Growth in professional services is rarely defined by a single announcement. More often, it shows up through steady decisions about people, leadership and where a firm chooses to invest its time and judgement. That approach is evident at Grant Thornton UAE, which has announced ten new Partner appointments as it continues to expand its presence in the UAE.

These appointments span across audit and assurance, advisory and people and culture as the firm strengthens leadership to meet rising demand for governance, transactions and digital expertise in a more complex UAE market.

The new Partners are Sameer Abdi, Partner and Head of Advisory; Chris Quinn, Audit Partner; Hani Zeidan, Audit Partner; Ahmad Chit, Forensics Partner; Ahmed Afify, Audit Partner; Haris Saigal, Audit Partner; Rajeev Patel, Financial Due Diligence Partner; Anand Balasubramanian, Partner and Head of Risk & Compliance Advisory; Veronica Fox, People Partner; and Richard Hills, Partner and Head of Risk Innovation & Digital Forensics.

Taken together, the group reflects the mix of issues increasingly shaping boardroom conversations across the UAE. Regulatory complexity has increased, scrutiny has intensified, and technology is changing how transactions, governance and value creation are approached. In that environment, businesses are looking for advisers who combine technical depth with practical judgement and a clear understanding of how data, automation and digital tools are reshaping decision-making.

Several of the appointments have been years in the making. Ahmed Afify and Haris Saigal have both been promoted into the partnership after holding senior roles within the firm. Their progression reflects a long-term approach to leadership development, built through sustained client relationships and experience rooted in the local market.

The wider group brings additional depth across specialist areas where demand has continued to grow, particularly transactions, restructuring, investigations and assurance. As business models evolve and expectations around governance rise, the need for senior advisers who can navigate both complexity and pace has become more pronounced.

At firm level, Partner appointments carry a broader responsibility. Hisham Farouk, CEO of Grant Thornton UAE, sees the expansion as part of how the firm supports both clients and the wider business environment.

“These appointments recognise individuals who have earned the confidence of clients and colleagues through the quality of their work and the way they lead,” he says. “Each Partner brings not only strong judgement and a deep sense of responsibility that goes beyond individual engagements, but also a commitment to our wider vision to deliver excellence consistently and to meet clients where they are with the insight and responsiveness they need in a rapidly evolving market.”

The significance of the UAE within the wider Grant Thornton Advisors platform also comes through. Jim Peko, CEO of Grant Thornton Advisors LLC, points to the depth of leadership emerging across the firm.

 “The UAE is not only an important market for us – it is a driving force within our 24,000-strong platform,” he says. “The leadership emerging here, grounded in deep local insight and matched with our multinational ambition, reflects the strength of our platform and the exceptional people who power it. The UAE plays a pivotal role in delivering the seamless cross border experience our clients expect, and it continues to set the pace for what excellence looks like across Grant Thornton.”

From a regional perspective, the appointments align with a broader focus on leadership that is close to clients and grounded in experience. Steve Tennant, CEO of Grant Thornton Advisors for Europe, Middle East and Africa, emphasises the importance of judgement in a changing environment.

“What clients value most today is advisers who truly understand the forces reshaping the markets they operate in and who recognise the responsibility that comes with staying ahead of that change,” he says. “As the professional services landscape evolves at unprecedented speed, these new appointments demonstrate the forward looking perspective needed to navigate what’s next.”

There is also a strong people dimension to the expansion, which reflects how talent, leadership and culture have become central to firm performance, particularly as competition for skills remains high across professional services.

Timing matters too. While advisory and deal activity move in cycles, demand for assurance, governance and risk support has remained consistent. Clients are adjusting to new regulatory frameworks, evolving transaction models and increased use of technology in decision-making. Having senior leaders with the right mix of experience in place makes a practical difference.

What stands out is the measured nature of the move. Grant Thornton UAE has focused on adding leadership where it sees sustained demand and growing responsibility. In a maturing market, growth is built through people, judgement, and time.

The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has announced the launch of a new trade bridge connecting Sharjah in the UAE with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, aimed at enhancing logistics integration and improving the efficiency of cross-border cargo movement.

The initiative, unveiled via an official post on X, is positioned as a strategic step to support the smooth flow of goods between the two markets while strengthening regional supply chain connectivity.

According to details shared by Mawani, the corridor will enable direct connectivity between Sharjah and Dammam, integrating both land and sea transport across a unified logistics route. The model is designed to facilitate faster and more efficient cargo movement, while improving coordination between ports and inland logistics hubs.

The authority highlighted several operational capabilities of the corridor, including streamlined cross-border processes, multimodal transport integration, and enhanced infrastructure linkages between key trade nodes in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

From a commercial standpoint, the trade bridge is expected to reduce transit times, improve cargo flow efficiency, and enhance distribution performance across the corridor. It also aims to increase the reliability of transport between the two markets, providing businesses with more predictable and resilient logistics options.

