UAE-based fintech firm Hubpay has unveiled Hubpay Payroll, an innovative payroll solution designed to streamline payments for businesses with international teams.

The launch marks the company’s entry into the UAE’s $1.2bn payroll market, offering businesses a seamless and cost-effective way to manage global payroll.

As UAE businesses increasingly expand across borders, the demand for efficient payroll solutions has risen. Hubpay Payroll enables businesses to pay employees worldwide while minimising administrative burdens.

The service features bulk beneficiary uploads, easy mass payments, and competitive exchange rates, ensuring cost-effective and timely transactions.

Aiming to support SMEs

“With the UAE aiming to grow the number of SMEs to over one million by 2030, Hubpay is committed to supporting this vision through our new payroll service,” said Kevin Kilty, CEO and founder of Hubpay. “We recognise the challenges businesses face in managing global payroll, and Hubpay Payroll offers a scalable, efficient, and compliant solution tailored to their needs.”

Fully integrated with Hubpay’s cross-border payments network, the payroll service allows businesses to manage financial transactions from a single platform.

The new offering complements Hubpay’s existing business solutions, including a digital business account that reduces standard account processing times to under 24 hours.

Hubpay has processed over $2.6bn in trade payments since its inception and is the first independently regulated fintech in the UAE licensed for cross-border and local payments.

The company has raised over $30m in funding and was recently listed in the Future100, an initiative recognising startups contributing to the UAE’s future economy.

Porsche Design and HONOR have launched the PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR.

The collaboration integrates Porsche Design’s signature sports car-inspired elements with HONOR’s advanced smartphone capabilities, featuring a sophisticated AI-powered camera system.

The phone incorporates Porsche’s signature design elements with a hexagonal camera module inspired by high-performance components.

The aerodynamic aesthetics of the Taycan Turbo S are seamlessly integrated, and the symmetrical arrangement of four imaging units (three cameras and one graphic element) resemble sports car headlights, protected by 3D glass echoing Porsche’s windshield curves.

Advanced camera features in the HONOR Magic7 RSR

Equipped with the AI Falcon camera system, the Magic7 RSR features a 50MP super dynamic Falcon main camera, a 200MP ultra-sensitive telephoto camera, and a 50MP wide camera, delivering professional-grade photography.

The system enhances clarity, depth, and colour accuracy, which will enable users to capture high-quality images in diverse conditions, from cityscapes to desert landscapes.

The 200 MP ultra-sensitive telephoto camera supports AI super zoom, allowing for detailed long-range photography. The HD super burst feature ensures high-speed action shots, making it handy for sports and adventure photography.

Low-light capabilities are enhanced by an ultra-large aperture and advanced noise-reduction algorithms, optimising clarity and contrast in dimly lit environments.

Portrait photography is powered by the AI HONOR IMAGE ENGINE, incorporating features such as All-scenario Harcourt portrait and AI enhanced portrait to deliver professional-quality images.

The device supports 4K 60fps video recording, with stage mode designed for capturing concerts and live performances with high detail.

Human-centric display technology

The Magic7 RSR features the natural light HONOR AI Eye Comfort Display, certified by TÜV Rheinland Full Care Display 4.0, it prioritises eye health while delivering stunning visuals.

Built for durability, it boasts the HONOR Anti-scratch NanoCrystal Shield and IP68/IP69 ratings, ensuring resistance to dust, water, and everyday wear.

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform, the device offers seamless gaming and multitasking, complemented by an immersive HONOR Surround Subwoofer.

With 100W wired and 80W wireless HONOR SuperCharge and a 5850mAh third-generation silicon-carbon battery, it ensures long-lasting power.

The PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR is positioned as a top-tier smartphone for photography enthusiasts and content creators, offering AI-driven enhancements and Porsche Design’s luxury appeal.

Available in shades termed Agate Grey and Provence, the phone is priced at Dhs5,999.

