The Saudi Ministry of Tourism has launched a new digital service enabling hospitality facility operators in Makkah and Madinah to apply for increased bed capacity ahead of the 1447 AH Hajj season.
The initiative, available through the Tourism Activities Licenses Portal (https://mt.gov.sa), aims to support licensed hospitality providers in meeting the expected surge in demand. It is part of the ministry’s broader efforts to enhance digital services, streamline procedures, and ensure the sector is fully prepared to serve pilgrims, a Saudi Press Agency report said.
According to the ministry, the move reflects its commitment to operational efficiency and service quality, aligning with early preparations for the upcoming Hajj season. By expanding digital capabilities, the ministry seeks to improve the overall pilgrim experience and ensure comfort and convenience throughout their spiritual journey.
This latest measure complements the government’s ongoing work to modernize its tourism infrastructure while maintaining adherence to approved procedures and regulations. It is also seen as a critical step toward achieving Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 goals in the tourism and religious service sectors.
Operators are encouraged to use the portal to apply for capacity increases in a timely manner, ensuring readiness well before the pilgrimage begins.
Giorgio Armani and RAK Properties have partnered to launch Armani Beach Residences Ras Al Khaimah, featuring the world’s first Armani-branded villas.
The exclusive development, located on Raha Island within the Mina district, will include a limited collection of beach villas and luxury apartments.
Each residence is designed to offer direct private beach access and views across the Arabian Gulf.
Villas to be designed by Giorgio Armani
Giorgio Armani and his team of architects designed the residences, drawing inspiration from his personal homes.
The project coincides with the 25th anniversary of Armani/Casa and the 50th anniversary of the Giorgio Armani brand.
The residences will reflect Armani’s focus on understated elegance and attention to detail.
Residents will have access to an exclusive members-only beach club and a curated programme of benefits and services from Giorgio Armani, including special events and concierge services.
The development is situated in a natural bay, framed by the Jebel Jais Mountain range. The environment is home to various wildlife, including turtles, dolphins, and flamingos.
Giorgio Armani, chairman and CEO of the Armani Group, said the project allows him to apply a ‘Haute Couture’ approach to living spaces, using “precious materials and unique, tailored creations.”
He added that the villas “are designed to integrate into the evocative surrounding marine landscape, offering a unique lifestyle experience.”
Sameh Muhtadi, CEO of RAK Properties, commented that the partnership with Armani is a testament to the emirate’s growing appeal.
“This development will not only set new standards for elevated living in the emirate, but will deliver lasting value and create an unparalleled lifestyle experience within Mina,” he said.
If you live in the UAE, chances are your phone has several loyalty apps. From groceries and gas to dining and fashion, there’s a rewards programme for nearly everything.
It’s a sign of just how fast the loyalty space has grown. But somewhere between collecting points at the pharmacy and earning cashback at the cinema, these questions keep coming up: are these programmes driving real loyalty and do customers actually see their value?
According to AdyenUAE Retail Report 2025, which draws on insights from a local survey, 55 per cent of shoppers say loyalty programmes often ask too much – whether it’s time, effort, or data. And more than half aren’t sure the rewards are worth it. But here’s the paradox: 62 per cent of UAE consumers say they’re more likely to shop with brands that offer loyalty programmes.
Where does loyalty stand in the country
The UAE’s loyalty programme market is projected to grow to 817.6 million by 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.6 per cent. That’s why brands continue to invest.
Of the retailers we surveyed, 37 per cent said they already have loyalty schemes in place, while another 23 per cent plan to launch one within the next year. But the disconnect is clear: 53 per cent of consumers say most programs rarely offer rewards they actually want.
The loyalty paradox: what went wrong?
Loyalty programmes started with a clear purpose: reward frequent shoppers and foster long-term relationships. But many have become hollow point-collection systems that miss the mark on real engagement.
Today’s consumers want more than discounts, they want recognition, exclusive access and experiences tailored to their preferences.
The real issue isn’t weak rewards, it’s the lack of emotional connection. The best loyalty programmes give people something they remember.
