The United Arab Emirates could conclude negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement with the central African state of Chad by the end of the year, the Gulf state’s trade minister said on Monday.

Known as Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements, or CEPA, the trade, investment and cooperation deals are a key element of the oil-rich UAE‘s strategy to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and bolster long-term growth.

“We are building on a strong bilateral relationship between the UAE and Chad,” Thani Al Zeyoudi said on the sidelines of the UAE–Chad Trade and Investment Forum held in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi.

“Hopefully we’re going to conclude before the end of the year and then we will see the right occasion to do the signing,” Zeyoudi said, adding negotiations had moved on to discussions over market access.

Bilateral trade between the UAE and Chad stands at $1.9bn, Zeyoudi said, growing more than 30 per cent last year.

Chad officially launched its national development plan, called “Chad Connection 2030”, in Abu Dhabi on Monday. The IMF-backed plan seeks $30bn in public and private investments. Chad’s finance minister, Tahir Hamid Nguilin, told Reuters the outlook for achieving this target was very promising.

The UAE is expected to be a key investor in the economic plan in sectors such as infrastructure, energy, mining and agriculture, agribusiness, logistics and financial services.

Zeyoudi said more than 39 agreements were signed on the sidelines of the event, 18 of which were from the UAE, with a total value exceeding $6.2bn if the projects reached full implementation.

CEPA negotiations are also almost concluded with Nigeria and at an advanced stage with Rwanda, Zeyoudi said.

As 2025 approaches its final quarter, businesses, financial institutions, and travelers across the Gulf region are preparing for a series of important national holidays. These celebrations not only reflect each nation’s history, leadership, and culture but also carry practical implications for commercial operations, banking schedules, and workforce planning. From the UAE’s twin commemorative events to Oman’s consecutive national days, and from Qatar’s founding celebration to Bahrain’s independence observances, the upcoming holidays are poised to affect both the public and private sectors.

Read more-Planning your next break? Here’s the list of UAE public holidays in 2025

While some nations like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait see minimal year-end disruptions, the cluster of events across other Gulf states underscores the importance for companies and regional stakeholders to strategically plan operations and logistics ahead of time. This year-end period provides a unique lens into how Gulf countries honor national pride while balancing economic and societal rhythms.

UAE: Commemoration and national Pride

According to the UAE Government’s official portal, the country will observe two public holidays in the final quarter of 2025:

• Commemoration Day: November 30, 2025 (Sunday)
• UAE National Day: December 2–3, 2025 (Tuesday and Wednesday)

These holidays, declared under the UAE Cabinet Resolution regulating both public and private sector observances, serve as a tribute to national unity and remembrance of those who have served the country.

Oman: Dual celebrations highlight leadership and heritage

Oman will observe two consecutive national holidays in late 2025, according to the Oman News Agency and the Royal Decree establishing public holidays:

• Oman National Day: November 18, 2025 (Tuesday)
• Birthday of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq: November 19, 2025 (Wednesday)

The back-to-back events underscore the Sultanate’s unification and honor its leadership, accompanied by cultural displays and nationwide public events.

Qatar and Bahrain: Founding and independence celebrations

Qatar’s anticipated national observance, aligned with the official holiday schedule is:

• Qatar National Day: December 18, 2025 (Thursday)

This holiday commemorates Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani’s founding of the modern Qatari state.

Meanwhile, Bahrain will celebrate its independence and heritage on:

• Bahrain National Day: December 16–17, 2025 (Tuesday and Wednesday)

The two-day event closes banks, schools, and ministries, highlighting the Al Khalifa family’s leadership.

Saudi Arabia and Kuwait: Minimal year-end holidays

Saudi Arabia’s calendar shows no public holidays after Saudi National Day on September 23, 2025 (Tuesday), with the next major holiday, Founding Day, slated for February 22, 2026. Similarly, Kuwait confirms no year-end public holidays from October to December 2025, with National Day and Liberation Day observed again in February 2026.

