Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has successfully completed Phase 1 of its ambitious project to upgrade the city’s central traffic signal control system to the next-generation ‘UTC-UX Fusion’. The newly implemented system has already improved traffic efficiency across key intersections by 16 per cent to 37 per cent, a major leap forward in the emirate’s efforts to become a global leader in smart mobility.

Read more-Dubai RTA’s fast-track fix: New lane to slash Ras Al Khor traffic by 30%

According to the Dubai Media Office, the project is a core part of RTA’s mission to deploy advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and digital twin simulations, to optimise road usage and enhance the commuter experience.

AI, digital twin technology power real-time adjustments

The new system uses smart capabilities to detect congestion patterns in real time and make proactive adjustments. By simulating various traffic scenarios before deploying changes in the field, the RTA is able to implement more effective signal timing strategies. This has led to a significant reduction in waiting times, improved coordination between intersections, and smoother traffic flows, particularly on major corridors.

“Travel times have improved by 10 per cent to 20 per cent overall,” said Mohammed Al Ali, Director of Intelligent Traffic Systems at RTA. “Some intersections, such as those on Jumeirah Street, saw efficiency gains of up to 37 per cent, while Al Badaa Street improved by 29.4 per cent, Kuwait Street by 16.9 per cent, and Omar Bin Al Khattab Street by 16.4 per cent.”

Full rollout to cover 300 Intersections by 2026

Phase 1 is just the beginning. The full upgrade, spanning approximately 300 intersections across Dubai, is expected to be completed by Q3 2026. The system will support multimodal transport, including private vehicles, public transport, pedestrians, and cyclists. It is also designed to integrate with V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) technologies and smart devices, enabling highly precise traffic monitoring and analysis.

By prioritising emergency vehicles, public transport, and sustainable travel modes, the RTA is not just reducing congestion, it’s reimagining urban mobility in line with Dubai’s Smart City Vision.

Tahaluf has rapidly emerged as one of the most powerful forces in the global events industry.

Formed through a joint venture between Informa, the world’s largest trade show organiser, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), and the Events Investment Fund (EIF), Tahaluf has been at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 transformation.

The company is behind some of the Kingdom’s most ambitious and world-leading events, including LEAP, DeepFest, 24 Fintech, Black Hat MEA, Cityscape Global, Global Health Exhibition and CPHI Saudi Arabia.

In just three years, Tahaluf has grown at breakneck speed. By the end of 2025, it will have launched 21 event brands, attracting one million attendees annually, with 100,000 international visitors flying in – the equivalent of more than 400 Boeing Dreamliners. Since 2022, its platforms have been used to unveil almost $150bn worth of government contracts, reinforcing their position as key drivers of economic growth.

On 3 September 2025, Tahaluf CEO Michael Champion delivered an exclusive keynote at the first-ever Gulf Business Saudi Business and Investment Summit, held at the Sheraton Riyadh Hotel & Towers. The event brought together over 130 senior executives and government leaders for a day of high-level networking and debate, featuring three packed panels with speakers from the Saudi government, Frost & Sullivan, IHG, GE Vernova, and many more.

Read more: Catch all the action from the Gulf Business Saudi Summit in Riyadh

Below, Gulf Business publishes Champion’s keynote. The transcript has been edited for clarity and length, and readers can watch the full video of his address here:

Keynote: Michael Champion, CEO, Tahaluf

Thank you for inviting me to speak at this first edition of your conference. It’s great to be on this side of the stage for once. You’ve been so kind in the past, covering our shows, so it’s nice to experience the stress of organising an event ourselves – and I hope you’ve enjoyed it as much as we enjoy the challenge of running ours.

Four and a half years ago, we launched our very first event in Saudi Arabia called LEAP. His Excellency, the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Abdullah bin Amer Alswaha, tasked Annabelle Mander (SVP of Tahaluf) and myself with creating a truly world-class event for the Kingdom. We explored several ideas, and in typical Saudi style, the decision was made to go for the most ambitious option: something with immediate global impact.

