Dubai

Daniel Kinahan, 49, alleged head of the Kinahan Organized Crime Group controlling a third of Europe’s cocaine supply, was extradited from Dubai to Ireland on August 9, 2026. He landed at Casement Aerodrome near Dublin, was formally charged with directing organized crime (2015-2017), and remanded to high-security Portlaoise Prison. The extradition followed a 2024 Ireland-UAE treaty, U.S. sanctions, and a $5 million reward. Kinahan denies charges and faces 20-30 years if convicted.

6 reports · 3 sources · Updated Aug 11, 11:36 AM UTC

The Hyderabad Central Crime Station (CCS) arrested Kondapuram Laxmikanth Reddy, an interstate fraudster accused of cheating victims of approximately ₹2 crore by promising to supply imported gold from Dubai and Sri Lanka at below-market prices. Reddy allegedly shared WhatsApp videos of packaged gold biscuits to gain trust and promised high returns before collecting large sums. A Sanath Nagar resident filed the complaint leading to the arrest. Police revealed Reddy is a habitual offender with six prior cases in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, including financial fraud, criminal breach of trust, kidnapping, and intimidation. The CCS invoked organized crime provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The accused was remanded to judicial custody. Police warned the public against falling for offers of cheap gold or unusually high returns.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 03:06 PM UTC

Emirates, the world's most profitable airline, has launched cryptocurrency payments for flights via Crypto.com Pay on its website and app. The service, available to eligible UAE residents for bookings in Emirati dirham, fulfills a partnership signed in July 2025. The airline posted a record profit of $5.4 billion for the fiscal year ending March 2026. The integration leverages the UAE's regulatory framework and supports Dubai's Cashless Strategy aiming for 90% digital transactions by end of 2026. Customers pay through their Crypto.com wallets, with Emirates receiving settlement in AED. The move targets younger, digitally fluent travelers and positions Emirates at the intersection of premium travel and crypto adoption.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 06:15 PM UTC

Emirates, the world's most profitable airline, has launched cryptocurrency payments for flights via Crypto.com Pay. The service, available to eligible UAE residents, allows customers to pay for tickets directly from their Crypto.com wallets. The integration, announced on July 28, 2026, fulfills a partnership signed in July 2025. Emirates reported a record profit of AED 19.7 billion ($5.4 billion) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026. The move aligns with the UAE's push to become a crypto and fintech hub and supports Dubai's Cashless Strategy under the D33 economic agenda. Customers booking on the Emirates website or app can select Crypto.com Pay at checkout, with transactions processed in AED. The airline, known for its premium service and large fleet of wide-body aircraft, aims to expand payment options for a younger, digitally fluent generation.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 06:15 PM UTC

Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has partnered with Julius Baer (Middle East) to assist overseas investors, business owners, and family offices in establishing or expanding their activities in Dubai. The collaboration aims to create formal pathways for ultra-high-net-worth individuals under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. Julius Baer's head of Region Emerging Markets, Rahul Malhotra, highlighted the bank's long-standing presence and confidence in Dubai as a wealth management hub. DET's Hadi Badri emphasized Dubai's policy stability and long-term economic planning. The partnership seeks to convert strategic interest into structured investment outcomes. Julius Baer reported assets under management of SFr547 billion ($666.9 billion) as of June 2026 and a 128% increase in net profit to SFr673 million in the first half of 2026.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 11:57 AM UTC

Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has partnered with Swiss wealth manager Julius Baer to help overseas investors, business owners, and family offices establish or expand operations in Dubai. The collaboration aims to create formal pathways for ultra-high-net-worth individuals under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. Julius Baer, which has operated in Dubai for over two decades, reported assets under management of SFr547bn ($666.9bn) as of June 2026 and a 128% profit increase in the first half of 2026. DET stated the alliance will help global investors understand Dubai's economic direction and ecosystem. The partnership is seen as a natural extension of Julius Baer's long-standing commitment to the region.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 11:57 AM UTC

