Kuwait’s Ministry of Public Works has signed a contract with Turkish construction company Kuzu to build a wastewater treatment plant and its related works for the South Al Mutlaa city project, it said on Tuesday.

The contract, valued at KWD149.6m ($488.9m), will use a hybrid system combining conventional and renewable energy sources, ministry spokesperson Ahmed Alsaleh told Reuters.

Read more-Kuwait moves ahead: Gulf rail link design contract signed

The signing of the contract coincides with a visit by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan to Kuwait, during which he will hold talks with the Emir and sign agreements covering the defence industries, energy, investment, and trade.

The plant will serve residents of the Al Mutlaa city development and produce around 400,000 cubic metres of tertiary-treated water per day for agricultural and other uses, the ministry said in a statement.

The Al Mutlaa city project is located in northern Kuwait, about 40 km from Kuwait City, and includes more than 28,000 housing units.

Flydubai has announced the signing of seven new interline agreements, further strengthening its global reach and expanding its list of interline partners to more than 40. The strategic move significantly enhances travel options for flydubai customers, particularly across Europe and Asia, as it aims to boost seamless connectivity and international trade routes.

Through these partnerships, flydubai passengers now have access to over 30 destinations across Europe via Aegean Airlines, Greece’s flagship carrier, and ITA Airways, the national airline of Italy. Travellers heading to the Far East and South-East Asia can benefit from enhanced connectivity to more than 90 destinations through agreements with Myanmar Airways International, along with Air China, China Eastern Airlines, Hainan Airlines, and Sichuan Airlines, according to a report from WAM.

Read more-UAE travellers alert: Free first-class tickets, seat sales and millions of miles

These interline agreements will allow passengers to enjoy a unified travel experience with single-ticket itineraries and through-checked baggage, underscoring flydubai’s continued investment in providing convenience and flexibility to its growing customer base.

With more than 135 destinations in its own network, flydubai now offers access to over 300 global destinations through its expanding list of interline and codeshare agreements.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO at flydubai, commented on the development:

“Since 2009, we have remained committed to enhancing connectivity and facilitating free flows of trade and tourism, which is why we are pleased to have added seven new interline partners. These agreements will provide our passengers even more flexibility and choice when planning their travel, offering access to our partners’ route networks across key markets in Asia and Europe. At the same time, more passengers will be able to access Dubai as a leading destination for tourism and business, reaffirming its position as an international aviation hub.”

Emirates adds 6 weekly flights to London Heathrow ahead of winter travel surge

Meanwhile, flydubai’s codeshare partner Emirates is preparing for a busy winter travel season by adding six weekly flights to its existing London Heathrow schedule, starting 26 October 2025. The decision comes in response to record demand and heightened travel activity during the year-end peak, according to an official release from Emirates.

Emirates currently operates six daily flights to and from London Heathrow, all using its flagship Airbus A380. The additional six flights will bring the total to 48 weekly flights, providing travelers with more flexibility and choice. Operated with a Boeing 777-300ER, each flight will offer over 350 seats in a three-class configuration—First, Business, and Economy.

The new flights will operate on all days except Fridays and are strategically scheduled to align with key departure and arrival windows. Overnight departures from London to Dubai will offer smooth onward connections to popular destinations including Durban, Phuket, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Jakarta.

The additional flights will also benefit travelers arriving in London from major West Asian and Middle Eastern cities such as Ahmedabad, Lahore, Maldives, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bahrain, Dammam, and Riyadh, as well as Chinese hubs Beijing and Shanghai.

Key flight details include:

• Flight EK41: Departs Dubai at 13:40hrs on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday; arrives at Heathrow at 17:40hrs
• Flight EK42: Returns from Heathrow at varying times based on the day, with all flights arriving in Dubai the following morning
• Thursday schedule: EK41 departs Dubai at 12:55hrs and arrives in London at 16:55hrs; EK42 departs at 21:20hrs

All times are local to their respective departure and arrival cities.

The twin announcements by flydubai and Emirates reinforce Dubai’s strategic focus on aviation-led connectivity and its commitment to maintaining its status as a global travel and business hub. With robust interline partnerships and increased flight frequencies to key international destinations, both airlines are positioning themselves for continued growth amid rising global travel demand.