Gulf public holidays – Final quarter 2025

Businesses operating across the Gulf are advised to align schedules, anticipate closures, and plan ahead as these national celebrations mark not only public holidays but also periods of heightened cultural significance and community engagement.

Global Village, the UAE’s premier multicultural family destination, is preparing to host a vibrant celebration of the nation’s 54th Eid Al Etihad (UAE National Day) from November 27 to December 3, 2025. The festivities, themed “United,” aim to honour the UAE’s spirit of unity while offering visitors an immersive blend of culture, entertainment, and gastronomy.

As the region continues to embrace cultural diversity and leisure tourism, Global Village is positioning itself at the forefront of family entertainment and experiential retail. From dazzling performances to curated culinary experiences, the destination promises to deliver a holistic celebration that reflects both tradition and innovation.

Read more-Upcoming public holidays in GCC: National days, closures you can’t miss

Every corner of Global Village will be transformed with iconic Eid Al Etihad decorations, featuring the vibrant colours of the UAE flag on gates, landmarks, and streets. Ten cultural installations will showcase Emirati traditions, providing interactive and photogenic experiences for families and visitors.

From December 1 to 3 at 9:00pm, spectacular fireworks will illuminate the night sky, accompanied by UAE-themed drone shows on December 1 and 2, adding a modern technological twist to the traditional celebrations.

The Main Stage will feature the theatrical dance operetta “From the Desert to the Stars” twice daily from December 1 to 3. The production celebrates the 54th Eid Al Etihad, telling the story of the nation’s union through visually artistic and emotionally resonant performances. Traditional Yola and Harbiya shows will also run throughout the park, celebrating the UAE’s rich cultural heritage, while Khaleeji artist Khalid Mohammed will perform live on December 1 at 9pm.

Shopping enthusiasts can explore a curated selection of Emirati and Union Day products at the Emirates Pavilion, 971 Community Pavilion, and the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation for Humanitarian Works Pavilion. These pavilions feature products from Emirati families and local artisans, highlighting the nation’s entrepreneurial spirit.

The Heritage Village, affiliated with the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center, will showcase authentic Emirati crafts and cultural displays, allowing visitors to connect with the UAE’s deep-rooted heritage while enjoying unique shopping experiences.

Culinary Delights: Global Village’s November Dining Guide

Global Village continues to solidify its position as a culinary destination with over 250 dining outlets offering international flavours and homegrown favourites. The November Dining Guide highlights must-try kiosks that are trending for their unique offerings and viral appeal.

Baba G’s, inspired by London’s Camden Market, serves Indian street food with a modern twist, including the popular Crazy Lamb Jalfarezi Burger.

Boost Juice, an Australian favourite, offers fresh smoothies and juices like the Pink Paradise and All Berry Bang, perfect for a refreshing break.

KBJ Fries, hailing from Holland, provides freshly cut fries, hotdogs, and corndogs with a variety of sauces.

Roots introduces Italian-inspired treats such as Mango Sticky Rice and lemon sorbets, ideal for dessert lovers seeking fruity and refreshing options.

JRK Kitchen, with Caribbean roots from the UK, brings authentic Jamaican street food to the park, with signature items like the Jerk Chicken Rice Bowl.

Bechamel Cake Slice surprises visitors with a savoury dish disguised as cake, which pairs perfectly with the Ruby Rose Slush, infused with tropical Louz almonds.

Baskd, famed for its viral Madrid Cheesecake, serves melt-in-the-mouth lava cookies and cinnamon rolls, while Jelly Joy offers playful desserts, including animal-shaped jellies, faloodas, slush cups, and build-your-own dessert bowls.

With this diverse culinary lineup, Global Village solidifies its status as a premier food destination, catering to families, food enthusiasts, and cultural tourists alike.

Entertainment and culture at the forefront

The Eid Al Etihad celebrations at Global Village go beyond shopping and dining, offering visitors an immersive cultural experience. Performances on the Main Stage, along with the park-wide traditional shows, ensure that every guest can engage with Emirati heritage in a lively and memorable setting.

