noqodi, the digital payment platform owned by emaratech and regulated by the UAE Central Bank, is accelerating its transformation from a government-centric payments engine into one of the region’s most inclusive financial access points. Long known for powering secure transactions for government entities, the platform is now deliberately widening its reach to include blue-collar communities, tourists, SMEs and the youth segment, groups that often remain outside traditional financial systems.

At its core, noqodi offers a free eWallet designed for online transactions, government payments, and peer-to-peer transfers. Users can top up their accounts via direct debit, online banking, exchange houses, bank transfers, or debit and credit cards. The platform enables one-click payments for government services and merchants, provides PCI DSS Level 1, certified security, and supports UAE Pass and biometric login, forming the backbone of Dubai’s vision for a fully cashless society.

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While these capabilities laid the foundation, the company is now entering a new stage: positioning the noqodi Wallet as a universal financial tool built on regulated rails, stable infrastructure, and deeply inclusive design.

noqodi’s evolution has been shaped by one factor from the very beginning, regulation. Built within the strict frameworks of the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) under its RPS and SVF licenses, the platform’s early challenge was translating compliance into seamless user experience. According to general manager Thaer M Sulieman, one breakthrough moment came when noqodi unified the entire lifecycle of government payments under a single platform.

Multiple payment options were consolidated into one umbrella system, where wallet-based routing allowed instant service delivery for providers such as Aamer and Taaheed centers. Multi-channel collections, reconciliation, and settlement cycles became standardised, enabling a dependable flow of thousands of transactions daily.

The result was not just a technological accomplishment, it set the stage for a scalable ecosystem capable of supporting far broader use cases.

Building a fully integrated fintech ecosystem

After strong adoption in government sectors, noqodi began opening its infrastructure to private players. The company expanded into merchant acquiring and card issuance, creating a tightly integrated ecosystem where the eWallet and card rails operate as a single platform.

This is a defining shift for the UAE’s fintech landscape. Instead of fragmented services spread across different providers, SMEs and enterprises can now access government-grade payment capabilities through one system.

“The main challenge has been scaling fast enough to meet demand while upholding the same regulatory rigor,” Sulieman explained. But years of trust built with government entities offered a strong foundation to take this architecture to the wider market.

Small and medium enterprises now stand to benefit from technology once engineered for complex, mission-critical public services. With noqodi’s expansion into cards, acquiring, and wallet-based payments, SMEs can onboard digitally, consolidate all payment channels into their wallet, and automate reconciliation.

This creates a simplified cash cycle, one that reduces overhead, ensures faster settlement, and allows businesses to scale without juggling multiple providers.

For sectors historically challenged by onboarding delays or reconciliation complexity, the integration promises greater financial inclusion and sustainable growth.

A wallet for every segment: Blue-collar workers, tourists, and youth

Perhaps the most transformative development is noqodi’s expansion into communities typically excluded from formal financial systems. The company’s next wave of services targets:

• Blue-collar workers, who often rely on cash-based transactions and lack access to safe digital payment tools.
• Tourists, who need immediate access to secure transactions upon arrival without the friction of traditional banking requirements.
• Youth, who require simple, safe tools to learn responsible digital financial behavior.

By combining card acceptance, an eWallet, and soon-to-launch new services, Noqodi aims to create a regulated, protected, universally accessible financial system. This inclusivity, Sulieman emphasised, ensures the wallet remains relevant across all layers of the UAE’s demographic landscape.

Beyond the UAE, Noqodi is preparing to extend its infrastructure across the GCC through partnerships with licensed financial institutions. These back-to-back alliances will allow the Noqodi Wallet, built in Dubai, to become a regional enabler for interoperable digital payments.

As Gulf economies accelerate digital transformation, noqodi’s goal is to build a cross-market network that connects users, institutions, and financial instruments through resilient, scalable infrastructure.

Lessons from building CashU, PayFort, and Noqodi

Sulieman’s career spans some of the Middle East’s most influential fintech platforms, including CashU, PayFort, and now noqodi. His lessons from two decades in the sector shape the company’s strategic direction today.

