Huawei has unveiled its Pura 90s Series, introducing a flagship smartphone lineup designed to leverage next-generation 5.5G connectivity while advancing mobile photography through artificial intelligence and upgraded camera technology.

The new series is aimed at users seeking faster mobile performance, enhanced connectivity and professional-grade imaging, as telecommunications operators continue expanding advanced network capabilities across the region.

Built to support 5.5G networks, the Pura 90s Series delivers download speeds of up to 3.2Gbps, enabling faster file transfers, smoother cloud-based workflows, high-definition streaming and lower-latency communications.

Huawei said the devices have also been engineered to maintain reliable connectivity in traditionally weak-signal environments, including underground locations, tunnels, elevators, deserts and enclosed spaces, allowing users to remain connected in more challenging conditions.

Alongside its connectivity enhancements, Huawei is positioning the Pura 90s Pro Max as a flagship imaging device centred on telephoto photography.

The smartphone features a 200MP RYYB telephoto camera built around a 1/1.28-inch sensor, combined with CIPA 7.0 image stabilisation, enabling long-range photography and video capture with improved clarity and stability.

Huawei said the device also introduces chip-level 200MP RAW real-time image processing, supporting ultra-clear 20x telephoto video recording while preserving image quality over long distances.

The primary camera has also been upgraded with a 16EV Ultra Lighting HDR Camera featuring a large 1/1.28-inch RYYB sensor, designed to improve light sensitivity and dynamic range across a wide variety of lighting conditions.

Both the Pura 90s Pro Max and Pura 90s Pro include Huawei’s upgraded True-to-Colour Camera 2.0, which the company says improves colour accuracy by 43 per cent. The smartphones also feature an enhanced AI Composition tool that provides framing guidance and composition suggestions to help users capture more balanced photographs.

On the software side, Huawei has expanded the capabilities of its Celia voice assistant, enabling users to control system functions, launch applications, manage settings and perform productivity tasks using voice commands. The assistant also supports everyday queries, travel information, message drafting and document formatting.

The flagship model features Huawei’s new Anti-Reflection and Scratch-Resistant Kunlun Glass, which the company says reduces display reflections by up to 70 per cent, improving visibility in bright outdoor environments.

Powering the device is a 6,000mAh battery supporting 100W wired SuperCharge as well as fast wireless charging, reflecting Huawei’s continued focus on combining high-performance hardware with all-day battery life.

With the Pura 90s Series, Huawei is targeting growing demand for premium smartphones capable of supporting next-generation mobile networks while delivering AI-enhanced productivity and advanced imaging capabilities.

Al Ansari Financial Services, a leading financial institution in the GCC, has expanded its regional cross-border payments platform through new partnerships between its subsidiaries, Bahrain Financing Company (BFC) in Bahrain and Bahrain Exchange Company in Kuwait, with Western Union.

The latest partnerships are designed to broaden customer access to Western Union’s global money transfer network, which spans more than 200 countries and territories. Customers will be able to access international money transfer services through the extensive branch networks of BFC and BEC, reinforcing the group’s commitment to providing secure, seamless and reliable cross-border payment solutions across key GCC markets.

Expanded customer access across Bahrain and Kuwait

In Bahrain, BFC customers will gain access to Western Union’s services through the company’s nationwide network of 54 branches. Meanwhile, in Kuwait, customers can use Western Union’s international money transfer services through BEC Kuwait’s network of 53 branches, including locations at Kuwait International Airport.

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The partnerships are expected to provide customers with faster transaction times, enhanced digital capabilities and greater convenience when sending money abroad. By combining trusted local brands with a globally recognised money transfer network, the initiative aims to deliver greater flexibility and reliability for individuals, families and businesses that depend on international payments.

The expansion comes as demand for cross-border payment services continues to grow across the GCC, supported by increasing regional mobility, expanding trade and the ongoing importance of international remittances throughout the region.

Executives highlight regional growth strategy

Commenting on the expansion, Mohammad Bitar, deputy group chief executive officer of Al Ansari Financial Services, said: “These partnerships represent another important step in executing our regional growth strategy by strengthening the capabilities of our subsidiaries and expanding the financial solutions available to customers across the GCC. By combining the trusted local presence of BFC and BEC with Western Union’s extensive global network, we are enhancing our remittance proposition while providing customers with greater convenience, accessibility, and choice when transferring money internationally.”