How can UAE retailers fix the problem?
Hyper-personalisation over generic rewards
Customers no longer respond to blanket discounts. Instead, they expect rewards tailored to their individual purchasing habits, including personalized recommendations and offers, through to more exclusive rewards for high-end purchases, such as early access to new collections and VIP event invitations.
Take a regular supermarket shopper. If they consistently buy the same items, like a specific brand of coffee, cereal, or pet food, they’re far more likely to respond to personalised offers on related products rather than receiving discounts on things they don’t buy.
In the UAE, brands are beginning to explore AI-powered loyalty programmes that make this real. These systems can analyse data in real time and deliver bespoke offers that feel curated, not automated.
This is where personalisation makes all the difference.
Advanced segmentation is also key. Instead of treating all customers the same, retailers can create micro-segments based on shopping behavior, preferences, and even emotional triggers. That could mean limited-time offers landing just before the weekend for casual browsers, tailored promotions on wellness products for health-conscious shoppers, or early access to exclusive drops for customers who consistently spend at the higher end.
Multi-brand ecosystems = greater value
The future of loyalty lies in collaboration. Customers are more likely to stay engaged when they can earn and redeem rewards across a wider network of brands – especially those they interact with regularly.
Think earning points at a grocery store and using them for discounts on a food delivery app, or collecting rewards at a fuel station that can be redeemed at a pharmacy or retail chain. These kinds of everyday connections make loyalty programmes more practical, more integrated into people’s routines and ultimately harder to ignore.
They also create what’s often referred to as “stickier” loyalty. Once customers start building value across multiple brands they trust, they’re far less likely to drop out and more likely to keep coming back.
AI & fintech: the next loyalty frontier
Loyalty programmes only work if they’re easy to use. No one wants to scroll through multiple apps or jump through hoops to redeem a basic reward. The more seamless the experience, the more likely people are to engage.
This is where technology is starting to make a real difference. In the UAE, more brands are experimenting with tools that use AI to anticipate what customers might want next – like flagging when someone hasn’t engaged in a while and automatically triggering a relevant offer to bring them back based on their purchase history and browsing behaviour.
Fintech is playing a role too. Some programmes now allow instant point redemption at checkout, automatic cashback into digital wallets and seamless cross-brand redemptions without app switching.
When it’s working well, customers don’t have to think about how to use the program. It just happens in the background and it makes the experience feel more rewarding without being complicated.
The road ahead: loyalty as a strategic differentiator
The next era of loyalty won’t be about points. It will be about personalised value, seamless experiences and genuine relationships. UAE brands have the tools – and the data – to lead this shift, but it starts with rethinking what loyalty actually means to their customers today.
Programmes that understand how people shop, fit into their routines and offer something useful without overcomplicating things. That’s what will make them stick.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has opened a new 800-metre tunnel featuring four lanes in each direction, as part of its efforts to ease congestion and improve traffic flow on Umm Suqeim Street. The tunnel is a central component of the Umm Suqeim Street Development Project, stretching from the intersection with Al Khail Road to the junction with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road.
The upgraded road network is expected to benefit more than one million residents across key communities including Al Barsha South 1, 2 and 3, Dubai Hills, Arjan, and Dubai Science Park, a WAM report said.
Improved connectivity across major corridors
“This project enhances connectivity between four strategic corridors in Dubai: Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Khail Road, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, and Emirates Road,” said Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at RTA.
He noted that the tunnel increases Umm Suqeim Street’s capacity to 16,000 vehicles per hour in both directions and significantly reduces travel time between Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Al Khail Road, from 9.7 minutes to just 3.8 minutes, a 61 per cent reduction.
To improve efficiency and oversight, the RTA incorporated advanced technologies during the project. Drones powered by artificial intelligence were used to gather and analyse construction data in real time, improving decision-making and reducing field survey time by 60 per cent.
“Time-lapse imaging was also employed to continuously monitor construction progress, boosting monitoring efficiency by 40 per cent,” Al Tayer added.