To achieve that level of ambition, we needed extraordinary alignment and partnership with the government. Together, we created a blueprint to grow LEAP to a size that would normally take 20 or 30 years to achieve – but to do it in just one or two. This involved special invitations from the Saudi government to other governments, and personal outreach to C-level speakers worldwide. Most importantly, it meant ensuring that the entire tapestry of Saudi government and semi-government buyers would be there to do business.

The government delivered on every commitment – and then doubled down. It was the first time I’d worked with a government that not only listened to private-sector advice but executed it with precision.

The launch of LEAP was such a success that on the second day of the event, we were invited to the Royal Court. In that meeting, we were told: “What you’ve achieved with LEAP is exactly what we want to replicate across many other sectors in Saudi Arabia.” They offered us two paths: continue as we were, or create a joint venture with the government to build a broader platform together. Of course, sitting in that beautiful room, there was only one answer – we agreed to the joint venture. After a year of negotiations, Tahaluf was born in 2022.

By the end of 2025, Tahaluf will have launched 21 event brands, with another five planned for 2026. Today, more than a third of all events mentioned in cabinet meetings chaired by King Salman or HRH Mohammed Bin Salman are Tahaluf events – the highest recognition for any organiser in the Kingdom.

This year alone, we will welcome one million attendees to our events. Of these, 100,000 will fly in from outside Saudi Arabia – that’s the equivalent of filling more than 400 Boeing Dreamliners. To give you an idea of the scale: our total event space will reach 700,000 square metres, which is the size of 17 Wembley stadiums, one and a half times the size of Vatican City, or the equivalent of 100 Titanic ships.

This kind of growth only happens when you create a place where money, business, and opportunity intersect. We’ve aligned closely with the government to make these events strategic hubs for global business.

One of our signature features is that major government contracts are announced live at our events. These aren’t just MOUs – they are actual signed agreements. Since 2022, almost $150bn worth of contracts have been unveiled at Tahaluf events. For international visitors, this is breaking news, showing them exactly where Saudi investment is heading.

These announcements generate massive global attention. In 2024, our events created 42 billion news impressions and 53,511 clippings – 20 times more social media coverage than Wimbledon received in the same year.

From Tahaluf’s perspective, this journey has been extraordinary. While many of you work in industries where a billion riyals might seem modest, in the world of event organisers, our revenue – now well beyond $200m – places us among the top 20 global players. Our growth has been consistent, with triple-digit year-on-year increases in the early years, now stabilising at around 36 per cent annually.

But the number we’re most proud of is the total economic impact. When 100,000 international visitors fly in, they book hotels, dine in restaurants, explore tourist attractions, and conduct business deals. On top of this, there are measurable transactions that happen directly on our show floors.

For instance, at Cityscape – our flagship property event – we tracked $5bn worth of property sales in just four days. That’s what we could measure; the real figure is even higher. Across 2023, 2024, and our forecast for 2025, Tahaluf’s events will generate a total economic impact of $17.6bn. To put that into perspective, that’s more than the total impact of the Qatar FIFA World Cup – a one-off mega-event – and our growth will continue year after year.

This success is also turning Saudi Arabia into a soft power hub. Those 100,000 international visitors – many coming to the Kingdom for the first time – leave with a new understanding of the country’s ambition and seriousness about business. They return home as ambassadors, spreading the message globally.

And now, for the first time, we are exporting a Saudi-born brand abroad. In July, we will launch LEAP East in Hong Kong – the first exhibition brand created in Saudi Arabia to expand internationally. It’s a proud milestone for us and for the Kingdom.

Thank you all for your support and partnership. I hope you’ll follow our journey closely, and perhaps join us at one of our events soon.

Saudi Arabia’s rapid transformation under Vision 2030 took centre stage at the first-ever Gulf Business Saudi Business and Investment Summit, held on 3 September at the Sheraton Riyadh Hotel & Towers.

