years: 2026

Dubai, 16 January 2026: Dubai is piloting a shared, tech-enabled school transport service using luxury SUVs that carry students from multiple schools along the same route. The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority has partnered with global tech company Yango Group to launch the initiative, aimed at making the daily school commute safer, more affordable, and easier for families. Rolled out on 14th January 2026, this offers parents a cost-conscious alternative to private car journeys and traditional school transport.

Part of RTA’s efforts to create a smart and sustainable transport ecosystem, the pilot is built to meet Dubai’s highest school transport safety standards, giving parents added reassurance about how their children travel. Yango Group’s technological solutions will ensure continuous monitoring of the SUVs’ operations, make trip management more transparent, and enable live vehicle tracking. The complex of smart technologies will become a center of consistent service quality and improvements, clear oversight, and a reliable day-to-day experience.

The service is available to students aged 14 and above, and will launch with a special rate of AED 1,000 per month with online payments only. The service’s commitment is to deliver students from their home to school within a time limit not exceeding 60 minutes. By bringing students travelling in the same neighbourhood together, the initiative helps lower the total cost burden for families while reducing reliance on private vehicles for school drop-offs. This shared approach eases traffic congestion in school zones during peak hours and creates safer, quicker, and orderly drop-off and pick-up areas, particularly benefiting households with multiple children or longer daily commutes.

The pilot will initially serve students attending Bloom Academy, Brighton College, GEMS Founders School, GEMS Al Barsha National School, Dubai American Academy, and the American School of Dubai, covering surrounding residential areas. Pick-up and drop-off times will be set in line with each school’s schedule, with parents informed of their child’s assigned timings well in advance.

As the pilot progresses, feedback from families and schools will help assess its impact and guide future expansion. The initiative could become a long-term school transport option across Dubai, supporting safer roads, lower costs for families, and a more efficient daily commute for the wider community.

Dubai, UAE – 06 January 2026 – Kabrita Goat Milk has expanded its reach among UAE families through a data-driven Retail Media campaign with Yango Ads, the ad tech division of Yango Group, reaching over 208,000 high-intent shoppers and generating more than 847,000 brand-safe impressions across Landmark Group’s Centrepoint, Babyshop, and Home Centre platforms.

Daily online shopping has surged dramatically, with a 139% increase in daily shopping activity since 2020 in the MENA region. Families in the UAE increasingly turn to digital channels for essential purchases. Against this backdrop, Kabrita aimed to build awareness and trust for its Dutch-made goat-milk-based baby formulas by engaging parents at the right moment in their online shopping journey. The campaign leveraged Yango Ads’ Landmark Reach solution to connect with relevant household decision-makers inside leading family retail platforms, all within a privacy-safe, contextually relevant environment.

“Seeing Kabrita activate across Landmark Group’s retail ecosystem proves how retail media can empower specialist brands to reach their most relevant audience with both scale and safety,” said Jackie Ghazi, Business Development Director at Yango Ads. “With contextual targeting and real-time signals, Kabrita reached parents exactly where feeding decisions happen, at the digital shelf. This context-powered scale proves retail media can build trust for more niche nutrition products, not just mainstream FMCG.”

Yango Ads combined real-time purchase and browse signals from Landmark Group’s Centrepoint, Babyshop, and Home Centre to carve out a highly relevant household shopper audience, ensuring contextual fit and brand safety. Instead of relying on broad or generic audience setups, the campaign used first-party data to identify and reach parents at the precise moment they were exploring family and baby categories, helping Kabrita be discovered earlier in the parenting journey, before babies potentially face digestive discomfort. Dual-language creatives in Arabic and English ensured inclusivity and stronger reach among the UAE’s diverse parenting community.

“Kabrita’s mission has always been to be the gentle choice parents discover before their child experiences digestive discomfort,” said Dafne Perez, Marketing Director at Kabrita. “Yango Ads allowed us to appear right inside family-focused platforms, connecting with qualified parents naturally and efficiently, without manual audience setup. The precision and contextual fit helped us grow brand trust in record time.”

The campaign’s success highlights how retail media is reshaping digital marketing for niche brands in the Middle East, enabling marketers to connect with verified shoppers at the point of purchase rather than relying on broad, less efficient channels.

