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Prominent landmarks: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque rises in global rankings

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi ranked eighth globally in TripAdvisor’s 2025 Top Attractions list, up two spots from 2024

Gulf Business
Gulf Business

10 August, 2025

Prominent landmarks: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque rises in global rankings
Image: Abu Dhabi Media Office/ WAM

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The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (SZGM) in Abu Dhabi has moved up two places (from its 2024 ranking) to rank 8th among 25 key global landmarks in TripAdvisor’s 2025 Top Attractions category in its global report.

The mosque also retained its position as the number one attraction in the Middle East in this category, topping a list of the region’s 10 most iconic sites.

The ranking, based on reviews of more than eight million landmarks worldwide, places the mosque in the top one per cent globally.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Fujairah also made the list, ranking among the top 10 per cent of sites globally after recently opening visitor services.

Dr Yousif Al Obaidli, director-general of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, credited the achievement to the UAE’s “visionary leadership” and the centre’s strategic focus on service quality. “This success crowns a continuous series of outstanding initiatives and services offered throughout the year,” he said.

The mosque attracts global visitors

The Abu Dhabi mosque draws more than seven million visitors annually, about 82 per cent of them from overseas.

New initiatives include general cultural tours, ‘Unseen Glimpses’ guided rides to restricted areas, Sura evening tours for 24-hour access, and El-Delleel multimedia guides in 14 languages, including sign language.

The centre has also expanded its cultural facilities with the Dome of Peace, Al Jami Library, a cultural auditorium, and permanent and temporary exhibitions on Islamic history and art.

These include Al-Andalus: History and Civilisation, Coins of Islam: History Revealed, and The Hajj: Memories of a Journey.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque ranking: Numbers

  • Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi ranked eighth globally in TripAdvisor’s 2025 Top Attractions list, up two spots from 2024

  • Retains top spot as the Middle East’s leading attraction in the category

  • Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Fujairah ranked among the top 10 per cent of landmarks worldwide

  • Abu Dhabi mosque welcomes more than seven million visitors annually, with 82 per cent from overseas

  • New visitor offerings include ‘Unseen Glimpses’ electric car tours, Sura evening tours, and El-Delleel multimedia guides in 14 languages

PRYPCO Mortgage facilitates single retail mortgage valued at Dhs94.5m, one of region’s largest

From its inception to June this year, PRYPCO Mortgage has arranged Dhs9.67bn in mortgage deals, the company said

Neesha Salian
Neesha Salian

09 August, 2025

PRYPCO Mortgage facilitates single retail mortgage valued at Dhs94.5m, one of region’s largest
Image: Supplied

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PRYPCO Mortgage has facilitated one of the Middle East’s largest single-ticket retail mortgages, valued at Dhs94.5m, in a transaction ranking among the top three mortgage deals in Dubai’s real estate market over the past five years.

The transaction also lists among the top three mortgage deals in Dubai’s real estate market over the past five years, the company said in a statement.

Since its inception, PRYPCO Mortgage has arranged Dhs 9.67bn in mortgage deals up to June, positioning itself among the fastest-growing mortgage platforms in the region.

“This transaction reflects the trust investors are placing not only in our capabilities, but in the strength and resilience of the UAE’s real estate sector,” said Amira Sajwani, founder and CEO of PRYPCO. “As property financing continues to evolve, our focus remains on delivering seamless, accessible, and innovative mortgage solutions for all.”

The UAE has emerged as a regional leader in real estate financing, supported by a forward-thinking regulatory environment, robust investor demand, and a maturing property market.

Mortgage demand is growing from first-time buyers through to high-net-worth individuals seeking flexible and structured financing.

PRYPCO Mortgage is working with key banking partners

PRYPCO Mortgage, working with all major UAE banks, combines technology-driven services with advisory support, offering free consultations, fast-track pre-approvals, and tailored refinancing solutions.

The mega Dhs94.5m deal highlights the company’s capacity to handle complex, high-value transactions while maintaining efficiency and customer trust.

PRYPCO’s mortgage division continues to expand its portfolio in line with its mission to democratise real estate access and promote “real estate freedom for all”.

Read: Dubai launches tokenised real estate investment project via ‘Prypco Mint’

Q Mobility to develop truck and on-street parking solutions in KEZAD

Q Mobility will introduce smart parking systems and value-added services aimed at improving user experience within KEZAD’s industrial and commercial zones

Neesha Salian
Neesha Salian

09 August, 2025

Q Mobility to develop truck and on-street parking solutions in KEZAD

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Q Mobility, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi holding company ADQ, has signed an agreement with Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD Group) to develop and operate parking infrastructure across KEZAD Mussafah, including an 84,000 square metre truck-parking facility.