Nicolas Levi, regional vice president, head of Middle East, Pakistan and Afghanistan at Western Union, said: “We are pleased to expand our collaboration with Al Ansari Financial Services through its established subsidiaries in Bahrain and Kuwait. By combining Western Union’s global money transfer network with the strong local presence of BFC and BEC, we are making it easier for customers to send money internationally and connect with their families across the world through trusted, convenient, and reliable channels while supporting the region’s growing demand for cross-border payment services.”

The partnerships support Al Ansari Financial Services’ broader strategy of expanding its regional financial services platform while strengthening its omnichannel capabilities. The Group said it remains focused on enhancing customer access to secure, seamless and reliable international payment solutions across the GCC, supporting evolving customer needs and reinforcing its long-term regional growth ambitions.

The UAE’s aviation sector has entered another competitive phase as two of the country’s leading airlines unveil extensive promotional campaigns designed to stimulate international travel demand during the second half of 2026.

Etihad Airways and Air Arabia have each introduced large-scale fare offers spanning dozens of destinations, providing travellers departing from the UAE with greater access to discounted international flights across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas and other key global markets.

The campaigns arrive as airlines continue to compete aggressively for both leisure and business travellers seeking value during the late summer, autumn and early winter travel periods. While both carriers are pursuing the same objective of encouraging early bookings, each campaign reflects a distinct commercial strategy aligned with its respective business model.

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Etihad’s latest Global Sale focuses on premium long-haul connectivity from Abu Dhabi with discounts of up to 20 per cent on eligible fares, while Air Arabia is leveraging its low-cost model through attractively priced one-way tickets from Sharjah to an extensive network of regional and international destinations.

Together, the promotions reinforce the UAE’s position as one of the world’s most competitive aviation markets, offering travellers an increasingly diverse range of flight options across multiple price points.

Etihad launches time-limited global sale

Etihad Airways has launched its latest Global Sale through its dedicated flight deals platform, inviting customers to book international travel with discounts of up to 20 per cent across more than 30 destinations.

Positioned as “your ticket to the adventure of a lifetime,” the campaign encourages travellers to secure bookings before the promotion closes on July 26. The airline has established a clearly defined booking period running from 00:00 local time on July 20 until 23:59 local time on July 26, 2026.

Eligible travel dates extend from August 15 through to November 30, 2026, allowing passengers to plan journeys during the late summer, autumn and early winter travel seasons.

The promotion applies to the base fare only, with taxes and applicable fees remaining payable separately. Those additional charges continue to be displayed throughout the booking process, ensuring travellers have visibility of the total cost before completing their reservation.

Etihad has made the promotion available across both one-way and return journeys on selected Economy Basic, Economy Value, Business Value and Business Comfort fare families, depending on route availability.

Broad international network takes centre stage

A central feature of Etihad’s campaign is the breadth of destinations available from Abu Dhabi. Through its offers platform and UAE departures pages, the airline highlights access to cities across Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s role as an international aviation hub.

The airline encourages customers to explore the latest discounts available across its global network while using the dedicated offers page as the primary gateway for current promotions.

Among the examples highlighted within Etihad’s booking ecosystem are flights from Abu Dhabi to Osaka’s Kansai International Airport, demonstrating the type of long-haul destination available during the promotional period when booked within the campaign window.

Beyond individual destinations, Etihad’s messaging centres on the global reach of its network. Travellers departing from the UAE are presented with access to major commercial centres throughout Asia, city-break destinations across Europe, leisure and visiting-friends-and-relatives markets in Africa, as well as long-haul services connecting Abu Dhabi with destinations throughout the Americas.

Rather than promoting a fixed destination list, the airline dynamically displays available routes according to travel dates and live seat availability, enabling customers to browse current promotional fares based on their preferred itinerary.

Fare conditions reflect standard commercial structure

As with most airline sales, availability remains subject to inventory at the time of booking. Etihad notes that promotional fares are limited and may not be available on every flight or travel date within the campaign period.

