Monthly Archives: July 2026

Business & Investments

Emirates NBD Launches Real-Time Blockchain Cross-Border Payments

Emirates NBD enables the region’s first real-time blockchain-based cross-border USD payments on Partior network

Dubai, UAE, 14 July 2026: Emirates NBD, a leading banking group in the Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye (MENAT) region, is live on the Partior network, a multi-currency, blockchain-based clearing and settlement network, becoming the first financial institution in the region to enable real-time, blockchain-based cross-border payments on Partior’s infrastructure. The launch marks the first phase of a broader roadmap to expand the capability across additional currencies, settlement corridors and more participating banks globally as the Partior network scales.  

This milestone underscores Emirates NBD’s leadership in payments innovation, as the bank continues to integrate emerging technologies that deliver competitive advantages to its clients. These include improved faster settlements and greater payment transparency, reflecting a significant step in cross-border payments infrastructure.

Following a successful live USD transaction, where J.P. Morgan acted as both the settlement and beneficiary bank, Emirates NBD is now enabling real-time USD payments for its corporate and institutional clients, with beneficiary accounts held at J.P. Morgan.

Continue reading Emirates NBD Launches Real-Time Blockchain Cross-Border Payments →
Featured

EY Academy and Hult Ashridge Launch Leadership Program for Women

EY Academy and Hult Ashridge Executive Education launch research-led leadership program designed for GCC women executives

Program launches in GCC in November 2026

Dubai, UAE – 14 July 2026: EY Academy has announced a new strategic alliance with Hult Ashridge Executive Education to launch Strategic Leadership for Women Executives, a highly customized executive leadership program designed specifically for senior women leaders in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), combining global executive education expertise with research-led regional insight.

Developed specifically for women in leadership roles across sectors including finance, professional services, government, and industry, the programme aims to strengthen executive presence, strategic influence, and leadership confidence while building a stronger pipeline of women leaders aligned with the GCC’s workforce transformation agenda. It supports the region’s growing focus on increasing women’s representation in senior leadership to strengthen organisational performance and long-term economic growth.

Fazeela Gopalani, Partner at EY and Leader of EY Academy in the MENA region

Continue reading EY Academy and Hult Ashridge Launch Leadership Program for Women →
Business & Investments

UAE: The Top Investment Destination in the Middle East

UAE remains the safest haven for investment due to safety, security and resilience, officials say at an ICAI Conference in Dubai

India has 5,400 listed companies and more than 2 million unlisted businesses including 35,000 companies that each generate more than Rs1 billion. Investing in them could help multiply returns. In India only 3.5 per cent of the population invests in equities, while in the United States, this is more than 55 per cent

Date: Dubai, UAE; July 14, 2026

News Highlights

  1. With US$48.24 billion Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflow, the UAE ranked the top destination in the Middle East and 9th in the world for investment in 2025;
  • Dubai’s GDP recorded a 2.4 per cent growth exceeding Dh232 billion in the first quarter of 2026, despite regional tension;
  • The UAE has Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs) with more than US$2.49 trillion – one of the largest resources – that helps the country to invest and create opportunities;
  • The UAE is a US$620 billion economy, with more than 1.4 million registered companies. However, the number of listed companies in the UAE is around 200 only;
  • Alternative Investment commitments in India jumped 25 per cent to US$175 billion year-on-year as of March 2026;
  • Funds raised by Alternative Investment crossed US$75 billion for the first time in India in FY2026.
Continue reading UAE: The Top Investment Destination in the Middle East →
Sports & Recreations

Emirates Cricket Board Clinches Three ICC Awards 2025

*Emirates Cricket Board wins three ICC Development Awards for the year 2025*
• The ICC Development Awards celebrate the outstanding development programmes, initiatives and performances delivered by ICC Associate Members
• Emirates Cricket Board receive global honours in three award categories. Global winners were selected from regional awardees and announced during the ICC Annual Conference
• Video produced by International Cricket Council is available here: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7482657855154749440
• Instagram link: https://www.instagram.com/reels/Dau8bNIywr5/


*Dubai, 14 July 2026:* The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the global winners of the ICC Development Awards 2025, celebrating the outstanding programmes, initiatives and performances driving the growth of cricket around the globe. The award ceremony took place in Edinburgh, Scotland during the ICC Annual Conference  which concluded last weekend.


This year’s ICC Development Awards winners were selected from the regional nominees announced in June, recognising excellence across seven categories spanning development and participation, female cricket initiatives, team performances, digital engagement and social impact.
The Emirates Cricket Board had an immensely successful year in 2025 and left the gala event with three prizes.

Continue reading Emirates Cricket Board Clinches Three ICC Awards 2025 →