The world’s highest penthouse in the Burj Khalifa is now available for $51m.

Located in the world’s tallest tower, this penthouse sits 13,000 feet above Dubai. It is an exclusive full-floor duplex with 360-degree views of Dubai, the Arabian Gulf, and the vast desert beyond.

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“This penthouse is a testament to exceptional luxury and architectural excellence, offering an extraordinary living experience in one of the world’s most iconic buildings,” said Asad Khan, Founder and CEO of Invest Dubai Real Estate. “To own a residence in the Burj Khalifa is not merely about having a home; it’s about becoming part of history itself.”

Key features of the Burj Khalifa penthouse

The main level spans 14,000 square feet, with an additional 7,000 square feet on the upper level.

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This penthouse is the largest residence in Downtown Dubai, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass windows, a private swimming pool, and the only private lift in the tower.

This luxurious prospective home is being offered as a shell-and-core unit, providing buyers the opportunity to customise it to their personal tastes.

With expansive space for grand gatherings, luxurious bedrooms, and expansive living areas, this ‘residence in the clouds’ comes with amenities tailored to its future residents.

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While there are many exceptional properties around the world, this Burj Khalifa penthouse stands apart due to its unparalleled height and location in one of the most iconic towers globally.

The penthouse would also offer its buyer access to an exclusive lounge, fitness centre, Japanese gardens, spa, fine dining, and dedicated 24-hour concierge services, all within one of the most prestigious addresses in the world.

GE Aerospace has announced a $10m investment in its maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities in the Middle East, aiming to expand capacity and enhance operational efficiency as regional airlines scale up growth plans.

The investment, spanning 2024 and 2025, will support the company’s On Wing Support (OWS) facilities in Dubai, UAE, and Doha, Qatar, funding new tooling and equipment, infrastructure upgrades, and expanded training programmes.

The company has been working with commercial airlines in the Middle East for more than 40 years and today supports nearly 30 airlines with a combined fleet of more than 1,400 engines.

Its regional presence includes the On Wing Support facilities in Dubai and Doha, the Middle East Technology Center (MTC) in Dubai, and partner MRO facilities.

GE Aerospace facilities to see headcount rise

The facilities will also see a planned 30 per cent increase in headcount, alongside funding to explore additional regional investment opportunities.

“Airlines in the region have ambitious growth plans that depend on keeping engines on wing and operating efficiently,” said Aziz Koleilat, president and CEO, Middle East, Türkiye, and CIS for GE Aerospace. “Expanding our MRO capacity means we can work on more engines, and there is more we can do to those engines. It is part of our commitment to meeting our local customers’ needs and expectations during a critical period for the industry.”

The investment will enable the OWS facilities to perform additional quick-turn maintenance closer to airlines’ operating hubs, reducing downtime and increasing flexibility. The sites will now be able to carry out expanded work scopes on CFM LEAP* engines, including durability improvements, module-level disassembly, and hot-section repairs.

Training is also a key focus of the investment. By adding team members and introducing new training modules, including a fully equipped training engine, the company aims to accelerate workforce development and certification.

“This investment reflects our commitment to deliver for our customers in the Middle East. As supply chain challenges continue to impact airlines globally, we are moving proactively to grow our capabilities to support an increase in capacity. By committing these resources, we can ultimately deliver greater value,” said Alex Henderson, global on-wing support leader for GE Aerospace.

The move is part of the company’s global $1bn MRO expansion plan, announced in 2024, designed to enhance service capacity across GE Aerospace and CFM* engines.

GE Aerospace’s FLIGHT DECK lean operating model will be leveraged to drive safety, quality, and efficiency improvements across the facilities. The approach integrates tools such as a safety management system and a quality management system to optimise operations.

With more than 20 airlines operating over 750 LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines in the Middle East, Türkiye, and CIS region, the investment also prepares the company’s facilities to support the arrival of the GE9X engine, which will power the Boeing 777X.

The Middle East remains the largest global market for GE9X orders.

* CFM International is a 50/50 joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines. LEAP is a registered trademark of CFM.

Qualcomm Technologies and Aramco Digital will collaborate to develop the world’s first AI-enabled industrial 5G smartphone with native support for the 450MHz spectrum, aimed at advancing industrial connectivity and digital transformation.

Revealed at LEAP 2025, the new industrial smartphone will enhance connectivity for 5G IoT devices, edge computing, and industrial applications, initially targeting advanced solutions for Aramco, one of the world’s leading integrated energy and chemicals companies.

The devices will be powered by Qualcomm’s QCM8550 and QCM6490 processors, which offer native 5G support in the 450MHz spectrum, providing improved communication and data transfer capabilities for industrial environments.

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“At Aramco Digital, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of technological innovation. This collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies, introducing the world’s first AI-enabled industrial smartphone with 450MHz support, represents a significant milestone in our journey to empower industries with next-generation connectivity,” said Eid Alharbi, connectivity president at Aramco Digital.

“By utilising cutting-edge 5G and AI technologies, we are enabling smarter, more sustainable industry that aligns with the kingdom’s Vision 2030 and beyond, driving industrial transformation not only within Saudi Arabia but across the globe,” Alharbi added.

