The National Centre of Meteorology in the UAE has alerted residents about dusty weather and reduced visibility in parts of the country.

Read-UAE weather forecast: Cloudy, rainy days on the horizon

Visibility dropped to less than 1,500 metres at Dubai International Airport and below 2,000 metres at Al Maktoum International Airport.

The authority also announced certain precautions for residents to follow while driving in such conditions. Motorists were advised to drive carefully, keep all car doors and windows closed to prevent dust from entering, and do the same for buildings.

Residents were also urged to monitor official weather forecasts regularly.

Additionally, the authority warned of fog and further deterioration in visibility in some areas on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.

The lowest temperature recorded in the country this morning was 13.2°C in Al Farfar (Fujairah) at 12:45am UAE local time.

Earlier this year, the World Economic Forum released a report titled The Global Risks Report 2025, highlighting that the number of people aged 65 and older is expected to increase globally by 36 per cent, from 857 million in 2025 to 1.2 billion by 2035.

The rising global burden of chronic disease and an ageing population demands that healthcare shifts gears. Rather than treating illnesses in late stages, the focus is on keeping people healthier for longer.

Healthy Longevity Medicine is the cornerstone of this shift, a specialty that targets the fundamental biology of ageing and prevention of disease across the lifespan. This includes blending cutting-edge preventive medicine with proven therapeutics to delay ageing and curb disease progression, adding life to years, not just years to life.

By offering AI-enabled risk prediction and personalized treatments tailored to each person’s biology, lifestyle, and goals, care becomes unique to the individual.

Setting global standards in longevity medicine

Abu Dhabi is not just a leader in the clinical practice of Healthy Longevity Medicine but also in setting global standards. The Department of Health (DOH) – Abu Dhabi, in partnership with the Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi and the Healthy Longevity Medicine Society, has introduced the world’s first evidence-based guidelines for healthy longevity medicine. By defining what a longevity clinic should offer and how it should operate, these guidelines establish new clinical standards and redefine precision healthcare.

This achievement is more than local policy, it is a blueprint to inspire global health systems to prioritize healthy ageing. Abu Dhabi’s message is clear: the future of medicine lies in keeping populations healthier longer.

Abu Dhabi is undergoing a healthcare transformation, positioning the emirate at the forefront of the healthy longevity movement. This vision came into sharp focus with the recent licensing of the Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi (IHLAD) as the world’s first specialised Healthy Longevity Medicine Centre.

It is a first-of-its-kind initiative that aligns with the UAE’s commitment to proactive, innovative healthcare, moving from reacting to illness toward long-term wellness.

A unique strength of Abu Dhabi’s approach lies in its integration of clinical care with population health science. By studying trends and biomarkers of ageing across diverse groups, it becomes possible to identify interventions that deliver results at scale, supporting longer, healthier lives.

Research on emerging data classes and real-world evidence, along with the design of clinical trials focused on healthy longevity, contributes valuable knowledge for policymakers and healthcare leaders, not just nationally but globally.

A vision aligned with policy and global leadership

These efforts are part of a forward-thinking vision championed by UAE leadership. Abu Dhabi’s government has explicitly prioritised life science innovation and longevity as key pillars of development.

Launched in January 2025, the “HealthX” initiative, a collaboration between Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health and NYU Abu Dhabi, aims to accelerate innovation at the intersection of life sciences and generative AI, further positioning the emirate as a global leader in longevity-focused research.

Approved in March 2025, the UAE National Investment Strategy 2031 aims to double annual FDI inflows from Dhs112bn (2023) to Dhs240bn by 2031, with healthcare and life sciences identified as cross-cutting enablers across key sectors such as advanced manufacturing and digital technology.

As part of its 2031 strategy, the UAE plans to triple R&D spending, with significant benefits projected for medical research, biotechnology, and the life sciences ecosystem in Abu Dhabi.

In early 2023, Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) enacted new healthcare regulations that adopt Abu Dhabi’s onshore health laws, allowing ADGM to license healthcare and life sciences companies under the Department of Health standards. This regulatory alignment enables streamlined setup for biotech, medtech, and longevity startups in the free zone. The same year saw Abu Dhabi launch a dedicated strategy uniting the Department of Health (DoH) and Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) to promote “wellness, medi-wellness, and medical tourism” as core offerings for international patients.

