DP World Trade Finance has crossed the $1bn mark in working capital mobilised for businesses in emerging markets, just four years after launching its platform.

The milestone comes as the global trade finance gap continues to exceed $2.5tn, disproportionately affecting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing economies.

The platform, which combines logistics and financial services, has partnered with more than 32 financial institutions globally, including J.P. Morgan, Standard Bank, and NedBank.

Together with DP World’s own lending operations, the model aims to increase access to affordable trade finance while reducing risk and improving the flow of goods in underfunded markets.

“By making capital more accessible, particularly in high-potential markets, we are shaping a trade system that is more inclusive and resilient,” said Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, group chairman and CEO of DP World. “The growth of our trade finance business underscores the UAE’s role as a catalyst for global trade.”

DP World Trade Finance: An integrated model

DP World Trade Finance’s integrated model offers both funding and real-time supply chain visibility, helping lenders make faster, data-informed credit decisions. The platform’s performance has generated a loan book with higher-quality assets than industry benchmarks, according to the company.

“Cross-border trade is the engine of global economic growth, but access to affordable finance remains a critical barrier,” said Sinan Ozcan, Senior Executive Officer of DP World Trade Finance. “Through our platform, we’ve built a network that connects businesses with capital and streamlines the financing process to enable more consistent global trade.”

The platform has facilitated trade across Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe, serving industries including agriculture, metals, automotive, and engineering. Its success is part of a broader effort to ease structural constraints in global trade by improving financing options for businesses that struggle with collateral requirements or limited credit histories.

DP World Trade Finance was launched to address persistent challenges faced by SMEs, many of whom are unable to secure loans from traditional institutions due to high perceived risk.

The company’s data-driven approach, combined with its operational reach, aims to provide a scalable solution to help close one of trade’s most pressing gaps.

Read: DP World launches Stablecoin-based cross-border payment solutions

Amazon.ae has announced the return of its Prime Day sale in the UAE, running for seven days from July 25 to 31.

Prime members will gain exclusive access to millions of deals across over 30 product categories, including electronics, fashion, groceries, home goods, and Amazon Devices.

The extended sale event reflects shifting consumer preferences in the UAE. According to research conducted by HarrisX and commissioned by Amazon, 73 per cent of UAE shoppers prefer longer sale events to allow for better decision-making, while 77 per cent say they feel satisfied when scoring deals during promotional periods.

Prime membership, priced at Dhs16 per month or Dhs140 per year, includes year-round benefits such as free and fast delivery, Amazon Fresh access, Prime Video, Deliveroo Plus Silver, and Prime Gaming.

Stefano Martinelli, VP of Amazon MENA, said: “We’re bringing more value than ever to Prime members in the UAE. With a seven-day sale, members can enjoy millions of deals, flexible payment options, and exclusive bank discounts. There’s never been a better time to be a Prime member.”

Top participating brands this year include Apple, Samsung, Dyson, Nike, Sony, JBL, Philips, LEGO, Pandora, Tissot, and CeraVe, alongside regional favourites like Humantra and Nescafe.

Read: Amazon Bazaar launches in UAE: products as low as Dhs4

Items from Amazon’s Global Store, including selections from the US, UK, and Germany, will also be discounted.

Here is a guide to this year’s best Prime Day deals

Everyday essentials and grocery

• Save up to 35 per cent on water and drinks from brands, including Fiji, Evian, Nespresso, Barbican, and Oatly
• Save up to 20 per cent on cleaning and laundry detergents from brands including Fairy, Finish, Ariel, OMO, and Comfort
• Save up to 20 per cent on hair products from brands including Kérastase, GK Hair, L’Oréal, Davines, Milk_Shake, and Wella
• Save up to 20 per cent on hydration essentials and supplements from brands including Humantra, THORNE, and Sports Research
• Save up to 10 per cent on rice and oils from brands including Tilda, India Gate, and HANAHANIM

Amazon Fresh – with free and fast two-hour scheduled delivery

• Save up to 5o per cent on sunflower oil, ghee, basmati rice, sugar, and chocolates from Amazon Fresh
• Save up to 50 per cent on chicken breast, dried figs and apricots, and dates from Amazon Fresh

Electronics and gaming

• Save up to 50 per cent on power banks and adapters from brands including Anker, UGREEN, INIU, Amazon Basics, and SAUNORCH
• Save up to 40 per cent on gaming consoles, accessories, and monitors from brands including Sony, PlayStation, Nintendo, KTC, Logitech, and SIHOO
• Save up to 40 per cent on headphones and speakers from brands including Bose, JBL, Sony, and soundcore
• Save up to 25 per cent on cameras from brands including Canon, DJI, and Fuji Film
• Save up to 20 per cent on TVs from brands including Philips, Samsung, Hisense, and TCL
• Save up to 18 per cent on laptops and tablets from brands including Apple, HP, Dell, ASUS, Samsung, and Lenovo
• Save up to 15 per cent on mobile phones from brands including Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, and HONOR

Amazon devices

• Save up to 60 per cent on security cameras from Ring, including the recently launched New Ring Outdoor Camera Plus
• Save up to 47 per cent on Echo devices
• Save up to 29 per cent on Kindle devices

