Atlys opens first global visa experience centre in Dubai
The company said Dubai was selected for its first experience centre due to its position as a global travel hub and home to one of the world’s largest expatriate populations
Travel technology company Atlys has opened its first-ever physical experience centre at BurJuman Mall in Dubai, marking the company’s first global retail presence as it expands its footprint in one of its fastest-growing international markets.
The walk-in centre offers travellers in-person visa consultations, document reviews and application guidance while integrating with Atlys’ digital platform, reflecting a hybrid approach that combines physical customer support with its app-based visa processing service.
The UAE has emerged as Atlys’ largest market outside India since the company entered the country in 2024. International markets, including the US, the UK and Australia, now account for almost half of the company’s business, with the UAE contributing the largest share.
The company said Dubai was selected for its first experience centre due to its position as a global travel hub and home to one of the world’s largest expatriate populations, where demand for international visa services continues to grow.
“Our mission has always been to remove friction from international travel, and the visa is where that journey begins,” said Mohak Nahta, founder and CEO of Atlys.
“The experience centre gives travellers another way to engage with Atlys: expert guidance at the store, with the same speed and transparency as the app. The UAE sits at the centre of global travel and of our own growth, and that made it the right home for our first store.”
Located on the third floor of BurJuman Mall, the experience centre allows travellers to consult visa experts, review application documents and assess approval prospects before submitting an application. Customers can complete the application process in-store, with subsequent tracking and processing managed through the Atlys mobile app.
The opening follows Atlys’ $36m Series C funding round earlier this year, led by Susquehanna Asia VC with participation from Elevation Capital, Long Journey Ventures, Peak XV Partners and strategic investor MakeMyTrip.
The company said the funding will support expansion into additional international markets, strengthen its presence in existing regions and accelerate the development of AI-powered capabilities across the visa application lifecycle.
Atlys is currently operating at an annualised run rate of more than 700,000 visa applications and said the business has grown 11-fold since completing its Series B funding round in 2024.
Dubai’s new 12km corridor to serve 650,000 people by 2028
Stretching approximately 12 kilometres, the new strategic corridor will strengthen links between some of Dubai’s busiest road networks, connecting Sheikh Zayed Road through Al Khail Road
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded the contract for the Dhs2bn Latifa bint Hamdan Corridor Development Project, marking another major investment in the emirate’s expanding transport infrastructure as authorities continue efforts to improve connectivity, ease congestion and support future urban growth.
Stretching approximately 12 kilometres, the new strategic corridor will strengthen links between some of Dubai’s busiest road networks, connecting Sheikh Zayed Road through Al Khail Road, Al Meydan Street, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Sheikh Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street to Emirates Road, a WAM report said.
The project forms part of the emirate’s long-term infrastructure strategy aimed at expanding road capacity, improving traffic movement and keeping pace with rapid population growth and ongoing urban development. It is scheduled for completion by the end of 2028.
Image credit: Dubai Media Office/Website
Major infrastructure investment
The development includes the construction of seven bridges spanning a combined 2,300 metres and eight tunnels extending 900 metres, creating a fully integrated transport corridor designed to improve traffic flow across key parts of Dubai.
Once completed, the corridor is expected to accommodate around 16,000 vehicles per hour in both directions while serving more than 130,000 trips every day. Officials also estimate that travel time between Umm Al Sheif Street and Emirates Road will be reduced from 33 minutes to just 15 minutes, representing a 54 per cent reduction.
Beyond easing congestion, the project is designed to support both existing communities and future developments while enhancing mobility for residents and visitors across the emirate.
Image credit: Dubai Media Office/Website
Supporting Dubai’s long-term vision
Mattar Al Tayer, director general, chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority, said the latest project reflects Dubai’s long-term commitment to investing in world-class transport infrastructure.
He said the emirate’s major infrastructure developments embody the leadership’s vision of placing roads and transport at the centre of Dubai’s future economic growth and global competitiveness.
Al Tayer noted that expanding and modernising the road network remains one of the key pillars supporting Dubai’s rapid urban and economic development, while strengthening the city’s position as a global investment destination and one of the world’s leading places to live, work and visit.
He said, “Dubai has adopted a proactive approach to infrastructure development, centred on delivering major projects ahead of growth requirements. This ensures the road network is ready to accommodate the urban, population and economic expansion witnessed by the emirate.
“RTA continues to deliver strategic projects that strengthen connectivity between different areas, enhance traffic efficiency and ensure smoother mobility. These projects have a positive impact on quality of life and support the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, both of which aim to reinforce Dubai’s leadership as a global model for sustainable urban development.”
