A guide to the ultimate winter experience at LIWA 2025

Updated 31 December 2024

Arab News

December 30, 2024 16:25

The Liwa International Festival is back in full swing, bringing the ultimate winter experience to the golden dunes of Al-Dhafra, UAE, until Jan. 4, 2025.

Whether you are seeking inspiring cultural experiences or thrilling new adventures, LIWA 2025 offers something for everyone. Immerse yourself in the action, create unforgettable memories, and explore everything this iconic event has to offer:

Getting there

By car: Take Sheikh Zayed Road (E10) toward Sweihan/Al-Ain, following signs for Liwa. Continue on this route until you reach your destination.
Free parking is available on-site with ample spots for visitors.

Accommodation options

Camping and glamping: Experience the magic of the desert under the stars. Bring your own tent or RV, or book a spot through the Liwa Sports Club app.
Luxury options: Indulge in a luxurious stay at one of the many hotels, including Bab Al-Nojoum Bateen Liwa, Qasr Al-Sarab Desert Resort, Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort and Western Hotel Liwa. For more options, visit the LIWA Fest’s website.

Festival amenities

Enjoy a seamless and comfortable festival experience with these convenient amenities:
Stay connected: 5G network connectivity throughout the festival site.
Medical assistance: A 24/7 on-site medical clinic is available to ensure your safety and well-being.
EV charging stations: Take advantage of dedicated charging stations across the festival site.
On-site essentials: Supermarkets, ATMs, and a petrol station are available for your convenience.

Final tips:

Arrive early: Get a head start on your day and allow yourself plenty of time to explore everything at LIWA 2025.
Dress for comfort: Wear breathable clothing and comfortable shoes — sportswear is recommended.
Stay safe: Follow safety guidelines, especially around motorsport events and camping areas.

Key festival highlights

For thrill-seekers

Feel the adrenaline rush at the Monster Jam shows (Dec. 27–28) or witness daring performances at the Moreeb Dune Car Championship (Jan. 2–4), held on the towering 300-meter Tal Moreeb, the UAE’s tallest dune.
Witness the Freestyle Drift Championship (Dec. 27–28) for high-speed excitement and expert driving skills.
Experience the adrenaline rush of the UTV Drag Racing competition (Dec. 29) or the Car Stunt Competition (Dec. 30–31), where daring drivers tackle the steep slopes of Moreeb Dune.
Celebrate the New Year with the Electronic Freestyle Championship (Jan. 1), showcasing jaw-dropping manoeuvres.
For the ultimate thrill, participate in iconic dune-bashing adventures, where you navigate the towering sands of Tal Moreeb.
Or head to the Liwa Village’s Adrenaline Zone to experience thrilling carnival rides and challenge-based games or visit the Meydan Zone a dynamic gaming area offering activities like a shooting range, laser tag, and more.

For families

Spend time at Liwa Village’s Wanasa Zone - A family hotspot offering a perfect blend of creativity and interactive entertainment. Explore attractions such as the Night Oasis, Petting Zoo, and a spine-tingling Horror Escape Room.
Soar above the golden dunes on a Hot Air Balloon ride for panoramic views of the stunning desert landscape of Al Dhafra, a magical experience for all ages.
Marvel at jaw-dropping acrobatics, special effects, and family-friendly performances by world-class circus talent at the Hollywood Circus.
Enjoy breathtaking views of the desert from the heart of Liwa Village on the Shams Liwa Ferris Wheel, a must-visit attraction.

For culture enthusiasts

Heritage Displays and Demonstrations: Witness traditional crafts and skills that bring the UAE’s rich cultural legacy to life.
Discover authentic Emirati art forms and explore heritage exhibits that celebrate the nation’s history.
Browse intricate handicrafts, shop for unique keepsakes, and enjoy live demonstrations of local artistry.
All at the Souk in Liwa Village.

Entertainment highlights

Concerts and Tarab Liwa: Enjoy performances by Aseel Hameem and Mahmoud Al-Turky on Dec. 28. Do not miss the New Year’s Eve concert with Abadi Al-Johar and Rahma Riad, followed by spectacular fireworks at midnight.
Nightly fireworks: Be captivated by dazzling displays lighting up the sky at 8 p.m. every evening.
Film shows: Immerse yourself in a video projection on Moreeb Dune, celebrating the legacy of racing champions happening daily at 8 p.m., 10 p.m. and midnight.

For the foodies:

Liwa Village Souk: Savor traditional Emirati dishes like Harees and Luqaimat, crafted by local chefs who bring the UAE’s rich culinary heritage to life.
F&B Zone at Liwa Walk: Enjoy a wide variety of global cuisines, including sizzling burgers, shawarma, falafel, Mexican bites, and more, all served fresh and bursting with flavour.