Read: How Honor is redefining the smartphone experience

The Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai has completed rapid traffic enhancements on Sheikh Zayed Road.

The road adjacent to the Financial Centre Metro Station has been expanded in the direction heading towards Abu Dhabi, increasing the number of lanes from three to four.

Read-Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road: What the RTA is doing to reduce traffic

According to a WAM report, this road expansion has boosted its capacity by 25 per cent and is now set to accommodate 3,200 vehicles per hour, as opposed to 2,400 previously. Traffic congestion has been significantly reduced at the road entrance, eliminating vehicle queues and cutting the journey time from five minutes to just two.

The enhancements were carried out to optimize the efficiency of the emirate’s road network, improve traffic flow, reduce congestion at key intersections, and increase road capacity, while maintaining road safety standards.

Sheikh Zayed Road: Dubai’s vital economic corridor

This project included the expansion and upgrading of key locations along Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road.

As a vital economic corridor surrounded by residential areas and major economic and commercial landmarks—including the Dubai International Financial Centre, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, multinational corporations, banks, investment firms, hotels, and entertainment facilities—it serves as a primary route for business and daily commuting. It is also a key arterial roadway in Dubai.

The improvements along this road are part of the RTA’s ongoing efforts to implement innovative traffic solutions on Dubai’s key roads, in order to keep pace with the city’s urban growth and expansion.

“RTA remains committed to enhancing traffic flow across Dubai, particularly on Sheikh Zayed Road. Through innovative enhancements and traffic solutions, we aim to provide a seamless and safe travel experience for all motorists and road users across the emirate,” said Ahmed Al Khzaimy, Director of Traffic at RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency.

The RTA has also optimised the traffic merging distance between Al Khail Road and Financial Centre Street in the direction towards Dubai.

The extension of the merging distance has eased congestion and improved service levels, resulting in a 25 per cent reduction in journey time along Sheikh Zayed Road, from four minutes to three. This development has ensured smoother and more efficient traffic flow.

The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has decided to maintain the base rate for the overnight deposit facility (ODF) at 4.40 per cent, following the US Federal Reserve’s decision to keep the Interest Rate on Reserve Balances (IORB) unchanged.

In addition, the CBUAE will maintain the interest rate for borrowing short-term liquidity from the bank at 50 basis points above the Base Rate for all standing credit facilities.

The base rate, which is linked to the US Federal Reserve’s IORB, serves as a signal for the general stance of monetary policy and establishes an effective floor for overnight money market interest rates in the UAE.

US Fed provides insights into policymakers’ expectations for inflation, interest rates

The Federal Reserve kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged on Wednesday, maintaining the federal funds rate at 4.25 to 4.5 per cent, as policymakers assessed economic conditions amid heightened uncertainty.

In its statement, the Fed acknowledged that while economic activity continues to expand at a solid pace, uncertainty around the economic outlook has increased.

The focus was on the Fed’s quarterly economic projections, which provided fresh insights into policymakers’ expectations for growth, inflation, unemployment, and interest rates through the end of 2025 and beyond.

The latest median forecasts revised GDP growth for 2025 downward to 1.7 from 2.1 per cent in December, while the unemployment rate is now expected to reach 4.4 per cent, up from 4.3 per cent.

Core inflation projections were also revised higher, with the Fed now expecting 2.8 per cent inflation by the end of next year, compared to the previous 2.5 per cent forecast.

Despite shifting economic indicators, the central bank maintained its longer-run federal funds rate projection at 3 per cent and left its end-of-2025 midpoint rate forecast at 3.9 per cent, signaling that policymakers still anticipate two rate cuts this year.

While US President Donald Trump has continued to push for rate cuts, his ongoing trade policies and tariffs add further complexity to the Fed’s economic balancing act.

The next Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting is scheduled for May, when policymakers will reassess the economic landscape and potential rate adjustments.

Airline passengers will be able to fly between Abu Dhabi and Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, from July this year thanks to a new strategic joint venture agreement signed between Etihad Airways and Ethiopian Airlines.

