DEWA invests Dhs100.8m to safeguard critical water infrastructure
The project is designed to safeguard and future-proof Dubai’s water networks, ensuring uninterrupted water flow while supporting new developments and infrastructure works
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has awarded a major tender worth more than Dhs100.8m for the supply, installation, testing and commissioning of glass-reinforced epoxy (GRE) water pipelines, aimed at protecting and diverting existing services across multiple locations in Dubai.
The project includes a comprehensive scope of works covering surveying, excavation, civil works, reinstatement, and full integration with Dubai’s existing water transmission network. The works will be implemented across 20 strategic sites in the emirate over a 24-month period, forming part of DEWA’s continued investment in strengthening and expanding critical utility infrastructure.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, stated: “This award aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to build world-class infrastructure that meets the growing needs of Dubai’s ambitious development plans. Investing in such protective measures is essential for the resilience of our networks and ensures we continue to provide a reliable, efficient and sustainable supply of electricity and water to all sectors of the emirate.”
The project is designed to safeguard and future-proof Dubai’s water networks, ensuring uninterrupted water flow while supporting new developments and infrastructure works. GRE pipelines were selected for their high strength, corrosion resistance and durability, making them well suited for demanding underground environments and extending the lifecycle of critical assets.
Through this initiative, DEWA reinforces its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of reliability, safety and operational efficiency across its water transmission and distribution systems, while supporting Dubai’s long-term, sustainable urban growth.
The US auto safety regulator said on Wednesday it has opened a defect investigation into Tesla Model 3 compact sedans over concerns that emergency door release controls may not be easily accessible or clearly identifiable in an emergency.
The Office of Defects Investigation said the probe covers an estimated 179,071 model year 2022 vehicles.
The investigation was opened on December 23 after the agency received a defect petition alleging that the vehicles’ mechanical door release is hidden, unlabeled and not intuitive to locate during emergencies.
Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The company’s vehicles rely primarily on electronic door latches, which open via buttons rather than traditional mechanical handles.
While Tesla includes a manual door release for use in emergencies or power failures, experts have long argued that the mechanical releases are not consistently visible, labeled or intuitive, particularly for rear-seat passengers.
Lawsuit
Last month, Tesla was sued over a fiery Wisconsin crash that killed all five occupants of a Model S, who were allegedly trapped inside because of a design flaw that prevented them from opening the luxury sedan’s doors.
The automaker has also been sued by families of two college students killed in a Cybertruck crash November last year in a San Francisco suburb, after allegedly being locked in the burning vehicle because of its door handle design.
The opening of a defect petition does not mean a recall will be issued, but it marks the first step in a regulatory review process that could lead to further action if safety-related defects are confirmed.
The auto regulator, NHTSA, said in September it had opened a preliminary evaluation into about 174,290 Model Y cars over reports of electronic door handles becoming inoperative.
Julie Caironi, head of marketing, MENA – Snap Inc/Image: Supplied
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The digital advertising industry has spent the last decade perfecting the feed. We made it infinite, optimised it, personalised it, layered it with targeting and measurement, and trained entire creative cultures around getting people to stop scrolling for just one second more.
But people today are communicating differently than the formats we’ve built for them. They’re moving into more private, personal spaces, places where conversations happen, not broadcasts. Anyone working in marketing today can see the shift clearly, attention isn’t disappearing, it’s becoming more selective. Consumers want relevance, but they want it on their own terms.
On Snapchat, we’ve seen this play out most strongly in chat. It’s where people make plans, share recommendations, send jokes, talk through decisions, and stay close to the people who matter. In Q1 alone, our community exchanged 880 billion chats, a volume that reflects something deeper than usage. It reflects behaviour. It’s a reminder that culture doesn’t form in the loudest places, but in the most personal ones.
This is where the industry has a gap. For all the innovation in digital advertising, very little has been designed for the spaces where people actually communicate. We’ve spent years optimising for public consumption, while private conversation, arguably the most influential space in a person’s decision-making, has remained untouched.
That’s why Sponsored Snaps represent more than a new product. They signal a broader shift, a move away from attention-seeking formats toward communication-led formats. Instead of inserting brands into a feed, this approach considers how people actually talk, share, and engage in the real world. The creative is short, expressive, full-screen. The tone feels conversational rather than declarative. And the interaction is entirely optional, people can watch, ignore, or reply like they would with any message from a friend.
What’s interesting is how naturally people respond when advertising adopts the language of communication rather than the language of broadcasting. We’ve seen this in the behavioural patterns emerging from early experiments, people describe these conversational formats as relevant to how they already use the platform, with a significant majority saying they fit seamlessly into their day-to-day habits. And when an ad feels like it belongs in the environment, rather than interrupting it, its impact shifts. Campaigns rooted in conversational design have shown stronger lifts in key brand metrics and even more efficient paths to purchase, not because they push harder, but because they feel more aligned with how people naturally engage. It’s a reminder that effectiveness often comes from respecting the context, not overpowering it.
