In a bold move toward sustainable mobility, Parkin Company, Dubai’s leading provider of paid public parking, has signed a 10-year strategic agreement with charge&go, a subsidiary of Etisalat Services Holding (ESH) under the e& group. The partnership aims to deploy 200 ultra-fast direct current (DC) electric vehicle charging stations across Dubai, dramatically enhancing the city’s EV infrastructure.

Read-Dubai surpasses 1,270 EV charging points as DEWA expands green mobility infrastructure

Set to launch in October 2025, the new network of charging stations will bring state-of-the-art DC charging technology to key locations across the emirate, from residential communities to retail and leisure hotspots. This initiative is tailored to serve the needs of Dubai’s rapidly growing EV market, which currently includes more than 40,000 electric vehicles.

By cutting charging times to under 30 minutes, the project promises greater convenience for drivers and supports Dubai’s broader 2040 Urban Master Plan and green mobility goals.

Phase one: 20 stations, rapid expansion

The project will begin with the installation of 20 charging stations in some of the city’s busiest areas. Over the next year, that number will scale up to 200 public and private charging points, forming a comprehensive citywide network.

All stations will operate under a ‘park and charge’ protocol, allowing vehicles to occupy charging bays only while actively charging. This approach is designed to reduce misuse and ensure fair access for all EV users.

The charging experience will be fully integrated with Parkin’s mobile app, offering users the ability to reserve charging spots, view real-time status updates, and make secure in-app payments. This customer-focused, digital-first model reflects both companies’ commitment to smart city solutions.

DC charging technology enables significantly faster charging than standard alternating current (AC) options, making it ideal for urban users who value speed and efficiency.

Leaders speak: A shared vision for green mobility

“This partnership with charge&go is a clear example of our commitment to cleaner, tech-driven mobility solutions,” said Eng. Mohamed Abdulla Al Ali, CEO of Parkin. “By working with e&, we tap into global expertise to help drive Dubai’s transition into a sustainable, future-ready city.”

Muammar Al Rukhaimi, CEO of Etisalat Services Holding, echoed the sentiment: “Dubai is rewriting the playbook on how big cities embrace sustainability. This EV rollout is a major step forward. We’re making green mobility accessible while delivering real-world benefits like quicker charging and a better user experience.”

From GITEX to the ground

The foundation of this partnership was laid in October 2024 at GITEX Global, the technology and startup exhibition, where Parkin and charge&go signed an MoU.

Parkin currently manages around 212,000 paid parking spaces across Dubai, making it ideally positioned to support the expansion of EV charging alongside existing infrastructure.

This EV charging initiative represents more than just added convenience, it’s a leap forward in Dubai’s sustainable urban transport evolution. With cutting-edge technology, seamless digital access, and a vision aligned with global climate goals, Parkin and e& are setting a new standard for green mobility in the region.

For decades, the real estate in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region has been synonymous with iconic skylines, ultra-luxury offerings, and landmark locations.

These hallmarks have defined an era of bold ambition and aesthetic excellence. But today, they are no longer enough. We are witnessing a fundamental shift in the forces shaping the region’s real estate sector.

A new value matrix is emerging – one built on integrated urban design, infrastructure-driven growth, digital transformation, and environmental resilience. This is a structural evolution, rather than a stylistic one, and it demands strategic reorientation across the industry.

Rise of master-planned, mixed-use communities

One of the most visible and powerful indicators of this shift is the growing dominance of master-planned, mixed-use communities. The market is increasingly gravitating toward walkable, self-contained urban ecosystems that combine residential, commercial, retail, and leisure components in a single, coherent design. These developments are not just aesthetically appealing but economically resilient.

For institutional investors and occupiers alike, integrated communities offer great benefits, including higher occupancy, longer lease tenures, and more stable, long-term returns. This demand is driven by rising consumer expectations for lifestyle, convenience, and work-life balance, all of which are inherent to well-designed mixed-use ecosystems.

These shifting preferences are reshaping the industry’s understanding of liveability and long-term value.