From interactive installations to theatrical productions, the event emphasizes unity, diversity, and creativity, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to cultural inclusivity and innovation. By integrating technology with tradition, such as through drone displays and interactive exhibitions, Global Village continues to redefine family entertainment in the region.

Global Village’s celebration of the UAE’s 54th Eid Al Etihad highlights its dedication to delivering exceptional experiences. From entertainment and cultural programming to world-class shopping and dining, the park offers a holistic experience that resonates with locals and international visitors alike.

As the UAE’s favourite family destination, Global Village embodies the vision of ‘A More Wonderful World,’ combining creativity, hospitality, and cultural pride in one vibrant destination. The Eid Al Etihad celebrations reaffirm the park’s role as a leader in leisure, entertainment, and experiential retail in the region.

The UAE’s food and beverage landscape is thriving, with diners increasingly seeking experiences that blend quality, authenticity, and innovation. At the forefront of this evolution is Shamal Holding, whose selective investment approach is shaping the region’s premium and homegrown F&B scene.

In this interview, Sudhin Siva, chief asset management officer at Shamal, shares how the group is backing global brands like Five Guys and SUSHISAMBA while nurturing local concepts such as The Espresso Lab, leveraging technology, operational expertise, and market insight to deliver memorable, scalable, and distinctive dining experiences across the UAE.

How would you describe the current state of the F&B and restaurant industry in the UAE? What macro trends are shaping this dynamic sector in the UAE?

The UAE’s Food and Beverage (F&B) sector is experiencing strong growth, with revenues projected to reach Dhs141bn ($38.3bn) in 2024 and continue on a trajectory to Dhs161.37bn ($43.98 bn) by 2029 (Source: Dubai Gastronomy Industry Report 2024.) That scale creates opportunity but also intense competition.

In a market with so many choices, the differentiator for premium and luxury operators is the ability to deliver a distinct, repeatable experience and to protect quality at scale.

From our perspective, the key trends are experiential dining, provenance and sustainability, and measured adoption of technology to improve consistency and efficiency. Each of these trends has operational implications. Provenance affects supply chain design and cost. Sustainability affects waste and sourcing decisions. Technology improves forecasting and personalisation but does not replace the human craft that defines luxury dining.

Shamal’s perspective on the sector is distinct, shaped by an investment-led lens and a focus on curating experiences rather than fully owning and operating brands. We back a selective portfolio that includes international and regional names while supporting homegrown brands to grow without losing their identity.

Presently, Shamal’s F&B portfolio includes Five Guys, Zero Gravity, and The Espresso Lab, along with a global investment in SUSHISAMBA.

While our brands like Five Guys and SUSHISAMBA provide international culinary experiences to UAE diners, we are equally committed to nurturing local and homegrown concepts with their immense potential to scale with The Espresso Lab.

What leadership principles have guided your journey in building or scaling the business in this region?

Our overarching strategy remains rooted in investing in Dubai and the wider UAE, creating unique and memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike in line with the country’s reputation. In a competitive and cluttered market, we have introduced brands that can carve out a differentiated layer to consumer experiences.

We use three practical principles. First, selectivity. We prioritise investments in concepts that deliver genuine value to UAE customers. Shamal focuses on introducing new, impactful and distinctive experiences. This principle anchors on selection criteria such as the origin of the concept, the story behind the brand, and the experiences it brings to the UAE market.

Second, protect the brand. Growth must not dilute what makes a concept distinctive.

Third, build the foundation for scale. That means linking capital with governance and infrastructure so founders can focus on product and experience. These principles keep our choices focused and durable. We are not aiming for breadth for its own sake. We prioritise depth in places where premium positioning and repeat visitation are achievable.