The action thriller 'Khalifa', starring Prithviraj Sukumaran and directed by Vysakh, is set to release on August 20, 2026. The film will be released in two parts, with veteran actor Mohanlal playing a key role as Mambarakkal Ahmed Ali, the grandfather of Prithviraj's character Aamir Ali, a gold smuggler. A new poster was unveiled via Prithviraj's Instagram, showing the protagonist walking with an entourage in front of Dubai's Burj Al Arab hotel. The film's tagline is 'Vengeance will be written in gold.' It will clash at the box office with Nivin Pauly's 'Bethlehem Kudumba Unit' and Dulquer Salmaan's 'I'm Game'. The single 'Asalayavale', composed by Jakes Bejoy and sung by Sid Sriram, has garnered over three million views on YouTube. 'Khalifa' marks Vysakh's 11th directorial venture and his second collaboration with Prithviraj after 'Pokkiri Raja'.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 10:44 AM UTC

Mary Carole McDonnell, the head of Bellum Entertainment who built a true-crime television empire by presenting herself as an heiress, has vanished amid a trail of lawsuits. The FBI believes she is currently in Dubai. The article details her rise in the true-crime TV industry, her fabricated heiress persona, and the legal and financial troubles that led to her disappearance, with federal authorities now pursuing the case.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 09:00 AM UTC

Emirates has introduced the U-Dream headrest, a new feature in its Airbus A350 economy cabin designed to support passengers' heads without the need for neck pillows. The headrest has adjustable side wings that fold inward to cradle the head, preventing it from falling forward or sideways during sleep. It also moves vertically and tilts to accommodate different body types. The A350 economy cabin already includes electronic window shades and Bluetooth connectivity. Emirates plans to install the headrests on all 25 of its A350s by the end of 2025, and on most A380 and Boeing 777 jets starting in 2027. The article notes that Emirates, backed by Dubai's government, is investing significantly in economy class to compete with other Middle Eastern carriers and US airlines like United, which has also introduced upgrades such as Bluetooth connectivity and self-serve snack bars.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 01:51 PM UTC

Husainar Mahshad, a Dubai-based IT manager from Kasaragod, has alleged that he was subjected to severe mental harassment and a humiliating body search by Customs officials at Kannur International Airport on July 19, 2026, despite no contraband being found. He claims he was taken to a separate room, forced to remove his clothes except his shirt, and had his private parts examined. After the search, he alleges airport staff laughed at him. Mahshad has filed complaints with the Chief Minister, Customs Commissioner, and human rights commissions, demanding an impartial investigation. He stated he chose Kannur over the closer Mangaluru airport to support Kerala's airport network, incurring extra costs. Customs Assistant Commissioner T.N. Sunil defended the search as routine and denied the allegations, citing the airport's sensitivity to smuggling.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 05:48 PM UTC

Swatch Group reported stronger first-half sales of CHF 3.12 billion, up 8.5% at constant exchange rates, driven by improved demand across its watch brands and the successful Royal Pop pocket watch collaboration with Audemars Piguet. However, operating profit fell sharply to CHF 52 million, well below forecasts of CHF 120 million, due to negative currency effects from the strong Swiss franc and costs from maintaining production capacity and jobs. Net income was only CHF 16 million, roughly flat year-over-year. Shares fell more than 3% after the update. The article highlights that while Swatch has regained sales momentum after two difficult years, profitability remains under pressure, and one viral product cannot fix the entire group's challenges.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 02:52 PM UTC

24/7 Wall St. sets a $11.01 price target for Joby Aviation (NYSE:JOBY), implying 47% upside from the current $7.47 price, with a HOLD rating at medium confidence. The stock has fallen 58% over the past year despite a Q4 2025 revenue beat ($30.84M vs $16.88M estimate). Key catalysts include imminent Dubai commercial passenger service, FAA Type Certification progress to Stage 5, and a potential Kazakhstan order. However, risks include heavy cash burn ($510M in 2025, $340-370M expected in H1 2026), 92 insider sell transactions, and certification delays. The article compares Joby unfavorably to Archer Aviation ($4B market cap with minimal revenue) and EHang ($290M market cap with commercial eVTOL deliveries in China). A bull case could push shares to $15-17, while a bear scenario around $5 is possible if certification slips to 2027.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 01:30 PM UTC