The event brought together influential leaders from government, business, and international organisations to explore how the kingdom is translating its bold vision into tangible results.

Over 130 attendees listened to discussions focused on innovation, regulatory reform, public–private collaboration and investment sectors driving diversification and sustainable growth.

You can watch the full video here:

Setting the tone: Opening remarks

The morning opened with a welcome address from Manish Chopra, publisher of Gulf Business, who highlighted the significance of the summit taking place at a pivotal moment in Saudi Arabia’s economic journey.

“It’s exciting to bring our platform here at such a transformative time, as the kingdom fast-tracks its development under Vision 2030,” said Chopra. “We hope today’s discussions will inspire and inform, showcasing the opportunities shaping the kingdom’s future.”

Gareth van Zyl, group editor of Gulf Business, followed with a speech underlining the pace of Saudi Arabia’s change.

“Saudi Arabia is on the move,” van Zyl said.

“From mega-projects like the Riyadh Metro to the upcoming Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup, the Kingdom is transforming at an extraordinary speed. The Saudi story is growing, getting bigger and more exciting by the day.”

He added: “With our summit today, we’re bringing together diverse voices to tell the story of this transformation and to explore the practical pathways for companies looking to enter or expand in this dynamic market.”

Keynote: Saudi’s events sector powers ahead

The first keynote of the day was delivered by Michael Champion, CEO of Tahaluf, who revealed staggering growth figures for the Kingdom’s events sector.

Champion outlined how Tahaluf — joint venture partnership between Informa, the world’s largest trade show organiser, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), and the Events Investment Fund (EIF) — had helped create world-leading events like LEAP, Black Hat MEA, and Cityscape Global.

“In just three years, our events have generated $17.6bn of economic impact for Saudi Arabia — a bigger contribution than the Qatar FIFA World Cup,” he said.

“More than 100,000 international visitors will fly in for our events this year, creating powerful soft power for the Kingdom and positioning Saudi Arabia as a serious global business hub.”

Champion highlighted the unique public–private collaboration that enabled this rapid growth.

“The only way to grow at this scale is to align closely with government partners and create a marketplace where global companies know they’ll meet the complete tapestry of buyers here in the Kingdom.”

He also shared the company’s extraordinary trajectory.

“In 2022, we had a footprint of just 100,000 square metres for our events. By the end of 2025, we’ll reach 700,000 square metres — the equivalent of 17 Wembley stadiums. That’s how fast this sector is scaling.”

Champion announced plans to take Saudi-made event brands international, with the first overseas launch set for Hong Kong in 2026.

Majlis part 1: Progress and priorities

The first majlis session, moderated by Annabelle Mander, executive vice president of Tahaluf, examined how Saudi Arabia’s key sectors are advancing Vision 2030 goals.

Speakers included:

• Saud Adham, director of policy & innovation, ministry of culture, Saudi Arabia

• Abhay Bhargava, managing director, Frost & Sullivan Middle East

• Patrick Samaha, partner, public sector practice, Kearney Middle East & Africa

• Turki Alsubaihi, chief executive officer, public transport, SAPTCO Group

Adham emphasised the power of Saudi Arabia’s youthful population.

“Over 70 per cent of Saudi’s population is under 35: a generation hungry for cultural authenticity. We’re channelling this energy to make culture a key driver of our economy,” he said.

Bhargava focused on the country’s evolving investor landscape: “Saudi Arabia has rapidly evolved to meet investor needs across funding, infrastructure, regulations, market access and supply chains — while leveraging its own strengths to attract global capital.”

Samaha, meanwhile, spotlighted digital transformation across government institutions.

“Saudi isn’t just digitising services: it’s creating global benchmarks with one-stop platforms and robust data governance that build trust and confidence for both citizens and international investors,” he added.

For Alsubaihi, he highlighted how public transport plays a pivotal role in enhancing quality of life, as witnessed by the launch of the GCC’s largest metro train network.