Image credit: Dubai Media Office/Website
Strengthening strategic road corridors
Al Tayer said the Latifa bint Hamdan Corridor Development Project forms part of a broader programme aimed at supporting strategic road corridors experiencing increasing traffic demand, including Al Khail Road, Dubai-Al Ain Road, Umm Suqeim Street and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road.
According to RTA, the project will help distribute traffic more efficiently across Dubai’s road network while improving access to several major residential and commercial developments.
Al Tayer added, “Latifa bint Hamdan Corridor Development Project forms part of RTA’s efforts to support strategic road corridors experiencing rising traffic volumes, such as Al Khail Road, Dubai–Al Ain Road, Umm Suqeim Street and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road. The project will contribute to distributing traffic flow and managing demand.
“The new corridor also aims to serve development projects by providing entry and exit points that facilitate access to them and enhance their economic competitiveness. Latifa bint Hamdan Corridor is a new strategic corridor that strengthens integration across the main road network, provides advanced infrastructure to serve current and future urban projects, and improves connectivity between the eastern and western parts of the emirate. It will support economic growth, facilitate the movement of residents and visitors, and enhance the capacity of the road network in line with the highest international standards.”
Designed to serve growing communities
The Latifa bint Hamdan Corridor is expected to become one of Dubai’s most important east-west transport routes, increasing the capacity of the emirate’s east-west road corridors by approximately 12 per cent.
The corridor will provide improved access to several established and emerging communities, including Nad Al Sheba, Al Barari, Dubai Hills, Dubai District One, Mohammed Bin Rashid Gardens, Living Legends, Majan and Global Village. It will also benefit residential, commercial and industrial areas located along Latifa bint Hamdan Street and Al Meydan Street, as well as communities situated between Al Khail Road and Emirates Road.
RTA estimates the corridor will ultimately serve around 650,000 residents and visitors.
As part of the project, Latifa bint Hamdan Street will be expanded to four lanes in each direction. An integrated system of free-flow interchanges, bridges and loop ramps will also be constructed to allow uninterrupted traffic movement across the network.
In addition to the seven bridges and eight tunnels, the project includes a new road linking Al Khail Road with the extension of Latifa bint Hamdan Street, further improving connectivity between key transport corridors.
The development also involves upgrades to sections of Al Meydan Street, including the construction of a new interchange that will improve access to nearby development projects while boosting traffic efficiency.
Cycling infrastructure included
Alongside road improvements, the project incorporates 12.5 kilometres of dedicated cycling tracks that will connect with Dubai’s existing cycling network.
The new route will create a continuous connection between Al Qudra and Jumeirah, supporting the emirate’s wider sustainable mobility strategy while expanding transport options for cyclists.
Officials said integrating cycling infrastructure into the project reflects Dubai’s continued focus on encouraging alternative modes of transport and promoting healthier, more sustainable travel.
Significant traffic benefits expected
According to RTA, the corridor’s projected capacity of approximately 16,000 vehicles per hour in both directions will help ease pressure on several of Dubai’s busiest highways.
The project is expected to improve traffic conditions on surrounding corridors, including Al Khail Road, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Dubai-Al Ain Road and Umm Suqeim Street.
By strengthening links between major transport routes, the development is also expected to improve service levels, enhance road safety through modern multi-level interchanges and support future urban expansion across the emirate.
Officials believe the project will play a significant role in accommodating future transport demand while ensuring smoother movement for commuters travelling across Dubai.
Building on previous success
The latest development builds on earlier improvements completed by RTA along the western section of Latifa bint Hamdan Street as part of the Latifa bint Hamdan and Umm Al Sheif Streets Development Project.
That project significantly improved connectivity between Jumeirah, Al Khail Road and surrounding parallel roads through the construction of an integrated network of multi-level bridges providing uninterrupted traffic flow.
The earlier works reduced travel time between Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road from 12 minutes to just four minutes while also improving freight access to and from Al Quoz Industrial Area.
RTA said the previous development also strengthened links between residential communities and major development projects, helping integrate them into Dubai’s wider road network.
The newly awarded corridor project will complete the development of this important transport route, reinforcing its position as one of Dubai’s strategic road corridors. It also supports RTA’s long-term vision of delivering a world-class road network capable of driving economic growth, supporting sustainable urban expansion and enhancing quality of life as Dubai continues its development.
From prison terms to fines up to Dhs10m: How UAE aims to protect its cultural assets
The Federal National Council has approved a draft law designed to strengthen protection of UAE cultural heritage, introduce new heritage categories and impose tougher penalties for violations
The UAE’s Federal National Council (FNC) has approved a federal draft law on Cultural Heritage that sets out new measures to protect, document and preserve the country’s cultural assets.
The draft legislation aims to safeguard UAE cultural heritage in all its forms, while supporting research, cultural exchange, heritage tourism and the integration of heritage into sustainable development plans, state news agency WAM reported.