24/7 Wall St. analysts set a $11.01 price target for Joby Aviation (NYSE:JOBY), implying 47.39% upside from the current $7.47 price, with a HOLD rating at medium confidence. The stock has fallen 57.99% over the past year despite a Q4 2025 double beat on revenue and EPS. Key catalysts include an imminent Dubai passenger service launch, FAA Type Certification advancement to Stage 5, and a potential Kazakhstan order conversion. However, significant risks remain: Joby burned $509.89 million in operating cash in FY2025, faces $340-370 million more in H1 2026 cash usage, and has seen 92 insider sell transactions. The bull case sees shares reaching $15-17 if execution milestones are met, while a bear scenario around $5 is possible if certification slips to 2027. The article also compares Joby unfavorably to Archer Aviation and EHang in terms of valuation and revenue generation.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 01:30 PM UTC

Chris Bedia, a 30-year-old Ivorian striker, has made a permanent move from Union Berlin to Al-Nasr SC in Dubai. Bedia, who was most recently on loan at BSC Young Boys, has signed a contract with the Dubai-based club. He stated that his decision to join Al-Nasr was motivated by his ambition to win titles with the team. The transfer marks a new chapter in his career after his stint in the Swiss Super League and the Bundesliga.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 02:59 PM UTC

The article analyzes the escalating conflict between the U.S. and Iran, which has resumed after a monthlong quasi-cease-fire. Iran has struck shipping vessels and U.S. bases, while the U.S. bombs targets inside Iran. The crisis stems from Iran's control of the Strait of Hormuz, institutionalized by a cease-fire agreement that has now broken down. Israel's refusal to stop bombing Lebanon and stalled negotiations are proximate causes. The standoff is driving regional powers to seek alternative routes to bypass Hormuz, including Saudi pipeline upgrades, a new port in Dubai, and Iraqi pipeline projects. However, Iran threatens to disrupt these alternatives through its Houthi allies in Yemen, potentially reigniting the Saudi-Houthi conflict. The article warns that these dynamics could escalate into a broader regional war, with severe consequences for international shipping and oil prices.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 09:15 AM UTC

The article analyzes the escalating conflict between the US and Iran following a monthlong quasi-cease-fire. Iran has reasserted control over the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global shipping and driving up oil prices. The breakdown stems from Israel's refusal to stop bombing Lebanon and stalled US-Iran negotiations. In response, regional powers including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, and Dubai are exploring alternative routes to bypass the strait, such as pipelines and new ports. However, Iran is threatening to block these alternatives through its Houthi allies in Yemen, potentially reigniting the Saudi-Houthi conflict. The author warns that the situation risks expanding into a broader regional war, with Iran threatening all regional oil infrastructure if the conflict continues.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 09:15 AM UTC

Katie Price has publicly denied reports that her husband, Lee Andrews, planned to sell a sex tape featuring the couple for £250,000. The allegations, published by The Sun On Sunday, were based on an alleged voicenote sent by Andrews to a friend. Price took to Instagram to call the story 'completely untrue,' stating no such tape exists and that she feels 'incredibly upset, abused and humiliated' by the false claims. The tabloid reported that Andrews later told his friend he was 'not serious.' The article notes that sharing intimate content without consent, or 'revenge porn,' has been illegal in the UK since 2015. Price and Andrews married in Dubai earlier this year after meeting in person for the first time, and Andrews has reportedly been arrested and detained in Dubai on two separate occasions since then.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 08:28 AM UTC

Katie Price has publicly denied reports that her husband, Lee Andrews, planned to sell a sex tape featuring the couple for £250,000. The allegations, published by The Sun On Sunday, were based on an alleged voicenote sent by Andrews to a friend. Price responded on Instagram, calling the story 'completely untrue' and stating no such tape exists. She expressed feeling 'incredibly upset, abused and humiliated' by the false claims. The tabloid reported that Andrews later told his friend he was 'not serious' about the plan. The article also notes that sharing intimate content without consent, or 'revenge porn,' has been illegal in the UK since 2015. Price and Andrews married in Dubai earlier this year after meeting online, and Andrews has reportedly been arrested twice in Dubai since then.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 08:28 AM UTC

Damac Properties has launched the final tower of Damac Chelsea Mansions in Dubai Maritime City, the world's first residential project co-branded with a major football club (Chelsea FC). The sixth and last tower, Block C, offers one- to three-bedroom apartments with panoramic sea views. Residents will have access to unique football-themed amenities, including the UAE's only rooftop football pitch ('Peak Pitch'), a blue sand beach reflecting Chelsea's colors, a beach club, and a professional athlete training center. All five previous towers sold out completely. Prices start at AED 2.56 million (£517,000) for the smallest 827 sq ft unit. Damac is offering launch promotions, including discounts for bulk purchases and full payment. Managing Director Amira Sajwani highlighted the blend of iconic football IP, waterfront location, and high-end living.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 11:36 AM UTC