Each expansion decision is made to complement our existing portfolio, reinforcing our positioning in eclectic, experience-led dining. Our focus is firmly on fine dining and premium casual categories, while also nurturing homegrown and locally originating concepts. Equally, we are committed to expanding both new and existing brands to reach a broader consumer base across the UAE, ensuring that communities have access to high-quality dining experiences that resonate with evolving customer sentiments.

What is Shamal’s strategic approach to remain competitive in the UAE’s fast-paced F&B scene?

Our approach is curation plus enablement. Curation means being highly selective about where we place capital and which formats we scale. Enablement means applying our asset expertise to improve a brand’s ability to grow. That typically includes site strategy, landlord introductions, access to shared administrative capability and governance that supports disciplined expansion. We deliberately avoid interfering with culinary or brand decisions. Our role is to remove execution friction so founders and operators can deliver consistently at premium price points.

A strong example of this is our contribution to The Espresso Lab, the brainchild of Emirati entrepreneur Ibrahim Al Mallouhi. Beyond investing in the concept, we have supported its growth trajectory by providing mentorship, market insights, and access to resources that allow the brand to flourish.

This blend of investment, expertise, and ecosystem access underpins Shamal’s competitive strategy and ensures that our portfolio brands remain distinctive in one of the most dynamic F&B markets in the world. Our approach is highly collaborative, with a hands-on presence to support growth and innovation.

Diners in the UAE are known for embracing global concepts, how does Shamal F&B brands implement a localised approach without losing its global identity?

The UAE is a truly global F&B destination, where diners are eager to explore international concepts while expecting offerings that reflect their cultural and lifestyle preferences. Our approach with global brands is to preserve their core identity while thoughtfully adapting them to meet local expectations.

This includes adhering to halal standards across menus, fine-tuning flavours and offerings to suit regional tastes, and elevating service experiences to match the exceptional standards that diners in Dubai and the wider UAE are accustomed to. The market here is unique and consumers value authenticity while also expecting a higher degree of personalisation and excellence, which sets the bar higher than in many other parts of the world.

By balancing global brand equity with local insights, Shamal ensures its portfolio resonates deeply with UAE diners while still retaining the essence that makes each brand distinctive on the global stage.

Are there untapped areas or emerging neighbourhoods in the UAE that you believe are ripe for restaurant development in this perceived saturated F&B market in the UAE?

The Dubai Gastronomy Industry Report 2024 estimates roughly 13,000 restaurants and cafés across the city. Whilst central locations remain attractive and we continue to see growth in these areas, the next wave of opportunity lies in other emirates and deeper community clusters within Dubai where premium dining is scarce, but demand exists. Examples include Ras Al Khaimah, Al Ain, and growing residential precincts.

Taking premium casual formats into these markets requires a different playbook for supply logistics, staffing, and site economics but can deliver a loyal customer base with less direct competition. We validated this approach with our rollout of Five Guys in Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, which performed above our expectations for a disciplined community expansion.

What’s one innovation or shift you think will define the next chapter of the UAE’s F&B/restaurant industry?

The role of AI and technology in the F&B industry cannot be overlooked. A recent survey by SevenRooms revealed that 87 per cent of UAE restaurant owners have integrated AI into their operations, with data analytics ranking among the top five areas of global adoption.

This growing trend is fundamentally reshaping the industry, empowering operators to leverage technology, streamline operations, and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive landscape. That said, the defining shift at the premium end will be substance, not novelty. Guests care more about where products come from, how they’re made, and the quality of the overall experience. Brands that combine smart operations with clear craftsmanship and authenticity will stand out.

We use AI-driven tools to forecast demand and automate routine back-of-house processes, enhancing both precision and productivity. As investors, we look for brands that strike this balance, combining a strong commitment to product excellence with the operational discipline required to scale effectively and sustainably.

In January, Oman took a significant step toward modernising its financial landscape with the enactment of the new Banking Law under Royal Decree No. 2/2025.

This reform, coupled with the Central Bank of Oman’s (CBO) issuance of a dedicated regulatory framework for digital banks in June, marks a pivotal moment in Oman’s journey toward financial innovation, in line with Oman’s Vision 2040 strategy of diversifying the economy and positioning the country as a regional fintech hub.

