It doesn’t take long to get a read on a car. Some vehicles project a quiet confidence from the first glance, while others feel unmistakably modern the moment you step inside.

The most successful models tend to carry an added sense of personality, revealed through small details that shape how a vehicle fits into everyday life. On UAE roads, that balance matters as much as raw specifications. Daily driving can move quickly from a morning commute to a spontaneous coffee stop and on to an after-work visit to the nearest Carrefour. A car that feels comfortable and intuitive throughout those transitions becomes part of the routine rather than a distraction from it.

That is the positioning behind Lepas, Chery Group’s new global new-energy brand. Framed around the idea of “Drive Your Elegance,” Lepas is aimed at buyers who value comfort, refinement, and design-led usability as much as performance numbers. Much of the development focus has been placed on the cabin and how it supports the driver and passengers across everyday journeys.

A brand built around three core ideas

The Lepas name is anchored in three concepts that the brand consistently references as the foundation of its identity and design approach.

“Leopard” represents harmony between speed, power, and elegance, forming the basis of what Lepas describes as its nature-inspired “leopard aesthetics.” The philosophy emphasises control and precision in motion, with exterior and interior forms shaped to reflect biomechanical efficiency. Through advanced, platform-based technologies, the brand aims to deliver a driving experience that feels dynamic and responsive while remaining refined.

“Leap” speaks to global ambition and a decisive move toward a future where mobility feels seamless across markets. It reflects the intent to cross geographical and cultural boundaries, offering an experience designed to translate well from one region to another. In LEPAS terms, it represents both the courage to innovate and the capability to deliver technology-driven mobility with worldwide reach.

“Passion” centers on the driver. It acknowledges that vehicle choices are guided as much by taste as by logic, and that the daily relationship between car and owner matters. Within the Lepas framing, the vehicle becomes a partner in a vibrant lifestyle, aligned with drivers who value individuality and refuse to settle for the mundane.

Those three ideas converge most clearly in what Lepas calls an “exquisite space.” The phrase reflects a cabin designed to feel intentional from the moment occupants step inside, with an emphasis on comfort and practicality rather than idealised driving scenarios. The result is a more lifestyle-led interpretation of premium, supported by nearly three decades of engineering scale from Chery Group.

Interior features underline that approach, including a full LCD instrument panel, a large central touchscreen, and connectivity options such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Comfort and convenience elements range from power-adjustable seating and wireless charging to a panoramic sunroof, air purification, and rear-seat amenities such as folding tray tables and reading lamps.

Performance, range, and safety focus

Under the hood, Lepas models are built around the Chery Super Hybrid System, combining a 1.5 litre turbo engine with dual electric motors.

The setup delivers a combined output of around 315 horsepower, supported by an 18.3 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery. Electric driving range is rated at approximately 95 to 100 kilometres, while total range exceeds 1,300 kilometres when combining battery and fuel.

Performance figures include a claimed 0–100 km/hr time of 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 180 km/h, with support for DC fast charging. The drivetrain features dual-motor all-wheel drive, aligning with the brand’s emphasis on control and responsiveness.

Safety and driver assistance systems are positioned as a core part of the offering. Features include up to eight airbags, comprehensive braking and stability systems, and a wide suite of advanced driver assistance technologies such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot detection, and a 360-degree camera system.

With Al Ghurair Mobility confirmed as its regional partner, LEPAS is expected to launch in the Middle East in the first half of 2026, with the UAE identified as one of its key markets. The move marks the next step in Chery Group’s global expansion strategy, bringing a design-driven, comfort-focused interpretation of new-energy mobility to a region where daily usability and premium feel carry increasing weight in purchase decisions.

Emirates has announced the addition of four weekly flights between Dubai and Manila, effective April 2, as part of its broader growth strategy in Southeast Asia and its long-term commitment to the Philippines.

The additional services will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Flight EK330 will depart Dubai at 12:45hrs, arriving in Manila at 1:25hrs the following day. The return service, EK331, will depart Manila at 3:25hrs and arrive in Dubai at 8:25hrs. All timings are local.