Customers are encouraged to review individual fare conditions before confirming their bookings, as certain routes may include blackout dates, weekend supplements, peak travel surcharges or other route-specific restrictions depending on seasonal demand.

Airport taxes, fuel charges and other applicable fees are excluded from the promotional discount and remain payable in full. The airline also notes that airport taxes may change without prior notice.

Passengers wishing to modify bookings made under the promotion must process any changes directly through Etihad’s website or call centres. Any amendments trigger a complete fare recalculation using the best available fare applicable to the revised itinerary.

The airline also reminds customers that obtaining valid visas and ensuring appropriate travel documentation remain the responsibility of individual travellers.

Abu Dhabi stopover adds value proposition

Alongside discounted fares, Etihad continues to promote Abu Dhabi as more than simply a transfer hub through its established stopover programme.

Selected travellers are offered the opportunity to spend up to two days in Abu Dhabi with enhanced hotel value, allowing international passengers to incorporate a short stay in the UAE capital before continuing to their final destination.

The stopover initiative complements the Global Sale by encouraging customers to combine discounted international travel with additional time exploring Abu Dhabi’s cultural attractions, coastline and modern tourism offerings.

The strategy strengthens the airline’s broader positioning of Abu Dhabi as both a destination and a global connecting hub while adding further value to long-haul itineraries originating from the UAE.

Air Arabia focuses on affordable summer travel

While Etihad is targeting premium international connectivity, Air Arabia has launched a separate campaign built around affordable one-way fares across its extensive Sharjah-based network.

Promoted under the banner “Fly into Summer with Early Savings,” the airline’s latest initiative encourages customers to secure flights well in advance of peak travel periods.

The campaign features promotional fares starting from Dhs499, while several destinations displayed through the booking platform are available at even lower prices depending on travel dates and seat availability.

Air Arabia’s strategy spans regional services within the Gulf alongside an extensive selection of European, Central Asian, South Asian and Southeast Asian destinations.

Regional routes strengthen Gulf connectivity

Within the Gulf Cooperation Council market, Air Arabia is promoting services from Sharjah to Doha, Bahrain and Salalah.

Selected one-way fares to Doha begin from Dhs390, while Bahrain is listed from Dhs487. Flights to Salalah are promoted from Dhs510, subject to departure dates and seat availability.

These routes target a broad mix of travellers, including business passengers, weekend holidaymakers and those visiting family and friends throughout the region.

Salalah’s inclusion also aligns with its strong seasonal appeal during the summer months, when visitors are attracted by the destination’s distinctive climate and natural landscapes.

Europe features prominently in campaign

Europe represents one of the largest components of Air Arabia’s promotional offering.

The airline is advertising services from Sharjah to Rome, Athens, Vienna, Prague, Warsaw, Milan-Bergamo, Krakow, Munich and London Gatwick.

Selected one-way fares include Rome from Dhs849, Athens from Dhs866, and Vienna, Prague and Warsaw from Dhs999.

Flights to Milan-Bergamo are displayed from Dhs1,027, Krakow from Dhs1,047, Munich from Dhs1,120 and London Gatwick from Dhs1,180.

The destination mix reflects a balance between popular leisure markets and important commercial centres, enabling the airline to appeal to tourists, corporate travellers and passengers visiting family and friends across Europe.

Central Asia and leisure markets expand choice

Air Arabia is also placing considerable emphasis on growing demand for Central Asia and the Caucasus.

Promotional fares include Baku from Dhs665, Yerevan from Dhs673, Tbilisi from Dhs735, Tashkent from Dhs798 and Almaty from Dhs923.

These destinations have become increasingly popular among UAE travellers due to relatively short flight times and a combination of cultural attractions, urban experiences and outdoor tourism opportunities.

The campaign also extends into several established leisure markets beyond Europe.

Customers can book Colombo from Dhs580, Istanbul Airport from Dhs700, Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport from Dhs736, Trabzon from Dhs812 and Malé in the Maldives from Dhs880.

For travellers planning longer international holidays, Bangkok is available from Dhs1,099, Kuala Lumpur from Dhs1,149 and Phuket from Dhs1,150.

The breadth of destinations enables Air Arabia to serve a wide range of customer segments, from budget-conscious regional travellers to families and holidaymakers planning longer overseas vacations.

