Dubai International (DXB) is set to experience one of its busiest travel periods as it welcomes more than 2.5 million travellers between February 20 and 28.

The airport is expected to handle an average of 280,000 passengers daily, with numbers peaking at over 295,000 on Saturday, February 22. This surge in travellers is driven by a combination of global events and school holidays across key markets.

To manage the high volume of passengers, authorities are urging travellers to utilise the Dubai Metro for transportation to and from the airport, as well as between Terminals 1 and 3.

In addition, travellers arriving at Terminal 1 should note that the Arrivals bus stop will be out of service starting 21 February.

Smooth travels to and from DXB

Alternative transport options and updated bus schedules can be accessed through the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) website.

The oneDXB community, consisting of airport teams and stakeholders, is working collaboratively to ensure smooth operations and efficient passenger flows during this peak period at the world’s busiest international airport.

Read: Dubai welcomes 18.72 million international visitors in 2024

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the UAE’s global financial institution, has launched its 2025 Global Investment Outlook report, forecasting that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, particularly the UAE, will outperform global economic growth in 2025.

The growth is attributed to strategic investments, economic diversification, and robust expansion in the non-oil sector.

The report, titled Shaping the Future of Investments: Artificial Intelligence and the Interest Rate Environment, predicts the GCC’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate will nearly double from 2.1 per cent in 2024 to 4.2 per cent in 2025.

The UAE’s GDP is projected to rise from 4.5 per cent to 5.6 per cent, outpacing the International Monetary Fund’s global growth forecast of 3.2 per cent.

Michel Longhini, group head of Global Private Banking at FAB, stated: “The 2025 global economic environment presents unique challenges, but the GCC region continues to stand out as a beacon of resilience and opportunity.

“Our 2025 Global Investment Outlook report offers a comprehensive roadmap for clients to capitalise on emerging trends, from AI-driven transformation to green energy investments and robust regional market performance, while navigating the complexities of the global economy.”

Other key findings of the FAB report

The report highlights that artificial intelligence is expected to reshape industries, creating significant investment opportunities.

Unlike previous tech booms, AI’s practical applications are already driving mergers and acquisitions.

National initiatives such as the UAE’s Vision 2031 and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 are fostering growth in technology, startups, and the non-oil sector. GCC equity markets are expected to deliver returns of 12 to 13 per cent in 2025, backed by recovery in key sectors and financial stability.

The Middle East is transitioning from a major oil exporter to a global hub for green energy. Investments in renewable power generation, grids, and storage are projected to rise from $1.2tn in 2024 to $2.4tn by 2030.

The region’s energy investments in 2024 are expected to reach $175bn, with clean energy accounting for 15 per cent.

India’s consistent growth and China’s shifting market dynamics offer strong investment prospects. However, the bank recommends a diversified approach to mitigate macroeconomic risks while seizing these opportunities.

The report anticipates strong performance in GCC equities, MENA fixed income, and global real estate. It also identifies private markets as an attractive avenue for diversification and higher returns.

The 2025 Global Investment Outlook report, created by FAB’s team of experts, provides a comprehensive, data-driven analysis of emerging trends such as AI and the energy transition in the Middle East, as well as developments across global financial markets and asset classes.

Read: FAB reports Dhs17.1bn in net profit for 2024

DP World reported its highest container and breakbulk cargo volumes at Jebel Ali Port since 2015, solidifying its position as a leading trade and logistics hub in the region.

The port handled 15.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2024, marking an increase of 1 million TEUs compared to the previous year.

This performance represents the highest throughput at Jebel Ali since 2015 and accounts for nearly 18 per cent of DP World’s total global container throughput of 88.3 million TEUs.

In addition to containers, breakbulk cargo also saw substantial growth, increasing by 23 per cent year-on-year to reach 5.4 million metric tonnes (MTs).

This performance represents the second-highest level of breakbulk cargo throughput in nearly a decade.

Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and MD of DP World GCC, commented, “This performance reflects the strength of our world-class ports and logistics infrastructure.

