Oman’s Ministry of Education will deploy 4,000 Microsoft 365 Copilot licenses across public schools, positioning the sultanate among the first countries in the region to implement artificial intelligence copilots at scale in education.
The rollout is designed to support teachers with tools for planning, grading, and content creation, freeing up time for student engagement and personalisd instruction.
Students will gain access to interactive learning experiences aimed at strengthening critical thinking, collaboration, and digital fluency.
School leaders and administrators will use data-driven insights to monitor performance, streamline collaboration, and scale innovation across the education system.
The initiative covers both urban and rural schools to ensure equitable access.
Aligned with Oman Vision 2040, the programme advances the country’s goal of building a knowledge-based society.
Deploying Microsoft 365 AI Copilot to empower Oman’s educators, students
“This initiative marks a turning point for education in Oman and a clear demonstration of our commitment to building a knowledge-based society under Vision 2040,” said Ali Al Ghadani, deputy director of the Applied Science Department for IT at the Ministry of Education. “By deploying Microsoft 365 AI Copilot at scale across public schools, we are empowering our teachers with intelligent tools and giving young people personalised, interactive learning experiences that sharpen skills needed in tomorrow’s workforce.”
Sheikh Saif Hilal Al Hosni, country manager for Microsoft Oman and Bahrain, said the move was about ensuring “every student, whether in Muscat or the most remote rural community, has the opportunity to thrive in an AI-powered world.”
The launch builds on a digital transformation partnership signed in 2020, which introduced teacher training, blended learning, and programs such as DigiGirlz.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Microsoft supported the ministry in extending remote learning technologies to about 75 per cent of schools. The ministry also recently deployed an AI-powered chatbot as part of its modernisation efforts.
The announcement coincided with Microsoft’s participation at COMEX 2025, where the company is showcasing AI applications in public and private sectors across Oman.
Global Village Dubai returns for Season 30: Dates revealed
The announcement follows the enormous success of Season 29, which drew a record-breaking 10.5 million visitors, setting a new standard for regional tourism
Global Village, the region’s leading multicultural destination for family entertainment, shopping, dining, and cultural attractions, has officially confirmed the dates for its highly anticipated Season 30. The landmark season will run from October 15, 2025 to May 10, 2026, marking a major milestone for the beloved Dubai attraction.
The announcement follows the enormous success of Season 29, which drew a record-breaking 10.5 million visitors, setting a new standard for regional tourism and public engagement. Now, as it prepares to celebrate three decades of operations, Global Village is positioning Season 30 as its most exciting chapter yet.
30 years of global experiences in one destination
For the past 30 years, Global Village has served as a dynamic crossroads of cultures, offering guests an unparalleled mix of international cuisines, cultural performances, artisanal crafts, and global retail experiences. With each passing season, the destination has expanded in both scale and scope, gaining prominence as a key player in Dubai’s tourism and entertainment economy.
According to a Dubai Media Office report, Season 30 is expected to raise the bar even higher, promising new attractions, enhanced guest experiences, and a vibrant calendar of global showcases. Visitors of all ages can look forward to a spectacular mix of entertainment, immersive shopping, and a culinary journey that spans continents.
Retail and Guest Service proposals now open
Back in June 2025, Global Village invited entrepreneurs, retailers, and service providers to submit proposals for participation in Season 30 under the Retail Shops and Guest Services categories. The call to action comes as part of the park’s initiative to empower small and medium businesses through exposure to millions of potential customers.
“This is a unique opportunity to grow a business in one of the region’s most visited destinations,” noted a Global Village media report, which highlighted the infrastructure and operational support provided to business partners.
Business owners interested in showcasing their products or services can apply here.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) in Saudi Arabia has proposed major amendments to the country’s Labor Law and its Executive Regulations, adding a series of new violations and penalties aimed at ensuring fair treatment of workers and stronger compliance from employers.
The ministry made the proposed changes public via the Istitlaa platform, inviting feedback from citizens, businesses, and stakeholders before final adoption. The updated Table of Violations and Penalties marks a significant shift in labor regulation, introducing sector-specific enforcement for the first time in the maritime and agricultural industries, a Saudi Gazette report said.