On July 18, Hupu reported that former footballer Graeme Souness stated on a show that he witnessed Chelsea player Cole Palmer being extremely rude to others at a restaurant in Dubai in February. Souness suggested this incident revealed Palmer's character, implying it might be a factor in his omission from England's World Cup squad by manager Thomas Tuchel. Tuchel had previously explained Palmer's exclusion was due to his performances for England being 'not impressive enough' to secure a regular spot. Despite Palmer's average season at Chelsea, many fans were puzzled by his omission. Souness acknowledged Palmer's skill but questioned his character based on the Dubai encounter. The report cites The Sun as the original source.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 12:32 PM UTC

Striker Chris Bedia (30) has left 1. FC Union Berlin, signing permanently with Dubai club Al-Nasr after a loan spell at Young Boys Bern. Al-Nasr was previously coached by German managers Eduard Geyer and Frank Pagelsdorf. Bedia expressed gratitude for his time at Union, noting he looks forward to a permanent role. Union also confirmed midfielder Alex Kral's free transfer to FC Copenhagen. In their first preseason test match in Switzerland, Union drew 1-1 against second-division side Winterthur. Captain Aljoscha Kemlein equalized from a penalty in the 60th minute after Yannis Odin scored for Winterthur. Coach Mauro Lustrinelli expressed moderate satisfaction. Players Oliver Burke and Luka Vulin left the match with foot injuries, and from the 65th minute only juniors and goalkeeper Carl Klaus remained on the pitch.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 06:03 AM UTC

As of July 17, 2026, air taxi stocks Joby Aviation, Archer Aviation, and EHang Holdings have suffered severe year-to-date declines of 45%, 40%, and 62% respectively. The sell-off is attributed to thinning risk appetite for pre-revenue eVTOL companies, ongoing cash burn, regulatory certification delays, and dilution risk from equity raises. Archer reported a Q1 2026 net loss of $217.7 million on just $1.6 million in revenue, while EHang's Q1 deliveries plummeted from 66 aircraft to four. Joby, the best-capitalized with $1.41 billion in cash, has partnerships with Uber, Toyota, and L3Harris, and plans first passenger service in Dubai. Despite the downturn, some analysts see 52% upside for Joby. The sector's recovery may hinge on Joby's Dubai launch, Archer's U.S. commercial operations, and EHang's delivery performance.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 07:16 PM UTC

Nvidia's venture arm NVentures holds a $196 million stake in Revolut, revealed through UK Companies House filings. The investment was made during Revolut's November 2025 share sale at a $75 billion valuation, with Nvidia's money intended to deepen AI collaboration. Revolut's 2024 financials show strong growth: revenue up 72% to $4 billion and pretax profit up 149% to $1.4 billion. The fintech firm is reportedly considering a new share sale at $115 billion. Revolut has expanded its regulatory footprint, securing a UK banking license in March and receiving in-principle approval for a Dubai crypto license in July 2026. CEO Nik Storonsky has ruled out an IPO before 2028. The stake highlights Nvidia's strategic interest in crypto-friendly financial services amid its competition with Apple for market valuation leadership.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 05:12 PM UTC

The European Commission announced on Friday that commercial flights connecting Europe with the Middle East and North Africa, as well as all departing and arriving business jets, will be subject to the EU's carbon price under the Emissions Trading System (ETS). Instead of extending the ETS to all long-haul flights—which caused a diplomatic dispute with the US and China in 2012—Brussels proposed including only flights departing from Europe and landing within a 5,000-kilometer radius of Frankfurt airport. This means major hubs like Istanbul and Dubai are affected, while routes to American and Chinese airports, and all incoming flights, are exempt. The move aims to level the playing field between European airlines and their direct competitors outside the EU. The Commission also extended a 'stop-the-clock' measure by six years, giving the UN's CORSIA scheme more time to prove its effectiveness. Private jets, previously largely exempt, will now be fully covered. Climate Commissioner Hoekstra criticized the exemption of private jets, calling for fairness. Airlines for Europe criticized the proposal as a regional solution to a global problem.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 01:13 PM UTC