Building on a decade of infrastructure upgrades
The newly completed tunnel follows earlier phases of the Umm Suqeim Street Development Project. In 2013, Phase I upgraded the segment between Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road. That phase included two three-lane bridges in each direction, one over the eastern street parallel to Al Asayel Street, and another over the western street near First Al Khail Road.
It also included two signalised intersections and three pedestrian bridges along Umm Suqeim Street, improving safety and connectivity between Al Quoz and Al Barsha.
In 2020, RTA completed a 500-metre bridge at the entrance to Dubai Hills and Al Barsha South. Built as part of infrastructure upgrades for Dubai Hills Mall, it also accommodates 16,000 vehicles per hour, matching the new tunnel’s capacity.
Dubai Duty Free (DDF), the world’s largest single airport retailer, continued its record-setting momentum in July, generating Dhs638.8m ($175m) in sales for the month. Year-to-date sales now stand at Dhs4.734bn ($1.30bn), marking a 5.86 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024.
The July performance set a new record for the month, surpassing the previous high of Dhs602.8m ($165m) set in July 2023, and posting a 9.7 per cent increase—equivalent to Dhs56.5m ($15.48m)—over July 2024. The month now ranks as the ninth-best in the company’s 41-year history.
The solid sales growth comes despite modest growth in passenger traffic through Dubai International Airport (DXB), which reported a 2.3 per cent increase in traffic from January to June. DDF’s year-to-date growth of nearly 6 per cent outpaces this trend, highlighting the operation’s strong performance in a competitive retail landscape.
“We are delighted to report another strong sales month in what is already proving to be an exceptional year,” said Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free. “This outstanding performance reflects the resilience of our retail operation and the continued demand for world-class shopping experiences. Achieving nearly 10 per cent sales growth in a month when passenger traffic remained relatively flat is a testament to our team’s dedication and product offering.”
Perfumes topped the sales chart in July, followed by Liquor, Gold, Tobacco, and Confectionery. Perfume sales increased 10.3 per cent year-over-year, while Gold surged 15.5 per cent. Liquor and Tobacco posted more modest gains of 1.7 per cent and 2.2 per cent, respectively. Confectionery saw a notable 57 per cent spike compared to July last year.
Watches and Precious Jewellery were also strong performers, with sales growing by 18.4 per cent and 16.8 per cent, respectively.
Luxury brands continue to drive growth
Luxury fashion continued to be a major growth engine for DDF in July. Its CA and CB Fashion Boutiques—home to global heavyweights like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Cartier—reported 11.36 per cent year-over-year sales growth.
“Given the recent media reports outlining the difficulties facing global luxury brands, we are happy to buck that trend in our luxury boutiques,” Cidambi said. “We are seeing continued demand for select brands.”
REKLAIM: Pre-loved luxury gains traction
Dubai Duty Free’s foray into the pre-owned luxury market also continues to gain momentum. REKLAIM, a boutique launched in December 2024 and located in Concourses A, B, and D—including the Emirates First Class Lounge—offers authenticated pre-owned watches and handbags from leading luxury labels.
In just over seven months, REKLAIM has generated over Dhs14.3m ($3.9m) in sales. In July alone, the boutique brought in Dhs1.6 ($445,000). Rolex remains the top draw, with 176 watches sold since launch, including 16 in July.
“The demand for pre-loved luxury products is growing,” said Cidambi. “With REKLAIM, we provide pristine, sought-after items that may be difficult to find in the market. We are looking at expanding the concept throughout our operations in response to this growing demand.”
Future outlook
Dubai Duty Free’s robust performance comes amid intensifying competition in airport retail, as well as from domestic and online channels. Despite these challenges, the operator remains confident in its trajectory, citing continued investment in product innovation, digital engagement, and experiential retail as key pillars of future growth.
“This outstanding achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team and the unwavering support from our Chairman, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum,” Cidambi concluded. “We have succeeded in enhancing both penetration and spend levels while maintaining business focus, despite a highly competitive and uncertain environment.”
