MENA region.

Both parties will help global conglomerates and retailers streamline their online expansion strategies by offering a seamless one-stop-shop to meet their e-commerce needs, with timelines to go live in three weeks. Shams and Smartt. Studio further plan joint targeted marketing initiatives to generate interest among global retailers, conglomerates, and e-commerce platforms in the MENA region.

Businesses within the Shams community will now be able to elevate their online presence, amplify revenue streams and expand their customer base exponentially, the two companies said. 

Smartt. Studio's photographers will use cutting-edge technology to showcase clients' products, for example. The images will seamlessly integrate into online retailers' platforms through Smartt. Studio's AI-driven, tailor-made content management system. 

"This partnership perfectly aligns with our vision to establish the MENA region as a global leader in online commerce," said HE Dr Khalid Omar Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Media City 'Shams'.

"By uniting with Smartt. Studio, we can effectively empower businesses to flourish in an exceedingly competitive market with our goal being to drive sustained economic growth and foster innovation throughout the region," said HE Shihab Alhammadi, MD, Sharjah Media City 'Shams'.

"The success of global conglomerates and retailers in the online marketplace lies in presenting their products using unique ideas. We are excited to collaborate with the Sharjah Media City and look forward to supporting conglomerates and retailers seeking online dominance through our streamlined one-stop-shop approach," said Kartik Jobanputra, Founder & CEO of Smartt. Studio.

Nuodle to take halal beef noodles and more to Dubai

Nuodle, Singapore's first and only halal beef chain of quick-serve restaurants, has announced plans to open its first overseas outlet in Dubai this year. The outlet will be directly owned and managed by the Nuodle team from Singapore. Beef used in Dubai outlets will be sourced in-country.

"We believe that our brand represents Singapore, and itis time to share our passion for food and our heritage with the world. We are thrilled to open our first branch in Dubai, and we are confident that our customers will appreciate the authentic taste of our halal beef noodles," Nuodle's founder and MD Jerry Liao said.

The company recently added mala beef lamian (mala beef noodles, S$8.85) and classic fried bee tai mak (S$7.50) to its menu.

Source: Nuodle. Mala flavoured beef noodles.

The brand was set up to showcase Chinese cuisine, with a focus on the relatively rare Lanzhou beef noodles. Since the opening of the first Nuodle outlet at Singpost in 2017, Nuodle has served more than 1 million bowls per year of affordable Lanzhou beef noodles in Singapore.

Liao subsequently added sweet-and-sour dumplings from Xi’an, Hunan vermicelli fish soup, and spicy gizzard dry sauce noodles from Sichuan. A mala dish was added to appeal to those who like spicy food.

The mala flavoured beef noodles feature Nuodle's tender mala beef, made from a secret recipe, as well as Nuodle's homemade beef broth. Other ingredients include Shanghai greens, coriander, and garlic sprouts. According to Nuodle, the beef and broth are stewed for four to five hours before serving.

Nuodle's other new dish, classic fried bee tai mak, fuses Chinese cuisine with Singapore tastes. Nuodle uses a secret recipe for the sauce, which is fried with chewy bee tai mak, chicken thigh meat, cabbage, capsicum, onion, and Shanghai greens.

"The history of noodle-making is an integral part of our brand, and we are proud to continue this tradition in a modern halal setting. The unique aroma and flavour of beef and noodles in our carefully brewed clear broth, made with clean white turnips, brilliant red chili oil, green cilantro, and a blend of traditional Chinese spices, is a taste that everyone should experience,” Liao suggested.

Nuodle also introduced the concept of hand-pulled noodles to complement its beef noodles. Five types of hand-pulled noodles are available at Nuodle flagship outlets at SingPost Centre, Our Tampines Hub, and Compass One. The broth is prepared with halal beef, beef bones, beef liver, and seasonings.

Nuodle further plans to open its first overseas outlet in Dubai this year. The outlet will be directly owned and managed by the Nuodle team from Singapore. Beef used in Dubai outlets will be sourced in-country.

"We believe that our brand represents Singapore, and itis time to share our passion for food and our heritage with the world. We are thrilled to open our first branch in Dubai, and we are confident that our customers will appreciate the authentic taste of our halal beef noodles," Liao said.

Explore

Nuodle has 20 outlets in Singapore, including three cloud kitchens that can provide island-wide delivery. More pictures are on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=singaporerecommends&set=a.640341198102196 

Nuodle members receive privileges such as discounts on dishes.

