Rothschild & Co expands Dubai wealth management arm with LLB deal
Rothschild & Co will also take over LLB’s existing Dubai office, bringing the total number of staff in its Middle East wealth management arm to around 25
Rothschild & Co has signed a referral agreement with Liechtensteinische Landesbank (LLB) to onboard its employees and clients in the UAE, significantly expanding its wealth management presence in Dubai, the firm said.
The deal will see about 20 LLB employees join Rothschild & Co’s wealth management division in the region, along with a potential CHF1bn ($1.1bn) in assets.
Rothschild & Co will also take over LLB’s existing Dubai office, bringing the total number of staff in its Middle East wealth management arm to around 25.
“As a strategically important location with significant growth potential, expanding our presence in Dubai enables us to achieve a broader market reach, operational efficiencies, and an expanded service offering across public and private markets and corporate advisory,” the company said.
Deal will help expand expand Rothschild & Co’s market position
Executive chairman Alexandre de Rothschild said the agreement supports the group’s global strategy. “The onboarding of LLB’s business in the UAE is an excellent fit and further supports our strategy across one of our key global business pillars and fastest growing regions. This represents our high conviction in the UAE’s potential, given the increasing concentration of both regional and global wealth here,” he said.
Laurent Gagnebin, partner and CEO of Wealth Management Switzerland, said the deal strengthens the bank’s footprint less than a year after opening its Dubai wealth management business. “The deal with LLB now gives us a real boost and will allow us to quickly consolidate and further expand our market position,” he said.
Saeed Al Awar, partner and head of the Middle East at Rothschild & Co, added: “We have been present in the region for nearly 20 years and have been growing and investing in our business continuously through the cycles. The deal with LLB further strengthens our Wealth Management proposition and deepens our offering to clients locally.”
Rothschild & Co launched its Dubai wealth management operations in 2024 and said the move to onboard LLB’s UAE business reflects its long-term commitment to the Middle East.
DP World partners with Atlantis Dubai to manage luxury resorts’ supply chains
Atlantis Dubai runs a supply chain of more than 60,000 products sourced from about 70 countries, covering gourmet ingredients, merchandise and essential provisions
Dubai’s DP World has signed a strategic partnership with Atlantis Dubai Resorts to manage logistics operations for its flagship properties, Atlantis, The Palm and Atlantis The Royal, the companies.
Under the agreement, DP World will handle daily, on-demand deliveries of perishables, dry goods and speciality products, managing nearly 7,000 pallets through its network. The solution includes temperature-controlled facilities, inventory management and real-time cargo tracking.
Atlantis Dubai runs a supply chain of more than 60,000 products sourced from about 70 countries, covering gourmet ingredients, merchandise and essential provisions to serve thousands of guests each day.
“Hospitality supply chains are uniquely complex, especially in the luxury segment where standards and expectations are exceptionally high,” said Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and managing director of DP World GCC.
DP World-Atlantis Dubai deal to boost operational efficiency
Paul Baker, president of Atlantis at Kerzner International, said the deal would strengthen operational efficiency while supporting the resorts’ long-term regional growth plans.
The partnership initially covers inbound flows and storage, with potential expansion into procurement and broader supply chain solutions.
DP World, which has been extending its presence in the hospitality sector, said the agreement highlights its ability to design tailored logistics solutions for complex operating environments.
Under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, the Knowledge Fund Establishment (KFE) has announced the successful completion of Phase One of the major expansion at Dubai Schools – Nad Al Sheba.
The ambitious expansion initiative, driven by Dubai’s visionary leadership, is part of a broader strategy to reinforce the city’s status as a global hub for high-quality education. It directly supports the objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, a comprehensive policy framework aimed at elevating the overall quality of life in the emirate, including education, healthcare, housing, and community development.
The Dubai Schools expansion project is rooted in the goals of the Education 33 Strategy (E33), which is designed to future-proof the emirate’s educational system by enhancing capacity, introducing international best practices, and supporting the development of holistic student experiences, a Dubai Media Office report said.