“The Riyadh Metro is not just a transport project, it’s a lifestyle change. In less than nine months, we’ve moved 100 million passengers, transforming how the city moves.”

Majlis part 2: Next-phase opportunities

Moderated by Gareth van Zyl, group editor of Gulf Business, the second majlis session explored emerging opportunities and policy frameworks shaping the next phase of Saudi Arabia’s growth.

Speakers included:

• Jasem Alanizy, partner, corporate finance, Addleshaw Goddard

• Osama AlZoubi, vice president, Phosphorus Cybersecurity

• Seton Vermaak, principal consultant, MRM MENAT

• Javier Carinena, principal, energy and process industries practice, Kearney Middle East & Africa

• Najla Najm, Middle East careers leader, Mercer

Alanizy pointed to momentum in education and financial services.

“The education sector is seeing huge momentum, with regulators actively welcoming foreign partnerships and ownership — a transformation unthinkable just a few years ago,” he added.

AlZoubi stressed the importance of cyber security: “Cybersecurity is the foundation of Vision 2030’s giga-projects. Many solutions didn’t exist globally — we had to create them here to protect the world’s most ambitious developments.”

Vermaak highlighted the role of data in tourism and business growth.

“Data is the new currency,” Vermaak said.

“By using it ethically and strategically, Saudi Arabia can deliver personalised, world-class experiences for every visitor and citizen.”

Carinena, who spoke about how AI is transforming the manufacturing landscape, urged manufacturers to act quickly on this technology.
“We’re no longer at the start of the AI era. Companies must act now to integrate AI into their operations or risk being left behind,” he said.

Najm underscored the need for workforce upskilling: “In today’s world, digital skills are as fundamental as literacy. For Saudi’s workforce, these skills are the foundation for success.”

Panel: the international perspective

The final panel of the day, moderated by Ravi K Ranjan, founder & chief executive officer, Silk Route, and former curator & business advisor, Shark Tank India, explored what it takes for global companies to succeed in Saudi Arabia.

Speakers included:

• Maher Abou Nasr, managing director, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Saudi Arabia

• Main Canaan, general manager, GE Aerospace Middle East

• Tarek Miknas, chief executive officer, FP7McCann MENAT

Abou Nasr highlighted Saudi Arabia’s tourism boom: “Saudi Arabia hit its 2030 tourism target in 2023 — seven years early. Demand is soaring, and we’re bringing new brands and experiences to match this growth.”

Canaan spoke on building local aerospace capabilities: “Vision 2030 isn’t just about buying aircraft — it’s about building local capability. More than half our workforce in the Kingdom are Saudis operating at world-class aviation standards.”

Miknas emphasised the importance of authentic storytelling: “The most powerful campaigns in Saudi Arabia are rooted in authenticity. Global strategies only work when they are built on genuine local voices and understanding.”

Closing reflections

The summit concluded with a high-level networking lunch and the presentation of the inaugural Gamechanger Awards, recognising leaders driving transformation in connectivity, cybersecurity, and aviation technology.

As Saudi Arabia accelerates its Vision 2030 ambitions, the conversations at the Gulf Business – Saudi Business and Investment Summit underscored the Kingdom’s appeal as a destination for innovation, investment, and collaboration.

With record foreign investment, booming sectors like tourism and technology, and a clear pathway for business growth, Saudi Arabia is not just transforming itself — it’s shaping the future of the region.

In the high-stakes world of mergers and acquisitions, the focus is almost always on the numbers.

Valuations, EBITDA multiples and legal contracts dominate boardrooms, with countless hours dedicated to financial and legal due diligence. Yet, a critical and often-overlooked element can derail a deal, expose hidden liabilities and undermine the entire transaction: immigration due diligence.

The common misconception is that immigration issues are a post-deal administrative task, a simple matter of transferring visas and work permits once the ink is dry. This could not be further from the truth, particularly in the unique and complex regulatory environment of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Here, where visa rules are intricate and compliance is strictly enforced, neglecting this area is a costly gamble.