Hashtags: #nuodle, #halalsg, #halalfood, #nuodlesg, #nuodleasia, #halalfoodsg, #sghalal

Premier marine research and rescue centre opens in Abu Dhabi

SeaWorld Rescue has gone global with the launch of its first centre outside of the US. YasSeaWorld Research and Rescue (YSWRR), Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, is the first dedicated marine research and rescue centre in the MENA region. 

YSWRR joins three locations adjacent to SeaWorld parks in the US. Together the four locations support local, regional and global conservation efforts for dozens of species, many of which are threatened or endangered. 

The 8,602 m² YSWRR will be a key contributor to marine-life conservation in both the UAE and the wider MENA region through research, rescue, rehabilitation, return and education programmes, informed by SeaWorld's nearly 60 years of animal care and rescue experience. 

"The waters of the Arabian gulf are an important marine ecosystem and integral to the fabric of the Abu Dhabi community. The conservation of their marine animals and ecosystems is vital, and we are excited to be a part of this important effort. Expanding SeaWorld's nearly 60-year legacy of animal care and conservation globally and having the opportunity to share our knowledge with the region is an honor and a privilege," said Dr Chris Dold, Chief Zoological Officer of SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment.

The marine rescue and research centre will host rescue vehicles and equipment, including two custom-made rescue boats, a rescue clinic, a veterinary hospital, and aquaculture facility. The center will also have over 25 rescue pools, from large pools for marine mammals to smaller pools for fish, invertebrates and marine reptiles. Two of the larger pools are equipped with lifting floors, which will make access for treatment easier and less disruptive for the animals. An onsite lab is also equipped with advanced rescue and rehabilitation facilities, including the ability to conduct in-house pathology analysis for wildlife.

The centre also conducts fundamental research focusing on the marine ecology of the Arabian Gulf and covering topics such as marine biodiversity, ecosystem resilience, sensitive wildlife conservation, critical habitats, fisheries, pollution and wildlife health. Specifically, the focus on applied research studies for marine ecosystem restoration will include aquaculture-based projects on fish propagation, seagrass cultivation, coral reproduction as well as field projects focusing on critical habitats of Arabian Gulf waters such as seagrass, mangroves, oyster beds and coral reefs. 

This research will be supported by three dry laboratories, a wet laboratory, and a 345 m³ aquaculture facility which includes live feed culture rooms, brood stock pools and larvae culture pools. The centre's research team will conduct most of these studies with its 12.5 m research vessel.

The center was developed and will be operated by Miral, Abu Dhabi's creator of immersive destinations and experiences, and SeaWorld. The Chairman of Miral, HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, said: "We are very proud to begin 2023, the UAE's Year of Sustainability, with opening the first dedicated marine research and rescue center in the region, Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue. This is a cornerstone in the emirate's journey of education and conservation, inspiring the next generation of marine scientists to learn more about Abu Dhabi's impactful long-term vision of protecting our marine wildlife and their habitats. 

"Together with SeaWorld, we will be pushing the limits of science and conservation to become the foremost knowledge hub for marine scientists, not only in the UAE but also in the wider region."

Source: SeaWorld. A rescue in progress.

Added the Chairman of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Scott Ross: "For nearly 60 years, SeaWorld has maintained its unwavering mission and steadfast commitment to protecting marine animals and their ecosystems and inspiring others to act and care for marine life. Our new centre in the UAE is an extension of this commitment and expands our reach to the Gulf region with a partner who is equally committed to protecting, preserving and honouring the importance of the sea, and will create a strong regional rescue network to protect and preserve native species in the Arabian Gulf."

Each rescue facility is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating ill, injured or orphaned wildlife. Due to their deep expertise and innovative techniques, SeaWorld rescue teams have helped more than 40,000 animals, including whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions, turtles, manatees, otters and a wide range of other marine animals. At these facilities, animal care specialists, marine biologists and veterinarians also work on critical and life-changing research and conservation projects that impact animal care, veterinary knowledge, habitat restoration and species preservation.

If marine animals are spotted in danger in UAE waters, please call the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) on 800 555.

Peet's Coffee opens coffee bar in UAE

Source: Peet's Coffee. Peet’s Coffee expands to the Middle East. The Dubai coffee bar is the first for Peet’s and Americana Restaurants, which entered into an exclusive master franchise agreement in 2022.