The FNC reviewed a report from its Committee on Education, Culture, Youth, Sports and Media Affairs, which said the draft law was examined through legal, social and economic studies, as well as discussions with Ministry of Culture representatives.
Among the key provisions, the law introduces the concept of “digital heritage”, covering digital materials and resources with cultural, historical, scientific, social, environmental or economic value, whether created digitally or converted into digital formats.
It also defines “archaeological survey” as the exploration, documentation and recording of archaeological sites using scientific methods.
The legislation outlines the responsibilities of the Ministry of Culture, in coordination with relevant authorities, including developing policies and strategies for cultural heritage protection, implementing awareness and tourism promotion programmes, supporting education and research, and building national capabilities in the sector.
The law also allows cultural heritage elements to be nominated for inclusion on regional and international heritage lists, subject to approval from the Ministry of Culture and procedures set out in executive regulations.
To strengthen protection measures, the draft law introduces penalties for serious violations, including prison sentences of up to 10 years and fines ranging from Dhs500,000 to Dhs10m.
The penalties apply to offences including deliberate damage to tangible cultural heritage or archaeological sites, theft, smuggling, and carrying out construction, alteration or relocation works without the required authorisation.
Majid Al Futtaim launches premium Carrefour Market concept in UAE
Majid Al Futtaim said the premium Carrefour Market format would be rolled out across multiple stores in 2026 as part of continued investment in Carrefour Market and hypermarket formats across the UAE
Majid Al Futtaim recently launched its first premium Carrefour Market concept in the UAE at Jumeirah Park Centre, introducing a new supermarket format as the retailer expands investments in store modernisation and customer experience.
Majid Al Futtaim, which holds the exclusive rights to operate Carrefour in the UAE, said the new store will serve as a prototype for Carrefour’s next-generation premium supermarket format and is part of its wider 2026 transformation strategy.
The 2,200 square metre store features a food-focused layout, with fresh and ready-made food offerings expanded to 38 per cent of the total selling area from 25 per cent previously, the company said.
New concept revealed at the premium Carrefour offering
The new concept also introduces Carrefour’s first BakeHouse Café, offering freshly baked goods, speciality coffee and casual dining options.
The store includes an expanded Fresh Market, more than 900 new products including over 300 imported items, a redesigned health and beauty section featuring dedicated K-Beauty bays, an enhanced pet care offering, and a Food-for-Now deli.
Majid Al Futtaim said the premium Carrefour Market format would be rolled out across multiple stores in 2026 as part of continued investment in Carrefour Market and hypermarket formats across the UAE.
Founded in 1992, Majid Al Futtaim operates across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, employing more than 41,000 people and serving 600 million customers annually through its physical and digital ecosystem, according to the company.
The group introduced modern grocery retail to the region in 1995 and currently operates a network of nearly 500 stores across its retail portfolio. It also operates shopping malls, hotels, entertainment destinations and lifestyle businesses across the region.
French billionaire Xavier Niel is set to become Vodafone Group’s VOD.L largest shareholder after UAE telecoms group e& agreed to sell its entire stake in the British telecoms group for almost $6bn.
The deal gives one of Europe’s most active telecoms dealmakers, who has long championed consolidation in its fragmented industry, the largest stake in Britain’s biggest mobile operator.
Some analysts expect Niel to seek greater influence over Vodafone‘s strategy.
“We believe the general playbook for Xavier Niel is to buy and hold – and to try to exert influence over the company – and potentially move to full control over time,” NewStreet Research said in a note.
Analysts at Berenberg said Niel’s investment could accelerate cost-cutting and free cash flow growth at Vodafone, citing the value his Iliad had created at Sweden’s Tele2 since acquiring an initial 20 per cent stake in 2024.
A spokesperson for Vega, the investment vehicle owned by the Niel family group, said the transaction was a straightforward purchase of e&’s stake and did not include any governance arrangements. The immediate focus is securing the necessary regulatory approvals, including foreign investment clearances, the spokesperson said.
Vega said it had struck a binding agreement to buy the roughly 16.2 per cent stake for about GBP4.4bn ($5.91bn), 13 per cent above Vodafone‘s closing share price on Thursday.
Vodafone has undergone significant restructuring under chief executive Margherita Della Valle since she took over in 2023. The group has exited Spain and Italy, sharpened its focus on Germany, Britain and Africa, and completed its merger with Three UK, creating Britain’s largest mobile operator.
“Vodafone is a compelling investment opportunity, underpinned by quality assets, strong brands, leadership positions and a diversified geographic footprint,” Niel said in a statement.
“As a simpler, more focused business, Vodafone is ready for a new phase of growth and is well-placed to unlock substantial untapped value across its European and African operations.”
