logo
UAE visa changes; Saudi approves riyal symbol; Dubai rent rules; Mona Kattan leaves Huda Beauty – 10 things you missed this week

UAE visa changes; Saudi approves riyal symbol; Dubai rent rules; Mona Kattan leaves Huda Beauty – 10 things you missed this week

UAE visa updates, the introduction of a symbol for the Saudi riyal, Dubai real estate successes and more stories hit the headlines this week.
Catch up with the biggest stories this week, as selected by Arabian Business editors.
Saudi Arabia approves riyal symbol
Saudi Arabia has officially approved a symbol to represent the riyal currency unit.
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has approved the Saudi riyal symbol in a historic move that will reinforce the Saudi currency's identity, said the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA). SAMA Governor Ayman Al Sayari extended his profound appreciation to King Salman and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for launching the Saudi riyal symbol.
Al Sayari noted that this decision reinforces Saudi Arabia's financial identity locally, regionally, and internationally. He indicated that the implementation of the new symbol will be gradual for financial and commercial transactions, with coordination across all relevant entities.​​​
Starting February 13, 2025, Indian citizens holding ordinary passports and valid visas, residence permits, or Green Cards from the following new countries will be granted visas upon arrival at all UAE entry points.
The new countries are Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
The UAE grants residence visa to family members of an expat, provided they meet certain requirements.
Dubai real estate: 90-day notice required for rent increases, says DLD
The Dubai Land Department (DLD) has revealed that landlords must notify tenants 90 days before contract expiration for any rent increases, which must be validated by the new Smart Rental Index.
The Smart Rental Index determines rent adjustments through analysis of contract values within buildings, area averages, and building classifications.
If landlords fail to provide the 90-day notice, increases cannot be implemented, regardless of the index's findings, the Dubai Media Office (DMO) said in a statement.
UAE law changes: New rules on marriage, divorce, child custody – All you need to know
The UAE will implement its most significant personal status law reform in decades this April, introducing fundamental changes to marriage consent, custody rights, and divorce procedures that could affect thousands of families across the country.
The Federal Personal Status Law No. 41 of 2024, taking effect April 15, marks several watershed changes, including the adoption of the Gregorian calendar for legal proceedings and a complete overhaul of custody age limits.
A significant change allows wives to seek divorce if husbands abstain from marital relations for over six months without valid justification, regardless of whether the husband swore to abstain, according to Asma Siddiqui, senior associate at BSA Law.
NEOM has announced plans to unveil the first phase of THE LINE, with the Hidden Marina development leading the initiative, its Chief Development Officer Denis Hickey revealed during his address at the PIF Private Sector Forum in Riyadh.
The Hidden Marina will extend 2.5 kilometres and reach 500 metres in height, consisting of three connected modules designed to house more than 200,000 residents.
The development will include 21 million square metres of built-up area, surpassing the Burj Khalifa's 350,000 square metres in Dubai, the report said, citing Hickey.
The forecast follows Dubai's performance in 2024, which saw prime residential capital values rise by 6.8 per cent and rental values surge by 23.5 per cent.
'Dubai's prime residential sector continues to thrive, with demand outpacing supply in some of the city's most sought-after communities. The strong rental market performance, coupled with capital appreciation, makes Dubai an increasingly attractive destination for global investors. We expect 2025 to bring further momentum, with high-value transactions and new ultra-luxury developments reshaping the city's real estate landscape,' Andrew Cummings, Head of Residential Agency at Savills Middle East said.
Giant 500m Dubai hotel and branded real estate project to have 'world's highest outdoor pool'
A new 500m-plus Dubai hotel and branded real estate development will open in 2030 with the 'world's highest outdoor pool'.
Corinthia Hotels and Dubai General Properties announced their partnership on the landmark hotel and residential development. The skyline-defining structure will comprise a traditional hotel and branded residences concept.
Set within a two-tower structure on Sheikh Zayed Road near the Museum of the Future, the development will rise to more than 500m and rank among the world's tallest buildings.
Mona Kattan leaves Huda Beauty
Mona Kattan is departing from Huda Beauty to lead KAYALI as an independent fragrance brand, the company announced on Monday.
The fragrance brand KAYALI, founded jointly by sisters Huda and Mona Kattan in 2018, will now operate as a standalone company following Huda Beauty's decision to sell its ownership stake.
Mona, widely known as the 'Perfume Princess' and the creative force behind KAYALI's rapid growth, will partner with global growth equity firm General Atlantic to jointly own the brand. She will continue her role as KAYALI CEO.
Demand for ultra-luxury homes in Dubai, including those in prime and waterfront locations, made a major bounce back during the first month of 2025, with wealthy buyers seen lapping up multi-million housing and land assets, industry players said.
The scale and nature of transactions in January are also seen as a major shift in investor behaviour, with luxury real estate increasingly seen as a core asset class, besides a broader reflection of sustained liquidity in the high-end property market.
Anticipation of a price rise on the cards due to supply constraints in prime locations and the rising migration of global high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) to Dubai also drove demand for high-end properties in sought-after city neighbourhoods, they said.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Wipro Establishes Its Middle East Regional Headquarters In Riyadh
Wipro Establishes Its Middle East Regional Headquarters In Riyadh