Mawani added that the initiative will contribute to strengthening trade connectivity between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, supporting the growth of regional trade and enabling faster access to key markets. The corridor is also expected to enhance overall supply chain resilience, particularly as regional trade volumes continue to expand.

Global air travel remains severely disrupted after the war in Iran forced the closure of major Middle Eastern hubs, including Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi, stranding tens of thousands of passengers.

Below is the latest on flights, in alphabetical order:

Aegean Airlines

Greece’s largest carrier has cancelled flights to Tel Aviv, Beirut and Amman until April 22, and to Erbil and Baghdad until May 24. Flights to Dubai have been cancelled until April 19 and to Riyadh until April 18.

Airbaltic

Latvia’s airBaltic said all flights to Tel Aviv had been cancelled until April 29. All flights to Dubai stand cancelled until October 24.

Air Canada

The Canadian carrier has cancelled all flights to Tel Aviv until May 2 and to Dubai until March 28.

Air Europa

The Spanish airline has cancelled all flights to Tel Aviv until April 10.

Air France KLM

Air France has cancelled Tel Aviv and Beirut flights until March 28 and Dubai and Riyadh flights until March 24, including the March 25 departure from Dubai.

KLM suspended flights to Riyadh, Dammam and Dubai until May 17 and to Tel Aviv until April 11.

Cathay Pacific

The Hong Kong airline has cancelled all passenger and cargo flights to Dubai and Riyadh until April 30. It has, however, added extra flights to London between March 21 and March 28 due to increased demand.

Delta

The US carrier has cancelled its New York-Tel Aviv flights until May 31 and Tel Aviv-New York flights until June 1. The restart of its Atlanta-Tel Aviv route has been delayed, with flights to Tel Aviv paused until August 4 and from Tel Aviv until August 5.

El Al Israel Airlines

The Israeli carrier said operational constraints are preventing regular flights from Israel, except in rare, exceptional cases, and that it is continuing efforts to bring passengers home. The airline has also urged authorities to open Ramon Airport near Eilat.

Emirates

The UAE airline said it was operating a reduced flight schedule following a partial reopening of regional airspace.

Etihad Airways

The UAE carrier said it was operating a limited commercial flight schedule between Abu Dhabi and select destinations.

Finnair

The Finnish carrier has cancelled its Dubai flights until March 29 and Doha flights until July 2, while continuing to avoid the airspace of Iraq, Iran, Syria and Israel.

Flynas

Saudi budget airline Flynas has extended its suspension of flights to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Doha, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq and Syria until March 31.

IAG

IAG-owned British Airways has extended cancellations of flights to Amman, Bahrain, Dubai and Tel Aviv until May 31 and to Doha until April 30, while adding flights to Bangkok and Singapore. Flights to Abu Dhabi remain suspended until later this year.

Indigo

The Indian airline has suspended operations to Doha, Kuwait, Bahrain, Dammam, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah until March 28.

Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines has suspended scheduled Tokyo-Doha flights until March 31 and Doha-Tokyo flights until April 1.

LOT

The Polish airline said all its flights to Dubai stand cancelled until March 28 and to Tel Aviv until May 31. It has also cancelled flights to Riyadh until April 30 and to Beirut from March 31 to April 30.

Lufthansa Group

The German airline group, which includes Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Swiss, Brussels Airlines and ITA Airways, has suspended flights to Tel Aviv through April 9, and to Beirut, Dubai, Amman, Erbil and Abu Dhabi until March 28. Flights to Tehran are suspended through April 30 and to Riyadh until April 5.

Malaysia Airlines

The Malaysian carrier has suspended all flights to Doha until March 28.

Norwegian Air

The low-cost airline has pushed back planned launches of its Tel Aviv and Beirut services to June 15, from April 1 and April 4, respectively. It has cancelled all Dubai flights through April 8.

Pegasus

Turkey’s Pegasus Airlines has cancelled its Iran, Iraq, Amman, Beirut, Kuwait, Bahrain, Doha, Dammam, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah flights until April 13. Flights to Riyadh have been cancelled until March 24.

Qatar Airways

The carrier said it would operate a revised limited number of flights until March 28.

Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines said it will extend the suspension of its Singapore-Dubai flights until April 30, and add services between Singapore and London Gatwick from March 31 to October 24, and on the Singapore-Melbourne route from March 29 to October 24 to meet higher demand.

Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines has cancelled most Middle East flights until the end of March. SunExpress, its joint venture with Lufthansa, has cancelled flights to Dubai and Bahrain until March 23.

Vietnam Airlines

Vietnam’s flag carrier has planned to cancel 23 flights per week across several domestic routes from April.

Wizz Air

The low-cost airline has suspended flights to Israel until March 29, and to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Amman and Jeddah from mainland European destinations until mid-September.

Miral has confirmed that its latest expansion of Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi will officially open to visitors on April 4, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the continued development of Yas Island as a premier leisure destination.