Regulatory shifts: Progress and pitfalls

These recent regulatory developments have introduced comprehensive guidelines for digital banking operations, encompassing licensing requirements, operational standards, and consumer protection measures. These changes are designed to create a more inclusive financial ecosystem while maintaining the robust oversight necessary for systemic stability.

Applicants for digital banking licenses must either be structured as a joint-stock company (SAOC or SAOG) (a move intended to improve corporate governance and transparency) or as a branch of a foreign bank which is subject to supervision of a regulatory authority of the country in which its head office is located.

The CBO is also required to respond to license applications within 90 days, a reduction from the previous 120-day window, with silence deemed as approval.

While these changes are largely welcomed, some drawbacks remain. The joint-stock company requirement may pose a barrier for smaller fintech startups seeking entry into the market. The regulatory framework for digital banks features two license categories: Category 1 (full operations) requires a minimum paid-up capital of OMR30m for unrestricted banking activities, while Category 2 (limited operations) requires OMR10m and imposes restrictions such as caps on customer deposits and corporate lending, and a prohibition on proprietary trading. These dual licensing categories for digital banks could restrict innovation in the lower tier due to the caps on customer deposits and lending.

Navigating these regulatory transitions – How can we help?

In advising banking and finance clients through this regulatory evolution, our approach centres on three pillars: compliance readiness, strategic positioning, and risk management.

Businesses have to identify where current operations diverge from new regulatory requirements – a process that involves reviewing everything from capital adequacy and liquidity management to technology governance and consumer protection protocols. Early identification of compliance gaps allows institutions to develop phased implementation roadmaps that balance regulatory obligations with business continuity.

Strategic positioning is equally critical. We advise clients on whether to pursue digital banking licences, form partnerships with fintech companies, or enhance existing digital capabilities organically. Each path carries distinct regulatory implications, capital requirements, and competitive advantages that must be carefully evaluated against the institution’s broader business strategy.

Risk management frameworks require particular attention in this new environment. Key points of consideration include issues of cybersecurity, AML/CFT controls suited to digital channels, and proper governance structures that provide adequate oversight of rapidly evolving digital operations.

Establishing a physical presence: A new path for foreign digital banks

Foreign digital banks now have a clearer pathway to enter the Omani market. Under the new framework, they may operate as branches subject to regulatory oversight in their home jurisdictions, provided they obtain confirmation of no-objection from their supervisory authority and meet CBO’s fit-and-proper criteria for management and ownership.

A physical presence in Oman is mandatory, either as a principal place of business or a registered office. While traditional branches are not permitted for transactional purposes, administrative offices for customer support are allowed. This model supports a digital-first approach while ensuring local accountability.

Foreign banks must also submit detailed business plans, meet capital requirements as determined by the CBO governor, and adhere to strict consumer protection, AML, and cybersecurity standards. Shell banks are explicitly prohibited, reinforcing the CBO’s commitment to financial integrity.

Aligning with Oman Vision 2040: A strategic leap forward

These reforms are deeply intertwined with Oman Vision 2040, Oman’s blueprint for economic diversification and sustainable development. Vision 2040 emphasises a shift from oil dependency to a knowledge-based economy driven by innovation, private sector growth, and global integration.

The modernisation of the financial sector is central to this transformation. By enabling digital banks, Oman is fostering financial inclusion, improving access to capital for SMEs, and encouraging the adoption of emerging technologies such as AI, and digital banking.

A new era for banking in Oman

Oman’s recent digital banking reforms represent more than regulatory updates; they signal a strategic pivot toward a future-ready financial sector. The journey toward full digital banking maturity will take time, requiring continued collaboration between regulators, financial institutions, and technology providers.

However, the regulatory foundation has been laid, creating a framework that balances innovation with stability — precisely the environment required for sustainable financial sector modernisation.