Channel Post MEA

time43 minutes ago

  • Channel Post MEA

Wipro Establishes Its Middle East Regional Headquarters In Riyadh

Wipro Limited has announced the relocation of its Middle East regional headquarters from Al Khobar to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The new office in Riyadh was inaugurated in a ceremony attended by the Wipro executive team, employees, and customers. This is the latest addition to Wipro's growing presence in the region, which includes offices in Riyadh, Al Khobar, Jeddah, and Jubail. 'The inauguration of Wipro's new regional headquarters in Riyadh marks a significant milestone that contributes to accelerating the growth of the Kingdom's digital economy,' said Mohammed AlRobayan, Deputy Minister for Technology at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT). 'This also underscores the attractiveness of Saudi Arabia's digital business environment. We value the company's investment in developing national competencies, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and enhancing the Kingdom's position as a global technology hub.' In addition to this new office opening, Wipro recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University (PMU) to establish a Center of Excellence (CoE) in Riyadh. This partnership aims to upskill local talent by providing academic training in advanced technologies, hands-on experience, and access to Wipro's resources. The CoE will focus on equipping young Saudi nationals with future-ready skills, creating a talent pool that can add value to organizations and the kingdom. 'The establishment of our new regional headquarters in Riyadh reaffirms our commitment to supporting the dynamic business landscape in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,' said Vinay Firake, CEO – Asia Pacific, India, Middle East & Africa (APMEA), Wipro Limited. 'This strategic move, combined with our ongoing involvement in supporting the goals of the Kingdom, aligns with our vision of driving sustained growth and a future-ready workforce in the region. This commitment is strengthened by the recent appointment of Mohamed Mousa as our new Managing Director for Wipro Middle East out of our Riyadh headquarters, which will further advance our decades-long presence in the Middle East.'

Apparel Group Unveils Go Colors' First Global Store
Apparel Group Unveils Go Colors' First Global Store