This becomes especially important as we approach Ramadan, a moment where attention becomes even more selective, behaviours become more intentional, and real, personal conversations drive decisions. Brands planning for Ramadan will need to think less about broadcasting and more about the value of the spaces where people actually talk to one another, coordinate gatherings, plan purchase and exchange recommendations.
And this is the real inflection point for the industry. We are entering a phase where the format matters less than the behaviour it mirrors. Young audiences, especially in MENA, gravitate toward experiences that feel grounded in real social dynamics, quick exchanges, inside jokes, ephemeral moments, and visually driven communication. When brands participate in that world thoughtfully, they don’t disrupt the experience, they become part of it.
The shift from feeds to chats is not about abandoning reach or scale. It’s about recognising that influence is increasingly built in spaces that feel personal, trusted, and culturally alive. It challenges brands to rethink not just where they show up, but how they show up. Less as broadcasters, more as participants.
Ultimately, the question for marketers becomes whether their brand can show up naturally in conversation. Because the next wave of advertising won’t be defined by who can dominate a feed, it will be defined by who can earn their place in the moments where real decisions are made.
DSF returns to Majid Al Futtaim malls with 12-hour sale and Dhs1m prize draw
The 12-hour Mega Sale, returns on December 26, with discounts of up to 90 per cent across participating stores at Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira and City Centre Mirdif.
The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is set to transform malls operated by Majid Al Futtaim into major seasonal destinations, combining immersive entertainment, large-scale retail promotions and city-wide rewards.
Flagship locations including Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif and City Centre Me’aisem will host a calendar of winter-themed activations, sales events and experiential zones throughout the festival period.
Seasonal activations across flagship malls
City Centre Me’aisem will host Winter in Wonderland until February 1, delivering a family-focused experience featuring festive décor, rides and interactive games, supported by a curated food and beverage lineup.
At City Centre Mirdif, Glowland will run from December 17 to 28, offering a chalet-style pop-up combining fashion, beauty and lifestyle experiences, alongside workshops, trend sessions and hands-on demonstrations.
As part of DSF Autoseason, City Centre Mirdif will also stage the Mirdif Motor Show on January 10, showcasing a curated selection of vehicles within a retail setting that blends automotive design with lifestyle experiences.
City Centre Deira will introduce a winter activation from January 2 to 11, featuring immersive, film-inspired zones enhanced by AI-driven visuals, interactive challenges and digital play-and-win experiences.
12-hour Mega Sale headlines DSF promotions
One of the festival’s key retail moments, the 12-hour Mega Sale, returns on December 26, with discounts of up to 90 per cent across participating stores at Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira and City Centre Mirdif.
In addition, shoppers across the three malls on the day will have the chance to win Dhs1m in SHARE points, awarded to one winner.
Dhs1m Shop & Win campaign
Running from December 5 to January 11, the Shop & Win campaign gives customers who spend AED 300 or more at Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira or City Centre Mirdif the chance to win Dhs1m in cash, reinforcing DSF’s focus on high-impact rewards.
Enhanced loyalty rewards through SHARE
Mall of the Emirates will offer 15X SHARE points on fashion and accessories from December 25 to January 11, targeting peak seasonal spend.
Meanwhile, City Centre Deira and City Centre Mirdif will provide 10X SHARE points from January 2 to 25 across fashion, beauty and home furnishing categories, extending DSF momentum into the new year.
Driving footfall and engagement through experience-led retail
With immersive entertainment, limited-time sales, loyalty incentives and headline rewards, DSF at Majid Al Futtaim malls is positioned to drive footfall, boost dwell time and stimulate consumer spending during Dubai’s peak retail season, reinforcing the malls’ role as lifestyle and community hubs.
Closing the year with a landmark collaboration, BNW Developments, Ras Al Khaimah’s single largest private developer, has officially unveiled the first-ever Tonino Lamborghini Residences on Al Marjan Island. The launch marks a significant milestone for the emirate’s real estate sector, signalling a new chapter in waterfront ultra-luxury living defined by Italian heritage, architectural ambition, and long-term investment value.
The announcement positions BNW Developments at the forefront of Ras Al Khaimah’s rapidly evolving property landscape, while bringing the globally renowned Tonino Lamborghini lifestyle brand into one of the UAE’s most closely watched growth destinations. Together, the partners are introducing a development that blends scale, brand equity, and design-led living in a market increasingly attracting international attention.
The official unveiling took place at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena, drawing an influential audience of high-net-worth individuals, leading real estate brokers, industry stakeholders, and renowned Bollywood celebrities. The event underscored BNW Developments’ reputation for meticulously curated launch experiences, combining architectural storytelling with world-class entertainment.
The evening culminated in a live performance by acclaimed Indian singer Jubin Nautiyal, setting a new benchmark for luxury real estate launches in the region. Beyond spectacle, the event reflected the ambition behind the project, positioning Tonino Lamborghini Residences as not just a property offering, but a lifestyle statement aligned with global luxury standards.