Abu Dhabi closed 2025 with one of the strongest performances in its real estate history, consolidating its position as a core pillar of the UAE property market. The capital now accounts for approximately 10–12% of the UAE’s total real estate transaction value, a notable shift for a market that was previously viewed as conservative compared to Dubai. According to ADREC data, total real estate sales rose from $27 billion in 2024 to nearly $39 billion in 2025, while the number of transactions increased by 49%. Whitewill, the international luxury real estate agency, attributes this performance to a combination of long-term urban planning, controlled supply, and rising international confidence in Abu Dhabi as a stable investment destination.

Rental growth will outpace sales price growth

Abu Dhabi’s rental market continues to outperform expectations, underpinned by limited supply in prime districts and sustained demand from both residents and investors. The strongest rental performance was recorded on Reem, Yas, and Saadiyat Islands, where demand remains concentrated in high-quality residential stock. On these islands, studio rents increased by 24% and one-bedroom apartments by 20% year-on-year, reflecting tight availability and rising tenant demand.

Looking ahead to 2026, Whitewill forecasts rental growth of over 10% year-on-year for apartments, while villas and townhouses are expected to see growth of more than 5%. This dynamic positions Abu Dhabi as a rental-led market in the near term, with income returns continuing to drive investor interest.

2026 forecast: strong growth at a controlled pace

The outlook for 2026 points to continued expansion, albeit at a more measured and sustainable pace. Total transaction value is forecast to grow by more than 40% year-on-year, supported by a projected 30% increase in the number of transactions. Overall price dynamics are expected to grow by over 10%, while average sale prices are forecast to rise by around 5%. This balance reflects a market that is growing in depth and liquidity without showing signs of overheating, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s appeal for medium- to long-term investors.

New supply will support market depth

The entry of new developers into Abu Dhabi in 2026 signals growing confidence in the emirate’s long-term demand fundamentals. Sobha and Ohana Development are set to launch large-scale master-planned communities adjacent to Yas Island, introducing a mix of apartments, townhouses, and villas supported by integrated infrastructure. In parallel, several Dubai-based developers are expanding into Abu Dhabi, further diversifying supply and reinforcing market maturity. Importantly, new launches are expected to be absorbed gradually, supporting pricing stability rather than diluting value.

Island districts will continue to outperform

Performance in Abu Dhabi remains highly concentrated in island locations, where infrastructure, lifestyle offerings, and proximity to employment hubs drive sustained demand. Expected returns in 2026 are forecast at 9–12% on Reem Island, 9–12% on Saadiyat Island, and 8–10% on Yas and Hudayriyat Islands. These districts benefit from a combination of limited land availability, strong tenant demand, and continued investment in cultural, leisure, and commercial assets, supporting both rental income and capital preservation.

International buyers are driving long-term demand

Abu Dhabi’s buyer profile is increasingly international and long-term in nature. European buyers are shifting from purely investment-driven purchases toward permanent residence, while demand from Russian-speaking and American buyers remains strong across both income-generating assets and owner-occupied homes. This diversified buyer base supports market resilience, liquidity, and consistent absorption across price segments. Compared to more transaction-driven markets, Abu Dhabi attracts investors prioritising stability, predictable returns, and long-term value.

As 2026 approaches, Abu Dhabi’s real estate market stands out for its combination of growth, discipline, and quality. For investors and end users seeking durable value in the UAE, early engagement remains critical, and understanding the right locations and product types will define outcomes in the next phase of the cycle.

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 20 January 2025 — Abu Dhabi’s flagship AI Adopters event, Machines Can Think 2026, is being held under the patronage and in the presence of H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mabarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence. Taking place on 26–27 January 2026 at Park Hyatt Saadiyat, the summit is co-organized and co-hosted by Polynome and the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI). As AI becomes central to the UAE’s economic outlook, the event brings together government, academia, and industry leaders to discuss practical frameworks for responsible AI development and deployment.

Machines Can Think 2026 will feature a two-day program of more than 50 topics across its Co-Evolution, Tech tracks. The agenda highlights breakthroughs in foundation models, national-scale infrastructure, climate intelligence, biotech, energy, and telecom innovation in a format designed to give leaders clear pathways for responsible, ROI-driven adoption. Global AI spending is projected to reach $2 trillion in 2026, reinforcing the urgency for real-world frameworks, infrastructure, and governance models that Machines Can Think aims to advance.

