ATM research reveals more must be done to meet UN tourism-related sustainability goals

Abu Dhabi, UAE – November 20, 2025 – G42 welcomes the White House’s decision to authorize the export of advanced AI semiconductors to G42. The move marks a pivotal transition from planning to deployment within the UAE–U.S. AI corridor - a collaboration that reflects the strength of bilateral trust and a shared commitment to secure, scalable AI infrastructure.

This milestone accelerates foundational projects already underway in the UAE, including Stargate UAE, the 1-gigawatt AI compute cluster being built by G42 for OpenAI in partnership with Oracle, Cisco, NVIDIA, and SoftBank Group, which is part of the larger UAE–U.S. AI Campus, a 5-gigawatt AI infrastructure hub designed to deliver compute capacity and low-latency inferencing for the wider region. It also supports the expansion of technology collaborations with leading U.S. hyperscalers and chipmakers, including Microsoft, AMD, Qualcomm, Cerebras, and others.

The licensing of advanced chips builds on a common operating picture developed through close U.S.–UAE collaboration to enable the secure global diffusion of American technology. Their deployment will be governed by the Regulated Technology Environment (RTE), a world-class technology and compliance framework pioneered by G42 and approved under U.S. Department of Commerce and Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) guidelines.

Peng Xiao, Group CEO of G42, said: "This announcement marks a defining moment for G42 and our partners as we move from planning into execution. Our shared infrastructure model sets a new benchmark for secure, high-performance compute that is designed to serve the needs of both nations. What we build in the UAE, we will continue to match in the U.S., maintaining symmetry and trust at every layer."

The UAE remains the only nation in the region to have already undertaken this scale of infrastructure development in alignment with U.S. regulatory frameworks, export controls, and governance protocols.

Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Secretary General of the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council, added: "This decision affirms the depth of trust that underpins the UAE–U.S. relationship. It reflects a shared strategic outlook - where technology is not merely a tool of progress, but a platform for stability, economic resilience, and long-term cooperation. The UAE is proud to play a constructive role in shaping that future."

G42’s deployed, and operational AI infrastructure includes three of the Top500 supercomputers globally, the #2 and #3 in the region, in addition to recently announcing its Maximus-01 supercomputer in New York that ranks 20th globally.  G42’s expanding AI infrastructure footprint now spans Abu Dhabi, France, and multiple locations across the United States, including California, Minnesota, Texas, and New York.

Discounts across every category this White Friday Sales from November 21 to 30 on www.amazon.sa/whitefriday, including daily flash deals from 08:00 PM to 10:00 PM (KSA time), with Same-Day and One-Day Delivery options on thousands of eligible items.

Enjoy 50% off everything at Bazaar with code BWF50, from trendy fashion to home and lifestyle picks.

Maximize your savings with instant bank discounts using Al Rajhi Bank cards, flexible payment options, and Prime-exclusive deals, including early access starting November 20 at 12:01 AM (KSA time).

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, November 20, 2025: The countdown is on for Amazon.sa’s White Friday Sale, marking one of the most anticipated shopping events this year. Returning from November 21 to November 30 on www.amazon.sa/whitefriday, White Friday is brining customers in Saudi Arabia thousands of deals, exclusive discounts, and fast, reliable delivery options across every category, including electronics, fashion, beauty, home, games, kitchen, grocery, and Amazon Devices. Customers can also shop an extended range of offers on international selections from Amazon US, UK, and Germany, available through the Amazon.sa Global Store.

This White Friday returns with even more excitement, featuring daily flash deals live from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM (KSA time), offering limited-time savings on top picks from popular local and international brands, all with Same-Day and One-Day Delivery on eligible orders.

Additionally, Customers can explore Bazaar, Amazon.sa’s must-visit destination for affordable, trendy fashion, home, and lifestyle finds. During this White Friday Sale, shoppers can enjoy an extra 50% off all Bazaar items with the code BWF50 at checkout, via the Amazon app or at www.amazon.sa/bazaar.

Abdo Chlala, Country Manager at Amazon Saudi Arabia, highlighted the company’s approach, saying: “At Amazon, our focus every White Friday is on delivering a seamless, rewarding shopping experience for customers in Saudi Arabia. This year, we’re bringing even more value with thousands of deals and deep discounts across every category, along with exciting daily flash offers from 8:00 PM to 10:00 on global brands and local favorites, all backed by fast, reliable, or even free delivery on eligible orders to customers throughout the Kingdom. With so much on offer, White Friday on Amazon.sa is a can’t-miss opportunity for customers to shop smart and save big”.

Shop Early, Save More

Prime members can make the most of White Friday with exclusive early access to deals starting November 20 at 12:01 AM (KSA time), unlocking special offers, instant bank discounts, and fast, reliable, or even free delivery on eligible items. Not a member yet? Join at www.amazon.sa/prime for just SAR 16/month or SAR 140/year to enjoy year-round shopping and entertainment benefits.

