From UAE to Norway, Dubai Ice Cream takes the world by storm
The delicious treat has already spread to many parts of the world, even reaching the far-flung reaches of Norway, close to the North Pole. Get ready for the ultimate chocolate indulgence with Dubai Chocolate Ice Cream.
This incredible dessert is inspired by the decadent Dubai Chocolate, featuring rich chocolate ice cream enveloped in a luscious layer of chocolate. And that's not all – it's often filled with the irresistible kunafa sauce or pistachios, making it a true chocolate lover's paradise.
Henning-Olsen Ice Company is now distributing Dubai Ice Cream in Norway. It is the oldest ice cream producer in the Nordic region. For over 90 years it has been delighting people across the region by producing high-quality ice cream based on secret recipes. The company produces an incredible 30 million liters of ice cream and frozen desserts every year, which is an amazing 50% of the Norwegian ice cream market.
Global Position
The BBC highlighted Dubai Chocolate's rapid rise to global fame, transforming from a local invention into a sought-after product. The BBC article described Dubai Chocolate as a global phenomenon that has captured the hearts of millions and spread around the world like wildfire, breaking records.
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Hi Dubai
2 hours ago
- Hi Dubai
Smart Packaging Strategies to Boost Brand Value and Cut Costs for Dubai Businesses
Packaging today is no longer a passive layer that simply wraps and protects a product. It has evolved into a powerful business tool, shaping consumer perception, enhancing sustainability efforts, and directly impacting the bottom line. Smart packaging refers to modern, intentional strategies that blend innovation with functionality. This could mean using eco-friendly materials that reflect your brand's values, integrating QR codes to share your story, or redesigning boxes to reduce shipping volume and cost. If your packaging could speak, what would it say about your brand? In short, packaging has become a silent ambassador for your business and a surprisingly efficient cost-saver when done right. In a market like Dubai, where competition is intense and customers expect both luxury and responsibility, the stakes are even higher. The UAE's packaging industry is expected to cross USD 10 billion in 2025, driven by demand for premium, sustainable, and technologically enhanced solutions. Are you offering an experience, or just a box? Consumers here are not only drawn to what's inside, but also to how it's presented, how it aligns with their values, and how convenient it is to interact with. At the same time, rising logistics and warehousing costs are pushing businesses to rethink how much they spend on packaging—every extra gram, inch, or layer counts. For Dubai-based companies, smart packaging offers a unique opportunity to balance these pressures. It enables you to deliver a richer brand experience while being mindful of efficiency, scalability, and environmental impact. What if your packaging could do more, with less? In this article, we'll explore actionable packaging strategies that help businesses boost brand value and cut costs at the same time, proving that your packaging can do far more than you might think. Why Smart Packaging Is a Strategic Move in Dubai Dubai's packaging scene is undergoing a major transformation, driven by changing consumer behaviour, economic pressure, and growing sustainability awareness. What used to be a functional necessity is now seen as a crucial element of brand identity, customer experience, and cost control. 1. Trends Defining UAE's Packaging Market Sustainability is becoming a clear priority for both businesses and consumers. More people now favour brands that use eco-friendly packaging, whether it's recyclable, compostable, or made from responsibly sourced materials. At the same time, there's a growing demand for packaging that feels premium and looks beautiful, especially in industries like beauty, fashion, food, and luxury goods. On the technology front, smart packaging is beginning to make its mark. From QR codes and NFC chips to digital authentication and interactive labels, these features are adding new value to packaging, helping brands connect with customers, share information, and stand out in competitive markets. In a city like Dubai, where innovation is expected, these packaging solutions fit naturally into the business landscape. 2. Balancing Premium Experience with Margin Control Businesses in Dubai often find themselves caught between two demands: delivering a luxurious, seamless customer experience and keeping operational costs under control. As shipping fees, raw material prices, and storage costs continue to rise, packaging becomes one of the smartest places to improve efficiency. Right-sized boxes, lighter materials, and designs that require less handling or storage space can make a noticeable difference. At the same time, clever packaging decisions can protect products better, reduce returns, and improve the overall unboxing experience, allowing brands to maintain a high-end feel without overspending. 