“These updates are intended to create a clearer, more consistent framework for enforcing labour rights,” the ministry said in a statement.
“They promote transparency, reduce ambiguity, and reflect the evolving dynamics of the Saudi labor market.”
New sectors, new rules: Maritime and agriculture in focus
Among the most notable changes is the introduction of violations specific to maritime work, with fines ranging between SAR300 and SAR1,000. These cover a range of offenses, including:
Hiring individuals under the age of 18 on Saudi ships or naval units.
Ignoring contractual obligations in maritime labor agreements.
Delayed or missed wage payments to seafarers.
Interfering with a ship captain’s decision-making regarding crew and vessel safety.
Failing to provide adequate off-board accommodation for seafarers when needed.
In the agricultural sector, penalties are more substantial, ranging from SAR300 to SAR20,000, depending on the violation. Offenses in this category include:
Employing workers below the legal age of 21.
Denying required daily or weekly rest periods.
Failing to provide legally mandated vacation time.
Neglecting to offer food, housing, or monetary compensation.
Engaging in or facilitating forced labor.
Preventing workers from contacting their families, embassies, or recruitment agents.
These additions reflect the kingdom’s commitment to closing loopholes in labor protections across diverse economic sectors, especially where vulnerable or migrant workers may be at risk.
Existing violations face harsher penalties
The proposed amendments don’t stop at new categories, they also tighten enforcement on existing labor regulations. A clear example is the explicit inclusion of maternity leave violations, where failure to grant leave to eligible women now carries a SAR1,000 fine.
Recruitment firms and labor service providers are also under greater scrutiny. Violations such as failing to register worker information in ministry-approved systems, or not informing workers of their contractual rights, will now face a layered system of consequences. These include:
Monetary fines.
Official warnings.
License suspension for up to six months in some cases and up to 12 months in others.
Permanent license revocation for serious or repeat offenses.
“These updates ensure accountability for recruitment practices and help protect the dignity and rights of workers from the outset,” the ministry stated.
Supporting flexibility, enhancing accountability
The revised law reflects Saudi Arabia’s efforts to modernize its labour system in response to emerging work models, including part-time and flexible roles. By clearly outlining violations and setting predefined penalties, the government hopes to create greater predictability and fairness in labor inspections and dispute resolution.
“Clear definitions reduce subjective judgment by inspectors and provide employers with consistent standards to follow,” the ministry explained.
These amendments are currently in the consultation phase, with the government encouraging the public to provide input via the Istitlaa platform. Once finalised, they will be incorporated into the Labor Law and its Executive Regulations.
By taking this step, Saudi Arabia aims to align its labor practices more closely with international standards, support fair employment practices, and reinforce the country’s vision for a more inclusive and equitable labour market.
As it celebrates two decades of redefining retail in the region, Mall of the Emirates is preparing to enter a bold new phase of transformation. Marking its 20th anniversary this September, the iconic destination is unveiling an ambitious Dhs5bn reinvention under the banner of “Mall of New Possibilities”, all while its parent company, Majid Al Futtaim, reports a solid first half of 2025, showcasing resilience, profitability, and strategic evolution.
Since opening its doors in 2005, Mall of the Emirates has become far more than a shopping mall. It’s a landmark that combines culture, commerce, entertainment, and community under one roof. With world-first attractions like Ski Dubai, and the region’s top fashion, lifestyle, and culinary brands, it has long set the gold standard for lifestyle destinations in the Middle East.
Now, 20 years later, Majid Al Futtaim is looking ahead.
The newly announced Dhs5bn redevelopment of the Mall of the Emirates will introduce 20,000 sqm of additional retail space, 100 new stores, and a reinvigorated mix of cultural, wellness, and experiential offerings. Among the planned features:
New Covent Garden-inspired district, anchored by a 600-seat theatre
A next-generation wellness precinct
A new indoor-outdoor retail and leisure zone
Immersive entertainment experiences tailored to evolving consumer demands
“The launch of a landmark Dhs5bn investment in our flagship destination, Mall of the Emirates, demonstrates our dedication to setting new standards in world-class retail and lifestyle experiences,” said Ahmed Galal Ismail, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Holding.
