Christopher Lord
The opener: Kyrgyzstan’s flag row, Australia’s seal problem and Italy’s generation strain
And six things you should keep your eyes peeled for in 2024.
New waters
Despite its many kilometres of glorious coastline, the UAE’s beaches are becoming a more sophisticated draw and the battle for this prime waterfront is warming up.
Who we’d hire
Our wish list of firms to commission for the perfect HQ, home or hotel. We profile the studios on the up, furniture firms to tap and developers to know in the UAE.
Movers and shakers
From redefining retail and simplifying fintech to connecting students with their ideal teachers, we meet six young entrepreneurs who have turned big ideas into emerging businesses with a wealth of real-world benefits.
Clean sweep
After revolutionising waste management in the UAE, Beeah has set a new standard for sustainability with one of Zaha Hadid’s final builds – an undulating, solar-powered, AI-controlled base in Sharjah.
Breaking new ground
As a still-young country, the UAE offers bold, enterprising entrepreneurs opportunities to carve out their own path, whether in logistics or property. We meet three business pioneers.
Back on track
In no time at all, Dubai has built a smart public-transport system that is showing the other car-centric cities how it can be done. Jump onboard.
The future of farming
A new crop of entrepreneurs is prepping the ground to grow food in the desert. Now the competition is hotting up.
Shifting Gear
An entrepreneur has found a way to retrofit gas guzzlers and turn taxi fleets electric, helping his car-centric city hit its climate goals. The technology's final destination could be well beyond the UAE.
Firm Favourites
Business in the UAE is booming beyond oil and aviation. We profile a breadth of start-ups and smart ideas, from AI and app development to design and film production.