Vodafone shares rose 12 per cent to a high of 110 pence in early trade on Friday, while e& shares traded around 4.5 per cent higher.
E& said its exit reflected the “natural evolution” of its priorities to “sharpen its strategic focus on core businesses” while unlocking cash from the sale.
CCS Insight analyst Kester Mann said the move marked a surprising turnaround for e&, formerly known as Etisalat, which bought an initial 9.8 per cent stake in Vodafone in 2022 for $4.4bn and gradually built it up.
“The announcement indicates that the Middle East company is taking a step back from its strategy to become a global telecom and technology player and now wishes to concentrate on its core businesses.”
Vodafone welcomed Niel’s arrival as its largest shareholder.
“We know the Niel family group well and look forward to engaging with them as a supportive, long-term shareholder,” Vodafone said in a statement.
Niel first bought a 2.5 per cent stake in Vodafone in 2022 through a separate vehicle, but that stake has since been sold, according to a spokesperson for Vega. He also sought to acquire Vodafone‘s Italian business twice over the last few years and was rebuffed on both occasions.
The billionaire has emerged as one of the leading players in the European telecoms sector, building up his Iliad from a French challenger into a group spanning France, Italy and Poland.
Niel is the second French tycoon in as many years to target a major British telecoms company. Patrick Drahi’s Altice group acquired nearly 25 per cent of BT BT.L before offloading it to Bharti Global two years ago to cut debt.
UAE-based airlines ramp up expansion with Aleppo return and Delhi A380 launch: Key details
The latest announcements reflect the airlines’ focus on strengthening connectivity, meeting growing travel demand and reinforcing Dubai’s position as one of the world’s leading aviation hubs
UAE carriers are accelerating their network expansion strategies, with flydubai announcing the resumption of flights to Aleppo after nearly 14 years while Emirates prepares to introduce its flagship Airbus A380 on the Dubai–Delhi route, signalling continued investment in key regional and international markets.
The latest announcements reflect the airlines’ focus on strengthening connectivity, meeting growing travel demand and reinforcing Dubai’s position as one of the world’s leading aviation hubs, a WAM report said.
flydubai confirmed it will launch a daily non-stop service to Aleppo International Airport (ALP) from July 20, 2026, marking its return to the northern Syrian city after almost 14 years. Aleppo will become the airline’s second destination in Syria alongside Damascus, expanding access to a market that has long been underserved.
Strengthening trade, tourism and family connections
Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO at flydubai, said, “We are pleased to resume our operations to Aleppo after nearly 14 years of halted operations. The introduction of our daily service to Aleppo marks an important milestone in our network expansion strategy. Our primary mandate has always been to support Dubai’s aviation hub by creating direct air links to previously underserved markets. By providing reliable, daily operations to Aleppo, we are not only catering to a strong existing demand for direct travel, but we are also fostering closer economic, cultural and familial ties between the UAE and Syria.”
Hamad Obaidalla, chief commercial officer at flydubai, said, “Since resuming our flights to Damascus last summer, we have been encouraged by the strong demand for travel on this route. The resumption of our non-stop service to Aleppo builds on this momentum, providing our customers with greater choice and more convenient travel options between Dubai and Syria. The launch of our new daily service also comes at an ideal time to support increased travel demand during the peak summer period, and we look forward to welcoming passengers on board soon.”
Emirates brings flagship A380 to Delhi
In a separate expansion move, Emirates announced that it will deploy its flagship four-class Airbus A380 on the Dubai–Delhi route from October 25, making the Indian capital the third destination in India, after Mumbai and Bengaluru, to be served by the airline’s iconic double-decker aircraft.
The A380 will operate alongside Emirates’ retrofitted four-class Boeing 777 aircraft on the airline’s three other daily services to Delhi, significantly enhancing capacity and the premium onboard experience.
Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ deputy president and chief commercial officer, said Delhi’s addition to the A380 network reflects the airline’s commitment to meeting growing demand for travel to and from India.
He added that Emirates is also expanding the availability of its Premium Economy product to six destinations across India as part of its continued efforts to introduce its latest products designed to enhance the travel experience. By the end of October, Premium Economy will be available on nearly half of the airline’s scheduled weekly flights to India. He added that further service enhancements are also in the pipeline, reflecting Emirates’ continued partnership with India and its commitment to customers.
From October, Premium Economy will be available on flights to six Indian cities, Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Kochi, providing travellers with greater choice and flexibility when planning their journeys.
The latest announcements underscore how both flydubai and Emirates are continuing to invest in network growth and premium products as demand for regional and international travel strengthens. Together, the two developments reinforce Dubai’s role as a global aviation hub while supporting stronger economic, tourism and business links across the Middle East and South Asia.
