Dubai Holding Community Management has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) with ReFarm Global to launch the ‘Sea to Soil’ initiative, a circular economy programme designed to convert marine and organic waste into regenerative landscaping solutions across its communities.

The partnership introduces what the companies describe as a first-of-its-kind model within the community management sector, transforming naturally occurring environmental and organic waste into resources that can be reused to enhance landscaping and green spaces.

Under the agreement, ReFarm Global, a regenerative technology and infrastructure company specialising in circular resource recovery solutions, will deploy its waste-to-resource technology to process algae and other organic waste streams collected across Dubai Holding Community Management’s portfolio.

Francis Giani, chief executive officer of Dubai Holding Community Management, said: “At Dubai Holding Community Management, we believe environmental sustainability is most powerful when it is embedded in the way communities are planned, managed and continuously enhanced. Together with ReFarm, we are turning a natural environmental occurrence into a practical, regenerative solution that creates value within the communities we manage.”

He added: “The ‘Sea to Soil’ initiative reinforces our commitment to building more sustainable and resilient neighbourhoods through innovation and strategic partnerships, in line with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 ambition and United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 17, which underscores the importance of collaboration in advancing sustainable development.”

The initiative builds on an ongoing collaboration between the two organisations that began in 2024. By the end of 2026, more than 20 tonnes of algae waste are expected to be diverted from conventional disposal channels and converted into nutrient-rich regenerative soil products.

These bio-engineered soil solutions will be reused across Palm Jumeirah’s landscaping areas, helping improve soil quality, support plant health and reduce reliance on traditional waste management methods.

The first phase of the programme focuses on Palm Jumeirah during the peak algae season between mid-May and September, creating a practical circular economy model that transforms marine waste into a reusable environmental resource within the same community.

Oliver Christof, chief executive officer of ReFarm, said: “Sea to Soil demonstrates how regenerative infrastructure can transform environmental challenges into measurable environmental and community value. Together with Dubai Holding Community Management, we are establishing a scalable circular model that converts naturally occurring marine and organic waste into a valuable resource for healthier landscapes, reduced waste streams and more resilient communities.”

The initiative forms part of Dubai Holding Community Management’s broader sustainability strategy, which focuses on environmental stewardship, responsible supply chains, governance and community resilience. The company said the programme supports its long-term goal of building smarter, more sustainable and future-ready communities across Dubai.

The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has announced designated entry times for worshipers wishing to visit Hijr Ismail, the area adjacent to the Holy Kaaba, as part of ongoing efforts to regulate movement and enhance services for pilgrims and visitors.

According to the authority, women will be permitted to enter Hijr Ismail daily from 6:00am to 9:00am, while entry for men has been scheduled from 10:00 m to 1:00am, a Saudi Gazette report said.

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The authority said the designated timings are intended to facilitate worship, ensure smoother movement within the Grand Mosque and improve the overall experience for visitors performing Umrah and prayers at Islam’s holiest site.

Historic site holds special significance

Located on the northern side of the Holy Kaaba, Hijr Ismail occupies a distinctive position within the Grand Mosque and is regarded as an integral part of the Kaaba’s original structure.

Historical accounts indicate that the foundations raised by Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail included the area within the original building of the Ancient House. However, when the Quraysh rebuilt the Kaaba before the prophethood of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), they excluded the section because of limited financial resources, leaving the structure in the form seen today.

King Salman approves hosting of 1,000 Umrah pilgrims

In a separate development, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman approved the hosting of 1,000 male and female Umrah pilgrims from around the world at his personal expense under the Guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit.

The initiative, which will be implemented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance, will be carried out in four phases during the 1448 AH year. The first phase will host 250 pilgrims from 16 Asian countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Japan, China and Mongolia.

Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance and General Supervisor of the program Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Sheikh expressed gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their continued support of Muslims worldwide.

Al-Sheikh said the initiative reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to serving Islam and Muslims, strengthening bonds of brotherhood among Muslim communities and enabling worshipers to perform Umrah and visit the holy sites with ease and peace of mind.

The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has announced the opening of subscriptions for the UAE’s inaugural Sovereign Retail T-Sukuk Programme, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to broaden access to government-backed investment opportunities for individual investors.