Global Speaker Lineup

Machines Can Think 2026 features 25,000 experts from 30+ countries, including leading AI researchers, technologists, and industry experts. Speakers include Andrew Jackson, Chief AI Officer, G42;  Eric Xing, President of MBZUAI; Manohar Paluri, Vice President of AI, Meta; Faris Al Mazrui, Head of Technology Investments, Mubadala; Yann LeCun, Professor at New York University; Michal Valko, Chief Models Officer at a Stealth AI Startup; Andrey Doronichev, CEO, Bioptic; Jean-Philippe Vert, Co-Founder and CEO of Bioptimus; Serge Belongie, Director, Pioneer Centre for AI at Copenhagen University; Merouane Debbah, Professor at Khalifa University; Sergey Tulyakov, Director of Research, Snap Inc.; and, alongside other global innovators.

Alexander Khanin, Founder and CEO of Machines Can See and Polynome, said: “AI is moving toward an era defined by real-world impact, and the UAE is demonstrating how quickly that impact can scale. Its drive to build the world’s first AI-native government and position itself as a global AI leader reflects a bold, future-focused approach to national transformation. Machines Can Summits are designed to support that momentum by linking breakthroughs with practical deployment. The calibre of researchers, technologists, and industry leaders joining us this year reinforces our mission to advance AI responsibly and shape progress that benefits the region and the world.”

Machines Can Think forms part of the broader Machines Can Summits series, last year’s event attracting 3,500 attendees from 82 countries. The 2026 edition will continue through two flagship events: Machines Can Think in Abu Dhabi and Machines Can See in Dubai, supported by a growing ecosystem of industry and community partners.

Machines Can Think 2026 is supported by a growing ecosystem of partners, including the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau, Yango Group, Mubadala, NVIDIA, Abu Dhabi Police, DDN, e&, Tahaluf, aiphoria, Backwell Tech, Women in AI (global network and UAE chapter), Sandooq Al Watan, XPANCEO, Orbit, Jupiter E-Power, and VAST Data, with more to be announced.

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 26 January 2026 — Abu Dhabi’s flagship AI Adopters event, Machines Can Think 2026, featured a keynote by Yann LeCun, Professor at New York University on Objective-Driven AI: World Models, Reasoning, and Efficiency which examined how AI systems can move beyond pattern recognition toward goal-oriented reasoning, improved efficiency, and more reliable decision-making in real-world environments. Machines Can Think 2026 is co-organised and co-hosted by Polynome and the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence.

The flagship executive AI summit brings together global innovators, leading UAE institutions, government decision-makers, and world-class researchers shaping the future of intelligent technologies, with a strong focus on governance, infrastructure, and measurable impact. In his opening remarks, Alexander Khanin, Founder and Director of Polynome Group, positioned Machines Can Think as a strong platform for public and private sector leaders to address AI adoption at scale. He noted that the calibre of speakers and the depth of discussion were designed to move beyond vision-setting, enabling informed debate and actionable outcomes.

Alexander Khanin, Founder and Director of Polynome Group, said: “As the Machines Can Think 2026 continues, attendees will explore frontier science, scalable AI adoption, and practical applications aligned with the UAE’s 2031 AI Strategy and its ambition to build the world’s first AI-native government. The conversations reflect a maturing approach to AI, where impact, accountability, and long-term value now stand alongside innovation. We are grateful for the government’s support to bring together such a strong community of global leaders and experts.”