At GITEX Global 2025, du positioned itself as a strategic sovereign AI partner under the theme “AI’s not just the future. With us, it shapes your next step.” The company demonstrated how its expanding portfolio of AI, connectivity, and digital infrastructure solutions are enabling both public and private sectors to accelerate their AI transformation journeys.

Located at Digital Cities Hall 19, du’s showcase presented a forward-looking view of how sovereign AI ecosystems and next-generation connectivity will shape the UAE’s digital economy. Two standout exhibits at this year’s event were du Tech’s AI Park and du Business’ Maritime and Offshore Connectivity Services — both underscoring du’s mission to drive innovation across land and sea.

du Tech: powering sovereign AI innovation

At the heart of du’s technology showcase was the AI Park — a 44-hectare facility in Warsan that aims to position Dubai as a global hub for AI research, innovation, and deployment. The Park will feature liquid-cooled hyperscale data centres capable of delivering up to 1.5 GW of compute capacity, supporting the most demanding AI workloads in a secure, sovereign environment.

Beyond infrastructure, du’s AI Park is designed to host AI research laboratories, start-up incubators, and sovereign hybrid AI production clusters — providing a unified environment where innovators can prototype, scale, and deploy AI applications safely within the UAE.

Complementing this vision, du Tech also introduced its National Hybrid AI — an integrated platform that extends du’s National Hypercloud capabilities. It allows enterprises and government entities to develop AI applications across multiple cloud environments and deploy them securely on du’s sovereign infrastructure. By combining sovereign data compliance, advanced 5G and fibre networks, and strategic hyperscaler partnerships, du is offering a scalable, investment-light path for organisations to drive innovation.

du Business: advancing maritime and offshore connectivity

Another highlight of du’s GITEX presence was its Maritime and Offshore Connectivity Services showcase under du Business. Through a partnership with Elcome, a Tier 1 Starlink Authorized Reseller, du is delivering next-generation maritime connectivity solutions that ensure uninterrupted communication from deep sea to shore.

Vessels equipped with Elcome’s integrated systems benefit from Starlink’s high-speed satellite service during offshore operations and seamlessly transition to du’s 4G and 5G mobile networks upon approaching UAE shores. This intelligent network switching — powered by AI and real-time data applications — supports continuous connectivity for critical operations, crew welfare, and vessel monitoring.

The integration of satellite and terrestrial networks reduces communication downtime, enables data-driven decision-making, and enhances safety across maritime routes. For the UAE, it represents a significant step in reinforcing its status as a global maritime hub while accelerating the digital transformation of the shipping sector.

Through its dual focus on AI and connectivity at GITEX 2025, du demonstrated how sovereign infrastructure and intelligent networks can underpin national-scale innovation — shaping not just the future of AI, but the next phase of the UAE’s digital evolution.

Livestreaming, defined as the real-time broadcasting of audio-visual content over the Internet, is transforming the way creators, businesses, and consumers interact. Unlike traditional broadcasting, livestreaming allows for instantaneous communication, building a deeper sense of immediacy, authenticity, and community between creators and audiences.

In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, this transformation is accelerating rapidly. According to Kearney’s report, “The Livestreaming Entertainment Revolution: What’s at Stake?”, entertainment livestreaming is experiencing explosive growth and creating significant economic and societal value. Countries across MENA now have a clear opportunity to harness this momentum and establish themselves as key production hubs in this fast-growing space.

While traditional video formats, like pay TV and linear broadcasting, continue to exist, they are rapidly being eclipsed by newer, interactive digital alternatives. Livestreaming stands out among them, combining entertainment with engagement, and appealing to a global audience increasingly drawn to personalised, real-time experiences.

Read more-TikTok’s Mario El Feghali on how the brand is enhancing travel experiences

MENA’s most advanced digital economies, such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt, are already seeing strong adoption. These countries are emerging as early leaders in a digital wave that is reshaping entertainment, commerce, and entrepreneurship.

One of the biggest drivers of this shift is TikTok LIVE, which has become an essential tool for brands, creators, and entrepreneurs in MENA.

The platform’s livestreaming capabilities allow real-time interaction, bringing audiences closer to brands and creators in new, emotionally resonant ways.

“TikTok LIVE complements traditional e-commerce channels by driving discovery, brand affinity, and purchase intent,” said Sami Kobayter, head of Business Partnerships for Consumer Industries, Global Business Solutions at TikTok MENA. Through live sessions, brands can conduct product demos, hold Q&A sessions, and engage users in interactive experiences that foster trust and loyalty.

