Cryptocurrency exchange Binance has launched Qafila 2026, a regional initiative offering a total of $1m in USDC rewards to eligible users across the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan, as new company data highlights growing participation by younger investors.

The initiative will allow eligible users to participate in activities involving trading, Simple Earn and community referrals, with rewards and participation requirements varying by market.

The launch comes as Binance reported that users aged 18–29 account for 50 per cent of its user base across MENA and Pakistan, rising to 54 per cent in Pakistan.

The figures highlight the growing role of Generation Z in the company’s regional customer base and its broader digital financial services ecosystem.

UAE leads regional adoption of Binance products

According to Binance’s internal data as of October 2026, 52.9 per cent of verified users across MENA and Pakistan have used at least two products within its ecosystem.

The UAE recorded the highest multi-product adoption rate at 69.3 per cent, followed by Bahrain at 57.2 per cent and Pakistan at 52.6 per cent.

The analysis covered 12 product categories, including Spot, Convert, Futures, Margin, Earn, Equities, bStocks, Alpha, Binance Square, Binance Academy, Binance Pay and peer-to-peer (P2P) services.

Binance clarified that the figures reflect historical product usage rather than necessarily indicating simultaneous or ongoing activity.

The company said the findings demonstrate growing engagement beyond cryptocurrency trading, with customers accessing savings-related products, payments, financial education and other services.

MENA stablecoin activity records growth

Binance also reported an increase in stablecoin activity across the region.

According to previous Binance Research findings, MENA’s share of global stablecoin balances held through Binance Earn increased from 5.53 per cent to 9.21 per cent, making it the fastest-growing region by this measure.

The region’s share of global stablecoin trading volume on Binance also increased from 7 per cent in 2023 to 11 per cent in 2026.

Within MENA, the UAE accounted for the largest stablecoin holdings on the platform.

Globally, Binance said 77 per cent of its users are based in emerging markets, compared with 49 per cent in 2020.

The company’s research also found that Gen Z users represent 44 per cent of Binance Direct Stocks and bStocks users.

Their share of new traditional finance (TradFi) users increased from 41 per cent in January to 47 per cent in July 2026.

Binance introduces Qafila 2026 rewards initiative

The Qafila campaign forms part of Binance’s wider strategy to bring digital assets, traditional financial markets, payments and educational services together under its All Finance on Binance vision.

Tarik Erk, Head of MENAT and Senior Executive Officer at Binance, said: “MENA and Pakistan are priority markets for Binance, where growing digital adoption is changing what users expect from financial services.”

“Our focus is to evolve alongside our community, bringing greater choice, practical utility and education into one ecosystem through our vision of All Finance on Binance. Qafila celebrates that community and the different ambitions driving its financial journey.”

The name Qafila is derived from the concept of a caravan, reflecting the campaign’s focus on shared participation among users across Arabic- and Urdu-speaking markets.

Eligible participants can access campaign activities involving trading, Simple Earn and referrals, with a combined reward pool of $1m in USDC.

However, Binance said participation and rewards are subject to local regulations, market availability and individual eligibility criteria.

Rewards are not guaranteed for every participant, and certain products or services may not be available in all markets.

Further details and participation requirements are available through the official Binance Qafila campaign page.

Cryptocurrency investments carry significant risks, including the potential loss of the full amount invested.

Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) has restored and restarted half of the reduction cells at its Al Taweelah smelter in Abu Dhabi, marking a major milestone in the facility’s recovery following an Iranian attack in March.

The company said 631 of the smelter’s 1,262 reduction cells have now been restarted, with restoration work progressing simultaneously across its three potlines.

The Al Taweelah smelter entered an emergency shutdown on March 28 after an Iranian attack on Khalifa Economic Zone Abu Dhabi prompted the full evacuation of the site.

EGA restarted the first restored reduction cell on May 26 and has since accelerated efforts to bring the facility back into operation.

The company expects the smelter to return to full production during the first quarter of 2027.

EGA targets full production by Q1 2027

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, chief executive officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: “With our sustained good progress, we continue to expect that we will reach full production at Al Taweelah smelter during Q1 2027. The restoration of Al Taweelah is the biggest challenge we have ever faced as a company. Thousands of dedicated colleagues are working around the clock to bring back Al Taweelah, and EGA, stronger than ever before.”

