Boeing landed its biggest deal for widebody airplanes on Wednesday when state carrier Qatar Airways placed firm orders for 160 jetliners plus options to buy 50 more during President Donald Trump’s visit to the Gulf Arab country.
The deal for Boeing 777X and 787 planes with GE Aerospace engines was worth $96bn, according to the White House. It is a win for Trump on a high-profile visit to the region, even though it will be years before the jets are delivered.
The sale is also a boost for Boeing and its biggest engine supplier at a time when large versions of rival Airbus’ A350, powered by Rolls-Royce engines, have struggled with maintenance problems from operating in the world’s hottest climates, including the Gulf region.
The agreement is for 160 firm orders – 130 787s and 30 777Xs – and options for another 50 of the two long-haul airplanes, according to Boeing. The company’s shares rose 0.6 per cent in New York, while GE Aerospace stock gained 0.7 per cent.
For the 787s, Qatar opted for GE Aerospace’s GEnx engines rather than Rolls-Royce’s Trent 1000, according to the administration. GE Aerospace’s GE9X is the only engine option for the 777X.
The deal for 400 GE engines is the largest ever for GE Aerospace, the company’s CEO Larry Culp said in a statement, a point echoed by Qatar Airways, which told Reuters in March that it was working on a large order for widebody jets.
Trump and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani joined a signing ceremony with Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg and Qatar Airways CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer. Trump said Ortberg told him it was the largest jet order in Boeing’s history.
The deal was signed during Trump’s second stop on a tour of Gulf states after he struck a string of deals with Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
The 777X is still in development and slated to start deliveries in 2026, six years behind schedule. Qatar Airways already has orders for 94 777Xs. Its competitor, Emirates, has orders for 205 777Xs. The two airlines were among the first customers when Boeing launched the program in 2013.
Boeing’s order book included 521 777X orders and 828 787 orders as of April 30, according to the company.
6,700 millionaires relocated to the UAE in 2024, report reveals
Betterhomes suggests the evolution of Dubai’s property market into a “structural asset class,” with HNWI investment increasingly focused on long-term residential value rather than short-term market cycles
Image: Dubai Media Office/ For illustrative purposes
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Dubai is poised to attract a major surge of international wealth in 2025, potentially reshaping its role in the global financial system, according to a new report by real estate brokerage Betterhomes.
Titled Dubai: No Longer a Pit Stop, But the Finish Line for Global Wealth, the report outlines how shifting global geopolitical and economic dynamics are fueling high-net-worth individual (HNWI) migration to the UAE. This, in turn, is transforming Dubai’s prime real estate landscape.
In 2024, 6,700 millionaires relocated to the UAE. With 142,000 millionaires expected to migrate globally in 2025, Betterhomes projects that if just five per cent choose Dubai, the emirate could gain around 7,100 new millionaires — bringing with them approximately $7.1bn (Dhs26bn) in capital. That figure would represent nearly half of Dubai’s total foreign direct investment in 2024.
HNWIs looking to “anchor” themselves in Dubai, UAE: Betterhomes CEO
“Dubai’s real estate market is no longer driven by speculation, but by strategic, long-term capital,” said Louis Harding, CEO of Betterhomes. “We are seeing global wealth not just arrive, but anchor itself here, in branded residences, legacy properties, and high-quality developments built for permanence.”
The report identifies key global “push” factors influencing millionaire migration, including increasing wealth taxes, political instability, and tightening immigration policies. These are contrasted with Dubai’s appeal as a tax-efficient, safe, and globally connected lifestyle hub.
Betterhomes suggests the evolution of Dubai’s property market into a “structural asset class,” with HNWI investment increasingly focused on long-term residential value rather than short-term market cycles.
As the emirate continues to draw the world’s wealthy, Dubai’s role as a global benchmark for residential investment is expected to grow.
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and US President Donald Trump on Wednesday witnessed the signing of a series of agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) at the Amiri Diwan in Doha, reflecting deepening strategic ties between the two countries, Qatar News Agency reported.
The signing ceremony included a high-profile agreement for the purchase of aircraft from Boeing, a statement of intent for defense cooperation, a letter of offer and acceptance for MQ-9B drones, and another for the FS-LIDS anti-drone system.
The two leaders also signed a joint declaration of cooperation between the governments of Qatar and the US.
The ceremony was attended by Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani and other senior Qatari officials, while members of the official US delegation joined President Trump.
Trump-Emir discuss regional developments
Speaking after the ceremony, the Emir stated that the talks covered bilateral relations and key regional developments. “The memorandums of understanding signed today will elevate our bilateral relations to a higher level,” he said, expressing gratitude to President Trump for his visit to Qatar.