Image credit: Supplied
A convergence of design, lifestyle, and investment
At the heart of the collaboration is the integration of Tonino Lamborghini’s signature design language and lifestyle ethos with BNW Developments’ forward-thinking approach to high-performance urban living. Known globally for sophistication, bold aesthetics, and Italian excellence, the Tonino Lamborghini brand brings a distinctive identity that elevates the project’s positioning within Ras Al Khaimah’s premium segment.
Every aspect of the development, from spatial planning to interior detailing, has been conceived as an immersive experience rooted in luxury, legacy, and long-term returns. The partnership reflects a shared vision to create spaces that balance emotional appeal with tangible investment value.
“At BNW, we don’t just build homes, we curate investment-grade lifestyle experiences,” said Ankur Aggarwal, chairman and founder of BNW Developments. “Partnering with Tonino Lamborghini is a milestone that reflects our vision to bring global design legends to the region, delivering spaces that celebrate heritage while creating tangible value for discerning investors and residents.”
Image credit: Supplied
Italian heritage reimagined for Ras Al Khaimah
Dr Vivek Anand Oberoi, MD and co-founder of BNW Developments, emphasised the emotional and cultural resonance behind the collaboration. “The Tonino Lamborghini brand has always spoken the language of emotion, proportion, and beauty. Through this collaboration, we are bringing this timeless, historical sensibility to Ras Al Khaimah, reimagined through BNW Developments’ modern, cosmopolitan vision,” he said.
Tonino Lamborghini, founder of the Tonino Lamborghini brand, echoed this sentiment, describing the project as an opportunity to transform space into an experience. “Living somewhere is not simply about inhabiting a place but choosing every day the emotions that place can inspire,” he said. According to Lamborghini, the partnership opens a new chapter in a strategic market, creating a destination that balances identity and future while reflecting his unmistakable design signature.
Image credit: Supplied
Project scope and design vision
Tonino Lamborghini Residences, Ras Al Khaimah will feature an exclusive collection of 377 residences, including studios, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, as well as villas, penthouses, and mansions. The project has been envisioned under the creative direction of Angela Krieger, with interior design led by Architect Carlos Rossi.
Each home reflects Tonino Lamborghini’s bold aesthetic and Italian craftsmanship, thoughtfully adapted to meet the expectations of cosmopolitan living in Ras Al Khaimah. The carefully curated mix of residences reinforces the project’s positioning as both a lifestyle destination and a strategic investment offering.
Reflecting on BNW Developments’ journey in Ras Al Khaimah, Dr Vivek Anand Oberoi highlighted the company’s early conviction in Al Marjan Island’s potential. BNW moved into the market at a time when few believed in its immediate prospects, securing a significant first-mover advantage.
“We truly believed that Al Marjan Island was going to become something spectacular, a vision that would rise from the sands and waters of Ras Al Khaimah,” he said. Today, BNW Developments has been announced by government stakeholders as the single largest private developer in the emirate, with approximately 90 per cent of its development portfolio located in Ras Al Khaimah.
Market dynamics drive strategic positioning
Industry fundamentals continue to support BNW’s bullish outlook. Ankur Aggarwal pointed to the impact of the upcoming Wynn gaming resort, which is expected to bring approximately 65,000 keys to the market. Current operating capacity stands at around 22,000 keys, creating a pronounced demand-supply imbalance.
“This clearly shows that there is a huge demand and a serious lack of supply,” Aggarwal said, noting that major global brands are increasingly converging on Al Marjan Island as the emirate’s prime growth corridor. Against this backdrop, BNW sought to introduce a brand that could not only compete but lead.
“A brand extension this large is extremely difficult and very special,” Lamborghini said, emphasising that true success lies not just in expansion, but in acceptance. The Ras Al Khaimah project, he noted, represents environments where contemporary comfort meets international charm.
With Tonino Lamborghini Residences, BNW Developments is positioning itself at the intersection of global branding, regional growth, and long-term investment, underscoring Ras Al Khaimah’s emergence as a serious contender on the global luxury real estate map.
Sharjah Police launch new licence plate category for classic vehicles and motorbikes
According to Sharjah Police, the category includes First Category and private plates for classic cars, along with First Category plates for motorcycles
Sharjah Police has launched a new category of licence plates for classic vehicles and motorcycles across the emirate, expanding options for collectors and enthusiasts.
The announcement was posted on the authority’s social media sites.
The newly introduced plates, which have now been officially rolled out, follow Sharjah’s approved vehicle plate design and align with the emirate’s broader visual identity.
The move is part of a wider initiative by Sharjah to enhance service quality
According to Sharjah Police, the category includes First Category and private plates for classic cars, along with First Category plates for motorcycles.
The design aims to meet modern regulatory standards while retaining the heritage character associated with classic vehicles.
The plates will be offered for sale in cooperation with Emirates Auction, providing a range of options intended to meet varying preferences while supporting efforts to modernise traffic services.
Authorities said the move is part of a wider initiative to enhance service quality for owners of classic vehicles and motorcycles, while strengthening the development of the emirate’s traffic management system.