Under the agreement, Q Mobility will manage the truck-parking site in ICAD I – KEZAD Mussafah, aimed at easing congestion and improving traffic flow in one of the UAE’s busiest industrial areas.

The company will also oversee on-street parking across ICAD I, II and III, as well as Rahayel Automotive City.

Aimed at integrating KEZAD’s parking facilities

The initiative is intended to integrate KEZAD’s parking facilities into the broader urban infrastructure of Abu Dhabi, with services designed to support large fleet operators and improve overall mobility within the economic zone.

“As KEZAD continues to welcome world-class local and international businesses into its ecosystems, there is an impending need to streamline parking spaces,” said Abdullah Al Hameli, CEO, Economic Cities & Free Zones, AD Ports Group. “Teaming up with Q Mobility, we are assured of the best opportunity to explore the development of sustainable and integrated solutions.”

Q Mobility said it will introduce smart parking systems and value-added services aimed at improving user experience within KEZAD’s industrial and commercial zones.

“This agreement marks a key milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance and integrate parking services across Abu Dhabi,” said Mohamed Hussein Karmastaji, CEO of Q Mobility. “It reflects our firm commitment to delivering smart and sustainable mobility solutions.”

The project is part of a wider effort to support traffic and logistics infrastructure in Abu Dhabi, aligned with the emirate’s goals for sustainable urban development and operational efficiency.

Mubadala Energy closes Caturus stake deal in US

The deal forms part of Mubadala Energy’s strategy to expand across the gas value chain while supporting the transition to lower-emission fuels

Gulf Business
Gulf Business

09 August, 2025

Mubadala Energy closes Caturus stake deal in US
Image: Supplied

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Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Energy has completed a strategic investment in US natural gas through a partnership with private equity firm Kimmeridge, taking a 24.1 per cent stake in the newly rebranded Caturus, formerly SoTex HoldCo.

Caturus is developing an integrated US natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) export platform, combining upstream operations under Caturus Energy — previously Kimmeridge Texas Gas — with Commonwealth LNG, a planned 9.5 million tonnes per annum export terminal near Cameron, Louisiana.

Commonwealth LNG has appointed Technip Energies for engineering, procurement and construction work and expects a final investment decision later this year.

The project has signed long-term binding offtake deals with Glencore, Japan’s JERA and Malaysia’s PETRONAS.

Deal marks Mubadala energy’s entry into US energy market

The deal marks Mubadala Energy’s first significant entry into the US energy market and forms part of its strategy to expand across the gas value chain while supporting the transition to lower-emission fuels.

“Today’s announcement is further evidence of our international growth strategy in action,” said Mansoor Mohammed Al Hamed, managing director and CEO of Mubadala Energy. “The platform’s integrated and responsible approach aligns with our plans to invest across the gas value chain in key global energy hubs where we can play a proactive role in balancing energy security and transition priorities while creating long-term value for our shareholder.”

Ben Dell, managing partner at Kimmeridge, said Mubadala Energy’s investment was “a strong endorsement of our strategy at Caturus” and that the partners aimed to create “the only fully integrated natural gas independent”.

As part of the deal, Mubadala Energy appointed COO Adnan Bu Fateem and SVP for Non-Operated Assets Khaled Al Tamimi to Caturus’ board of managers.

Bu Fateem said the company’s active investment approach would help “shape the strategic direction of this platform to ensure the commercial, operational and sustainability priorities are met.”

The transaction closed after clearance from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).

UAE, Russia ink trade in services and investment agreement

The deal comes as part of the UAE’s CEPA programme, which aims to raise non-oil foreign trade to Dhs4.04tn by 2031

Neesha Salian
Neesha Salian

09 August, 2025

UAE, Russia ink trade in services and investment agreement
Image: Supplied

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The UAE and Russia signed a Trade in Services and Investment Agreement (TISIA) on the sidelines of the visit of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Moscow, aimed at deepening bilateral economic ties.

The agreement was signed by UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi and Russian Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov.

It will complement the UAE’s existing Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the Eurasian Economic Union, which covers goods, by providing a bilateral framework with Russia focused on services and investment.