This has proven especially effective in MENA, where consumers increasingly prefer immersive content formats that reflect local culture and habits. Livestreaming creates a sense of intimacy and transparency that static posts and traditional ads simply can’t replicate.

UAE brands tap into TikTok’s engagement power

Businesses across the UAE have been particularly proactive in leveraging TikTok LIVE to deepen customer relationships and drive sales. From fashion to electronics, retailers are using livestreaming to deliver a dynamic experience that bridges entertainment and commerce.

They’re showcasing products in real-time, offering tips and tricks, and delivering behind-the-scenes insights that demystify offerings for consumers. This strategy helps to build credibility, especially in local markets where consumers value direct, authentic interaction.

UAE businesses are also employing strategic techniques like flash sales, exclusive livestream discounts, and time-limited promotions to create urgency and boost conversions. Many are partnering with trusted content creators who resonate with niche communities, helping brands tap into hyper-targeted audiences.

A standout example is Samsung, which has embraced TikTok LIVE to drive both brand awareness and product sales. The brand launched a series of highly effective livestreams ahead of Ramadan and Eid, called “Ramadan Souq”, co-hosted by popular tech influencer Ahmad Boarki (@slorks). These sessions revealed exclusive Eid offers and giveaways, blending cultural relevance with commercial appeal.

Samsung also capitalised on its presence at the Dubai Esports and Games Festival by livestreaming from its Gaming Zone on-site. Hosted by well-known Emirati gamer Mohamed Aamer (@mohdaamer), the sessions allowed online audiences to feel immersed in the festival and directly engage with Samsung’s gaming products, promotions, and giveaways.

By integrating livestreams with on-the-ground activations, Samsung created a seamless experience that combined community engagement with measurable business outcomes. These campaigns demonstrate how TikTok LIVE can serve as a powerful engine for both digital and physical sales.

“LIVE is proving to be a powerful tool for businesses, for brand storytelling, audience building, long-term customer engagement, and even sales,” Kobayter noted.

Driving the creator economy across MENA

Beyond corporate use, TikTok LIVE is enabling a new class of digital entrepreneurs to thrive across MENA. The platform is empowering creators to monetise their creativity, build personal brands, and engage audiences without needing traditional studios, production companies, or intermediaries.

According to Yahya Munir, TikTok LIVE Trust & Experience manager for MENA, livestreaming has evolved beyond just content creation, it is now a critical income channel. Creators across the region are increasingly using LIVE to connect with their followers, promote services, and even sell products directly through the platform.

This creator-first model is breaking down longstanding barriers to economic participation, making the digital economy more accessible than ever. The democratisation of content creation, enabled by mobile-first technology, means that anyone with a phone, an idea, and an audience can tap into real economic opportunity.

In the UAE alone, over 115,000 creators go live on TikTok every single day, highlighting the platform’s deep integration into the region’s cultural and digital fabric.

$17.8bn industry by 2030

Kearney’s report forecasts that by 2030, livestreaming will contribute up to $17.8bn to the MENA region’s digital economy. This immense growth will be driven largely by creator-led content and the multiplier effect it generates through related industries.

This impact is already visible in Saudi Arabia, where the livestreaming sector is expected to support 76,000 full-time jobs directly and an additional 60,000 indirect jobs within the broader ecosystem by 2030. Egypt, too, is seeing strong results, with livestreaming and its induced economic activities currently contributing 0.3 per cent of the country’s GDP, a figure projected to hit $4.7bn by the end of the decade.

The broader implication is clear: livestreaming is not just a trend, it is a foundational pillar of the region’s emerging digital economy. It supports job creation, entrepreneurship, GDP growth, and tax revenue, while also modernising the entertainment sector.

The livestreaming boom aligns closely with regional transformation agendas such as Saudi Vision 2030 and UAE Vision 2031, both of which prioritise innovation, entrepreneurship, and the growth of the digital and creative economies.

By enabling grassroots creators and small businesses to thrive, platforms like TikTok LIVE support national goals around economic diversification, youth empowerment, and job creation. The accessibility of the format further ensures that growth is inclusive and far-reaching.