The 15.5 million TEUs handled at Jebel Ali in 2024, along with the strong growth in breakbulk cargo, show our capacity to meet increasing demand in both sectors.

“With a thriving ecosystem in Jebel Ali Free Zone and strong ties with major global economies, we are well-positioned to support the region’s growing trade volumes. Despite global uncertainties, we remain committed to investing in advanced infrastructure to facilitate trade.”

The growth in container throughput was largely driven by robust local and regional demand, particularly from Asia and the Indian Subcontinent, as well as new shipping services that improved global connectivity. Efficient operations ensured smooth cargo flow, even amid challenges such as the Red Sea crisis.

DP World: Breakbulk cargo

Breakbulk cargo growth was propelled by increased regional investments in infrastructure, renewable energy, and industrial development. Jebel Ali handled significant shipments of wind turbines, solar panels, heavy machinery, and construction materials, with imports making up 80 per cent of total breakbulk shipments. The remaining outbound shipments were dominated by sugar, iron, and steel.

The region’s growing infrastructure projects continue to fuel demand for breakbulk cargo, with planned construction projects in the UAE alone valued at approximately $112bn in 2024.

In 2024, Jebel Ali Port also played a critical role in supporting major international projects. This included facilitating 45,000 metric tonnes of bagged wheat flour shipments for humanitarian aid to the Middle East and Africa, consolidating structural steel exports for an aluminium recycling plant in the US, and streamlining logistics for Liberia’s largest mining project by handling the export of 60 per cent of its structural components.

Jebel Ali Port boasts an annual container capacity of 19.4 million TEUs across four terminals, more than 100 berths, and a 25-kilometre quay length.

The port also includes dedicated terminals for breakbulk, Ro-Ro, and heavy-lift cargo.

Additionally, Dubai’s Mina Al Hamriya Port complements these capabilities by handling bulk and breakbulk cargo and accommodating a wide range of vessel types.

Globally, DP World’s network of ports and terminals achieved a record 88.3 million TEUs in 2024, an 8.3 per cent year-on-year increase, demonstrating the company’s resilience amid macroeconomic challenges and uncertainty in the global trade outlook.

In a strategic move to modernise dispute resolution, the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) has teamed up with Opus 2 to introduce advanced digital tools into the arbitration process. This partnership aims to streamline operations, enhance security, and offer faster, more efficient services.

From e-filing to virtual hearings, the collaboration promises to reshape how disputes are handled in the region, making arbitration more accessible, cost-effective, and future-ready.

In this interview, Jehad Kazim, executive director of DIAC, shares how these innovations will transform the dispute resolution landscape and support businesses, including SMEs, in navigating legal challenges, and her role as a female leader.

As the first Emirati woman to lead DIAC, how do you see your role in shaping the future of dispute resolution in the region?

I want to keep strengthening the role of DIAC as a forward-thinking, innovative, and inclusive institution. One of my key priorities is to foster collaboration between institutions, governments, and businesses to enhance the region’s dispute resolution framework. Strengthening partnerships across borders and sectors can create more robust, efficient, and cost-effective mechanisms that reflect the region’s diverse legal, cultural, and economic dynamics.

Furthermore, I am committed to integrating technological advancements into the dispute resolution process. DIAC will continue to innovate by embracing digital platforms for case management and virtual hearings ensuring that arbitration and mediation remain relevant and accessible to all.

Another area of focus is diversity and inclusion. I strongly believe that having diverse perspectives in the dispute-resolution process is key to its success. By embracing diversity in all its forms, we ensure that arbitration remains relevant, resilient, and responsive to the needs of all parties involved.

Through collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to diversity, I am excited to contribute to the dispute resolution landscape that can meet the evolving needs of businesses, governments, and individuals in the region and beyond.

DIAC recently partnered with Opus 2 to introduce digital solutions in arbitration. How will this improve the dispute resolution process?

The partnership between DIAC and Opus 2 is a strategic leap into the future of arbitration. By integrating Opus 2’s advanced legal technology, we’re creating a digital ecosystem that redefines efficiency, accessibility, and security in dispute resolution.