Machines Can Think 2026 featured 50+ topics and 1,500 experts from 30+ countries across its two-day agenda. Day one features a dense program across its Co-Evolution and Tech tracks, with sessions on AI Factories: Enabling AI at State Scale, examining national AI infrastructure and large-scale deployment. Keynotes explored advances in World Models, alongside technical perspectives on Three and a Half Generations of Video Generation Models, Gamification of Large Language Models, From Intelligence to Awareness: The Next Layer in Enterprise AI, A New Playbook for Drug Discovery and Development, and Foundation Models for Biology: From Structures to Systems explored advances in reasoning, generation, enterprise intelligence, and life sciences. Practical deployment was addressed through workshops such as From AI Ambition to Delivery: Practical Insights from the UAE Public Sector, Your AI, Your Control: Sovereign AI, From Strategy to Practice, Trace & Proof First: Build Proof-Backed Search Agents with Evals and Live Observability, What C-levels Must Know About AI and Architecting an AI-First Culture: The AI Academy’s 2026 Roadmap. Governance, investment, and societal impact were examined in Pilot to Policy: AI Safety, Why Unicorn Logic Breaks in AI, and The Future at the Crossroads of People, Business and the City. Sector-focused discussions examined drug discovery and development, foundation models for biology, personalised human phenotyping, and AI in education and the knowledge economy, setting a rigorous foundation for deeper exploration as the summit continues into day two.

Andrey Doronichev, CEO of Bioptic, said, “What makes Machines Can Think is that it connects people working across the full AI stack, from researchers training neural networks to teams applying AI in highly regulated industries like pharma. The region is reaching an inflexion point where compute and infrastructure are advancing, but the real opportunity lies in building research depth and attracting specialised scientific talent. Platforms shift the perception that serious AI research and long-term innovation can be built from here, not just deployed here.”

Machines Can Think sits within the wider Machines Can Summits series, which has become a global reference point for applied AI dialogue, bringing together 25,000 participants from the AI community. With previous editions generating over 6 million online engagements and attendees from 82+ countries, the event catalyses partnerships, research initiatives, and strategic MoUs. It continues to scale both in reach and influence as a forum where AI ambition is translated into action.

The summit is supported by a growing ecosystem of partners, including the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau, Yango Group, Mubadala, Abu Dhabi Police, DDN, e&, Tahaluf, aiphoria, Backwell Tech, Women in AI (global network and UAE chapter), Sandooq Al Watan, XPANCEO, MBuzz, Beco Capital, Hub71 Orbit, Jupiter E-Power, and VAST Data.

Machines Can Think 2026 will continue today with more sessions focused on scaling AI responsibly and embedding it into long-term national and enterprise strategies.

Machines Can Think 2026 is taking place on 26–27 January at Park Hyatt Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – 28 January 2026:

H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, inaugurated the “Machines Can Think 2026” summit, the UAE’s flagship artificial intelligence adoption event, held from 26 to 27 January 2026 at Park Hyatt Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi. The summit was co-organised and co-hosted by Polynome Group and the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI).

The summit brought together a distinguished group of policymakers, scientists, researchers, technologists, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and artificial intelligence experts from around the world, providing an international platform to examine how AI systems can transition from ambition and experimentation to national-scale impact through real-world applications. Discussions throughout the summit reinforced the UAE’s growing role as a global hub for the responsible development and deployment of artificial intelligence.

The Industrial Day built on the momentum of the opening programme, convening decision-makers, technologists, researchers, and industry leaders to explore operational AI, leadership readiness, sector-wide transformation, and mechanisms for scaling AI adoption at the national level, while linking technological innovation with economic and developmental opportunities.

In his keynote address at the opening of the summit, H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan said he was pleased to join participants at the inauguration of “Machines Can Think 2026” and to welcome to the United Arab Emirates this distinguished gathering of global leaders in deep technology, policymaking, and artificial intelligence from academia, industry, and government. He noted that the world is living through an extraordinary moment in human history, in which technology is no longer limited to tools for calculation, but has become systems that learn, adapt, and increasingly think alongside humans, helping them understand the world, make decisions, and create new realities.

He added that the central question facing the summit is no longer whether machines can think, as this is already evident in today’s innovations, but rather the deeper and more urgent question of how humans will choose to think, act, and lead in the age of intelligent machines. If machines can think, he said, society must ask about the purpose of that thinking: whether it should focus solely on speed and efficiency, or whether truly intelligent systems must be guided to engage with the complexities of the human condition and help move the world toward what humanity aspires to become, rather than merely reflecting reality with all its flaws.

H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak explained that this is the challenge the UAE is prepared to meet under the wise and enlightened leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates. He stressed that the country’s approach is grounded in the firm belief that technological advancement and human values are not in conflict, and that embedding ethics in innovation does not slow progress, but rather guides it to serve humanity. He added that the President leads the nation with the conviction that progress must serve people, not the other way around, and that the true measure of a nation’s advancement lies not in the sophistication of its machines, but in the dignity and well-being of its people.

