Latest news with #GCC-based
Arabian Post
5 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Post
Arada Developments Seeks Debt Financing Amid GCC Boom
Arada Developments has turned to the debt markets for financing, following its decision to issue a sukuk bond aimed at capitalising on the construction boom within the Gulf Cooperation Council region. With its credit ratings from Moody's and Fitch at B1 and B+, respectively, the company has mandated a consortium of major banks to facilitate the issuance of a five-year fixed-rate sukuk. The sukuk will be issued under Arada Sukuk 2 Limited's $1 billion Trust Certificate Issuance Programme, a key structure that offers Arada the flexibility to issue sukuk over a period. The bond is expected to receive a combined rating of B1 from Moody's and BB- from Fitch, which is indicative of a relatively higher risk investment but one with potential returns, especially in the current market context. Several prominent financial institutions have been enlisted to help manage the deal. Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, Emirates NBD Capital, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Mashreq, and Standard Chartered Bank are acting as the joint global coordinators for the issuance. Alongside them, a range of other banks, including Arab Bank, Arqaam Capital, Bank ABC, RAKBANK, Sharjah Islamic Bank, and Warba Bank, are involved as joint lead managers and bookrunners. ADVERTISEMENT The move comes at a time when GCC-based developers are increasingly turning to debt markets to raise funds, particularly as demand for real estate continues to soar in the region. A series of fixed income investor calls kicked off last Thursday, giving potential investors an opportunity to engage with Arada's plans and the offering's prospects. The sukuk offering is poised to benefit from the strong growth momentum in the GCC construction and real estate sector, driven by both government-led infrastructure projects and private sector initiatives. The UAE, in particular, has seen a substantial influx of investments in the property sector, driven by both foreign capital and domestic demand. Major projects across residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments are fueling optimism about the sector's future. In the case of Arada, the company has seen rapid growth since its inception. Founded with the ambition to drive innovation in urban developments, Arada has made strides with large-scale projects in key cities like Sharjah and Dubai. The company's flagship projects, such as the Aljada development in Sharjah, showcase its position as one of the leading developers in the region. However, like many other developers, Arada has faced challenges related to financing and liquidity, with the sukuk issuance being a strategic move to secure funds for continued expansion. The growing reliance on sukuk issuances by real estate developers in the GCC highlights an emerging trend. Developers are increasingly tapping debt markets as a means to fund large-scale projects. Sukuk bonds, due to their compliance with Islamic finance principles, are particularly attractive to investors in the region and beyond. This trend is also a result of the favourable financing conditions that have been available in recent years, with lower interest rates and increased liquidity in regional markets. As the sukuk market expands, there are concerns over the sustainability of such growth, especially in the context of rising interest rates and economic uncertainty in global markets. However, the demand for high-yielding, fixed-income instruments continues to remain strong among investors looking to diversify their portfolios, particularly those seeking assets that align with Islamic finance principles.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Kuwait reboots eVisa system with new rules for GCC residents: Key info for travellers