Month-long 20th anniversary celebration
To commemorate its 20-year legacy, Mall of the Emirates has rolled out an exciting calendar of activations throughout September:
September 13: Global Runway Under the FASHION DOME – Featuring the debut of the Fall/Winter 2025 collection at THAT Concept Store, with a live DJ, juice bar, and curated fashion experience from 4pm to 6pm.
September 17 – 29: AllSaints Customisation Lab – A complimentary personalisation experience, where visitors can add custom logos or their own flair to AllSaints apparel.
September 20:
Bandaloop Aerial Performance – The acclaimed vertical dance troupe will perform awe-inspiring aerial shows at 5pm and 6pm.
Exclusive SHARE Rewards – Shoppers can earn 20x SHARE points for 24 hours only.
These experiences underscore the mall’s evolving role as a place where community, creativity, and commerce intersect.
Image credit: Supplied
Strong financials back bold vision
The anniversary and transformation plans come on the back of a solid financial performance by Majid Al Futtaim for the first half of 2025. According to the Group’s H1 report, the company recorded:
Consolidated revenue of Dhs3bn, up 3 per cent year-on-year
EBITDA growth of 9 per cent, reaching Dhs2.3bn
Net profit of Dhs5bn
Net profit (excluding valuation and tax) up 23 per cent YoY to Dhs1.3bn from Dhs1.0bn
Free cash flow of Dhs1bn
Reduction in net debt to Dhs4bn, with net debt to equity improving to 38 per cent
These results reflect not only robust core business performance but also the company’s commitment to prudent capital allocation and strategic expansion.
Strategic growth across sectors
Chairman Fadel Abdulbaqi Al Ali attributed the success to long-term thinking and focused execution. “Majid Al Futtaim’s first half financial performance highlights both the strength of its strategic direction and the Group’s commitment to delivering long-term value creation for all stakeholders.”
CEO Ahmed Galal Ismail echoed the sentiment, adding: “Our strong half-year results reaffirm the group’s profitable growth trajectory and are a testament to the group’s steady progress on strategic investments and transformation across our core sectors.”
The company’s core verticals, from retail and entertainment to real estate and digital, are seeing significant investment:
The Carrefour Now platform continues to anchor its omnichannel retail strategy.
Its AI-driven marketing unit, Precision Media, is gaining traction as a new revenue stream.
The company is expanding into the Saudi luxury market, part of its plan to bring global lifestyle brands to the region.
Image credit: Supplied
Future-proofing through innovation and experience
Majid Al Futtaim’s sustained performance is bolstered by its innovation-driven culture. From introducing digitally native business models to pioneering experiences in cinema and entertainment, the group is positioning itself for long-term scalability.
“Our performance is a testimony to the values-led efforts of our MAFers and the collective drive to create shared value for our stakeholders,” said Ismail. “We are building future-ready capabilities that position us for the next phase of sustainable, scalable growth.”
With the Mall of the Emirates’ transformation on the horizon and continued momentum across sectors, the company is doubling down on its vision of blending lifestyle, community, and innovation, all while remaining firmly anchored in financial discipline.
Dubai’s events scene, known for its high-end celebrations, is seeing new approaches to how gatherings are planned.
The PartyPlatform, founded by Patrick Narracott, has launched a marketplace that aims to streamline how residents organise parties and events, offering a digital alternative to traditional planning services.
With the UAE’s events industry valued in the billions, demand for straightforward planning tools is growing. The PartyPlatform provides two options for users: hiring a full-service planner to manage all arrangements, or selecting individual vendors to build a customised event. The model is designed to give consumers greater transparency and control in a sector often criticised for hidden costs and varying service quality.
Tackling inefficiencies in event planning
Narracott created the platform after identifying challenges with existing solutions, including static listings and layers of middlemen between clients and vendors. “People shouldn’t have to juggle ten websites just to book a DJ or florist,” he says.
The PartyPlatform brings vetted vendors together on one site, enabling users to compare services and pricing directly. A one-tap quote request feature allows customers to submit event details and receive responses via email or WhatsApp in a centralised way, reducing the back-and-forth usually required when planning.