He further affirmed that the UAE invests in artificial intelligence because it believes in science, education, and the future, while also investing in tolerance, coexistence, and human fraternity. He emphasised the country’s commitment to ensuring that technology serves all people without exception, respects cultural diversity, protects human dignity, and strengthens social cohesion, noting that without these human values, no technology can truly succeed.

Addressing the participants, H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak noted that the difference between AI that fragments societies and AI that unites them lies not in algorithms, but in the intentions of those who design, govern, and use these technologies. He pointed out that the defining question in 2026 is no longer “What can we build?” but “What should we build, and why?”—a question that requires a new model of leadership based on collaboration between engineers, ethicists, policymakers, and entrepreneurs, and a comprehensive understanding of AI governance as a matter of culture, values, and shared responsibility, not merely regulation.

He also highlighted that artificial intelligence is inherently global in nature, with risks, benefits, and impacts that transcend borders, making international cooperation essential to shaping its future through shared standards, shared learning, and collective responsibility.

H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak concluded his address by emphasising that scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs are not merely builders of technology, but stewards of the future. Their choices, assumptions, and values, he said, will shape the trajectory of artificial intelligence. Excellence in AI, he stressed, is no longer measured by performance alone, but by purpose. While machines may learn, reason, and assist, only humans can exercise judgment, and the future of artificial intelligence will be determined not by thinking machines, but by humans who care. He wished the summit every success.

The summit’s Industrial Day featured a series of specialised keynote sessions, including “The Next AI Datacenter: Accelerated, Energy-Aware, Everywhere” by Marc Hamilton of NVIDIA; “Going Beyond Human-Level Perception” by Manohar Paluri, Vice President of AI at Meta; “Generative AI and Magical Thinking” by Serge Belongie, Director of the Pioneer Centre for AI at the University of Copenhagen; and “Is AI Imperative?” by Dr. Ahmed Sulaiman Al Dhaheri, Director of the AI Center at Abu Dhabi Police.

The programme also addressed AI applications across key sectors, including telecommunications, autonomous delivery, speech technologies, and education, in addition to hosting a Startup Competition Day, which provided entrepreneurs with a platform to present their innovations to an expert jury and connect with investors, industry leaders, and potential partners within the broader Machines Can ecosystem.

“Machines Can Think 2026” was supported by a growing ecosystem of partners, including the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau, Yango Group, Mubadala, NVIDIA, Abu Dhabi Police, DDN, e&, Tahaluf, Aiphoria, Backwell Tech, Women in AI (global network and UAE chapter), Sandooq Al Watan, XPANCEO, MBuzz, Beco Capital, Hub71, Orbit, Jupiter E-Power, and VAST Data.

The Machines Can series will continue with the “Machines Can See 2026” summit in April 2026, which will focus on machine perception, vision systems, and their real-world applications across industry and public services, further reinforcing the UAE’s leadership role in shaping the global future of responsible artificial intelligence.

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 12 January 2026: Building on the strong success of its inaugural cohort, The AI Academy has officially opened applications for the second cohort of its Executive Program for Chief AI Officer (CAIO)—a flagship initiative designed to develop executive-level AI leadership across government and industry.

The second cohort builds directly on the proven impact of the inaugural program, which successfully certified 35 senior executives from government, defense, energy, healthcare, technology, and national infrastructure sectors across the UAE, GCC, and key global regions. Delivered in partnership with Polynome Group and the Abu Dhabi School of Management (ADSM), the program established a new benchmark for executive AI education in the region.

Proven Impact of the CAIO Program

Graduates of the inaugural cohort completed an intensive, hands-on curriculum combining masterclasses, workshops, and applied exercises. The program focused on responsible AI governance, regulatory alignment, fiscal impact, and large-scale AI deployment, equipping leaders with the capabilities required to drive AI transformation at an organizational and national level.

Participants were guided by world-class instructors and industry leaders from organizations including NVIDIA, Databricks, Mubadala, HCLTech, OpenCV Foundation, Khalifa University, NYU Abu Dhabi, e&, G42, Core42 and more, gaining practical insights and tools grounded in real-world implementation.