At its core, this collaboration introduces a state-of-the-art platform that centralises key functions like e-filing, case registration, and document submission. This eliminates administrative bottlenecks, reduces delays, and ensures seamless collaboration between parties, arbitrators, and the DIAC Secretariat.

The platform is designed with scalability and cybersecurity in mind, ensuring it can handle growing caseloads while safeguarding sensitive data.

DIAC users will also get access to Opus 2’s broader tech suite to support virtual hearings, shared electronic bundles, real-time transcription, and electronic presentation of evidence.

By embracing technology, DIAC is positioning itself as a global leader in dispute resolution, offering a modern, efficient, and secure experience that meets the needs of today’s businesses and anticipates the demands of tomorrow.

What are some of the most common disputes handled by DIAC, and how do you ensure quick and efficient resolutions?

DIAC handles a wide range of disputes across key sectors such as construction, real estate, energy, finance, and technology. These industries are the backbone of the MEASA region’s economy, and the disputes they generate often involve complex and high-value claims.

When it comes to contract types, construction contracts are the most common, accounting for 40 per cent of cases in 2023. Real estate and property contracts follow closely, with disputes typically arising from lease agreements, property sales, or development projects. Other frequent contract types include service and provider agreements, sales and purchase agreements, and partnership and ownership contracts.

To provide parties with quick and efficient solutions, the 2022 DIAC Arbitration Rules introduced expedited proceedings to allow parties to resolve disputes faster and at a lower cost, which is particularly beneficial for small-value or straightforward cases. Our panel of arbitrators includes experts with deep industry knowledge, ensuring that disputes are resolved by professionals who understand the nuances of each sector and contract type.

How does DIAC support businesses, particularly SMEs, in resolving disputes effectively?

SMEs are vital to the regional economy, but they often face unique challenges when it comes to dispute resolution. Limited financial and legal resources can make traditional arbitration daunting. DIAC addresses these challenges by offering tailored solutions that prioritise efficiency, affordability and accessibility.

Our panel of arbitrators includes professionals with expertise in industries relevant to SMEs, ensuring that disputes are resolved by individuals who understand their commercial realities.

The newly introduced virtual hearings and under-development digital tools reduce logistical burdens and costs, making arbitration more accessible for SMEs with limited resources. Additionally, mediation offers a collaborative and cost-effective alternative, helping parties reach amicable settlements without the animosity and time delays of traditional legal proceedings.

By providing reliable and efficient dispute resolution services, we ensure that SMEs can navigate disputes effectively while focusing on their core business activities.

With the rise of AI and digital case management, how do you see technology shaping the future of arbitration?

The potential of AI and digital case management to transform arbitration is immense. DIAC is actively exploring how these technologies can enhance the dispute resolution process; we are closely monitoring its development and considering how it can be applied to improve efficiency, transparency, and accessibility.

AI has the potential to automate routine tasks, freeing up time for arbitrators and legal teams to focus on more complex aspects of a case. Predictive analytics could also provide insights into case trends, helping parties make more informed decisions.

Digital case management platforms, like the one we’re developing with Opus 2, are already streamlining processes by centralising filings, submissions, and communications. These tools reduce delays and ensure all parties have real-time access to case updates, fostering greater transparency and trust.

Looking ahead, we see virtual hearings becoming even more sophisticated, making arbitration more accessible to parties across the globe. Blockchain technology could further enhance security, transparency and automation. While still in the early stages of adoption, blockchain can revolutionise arbitration.

What challenges do businesses typically face in arbitration, and what advice would you give to those unfamiliar with the process?

Businesses often face challenges in arbitration due to unclear dispute resolution clauses, unfamiliarity with procedural rules, and concerns about costs and delays. To navigate these challenges effectively, taking a proactive and strategic approach is essential.

Start by drafting clear and comprehensive arbitration clauses in contracts. Specify the arbitral institution (for example, DIAC), the arbitration rules governing the proceedings, the number of arbitrators, the seat of arbitration, the language of the arbitration and the governing law of contract to avoid procedural uncertainties.