TikTok’s ongoing investment in creator success

To further support this fast-growing ecosystem, TikTok has introduced a suite of features and initiatives aimed at helping creators scale. Programs like LIVE Fest highlight top creators and showcase the cultural and commercial impact of real-time content.

Globally, tools such as the Creator Chat Room, Creator Inbox, and LIVE safety features have been rolled out to help users better manage their livestreams. In MENA, TikTok has tailored support to local needs, launching training initiatives and campaign support during key cultural moments like Ramadan.

These efforts reinforce TikTok’s commitment to creator empowerment, not just as a platform for entertainment, but as a true economic enabler.

“It’s this combination of accessibility, empowerment, and platform investment that’s turning TikTok LIVE into a launchpad for the region’s next generation of digital entrepreneurs,” said Munir.

ROX Motor has officially launched its new global flagship SUV, ROX ADAMAS, in Abu Dhabi — a milestone that underscores the company’s expanding international footprint and highlights deepening collaboration between China and the UAE in next-generation mobility.

The global debut also marked the inauguration of the Borouge–ROX Motor Innovative Materials Joint Laboratory, established to accelerate innovation and co-develop advanced materials for ROX Motor vehicles. The partnership supports Abu Dhabi’s long-term vision of becoming a global centre for sustainable, innovation-driven industries and future mobility solutions.

In just three years, ROX Motor has launched its first model, the ROX 01, expanded to nearly 30 international markets, and established several strategic alliances. Its collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) provides a strong foundation to advance localisation, innovation, and user-centric design in the region.

Mohammad Ali Al Kamali, chief trade & industry officer at ADIO, said: “The launch of ROX ADAMAS from Abu Dhabi represents more than a new vehicle, it is a strategic milestone that underscores Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for innovation and future industries. The partnership between ROX Motor and Borouge, under ADIO’s Automotive Programme, is a tangible example of how global innovation can be channelled into building an integrated ecosystem for industrial and commercial advancement, supporting sustainable mobility, and unlocking new opportunities for investment and localisation.

“At ADIO, we believe that the future is built through collaboration. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to empowering global innovators and forging strategic partnerships that advance Abu Dhabi’s vision of a knowledge- and technology-driven economy.”

Jarvis Yan, founder and CEO of ROX Motor, added: “ROX ADAMAS represents the next phase of our international strategy and our long-term commitment to Abu Dhabi as a partner in shaping the future of luxury mobility. Through close alignment with Abu Dhabi’s industrial vision and innovation agenda, we aim to redefine what a luxury new energy brand can represent globally.”

Built on the brand philosophy of “Gliding Luxury,” the ROX ADAMAS combines performance, precision, and refinement — delivering confidence and comfort across every terrain. Drawing inspiration from Abu Dhabi’s design language, the SUV mirrors the flowing grace of silk while offering capability across highways, dunes, and diverse landscapes.

Available in six- and seven-seat configurations, the SUV features ROX’s next-generation REEV system, delivering a 235 km pure-electric range, 1,226 km total range, and dual-motor AWD output of 350 kW, 740 N·m, and 0–100 km/h acceleration in 5.5 seconds. The model incorporates closed air suspension with DCC adaptive damping and terrain-optimised drive modes, including sand, snow, and mountain, along with a desert thermal management system designed for extreme Gulf conditions.

Inside, the ROX OS Intelligent Cockpit, powered by the Qualcomm 8155 chip, features Arabic voice control, multi-screen interaction, and a global app ecosystem. Additional highlights include L2+ driver assistance, OTA updates, V2L output up to 3.5 kW, and amenities such as the Tailgate Kitchen 2.0 and roof-edge canopy, turning the SUV into a space for luxury outdoor experiences.

“ROX ADAMAS demonstrates how technology, craftsmanship, and partnership can advance together,” added Yan. “Born from Chinese innovation and refined through Abu Dhabi’s standards of excellence, it represents our shared belief that true luxury lies in collaboration and progress.”

The launch of ROX ADAMAS marks the first milestone in ROX Motor’s integrated global strategy, driven by innovation and collaboration. Through partnerships with Borouge and ADIO, ROX Motor aims to redefine luxury and sustainability in mobility while setting new benchmarks for industrial cooperation between China and the UAE.

For more information about ROX Motor, please visit: https://www.roxmotor.com/en

For more information about Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), visit: https://www.investinabudhabi.gov.ae.