Arabian Post

time3 hours ago

  • Arabian Post

Apparel Group Unveils Go Colors' First Global Store

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Apparel Group has marked a significant milestone by launching Go Colors' inaugural international store at Dubai's Silicon Central Mall, signalling the brand's entry into the global retail market. This expansion represents a strategic step for Go Colors, which has established a strong presence in India with its vibrant and affordable fashion offerings. The move aims to capitalise on Dubai's status as a retail hub, known for its diverse, fashion-conscious clientele and high footfall of international shoppers. Go Colors is part of the Apparel Group, a leading retail conglomerate that manages over 75 global brands across the Middle East, India, and beyond. The launch in Dubai is designed to leverage the city's cosmopolitan market, introducing Go Colors' distinct range of colourful apparel, accessories, and lifestyle products to a broader audience. The brand's identity revolves around youthful, trendy designs and a commitment to affordable pricing, which has resonated well with the domestic market and is now poised to attract the diverse demographics of Dubai's shoppers. ADVERTISEMENT Dubai's Silicon Central Mall, a recently developed retail complex situated in the heart of Dubai Silicon Oasis, was chosen for its strategic location and modern infrastructure. The mall is rapidly emerging as a key destination for technology and lifestyle retail, combining innovation with shopping experiences. This aligns with Go Colors' dynamic brand ethos and the Apparel Group's ambition to expand its footprint in premium retail locations. The new store covers approximately 2,000 square feet and features a wide array of products tailored to appeal to men, women, and children, maintaining the brand's core focus on versatility and style. The decision to launch Go Colors internationally reflects broader trends in the retail sector, where Indian-origin brands are increasingly seeking growth beyond domestic boundaries. This expansion is facilitated by Dubai's robust economic framework, ease of doing business, and a strong retail infrastructure that attracts international brands looking to establish a presence in the Middle East. Industry experts note that the Middle East retail market continues to grow steadily, driven by a young population, rising disposable incomes, and a blend of traditional and contemporary shopping preferences. Go Colors' entry into the Dubai market comes amid intensifying competition among apparel brands vying for consumer attention in the region. The brand's strategy focuses on differentiating itself through vibrant colour palettes, frequent new collections, and price accessibility. This approach is expected to attract not only the local UAE residents but also expatriates and tourists, who constitute a significant share of Dubai's retail consumers. By emphasising a youthful and energetic brand image, Go Colors aims to fill a niche that balances trendy fashion with everyday affordability. The Apparel Group's leadership expressed confidence in the growth potential of the new store. The group's CEO highlighted that the launch represents a blend of innovation, market understanding, and the ability to connect with diverse consumer groups. He underlined the importance of Dubai as a gateway for international expansion and pointed to the group's extensive experience in managing multiple global brands as a key asset in navigating new markets. The leadership's vision for Go Colors involves not only store expansion within the UAE but also potential future openings in other strategic locations worldwide. Operationally, the new store employs a mix of local staff trained in customer engagement and product knowledge, ensuring a high standard of service that aligns with the brand's values. The layout of the store is designed to offer a seamless shopping experience, combining colourful, eye-catching displays with intuitive product categorisation. This allows customers to easily navigate through seasonal collections, casual wear, and accessories. Additionally, the store integrates digital elements such as QR codes for product information and promotions, reflecting a growing trend towards blending physical and digital retail experiences. ADVERTISEMENT Market analysts observe that the Apparel Group's expansion strategy is well-timed, considering the growing appetite for fast fashion and lifestyle brands in the Middle East. The region's retail sector is adapting rapidly to shifts in consumer behaviour, with increased demand for value-oriented yet stylish apparel. Go Colors' proposition fits into this paradigm by offering fresh designs frequently, thus catering to consumers seeking variety without compromising affordability. This trend is underscored by data indicating increased spending on casual and lifestyle clothing across GCC countries, driven by younger demographics and evolving fashion sensibilities. While the launch signals optimism, challenges remain for Go Colors as it enters a competitive and sophisticated market. Established international brands and regional players alike have entrenched customer bases, and consumer expectations for quality, trendiness, and service are high. Success will depend on how effectively Go Colors can localise its product offerings, adapt to cultural preferences, and sustain a compelling value proposition. The Apparel Group's experience in the Middle East retail sector, including managing franchises and original brands, is expected to play a crucial role in mitigating these challenges. The store opening is also part of a wider retail resurgence in Dubai, as the city continues to attract global investors and shoppers post-pandemic. Retail experts point to increased foot traffic in malls and rising consumer confidence as indicators of a robust recovery. Government initiatives promoting tourism, retail innovation, and business-friendly policies have contributed to this positive environment. For Go Colors, entering this market now could provide early mover advantages as consumer habits stabilise and purchasing power strengthens.

Hessa Al Sudairy joins Publicis Communications KSA as Executive Creative Director
Hessa Al Sudairy joins Publicis Communications KSA as Executive Creative Director

Campaign ME

time5 hours ago

  • Campaign ME

Hessa Al Sudairy joins Publicis Communications KSA as Executive Creative Director

Publicis Communications KSA, the creative hub of Publicis Groupe Middle East has appointed Hessa Al Sudairy as Executive Creative Director. In this role, Al Sudairy will collaborate with the Leo Burnett and Saatchi & Saatchi offices across the Kingdom to further strengthen their creative vision across a diverse and growing client portfolio. She brings over 15 years of experience in the region, with a strong track record of developing campaigns for both Saudi Arabia's leading brands and global powerhouses. Her work spans sectors including telecom, tech, banking and finance, FMCG, and automotive, with a portfolio that features global and regional brands including Apple, stc, Almarai, Red Bull, Volkswagen, and several top financial institutions. Al Sudairy joined Leo Burnett early in her career as a copywriter and now returns to lead the creative charge in a market that continues to evolve rapidly. Bassel Kakish, Chief Executive Officer, Publicis Groupe ME&T, said, 'Hessa's return comes at a pivotal moment for our creative ambitions in Saudi Arabia. She brings the right mix of creative leadership, market understanding, and collaborative energy that our clients value. We're excited to have her back.' Publicis Communications KSA claims her creative approach combines strategic thinking with cultural relevance. She has also been known for delivering ideas that are both impactful and grounded in insight. Fizo Younis, Chief Creative Officer, Publicis Communications KSA & Egypt, said, 'You're only as good as the people you work with, and Hessa raises the bar. Her creative excellence speaks for itself, but it's who she is as a person that makes working with her such a joy. Can't wait to see how she leads our teams in KSA to new heights. Commenting on her appointment Al Sudairy said, 'It's thrilling to return to a dynamic, ever-evolving group that places integration at the heart of its offering, and to bring that to the region's most exciting market, KSA.' Her award winning work has been recognised by Dubai Lynx, Loeries, Effies, WARC and D&AD, and she has previously served as a juror for Dubai Lynx and the Clio Awards. Her appointment aims to reflects the agency's focus on strengthening its creative leadership across the region and deepening its commitment to the Saudi market.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store