3. Regulation and Consumer Mindset Driving Smarter Choices Dubai's shift toward a greener future is influencing how packaging is made, used, and disposed of. Local authorities are encouraging businesses to move away from single-use plastics and explore more sustainable options. This push is reinforced by consumer habits—more people are aware of environmental issues and are actively choosing brands that align with their values. Smart packaging fits this new mindset perfectly. It allows companies to meet new regulations, reduce waste, and present themselves as forward-thinking and responsible—all while enhancing the customer journey. In short, smart packaging is becoming a competitive necessity. It helps businesses in Dubai stay relevant, stay efficient, and stay aligned with a customer base that's evolving just as quickly as the market itself. Smart Packaging Strategies That Boost Brand Value Smart packaging has become one of the most visible and effective ways for brands to stand out in a crowded market, especially in a city like Dubai, where customers expect both innovation and intention. The box, bottle, or bag that carries your product is no longer just a vessel—it's your brand's first impression, a silent storyteller, and often the moment a customer decides whether to trust you or not. Sustainable Materials as a Brand Story Today's consumers are far more conscious of what packaging is made of—and where it ends up. Using biodegradable, recyclable, or responsibly sourced materials doesn't just reduce environmental impact; it sends a clear message about your values. Is your packaging reinforcing your brand's mission or silently contradicting it? By incorporating visible eco-labels or recycled textures, you give customers a chance to feel good about their purchase—and about choosing you over a competitor. Personalized Packaging Experiences In a digital-first world, physical personalization feels luxurious. From custom thank-you notes to limited-edition seasonal packaging for Ramadan or Eid, thoughtful design choices can transform a standard delivery into a memorable unboxing experience. Have you ever received packaging that felt like it was made just for you? That emotional resonance builds brand loyalty—and turns customers into brand advocates. For Dubai-based businesses, personalisation aligned with cultural values or local occasions adds even more depth. Tech-Enhanced Interaction QR codes, NFC tags, and even AR layers now offer customers an easy way to interact with your brand beyond the product. A simple scan can tell your brand's story, show how the product is made, or validate its authenticity. In a market where trust and transparency matter, why not let your packaging do the talking? These digital features create engagement moments that extend far past the shelf and deepen the overall customer journey. Luxury Perception Through Tactile Elements Packaging that feels luxurious often influences how people perceive the product inside. Thick, textured paper, magnetic closures, embossed fonts, or foil detailing—all signal quality before the box is even opened. In high-end sectors like cosmetics, jewelry, or wellness, these touches are not extras; they're expectations. Would your product still feel premium without them? Eco-Awareness as Differentiation More and more customers are making buying decisions based on a brand's environmental responsibility. Smart packaging allows you to wear that commitment proudly. Whether it's a printed pledge to offset carbon, a simple infographic on how to recycle the box, or a note explaining the choice of material, every element can turn packaging into a moment of shared values. Are you using your packaging to show customers you care about what they care about? Smart packaging can amplify your brand voice without saying a single word. When done well, it becomes an extension of your brand's identity—elevating perception, enhancing connection, and leaving a lasting impression long after the product is used. Smart Packaging Tactics That Cut Business Costs Smart packaging isn't only about presentation—it's also about precision. The right design can save businesses thousands in logistics, storage, returns, and labour. When you start treating packaging as an operational strategy, not just a branding exercise, the results often show up directly on your balance sheet. Let's explore how. Right-Sizing and Material Reduction One of the simplest ways to lower packaging costs is to reduce