Streamlined eVisa process aims to attract GCC-based travellers and boost regional tourism/Representative Image TL;DR: Kuwait reopened its improved e‑Visa portal in January 2025, allowing certain GCC‑based residents to apply online or obtain visa‑on‑arrival. Eligible applicants must hold a GCC residency of 6+ months, a valid passport, and work in specified professional categories such as doctors, engineers, teachers, journalists, and business managers. Excluded nationals must apply via diplomatic channels. E‑visa costs start at 3 KWD ($10), processed within 1–3 business days, valid for 90 days, and grants up to 30‑day stays. What's Changed: Platform Reopened, Rules Streamlined After a temporary suspension in December 2024 for system upgrades, Kuwait relaunched its Kuwait Visa portal in early 2025. The upgraded system offers digitally streamlined e‑Visa applications, specifically for residents residing in the GCC. This move is part of Kuwait's broader initiative to modernize immigration procedures, promote regional travel, and boost transparency while preserving national security standards. Who Qualifies? Application criteria for GCC expats include: Residency permit in GCC (UAE, Saudi, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain) valid for at least 6 months. Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond travel date. Profession listed on Emirates ID (or equivalent GCC ID) must match an approved category like doctor, engineer, teacher, journalist, business manager, etc. Clean legal and immigration record. Excluded nationalities must apply via Kuwaiti missions. Application Steps & Documents Applicants must: Visit official Kuwait Visa Registration website, select GCC resident/tourist e‑Visa option. Create an account with email, phone number, and secure password. Upload supporting documents: Passport bio page, GCC residency page, recent passport photo, proof of accommodation or hotel booking, and return ticket. Enter professional occupation as listed on GCC residence ID. Pay the 3 KWD fee ($10)) online. Track the application, approval typically takes 1–3 business days. Present a printed copy of the e‑Visa upon arrival in Kuwait for immigration clearance. Once issued, the e‑Visa is valid for 90 days and allows an entry stay of up to 30 days. Visa on Arrival Option Eligible GCC residents may also opt for a visa on arrival, depending on airline discretion. Airlines like Emirates and Jazeera Air have approved boarding passengers with valid GCC visas and matching professional categories, though Kuwait Airways may apply stricter rules. Context: Bigger Picture and Updates This updated access aligns with Kuwait's broader regional strategy, including the upcoming rollout of the Unified GCC Tourist Visa ('GCC Grand Tours Visa') expected later in 2025 or early 2026. This single-entry visa will cover travel across all six GCC nations for tourism purposes. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Many Filipinos don't know about this! Read More Undo Kuwait also continues to maintain strict penalties for overstaying or improper use of visas, with fines up to KD 2,000 and potential bans for violations. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region has been witnessing a rapid shift in travel policies as member states strive to boost regional tourism and economic integration. While countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia have introduced long-term tourism and business visas to attract global talent and visitors, Kuwait has traditionally maintained stricter entry protocols. However, with the implementation of Vision 2035, Kuwait's national development roadmap, authorities are now actively modernizing administrative systems, including the digitization of immigration services. The simplified eVisa program is part of these reforms, aiming to make the country more accessible to GCC-based expatriates and regional tourists Why It Matters Greater accessibility : GCC residents in professions like medicine, education, journalism, or management can now apply directly from their host country. Speed & simplicity : Digital approvals in under 3 days improve travel flexibility. Tourism boost : Eases access for regional business and leisure travellers. Fair but firm policy : Eligibility rules and exclusions help balance openness with legal and security standards. Kuwait's revamped e‑Visa system for GCC residents marks a significant step in simplifying regional travel, particularly for qualified professionals who live and work in the GCC nations. With clear eligibility criteria, affordable fees, rapid turnaround, and visa-on-arrival options, the process is now more inclusive and efficient. It reflects Kuwait's growing commitment to modernizing immigration systems, facilitating regional mobility without compromising on compliance and security.