The expansion represents the next phase of the waterpark’s “Lost City” theming, building on its established narrative, The Legend of The Lost Pearl. The development introduces a range of new attractions, including eight slides, two jumping platforms and a lounging pool, further enhancing the park’s immersive storytelling approach.

Read more-Miral to develop Topgolf venue on Yas Island

According to a report by Emirates News Agency (WAM), these additions will take the park’s total number of in-park experiences to more than 70, underlining the scale of the expansion and its role in strengthening the destination’s overall appeal.

New Attractions aim to boost visitor engagement

Jonathan Brown, chief portfolio officer at Miral, said the expansion reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation and guest experience. “The expansion of Yas Waterworld marks an important milestone in our commitment to delivering world-class entertainment experiences on Yas Island,” he said. “With eleven new slides and attractions, we are enhancing the park’s offering with fresh thrills and immersive adventures for guests of all ages.”

Among the headline additions is Matamir’s Drop, described as the UAE’s tallest waterslide, offering a plunge from more than 40 metres alongside a 233-metre slide run that combines height, speed and intensity. Visitors can also experience Sahel Matamir, a freefall tube racer designed to propel riders through bursts of speed and moments of zero gravity.

Further expanding the thrill offering, Matamir Loop delivers a high-speed body slide experience built for rapid descents, while Matamir Twist – Matamir Lights combines fast drops with immersive lighting effects. For those seeking competition, Matamir Splash introduces a duelling mat racer where guests can race side-by-side to the finish.

Balancing thrill and leisure experiences

In addition to high-adrenaline attractions, the expansion introduces new spaces designed for relaxation and family-friendly engagement. Sarab, a spacious leisure pool, offers a more tranquil environment for visitors, while Al Afda invites guests to take the leap from a jump platform into the water below.

Together, these additions mark another chapter in Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s evolving offering, blending adventure, heritage and innovation while reinforcing its position within Abu Dhabi’s growing entertainment landscape.

Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; MD and group CEO, ADNOC; chairman of Masdar; and executive chairman of XRG, said on Monday that weaponising the Strait of Hormuz amounts to “economic terrorism against every nation”, warning that disruptions to the critical waterway are already driving up global energy prices and economic costs.

The comments come amid heightened tensions involving the US, Israel and Iran and its impact on the region.

Speaking at CERAWeek in Houston, Dr Al Jaber said threats to the strait, through which a significant share of global energy and commodities flows, have far-reaching consequences beyond oil markets.

“When Hormuz is squeezed, the pressure is immediately felt around the world,” he said. “In just three weeks, the price of oil has risen by 50 per cent.”

He added that the impact extends from “factories to farms to families”, raising living costs and slowing economic growth globally.

Dr Al Jaber described the situation as a security crisis rather than a supply issue, stating: “We cannot trade our way out of this crisis. Only way to stabilise markets is to open the strait.”

He noted that the Strait of Hormuz, a ‘critical artery’, is 21 miles wide, handles around 20 million barrels of oil a day, nearly a fifth of global oil and gas supply, as well as over a third of global fertiliser trade and significant volumes of petrochemicals and industrial metals.

“Much of the oxygen of the global economy runs through a single throat. Yet, Iran believes that choking it is an acceptable strategy,” he said.

Dr Al Jaber said disruptions to the waterway were also affecting broader transport and trade systems, amplifying economic risks.

“No country should be allowed to hold Hormuz hostage, not now, not ever,” Dr Al Jaber said.

A growing number of countries had backed international efforts to address the situation, including support for United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817 and a joint statement by 22 nations, including the UAE, condemning attacks on commercial vessels, civilian infrastructure and energy installations.

Dr Al Jaber says crisis reveals two visions

Turning to the UAE’s response, Dr Al Jaber said the country had taken steps to ensure resilience, including long-term investments in infrastructure and strategic partnerships.

He said the crisis has revealed two very different visions. One seeks to spread instability. One seeks to promote prosperity. The UAE, he added, made its choice long ago.

“At ADNOC, we took hits that no civilian enterprise should ever have to deal with,” he said, adding that the company was taking measures to protect staff and maintain supply commitments to customers and stakeholders. “Our word is our currency and when it matters, we step up and we show up.”

Dr Al Jaber said: “We will continue to defend our nation and our way of life. In fact, this experience has only reinforced our model of pragmatic progress, rooted in realism not ideology, steady in its course, practical in its approach and relentlessly focused on results.”

He shared that ADNOC, along with Masdar and XRG, has invested more than $85bn in US energy assets across 19 states, spanning power generation and chemicals, and is exploring further investments across the value chain, including storage and liquefied natural gas infrastructure.

He also highlighted the company’s focus on using embedded technology and AI across its operations, and strong alliances.

Dr Al Jaber also invited global energy leaders to attend ADIPEC in November for a working session focused on strengthening the resilience of the global energy system.

CERAWeek runs from March 23 to 27, while ADIPEC is scheduled to take place from November 2 to 5 at ADNEC in Abu Dhabi.