In January 2024, Sheikh Hamdan approved a comprehensive plan to increase capacity across Dubai Schools, backed by an investment of Dhs530m. This move reflects the leadership’s commitment to nurturing a talented generation capable of driving Dubai’s growth in a rapidly evolving global economy.
As part of this vision, the Nad Al Sheba campus expansion represents a cornerstone in a broader developmental strategy that is not only scaling infrastructure but also reimagining the way education is delivered in the emirate.
Image credit: Dubai Media Office/Website
Phase One completed: More classrooms, more opportunities
Phase One of the project, completed ahead of the 2025–2026 academic year, has delivered 31 new classrooms with the capacity to accommodate 777 students. This significant enhancement will immediately relieve capacity pressure while improving access for families across the city seeking high-quality, values-driven education.
The project will enter Phase Two in the coming months, with completion scheduled for July 2026. Upon completion, the total capacity of the campus will rise to 2,664 students, with the addition of 114 new classrooms, 31 state-of-the-art laboratories, and specialised halls. This expansion directly responds to the city’s growing population and aligns with the city’s broader infrastructure and human capital strategies.
The Dubai Schools – Nad Al Sheba campus is not solely about academics, it’s built on a holistic model that integrates academic, physical, emotional, and social development.
The expanded campus will include a wide range of integrated athletic facilities such as a semi-Olympic indoor swimming pool, an international-standard football pitch, an indoor sports hall, a fitness gym, and multi-purpose outdoor courts. These features support the physical well-being of students while also promoting teamwork, discipline, and healthy lifestyles, critical components of lifelong success.
A host of high-level officials spoke about the significance of the expansion and how it reflects Dubai’s coordinated, future-focused governance.
Abdulla Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary General of The Executive Council of Dubai and Chairman of the Steering Committee of Dubai Schools, said:
“Dubai is committed to building an inclusive and innovative education ecosystem that unlocks potential, nurtures talent and continuously evolves. Guided by the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the directives of Sheikh Hamdan, we continue to work collaboratively to enrich the education system and keep pace with the highest international standards, positioning Dubai among the world’s top 10 cities for education quality, in line with the Dubai Social Agenda 33.”
He added that the Dubai Schools project, personally overseen by Sheikh Hamdan, is a strategic investment in students and the city’s long-term development, emphasising both technological innovation and a deep-rooted connection to Emirati values.
Image credit: Dubai Media Office/Website
Institutional collaboration at its core
Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh, Director General of Dubai Finance and member of the Dubai Schools Steering Committee, praised the milestone:
“The completion of the first phase of the expansion project at the Dubai Schools Nad Al Sheba branch represents an important step towards implementing the directives of the wise leadership to develop a world-class educational system in the emirate.”
He added that a collaborative approach across government and private sectors ensures the education sector evolves cohesively and in alignment with Dubai’s aspirations.
Aisha Miran, Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), emphasised that the expansion reflects Sheikh Hamdan’s commitment to empowering all students:
“It demonstrates commitment to providing an inspiring and supportive learning environment that meets the diverse needs and aspirations of our students, while equipping them with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in a globally competitive education system.”
Technical oversight, national talent
Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, underlined the technical rigour involved in the expansion process:
“Dubai continues to build a comprehensive educational model of global standing. Dubai Municipality is closely monitoring all stages of the project to ensure its timely completion. A dedicated supervisory team of Emirati professionals has been appointed to oversee technical and construction aspects.”
This hands-on oversight is a testament to Dubai’s commitment to delivering best-in-class infrastructure that meets rigorous standards while maximising value from public investment.
Ahmad AbdulKarim Julfar, Chairman of the Knowledge Fund Establishment and Member of the Dubai Schools Steering Committee, stated:
“The expansion of the Nad Al Sheba campus aligns with our strategic vision to advance educational infrastructure in the emirate. We remain committed to providing a comprehensive educational environment that meets the needs of future generations.”