Infrastructure as catalyst for real estate growth

Simultaneously, infrastructure is playing an instrumental role in driving real estate expansion. Across the GCC, massive investments in transport, logistics, utilities, and smart mobility are unlocking new opportunities for real estate expansion and elevating land values while also boosting connectivity and enhancing quality of life.

In Q1 2025 alone, GCC real estate transactions totalled $78.2bn, representing a growth rate between 20.5 per cent and 22.3 per cent compared to the same period in the previous year. Dubai led the market, accounting for nearly half of the region’s total transaction value with $38.7bn in sales.

These figures underscore the market’s shift from speculative growth toward infrastructure-aligned, value-driven expansion. Proximity to modern infrastructure hubs is also increasingly becoming a critical factor in shaping investor preferences and influencing land value dynamics.

Digital revolution in real estate

Alongside physical infrastructure, digital transformation is another defining force in the real estate landscape. From AI-driven design and virtual property platforms to digital transaction models, technology is fundamentally reshaping how we plan, build, and manage real estate.

The rise of smart technologies is driving greater efficiency, transparency, and engagement across the value chain. Dubai’s leadership in integrating tokenisation into its real estate registry, through a government-backed model, is a global benchmark in regulatory foresight and innovation.

Furthermore, across the region, digital infrastructure is being aligned with smart city initiatives and sustainability standards to future-proof urban development.

Sustainability and ESG taking centre stage in real estate sector

Sustainability has also become central to real estate strategy across the region. Beyond compliance with evolving environmental regulations, sustainable buildings are now outperforming traditional assets in terms of tenant retention, operational efficiency, and investor preference.

Regulatory frameworks are tightening, but the market shift goes beyond compliance. Developers and investors are recognising that sustainable practices are central to long-term profitability.

From speculation to long-term value creation

The GCC real estate sector is maturing. Family offices, sovereign wealth funds, and global institutions are now focusing on long-term, income-generating assets that align with ESG principles.

Individuals are prioritising value-based and purpose-driven investments that emphasise stability, transparency, and resilience. This evolution reflects a broader recognition that long-term value lies in systems and not just in surface-level appeal.

Engineer Amer Khansaheb is the CEO and board member of Union Properties.

Read: Real estate trends in 2025: Dubai developers share insights

BurjX, the UAE-born digital asset trading platform licensed for both brokerage and custody services by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) at Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), has announced that it is partnering with Fireblocks to secure its trading and custody operations. Fireblocks is a enterprise platform providing blockchain-based infrastructure solutions for digital assets.

With crypto theft surpassing $2.17bn in the first half of 2025 alone, and only 22 per cent of exchanges offering full insurance coverage, BurjX is positioning itself as a market leader in security. The platform combines Fireblocks’ institutional-grade digital asset infrastructure with comprehensive insurance provided by Relm Insurance, a specialty insurer for the digital asset sector.

Built on technology capable of handling one million transactions per second, BurjX integrates speed, scalability, and security. At the heart of its custody framework lies Fireblocks’ MPC (multi-party computation) wallet technology, which ensures private keys are never exposed and eliminates single points of failure. Each transaction is protected through role-based access, automated policy enforcement, and multi-layer authorisation flows.

Read: ADGM unveils ‘Virtual Sell and Purchase Service’ for property sector

“BurjX is entering the market with a clear commitment to regulatory compliance and security-first infrastructure,” said Stephen Richardson, chief strategy officer at Fireblocks. “We’re proud to provide the MPC wallet infrastructure that enables BurjX to operate securely, giving users confidence and control as the UAE’s digital asset ecosystem grows.”

To reinforce compliance, BurjX has also integrated Notabene to meet Travel Rule requirements and Chainalysis to monitor on-chain transactions, ensuring adherence to global AML standards.

“All digital asset custody at BurjX, from hot wallets supporting active trading to cold wallets for long-term storage, is underpinned by Fireblocks infrastructure,” said Omar Abbas, co-founder and CEO of BurjX. “This foundation gives our users confidence that their assets are protected by industry-leading security, covered by comprehensive insurance, and fully compliant with one of the world’s most rigorous regulatory frameworks.”

