Talabat, the region’s leading delivery platform, and global mobility company Bolt have partnered to bring added convenience and savings to UAE users.

The collaboration offers talabat pro subscribers exclusive discounts on Bolt rides, combining two of the most widely used apps in the daily routines of residents across the UAE.

For users, the result is simple: fewer apps, more savings, and a more connected lifestyle. Whether ordering a favourite meal or booking a ride, convenience is now just a tap away.

How talabat customers will benefit

Under the initiative, talabat pro members will receive 10 per cent off 10 Bolt rides each month, with a maximum discount of Dhs15 per ride.

The new benefit is designed to extend the value of talabat’s loyalty programme — already known for its perks such as free delivery on restaurants, groceries, and DineOut — into the realm of everyday transportation.

“At talabat, we believe in aligning ourselves with companies that not only drive meaningful impact but also actively support the communities we serve,” said Tomaso Rodriguez, CEO of talabat. “This partnership with Bolt is just the start of enhanced benefits for our loyal talabat pro customers and a step towards exploring synergies that deliver greater value, innovation, and experiences.”

Mansoor Alfalasi, CEO of Dubai Taxi Company and local partner of Bolt, echoed the sentiment, saying: “By partnering with talabat, a platform already woven into people’s daily routines, we’re meeting users where they are — whether they’re ordering dinner, groceries, or heading out for the evening.

“This partnership allows us to offer even more value, making everyday mobility more accessible while supporting Dubai’s vision for smarter, more connected urban living.”

A strong quarter

This development follows news of talabat’s robust Q1 performance. Rodriguez said on the occasion: “We achieved outstanding results, with GMV rising 30 per cent year-on-year to $2.1bn, driven by strong consumer demand and our resilient operational performance throughout Ramadan.

“The completed acquisition of instashop, combined with rising customer demand and margin expansion across both our GCC and non-GCC markets, has also fuelled our impressive growth this quarter – particularly in our Groceries and Retail business, which continues to gain remarkable popularity across MENA.

“Looking ahead to the reminder 2025, we remain focused on building on this progress and realising meaningful synergies and efficiencies from the instashop acquisition. As integration activities progress over the next few quarters, we’re set up to deliver even greater value and convenience to our customers, partners, riders and shareholders.”

MSCI, a leading provider of investment decision tools, announced that Dubai Electricity and Water Authority PJSC (DEWA) will be included in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, effective at market close on May 30.

DEWA, Dubai’s exclusive electricity and water services provider and the largest listed company on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) by market capitalisation, was among the largest additions to the index by full company value.

“This inclusion marks a pivotal milestone in DEWA’s journey as a publicly listed company and reinforces our growing relevance on the global investment stage,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, vice chairman and MD and CEO of DEWA. “Our fundamentals, governance, and operating standards reflect global best practices.”

DEWA has a market cap exceeding Dhs130bn

DEWA has a market capitalisation exceeding Dhs130bn, a strong dividend track record, and a clean energy agenda aligned with Dubai’s net-zero ambitions.

The company’s inclusion is expected to result in increased visibility, improved liquidity, and passive capital inflows from institutional and index-linked funds that track MSCI benchmarks.

The MSCI Emerging Markets Index, tracked by an estimated $7tn in assets, is a widely followed benchmark that captures large- and mid-cap representation across 24 emerging markets including China, India, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

Index additions often lead to non-discretionary capital inflows from passive investors, creating consistent buy-side pressure on newly added stocks.

DEWA’s addition underscores the growing relevance of the UAE’s capital markets and reflects rising investor appetite for stable, yield-generating infrastructure assets in the region.

The utility major’s 2022 IPO was one of the region’s largest, and its MSCI inclusion adds momentum to its international investor profile.

Robust quarter earnings

The inclusion in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index follows a robust financial performance for Q1 2025. DEWA reported quarterly revenue of Dhs 5.96 billion, EBITDA of Dhs2.43bn, and a net profit of Dhs496m.

Operating profit stood at Dhs838m, while net cash from operations reached a record Dhs3.85bn — 17.86 per cent higher than the same period last year—raising the company’s cash and cash equivalents to Dhs8.17bn.

The utility also saw continued demand growth, generating 10.5 TWh of electricity (including 1.86 TWh from clean sources) and producing 35.61 billion imperial gallons of desalinated water during the quarter.

With 17,579 MW of installed generation capacity — 20 per cent of which comes from clean energy sources — DEWA remains a key player in Dubai’s energy transition. It plans to expand clean energy capacity to 7.5 GW by 2030, representing 34 per cent of the generation mix.

The company also reaffirmed its commitment to long-term shareholder value with an expected Dhs6.2bn annual dividend payout policy, and distributed Dhs3.1bn to shareholders in April 2025 for H2 2024.

Emirates, the world’s largest operator of international First Class travel, continues to refine its industry-leading ‘Fly Better’ experience with a suite of premium enhancements. The airline currently offers 26,800 international First Class seats per week—the largest in the industry—exclusively in private suites.

From gloved onboard service and redesigned menus to luxury check-in lounges and unlimited caviar, Emirates is doubling down on high-end service as demand for premium travel remains robust.

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Curated comfort and personalisation in the sky

New onboard enhancements include a keepsake menu, elegantly designed to showcase Emirates’ world-class selection of drinks and culinary inspirations.

Read-Flying high: Emirates staff to receive 22-week bonus after record profit

Unlimited caviar is now presented in Robert Welch–designed engraved bowls, and Emirates’ enhanced cheeseboard features artisan cheeses served on rustic slate with specialty accompaniments.

Cabin crew continue to deliver meticulous gloved service, while private suites provide the ultimate in privacy and space, featuring lie-flat beds, customizable lighting, and electronically controlled doors on select aircraft.

On the A380, Emirates offers 14 flat-bed private suites in a 1-2-1 configuration, and on its Boeing 777 “Game Changer” aircraft, six floor-to-ceiling suites in a 1-1-1 layout with zero-gravity seats, video-call room service, and virtual windows.

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Exclusive ground services and global lounge access

The First Class check-in area at Terminal 3, Dubai International (DXB), is undergoing a full refurbishment. The new space will feature a personalized check-in service and lounge-style design, enhancing the customer journey from the moment of arrival.

Globally, First Class travelers enjoy complimentary access to 43 luxury airport lounges and chauffeur-driven transfers in most destinations, offering a seamless, door-to-door premium experience.

Restorative amenities and designer products

Emirates offers lie-flat beds with plush mattresses, cotton-lined duvets, and Hydra Active moisturising pyjamas—infused with vitamin C and olive oil for skin hydration during long flights.

A bespoke range of skincare products by Byredo and luxury amenity kits by Bulgari, featuring the latest Le Gemme fragrances, enhance the pampering experience. Leather-trimmed amenity bags are updated seasonally and are available in exclusive designs for men and women.

World-class dining and beverage offerings

First Class dining is available on demand, with à la carte meals crafted from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Menus include vegan gourmet options and signature items such as Wagyu sliders, lobster rolls, and a movie snack selection.

Industry-leading inflight entertainment

The Emirates First Class experience includes a 32-inch Full HD LCD screen and Bowers & Wilkins E1 headphones with advanced noise-cancellation. The airline’s ice entertainment system offers more than 6,500 channels, including new releases from platforms like HBO Max, Paramount+, and BBC.

Signature A380 onboard features

The A380’s exclusive Shower Spa allows First Class passengers to refresh mid-flight, featuring organic products by Irish brand Voya and a full suite of high-end amenities. Additionally, the aircraft’s Onboard Lounge provides a social space with drinks, snacks, and a 55-inch LCD screen.