Alexander Khanin, Founder of Polynome Group, said: “The success of the first cohort shows just how important structured, executive-level AI leadership programs are. As AI becomes central to competitiveness and performance, these leaders are now equipped to turn potential into real, responsible impact.”

Dr. Tayeb A. Kamali, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi School of Management (ADSM), added: “This program reflects our commitment to nurturing leaders who can bridge advanced technology with sound governance and strategic decision-making. The achievements of the inaugural cohort confirm the value of executive education that truly meets national and regional priorities.”

Cohort One also delivered six high-impact capstone projects addressing pressing challenges in AI governance, healthcare sustainability, and energy resilience. These included a GCC-wide AI regulatory intelligence platform, a unified national AI layer for government services, AI-driven healthcare transformation models, and strategies addressing rising AI-related energy demand. Participants further benefited from site visits to ADNOC, Core42, Khazna Data Centers and the UAE Cybersecurity Council, gaining first-hand exposure to the nation’s AI, cloud, and cybersecurity infrastructure.

Launch of the Second Cohort

Following this strong foundation, the second intake of the Executive Program for Chief AI Officer is designed to continue raising the bar for executive AI leadership. The program will once again bring together distinguished faculty, senior-level peer learning, and direct engagement with leaders actively shaping AI in practice.

Cohort Two is tailored for a select group of experienced executives from across government and industry. Participants will engage closely with global AI practitioners, policymakers, and technologists who have led large-scale AI deployments, navigated regulation, and advised organizations at the highest levels. The emphasis remains on practical execution, strategic decision-making, and measurable impact.

Graduates of the second cohort will also join the program’s invitation-only global CAIO network, fostering long-term collaboration, insight-sharing, and strategic dialogue across sectors and regions.

As Dubai’s investor landscape evolves, investors place more emphasis on how homes perform and age. In 2025, the city recorded $250 billion in real estate transactions, with the investor base expanding by 24% year-over-year and welcoming 129,600 first-time investors. As the market matures, global capital has become more selective and focused on long-term value.

Interior planning, particularly kitchens, now plays a growing role in how a project is perceived and valued over time. Against this backdrop, Nolte FZE examines five design-led factors that define whether a development is truly investor-friendly.

Customised interiors for a diverse investor base

With over 40% of UAE real estate investors living overseas, customisation increases a project’s relevance to a broader buyer pool and supports stronger resale demand. Across the Arab world, the kitchen sits at the centre of hospitality and daily life. Ramadan iftars, Eid gatherings, and weekly family meals place specific demands on space, storage, and circulation, driving the need for extended counters, twin ovens, generous refrigeration, and layouts that connect seamlessly to the majlis or outdoor areas.

Meanwhile, international investors expect the minimalism associated with European living.

Investor-friendly developments strike a balance, combining regional materials such as walnut tones and natural stone with European elements like handleless cabinetry, matte finishes, and integrated appliances.

Adaptability to the Middle East climate

In this region, homes must perform reliably under high temperatures while managing constant exposure to heat, dust, and pests. Materials, fittings, and construction details that fail under environmental stress increase long-term operating costs and undermine asset value. Kitchen environments are particularly exposed due to frequent use, temperature fluctuations, and storage demands.

Nolte addresses these conditions through features developed specifically for the Middle East, including sealed edge protection that prevents dust and insects from entering cabinet units. By designing for resilience from the outset, developers can account for today’s environmental realities, avoid costly interventions tomorrow, and extend product lifespan.

Sustainability and ethical production

Environmental responsibility has become a baseline expectation for investors. In the UAE, this shift is reinforced by national frameworks such as Net Zero 2050, alongside Dubai’s Green Building Regulations and the continued growth of LEED-certified developments.

More than 70% of a kitchen is constructed using wood or wood-based materials, making responsible sourcing essential. Low-formaldehyde composites, recycled content, and certified timber have become standard requirements in serious projects. International certifications such as FSC and PEFC now serve as benchmarks for responsible material sourcing. These choices not only reduce environmental impact but also enhance indoor air quality and promote healthier living environments.