First, he said, technology must solve real pain points. Innovation without purpose leads to systems that fail to deliver meaningful adoption.

Second, stability is everything. Users adopt digital payments only when they trust the underlying infrastructure, especially in moments of crisis. The fintech systems that succeed are those built on resilience and reliability.

Third, regulation is an enabler. Contrary to typical perceptions, Sulieman argues that close alignment with regulators strengthens long-term growth and builds user confidence.

These principles form the foundation of noqodi’s approach as it scales into broader markets.

The next wave: Tokenised assets and offline-capable digital instruments

Looking ahead, Sulieman predicts that the next five years of fintech in the UAE will be defined by the tokenisation of real assets. Users will seek value-backed digital instruments, stable, redeemable, and usable even offline.

In this future, people will not rely solely on traditional cash or card rails but will transact through digital instruments anchored in tangible value. Offline-ready tokens will be essential, offering accessibility during emergencies or network disruptions.

This emphasis on stability mirrors Noqodi’s foundational ethos. The company is preparing for this shift by expanding wallet capabilities and introducing new services that serve broader segments, all designed to support people’s full financial lives, not just payments.

As noqodi continues expanding its payments ecosystem, its ambition reaches beyond technology. The company is positioning itself as a leading force in inclusive finance, one that leverages regulated design, real-world stability, and forward-looking innovation to bring every resident, visitor, worker, and business into the digital economy.

From blue-collar employees to global tourists, from SMEs to government entities, noqodi’s next chapter is clear: becoming the UAE’s most accessible, trusted, and comprehensive digital wallet.

Oil prices rose on Monday as investors weighed the outcome of talks between the US and Ukrainian presidents on a potential deal to end the war in Ukraine, as well as Middle East tensions that could disrupt supply.

Brent crude futures LCOc1 rose 63 cents, or 1.04 per cent, to $61.27 per barrel at 0443 GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate crude CLc1 was up 58 cents, or 1.02 per cent, to $57.32.

Both benchmark prices fell more than 2 per cent on Friday as investors weighed a looming global supply glut and the possibility of a Ukraine peace deal ahead of weekend talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and US President Donald Trump.

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy were “getting a lot closer, maybe very close” to an agreement to end the war in Ukraine, while acknowledging that the fate of the disputed Donbas region remains a key unresolved issue.

The two leaders spoke at a joint press conference late Sunday afternoon after meeting at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. Trump said it will be clear “in a few weeks” whether negotiations to end the war will succeed.

The peace talks did not reach an agreement on territorial issues, so a Russia–Ukraine peace deal may remain deadlocked with no quick breakthrough, said Mingyu Gao, energy and chemical chief researcher at China Futures Co. Ltd.

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The reason prices are rising also includes that geopolitical tensions remain elevated, as Russia and Ukraine continued striking each other’s energy infrastructure over the weekend, said Yang An, a China-based analyst at Haitong Futures.

“The Middle East has also been unsettled recently, with Saudi air strikes in Yemen and Iran saying the country is in a ‘full-scale war’ with the US, Europe, and Israel. This may be what’s driving market concerns about potential supply disruptions,” Yang added.

WTI is expected to trade within a $55-$60 range with an eye also on US enforcement actions against Venezuelan oil shipments and any fallout from the US military strike against ISIS targets in Nigeria, which produces about 1.5 million barrels per day, IG analyst Tony Sycamore said in a note.

Hongqi’s entry into the Middle East luxury automotive market with its Golden Sunflower GUOYA coincided with one of the most commercially and culturally significant periods in the region’s calendar.

Introduced on December 1, the model arrived during the GCC’s festive season, a time traditionally associated with heightened luxury consumption, increased travel and a focus on comfort-led mobility. Within this context, the GUOYA was named Best Ultra Luxury Car of the Festive Season by Gulf Business, reflecting broader market dynamics observed during this period.

Festive season demands and shifting luxury expectations

The festive period in the GCC typically places distinct demands on ultra-luxury vehicles. Buyers prioritise presence, refinement, and in-cabin experience, alongside performance capable of supporting both urban engagement and extended highway travel. Vehicles introduced or highlighted during this season are often assessed not only on specifications, but on how well they align with lifestyle-driven use cases, social visibility and long-distance comfort.