Launched in close collaboration with the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), the programme is the first initiative of its kind in the UAE and is designed to provide citizens and residents with direct access to a sovereign investment instrument that is fully backed by the UAE Government and compliant with Islamic Shariah principles.

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The inaugural issuance will have a total size of Dhs50m, with the subscription period running from June 24 to June 30, 2026 through approved digital channels. Investors will be able to participate with a minimum subscription amount of Dhs1,000, making the offering accessible to a broad segment of the population.

The first T-Sukuk issuance will carry a tenor of two years and offer a profit rate of 4.30 per cent per annum, determined in line with prevailing market conditions. Profit payments will be distributed every six months throughout the life of the instrument.

Digital-first subscription process

The Ministry of Finance said the programme has been designed around a fully digital subscription model aimed at simplifying participation and improving accessibility for retail investors.

Approved subscription channels include Dubai Financial Market’s Subscription platform, DFM app, iVestor app, and the digital banking platforms of Emirates NBD Bank, which has been appointed as the Lead Receiving Bank.

Other participating receiving banks include Emirates Islamic Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), Ajman Bank and Mashreq Bank.

Following the completion of the offering process, the sukuk are expected to be listed on Nasdaq Dubai and become available for trading from July 2, 2026.

Allocation of sukuk is scheduled to take place immediately after the subscription period closes, with issuance set for 1st July 2026. Any excess subscription amounts will be refunded no later than 7th July 2026.

Strengthening the sovereign investment ecosystem

Commenting on the launch, Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, described the opening of subscriptions as an important step in enhancing the UAE’s sovereign investment ecosystem.

“The opening of subscriptions for the Sovereign Retail T-Sukuk Programme marks a pivotal milestone in bolstering the readiness of the UAE’s sovereign investment ecosystem by providing structured fully digital subscription channels that enable individual investors to access government investment products efficiently and transparently through approved platforms,” Al Hussaini said.

He added that the initiative reflects the ministry’s commitment to providing a seamless and transparent investor experience from the point of subscription through to trading in the secondary market or holding the sukuk until maturity.

“This phase reflects the Ministry of Finance’s commitment to delivering a comprehensive digital subscription experience that ensures clarity throughout the investor journey, from subscription through to trading in the secondary market or holding until maturity,” he said.

Al Hussaini noted that enabling subscriptions through approved digital platforms and designated banking channels simplifies participation and creates a clear pathway for individual investors to access sovereign sukuk within a transparent investment framework.

Collaboration across financial institutions

The minister also highlighted the role of collaboration among key financial institutions in supporting the successful rollout of the programme.

According to Al Hussaini, the partnership between the Ministry of Finance, Dubai Financial Market (DFM), Nasdaq Dubai and the designated receiving banks has created an effective institutional model for managing the offering process.

He said the collaboration helps provide a secure and well-structured experience for retail investors while strengthening the readiness of the UAE’s financial infrastructure to support this category of sovereign issuance.

The programme is expected to contribute to the continued development of the country’s capital markets while creating new opportunities for retail participation in government-backed investment products.

Trading and investment opportunities

Individual investors wishing to participate in the offering may do so by obtaining an Investor Number (NIN), where applicable, and submitting subscription applications through approved digital channels after completing the required procedures.

Once allocated, the sukuk will be deposited into investors’ accounts before listing on Nasdaq Dubai.

After listing, investors will have the option of holding the sukuk until maturity or selling their holdings in the secondary market through members licensed on Nasdaq Dubai.

To support trading activity and liquidity, a market maker and liquidity providers will operate on an ongoing basis following the listing.

The Ministry said the programme offers investors an opportunity to diversify their portfolios through a trusted government-backed instrument within a structured framework that spans subscription, issuance, listing and secondary-market trading.

Nasdaq Dubai will serve as both the central securities depository and the settlement platform for the programme.

Expanding access to Shariah-compliant investments

The Sovereign Retail T-Sukuk Programme forms part of the Ministry of Finance’s broader strategy to expand participation in government-backed investment instruments and introduce innovative Shariah-compliant investment products that are accessible to a wider segment of society.

Officials said the initiative is intended to encourage greater public participation in the UAE’s financial and investment ecosystem while supporting a culture of long-term saving and investment.

The Ministry also clarified that the Sovereign Retail T-Sukuk Programme differs from the Fractional T-Sukuk and Bonds Initiative in both structure and source of securities.