Ready for an Unforgettable Adventure?

Don’t miss out on Abu Dhabi’s ultimate winter festival! From thrilling motorsports to cultural treasures and family fun, LIWA 2025 promises memories to last a lifetime.

Follow @liwafest and @liwavillage: Stay updated with the full schedule, and catch the latest stories and highlights from the festival and village on social media.

Learn more: liwainternationalfestival.ae

Get tickets: abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net

Honor launches Magic7 Pro in MEA: Empowering the future with AI and seamless mobile innovation

Updated 18 January 2025

Arab News

January 18, 2025 16:39

Honor launches Magic7 Pro in MEA: Empowering the future with AI and seamless mobile innovation

Updated 18 January 2025

Arab News

January 18, 2025 16:39

Honor has launched the Magic7 Pro in Dubai, featuring advanced AI capabilities that enhance photography, display quality, and hardware performance. The device comes with the Google Gemini app pre-installed, offering AI assistance for various tasks.

George Zhao, CEO of Honor, highlighted the integration of on-device and cloud AI capabilities for a more intuitive and secure user experience. Honor also announced its partnership with Louvre Abu Dhabi for the exhibition “Kings and Queens of Africa: Forms and Figures of Power.”

Revolutionizing photography with AI Honor Image Engine

The Magic7 Pro boasts an advanced AI Falcon Camera System with a 50 MP Super Dynamic Main Camera, 50 MP Wide Camera, and 200 MP Telephoto Camera. The AI Honor Image Engine, the industry’s first mobile imaging system with Hybrid AI Large Models, provides sophisticated photography features, including AI Super Zoom, AI Motion Sensing Capture, and HD Super Burst.

Empowering smart lifestyle with AI-powered MagicOS 9.0

The Magic7 Pro offers a personalized interface with enhanced Magic Portal2 capabilities, supporting various applications. Gemini’s overlay provides quick access to Google AI assistance. The device includes AI Translation, Honor Notes with AI Summary, and AI Minutes for productivity. AI Dual-way Noise Reduction ensures clear communication.

Unrivaled battery life and gaming performance

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform, the Magic7 Pro features AI Real-Time Rendering technology for PC-level graphics and responsive gaming. The 5,850 mAh silicon-carbon battery supports fast recharging with 100 W wired and 80 W wireless Honor SuperCharge. The device also includes a stereo speaker with enhanced bass and the Natural Light Honor AI Eye Comfort Display.

Availability

Pre-orders for the Magic7 Pro in the Kingdom have started at SR3,999 ($1,065), available in Lunar Shadow Grey, Breeze Blue, and Black. Pre-order customers get a package worth SR1,998, including the Honor Watch4 Pro (SR1,099) and Honor VIP Care+ (SR899) with 180 days replacement, 365 days screen protection, and four screen film replacements in 12 months.

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Summit: Stress on the need for climate finance to increase fourfold

Updated 16 January 2025

Arab News

January 16, 2025 15:04

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Summit: Stress on the need for climate finance to increase fourfold

Updated 16 January 2025

Arab News

January 16, 2025 15:04

The 2025 edition of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, organized under the patronage of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, will Continue till Jan. 18.

The event’s anchor, the ADSW Summit, took place under the theme ‘The Nexus of Next — Supercharging Sustainable Progress.’

The summit showcased how dynamic, interconnected economies can unlock sustainable progress, offering a global platform to catalyze change and unite the international community in building a sustainable, inclusive and resilient future.

Guest speakers included Giorgia Meloni, prime minister of Italy; Bola Tinubu, president of Nigeria; Dr. Thani Al-Zeyoudi, minister of state for foreign trade, UAE Ministry of Economy; Dr. Abdulla Humaid Al-Jarwan, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy; Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, president of Kazakhstan; Paul Kagame, president of Rwanda; Anwar Ibrahim, prime minister of Malaysia; and Badr Jafar, CEO of Crescent Enterprises and special envoy for business and philanthropy, UAE.

In a keynote address titled ‘Financing the Future: Who Leads the Change,’ Badr Jafar highlighted the need for climate finance to increase fourfold to meet the Paris Agreement goals.

Emphasizing the private sector’s pivotal role he said: “We are not talking about trillions in grants or corporate charity; we’re talking about 6 trillion of investments, and with more than 120 trillion in assets under management, between the insurance and pension sectors, family offices and sovereign wealth funds, the world is not short of money. In fact, net private wealth stands at over 450 trillion dollars and is expected to increase more than 6 percent annually.”