Developments aligned with these standards send a clear signal to investors and health-conscious homeowners that sustainability and regulatory compliance are embedded into the asset itself.

Durability and long-term value

Durability is one of the most overlooked drivers of real estate value, yet it has a direct impact on financial performance over time. Products built to last consume fewer resources across their lifecycle and deliver consistent quality. For investors, this translates into lower maintenance costs, stronger tenant satisfaction, and greater confidence in long-term value retention.

Kitchens are among the most heavily used spaces in any home, making surface quality and material resilience critical considerations. Matte finishes with anti-fingerprint properties reduce visible wear, minimise daily cleaning, and maintain a consistent appearance under frequent use. High-quality laminates, durable lacquers, and properly sealed edges resist moisture, heat, and everyday abrasion, preventing swelling, peeling, and surface degradation, particularly in warm climates.

Innovation as a differentiator

In a competitive market, developments must stand apart in tangible ways, and innovation signals future readiness. Projects that integrate adaptable, climate-resilient, and sustainably produced interiors are better positioned to meet regulatory changes, evolving buyer expectations, and long-term operational demands. As large, mixed-use developments become increasingly common across the UAE, consistency of quality across hundreds or thousands of units is critical.

Kitchens, as the emotional and social heart of the home, also demand continuous product development, smarter storage solutions, and adaptable configurations to reflect changing lifestyles. This is where experienced project manufacturers add value, enabling tailored finishes, colours, and layouts to be delivered at scale without compromising engineering discipline or quality consistency.

Dubai, UAE – 23 January 2026 – Snowflake, the AI Data Cloud company, has announced the general availability of Snowflake’s AI Data Cloud on the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Middle East (UAE) Region, enabling customers to unlock deeper data insights powered by AI to drive business innovation. The regional cloud expansion builds on the strong partnership momentum between Snowflake and AWS, with Snowflake doubling its transaction growth in AWS Marketplace YoY to exceed $2 billion in global sales in a calendar year.

The UAE has been one of the countries to most decisively embrace AI as a driver of economic growth, with its National AI Strategy 2031 emphasizing talent development, innovation, and robust digital infrastructure. To support and further the goals of the strategy, there has been a strong demand for secure and governed data environments that enable tangible data and AI adoption across industries. Snowflake’s deployment on the AWS Middle East (UAE) Region, the latest development in a long-term partnership with AWS, addresses this need by bringing customers closer to their data, for reduced latency, enhanced performance and support in meeting data residency requirements.

“The combination of secure local infrastructure, strong governance controls, and AI-ready performance is essential as the UAE moves to turn its national AI goals into long-term value,” said Tareq Masoud, Country Manager, UAE, Snowflake. “In our pursuit to consistently deliver and address customer and national needs, our deep collaboration with AWS strengthens that foundation by giving local organisations a powerful way to modernise data platforms, build trusted and secure AI systems, and generate business value and outcomes from their data and AI at scale.”

Snowflake and AWS Accelerate Enterprise Data and AI Adoption

Exemplifying the deep partnership between Snowflake and AWS, Snowflake has doubled AWS Marketplace growth globally YoY and was awarded 14 awards by AWS, including AWS Partner of the Year in multiple categories, across technology, industry, and regional categories.

Through AWS Marketplace, customers can access joint capabilities more easily, streamlining procurement and accelerating access to Snowflake’s AI Data Cloud’s advanced integrations with AWS services. As enterprises accelerate their AI transformation, Snowflake is working with AWS to deliver interoperable data architectures that help joint customers scale innovation securely and cost-effectively. These innovations include:

• Catalog Federation between AWS Glue Data Catalog and Snowflake Catalogs: Customers can now access Iceberg-format data managed by the Snowflake Horizon Catalog directly through AWS Glue Data Catalog. This enables organizations on AWS to maintain a single point of access for Iceberg-format data across both platforms, minimizing data duplication, movement, and associated costs.
• Catalog-Linked Databases from Snowflake to AWS Glue Data Catalog: For Snowflake-centric customers, databases can now be linked directly to AWS Glue Data Catalog without creating individual externally managed Iceberg tables, allowing automatic discovery and synchronization for streamlined read/write access. This includes support for vended credentials and Amazon S3 Tables to simplify management at scale and streamline governance controls.