excess. Smaller, more efficient packaging doesn't just save on materials—it also means lower shipping fees, less warehouse space, and fewer resources used in production. Why pay for space you're not using? Even a few centimetres shaved off a box size can significantly reduce dimensional weight charges over time. And when sustainability and savings align, it becomes a win-win for both the business and the environment. Modular and Multi-Use Packaging For businesses with multiple product lines, modular packaging is a smart move. By designing boxes, inserts, or containers that work across several SKUs, you reduce the need for separate inventory and custom designs. Could your packaging system be simplified without sacrificing quality? The more versatile your packaging, the fewer design changes, storage issues, and reorder complexities you'll face. Digitally Printed Short Runs Traditional packaging often requires large print volumes to justify cost, but digital printing removes that pressure. Short-run packaging lets you test seasonal campaigns, product launches, or region-specific branding without committing to massive quantities. What if you could experiment more, without the financial risk? Faster turnaround times also mean your packaging can respond quickly to trends, cultural events, or customer feedback, keeping your brand agile and relevant. Shelf-Life Extension with Active Packaging In industries like food and pharmaceuticals, spoilage and returns are a major expense. Active packaging—such as oxygen absorbers, antimicrobial coatings, or humidity-regulating elements—can help extend shelf life and improve product integrity. Have you considered how much product loss you could prevent with smarter internal packaging? Fewer returns and damaged goods also mean stronger customer trust and reduced after-sales costs. Automated Assembly and Easy Packing Designs Smart packaging design isn't just about the box—it's also about how quickly and easily it can be assembled. Designs that require minimal folding, gluing, or taping can drastically reduce the time your team spends packing. Could your current packaging be slowing down your operations? By making the process faster and simpler, you save on labour costs while increasing daily output—a quiet but powerful way to improve profitability. By making better decisions at the design and production stage, businesses can unlock real savings without cutting corners. In fact, the most successful companies are those asking the right questions: How can we do more with less? And how can our packaging work harder for both our customers and our bottom line? Where Dubai Businesses Are Already Using These Smart Moves Smart packaging is no longer theoretical—it's already being used by Dubai brands to up their game across sectors like e‑commerce, F&B, beauty, and packaging manufacturing. 1. E-commerce Brands Using Branded Unboxing to Stand Out Top Dubai-based online businesses now treat packaging as a core marketing touchpoint. Think custom-printed boxes with consistent branding, coloured tissue paper, and thank-you notes—designed to deliver an emotional first impression. These thoughtful details turn a routine delivery into a memorable experience—and frequently, an unboxing moment captured on social media. Isn't it powerful when a customer shares their first impression of your brand before even using the product? 2. F&B Companies Adopting Eco-Packaging to Meet Green Expectations In the food and beverage sector, sustainability is fast becoming a baseline requirement. Local brands now use compostable containers, paper-based wraps, and reusable packaging to reduce single-use plastic waste. In Dubai, meal delivery services have led the way, offering biodegradable packaging that aligns with health values while reducing the environmental footprint. Have you considered how eco-friendly containers could reinforce your brand's commitment to sustainability, while winning customer trust? 3. Beauty & Wellness Businesses Leveraging AR and Interactive Packaging At the 2024 Beautyworld Middle East expo in Dubai, more than 30 exhibitors showcased luxury, sustainable, and tech-integrated packaging tailored for beauty and wellness brands. Some regional beauty labels now use packaging embedded with QR codes and NFC to deliver interactive product stories, authenticity checks, or digital experiences. Isn't it impressive when a simple scan can unfold your product journey, or offer virtual try‑on and demos? These tech-enhanced designs help brands build stronger consumer connections through both look and function. 