Peet's Coffee has opened its first Peet's location in the Middle East with a flagship coffee bar in Dubai. Established in partnership with Americana Restaurants, the new coffee bar is sited on Fashion Avenue at The Dubai Mall.

"This trusted, strategic partnership with Americana will bring better coffee to the fast-growing GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) region."

"We are delighted to launch Peet's in the GCC where the love of coffee is shared by millions of consumers," said Amarpal Sandhu, CEO of Americana Restaurants."Peet's devotion to the art and science of brewing the most flavourful cup of coffee is exceptional, and we are excited to expand the brand to new GCC markets this year."

The Dubai coffee bar features:

• A Discovery Bar that invites patrons to take a personalised coffee journey through custom cups, tasting flights, and full sensory, experiential courses led by Peet's roasters and baristas.
  
  
• A regional dessert menu including a tiramisu served with Peet's Baridi Blend Cold Brew, saffron and pistachio milk cakes, and freshly-baked pastries.

Americana Restaurants is one of the largest multibrand restaurant operators in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The companies inked an exclusive master franchise agreement in 2022.

UAE discusses Hajj logistics

The UAE Pilgrims’ Affairs Office has reviewed the tasks assigned to the committees and the preparedness of all executive and operational plans to serve Emirati pilgrims for Hajj 2022, from the arrival of the Emirati pilgrims at the holy sites in KSA until their return home.

A meeting was held in Makkah and presided over by HE Dr Omar Habtoor al-Direi, the Executive Director for the Islamic Affairs and Assistant Deputy Head of UAE Pilgrims’ Affairs Office, to discuss the latest preparations. Dr al-Direi reiterated the necessity of adopting a preventive approach in coping with challenges in the holy sites, especially when pilgrims have to perform Hajj rites in a limited time and be present in crowded conditions.

The UAE Official Haj Mission departed for KSA on 28 June.

Dubai's Kinoya bags One to Watch Award 2022 from MENA's 50 Best Restaurants

Middle East & North Africa's 50 Best Restaurants has named Dubai's Kinoya as the winner of its One To Watch Award 2022. The accolade recognises a rising-star restaurant within the region which 50 Best believes has the potential to break into the list in the years to come.

Kinoya's founder and Ramen Queen Neha Mishra opened Kinoya after a wildly successful supper club she ran from her home, called A Story of Food. Kinoya was initially conceptualised as a ramen shop, but finally took the shape of an izakaya to showcase more of Mishra's Japanese technique. 

Source: MENA's 50 Best Restaurants. Chef Mishra's Kinoya has won the One to Watch Award 2022.

Kinoya is divided into multiple sections – a ramen counter, an open seating area, a bar, a chef's table and two tatami rooms for private dining. Its warm, welcoming atmosphere is matched with a menu featuring classical Japanese dishes and other delicacies, as well as a large selection of ramen and a strong robata section. According to MENA's 50 Best Restaurants, Kinoya "is egalitarian and offers excellent value in terms of price point and accessibility".

Chef Mishra said: "We are humbled by the recognition and are delighted to be the winner of the first One To Watch Award at MENA's 50 Best Restaurants. The award is a credit to my team and everyone's hard work; we are just starting out on our journey, but this award shows us we are on the right path."

The award will be presented to Chef Mishra at a gala ceremony for MENA's 50 Best Restaurants 2022 in Abu Dhabi on 7 February.

ADIB Global Sukuk Fund launch declared a success

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) has raised over US$160 M through its new flagship fund, the ADIB Global Sukuk Fund.

Launched in October 2021, the fund offers a diversified portfolio that captures the opportunities available within the shari'ah-compliant universe of sovereign, quasi-sovereign, financial institutions and corporate sukuk, issued locally, regionally, as well as globally. It is targeted at investors seeking regular returns above prevailing cash rates over a medium to long-term investment period.

The successful raise demonstrates significant market appetite for high-quality shari'ah-compliant investment products, ADIB said. Michael Gregory Davis, ADIB Global Head of Wholesale Banking Groups, said: “We are extremely pleased with the strong demand received for the ADIB Global Sukuk Fund during its initial marketing phase which led to raising more than US$160 M at its first closing.

"Our clients are particularly attracted to the fund’s investment grade average rating, low volatility, relatively short duration, the option for regular attractive quarterly income distribution as well as its daily liquidity. We believe the fund’s compelling investment proposition will help us to grow the fund further and to establish it as one of the leading global sukuk funds in the market.”