According to Qatar News Agency, President Trump described the discussions with the Emir as extensive and focused on international issues including the Ukraine crises, acknowledging Qatar’s supportive role. He also highlighted future developments in commercial and defense cooperation, underlining his longstanding friendship with the Emir and expressing his desire to expand joint efforts.
The agreements underscore the growing partnership between Qatar and the US in areas such as defence, investment, energy, and regional security. They are expected to reinforce Qatar’s strategic capabilities while strengthening American ties in the Gulf region.
The global healthcare sector is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by the urgent need for scalable, tech-enabled solutions.
What was once a long-term ambition, the integration of technology across systems and services has become an immediate priority. From policy to practice, digital health is no longer optional. It’s here, it’s accelerating and the time for implementation is now.
Nowhere is this momentum more visible than in the Middle East and North Africa.
Countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt are investing heavily in next-generation healthcare infrastructure. From AI-powered diagnostics and smart hospitals to digital patient records and virtual care platforms, the MENA region is fast becoming a key player for healthtech innovation.
In the UAE alone, landmark initiatives such as the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, the introduction of Malaffi – the first health information exchange platform in the middle East and the deployment of advanced robotics and telemedicine solutions highlight a clear commitment to building a future-ready healthcare system. Saudi Arabia’s Health Sector Transformation Programme, part of Vision 2030, is similarly redefining delivery models at national scale.
This growing ecosystem of investment, policy support and private-sector innovation is precisely why we’re launching WHX Tech in Dubai from 8–10 September 2025 a groundbreaking event designed to accelerate digital health adoption, cross-border partnerships and bring the most advanced, transformative technologies to the forefront.
Solenne Singer is senior vice president, Informa Markets.
WHX Tech is the latest expansion of WHX — the world’s largest network of healthcare events and will be launched in partnership with HIMSS, the global authority in health information and technology.
WHX is no stranger to building world-class events in Dubai, with its flagship, WHX Dubai (formerly Arab Health), having welcomed the global healthcare community since 1975. Organised by the same team behind WHX Dubai, WHX Tech is set to follow a similar trajectory bringing together innovators, investors, healthcare leaders and policymakers to shape the future of digital health.
With more than 300 exhibitors and 5,000+ health tech leaders expected to attend, WHX Tech isn’t just another trade show. It’s a curated platform built to accelerate collaboration among startups, investors, regulators, and global healthcare operators.
Why Dubai?
Building on the legacy of launching world-class healthcare events in Dubai, choosing the city as the launchpad for WHX Tech was a natural decision.
Dubai is already a global crossroads for business and innovation and increasingly for health. With its advanced digital infrastructure, innovation-friendly policies, and unmatched connectivity to global markets; Dubai provides the ideal environment to support new models of care.
Government-led initiatives, such as the Dubai Health Strategy 2026 and Dubai Future Foundation’s sandbox for healthcare innovation, further reinforce the city’s ambition to lead, not follow.
WHX Tech is here to reflect and amplify that ambition.
Our three core stages, World X, Future X, and Xcelerate will showcase everything from real-world smart hospital implementations to the most promising biotech and AI startups shaping the next 20 years of health.
As a platform built for innovation, WHX Tech is committed to accelerating the startups driving healthcare transformation. The Xcelerate Zone, featuring its own dedicated startup stage, will host the region’s largest digital health startup competition offering a $50,000 prize fund and the opportunity for early-stage ventures to pitch directly to global investors. Beyond the competition, startups will gain access to curated networking, expert feedback, and connections that can unlock funding, partnerships, and commercial growth.
Hosting Xcelerate in Dubai, a global hub for entrepreneurship, healthcare investment, and cross-border expansion gives startups an unparalleled platform to scale their impact across the Middle East and beyond.
What sets WHX Tech apart isn’t just its scale, but its purpose. We’ve assembled a world-class advisory board featuring industry leaders including Dr David Rhew (Microsoft), Dr James Mault (BioIntelliSense), Dr Myriam Fernandez (AWS), Dr Tamara Sunbul, ReenitaDas (Frost & Sullivan) and Dr Sam Shah (NEOM), to ensure the event stays grounded in outcomes and global best practice.
The time is now
As technologies evolve, so must the ways we connect, collaborate and drive change. WHX Tech emerges at a time when healthcare systems worldwide are grappling with questions of access, ethics, regulation, and data interoperability. Through live demos, immersive content, and expert-led panels, the event will tackle these challenges head-on, while opening doors for meaningful collaboration across borders.
WHX is where innovation comes to life, turning innovation into impact to benefit the healthcare systems that support both the people who deliver care and those who depend on it. It’s where policymakers shape the future of regulation, startups bring breakthrough technologies to market, and investors back solutions that will transform health systems. At WHX Tech, global ambition meets regional opportunity and the future of healthcare becomes reality.
The future of healthcare will be defined at WHX Tech and we invite you to be part of the movement.
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.