The European Commission announced on Friday that commercial flights from Europe to the Middle East and North Africa, as well as all private jet departures and arrivals, will be subject to the EU's Emissions Trading System (ETS). The move targets major neighboring hubs like Istanbul and Dubai, while exempting flights to US and Chinese airports and all incoming flights. This is a compromise to avoid a diplomatic clash with the UN's CORSIA scheme, which gets an additional six years to prove its effectiveness. The proposal aims to level the playing field for European airlines facing competition from non-EU hubs. Climate Commissioner Hoekstra emphasized that private jets should no longer be exempt from carbon pricing. The airline lobby group Airlines for Europe criticized the plan, arguing it extends a regional system to a global problem without ensuring ETS revenues are reinvested in decarbonization.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 01:13 PM UTC

The European Commission announced on Friday that commercial flights connecting Europe with the Middle East and North Africa, as well as all departing and arriving business jets, should begin paying the EU's carbon price. Instead of extending the Emissions Trading System (ETS) to all long-haul flights, Brussels has proposed including only flights departing from Europe and landing within a 5,000-kilometer radius of Frankfurt airport. This means major hubs like Istanbul and Dubai will be subject to the carbon tax, while routes to American and Chinese airports, as well as all incoming flights, are exempt. The proposal is a compromise to avoid a full-scale clash with the UN's CORSIA scheme. The Commission is giving the global aviation industry an additional six years to demonstrate CORSIA's effectiveness, with reassessment in 2032. Private jets will also be covered, closing a previous exemption. Airlines for Europe criticized the move, saying it extends a regional system to a global problem.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 01:13 PM UTC

Former Sri Lankan off-spinner Sachithra Senanayake has been indicted by the Hambantota High Court for attempting to lure fellow player Tharindu Ratnayake into match-fixing during the 2020 Lanka Premier League (LPL). The Attorney General's Department confirmed this is the first such indictment of a national-level cricketer under Sri Lanka's recently-introduced anti-corruption law. Senanayake, 40, who played for Sri Lanka from 2012 to 2016 and was part of the 2014 T20 World Cup-winning squad, was arrested and released on bail in 2023. Local media reports also allege he contacted two other cricketers from Dubai to persuade them to engage in match-fixing. The case marks a significant step in Sri Lanka's crackdown on corruption in cricket.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 11:33 AM UTC

Chris Bedia (30) has left 1. FC Union Berlin permanently, joining UAE club Al-Nasr in Dubai. The Ivorian striker, who was deemed a flop at Union, had been on loan at Young Boys Bern and Hull City. After failing to convince new Union coach Mauro Lustrinelli during pre-season, Bedia was allowed to seek a new club. Al-Nasr is notable as the former club of German coaches Eduard Geyer and Frank Pagelsdorf. Bedia expressed gratitude for his time at Union and looks forward to a permanent role. Union sporting director Horst Heldt praised Bedia's professionalism and wished him success.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 08:31 AM UTC

This article profiles Dani Afiouni, a Lebanese endurance athlete and former corporate executive who founded Longevity Wellness Hub in Dubai in 2019. Drawing on a decade of extreme endurance challenges—including marathons at the North Pole and on Everest—Afiouni built a data-driven wellness company focused on helping clients optimize their bodies and minds through recovery and stress management. The business has expanded from a single recovery studio to a longevity-focused hub with locations in Dubai, Riyadh, and Jeddah, with plans for Abu Dhabi and international growth from September. Afiouni credits Dubai's forward-looking environment and the COVID-19 pandemic as catalysts for the business's growth. He is also launching an impact initiative to help residents heal from conflict-related stress.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 08:07 AM UTC

Dani Afiouni, a Lebanese endurance athlete and former corporate executive, founded Longevity Wellness Hub in Dubai in 2019 after a decade of extreme sports including Arctic and Everest marathons. The data-driven wellness business, which began as a recovery studio for athletes, has expanded to Saudi Arabia (Riyadh and Jeddah) with Abu Dhabi planned next and international growth expected from September. Afiouni credits his extreme sports experiences for teaching him about recovery and stress management, which became the foundation of his business. He is also launching an impact initiative to help residents heal from conflict-related stress. The article is part of City AM's series on entrepreneurs who succeeded in the UAE.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 08:07 AM UTC