Under the new programme, investors gain direct access to newly issued sovereign sukuk through a primary market subscription at par value, or 100 per cent, with a minimum investment of AED1,000.

By contrast, the Fractional T-Sukuk and Bonds Initiative, launched in November 2025, allows investors to purchase fractional interests in sukuk and bonds that have already been issued and are traded at prevailing market prices. That programme carries a minimum investment requirement of AED4,000.

The launch of the Sovereign Retail T-Sukuk Programme represents a new chapter in the UAE’s efforts to deepen retail investor participation, expand access to government-backed financial products and strengthen the nation’s investment landscape through innovative and inclusive capital market initiatives.

Keeta, the on-demand delivery platform backed by global technology company Meituan, has expanded its rider welfare programme in the UAE with the launch of a dedicated summer support network aimed at helping delivery riders manage the challenges of working during the hotter months.

The initiative introduces a series of cooling and rest facilities strategically located across the UAE, alongside dedicated rider support areas within Keeta’s operational facilities. The spaces provide riders with access to air-conditioned environments, complimentary cold drinks, seating areas and other essential amenities designed to support hydration, recovery and wellbeing throughout the day.

The move comes as temperatures across the UAE rise during the summer season, placing increased focus on worker welfare, particularly for employees and contractors operating outdoors.

Colin Xu, head of logistics operations at Keeta UAE, said: “Delivery riders are central to Keeta’s operations and to the service we provide every day across the UAE. During the summer months, our support for riders must be practical, accessible and responsive to their needs on the ground. By expanding access to cooled rest areas, hydration points and dedicated support facilities, we are reinforcing our commitment to rider welfare and creating a safer, more supportive working environment for the people who keep our platform moving.”

Keeta said the programme forms part of its wider strategy to strengthen rider welfare and ensure delivery partners have access to facilities that reflect the realities of working through the UAE summer.

Beyond addressing practical needs such as hydration and rest, the company said the initiative is also designed to create spaces where riders can connect with colleagues, take breaks and build a stronger sense of community while on duty.

The launch follows growing industry attention on rider welfare across the UAE’s rapidly expanding delivery sector, where operators are increasingly investing in wellbeing initiatives, support infrastructure and safety measures for frontline workers.

Keeta said it will continue gathering feedback from riders throughout the summer period to help refine the programme and ensure facilities remain accessible, relevant and aligned with riders’ day-to-day needs.

The company added that the initiative reflects its long-term commitment to supporting delivery partners while maintaining service reliability for customers across the UAE.

Amazon UAE is holding its annual Prime Day shopping event from June 24 to June 30.

The sale, exclusive to Prime members, will feature millions of deals across more than 30 product categories, including groceries, electronics, home appliances, beauty, fashion and Amazon devices, the company said on Tuesday.

Amazon said the event comes as shoppers place increasing emphasis on convenience and value. New research commissioned by the company and conducted by HarrisX found that 94 per cent of UAE shoppers consider free delivery the most valuable membership benefit, while 92 per cent prioritise fast delivery.

The survey also found that 81 per cent said finding a good deal was satisfying, while 74 per cent believed it made them feel like smart shoppers.

“Life in the UAE moves fast, and our customers expect us to match that pace,” Stefano Martinelli, VP of Amazon Middle East, North Africa and Turkey, said in a statement.

The company said Prime members will be able to access discounts of up to 70 per cent on selected categories, including Amazon devices, groceries available through Amazon Now, beauty products and household goods. Electronics from brands including Samsung, Sony, Lenovo and LG, along with fashion, home appliances and toys, will also be included in the promotion.

Amazon said customers will also be able to shop international deals through its Global Store from the US, the UK and Germany, alongside discounted products available through Amazon Bazaar.

The company is also expanding incentives around the event. Prime members using the Amazon Credit Card can earn up to 6 per cent back on eligible purchases, while additional discounts will be available through participating banks.

Customers will also be able to use buy-now-pay-later services from Tabby and Tamara or opt for zero per cent bank instalment plans on eligible purchases.

Prime membership in the UAE costs Dhs16 per month or Dhs140 annually and includes benefits such as free delivery, Prime Video, Prime Gaming, Deliveroo Plus Silver membership and other partner offers.