Campaign ME
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Campaign ME
Maison de RA turns ‘identity' into main fashion accessory in campaign
Maison de RA launched a new brand campaign and pop-up activation at Flat12, is a reminder that when fashion listens – really listens – it can tell stories that feel personal. The campaign was brought to life by Untitled Co. in collaboration with The Offsite Studio, reimagines Maison de RA not just as a fashion label, but as a personal archive – a space that holds unspoken histories and layered emotions. 'The creative vision was inspired by the emotional intersection of memory, identity, and womanhood. The brand message is: You are the sum of all the women you've ever been. This narrative was visualised as a nostalgic, dreamlike space – a Maison – where every corner reflects fragments of her essence, told through textures, scents, and the intimate rituals of getting ready,' says Aisha Al Tamimi, Creative Managing Director and Founder at Untitled Co. The activation was designed to explore memory, identity, and womanhood through an immersive, tactile space. It focused on driving brand awareness and footfall, while inviting a deeper emotional connection with the RA identity. Unlike fast-paced fashion moments built for social media, this one invited a slower, more personal experience. View this post on Instagram A post shared by RA (@ Tapping into emotional memory and audience insight The activation centred around the idea that 'you are the sum of all the women you've ever been' – a sentiment echoed throughout the pop-up's design and storytelling. Every detail, from lighting to scent, was intended to evoke fragments of a lived or imagined past. The campaign was targeted towards GCC-based women aged 22–40, especially those who appreciate fashion as self-expression, emotional depth, and nostalgia. According to Tamimi the target audiences are confident, culturally rooted, and drawn to brands that reflect their complexity. 'We imagined the RA woman as someone who carries the echoes of her past with her – even those she's never truly lived,' says Tamimi. She adds, 'Our research showed that women often associate clothing with deeply personal memories – a perfume with a past self, a lipstick with a turning point, a mirror with self-recognition. We also found that Arab women, in particular, carry strong multi-generational identities – between mother, daughter, friend, and stranger – all of which informed the tone and visual direction of the campaign.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by untitled ان تايتلد (@ A brand space shaped by regional codes What made the execution stand out was how carefully it leaned into regional nuance. Rather than applying a broad or generic aesthetic, the team built the experience around elements that hold cultural weight and emotional value. Tailored for a regional audience, the campaign used Emirati Arabic in its script and drew on distinctly Arab aesthetic codes, from set design to styling choices. The narrative honored Arab femininity and memory – weaving together perfume, mirrors, lipstick, and clothing rituals that are distinctly relevant in the region. Maison de RA was a place to slow down and feel seen 'Our job was to create a space that felt emotionally familiar without being overly literal. The message: RA is more than a fashion label; it's a space that holds personal history, even if it's unspoken,' says Raoul Daou, Co-Founder of The Offsite Studio. 'From aged mirrors to layered textiles, the space whispered stories rather than shouting them – it was less of a display and more of a lived-in dream.' Visitors were encouraged not just to browse, but to linger. 'One thing that stood out was how long people stayed. A lot of fashion activations are built for quick interactions — this wasn't. People slowed down. Some stayed half an hour just walking through or sitting in certain areas. That was intentional. We kept the materials tactile, the lighting soft, and the layout intuitive so the space invited a slower pace. That helped make the activation feel more personal and less like a set,' Daou notes. 'The cinematic storytelling, Emirati dialect voiceover, and poetic visuals resonated deeply. Visitors to the pop-up described the space as 'feeling like home' or 'a dream they once had.' Organic shares on Instagram and story reposts showcased audience attachment, often accompanied by captions like 'this is me',' comments Tamimi. The result resonated. Instagram engagement more than doubled compared to previous campaigns, and during launch week, the brand received over 50 daily DMs and tags, many referencing how 'seen' or 'represented' the space made them feel. The response showed how powerful localisation can be when paired with creativity and emotional intelligence. Credits:
Mid East Info
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Mid East Info
Dubai Culture Launches Open Call for 14th Sikka Art & Design Festival
Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has opened applications for the 14th Sikka Art & Design Festival, which will be held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture. The event will run from 23 January to 1 February 2026 in Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood, providing an innovative platform that unites multiple art forms while celebrating Emirati and GCC-based talent, both emerging and established. The festival empowers creatives to showcase their works and enrich Dubai's artistic scene, reinforcing the emirate's standing as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent. Dubai Culture invites creatives, both individuals and collectives from various art forms, such as visual art, design, new media, photography, public art and installations, ceramics, performing arts, and urban culture to participate. The festival, which is part of Dubai's Quality of Life Strategy, welcomes submissions from music performers, workshop facilitators, panellists for talks and discussions, food market vendors and culinary specialists, as well as design and cultural retailers all of which bring fresh momentum to Dubai's cultural landscape and help elevate the city's international profile. The Authority will begin accepting applications for participation from June 30 to September 1. A team of expert curators will review entries and select works eligible for the event, which falls under the Sikka Platform. Participants are required to submit work that reflect their perspectives and the richness of the local community and ensure that all pieces are new and have not been previously produced or displayed elsewhere. The 13th edition of the festival drew more than 160,000 visitors and featured over 364 artists who exhibited around 390 artworks and installations across 16 houses, 14 courtyards, and the neighbourhood's alleyways. Thirteen murals were on display, each distinguished by its unique concept and ability to capture the spirit, heritage, and culture of Dubai. The previous edition also included a diverse range of sculptures and nearly 45 public art installations, aligning with the Dubai Public Art Strategy. Over 460 workshops were organised, covering areas such as art, design, architecture, and traditional crafts, with nearly 6,000 participants. Attendees had the opportunity to experience 105 live shows, 18 theatrical acts, seven orchestra concerts, and nine piano recitals. 'The Culinary House' exhibited seven art pieces inspired by saffron. More than 17 retail outlets provided artists and makers with a space to connect with their audiences and grow their businesses, helping over 50 entrepreneurs thrive.