The new flights will be operated by Emirates’ Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, featuring eight private suites in First Class, 42 lie-flat seats in Business Class and 304 seats in Economy Class. With the expanded schedule, Emirates will offer enhanced connectivity for corporate travellers, marine customers and the Filipino diaspora across its global network, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Spain, the United States, Kuwait, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Turkey, Portugal and South Africa.

The expanded services also improve connectivity for passengers travelling between Manila and key markets in Canada and the United States, as well as late-morning European departures such as Milan, London, Budapest and Athens via Dubai.

Passengers travelling on the Dubai–Manila route will continue to benefit from Emirates’ onboard and ground services across all classes, including regionally inspired cuisine, complimentary beverages and access to the airline’s ice inflight entertainment system. The platform offers more than 6,500 channels of on-demand content in over 40 languages, including Tagalog, featuring movies, television programmes, music, games, audiobooks and podcasts.

Tickets are available through emirates.com, the Emirates App, online and offline travel agents, and Emirates retail stores.

Cargo capacity boost

In addition to passenger services, the expanded schedule will also increase cargo capacity between the UAE and the Philippines. Each Boeing 777-300ER can carry up to 20 tonnes of cargo in its bellyhold with a full passenger load. The four additional weekly flights will strengthen trade flows between Manila and Dubai, as well as key markets across Europe, the United States and the Indian subcontinent.

The expansion follows the recent signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and the Philippines. With established operations in Manila and Cebu/Clark, Emirates is well positioned to support growing bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

More than three decades in the Philippines

Emirates launched services to Manila in 1990 and has steadily expanded its footprint in the Philippines, including a circular service to Cebu and Clark. The airline currently operates 28 weekly flights to the country, which will increase to 34 weekly services following the introduction of EK330/331.

Through its partnership with Philippine Airlines, Emirates also provides onward connectivity to domestic destinations beyond its own network, including five points via Manila, seven via Cebu and three via Clark, with convenient baggage check-through to final destinations.

Last year, Emirates opened its first Emirates World Store in Southeast Asia, located in Manila. The retail space allows customers to experience elements of the airline’s onboard products, including the A380 lounge bar, and browse a selection of Emirates-branded merchandise and travel accessories.

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The UAE achieved significant growth across its energy, infrastructure, maritime transport, housing, and digital transformation sectors in 2025, demonstrating its ability to pair long-term strategic planning with tangible execution, according to a WAM report.

The achievements reflect a government approach built on innovation, operational efficiency, and improving quality of life, showing how national strategies are effectively translated into measurable outcomes that enhance the UAE’s global competitiveness.

The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure issued 3,567 housing support decisions in 2025, totaling Dhs2.546bn, covering grants, loans, and financing solutions.

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These measures contributed to an unprecedented rise in homeownership, pushing the rate among UAE citizens to 91 per cent, positioning the UAE among the highest globally. The country also won the presidency of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) General Assembly for the first time and secured a seat on its Executive Council, reinforcing its influence in global housing and urban development discussions.

Energy sector: Driving efficiency and global leadership

2025 marked the launch of the Global Energy Efficiency Alliance, attracting participation from more than 40 countries and international organisations. This initiative underscores the UAE’s growing role in leading global efforts to reduce energy consumption and enhance efficiency.

The year also saw the publication of the State of Energy Report 2025, the UAE’s election to the Water Council of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the launch of a guidance manual for supporting domestic workers in eight languages, designed to raise awareness about responsible consumption.

In line with its long-term strategy, the National Energy and Water Demand Management Programme 2050 reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to reducing energy demand by 42–45 per cent by 2050 through projects spanning industrial, agricultural, built environment, and transport sectors.

Infrastructure and transport: Roads, projects, and capacity expansion

The ministry developed the National Agenda for Addressing Traffic Congestion, encompassing over Dhs170bn in national transport and road projects through 2030.

The key initiatives include:

• Emirates Road upgrading and capacity enhancement project (Dhs750m investment)
• Increasing Al Ittihad Road capacity by 60 per cent and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road by 45 per cent
• Feasibility study for a Fourth Federal Road, extending 120kms and accommodating up to 360,000 trips per day

The ministry also completed five major transformational projects, including:

• Humanisation of buildings for health and well-being
• Green Recycling Yards Project
• Advancement of green industrial transformation
• Sustainable Farm Irrigation Project
• Recycling of electric and hybrid vehicle batteries

These initiatives illustrate the UAE’s commitment to building efficient, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure.