UAE-Russia non-oil trade on the rise

The UAE’s non-oil foreign trade with Russia reached Dhs42.23bn in 2024, up 4.9 per cent from 2023. In H1 2025, non-oil trade rose to Dhs24.42bn, a 75.3 per cent year-on-year increase.

Al Zeyoudi said the agreement would strengthen the UAE’s foreign trade network and expand collaboration in sectors such as fintech, healthcare, transport, logistics and professional services. “The UAE continues to build partnerships around the world to achieve development and prosperity as well as provide more opportunities for the private sector and investors,” he said in a statement.

The deal comes as part of the UAE’s Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) programme, which aims to raise non-oil foreign trade to Dhs4.04tn by 2031.

In 2024, CEPAs helped drive record non-oil trade of Dhs2.99tn, a 14.6 per cent increase from 2023.

Dubai T100: Athlete Ghani Souleymane launches 100-day triathlon challenge

The T100 weekend is also integrated into the Dubai Fitness Challenge, an annual initiative encouraging residents to complete 30 minutes of activity for 30 days

Gulf Business
Gulf Business

09 August, 2025

Dubai T100: Athlete Ghani Souleymane launches 100-day triathlon challenge
Image courtesy: Dubai Media Office

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With less than 100 days to go until the Dubai T100 triathlon returns to the UAE, one of the nation’s most accomplished endurance athletes, Ghani Souleymane, is set to begin a remarkable challenge: 100 consecutive 100km triathlons in 100 days, culminating in his final race at the Dubai T100 on November 16.

Starting Friday at Kite Beach, Souleymane’s effort will serve as an official Guinness World Record attempt and aims to raise funds for children affected by conflict.

Each daily triathlon will match the official T100 race format – a 2km swim, 80km bike, and 18km run – for a total of 10,000km over the 100 days.

“This challenge is about more than sport,” said Souleymane, who previously completed 30 ultramarathons in 30 days (2020) and 30 Ironmans in 30 days (2023). “It’s about showing what’s possible when you give everything and using that effort to help children who’ve lost so much.”

Dubai T100 set for November return

Backed by the Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO), the Dubai T100 is part of the global T100 Triathlon World Tour and has quickly become one of the sport’s fastest-growing events.

Combining elite racing with community participation and a festival atmosphere, the multi-day event will take place from November 13 to 16, set against Dubai’s skyline.

The T100 weekend is also integrated into the Dubai Fitness Challenge, an annual initiative encouraging residents to complete 30 minutes of activity for 30 days.

Dubai T100 schedule highlights

Thursday, November 13: Corporate Duathlon Relay, powered by Dubai Eye 103.8FM – a team-based event for the business community.

Saturday, November 15: Sprint Triathlon, a 750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run designed for newcomers; Elite T100 Pro Race will see the world’s top triathletes compete in the penultimate leg of the T100 World Tour, featuring a 2km swim, 80km bike and 18km run. Men race first, followed by the women’s race two hours later; and The Music Run – A 5K fun run featuring music zones and DJs. More than 6,000 runners participated in 2024.

Sunday, November 16: 100km Amateur Triathlon – Open to the public, this race follows the exact T100 course used by professionals the day before.

PTO secures Series C investment

The PTO last week announced the closing of a Series C investment round, led by SURJ Sports Investment, with participation from Sir Michael Moritz, Cordillera, and Verance Capital.

The funds are intended to support the T100’s global expansion and innovation across formats such as the Music Run and Corporate Relay.

The MENA region is expected to play a significant role in the sport’s development.

“As we scale globally, we’re more committed than ever to making triathlon accessible to everyone,” said PTO CEO Sam Renouf. “Ghani’s 100 x 100km challenge captures everything the T100 is about – elite sport that inspires community and purpose.”

Athletes look ahead to Dubai leg

As the second-to-last stop on the 2025 T100 World Tour, the Dubai T100 will again attract top global triathletes before the final showdown in Qatar. The course is centred around Meydan Racecourse, considered one of the fastest layouts on the tour.

“Last year’s Dubai T100 was unforgettable – fast, challenging, and world-class,” said Julie Derron, Swiss Olympic silver medallist and current women’s T100 Race to Qatar leader, who finished second in Dubai in 2024. “The atmosphere, the fans, and the energy in Dubai make it one of the best events of the season. I can’t wait to be back.”

With registration now open and places filling quickly, the event offers opportunities for all levels – from first-timers to pros.

Participants can register for the 100km Triathlon, Sprint Distance, Corporate Relay or The Music Run at t100triathlon.com/dubai.

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