Abdulla Mohammed Al Awar, CEO of the KFE, added:
“The expansion represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to develop and enhance Dubai Schools’ facilities. We are committed to delivering this project to the highest standards, providing comprehensive educational and athletic amenities that support holistic education and foster students’ academic and physical development.”
Image credit: Dubai Media Office/Website
Scaling a unique educational model
The Dubai Schools initiative offers a distinctive Emirati model that integrates global educational standards with a strong national identity. The curriculum emphasizes Arabic language, modern sciences, technology, and values-based learning, creating well-rounded graduates ready to contribute to both local and global arenas.
The expansion at Nad Al Sheba complements similar efforts across the city. Recent milestones include:
A new campus in Al Khawaneej and expansion at Al Barsha
A Dhs14m contribution from Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group, formalized in an MoU with KFE
A renewed Dhs11m support from Dubai Islamic Bank for 2025–26
These partnerships reflect a robust public-private synergy, vital to meeting Dubai’s ambitious education goals.
The Knowledge Fund Establishment has already facilitated the allocation of 1.5 million square feet for new educational institutions across Dubai. With over 15,000 seats planned by 2033 across the Nad Al Sheba, Al Barsha, and Al Khawaneej campuses, Dubai is not just building more schools, it’s creating an ecosystem of opportunity.
Student satisfaction rates, which have reached 93.75 per cent, indicate that the city’s approach is working, and that families recognize the value and vision behind the Dubai Schools brand.
The UAE National Team delivered an impressive performance at the inaugural Asian Mixed Martial Arts (AMMA) Youth Championship, held at Khalifa Sports City in Bahrain from August 29 to 30 under the supervision of the Asian MMA Association.
Despite competing with just five athletes, the UAE secured four medals — one gold, two silver, and one bronze — finishing fourth in the overall national team rankings. The event, which marked the first continental youth championship for the sport, underscored the rapid rise of combat sports across Asia and offered athletes key preparation ahead of the Asian Youth Games in October.
Leading the UAE’s medal tally was Omar Alraeesi, who claimed gold in the under-18 Traditional MMA men’s -60kg division. Abdulla Aldarmaki and Omar Almarzooqi added silver medals in the under-18 Modern MMA men’s -50kg and under-18 Traditional MMA men’s -65kg categories respectively, while Ahmad Abdulraheem earned bronze in the under-18 Modern MMA men’s -65kg division.
Mohammed Al Hosani, a member of the MMA Committee of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, commended the team’s performance. “This is a proud moment for the UAE and a testament to the hard work of our young athletes. Their performance in the tournament reflects the growth of mixed martial arts in our country and strengthens our commitment to developing the sport at the grassroots level and to developing talent across age groups. We see this as an important step towards preparing our athletes for bigger continental and global stages,” he said.
He added: “The team’s success at the AMMA Youth Championship motivates us to exert maximum efforts for upcoming continental competitions and enhances our chances of reaching the podium at the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain.”
Gold medallist Omar Alraeesi reflected on the achievement: “Participating in the first Asian Youth Championship and reaching the podium reflects the importance of the achievement and the great efforts made by the players in the face of strong competition. I dedicate this gold medal to our beloved country, its leadership and people, and I look forward to representing the UAE again in the Asian Youth Games.”
Dubai Holding Asset Management (DHAM), one of the largest retail operators in the UAE, has officially rebranded Nakheel Mall as Palm Jumeirah Mall, marking a new era for the lifestyle destination at the heart of Palm Jumeirah.
The announcement was made today, September 3, alongside the opening of the mall’s redeveloped section, which introduces a mix of international and home-grown brands across fashion, dining, and lifestyle categories, a Palm Jumeirah Mall media report said.
“Palm Jumeirah Mall has always been a key destination in our portfolio, and this transformation reaffirms its position as a top-tier lifestyle and retail hub,” said a DHAM spokesperson.