This alignment between policy and practice is essential. Clinical work informs public health strategy, and government support accelerates innovation. The Department of Health’s backing reflects a commitment to a proactive healthcare model centred on prevention and the goal of keeping people healthy for longer.

Historically, expertise in ageing and longevity was concentrated in a few centres in the West or East Asia. Today, Abu Dhabi offers a globally relevant model, combining clinical excellence, technological innovation, and impactful regulatory governance.

Involvement in global initiatives, from contributing to international research to hosting expert discussions, underscores that Abu Dhabi is actively shaping the global movement of healthy longevity.

Shaping a healthier future for all

As a physician and policymaker at heart, I believe the true measure of success will be seen in the coming decades, in the vitality of our population, the diseases we prevent and resulting cost savings to the health care system and the global adoption of policies inspired by Abu Dhabi’s example.

We are proud that Abu Dhabi has become a beacon for healthy longevity. But we are even more excited to collaborate with partners around the world to expand this vision.

The writer is the CEO at The Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi (IHLAD).

The Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC) has announced the commencement of the merger process with the Kuwait Integrated Petroleum Industries Company (KIPIC).

According to a report by the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), this development is part of a restructuring plan by the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC).

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

KNPC Chief Executive Officer and Acting CEO, Engineer Wadha Al Khatib, stated that the merger is based on well-studied legal and professional foundations aimed at strengthening Kuwait’s oil sector companies under KPC.

She emphasized that the initiative seeks to unite efforts based on each company’s specialization, expanding their capabilities and enabling greater achievements.

Impact of the merger

Al Khatib highlighted that the merger will ultimately result in a successful model for transitioning into a larger economic entity aligned with the strategic ambitions of both sectors and the achievement of Kuwait’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

She also noted that the rapidly evolving global oil and gas industries place a significant responsibility on Kuwait’s energy sector to adapt and respond effectively to these changes.

Furthermore, she reaffirmed the sector’s commitment—through KPC and its subsidiaries—to continue meeting its obligations to clients while sustaining growth in line with Kuwait’s leadership in the international energy industry.

Strategic plans of the sector

Al Khatib pointed out that the sector continually reviews its strategic plans and reassesses its goals to ensure the success of the merger, with a strong focus on measuring operational performance as part of its long-term objectives.

Addressing employees, Al Khatib reaffirmed her commitment to keeping them fully informed about the upcoming steps, underlining that staff remain a top priority for KNPC’s leadership and are vital to the success of its future goals.

The Gulf Business Business Breakfast is back this April: this time with a sharp focus on the technologies powering the next wave of digital innovation across the region. Taking place on 23 April 2025 at the Metropolitan Hotel in Dubai, the high-level panel event will bring together senior voices from telecoms, artificial intelligence and blockchain.

Register here: https://bit.ly/3FFCYMg

Agenda: https://bit.ly/3XNfPOb

When: 23/04/2025 8:00 am
Where: Metropolitan Hotel Dubai (location map)

Agenda

08:00am: Registration & Breakfast

09:00am: Welcome speech by Manish Chopra, Publisher, Gulf Business

09:05am: Chair’s opening remarks by Gareth van Zyl, Group Editor, Gulf Business

09:15am: Panel Discussion: Telecoms & Cloud – The Next Frontier

• The impact of 5G Advanced and the roadmap to 6G
• The shift from telco to techco – how telecom companies are evolving into digital service providers
• The rise of sovereign cloud and its role in data security and telecom innovation

Moderator: Neesha Salian, Editor, Gulf Business

Panellists:

• Iwan Stella, Head of Strategy and Commercial Management for Ericsson Middle East and Africa;
• Cherian Varghese, Senior Vice President, AI and Cloud Infrastructure, EMEA, Oracle;
• Samar Mittal, Vice President and MEA Head of Cloud & Network Services, Nokia
• Sameer Jameel, Chief Technology Architect, Huawei Middle East and Central Asia

09:45am: Q&A

10:00am: Keynote – Mazen Nahawi, Founder and Group CEO, Carma

10:15am: Panel Discussion: Artificial Intelligence – A Regional Powerhouse

• The UAE’s growing role as an AI innovation hub
• AI-driven transformation in finance, healthcare, logistics, and security

Moderator: Gareth van Zyl, Group Editor, Gulf Business

Panellists:

• Vasudha Khandeparkar, AI, Analytics and Data Practice Lead, Business Consulting, Grant Thornton UAE
• Andreas Hassellof, CEO and founder of Ombori
• Mark Dymock Operating Partner at SC Ventures
• Mazen Nahawi, Founder and Group CEO, Carma

10:45am: Panel Discussion: Blockchain Evolution – From Pilots to Pioneers

• The UAE’s blockchain-friendly regulations and their role in attracting global innovation

Moderator: Kokila Alagh, founder and managing partner of Karm Legal

Panellists:

• Rifad Mahasneh, CEO of OKX MENA
• Alice Liu, Head of Research at CoinMarketCap
• Faisal Zaidi, President, Exscape
• Akos Erzse, Director of Public Policy at BitOasis
• Srinu Chowhan, Chief Marketing Officer, MultiBank.io

11:15am: Q&A

11:30am: Closing Remarks by Gulf Business Group Editor, Gareth van Zyl

Majid Al Futtaim has announced a Dhs5bn investment to transform Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates into a next-generation lifestyle destination.

Marking the mall’s 20th anniversary, the project aims to introduce new retail, dining, wellness, entertainment, and cultural offerings as part of what the company calls a “Mall of New Possibilities.”

As part of the transformation, 20,000 sq. m of additional retail space will be added, welcoming 100 new stores across luxury, fashion, and lifestyle categories. Already, Dhs1.1bn has been allocated to major enhancements currently underway, including a new wellness club, cultural hub, dining precinct, and infrastructure upgrades.

“Two decades ago, Mall of the Emirates set a new benchmark for retail and entertainment in the region,” said Khalifa Bin Braik, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Asset Management.

“Today, we’re building on that legacy with a bold investment that redefines what a mall can be. This transformation goes beyond physical expansion — it’s about creating new ways for people to connect, unwind, and be inspired, all in one destination.”

“As we mark 20 years, our focus is firmly on the future. By introducing world-class wellness, cultural, and dining experiences, we’re enhancing quality of life and supporting Dubai’s vision as a global city — all while remaining committed to innovation and sustainability at every step,” he added.

New features

Among the upcoming features is the SEVEN Wellness Club, bringing premium fitness, spa, and recovery experiences to the Kempinski Hotel. Meanwhile, the “New Covent Garden” cultural hub, developed with Dubai Performing Arts Academy, will open in early 2025 and include a 600-seat theatre and rehearsal spaces.

As part of the transformation, a new indoor-outdoor precinct will introduce a dynamic mix of fast-casual dining and interactive entertainment, designed to foster social connection and vibrant lifestyle experiences. At its heart will be the mall’s first-ever outdoor F&B courtyard, set to debut in early 2027. This adaptable space will transform into a lush green oasis during the cooler months, offering visitors a refreshing new way to enjoy the mall’s evolving culinary scene.

Majid Al Futtaim is also redefining its entertainment portfolio to cater to all ages, with four new entertainment concepts set to launch by late 2026. VOX Cinemas has further enhanced its offering at the mall, debuting the world’s most advanced IMAX experience to deliver cutting-edge cinema for its audiences.

The investment also includes a full revamp of the West End district, modernising its design and atmosphere to create a vibrant social hub. Infrastructure enhancements are already underway, including the rollout of the Parkin barrierless parking system, improved access roads, and bridge upgrades in collaboration with Dubai’s RTA, expected by September.

With sustainability at its core, the transformation is further planned to integrate energy-efficient technologies, smart systems, and eco-conscious design, reinforcing Majid Al Futtaim’s commitment to shaping spaces that are innovative, inclusive, and future-ready.

“This ongoing transformation, coupled with the region’s strong economic momentum, has positioned Mall of the Emirates as one of the world’s highest-performing malls for leading brands. In 2024 alone, the mall welcomed over 40 million visitors,” Khalifa Bin Braik noted.

Growing footprint

Founded in 1992, Majid Al Futtaim is a diversified lifestyle conglomerate operating across the Middle East, Africa and Asia. The group has grown into one of the region’s most respected businesses, employing more than 43,000 people, with owned assets valued at $19bn.

Majid Al Futtaim owns and operates 29 shopping malls, seven hotels and five mixed-use communities, welcoming more than 600 million customers through its doors every year.