Leverage institutional support. DIAC’s structured arbitration process, experienced arbitrators, and advanced digital case management tools provide a predictable and efficient resolution framework. Consider alternative mechanisms like expedited arbitration or mediation for faster and more cost-effective resolutions.

By taking these steps, businesses can minimise risks, reduce costs, and ensure a smoother dispute resolution process, ultimately protecting their commercial interests.

Alpha Data, the UAE-based digital transformation provider and system integrator, has revealed the price range and the start of the subscription period for its upcoming initial public offering (IPO) on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX).

Fayez Ibbini, founder and CEO of Alpha Data, commented, “We are excited by the strong interest Alpha Data has received since announcing our intention to float on ADX.

“This IPO offers a rare opportunity to invest in a successful UAE family business, underpinned by the growth of the ICT sector and emerging trends such as agentic AI. With our recent expansion into Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Alpha Data is positioned to continue its growth trajectory. We look forward to welcoming new shareholders as we embark on the next chapter of our journey.”

Key highlights of the Alpha Data offering

• The offer price range has been set between Dhs1.45 and Dhs1.50 per share, valuing the company at between Dhs1.45bn (circa $395m) and Dhs1.50bn (circa $408m) upon listing.
• A total of 400,000,000 shares, each with a nominal value of Dhs0.03, will be available in the offering, representing 40 per cent of the company’s total issued share capital.
• Alpha Data expects to distribute a dividend of Dhs130m in 2025, offering an estimated dividend yield between 8.7 to 9 per cent based on the price range.
• All shares offered will be sold by existing shareholders, Bin Hamoodah Company and Ibbini Investment Company. The offering size may be amended at the sole discretion of the sellers, subject to regulatory approvals.
• The offering includes two tranches: the UAE retail offering for individual investors in the UAE (5 per cent of the total offering), and the qualified investor offering for professional investors outside the UAE (95 per cent of the offering).
• Subscription period: Opens on February 20 and ends on February 25 for both tranches.
• The final offer price will be announced on February 26 after a book-building process.
• The shares are expected to list and begin trading on ADX on or about March 11.
• The Internal Shariah Supervision Committee of Emirates NBD has confirmed that the offering complies with Shariah principles.

Details of the offer and subscription process

The offering will involve the sale of existing ordinary shares, with the proceeds directed entirely to the Selling Shareholders. Alpha Data will not receive any proceeds from the IPO.

UAE retail offering (first tranche): 20,000,000 shares (5 per cent of the offering) will be available for UAE retail investors. The minimum application size is Dhs5,000, with a guaranteed minimum allocation of 2,000 shares for successful retail investors, depending on demand.

Qualified investor offering (second tranche): 380,000,000 shares (95 per cent of the offering) will be available to professional investors, with a minimum application size of Dhs5,000,000.

The Emirates Investment Authority (EIA) will be entitled to subscribe for up to 5 per cent of the offer shares before the allocation of any remaining shares to qualified investors.

Following the listing, the shares held by the selling shareholders will be subject to a 180-day lock-up period, with certain exceptions as outlined in the underwriting agreement.

A stabilisation manager will also be appointed to conduct stabilisation transactions for up to 40,000,000 shares, aimed at supporting the market price in the early days of trading.

EFG-Hermes and Emirates NBD Capital PSC have been appointed as joint global coordinators and joint bookrunners. Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank is acting as a joint bookrunner.

Emirates NBD Bank is the lead receiving bank, supported by other banks including Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Al Maryah Community Bank, Emirates Islamic Bank, and Wio Bank as receiving banks.

Shariah compliance

Emirates NBD ISSC has issued a pronouncement confirming that the offering complies with Shariah principles. Investors are encouraged to conduct their due diligence regarding the Shariah compliance of the Offering.

The completion of the Offering and the listing of Alpha Data shares on ADX is subject to market conditions and obtaining all necessary regulatory approvals.