Marrybrown to manage cafe for Malaysia Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai

The Malaysia Pavilion has announced that the largest halal quick serving restaurant chain in the world, Malaysian-owned Marrybrown, is its café operator for Expo 2020 Dubai. Marrybrown currently has more than 500 restaurants in Malaysia and across 16 countries, including in Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, India, the Maldives, and the Middle East.

Marrybrown will feature signature Malaysian delicacies as well as fast food favourites that have proven to tantalise international taste buds. The offerings include Malaysian fried chicken, burgers, Arabian wraps and nasi lemak (fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf). There will also be nasi kari ayam (curry chicken rice) and teh tarik (aerated milk tea).

"Malaysia Pavilion is incredibly happy to have Marrybrown as our café operator to represent our Malaysian identity. Marrybrown is a shining example of a Malaysian business which pioneered fast food chain franchising in Malaysia and went on to successfully spread its wings globally," said Shamsul Bahar Mohd Nor, CEO, Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Centre (MGTC).

"With its vision to bring Malaysian favourite dishes to the world, Marrybrown has flown the Malaysian flag high by going global as a brand. Marrybrown fittingly represent the Malaysian spirit and the best brands of Malaysia at Expo," added Shamsul Bahar.

Malaysia will be among 192 countries participating in Expo 2020 Dubai, scheduled for 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022. Themed Connecting Minds, Creating the Future, the world expo is the first to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region.

Malaysia's overall participation at Expo 2020 is led by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Malaysia while MGTC is the implementing agency. The Pavilion will house segments for permanent display and showcases, a business centre, an amphitheatre and retail and café areas. The net zero carbon site has the theme of Energising Sustainability and will be designed as a rainforest canopy. It is to be located between the Sustainability District and Mobility District at the 438-hectare expo site.

Malaysia's activities during the expo will include permanent displays, showcases, pocket talks, summits and forums, cultural performances, demonstrations and 26 weekly thematic trade and business programmes. The business weeks will be helmed and supported by 22 ministries, 44 agencies and five state governments.

KRUSH Brands delivers to UAE locations described by what3words

What3words, the location technology company that enables people around the world to identify and share any precise location using just three words, is teaming up with Freedom Pizza, a KRUSH Brands company, for its first UAE-based food delivery partnership. This allows customers to have Freedom Pizza delivered to a specific 3 m square without the need for additional directions.

Street addresses across the UAE can be inaccurate: pins can drop in the centre of the buildings, leaving riders struggling to find the correct door or access point and searching through large areas. The what3words addresses are more accurate than postal addresses, the company said. It is also the first addressing system entirely optimised for voice, and available in over 45 languages.

The what3words model is based on a grid of 3 m squares mapped onto the globe. Each one has a unique what3words address, made of three words from the dictionary. KRUSH Brands riders can then deliver anywhere across Dubai with the right words. For example, the front door to Freedom Pizza's Downtown location can be found at '///flicked.host.officers'.

KRUSH Brands has introduced the technology across their portfolio of locally-born companies, including Wildflower Poke & More, Coco Yogo Vegan Kitchen, Salad Jar along with foodpreneur partners Jet Lagged Chef and Viking Bageri.

To find the what3words address for a specific location, KRUSH Brands customers can visit what3words.com or download the free what3words app, then select where they would like to receive their delivery, after which they will see its easy-to-remember what3words address. They can then log in to any of the KRUSH Brands websites or applications to add their precise what3words address to their profile.

KRUSH Brands has a database of over 350,000 customers, with 60% of all orders coming directly on the brand platforms built by their in-house tech team. At least 95% of the orders received will be for delivery which equates to about 10,000+ deliveries per week for the KRUSH Brands delivery team to fulfil. Integrating what3words with their existing addressing system ensures speed, precision and reliability in a hyper-competitive market and allows KRUSH to maintain its 23 minutes average delivery time as demand increases.

KRUSH Brands Founder & CEO, Ian Ohan said: "We are super excited to partner with what3words to provide our customers with easy to use and more accurate and fast delivery. Whether you are at home, the beach, in the desert or one of the UAE's amazing parks, we will find you with what3words. We love its simplicity and believe it is the future of global addressing in the region and internationally. Good ideas matter and what3words is a great one.

"The benefit of what3words for food deliveries are clear. Providing three simple words in your online checkout means no more lost or cold pizza," added Chris Sheldrick, CEO and co-founder of what3words.

"We are really excited to partner with KRUSH Brands in Dubai to give customers a more accurate and seamless delivery experience anywhere, anytime".

