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In today’s newsletter:

Stay informed with the latest updates from Arabian Business. Here’s what you missed over the weekend:

Dubai is implementing a new transport plan to expand the road network, reduce travel times, and introduce trackless trams, as well as more dedicated bus and tram lanes. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, reviewed these initiatives by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to enhance urban mobility and infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is set to acquire a 54 percent stake in MBC for SAR7.47bn ($2bn). PIF, which manages assets of over $900bn, announced this move as part of its shift toward domestic investments. MBC Group confirmed that Istedamah Holding Company finalised a sale agreement with PIF, which was reported to the Saudi Stock Exchange.

In other news, the kingdom's Eastern Region Municipality has awarded a contract to establish a model industrial city in Dammam spanning 2.4 million square metres. The development will host light industries, manufacturing, worker housing, and support services, and aims to strengthen infrastructure across the region’s industrial zones.

Aside from this, Visit Qatar has launched a campaign inviting GCC travellers to explore Qatar’s winter attractions. The campaign, featuring Saudi actor Yousef Al Jarrah and Bahraini artist Ahmad Sharif, promotes Qatar as a winter holiday destination, with highlights from Qatari Chef Noof Al Marri and speaker Ghanim Al Muftah.

Additionally, a survey by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reveals that air passengers prefer features such as biometric check-in, advanced luggage drop-off, and digital wallets for travel documents. According to the IATA’s 2024 Global Passenger Survey, travellers are increasingly seeking convenience and speed through biometric and digital solutions.

^{Until next time, Sharon Benjamin for Arabian Business}

THE LONGER READ:

The company’s strategic entry into the Middle East comes through a partnership between Calas and two prominent regional investors from the UAE and Saudi Arabia

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