Morocco World
25-06-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
How GCC-Based Coupon Platforms Are Reshaping Online Shopping Habits in the MENA Region
Middle East and North Africa shoppers have always been shrewd with their money. Haggle-friendly souks once trained entire generations to negotiate every dirham, dinar, and rial. Today, that instinct lives on—but it has moved online. In the space of just a few years, Gulf-born coupon platforms have turned the ancient art of bargaining into a high-speed, smartphone-first ritual that now influences everything from grocery baskets in Dubai to tech splurges in Casablanca. At the center of this change sits GC Coupons , a start-up launched in 2020 that has quietly become the region's most trusted doorway to real, workable promo codes. From paper flyers to push notifications The MENA retail scene rewired itself almost overnight during the pandemic. Lockdowns pushed consumers toward digital storefronts, while brands—hungry for traffic—began distributing discount codes like confetti. Early adopters loved the idea, but they hated the execution: expired codes, fake offers, and endless redirects sapped confidence just when e-commerce needed it most. That credibility gap created the ideal opening for GCC-based coupon apps. Unlike generic deal portals, these platforms focused on local checkout flows, Arabic-English interfaces, and partnerships steeped in regional trust. GC Coupons led the charge by pledging a single, non-negotiable standard: every code on the site must be redeemed at the moment of publication. The promise resonated so strongly that what began as a lean website now manages more than 12,000 active coupons for over 1,800 retailers—an inventory unmatched in the MENA market. Why shoppers gravitate towards coupon apps Loyalty cards may hand out points, but they tend to pay dividends weeks or months later. Coupon apps flip that equation; shoppers watch the price drop before they hit 'Pay.' In a region where impulsive flash sales reign, immediacy wins every time. A Moroccan buyer can snag a Temu gadget to be shipped to a Dubai address, while a Qatari student in Istanbul orders an Airalo eSIM—both with a GC Coupons code. Regional wallets have gone global, and customers prefer platforms that travel with them. Shoppers bounce hard when terms and conditions read like legal riddles. GC Coupons posts fine print in plain English and colloquial Arabic, reducing friction at the virtual till. Because GC Coupons manually tests every offer, its 'success rate' label—updated daily—rarely drops below 90 percent on headline brands like Noon or Namshi. Shoppers see that number and relax. Brand partnerships: F'fuel for the boom E-commerce giants have learned that coupons can move mountains if deployed with precision. That explains why marquee names—including Temu, SHEIN, Noon, Namshi, Airalo, Novakid, Huawei, Splash, Centrepoint, and Max Fashion—now run structured campaigns with GC Coupons. Instead of spraying public codes on social media, they release limited-edition vouchers to the platform, confident that its editors will guard accuracy and curb leakage. The tactic works. When Temu entered the Gulf market, it seeded a 15 percent introductory code exclusively on GC Coupons. The offer sold out its redemption pool within hours and outperformed wider social campaigns by a factor of three. Similar playbooks followed for SHEIN's Ramadan collection, Huawei's smartwatch launch, and Novakid's back-to-school drive. Each time, exclusive codes acted like golden tickets, driving double-digit lifts in both conversion rates and average order values. The power of exclusivity Governments across the Gulf routinely steer consumers toward digital payments and