More Ways to Save This White Friday

• Instant Bank Discounts: Shoppers on Amazon.sa can enjoy exclusive White Friday savings with eligible Al Rajhi Bank cards, up to 20% off for all customers, and up to 25% off for Prime members.

• Buy Now, Pay Later: Customers on Amazon.sa can enjoy hassle-free and affordable shopping with Tabby and Tamara, offering the convenience of splitting payments into 4 interest-free installments, T&Cs apply.

• Amazon Gift Cards: Purchase an Amazon.sa eGift Card for SAR 400 and get up to SAR 40 promotional credit to shop your favorite products this White Friday, T&Cs apply.

• Bank Instalment Plans: Customers in the Kingdom can also opt to 0% instalment plans on eligible purchases from select banks at checkout on Amazon.sa, making payments easier and more flexible, T&Cs apply.

Get ready to shop big this White Friday. Download the Amazon app or visit Amazon.sa/whitefriday to discover incredible deals, and head to Amazon.sa/prime to unlock exclusive Prime offers.

Riyadh, KSA 19 Nov. 2025– Dsquares has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with stc Group to upgrade how Saudi consumers experience rewards and everyday benefits. The collaboration centres on making loyalty more useful in real daily life through instant, personalised digital rewards offered across categories that matter most to consumers.

The agreement integrates Dsquares’ loyalty technology into stc’s ecosystem to support a broader shift in the Kingdom toward customer-centric digital services. The new model aims to provide people with faster access to relevant e-vouchers, easier redemption journeys, and offers that reflect their habits and preferences, moving loyalty from a promotional add-on to a practical part of day-to-day spending.

Marwan Kenawy, Co-founder and CEO of Dsquares, highlighted the long-term vision saying: “We are honoured to partner with stc to power the discount platform for “qitaf,” one of the most trusted and widely used loyalty programs in Saudi Arabia and the GCC. By managing and implementing the “qitaf” e-voucher ecosystem, we’re not just deploying technology; we’re building solutions that enhance everyday experiences for millions of Saudi consumers. This deep commitment to digital transformation ensures that loyalty programs become more accessible, practical, and rewarding across the Kingdom.”

“This collaboration comes at a time when the loyalty sector in the region is undergoing major transformation, as brands shift from traditional, points-based and transaction-driven programs to more human-centric experiences powered by data and behavior, placing the user’s needs at the heart of every feature and value delivered.”

Mohamed El Fahad, General Manager of Loyalty at stc, commented on the new value proposition saying: “This partnership is fundamentally about enhancing value and utility for our members. The collaboration with Dsquares allows us to inject intelligent solutions into our loyalty ecosystem, aiming to provide exclusive, relevant discounts delivered seamlessly as electronic vouchers directly through the new “qitaf” application. This strategic move ensures personalized rewards are instant and practical for our 19 million+ customers, reinforcing “qitaf's” position as a leader in customer appreciation.”

By bringing together a major telecom operator and a regional loyalty specialist, the collaboration reinforces a broader shift underway in Saudi Arabia: moving from traditional, points-heavy loyalty schemes to smarter, behaviour-driven ecosystems. The partnership is designed to give “qitaf” members a more intuitive, practical, and personalised rewards experience, one that integrates smoothly into their everyday spending.

Industry data reflects this momentum: the loyalty market in the Middle East is expected to grow by 16.3% in 2025 to reach USD 3.27 billion, with the wider MENA region forecast to expand from USD 5.85 billion to USD 9.38 billion by 2028. This rapid growth underscores the shift toward more sophisticated, consumer-centric loyalty ecosystems, making initiatives like the stc–Dsquares partnership increasingly critical to meeting evolving expectations.

As part of the agreement, Dsquares will implement the digital infrastructure that powers “qitaf’s” e-voucher ecosystem and curate the expanded “qitaf” Marketplace. This ensures members receive timely, relevant discounts based on their points balance and shopping patterns, making “qitaf” a more useful companion in daily life.

By Jaishankar K. Nair, Head of Services, MHAO Group

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 17 November 2025: In the modern service economy, innovation extends beyond smart products to the way companies listen, communicate and respond when customers need support. For many consumers, the true measure of a brand begins not at the point of purchase, but at the moment something goes wrong.

Across the UAE, expectations for after sales care are evolving in step with a growing trust in digital experiences. According to PwC’s Voice of the Consumer 2024: Middle East, 78 percent of consumers in the region discover new brands through social media, higher than 67 percent globally, while 82 percent look for online reviews to validate a company before making a purchase. These habits reveal a customer base that is digitally engaged but demands transparency, reliability, and responsiveness from the businesses they interact with.

The same report shows how technology has transformed everyday habits: 44 percent of regional consumers shop online daily or weekly via mobile phones, compared with 34 percent globally. Nearly 40 percent identify self-checkout, mobile payments, and real-time personalized offers as key features that improve their experience. This demonstrates a clear expectation for service that is immediate, digital and convenient.