Leveraging visuals and data for inspiration
Each vendor listing features short video clips showcasing past event setups, allowing users to visualise potential ideas. Behind the scenes, an algorithm analyses criteria such as budget, theme, and guest count to suggest suitable vendors.
Narracott explains: “Ask Sara helps planners visualise possibilities they hadn’t imagined.” This combination of video and data-driven recommendations helps vendors market their services while offering customers a more engaging experience.
Mobile-first approach
The platform’s mobile app is designed to meet the needs of Dubai’s fast-paced lifestyle, with functionality for browsing, booking, and messaging vendors. The website complements the app, providing a desktop option for more detailed planning.
Since launching earlier this year, The PartyPlatform has attracted over 10,000 visitors. Planned features include saved vendor collections, instant notifications for quotes, and in-app chat.
Competitive positioning
Dubai has seen the rise of several digital party planning platforms, though many have been criticised for limiting customer flexibility or vendor visibility. Narracott says The PartyPlatform differs by connecting customers directly to vendors while providing tools to manage the process more efficiently.
The company is currently focused on Dubai, with plans to expand to Abu Dhabi. Its strategy is to refine vendor partnerships and user experience before entering new markets.
Business model and growth plans
The PartyPlatform is offering free vendor subscriptions until the end of September, with paid packages launching in October 2025.. This introductory period aims to build a broad network of service providers catering to everything from small gatherings to large corporate events.
Looking ahead, the company sees potential to expand its marketplace model beyond the UAE to other emerging markets seeking accessible, technology-driven event planning solutions.
As Dubai continues to grow as a global events destination, platforms like The PartyPlatform highlight how technology is reshaping the industry, offering consumers and vendors new ways to connect and collaborate.
Since its IPO in March, the company has rewarded shareholders with over $300m through dividends and share buybacks, with total dividends increasing 20.7 per cent year-on-year to $51.8m
Orascom Construction, a leading global engineering and construction contractor, commenced trading on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), marking the third company to list on the exchange in 2025.
The trading of Orascom Construction’s shares commenced ADX under the ticker “ORAS” with a market capitalisation of $905m.
Abdulla Salem Alnuaimi, group CEO of ADX, highlighted that the listing enhances market depth and opens new investment opportunities, particularly in infrastructure and energy sectors. He emphasized that this addition complements ADX’s diverse sector offerings, including financial services, healthcare, technology, and real estate.
Osama Bishai, CEO of Orascom Construction, expressed enthusiasm about the listing, noting the company’s active role in Abu Dhabi’s construction and infrastructure investments. He stated that the listing is a step in their internal restructuring to expand construction activities and strengthen infrastructure investments.
Orascom executes infrastructure, industrial, and high-end commercial projects in the region
Orascom Construction primarily executes infrastructure, industrial, and high-end commercial projects in the Middle East, Africa, and the US.
The firm also develops and invests in concessions, owns 50 per cent of the BESIX Group, and holds a portfolio comprising building materials, facility management, and equipment services. The group consistently ranks among the top contractors globally and maintains a secondary listing on the Egyptian Exchange (EGX).
In H1 2025, Orascom Construction reported a consolidated backlog of $9.6bn, $2bn in revenue, and a net profit of $82.7m.
Since its IPO in March, the company has rewarded shareholders with over $300m through dividends and share buybacks, with total dividends increasing 20.7 per cent year-on-year to $51.8m.
EFG Hermes concludes advisory for its role as listing and financial advisor
In other news, EFG Hermes said it had successfully concluded advisory for its role as listing and financial advisor to Orascom Construction on its listing on ADX.
Maged El Ayouti, co-head of Investment Banking at EFG Hermes, commented: “EFG Hermes is proud to have partnered with Orascom Construction to advise on this transaction, which will expand the company’s investor base and enhance its visibility across the region.
“This transaction adds to EFG Hermes’ strong track record of landmark deals since the beginning of the year, whereby EFG Hermes has advised on six M&A transactions, 8 DCM, and 10 ECM transactions across the region.”
Orascom Construction’s secondary listing on the Egyptian Exchange (EGX) remains unchanged.