The consequences of such an oversight are tangible and severe, impacting the deal’s timeline, financial health and operational success.

Deal disruption, delays and hidden financial liabilities

In the GCC, a single misstep in immigration can cause a cascading effect of delays. For example, if a target company has a history of non-compliance with local labour and visa regulations, such as employing individuals on incorrect visa types or failing to update employee status, the acquiring company inherits these liabilities.

Government authorities in countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia maintain strict compliance requirements, and potential concerns may prompt an in-depth audit. This can result in delays lasting weeks or even months while issues are addressed, a situation that can place additional pressure on the transaction.

Beyond deal delays, unresolved immigration issues can lead to significant and unexpected financial costs. Government fines for non-compliance are steep and can quickly accumulate.

Impact of deal structuring on talent loss and potential operational disruption

In many mergers and acquisitions (M&A), the true value lies in the human capital, the talent, expertise and institutional knowledge of the target company’s employees.

When immigration issues are not addressed proactively, this value is at risk. In today’s immigration landscape, complex rules regarding entity structure, type, nationalisation requirements and associated implications in relation to work permit quotas may lead to significant roadblocks or delays in employee immigration status.

Key employees with unresolved visa or residency status can become unable to work legally.

In the GCC, where visa categories are tied to specific roles and sponsorships, a change in company structure might necessitate a complete re-evaluation of every employee’s status.

If this process is not managed seamlessly, critical talent may face uncertainty, leading to a potential mass exodus. This can cripple the new entity’s operations and undermine the very purpose of the merger.

Navigating complexity

This is where proactive immigration due diligence becomes a deal-critical component, not a post-merger afterthought. A strategic partner who can absorb the complexity of global mobility is essential to make a business’ transition seamless. One with experience of connecting talent with opportunity enables us to be the leading immigration experts in the field.

By integrating a comprehensive immigration review into the M&A process, companies can identify issues early, with deep knowledge of complex regulations in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and the wider region.

The focus of this expertise extends beyond simple problem-solving to providing robust, proactive solutions.

Services include comprehensive compliance audits, policy development and organisational restructuring guidance, which empowers businesses to confidently manage the complexities of a global workforce.

In today’s complex global business landscape, a successful merger is not just about numbers and legal agreements; it’s also about a company’s most valuable asset — its people — and their legal right to work.

A transaction’s true success hinges on the seamless integration of a global workforce. Navigating this process with confidence, and accounting for every hurdle you may face, is key to safeguarding your investment and yourself.

Dubai has retained its position as the leading destination for executive nomads for the third consecutive year, according to the Savills Executive Nomad Index 2025, with Abu Dhabi ranking second for the second year in a row.

Dubai scored highest for its flight network, while Abu Dhabi was recognised for superior internet speeds, reflecting the UAE’s continued appeal to mobile professionals. “Add to that year-round sunshine, world-class hospitality, access to top-tier schools and healthcare, and it’s clear why the region continues to lead the way for executive nomads,” said Andrew Cummings, head of residential agency, Middle East, Savills.

The remaining top five locations — Malaga, Miami, and Lisbon — retained their positions, with Palma (6th) and Barcelona (7th) rounding out the top destinations.

All are coastal cities offering favourable climates alongside business opportunities.

Executive Nomad Index based on factors including digital nomad visa programmes

The index ranks 30 destinations for long-term remote workers based on factors including digital nomad visa programmes, quality of life, and established residential markets, with prime rents receiving half weighting in the calculations.

New entrants

Tokyo (11th), Auckland (9th), Crete (15th), Vancouver (18th) and Berlin (28th) were new additions to the index.

“The landscape for executive nomads is changing. Markets are creating new strategies to attract digital and executive nomads,” said Kelcie Sellers, associate director, Savills World Research.

She shared that countries such as Canada and New Zealand, while not offering explicit digital nomad visas, have revised long-term visitor visas to accommodate fully remote employment.