For instance, at our new Homewide service center in Abu Dhabi’s Mussafah district, this reality is reflected in daily operations. Dedicated desks handle diagnostics, warranty claims, and inquiries to reduce waiting times. Behind the front desk, digital diagnostics and genuine spare parts ensure precision and safety in every repair. Artificial-intelligence systems manage service tickets and send updates to keep customers informed at every step.

Yet technology alone cannot sustain loyalty. Skilled technicians and service advisors remain central to the experience, combining expertise with empathy and clear communication. Customer care today is a relationship built on trust, clarity, and respect for time, qualities that define enduring confidence between companies and consumers.

As service expectations rise across the UAE, businesses that unite human understanding with intelligent systems will set the benchmark for excellence. The real innovation in customer care lies in creating experiences that are transparent, responsive, and genuinely centered on people.

• A special presentation of Meyerowitz’s work, including new video and audio installations, to be shown at Somerset House, London from 17 April - 4 May 2026

• Meyerowitz to be recognised at the annual Awards ceremony in London on 16 April 2026

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA, 18 NOVEMBER 2025 - Joel Meyerowitz is announced as the recipient of the prestigious Outstanding Contribution to Photography title of the Sony World Photography Awards 2026, which honours the people that have shaped the history of the medium. Meyerowitz is recognised for his diverse and expansive body of work, and its extraordinary influence on the visual vocabulary of photography. 

Joel Meyerowitz’s practice is marked by his observant eye, finely tuned to the currents and textures of life. His work shows a fascination with life happening around him, and a remarkable instinct for framing images that are at once revealing and enigmatic, imbued with beauty and wit. Meyerowitz’s photographs direct the viewer’s gaze to the parallel and interconnected stories that define a moment. The subjects of his photographs are wide-ranging, from his iconic depictions of the bustle of city life, to his depictions of coastal life and the vast seascapes of Cape Cod, through to his pivotal series documenting all the work inside Ground Zero in the aftermath of 9/11, and his recent self-portraiture. Over the years, Joel Meyerowitz has captured the surprises that can be found by looking carefully at the scenes that surround us.

An early proponent of colour photography, Joel Meyerowitz was instrumental in bringing this method to widespread recognition and use, and is credited for expanding its global appreciation, establishing it as a fine art practice. His work since the early 1960s has made him a leading figure in the history of 20th century photography. 

To mark the award, a special retrospective of works by Joel Meyerowitz will be shown at Somerset House, London, as part of the Sony World Photography Awards 2026 exhibition. This showcase offers an insight into the spirit and curiosity that has characterised his practice for the past six decades. Through video and audio installations, Meyerowitz invites visitors to see from his vantage point, recalling the sense of wonder he experienced seeing the scenes in his images for the first time. In several specially commissioned new video and audio installations created in collaboration with award-winning filmmaker Chris Ryan, the photographer reflects on the process of the making of specific images, as well as charting the trajectories of his life, tracing the steps and creative turning points that have led him to the current point. The exhibition will additionally present emblematic works from across Meyerowitz’s career including his early street photography from New York and his travels to Europe, his ‘field photographs,’ focused on the colours, objects and patterns across the frame, photographs from his time in Cape Cod, and his coverage of Ground Zero. 

Born in New York City, USA in 1938, Joel Meyerowitz studied painting and medical drawing at Ohio State University before working as an advertising art director. After watching the Swiss-American photographer Robert Frank shoot an advertising project for him in 1962, Meyerowitz immediately quit his job and went out onto the streets with a borrowed camera and two rolls of colour film, and embarked on a career that would make an indelible mark on the medium. While his early work was in colour, he later added Black and White to his photography. Meyerowitz’s work forms an integral part of the American photographic canon – it has appeared in over 350 exhibitions in museums and galleries across the world, and has been published in 57 monographs.

Commenting on his acceptance of the award, Joel Meyerowitz says: ‘I am honoured to be selected as this year’s Outstanding Contribution to Photography recipient. The photographs I have made over the years show the world as I see it, and the moments of beauty, humour and fun that can be found everywhere, if we take the opportunity to look. I hope this exhibition will encourage visitors to look again at their surroundings and engage with all of the life that unfolds around them.’

The Outstanding Contribution to Photography award recognises the voices behind the most groundbreaking photographic work of our time. As its 19th recipient, Joel Meyerowitz joins a distinguished list of names including Mary Ellen Mark (2014), Martin Parr (2017), Graciela Iturbide (2021), Edward Burtynsky (2022), Sebastião Salgado (2024) and Susan Meiselas (2025).

Meyerowitz will be presented with his award at the annual gala ceremony in London on 16 April 2026, during an evening of celebrations where the overall winners of the Sony World Photography Awards 2026 will be announced.

On the occasion of the exhibition a special talk with Joel Meyerowitz will take place on 21 April 2026. A limited number of combined exhibition and talk tickets will be available - register here to stay up to date.

For more information about the Sony World Photography Awards and upcoming announcements and events, please visit worldphoto.org.