The UAE reinforced its global maritime role by hosting the World Maritime Day Parallel Event and launching the National Maritime Navigation Centre. The country also secured re-election for the fifth consecutive term to Category “B” membership of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), further consolidating its influence on international maritime governance.

Awards, certifications, and the community engagement

The ministry’s operational excellence was recognized with 41 local, regional, and international awards and 19 ISO certifications, reflecting mature administrative systems and high-quality processes.

Community engagement was strengthened through 30 customer council meetings across the Emirates and 26 agreements and MOUs aimed at expanding partnerships, knowledge exchange, and amplifying the impact of national projects. Additionally, 2025 saw the launch of the first fully integrated digital government services centre in Fujairah, advancing the UAE’s digital transformation agenda.

Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, minister of Energy and Infrastructure, commented on the achievements:

“The year 2025 represents an important milestone in the development journey of the energy, infrastructure, transport, and housing sectors in the UAE. We witnessed tangible progress in strategic projects that reflect the vision of our wise leadership in building an integrated, efficient, and sustainable ecosystem capable of supporting economic growth and enhancing quality of life.”

He emphasised the ministry’s focus on strengthening federal infrastructure, improving energy efficiency, and developing advanced housing solutions to align with citizens’ evolving needs.

“The achievements realised in 2025 confirm the ministry’s ability to translate national plans into concrete, data-driven results through effective governance, efficient resource management, and expanded local, regional, and international partnerships.”

Looking ahead, Al Mazrouei noted:

“We commence 2026 confidently, building on clear results and solid foundations while reaffirming our commitment to the objectives of the ‘We the UAE 2031’ Vision, on the path toward the UAE Centennial 2071. The ministry will continue ensuring advanced infrastructure, sustainable energy, and flexible housing solutions that enhance the country’s competitiveness and leadership regionally and globally.”

The UAE’s 2025 achievements across energy, housing, infrastructure, maritime transport, and digital transformation sectors demonstrate a successful model of strategic vision meeting effective implementation. From historic homeownership milestones to global energy leadership, record-breaking infrastructure projects, and international recognition, the UAE has reinforced its position as a regional and global powerhouse, ready to build on these foundations for decades to come.

The US, Qatar and the UAE have signed the Pax Silica Declaration, a US-led initiative focused on securing semiconductor and artificial intelligence-related technology value chains.

Qatar inked the non-binding declaration with the US on January 12 at a ceremony in Doha, with US Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg and Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Sayed noting the pact’s role in strengthening secure and reliable technology supply chains and supporting national economic transformation goals.

UAE signs Pax Silica pact

The UAE also formally signed the Pax Silica Declaration on January 14 in Abu Dhabi, making it the ninth country to join the initiative, according to a US State Department announcement.

The pact was signed by UAE Minister of State Saeed bin Mubarak Al Hajeri and Helberg, with the State Department describing the move as a historic milestone in regional economic integration and a reflection of the UAE’s strategic importance in energy, technology and global supply chains. ” The UAE is, and will be, a cherished partner of choice for the US for decades to come,” Helberg said in a statement, marking the agreement.

“By joining Pax Silica, the UAE is reinforcing a core principle we share with the US: that the future of artificial intelligence must be grounded in trust and resilient global partnerships. But Pax Silica is about more than AI alone — it is also about economic prosperity, critical minerals and the infrastructure that powers the digital age,” UAE Ambassador to US Yousef Al Otaiba said in a statement.

Pact aims to support the expansion of AI and semi-conductors

Launched by the US Department of State in December 2025, Pax Silica aims to build secure, resilient and innovation-driven supply chains that span critical minerals, semiconductors, artificial intelligence infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, logistics and energy systems.

Under the pact, signatory countries commit to cooperation on technology supply chains, including efforts to strengthen trusted partnerships and reduce vulnerabilities tied to single-source dependencies, officials say.

Members plan to explore joint projects spanning compute infrastructure, mineral processing, manufacturing and logistics.