Booking flexibility remains key

Air Arabia’s campaign page allows customers to search flights by departure point, destination, travel date and passenger numbers while comparing fares across different travel options.

The airline notes, however, that displayed prices were collected during the preceding 48 hours and may no longer be available when customers complete their booking.

As with most airline promotions, fares remain subject to availability, changing demand and selected travel dates. Optional products and ancillary services may also increase the final booking cost depending on each traveller’s individual requirements.

Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD) has announced the launch of its Jaywan Prepaid Cards, making it one of the first banks in the UAE to adopt the country’s domestic card scheme. The prepaid cards will be issued under a corporate arrangement while being used by retail customers, reinforcing CBD’s commitment to supporting the UAE’s evolving national payments infrastructure.

The launch marks another step in the bank’s efforts to contribute to the development of a more secure, efficient and locally driven payments ecosystem. By supporting Jaywan, CBD joins a growing number of financial institutions working to expand the adoption of the UAE’s national card scheme and accelerate the modernisation of the country’s payments landscape.

Supporting the UAE’s digital economy

Jaywan is operated by Al Etihad Payments (AEP) under the Central Bank of the UAE and serves as the country’s national domestic card scheme. The platform enables payment transactions to be processed within the UAE’s local payments infrastructure, helping strengthen the nation’s financial ecosystem while enhancing transaction efficiency.

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The scheme allows banks and financial institutions to issue debit, prepaid and credit cards that can be used across point-of-sale terminals, e-commerce platforms and ATM networks. It also supports contact and contactless payments, along with card tokenisation across major OEM Pay platforms.

CBD said the launch aligns with its broader strategy of expanding accessible and flexible payment solutions for individuals, businesses and organisations across the UAE. The initiative also supports Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33, which aims to foster innovation, accelerate digital transformation and strengthen the emirate’s position as a global economic hub.

Industry leaders highlight growing adoption

Andrea Ciancetti, chief products officer at Al Etihad Payments, said, “Prepaid solutions enable access to a wider range of customers, supporting everyday payments across the UAE. The launch of Jaywan Prepaid Cards with CBD reflects growing adoption of the UAE’s national payment scheme across diverse customer segments, reinforcing Jaywan’s role in delivering sovereign, inclusive, secure, and efficient payment experiences at scale.”

Aisha Almazrouei, chief customer officer at CBD, commented, “The introduction of Jaywan represents an important step in strengthening the UAE’s national payments infrastructure and delivering the country’s vision for a more self-reliant financial ecosystem. At CBD, we are proud to align with this initiative and to drive the adoption of the UAE’s domestic card scheme. Through the Jaywan prepaid cards, we aim to provide secure, efficient, and accessible payment solutions that meet the needs of our diverse customer base. This reflects CBD’s ongoing commitment to innovation and the development of financial services that support the UAE’s continued economic growth.”

CBD said it will continue working closely with regulators, partners and technology providers to advance secure digital payment capabilities and introduce solutions that improve convenience, transparency and trust across the banking ecosystem. The bank added that its continued support for initiatives such as Jaywan reflects its long-term commitment to strengthening the UAE’s financial infrastructure while delivering modern payment solutions that cater to the changing needs of customers and businesses.

Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air placed orders for 34 widebody aircraft with both Boeing BA.N and Airbus on Monday, as it accelerates its plans to reach more than 100 destinations by 2030.

The airline said it would exercise options for 28 Boeing 787 Dreamliners from an order placed in 2023 and convert 20 of those options into the larger 787-10 variant.

Separately, the carrier confirmed the purchase of six Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, firming up previously held purchase rights and bringing its total confirmed A350-1000 orders to 31 aircraft.

The aircraft orders, the first announced at this year’s Farnborough Airshow, come as Riyadh Air ramps up operations following the launch of several new routes since June, seeking to establish Riyadh as a major hub to compete with larger Middle Eastern rivals.

The carrier has already taken delivery of six 787-9 aircraft and currently serves six cities.

Backed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, Riyadh Air is central to the kingdom’s strategy to diversify its economy beyond oil and boost tourism and connectivity under its Vision 2030 plan.

The carrier has said it aims to connect the Saudi capital to more than 100 destinations worldwide by the end of the decade.