Nakul Duggal, group GM at Qualcomm Technologies, highlighted the impact of advanced connectivity on the industrial sector. “The industrial sector is being transformed by advanced technologies, and our industrial smartphones with native support for 450MHz are another vital component in enabling industries to become more connected, efficient, safe, and sustainable.”

“Qualcomm Technologies is excited to collaborate with Aramco Digital to help them develop innovative solutions in Saudi Arabia, supporting the kingdom’s industrial transformation in alignment with their Vision 2030,” he added.

The collaboration follows previous deployments by Qualcomm and Aramco Digital, including Aramco’s first GenAI industrial IoT solutions, which have improved safety, efficiency, and sustainability at company sites.

The new industrial smartphones will further expand access to these applications.

Qualcomm’s 450MHz processors and the industrial smartphone prototype are on display at Aramco Digital’s stand at LEAP 2025.

Abu Dhabi’s ADQ and Vietnam’s State Capital Investment Corporation (SCIC) recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on investment opportunities in key sectors, as both nations seek to deepen economic ties.

The agreement establishes a framework for co-investment in sectors that align with Vietnam’s economic development strategy.

The Southeast Asian nation, the third-largest economy in the region after Indonesia and Thailand, is projected to grow by 6.5 per cent in both 2025 and 2026.

The MoU follows the comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) finalised in October 2024 between Vietnam and the UAE, the first such agreement Vietnam has signed with a Middle Eastern nation.

The pact is expected to enhance collaboration in sectors such as oil and gas, renewable energy, and agriculture.

ADQ-SCIC: Strengthening UAE-Vietnam bilateral ties

“This partnership aims to deepen the bilateral ties between the UAE and Vietnam while also highlighting ADQ’s commitment to investing in high-growth markets that align with our strategic investment priorities,” said Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, MD and group CEO of ADQ. “Vietnam’s rapidly expanding economy presents a unique opportunity to drive impactful investments in key sectors of mutual interest.”

Trade between the UAE and Vietnam reached $4.7bn in 2023, a 5.9 per cent increase year-on-year.

In the first eight months of 2024 alone, trade exceeded $4.47bn, marking a 45 per cent surge compared to the same period in the previous year, underscoring the strengthening economic partnership between the two nations.

SCIC chairman Nguyen Chi Thanh called the MoU a “significant milestone”, adding that the agreement would strengthen economic cooperation between the two nations.

“SCIC stands ready to provide support and facilitate the most favourable conditions for the two parties to pursue long-term collaboration,” he said, suggesting the organisation of business forums to explore investment prospects and develop joint investment mechanisms.

Founded in 2005, SCIC manages a portfolio of over 110 state-owned enterprises across various industries.

It plays a key role in improving the competitiveness and efficiency of state-backed companies while executing strategic investments to drive sustainable economic growth.

ADQ, established in 2018, manages a portfolio of over 25 companies operating in more than 130 countries.

Its investments span key sectors, including energy, utilities, transport, logistics, food, agriculture, healthcare and life sciences.

The Abu Dhabi-based sovereign investor has formed strategic alliances with governments worldwide and has facilitated market expansion for its portfolio companies in countries such as Egypt, Turkey, Greece, Oman, and Jordan.

The GCC region is transforming into a key player in global finance, with the UAE at the forefront. Online trading is growing rapidly, and as a result, the region is fast developing into a hub for innovation and progress.

Dubai, in particular, is driving this momentum due to its strategic vision, strong infrastructure, and progressive regulations. The global FX market records an average daily turnover of $7.5tn, with a significant portion expected to be traded in the UAE during 2025, further solidifying its position as a global financial powerhouse.

A younger, tech-savvy population is reshaping demand across the region. Digital-first solutions and advanced technologies are quickly becoming the norm, meeting the evolving needs of modern traders.

This shift is creating unique opportunities for institutions and investors alike, as the region embraces innovation and adapts to global financial trends.

Regulatory reforms in the UAE have been instrumental in spurring advancement and bolstering investor confidence by ensuring transparency and accountability. The UAE continues to strengthen its position as a financial hub through key regulatory bodies such as the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) and the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA).

These authorities play a pivotal role in shaping the digital financial landscape by providing a clear framework for trading virtual assets while safeguarding investor interests. We take pride in being one of the first companies to apply for an SCA license, underscoring our commitment to compliance and innovation in the evolving financial ecosystem.

Technology is key to driving the progress of the financial sector

Technology continues to propel the industry forward. Electronic communications network (ECN) technology is poised to be a game changer in the region, enabling the introduction of new financial instruments on the platform.

While Dubai has positioned itself as a leader in everything from blockchain and digital currencies to artificial intelligence and machine learning, significant private sector investments, combined with a forward-looking approach, have created fertile ground for fintech startups to thrive. This dynamic environment empowers entrepreneurs and redefines how services are delivered.

Situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa and backed by sustained developments in governance and technology, the GCC is poised to play a pivotal role in the international economy.

Dubai and the wider GCC are evolving from emerging players to key pillars of the world financial ecosystem.

By embracing change, driving growth, and capitalising on strategic strengths, the region is steadily establishing itself as an economic powerhouse.

The writer is the founder and chairman of MultiBank Group.