Global brands, local flavours
The redevelopment brings a new retail experience, showcasing an lineup of premium brands and eateries.
Fashion and lifestyle additions include Paul Smith, Boss, Lacoste, Polo Ralph Lauren, Patrizia Pepe, Luisa Spagnoli, Le Petit Bateau, Sandro, Maje, Lululemon, The Giving Movement, 12 Storeez, Lime, Furla, Silvian Heach, Pablosky, Jacardi, and Swarovski.
On the dining front, new concepts like Home Bakery, Brunch & Cake, Al Beiruti, Le Majlis, %Arabica, Konjiki Hototogisu, and Gyu Kaku promise a gastronomic journey that caters to both locals and tourists.
The mall also welcomed design and entertainment concepts such as Kartell and LEGO, enhancing the family-friendly offering.
Since opening in 2019, Palm Jumeirah Mall has drawn millions of visitors annually. The new identity and enhancements reflect DHAM’s wider vision to set new standards for lifestyle and retail destinations across the emirate.
The mall continues to house its popular West Rooftop dining precinct, featuring favourites like 3 Cuts, Samakje, Gatsby, Chalet Berezka, and The Cheese Farm, further enriching the visitor experience.
Strategic growth for a global retail hub
Dubai Holding Asset Management currently operates 10 shopping malls, 15 lifestyle destinations, and 18 retail centres, home to over 6,500 international, regional, and homegrown retailers.
The rebranding of Palm Jumeirah Mall stands as a testament to DHAM’s mission to create vibrant, experience-led destinations that inspire communities and enhance Dubai’s standing as a global retail and tourism hub.
“This is more than a name change, it’s a strategic evolution,” the DHAM spokesperson added. “We’re building places where people want to live, shop, and spend time.”
Jeremy Crane, group CEO of Yellow Door Energy/Image: Supplied
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Yellow Door Energy, a sustainable energy partner for businesses in the Middle East and Africa, is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a major achievement: the generation of 1 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean energy across its solar projects. This milestone translates into enough renewable energy to charge 273 million smartphones for a year and has helped avoid 396,000 metric tonnes of carbon emissions, supporting both corporate and national Net Zero targets.
Over the past decade, the company has developed a portfolio of 400 megawatts-peak (MWp) of solar assets across seven countries, spanning projects in operation, construction and planning. This is expected to grow to 500 MWp by the end of 2025.
Yellow Door Energy has also recorded five million person-hours worked during construction and operations without a single recordable incident, reflecting its strong focus on quality, health, safety, social and environmental (QHSSE) standards.
Jeremy Crane, group CEO of Yellow Door Energy, said: “As we celebrate a decade of renewable energy leadership, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to everyone who has contributed to Yellow Door Energy’s incredible journey. Our success is not just a company milestone; it is the success of businesses in the Middle East and Africa committing to Net Zero emissions. Our rapid growth is a testament to the strong momentum of the clean energy transition and the urgency to address climate change.”
In 2025 alone, the company signed four solar leases in Saudi Arabia and launched a major solar development project with GWC in Qatar. It also commissioned nine solar power projects across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman, expanding its operational portfolio to 155 MWp.
The company’s progress has been recognised with two Solarabic UAE Awards: Flagship Solar Project of the Year for its work with Majid Al Futtaim Mosque and Tilal Al Ghaf — the region’s first Net Positive mosque — and Distinguished Industry Contributor for Jeremy Crane.
With its expanding portfolio, Yellow Door Energy has strengthened its position as the region’s top distributed solar company. Its projects are structured through innovative solar leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs), enabling businesses to switch to solar power without upfront capital expenditure while reducing long-term energy costs.
As the Middle East accelerates its green energy agenda — with the UAE targeting nearly 20 GW of clean energy by 2030 and planning up to $55bn in renewable infrastructure investments — Yellow Door Energy is set to play a central role in supporting this transformation.