Emirates NBD Enterprise Payment Hub live for all Emirates Islamic customers

As part of its ongoing AED1 billion digital transformation journey, Emirates NBD, a major banking group in the MENAT (Middle East, North Africa and Turkey) region, has been implementing an Enterprise Payment Hub globally.

The Enterprise Payment Hub enables new and existing payment innovations to be launched quickly across all Emirates NBD markets and entities. After an initial rollout in Singapore in September 2019, the multi-entity, multicurrency payment platform is now fully operational across most Emirates NBD entities and markets, including for customers across the UAE and India, and for all Emirates Islamic customers.

For the first time, Emirates NBD will have a 360-view of customer payments across all group entities and countries. More importantly, it will allow the bank to provide its customers an improved end-to-end tracking visibility on the status of a payment transaction through Global Payment Initiative (gpi) integration. Operational cost and efficiency benefits will also be realised with the new payment platform replacing multiple legacy payment engines, identifying the shortest payment processing route and enabling straight-through processing for an instant, seamless payment experience.

Abdulla Qassem, Group COO at Emirates NBD said, "Emirates NBD is pleased to mark another milestone in its long-term digital transformation strategy. With new technology, growing competition and evolving customer expectations, the way customers make payments is changing faster than any other part of financial services. Our new Enterprise Payment Hub, now fully operational across most Emirates NBD markets and entities, strongly positions us to offer our customers the most innovative real-time payment solutions as they emerge. The new platform enables Emirates NBD to rapidly deploy customised payments services in line with our commitment to simplifying everyday banking and creating rewarding customer journeys."

Emirates NBD's Enterprise Payment Hub is powered by the TCS BaNCS payments solution, which is designed on ISO20022-based data and process models and includes features like real-time payments and open APIs.

UAE aims for world lead in food security

The UAE Minister of State for Food Security, HE Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Al Almheiri, opened the World Food Security Forum, MENA on November 16 with a speech affirming the UAE's vision to be the world leader in the Global Food Security Index by 2051, and among the top 10 countries by 2021.

Almheiri shared key areas of focus to achieve the UAE's aims:

- to develop a comprehensive national system based on enabling sustainable food production through the use of modern technologies

- to enhance local production

- to develop international partnerships to diversify food sources

- to activate legislation and policies that contribute to improving nutrition

- to activate legislation and policies to reduce waste.

From the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the UAE and the wider region proactively introduced smart initiatives and policies to strengthen and further develop a sustainable and safe food supply, Minister Almheiri said. She further outlined that industry can best support the UAE's progress towards improved food securitythrough investment, innovation and technology.

The World Food Security Forum, MENA convened government and industry leaders from across the region, virtually connecting the regional food community to discuss how to ensure a resilient future to sustainable agriculture.

UAE announces sweeping changes to legislation

The UAE President, HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan approved Federal Law-Decrees to amend a range of laws including those covering Personal Status, Civil Transactions, Penal Code and Criminal Procedure on 7 November, WAM, the Emirates News Agency reported. The new decrees emphasise tolerance in the society and strengthen the country’s position as a preferred hub for residency and work. The Penal Code and Criminal Procedural law have repealed an article giving more lenient sentences for "honour crimes", for example. Another change is that non-Emiratis may rely on the laws of their home countries in cases of inheritance, divorce, separation and the division of assets should a marriage breaks down.

McDonald's UAE has new Rewards Program

Source: McDonald's UAE eDM.

McDonald's UAE is inviting residents to download the McDonald's app and scan every in-store purchase to collect rewards points. 

A hundred free points are given with the user's first scan on purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Details:

Watch the video.

Download the app.

Sharjah Islamic Bank is recognised for voluntary work

Sharjah Islamic Bank (SIB) has won the 17th Sharjah Award for Voluntary Work, the Emirati news agency WAM has reported. This is SIB's 4th time winning the award, which recognises organisations supporting volunteer work.

The bank was also praised for encouraging Emirati youth to volunteer.

Mohamed Abdalla, CEO of Sharjah Islamic Bank stressed that public and private entities should support society however they can. He said, "As part of the bank’s social responsibility, SIB is always looking to actively support voluntary initiatives, activities and institutions, to better align with the vision and directives of HH Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah."

"There is nothing more satisfying than extending support to those in need. Hence if you have the ability and resources to be of some help to the community, use the opportunity to the fullest," he advised.