During this period, market attention tends to gravitate towards models that offer a combination of craftsmanship, sensory experience and a clear design identity.

Design and cultural expression as a differentiator

The GUOYA entered this environment with a design philosophy rooted in cultural storytelling and artisanal craftsmanship. Its exterior proportions and detailing draw inspiration from historical Chinese architecture, while the interior incorporates traditional craft techniques such as lacquerwork, cloisonné enamel, filigree and embroidery.

This approach resonated in a regional market where luxury is often evaluated through symbolic meaning and narrative depth, alongside material quality. The vehicle’s design language offered a contrast to established European luxury conventions, contributing to its visibility during the festive period.

Giles Taylor, chief designer and vice president of Global Design at China FAW, commented: “Unveiling the GUOYA in the Middle East during the festive season was strategic. This region values luxury not only for its material quality but also for its cultural significance. GUOYA integrates oriental craftsmanship into a global context.”

Gulf Business recognised the GUOYA as the Best Ultra Luxury Car of the Festive Season, as it impressively redefines luxury with its unique oriental aesthetics, top-tier craftsmanship and remarkable market appeal.

Performance and sensory experience in real-world use

Beyond design, the GUOYA’s technical configuration aligned with festive season driving conditions in the Gulf. Powered by Hongqi’s proprietary V8 engine, developed over 67 years of continuous refinement, the vehicle delivers 430 kW of output and 800 N·m of torque, supported by a mid-mounted HOT-V twin-turbo architecture.

The powertrain is complemented by engineering measures focused on noise, vibration, and harshness optimisation, supporting refined performance across both city and highway environments.

Inside the cabin, the GUOYA emphasises comfort and sensory engagement. Features such as 24-way front seating, 22-way rear VIP seating, and a 3,240-watt, 32-speaker audio system contribute to an experience oriented around occupant comfort and immersion, attributes particularly valued during extended travel and social use typical of the festive season.

Market response and early user impressions

During the festive period, early market response and initial user impressions highlighted growing interest in ultra-luxury vehicles that combine sensory comfort, distinctive design identity, and a clearly articulated ownership proposition. Buyers increasingly demonstrated preference for models that extend beyond traditional luxury benchmarks, placing value on experience, craftsmanship, and long-term engagement with the brand.

This response was reinforced by the GUOYA’s limited allocation strategy in the Middle East, where the first 30 buyers are offered lifetime ownership benefits under Hongqi’s Serene Assurance programme, including warranty, roadside assistance, inspections, and dedicated customer support.

Recognition as an outcome of festive season dynamics

Against this backdrop of festive season usage patterns, market reception, and evolving luxury expectations, the Hongqi GUOYA was recognised by Gulf Business as the Best Ultra Luxury Car of the Festive Season. The acknowledgement reflects the model’s alignment with the attributes increasingly prioritised by GCC luxury buyers during this period.

Implications for the regional luxury automotive market

The GUOYA’s reception points to broader shifts within the GCC’s ultra-luxury automotive landscape. Buyers are showing increased openness to alternative luxury marques, particularly those offering differentiated design narratives, immersive cabin experiences, and structured long-term ownership propositions.

As the region continues to influence global luxury mobility trends, vehicles that successfully integrate cultural expression, technical confidence, and experiential value are likely to play an expanding role in shaping the market.

Hongqi’s introduction of the GUOYA during the festive season demonstrates how strategic market timing, coupled with a distinct luxury proposition, can establish relevance in one of the world’s most discerning premium automotive environments.

The UAE is expected to see partly cloudy to cloudy conditions with a chance of rainfall and gusty winds on Monday, December 29, according to the National Center of Meteorology (NCM). A rise in temperatures is also expected.

Motorists were advised to exercise extra caution while driving, reduce speed where visibility is low, and follow traffic safety guidelines.

The NCM also stressed the importance of relying on official weather updates and avoiding unverified information as conditions develop.