The platform’s unified security approach includes insurance coverage for both hot and cold wallets, offering end-to-end protection from internal and external risks. By combining secure custody, deep liquidity, and fast execution on a single integrated platform, BurjX aims to deliver a trusted and transparent digital asset trading experience for both retail and institutional users in the UAE and beyond.

Hussam Baghdadi, senior director at Arabian Automobiles Company (AAC), spoke to Gulf Business about how the company is navigating a competitive UAE automotive market. From digital-first buying journeys and flexible ownership models to data-driven insights and emerging mobility trends, Baghdadi shares how Arabian Automobiles is redefining customer experience and staying ahead of evolving consumer expectations.

Here are excerpts from the conversation.

How is AAC adapting to shifting consumer expectations in the UAE, especially with the rise of digital-first car buying journeys and demand for greater transparency in the purchase process?

Customer-centricity remains a core pillar of our strategy. Rather than responding to changes, we aim to anticipate and shape them, especially as the UAE consumer becomes increasingly digital-first.

This approach has driven a comprehensive transformation across our retail and service ecosystem.

We’ve focused heavily on e-commerce enablement and digital campaign integration, ensuring customers can engage, explore, and act seamlessly across digital platforms.

Our AWR Connect app allows customers to manage their entire ownership experience, from booking services and tracking delivery to accessing aftersales support, all via a single interface.

Our Customer Experience Division has undergone a full digital transformation to enhance operational efficiency, reduce wait times, and increase service productivity.

Looking ahead, advanced technologies such as AI-powered concierge services and dynamic inventory systems, driven by predictive analytics, are helping us personalise the customer journey, optimise stock allocation, and provide seamless online-to-offline experiences.

Our goal is clear: a frictionless, transparent, and connected experience that consistently exceeds expectations.

With Dubai investing heavily in transforming its automotive ecosystem, how is the company aligning its strategies to stay ahead in areas like aftersales innovation, mobility services, and customer experience?

Dubai’s vision for a future-ready automotive ecosystem is one we actively support. We focus on placing the customer at the heart of every decision and delivering value throughout the ownership journey.

Our aftersales initiatives include real-time service booking, seasonal maintenance programmes, proactive service alerts, and pick-up and drop-off services during peak periods.

State-of-the-art facilities are continuously upgraded with interactive screens and advanced systems, creating faster and more intuitive service experiences.

We are also expanding our parts business digitally and developing a new platform to enhance speed, transparency, and flexibility.

Our mobility services are evolving with flexible lease offerings, bundled packages, and digital tools to empower customers.

By connecting sales, aftersales, and mobility services, we aim to deliver a seamless and future-forward experience reflecting Dubai’s momentum as a hub for smart, sustainable mobility.

Given the ongoing recovery from global supply chain disruptions, how is AAC managing inventory planning, vehicle availability, and delivery timelines?

The UAE benefits from world-class infrastructure and advanced customs systems, keeping supply chains efficient.

Our proactive planning and forecasting, developed with global OEM partners, help manage inventory effectively and maintain availability across our network.

Early container bookings, diversified shipping routes, and strong supplier relationships allow us to respond to global challenges with minimal disruption.

The upcoming Parts Distribution Center (PDC) will further streamline planning, optimse inventory, and maximise order fulfillment, reinforcing the high standards of service Arabian Automobiles is known for.

Dubai’s economic stability across logistics, tourism, real estate, and finance supports sustainable automotive growth.

With car ownership in the UAE evolving beyond just new vehicle purchases, how is AAC addressing the growing demand for used cars, flexible financing, and lease-to-own options?

Customer-centricity drives every offering. Our ‘Rent to Own’ and ‘Lease to Own’ campaigns provide convenient, cost-effective pathways to vehicle ownership, particularly across Nissan and INFINITI models.

Flexible financing is a core pillar, supported by leading banks offering competitive EMI plans, deferred payments, and streamlined approvals.