Jafar said that mobilizing such vast resources requires bringing the transformative role of the Global South into focus, adding that “the Global South is a global powerhouse, home to 85 percent of the world’s population and already accounting for more than half of global GDP. By 2030, the Global South is anticipated to account for more than 80 percent of the world's middle class, representing an unparalleled opportunity for sustainable development.”

Reinforcing the necessity of a whole-of-society approach to address climate challenges, Jafar said: “The UAE’s leadership has long believed that society moves fastest when it moves as one whole society, engaging all stakeholders to create a multiplier effect. The business and philanthropy sectors, in partnership with governments, are essential to unlocking climate and nature opportunities on a large scale. We must act boldly, working across sectors and across geographies, to seize this moment together.”

The summit featured a series of engaging keynote addresses, panels and fireside chats that amplified diverse voices and fostered collaboration among sustainability leaders and showcased impactful solutions.

Key discussions underscored the urgency of climate challenges and leveraging technological advancements and collective intelligence to mobilize action.

The Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Summit 2025 reaffirmed its role as a global platform for innovation, collaboration, and action, uniting leaders from around the world to accelerate progress toward a sustainable and prosperous future.

Breaking barriers in finance: ATME reimagines regional capital markets with RWA tokenization

Alex Lola, CEO at ATME

Updated 16 January 2025

Arab News

January 16, 2025 10:15

Breaking barriers in finance: ATME reimagines regional capital markets with RWA tokenization

Updated 16 January 2025

Arab News

January 16, 2025 10:15

In an era where rapid technological innovations are reshaping global finance systems, blockchain is emerging as a significant advancement redefining how businesses and investors interact with capital markets. Tokenization, the process of converting real-world assets into smaller tradable tokens stored on a blockchain, is reimagining how businesses secure funding and investors access new opportunities. This innovation is poised for exponential growth, with projections suggesting that the market for tokenized assets could reach $2 trillion by 2030.

Leading this transformation in the Middle East is Asset Tokenization Middle East, Bahrain’s regulated digital exchange dedicated to tokenized RWAs. Licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain, ATME seamlessly integrates blockchain technology with traditional financial instruments to offer a secure and compliant digital marketplace that connects businesses seeking efficient funding pathways to fuel growth with investors exploring unique portfolio diversification opportunities.

ATME’s proprietary platform transforms how businesses raise funds by simplifying the complex and costly processes associated with conventional securitization. Through tokenization, it enables companies to convert their assets such as properties, private equity, and high-value commodities into smaller, accessible tokens. These tokens can be traded safely within ATME’s regulated environment, allowing businesses to tap into a broader investor base with ease. The technology also automates key steps in the issuance process to reduce transaction costs and accelerate time to market.

It is worth mentioning that technology is one aspect of ATME’s value proposition. The company also supports businesses throughout the tokenization process with tailored advisory. This comprehensive approach ensures that ATME’s clients who are looking to raise capital do it faster and cheaper while ensuring full regulatory compliance.

On the other side of the equation, ATME provides investors with secure, compliant, and direct access to asset classes that were previously out of their reach. By enabling fractional ownership, the platform lowers barriers to entry for smaller players to own fractions of assets traditionally accessible only to institutional or ultra-high-net-worth entities.

In the realm of tokenized assets, security and transparency are critical to ensure the credibility and integrity of digital financial ecosystems. ATME has addressed these imperatives by building its platform on private blockchain technology to create a secure platform, providing a marketplace where participants can confidently engage with minimum exposure to fraud risk. Additionally, as a compliant entity, it incorporates rigorous know-your-customer and anti-money laundering protocols that limit participation to verified users and safeguard the integrity of the platform and its operations.

Driven by forward-thinking initiatives and regulatory frameworks, the Middle East is fast adopting technological innovations to strengthen its financial landscape and stimulate sustainable economic growth. With a vision that blends cutting-edge technology, comprehensive services, and regulatory compliance, ATME is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in the ongoing evolution of capital markets in the region and beyond.

18th Asian Financial Forum wraps up, positioning Hong Kong as global financial hub

Updated 15 January 2025

Arab News

January 15, 2025 20:40

18th Asian Financial Forum wraps up, positioning Hong Kong as global financial hub

Updated 15 January 2025

Arab News

January 15, 2025 20:40

The 18th Asian Financial Forum, co-organized by the Hong Kong government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, successfully wrapped up on Jan. 14 under the theme “Powering the Next Growth Engine.” This year’s forum attracted more than 3,600 global financial and business elites from over 50 countries and regions. The event leveraged Hong Kong’s role as an international financial center to strengthen the international communication platform, foster multilateral cooperation and promote mutually beneficial outcomes. Three high-level Mainland China officials attended the opening session of the AFF, including Zhou Ji, executive vice director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council of China; Dr. Pan Gongsheng, governor of the People’s Bank of China; and Liu Zhenmin, special envoy for climate change of China.