With five months of record sales already logged in 2025, Dubai Duty Free is on track to close out one of its strongest years ever, further cementing its status as a global leader in airport retail.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, reviewed the latest progress of the Etihad Rail project and embarked on a passenger train journey from Dubai to Fujairah, signaling a historic milestone for the UAE’s national railway network.
The symbolic journey marks a pivotal phase in the development of the country’s integrated rail system, with commercial operations of passenger services expected to begin in 2026. Sheikh Mohammed’s visit highlights his personal commitment to overseeing strategic infrastructure initiatives that align with the UAE’s long-term national development goals, a WAM report said.
A vision of integration and growth
In remarks during the visit, Sheikh Mohammed described Etihad Rail as one of the UAE’s most transformative infrastructure projects, bringing broad economic, social, and developmental benefits.
Image credit: Dubai Media Office/Website
“Etihad Rail is a vital economic artery that supports the UAE’s journey to the future,” he said. “It is a key pillar in our vision to build an integrated transport network that strengthens the UAE’s position as a leading logistics hub, while facilitating the movement of people and goods.”
He emphasised that the project embodies the spirit of the Union and reflects national aspirations for sustainability, connectivity, and improved quality of life across all seven emirates. Sheikh Mohammed also praised the efforts of the Etihad Rail team, calling their work a source of national pride and a key contribution to the country’s future-oriented, sustainable transport system.
During the visit, he received a detailed briefing from Etihad Rail engineers and officials on project progress and upcoming milestones. Team members expressed their gratitude for the leadership’s continued support and described the visit as a historic moment, reinforcing their dedication to delivering a world-class rail network.
Connecting the emirates, empowering communities
The passenger train connecting Dubai and Fujairah is part of the broader Etihad Rail vision to link 11 cities and regions across the country, from Al Sila in the west to Fujairah on the east coast. Once completed, the network will provide a safe, sustainable, and advanced mode of transportation for citizens, residents, and visitors.
Passenger trains will operate at speeds of up to 200 km/h and are expected to accommodate up to 400 passengers per trip. By 2030, the system is projected to carry 36.5 million passengers annually. The first four passenger stations will be located in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah, with further expansion planned across the network.
These strategically located hubs aim to reduce travel time, improve accessibility, and boost social and economic ties between communities. The rail system also promises to enhance everyday mobility, empower local economies, and serve as a catalyst for tourism, trade, and sustainable development throughout the country.
Leadership endorsement of a national priority
Sheikh Mohammed was welcomed at the station by a delegation from Etihad Rail, led by Saeed AlAhbabi, Chief Business Support Officer, along with several senior company executives.
Commenting on the visit, Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Rail, emphasised the leadership’s role in advancing this national priority.
“We had the honour of hosting Sheik Mohammed aboard a passenger train between Dubai and Fujairah,” Sheikh Theyab said. “His visit demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the UAE’s leadership to support transformative national projects that propel our nation forward.”
He noted that Sheikh Mohammed has been an integral part of the journey from the launch of the “Projects of the 50” initiative in 2021, to the full inauguration of the national freight rail network in 2023. “Today, we stand on the cusp of a transformative era in transportation and take immense pride in the leadership’s support for a project that strengthens connectivity and enhances the UAE’s global competitiveness.”
Pioneering sustainable infrastructure
Etihad Rail continues to advance its passenger service preparations with high standards of operational readiness and safety. Each train will offer a modern, integrated travel experience built around comfort, reliability, and sustainability. The network also reinforces the UAE’s growing reputation as a regional leader in transport innovation.
The national railway is central to the UAE’s broader environmental goals, supporting the country’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. As both a freight and passenger network, Etihad Rail plays a critical role in reducing carbon emissions, lowering traffic congestion, and promoting green alternatives to road travel.
The railway is already fully operational for freight, connecting industrial zones and key logistics hubs across the country. The addition of passenger services will complete a vital link in the UAE’s transport ecosystem, driving economic integration and improving quality of life nationwide.
As the UAE prepares for commercial operations to begin in 2026, the Etihad Rail project stands as a testament to national unity, forward-looking leadership, and a shared vision for a connected, sustainable future.