Beauty and personal care

• Save up to 50 per cent on skincare, makeup, and beauty accessories from brands including ANUA, Beauty of Joseon, medicube, Dr Althea, Maybelline, KIKO Milano, Anastasia, NIVEA, e.l.f., CeraVe, Neutrogena, Eucerin and Jessup
• Save up to 30 per cent on personal grooming appliances and electric toothbrushes from brands including Philips, Braun, and Oral B

Fashion and accessories

• Save up to 59 per cent on watches and fitness trackers from brands including WHOOP, Apple, Oura, Tissot, Tommy Hilfiger, and Casio
• Save up to 50 per cent on apparel from brands including Lacoste, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Under Armour, and New Era
• Save up to 40 per cent on jewelry from brands including Pandora and Swarovski
• Save up to 30 per cent on bags and luggage from brands including GUESS, Ted Baker, TUMI, Lacoste, Senator, and JW PEI
• Save up to 30 per cent on shoes from brands including Skechers, adidas, U.S. Polo Assn, and Nike

Amazon Bazaar

• Save up to 50 per cent across the newly launched Amazon Bazaar in-app shopping experience, making trendy fashion, home, and lifestyle finds even more affordable. Prime members can access Prime Day deals on Amazon Bazaar by tapping the Bazaar icon, searching for “Bazaar”, or visiting amazon.ae/bazaar on the Amazon.ae mobile app, or website browser on desktop or mobile device.

Kitchen and home

• Save up to 56 per cent on smart scales, security cameras, and baby monitors from brands including eufy, and EZVIZ
• Save up to 45 per cent on microwaves and air fryers from brands including Samsung, GEEPAS, Kenwood, and Ninja
• Save up to 40 per cent on refrigerators and dishwashers from brands including Bosch, Samsung, Hisense, Nikai, Midea, and Hitachi
• Save up to 38 per cent on vacuum cleaners and mops from brands including Dyson, ECOVACS, roborock, EUREKA, and AOKOAK
• Save up to 30 per cent on coffee machines, ice cream makers, and blenders from brands including DE’LONGHI, Nescafe, Philips, Bosch, Nutribullet, and Ninja
• Save up to 30 per cent on air purifiers from brands including Dyson, Levoit, and Blueair

Back-to-School essentials

• Save up to 50 per cent on water bottles and travel tumblers from brands including Hydro Flask and CamelBak
• Save up to 50 per cent on school stationery from brands including Crayol and Pentel

Sports

• Save up to 11 per cent on sports equipment and accessories from brands including Arena, Gym Monster, and Sperax

Toys

• Save up to 50 per cent on toys and games from brands including Funko, Barbie, Lego, Monopoly, and Gemmicc

Additional ways to save

1. Prime members shopping on Amazon.ae using Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB), Mastercard, and Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD) credit cards can enjoy additional instant discounts for eligible Prime Day orders.
2. Purchase an Amazon.ae eGift Card for Dhs500 now through July 24 and get Dhs35 promotional credit to spend during Prime Day.
3. Prime members on Amazon.ae can enjoy hassle-free affordable shopping during Prime Day with Tabby and Tamara, conveniently splitting payments into 4 interest-free installments.
4. Prime members in the UAE can also opt in to 0 per cent bank installment plans for eligible purchases, available from a wide range of banking partners upon checkout, allowing them to pay for their Prime Day orders on Amazon.ae in more affordable and easier monthly installments.

T&Cs apply for the above.

Deliveries

Prime members can enjoy all the usual membership benefits this Prime Day, including fast, free delivery on thousands of items, plus the added convenience of being able to choose how those items arrive — whether at home, work, or places you frequent through the network of Amazon lockers.

Prime members in the UAE receive unlimited Same-Day and One-Day deliveries across all categories.

The Dubai Land department (DLD) has signed a memorandum of cooperation with Emirates NBD to enhance regulatory processes and streamline real estate transactions.

The agreement sets out a joint framework for conducting technical and regulatory studies, focusing on the development of streamlined mechanisms for property transaction registration and delivering financial solutions to improve the overall customer experience.

As part of the partnership, two key studies will be launched. The first will explore ways to optimise the registration process for real estate transactions concluded outside the UAE, while the second will examine how financial services can be better integrated to simplify the registration of property sales.

DLD aims to advance real estate registration services

Omar Hamad BuShehab, DG of DLD, said the initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve market transparency and efficiency. “This partnership marks a significant step toward establishing a shared knowledge base that opens up new horizons for advancing real estate registration services, thereby further strengthening Dubai’s position as a global destination for real estate investment,” he said.

The collaboration is aligned with the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033, which aims to build a competitive and innovation-driven property sector.

Hesham Abdulla Al Qassim, vice chairman and MD of Emirates NBD, said the bank’s involvement reflects a commitment to enhancing customer-centric services in real estate. “Integrated offerings under this collaboration will help enhance the property transaction experience while building greater confidence among market participants,” he said.