Following the emergency shutdown, molten aluminium solidified inside every reduction cell, leaving metal pads weighing up to 45 tonnes that had to be removed before operations could resume.

EGA said almost 80 per cent of the cells can be restarted following removal of the solidified metal.

The remaining cells require additional repairs, including demolition and replacement of their internal linings, depending on their operating condition before the shutdown.

To accelerate the restoration, EGA has more than tripled its capacity to repair and restart reduction cells compared with its normal maintenance programme.

The company achieved this by optimising workflows, deploying additional equipment, strengthening workforce capabilities and introducing new industrial processes.

Once restarted, each reduction cell typically requires about a week to stabilise and reach full production.

Some of the molten aluminium produced is used to restart additional cells, while the remainder is transferred to EGA’s Casthouse for processing into finished aluminium products.

EGA accelerates E40 technology upgrades

EGA is also using the restoration period to accelerate the deployment of its E40 technology pilot at Al Taweelah.

The project involves upgrading 13 reduction cells operating with DX technology to test the performance of the new system before a potential wider rollout.

The pilot would otherwise have required operating cells to be shut down during construction.

If successfully deployed across all 808 DX technology reduction cells at Al Taweelah, EGA estimates that E40 technology could increase annual molten aluminium production by 67,000 tonnes.

The company said the pilot will help establish the technology’s performance before a decision on industrial-scale implementation.

Al Taweelah alumina refinery operates at 50% capacity

Meanwhile, EGA confirmed that its Al Taweelah alumina refinery continues to operate at approximately 50 per cent capacity.

Although the refinery is technically ready to increase production, EGA said the timing of any further ramp-up would depend on supply chain conditions and the optimisation of its alumina sourcing strategy.

The restoration of the smelter remains a key operational priority for EGA, which is working to progressively recover production capacity while undertaking equipment repairs and technology upgrades.

The company has maintained its target of returning the Al Taweelah smelter to full production in Q1 2027.

Dubai’s Rental Disputes Center (RDC) has urged landlords, tenants and real estate brokers to carefully review tenancy agreements before signing, following a recent increase in disputes linked to overlooked contract clauses and undocumented arrangements.

The centre warned that tenancy agreements are legally binding documents and should not be treated as routine formalities before occupying a property or starting commercial operations.

According to the RDC, several recent disputes have resulted from parties failing to understand contractual obligations, relying on verbal agreements or making arrangements that were never formally documented.

These disagreements have, in some cases, resulted in legal claims involving eviction, compensation and financial obligations.

Dubai RDC highlights common rental contract mistakes

The RDC cited a case involving a commercial tenant who became involved in a legal dispute with his landlord several months after beginning business operations.

The disagreement concerned payment arrangements and financial guarantees included in the tenancy agreement.

According to the centre, the tenant had not fully considered these provisions before signing the contract and subsequently relied on separate arrangements that had not been formally documented.

As the dispute progressed, the written agreement was found to contain clearly defined obligations accepted by both parties, while the tenant’s undocumented arrangements lacked sufficient evidentiary weight before the relevant authority.

The RDC said the case demonstrated how overlooking contractual details can lead to financial and legal consequences.

It added that many rental disputes arise not necessarily from deliberate wrongdoing but from parties signing agreements without properly reviewing their terms.

Particular attention should be paid to provisions covering payment deadlines, eviction procedures, contractual penalties and the conditions governing renewal or termination.

Why Ejari registration matters in Dubai

The RDC also stressed the importance of registering tenancy agreements through Dubai’s Ejari system.

Ejari provides an officially recognised framework for recording rental agreements and helps regulate relationships between landlords and tenants.

The centre warned that failing to register a tenancy contract could create procedural difficulties when attempting to establish or enforce certain rights and obligations before official authorities.

It also urged landlords and tenants to retain relevant correspondence, notices and other supporting documentation throughout the rental relationship.

Any amendments to the original agreement, including changes to payment arrangements or other contractual conditions, should be formally documented rather than relying solely on verbal assurances or informal messages.

RDC urges tenants and landlords to understand obligations

The centre emphasised that a stable rental relationship begins with understanding the agreement before it is signed, rather than simply ensuring that rent is paid and the property is handed over.

It advised all parties to examine contractual provisions carefully and ensure that any additional arrangements are properly recorded.

The guidance applies to both residential and commercial rental relationships, where misunderstandings over contractual terms can result in disputes and financial losses.