As the year’s first large-scale international financial and business event in the region, the atmosphere at the AFF was vibrant and charged with a positive energy. The forum showcased emerging perspectives across the diverse sessions, all of which were well-attended and well-received by speakers and audiences alike. Leaders from around the world actively engaged in discussion throughout the two-day event, with more than 130 policymakers, international financial and multilateral organization representatives, financial institutions, and global corporate leaders joining as speakers.

The speaker at the keynote luncheon on the first day of this year’s AFF was Professor Justin Lin Yifu, chief economist and senior vice president of the World Bank (2008-2012), who delivered an in-depth analysis of the shifting global economic landscape. Yifu said: “In terms of purchasing power, China has the largest domestic market in the world. I think China can reach a 4.5 percent growth rate on average annually between 2019 and 2049. Thus, China will continue to contribute around 30 percent of growth to the world every year. It’s good not only for China, but also will be the most important asset of Hong Kong in the coming years.”

Another keynote luncheon focused on “AI: Future Industries and Implications,” with Professor Stuart Russell, co-chair of the World Economic Forum’s Council on AI, sharing his insights into the development, application and governance of generative AI. Russell said: “We could build AI systems that are guaranteed to further human interests but we aren’t. Some may worry that the machines that we are building will become conscious and lose control, but competence should actually be the topic that we worry about. As history shows, we cause species to become extinct due to our competence, not our consciousness. We are training them to have human-like objectives, and that is a fundamental mistake. I am hoping that if we design the AI system well enough, they themselves will refuse to contribute to the enfeeblement of the human race.”

Another AI expert, Dr. Kai-Fu Lee, chairman of Sinovation Ventures, also addressed the transformative power of AI and its impact on technological advancements in the global business ecosystem during a dialogue session.

In alignment with the HKSAR government’s initiatives to promote sustainable development in Hong Kong, sustainability emerged as a key focus at the forum. A session featured experts including Sue Lloyd, vice chair of the International Sustainability Standards Board, who delved into the adoption of financial disclosure standards to enhance confidence in Hong Kong’s capital markets. Other discussions related to sustainable development included a breakfast panel dedicated to transition finance and two more sessions on sustainable investment and “Post-COP29 Implementation: Enhance Climate Ambition and Enable Financing Action,” during which Zhenmin, China’s special envoy for climate change, gave remarks.

The last day saw the debut of the GCC Chapter, jointly organized by the AFF and the GCC. Christopher Hui, secretary for financial services and the treasury of the HKSAR government, and Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi, secretary-general of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, delivered keynote remarks. Financial officials and representatives from Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE joined industry leaders from Hong Kong to share updates on economic developments in the Gulf region, highlight future investment opportunities, and examine ways to strengthen financial cooperation and investment between the member states of the GCC and Hong Kong.

In addition, pioneers from a range of industries actively participated in sessions such as CIO Insights, Dialogues for Tomorrow and Global Spectrum, focusing on hot topics ranging from fintech and capital markets to female entrepreneurship and philanthropy. One of the heavyweight speakers at this year’s AFF was Joe Tsai, chairman of the Alibaba Group, who shared his views at a fireside chat moderated by Ronnie Chan, honorary chair, Hang Lung Properties Limited, on how large companies spur economic development in a session titled “Global Spectrum — The Role of Large Companies in Supporting Startups and Social Enterprises.”

Real-time polling was conducted during the forum to gauge participants’ views on various topics, such as the global economic outlook and China opportunities. It indicated that generative AI-led innovation (41.6 percent) and non-AI innovation, including digital infrastructure and healthcare (23 percent), were seen by participants as the most critical growth engines in the Asia Pacific region. Meanwhile, generative AI (31.4 percent) and advanced manufacturing (20 percent) were seen as the most promising growth sectors in Mainland China.