4. Regional Packaging Companies Offering Smart Solutions Home-grown UAE firms like Hotpack Global and EcoPack are increasingly supplying sustainable and smart packaging alternatives. Hotpack, one of the GCC's largest packaging manufacturers, invests in biodegradable materials and innovative production lines for food and FMCG companies. Meanwhile, EcoPack supplies local restaurants and brands with compostable paper, pulp, and bagasse-based packaging options—helping businesses align with both regulation and customer sustainability expectations. Could your supply chain benefit from smarter, local packaging partners who understand Dubai's market dynamics? Smart packaging is already being used by many Dubai businesses to improve both customer experience and operational efficiency. From enhancing unboxing in e-commerce, to cutting down on single-use materials in F&B, to using interactive tech in beauty products, companies are gradually integrating these solutions into their operations. It's a practical step toward aligning with evolving consumer expectations and local sustainability goals. Implementation Roadmap: How to Get Started Smartly Introducing smart packaging into your business doesn't have to mean a complete overhaul from day one. In fact, starting small and building gradually is often the most effective approach, especially in a market like Dubai, where costs, speed, and customer expectations all come into play. 1. Audit Your Current Packaging Before you make any changes, take a close look at what you're currently using. How much does your packaging cost per unit? How do customers respond to it—positively, neutrally, or not at all? And how much material is wasted during production, storage, or delivery? A simple internal review of these factors can reveal whether your packaging is doing its job, or quietly draining resources. 2. Define Your Top Priority What's your main goal with smarter packaging? Are you aiming to improve the customer experience through design and functionality, or are you focused on reducing costs tied to shipping, materials, or returns? Identifying your priority helps determine what type of changes will deliver the most value early on. Is it better to invest in digital features or simply reduce package size? 3. Start with a Low-Risk Pilot Rather than applying new packaging across your entire product line, test it with a seasonal promotion, subscription box, or one of your best-selling items. This helps you evaluate the impact on customer response and operational costs without committing large resources upfront. Would a limited trial make it easier to gather feedback and refine the design? 4. Work with Local Packaging Experts Collaborating with Dubai-based suppliers and packaging companies gives you an edge in both turnaround time and market understanding. Local teams can help tailor materials, designs, and compliance details to suit the UAE's logistics and sustainability requirements. Could a regional partner reduce delays and offer packaging more aligned with local customer habits? 5. Track ROI from Both Sides The most effective packaging isn't just attractive or affordable—it performs well on multiple fronts. Track not only the savings on materials or freight, but also any shift in customer satisfaction, social media engagement, or product returns. Over time, these insights will help shape a packaging system that supports both your brand and your budget. Taking a measured, step-by-step approach to smart packaging makes the transition more manageable—and more likely to produce meaningful results. The key is to start with clarity, test thoughtfully, and adjust based on what actually works. Smart packaging isn't about following trends—it's about making practical improvements where they matter most. As business pressures grow, both in terms of customer expectations and operational costs, packaging presents a quiet but valuable opportunity to do things better. For companies in Dubai, it's not about doing everything at once, but about making small, intentional changes that reflect what your business stands for and what your customers actually need. The solutions aren't one-size-fits-all, but the approach can be: stay focused, stay flexible, and treat packaging not as an afterthought, but as part of the bigger picture. Over time, these choices can lead to clearer communication, more efficient systems, and a stronger connection between your product and the people buying it. Also read: Why Store Design and Product Placement Are Key to Retail Success in Dubai Learn how smart store design and product placement can boost retail sales, customer engagement, and footfall for businesses in Dubai. How to Expand Your Startup Using Micro-Entrepreneur Network Discover how Dubai startups can grow faster by tapping into micro-entrepreneur networks for support, collaboration, and real opportunity. Clear Dead Inventory: UAE Retailers' Guide to Smart Stock Moves Learn how UAE retailers can spot and clear dead inventory early to protect margins, save space, and improve buying decisions.