The RDC said improving legal awareness among landlords, tenants and brokers would help safeguard contractual rights, reduce avoidable disputes and strengthen confidence in Dubai’s rental market.

Jennifer Lopez will headline the Friday After-Race Concert at the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 4, 2026, joining singer-songwriter Alex Warren for a double-billed performance on Yas Island.

The announcement was made by Ethara Live, which confirmed that Lopez will bring The JLo Show to Etihad Live, formerly known as Etihad Park, as part of the Yasalam presented by etisalat entertainment programme.

The performance will take place during the four-day Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, scheduled from December 3 to 6 at Yas Marina Circuit.

Lopez’s return to Abu Dhabi adds another international artist to the event’s entertainment programme, which combines Formula 1 racing with live music and hospitality experiences.

Jennifer Lopez brings The JLo Show to Yas Island

The concert will feature some of Lopez’s best-known hits, including Waiting for Tonight, Let’s Get Loud, Jenny from the Block, On the Floor, All I Have and I’m Real.

The singer and actress has sold more than 80 million records worldwide and has generated billions of music streams and video views.

Her film career has also contributed more than $3bn to the global box office, according to Ethara Live.

David Powell, chief portfolio & strategy officer at Ethara Live, said: “Jennifer Lopez is one of the world’s most iconic entertainers, and her ability to connect with audiences across generations makes her the perfect artist to headline the Friday After-Race Concert at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This year’s Yasalam presented by etisalat entertainment programme continues to bring together the world’s biggest artists, reflecting our ambition to deliver the biggest and most exciting entertainment event of the year.”

Abu Dhabi F1 2026 concert access and tickets

The Friday concert will also feature Alex Warren, with both artists performing at Etihad Live on Yas Island.

Access to the After-Race Concerts is exclusive to Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket holders.

Eligible ticket holders can also purchase a Golden Circle upgrade, which guarantees concert access and provides a viewing area closer to the stage.

The Yasalam entertainment programme forms part of the wider Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend, which attracts international visitors to Yas Island for motorsport, concerts and hospitality events.

The 2026 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will run from Thursday, December 3, to Sunday, December 6, at Yas Marina Circuit.

Tickets and further information are available through the official Abu Dhabi Grand Prix website.

The UAE’s pension system has improved its performance in the 2026 Global Pension Index, with its overall score rising to 70.0 from 64.9 in 2025, according to the latest assessment published by Marsh’s People and Investments business (formerly Mercer), and CFA Institute.

The improvement saw the UAE’s retirement-income system upgraded from a C+ to a B grade, reflecting progress across key areas of pension provision.

The UAE also received A grades for adequacy and integrity, highlighting the assessment of pension benefits and protections available to insured members.

The Global Pension Index evaluates retirement-income systems based on three main pillars: adequacy, sustainability and integrity. It also considers economic, social and demographic factors that influence the long-term effectiveness of pension systems.

UAE pension reforms support improved performance

The General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) said the index provides an international benchmark for assessing the UAE’s retirement-income system and identifying opportunities for further improvement.

The authority emphasised that maintaining pension sustainability remains a national priority, particularly as the country seeks to protect the rights of current pensioners while ensuring the system can support future generations.

The improvement follows several legislative and administrative developments in the UAE’s pension sector.

These include the introduction of Federal Decree-Law No. 57 of 2023 on Pension and Social Security, alongside efforts to modernise pension services and improve retirement planning.

GPSSA has also continued expanding its digital services to make pension-related information and transactions more accessible to insured members and pensioners.

GPSSA expands financial literacy initiatives

As part of its efforts to strengthen retirement preparedness, GPSSA has introduced programmes aimed at improving financial awareness and encouraging earlier retirement planning.

These include the Wafra programme, which focuses on financial literacy, and the Balanced Step programme, which provides financial guidance.

The authority also offers Pension Advisory Services and digital services through its Ma’ashi platform.

These initiatives are intended to help UAE citizens better understand their pension entitlements, manage their finances and make informed decisions about retirement.

Focus on long-term pension sustainability

GPSSA said it would continue reviewing the findings and recommendations of the 2026 Global Pension Index in coordination with relevant government entities.

The authority plans to use the assessment to identify opportunities to improve pension services, strengthen the retirement-income framework and support long-term financial sustainability.

The UAE’s improved performance reflects progress in its retirement-income system, although the authority stressed that continued development remains essential to meeting the needs of both current and future generations.