Our NXT brand ensures used cars meet strict inspection and certification standards, emphasising quality, safety, and reliability.

Together, these initiatives demonstrate a commitment to modern, adaptive mobility solutions across all stages of the ownership journey.

How do you see customer preferences shifting between buying new vs. used vehicles, and what insights has AAC gathered about what today’s buyer prioritises most — price, warranty, tech, or convenience?

Customers today are empowered, research-driven, and increasingly open to alternative ownership pathways. While new vehicles appeal to those seeking innovations and design, the used car segment is growing due to value, flexibility, and reassurance.

Key factors shaping this shift include price sensitivity, value consciousness, and confidence in certified pre-owned programmes.

Convenience has emerged as a decisive driver, with transparent, secure digital transactions making the buying and selling process simpler. Investments in rigorous inspection, flexible financing, trade-ins, and predictive analytics ensure inventory aligns with demand.

Price, flexibility, warranty, aftersales support, technology, and convenience are now all key differentiators across new and used segments.

Given the UAE’s diverse and competitive automotive market, what consumer trends have surprised you the most in recent years, and how is AAC using data to adapt and stay ahead of expectations?

A defining trend is growing consumer appetite for innovation and design-led experiences. UAE customers increasingly seek vehicles with advanced technology, intelligent safety, electrified powertrains, and contemporary aesthetics.

Younger, tech-savvy drivers view vehicles as extensions of their lifestyle.

Demand for smart mobility, intuitive infotainment, and sustainable engineering is rising. Data and analytics play a central role in demand forecasting, inventory optimisation, and personalised offers.

Every touchpoint — from showroom layout to digital engagement — is informed by real-time data to ensure relevance. Sustainable mobility adoption continues to grow, supported by national policies and infrastructure investments.

Staying competitive in 2025 means embedding these priorities across the value chain in alignment with evolving customer expectations.

Read: How Arabian Automobiles Company is empowering tomorrow’s marketers today

Saudi Arabia’s mining industry must embed cost discipline and transparency to secure long-term value and deliver on Vision 2030, Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) said in a new report.

In its latest Middle East publication, Optimizing Cost Control in the Industrial Sector, the global professional services firm outlined a four-part strategy to strengthen financial resilience.

The framework includes activity-based budgeting, real-time cost visibility platforms, structured cost review meetings, and cost capability building.

A&M said the approach could reduce operating costs and embed cost insights into decision-making across the sector.

Saudi Arabia’s mining sector is backed by SAR246bn in committed investments and untapped resources valued at around $2.5tn, according to government data.

The industry is expected to become the kingdom’s third economic pillar under Vision 2030, alongside oil and petrochemicals.

“Saudi Arabia’s mining sector is now central to the kingdom’s economic transformation,” said Alexander Shvets, MD, Infrastructure & Capital Projects – Metals and Mining, Alvarez & Marsal Middle East.

“Building on this momentum with embedded cost visibility and performance tracking will help operators to achieve global competitiveness and long-term value creation.”

Renat Akimbitov, MD at A&M Middle East, added: “Control is not just a finance function – it’s an operational discipline. In mining, where complexity and capital intensity are high, real-time cost visibility and team capability are what turn strategy into measurable results.”

Sector reforms and growth prospects

Saudi Arabia has already enacted reforms to streamline licensing and established the Saudi Geological Survey to attract investors.

Activity in gold, phosphate, bauxite and rare earth exploration is accelerating, positioning mining as a catalyst for wider industrial growth.

From extraction to industrial empowerment

The kingdom’s mining ambitions extend beyond resource extraction, with investments in smelting, refining and processing aimed at reducing import reliance and strengthening industrial self-sufficiency.

Mega-projects such as NEOM and the Red Sea Project are also driving demand for locally sourced raw materials.

Global stakeholders, A&M said, increasingly expect mining operations to demonstrate cost discipline, local sourcing and data-led innovation. Meeting these expectations could help Saudi Arabia position itself as a forward-looking, globally competitive mining hub.