The National
5 hours ago
- The National
Sir Richard Branson joins jury for Zayed Sustainability Prize
is among the high-profile names confirmed as members of the jury for the Zayed Sustainability Prize on Tuesday. Other names include Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Shamma bint Suhail Faris Al Mazrui, Minister of Community Development, Mariam Al Mehairi, Head of the Office of International Affairs, Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State, Dr Nawal Al Hosany, UAE's Permanent Representative to the International Renewable Energy Agency, Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, former President of Iceland, Dr Andreas Jacobs, Chairman of INSEAD, Wang Chuan-fu, chairman and CEO of BYD, Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, President, Indigenous Women & Peoples Association of Chad Cochair, and Dr Ing Christian Bruch, President and CEO of Siemens Energy. The Zayed Sustainability Prize, now in its 17th year, received 7,761 entries from 173 countries for its 2026 awards event, vying for recognition in its six categories of Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action and Global High Schools. Delivering sustainable solutions The surge in applications marked a 30 per cent increase on the previous awards cycle, with a notable increase in technology-focused projects such as AI and FinTech tools. 'The record number of submissions to this year's prize cycle reflects a growing global commitment to practical, scalable solutions that deliver long-term impact," said Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and director general of the Zayed Sustainability Prize. "Across all categories, the increased use of AI and other advanced technologies highlights how innovation is being harnessed to drive inclusive, community-led progress." The prize, which honours the legacy of UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, empowers small to medium-sized enterprises, non-profit organisations and high schools to deliver high-impact, sustainable solutions. Analysis of the 2026 cycle has shown 85 per cent of submissions came from developing or emerging economies, with India, Ethiopia, Uzbekistan, Brazil and Indonesia among the top contributing nations. Winners will be announced at the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony on January 13, 2026, during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. Each of the five category winners will receive $1 million, while high schools – representing the world's regions – will be awarded $150,000 each to implement or expand their sustainability projects.
Gulf Business
6 hours ago
- Gulf Business
Dubai's new AI parking system: 36,000 spaces covered for vehicles
Image credit: Dubai Media Office/Website In a landmark move for urban mobility, Parkonic, the UAE's leading smart parking solutions provider, and Salik Company PJSC, Dubai's exclusive toll gate operator, have partnered with Dubai Holding to roll out the region's first fully autonomous, AI-powered on-street and off-street parking solution. The rollout will cover more than 36,000 parking spaces across some of Dubai's most iconic communities. Read- This initiative is fully aligned with Dubai's Smart City 2030 and Future Mobility Vision, and aims to transform the way residents and visitors experience urban parking. Seamless, zero-interaction parking experience The partnership introduces a ticketless, barrier-free parking system that eliminates the need for manual inspection. Utilising Parkonic's advanced AI-driven software platform and seamlessly integrated with Salik's payment infrastructure, the solution delivers a frictionless entry and exit experience with instant, cashless payments. 'This partnership is a milestone for urban mobility in Dubai,' said Imad Alameddine, CEO of Parkonic. 'Together with Salik and Dubai Holding, we are building a future where parking is seamless, intelligent, and user-centric. Dubai Holding's trust in Parkonic reflects our commitment to innovation. This collaboration goes beyond parking—it's about enabling AI-driven services, autonomous vehicles, and a fully integrated mobility ecosystem.' Supporting sustainability and smart mobility goals Beyond convenience, the project is designed to support Dubai's Net Zero goals by reducing congestion and cutting carbon emissions. The smart infrastructure will allow real-time monitoring and improved traffic flow, eliminating overstays and unnecessary fines through automatic detection and billing systems. The technology will also feature multilingual user interfaces and will be operated without any need for manual intervention, making it accessible and efficient for all users. 'This strategic alliance is not just about infrastructure,' said a joint statement from the partners. 'It's about redefining the user experience and setting a new standard in urban design and smart mobility.' About the partners Parkonic is the UAE's largest private parking operator and a pioneer in smart parking solutions. Known for its AI-powered technologies, Parkonic is redefining how urban mobility and parking systems work in the region. Salik Company PJSC, Dubai's exclusive toll gate operator, was established as a public joint stock company in June 2022 and listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) in September 2022. Salik, which means 'seamless mobility' in Arabic, operates all toll gates in Dubai under a 49-year concession agreement with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The company uses RFID and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technologies to manage vehicle movements efficiently across the city. Together with Dubai Holding, a diversified global investment company with operations in over 30 countries, this partnership marks a significant leap forward in smart, connected mobility for the city of Dubai.