UAE weather is part of a broader pattern linked to winter conditions

Sea conditions in both the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman are expected to be moderate to rough at times, particularly as winds strengthen.

According to a WAM report on December 28, NCM said winds will be moderate to fresh, becoming strong at times with clouds, causing blowing dust. Winds will be southwesterly to northwesterly, with speeds ranging from 15 to 25 km/h, reaching up to 40 km/h.

The weather forms part of a broader pattern of moderate winter conditions, with intermittent cloud cover and rainfall chances continuing across the country.

The topic of longevity is more than a fad; the desire for a long life has been around since the dawn of human history, but lately, it has become a modern-world obsession. Fuelled by high-profile figures such as tech entrepreneur Bryan Johnson, whose Netflix documentary records his quest to challenge mortality, as well as by other media and social pressures, the wish to live forever has gone mainstream.

For most would-be Bryan Johnsons, investing millions of dollars into such an extreme and intricate regimen just isn’t an option – but there is no doubt that tech advances are paving the way for us all to gain the one thing that is never promised: time. From NAD boosters to oxygen and red-light therapy, genetic and microbiome testing, regenerative therapies and biohacking to levels we never thought possible… aids to longevity come in myriad shapes, sizes and molecular makeup.

Scientifically, these things work. But we also need to look at longevity through a different lens: while the industry is full of research-driven, pioneering medicines, treatments and screenings, when you strip longevity back to its essence, the impact of mental health is key.

While extending life has become both a scientific frontier and a cultural phenomenon, the important question that we need to ask is this: to what extent can technology help us live forever, if the mind isn’t ‘in’?

Mental health is a central pillar of healthy ageing – which isn’t just about how long you live, but how well you live. More and more, research shows that our emotional and psychological wellbeing is deeply intertwined with our physical health and, consequently, our ability to age well.

An estimated 80 per cent of chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers, are preventable through lifestyle. That umbrella term includes diet and exercise, yes, but also stress management, sleep quality, social connections and purpose – all core components of mental health.

Lifestyle is the sum of people’s habits

Each person’s lifestyle is the sum of their habits, which drive their choices and behaviour (often subconsciously) and are driven by their mental state. Good mental health creates constructive habits and thus, a healthier lifestyle.

Poor mental health is both a cause and symptom of unhealthy, self-destructive behaviours that can become embedded as habits, driving a lifestyle that will almost certainly reduce longevity.

While the human brain has a remarkable capacity to create new (and positive) habits, poor mental health can make it significantly more difficult to change bad habits and to maintain good ones. Put simply, mental health is a prerequisite for a healthy lifestyle.

Despite all of the pioneering science behind longevity, it is apparent that lifestyle habits are key to a longer, healthier life – and can add up to 20 years to your life. Good mental health and the ability to master behavioural shifts are imperative to prolonging healthspan.

Underlining the impact that mental health has on ageing, a landmark study by Harvard, one of the longest-running in history, found that robust social connections were the strongest predictor of a longer, healthier life.

Participants who reported feeling happier and more connected were not only healthier but lived significantly longer than those who felt isolated.

We also know that chronic stress or anxiety accelerates cellular ageing, disrupts immune function and contributes to inflammation, all of which are known drivers of age-related diseases.

Practices that foster mental wellbeing by reducing stress, such as mindfulness, psychotherapy, somatic movement and yoga, can slow biological ageing and promote neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt and grow throughout life.

Relationship between a healthy mind and a sound body

With this growing understanding of the profound relationship between a healthy mind and a physically sound body, the longevity narrative today is shifting toward mental wellness as a proactive strategy in the science of ageing.

Longevity isn’t just about adding years to your life; it’s about adding life to your years, and it means investing in yourself. This may not come in the form of cutting-edge biotech, but in the real fundamentals – particularly one’s mental health: building emotional resilience, meaningful relationships and psychological wellbeing.

The most advanced tool we have for ageing well may not be a futuristic pill or a cryo-chamber but the human mind itself.

Dr Antoinette Sarasin is the director of Precision Medicine, a member of the Board of Directors, and founder of the Biomolecular Restoration Method at The Kusnacht Practice.