This year’s AFF Deal-making, co-organized by the HKTDC and the Hong Kong Venture Capital and Private Equity Association, brought together more than 270 investors and over 560 investment projects, with more than 700 one-on-one meetings held, covering a wide spectrum of sectors such as fintech, healthtech, deep tech, consumer goods, infrastructure and real estate, environment, energy and environmental technology. The meetings helped to connect funds and investment projects from across the globe.
As always, the AFF featured several exhibition zones, set up with the aim of creating business connections and promoting networking, including the Fintech Showcase, Fintech HK Startup Salon, the InnoVenture Salon, and the Global Investment Zone. These zones featured more than 140 exhibitors including international financial institutions, technology companies, startups, investment promotion agencies and sponsors such as AFF Knowledge Partner EY, along with HSBC, Bank of China (Hong Kong), Standard Chartered Bank, UBS, Prudential, China International Capital Corporation and Huatai International and more.

Three other events ran concurrently with the AFF across the two days. The Hong Kong International Fundraising Roundtable 2025 convened C-suite leaders from overseas and mainland enterprises with Hong Kong’s financial and professional service providers to address pressing financing and fundraising needs. The Malaysia–Hong Kong Islamic Finance Roundtable, co-organized with Malaysia International Islamic Financial Center Leadership Council, facilitated the development of cross-border financial activities between Hong Kong and Islamic economies represented by Malaysia. Additionally, the Family Office Symposium, co-organized with the Private Wealth Management Association, spotlighted Hong Kong’s advantages as a premier family office destination and explored current investment trends.

NMDC Energy opens advanced fabrication yard in Kingdom

Updated 16 January 2025

Arab News

January 16, 2025 00:15

NMDC Energy opens advanced fabrication yard in Kingdom

Updated 16 January 2025

Arab News

January 16, 2025 00:15

NMDC Energy, a provider of engineering, procurement and construction services for offshore and onshore energy clients, and a majority-owned subsidiary of the UAE-based NMDC Group, has opened an advanced fabrication yard in Ras Al-Khair, located in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. The move represents the next phase of the company’s strategic regional and global growth. Equipped with the latest features in automation and digitization, the facility also incorporates the latest fabrication processes and boasts a production capacity of 40,000 tonnes per year.

The yard was officially inaugurated in the presence of Eastern Province Gov. Prince Saud bin Nayef at the iktva Forum and Exhibition 2025, taking place at Dhahran Expo between Jan. 13 and 16.

The 400,000-square-meter state-of-the-art yard, part of the Ras Al-Khair Special Economic Zone, will provide offshore facilities fabrication as well as onshore modularization. The fabrication yard will form part of an end-to-end solution in a wider maritime and offshore cluster, which is designed to support the industry. NMDC Energy has invested 200 million dirhams ($54.4 million) into its Ras Al-Khair yard to provide productive, safe and environmentally sound facilities, and it will embed the latest technologies to deliver efficiencies and reduce environmental impact.

Over the past five years, NMDC Energy has reinjected SR5 billion into the Saudi economy and industry, to support positive economic impact in the Kingdom, and the yard is a key milestone in its efforts to support Saudi Arabia’s economic priorities.

Mohamed Hamad Almehairi, chairman of NMDC Energy, said: “The inauguration of the Ras Al-Khair yard represents a bold and exciting new chapter for energy cooperation for both the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which will bring vast tangible benefits to both nations. We’re proud that NMDC Energy will serve as an engine of economic development by powering priority industries, enabling businesses, and advancing solutions across the energy value chain. We foresee vast opportunities to collaborate and to pursue projects in areas that will maximize the value of the resources in both our nations as well as ensure that the UAE and Saudi Arabia remain leaders in the regional energy transition.”

Yasser Zaghloul, CEO of NMDC Group, said: “The Ras Al-Khair fabrication yard is a testament to NMDC Energy’s commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure ambitions and delivering world-class energy solutions. We are proud to contribute to projects that drive sustainable growth and innovation, creating value for industries and communities alike. This milestone reinforces our shared vision of excellence and strengthens our role as a trusted partner in the region’s energy transformation.”

Ahmed Al-Dhaheri, CEO of NMDC Energy, added: “At NMDC Energy, we understand that the essence of Saudi Vision 2030 is that it seeks a strong, thriving and stable Saudi Arabia. That’s why we’re looking forward to bringing 51 years of experience to create new opportunities for prosperity for both the Kingdom and the UAE, as well as supporting new and existing clients across the wider region.”

Through our projects and collaborations in Ras Al-Khair, we can build upon Saudi’s national priorities by helping to diversify the national economy, creating skilled jobs and harnessing the full potential of the skilled labor force.”

The ambitious, large-scale project opens an existing new phase for Saudi-UAE economic collaboration. NMDC Energy’s Ras Al-Khair yard serves as an engine for growth, investment, trade, and employment within the region and beyond.

A guide to the ultimate winter experience at LIWA 2025