away from cash. In that policy environment, exclusive coupons pack extra punch: shoppers view them not just as savings but as validation that online is the cheaper channel. GC Coupons has leveraged that sentiment to secure a catalogue that reads like a who's who of retail: Everyday essentials: Noon, Instashop, Centrepoint, Carrefour Fashion & footwear: Namshi, SHEIN, Trendyol, Max Fashion, Splash, ALDO, Crocs Specialty & luxury: Victoria's Secret, LEGO, MAGRABi, Huawei, West Elm Lifestyle & services: Airalo, NordVPN, The Entertainer, Rayna Tours For each brand, the platform typically maintains at least one code that is either time-limited, quantity-limited, or completely unique to GC Coupons. In practice, that means buyers rarely hunt elsewhere; they open the app or site first, copy the live code, and complete checkout in seconds. Gen Z: the catalyst generation No demographic has internalized coupon culture faster than Gen Z. Raised on real-time price drops and TikTok-style unboxings, they treat discount codes as non-negotiable. A recent campus survey in Sharjah found that 78 percent of under-25 shoppers refuse to finalize an online order unless they have tried at least one promo code. GC Coupons' mobile interface—quick search, one-tap copy, zero pop-ups—fits neatly into that expectation window. Whether it's a Victoria's Secret flash sale or a last-minute Airalo top-up before a weekend in Oman, Gen Z now sees coupons less as perks and more as standard operating procedure. Merchant benefits: Data without the guesswork Retail partners cite two primary wins from working with GC Coupons: Clean attribution – Coupon redemptions can be traced directly to GC Coupons, giving brands clarity on spend versus return. Quality traffic – Users arrive primed to buy; abandonment rates post-coupon are dramatically lower than generic ad traffic. These advantages matter in a tightening ad-spend climate. Brands are happy to exchange margin for certainty, especially when an exclusive voucher vaults their product above the noise of peak sales events. The road ahead: card-linked savings and beyond Coupon culture shows no sign of slowing. GC Coupons is already beta-testing card-linked offers that apply automatically when shoppers swipe their debit card at select stores. The company is also in talks with logistics partners to embed discount codes into delivery-tracking pages—turning every parcel into a reminder that another deal is just a click away. Longer term, the rise of social commerce may blur lines between content and checkout. Influencers who livestream unboxings on Instagram will likely flash single-use GC Coupons codes that vanish after redemption, creating scarcity and urgency in one stroke. A new chapter in regional retail From the ancient bargaining corridors of Marrakech to the air-conditioned mega-malls of Riyadh, the pursuit of a lower price has always spurred innovation. GCC-based coupon platforms, spearheaded by GC Coupons, have merely swapped handshakes for HTTPS and haggling for high-speed copy-paste. The outcome is the same: shoppers save, merchants sell, and the region's e-commerce future looks both bigger and smarter than anyone imagined five years ago. As GC Coupons approaches its fifth anniversary with partnerships spanning Temu, SHEIN, Noon, Namshi, Airalo, Novakid, Huawei, Splash, Centrepoint, Max Fashion , and exclusive codes for titans like Trendyol, Victoria's Secret, LEGO, Instashop, Eyewa, MAGRABi, NordVPN, the platform has proven that reliability is the best growth strategy of all. With more than 12,000 live offers across 1,800 retailers—and counting—GC Coupons stands as the gold standard in a market where trust, above any discount, is the currency that truly matters.