The expansion of Pax Silica to include UAE and US marks a notable broadening of the initiative beyond its original group of founding participants, which included the US, Britain, Australia, Israel, Japan, South Korea and Singapore.

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Faruh Kurbanov’s professional trajectory is rooted in an experience far removed from the global real estate market he operates in today. Born in Karaganda, a mining town in central Kazakhstan, he grew up in modest circumstances, moving frequently between rented homes. By his own account, his family relocated more than sixty times during his childhood. The instability of those early years shaped his approach to life and business: resilience, discipline and an early understanding that sustainable results require long-term effort.

Kurbanov began working at the age of fifteen. Today, at forty, his schedule still reflects that early work ethic, with long days and hands-on involvement in the businesses he leads. For many years, financial success was the primary motivator. Over time, however, his perspective evolved. Capital, he realised, is not a goal in itself, but a tool — one that can be deployed to create lasting value beyond balance sheets.

His rise in business was swift. After working as an installer at a window company, Kurbanov launched his own window manufacturing operation, which later expanded into construction. Within five years, he earned his first million dollars. Real estate investments, premium cars and frequent travel followed. Yet the material markers of success failed to provide long-term fulfilment, prompting a reassessment of purpose and direction.

A turning point came through a personal reflection on a hadith that would later define both his personal and corporate philosophy: “The best among you are those who bring benefit to others.” This idea became the foundation of DIA Holding, the construction and project management group he co-founded. The principle — articulated internally as “Live and benefit others” — informs strategic decisions, project selection and the company’s long-term vision.

Today, DIA Holding operates across Kazakhstan, the UAE and Spain, positioning itself as a value-driven developer with a focus on long-term impact. One of the most visible expressions of this approach is the group’s involvement with the Mereke Charitable Foundation, where DIA Holding acts as a principal sponsor. Through Mereke, the company supports housing and education initiatives for low-income families in Astana and Almaty.

In the 2024–2025 academic year, more than 120 students received DIA-funded scholarships. The broader objective extends beyond financial assistance: Kurbanov has articulated a long-term vision of building an integrated educational ecosystem designed to shape socially responsible and well-educated future leaders.

Several projects are already operational. The Sana Bilim Centre in Astana serves approximately 1,000 school-age children, offering more than twenty programmes across sports, arts and supplementary education. The facility includes a professional 25-metre swimming pool, art and dance studios, and culinary classrooms. Alongside this, the Sana Campus accommodates 100 residents, providing meals, services and 24-hour security in cooperation with partner educational institutions.

In Almaty, the Sana Urpaq nursery accommodates 180 children in a purpose-built, three-storey facility with a sports hall, pottery studio and salt therapy room. All educational projects were developed from the ground up — from site selection and design to construction and landscaping — reflecting DIA Holding’s preference for full-cycle project delivery rather than short-term returns.

In 2025, the group announced plans for the development of Sana School, a private educational institution in Astana designed for up to 800 pupils. Admissions are scheduled to begin in early 2026, with the first academic year commencing in September.

Beyond social initiatives, Kurbanov is recognised for operational efficiency. In Kazakhstan, DIA Holding has built a reputation for completing construction projects within nine to ten months — nearly twice as fast as the local industry average. This performance is driven by the application of kaizen, the Japanese management philosophy centred on continuous improvement and waste reduction, applied across planning, logistics and execution.

The same approach underpins the company’s expansion in the Middle East. One of DIA Holding’s flagship international projects is LuzOra, located on Dubai Islands. The land was acquired for USD 6.5 million, with current offers reportedly reaching USD 19 million. Despite this, the group opted to proceed with development rather than pursue an early exit, reflecting DIA Holding’s long-term goals in the region.

LuzOra is not positioned as a traditional luxury project, yet it is designed to offer a high level of service. Planned features include concierge support, on-demand wellness services, golf-cart access to the beach and potential partnership agreements with neighbouring hotels, which are currently under consideration. DIA Holding has committed to completing construction within 24 months, compared to the regional average of approximately 36 months.

For Kurbanov, recognition is secondary to execution. As DIA Holding continues to expand geographically and operationally, its core principle remains unchanged: real estate, when guided by purpose and discipline, can create sustainable value for both investors and communities.

Here is the official website of DIA Developments.