The partnership is seen as a model for cooperation between public and private sectors, supporting Dubai’s ambition to create a resilient real estate ecosystem capable of adapting to global shifts and accelerating digital transformation.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in partnership with telecom provider e&, has completed the installation of free Wi-Fi on all 259 of its intercity buses, enhancing connectivity for thousands of daily commuters.

Read-Dubai’s RTA bus stations: What does their upgrade look like?

The initiative covers routes linking Dubai with other emirates, including Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, and Fujairah. Passengers can now access complimentary Wi-Fi throughout their journeys using smartphones, tablets, or laptops.

Officials say the move is aimed at improving the commuting experience and giving passengers the flexibility to work, stay in touch, or browse the internet while travelling.

The rollout aligns with the UAE Digital Government Strategy and is part of RTA’s wider efforts to drive digital transformation across its transport services. It also supports Dubai’s broader vision of becoming the world’s smartest and happiest city.

“The service will undergo continuous assessment in collaboration with e&,” the RTA said in a statement, adding that future enhancements are already being explored. Authorities are also considering expanding Wi-Fi connectivity to marine transport services.

By integrating technology into public transportation, the RTA aims to boost passenger satisfaction and encourage more residents to use sustainable modes of travel.

This latest upgrade reinforces Dubai’s position as a leader in smart urban mobility and digital infrastructure.

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, has unveiled ambitious plans for the airline’s growth in 2025, targeting approximately 21.5 million passengers by the end of the year, more than double the number recorded in 2022.

Read-Flying Etihad? Know about these latest developments

Speaking with the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Neves outlined how this growth will be supported by a significant fleet expansion. The airline expects to receive 18 new aircraft by the end of the year, with two already added to the fleet and 16 more scheduled for delivery in the coming months. Having transported over 10 million passengers during the first half of the year, Etihad is on track to close 2025 with a fleet size between 115 and 120 aircraft.

Fleet expansion and financial growth drive ambitious targets

Neves highlighted the airline’s impressive financial trajectory in recent years. Etihad Airways reached financial break-even in 2022, achieved a profit margin of 3 percent in 2023, and increased this to approximately 6 percent last year. This year, the company expects profit margins to rise further to between 7 and 8 percent.

“Our strategy is focused on gradually expanding margins each year,” Neves said. “We are funding our growth through internal cash flows, which contributes to sustainable financial performance.”

The planned fleet expansion plays a critical role in this strategy. Neves also addressed operational challenges, noting that the airline anticipated delays in aircraft delivery from manufacturers. To maintain growth momentum, Etihad accelerated the induction of leased aircraft and reintroduced seven A380 aircraft into service.

The airline is gearing up for an even larger expansion in the coming years. Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, Etihad’s hub, is well-equipped to support this growth. Neves revealed plans to grow the fleet to around 200 aircraft and serve between 38 and 39 million passengers by 2030—effectively doubling the company’s size over the next five years.

Strengthening global network and market presence

Etihad’s growth strategy extends beyond fleet expansion to enhancing its global network. The airline currently flies to nearly 100 destinations worldwide. However, Neves emphasized that growth isn’t only about adding new routes, but also increasing flight frequencies on existing routes to meet rising demand.

For instance, flights to Frankfurt and Barcelona have doubled to twice daily, while Bangkok now receives five daily flights during peak periods. Around two-thirds of the additional capacity is allocated to existing destinations, with only one-third targeting new markets.

New routes are also expanding. Atlanta began with five weekly flights and now operates daily service, while New York has increased from one daily flight 18 months ago to two today. Western destinations are now all served with daily flights, reflecting Etihad’s commitment to deepening its market position.

Looking ahead to 2030, the airline will focus on markets within a four-hour flight radius from Abu Dhabi, including India, Pakistan, and the Middle East. Etihad operates four daily flights to key destinations such as Colombo, Riyadh, Jeddah, Mumbai, and Muscat. The airline aims to offer at least two daily flights to all its destinations across Southeast Asia, Europe, and the eastern United States.

Neves also revealed a significant milestone: Etihad will soon take delivery of its first A321 Long Range aircraft, arriving this week in Hamburg. This narrow-body aircraft will be the first in the fleet to feature a first-class cabin with fully flat luxury seats, a “world’s best travel experience on a narrow-body aircraft,” according to Neves. This move marks a redefinition of regional travel standards for the airline.

Abu Dhabi’s growth fuels airline expansion

Neves praised Abu Dhabi’s rapid development as a major driver behind Etihad’s growth. The capital city’s population is increasing at an annual rate of 7 per cent, five to six times the global average, which is boosting demand for travel and services.

International events, exhibitions, conferences, and the expanding tourism and cultural sectors in Abu Dhabi are further stimulating travel to and from the capital.

“We have doubled our flight capacity in Abu Dhabi in just two and a half years,” Neves said. “This positions us as a major contributor to the city’s development, while also benefiting significantly from government investment in infrastructure and tourism.”

He concluded by underscoring Etihad’s vision for the future. The airline is now more agile and better positioned to respond to shifting market dynamics as it pursues its goal of becoming the preferred airline for travelers worldwide by offering exceptional service, flexibility, and smart expansion.