The deal, signed at Ethiopian Airlines’ headquarters in Addis Ababa on Wednesday, connects Africa’s largest airline with the UAE capital.

As part of the agreement, Ethiopian Airlines will begin flights from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport to Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport on 15 July, while Etihad Airways will launch daily services to Addis Ababa from 1 October 2025.

Ethiopian Airlines is Africa’s largest airline in terms of passengers carried, destinations served, fleet size, and revenue. The airline flies to over 160 destinations with more than 150 planes as part of its fleet.

In an interview with Gulf Business, Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, highlighted the importance of the partnership.

“Etihad is working hard to expand our partnerships globally. Recently, we announced an important partnership with China Eastern to improve connectivity to China, offering more options to our customers. And today, we’re very excited to announce a similar partnership with Ethiopian Airlines. This is crucial for Etihad because it enables us to offer customers more travel options to Africa, while Ethiopian customers gain access to Etihad’s extensive network to various destinations worldwide,” said Neves.

The joint venture deal is still subject to regulatory approval, according to an Etihad statement. However, collaboration begins with an interline agreement that is set to evolve rapidly, as Neves explained.

“We’re starting with an interline agreement, allowing point-to-point travel between the two airlines across about ten destinations. However, we’re fast-tracking this into a joint venture model. That means better coordination on schedules, pricing, and customer experience – making the journey seamless,” he said.

“In a joint venture, revenue is shared equally, and there are no restrictions on how many seats each airline can sell on the other’s flights. For example, you could buy a ticket from Abu Dhabi to Addis Ababa on either Etihad or Ethiopian Airlines, and the experience and pricing will be consistent,” he added.

Neves also noted that partnering with Ethiopian Airlines effectively gives Etihad two strong hubs.

“Ethiopian Airlines has built something remarkable. They’re about the same size as Etihad and offer great service. By partnering, we align with an airline that shares our vision for how aviation should evolve. Etihad benefits from Ethiopian’s strong African network, and Ethiopian customers can access Etihad’s growing presence across the Middle East, South Asia, and beyond.”

Greater access into Africa, Asia

In a statement, Mesfin Tasew, group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, said the collaboration marks a milestone in enhancing connectivity between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

“As part of our strategy to strengthen Ethiopian Airlines’ global presence, the launch of our new flight to Abu Dhabi marks our third destination in the UAE, following Dubai and Sharjah (Cargo). With over 120 weekly passenger and cargo services to the Middle East and Gulf states, we are committed to providing exceptional connectivity and service to both our customers,” said Tasew.

As a result of the joint venture, cities such as Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), Kampala (Uganda), Kinshasa (DR Congo), and Lusaka (Zambia) are now better connected with key cities in the UAE and Asia, including Etihad destinations in Pakistan and Southeast Asia, such as Colombo (Sri Lanka), Islamabad (Pakistan), and upcoming new routes like Phnom Penh (Cambodia) and Krabi (Thailand).

Ethiopian Airlines will operate the new route using its modern fleet, including the Boeing 777 and Airbus A350-1000.

Etihad’s growth

The announcement comes as Etihad recorded a strong financial performance for 2024.

The airline reported a profit after tax of Dhs1.7bn ($476m), marking a significant increase from its Dhs525m ($143m) profit after tax in 2023. This was supported by Dhs20.8bn ($5.7bn) in passenger revenue and Dhs4.2bn ($1.1bn) in cargo revenue.

Passenger numbers last year surged 32 per cent year-on-year to 18.5 million.

Total revenue rose 25 per cent to Dhs25.3bn ($6.9bn), driven by network expansion and increased capacity. The carrier added over 1,700 weekly flights, grew frequencies on 25 routes, and launched more than 20 new destinations, including Boston, Jaipur, Bali, and Nairobi. Its fleet also expanded by 12 aircraft, including six A320 NEOs.