Access Over Valuation: The New Currency of Startup Growth in the UAE
13th April 2026 :
In a region where business is built on trust, relationships, and long-term alignment, a new UAE-based format is reshaping how startups connect with capital. Conceptualised and produced by NKN Media, a global media conglomerate, Falcons of Majlisis not just a conventional pitch show but a structured, multi-stage journey designed to reflect how decisions are actually made in the region.
Rooted in the cultural significance of the Majlis spaces defined by dialogue, trust, and consultation, the platform goes much beyond public pitches and valuation theatrics. Instead, it centres on credibility, intent, and alignment, where the ultimate reward is not exposure, but access.
Dubai, UAE, February 2026: BlingWood launches as Middle East’s first dedicated micro-drama OTT platform, expanding access to vertical short-form series through multilingual and dubbed content for diverse audiences. The platform features original vertical micro-dramas that combine regional storytelling with global production standards, serving changing viewing habits and demand for short-form premium content, with early BlingWood Originals including titles such as Kadak Coffee, Dooriyan Hi Hai Zaroori, and Forget Me Not.
Dubai’s live entertainment calendar is set for a major highlight this Valentine’s Day with the announcement of Comedy Mixtape Fest Vol. 2, scheduled to take place on 14 February 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The event is being brought to the city by Midas Events and Eva Live Middle East, in partnership with DXB LIVE.
Building on the success of its previous edition, Comedy Mixtape Fest Vol. 2 is positioned as one of the region’s most prominent stand-up comedy showcases, bringing together a curated lineup of South Asia’s leading comic performers for a single evening of live entertainment. From 6:00 PM onwards, audiences can expect high-energy performances by Munawar, Harsh Gujral, Ravi Gupta, Kanan Gill, Kaustubh, MohdSuhel, Urjita Wani, Sonali Thakker And Vivek Desai
Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ new flagship concept showroom & 17th outlet in Abu Dhabi at Hamdan Street, was inaugurated by brand ambassador of Malabar Gold & Diamonds and Bollywood icon, Kareena Kapoor Khan. Mr. Abdul Salam K.P, Vice Chairman of Malabar Group; Mr. Shamlal Ahamed, MD-International Operations, Malabar Gold & Diamonds; Mr. Nishad AK, Malabar Group Executive Director; Mr. Abdul Majeed, Director of Malabar Group; Mr. Faisal AK, Head of Manufacturing at Malabar Gold & Diamonds; Mr. Ameer CMC, Director of Finance & Admin at Malabar Gold & Diamonds; Mr. Sakkeer P, Head of Merchandising & SCM (Gold) at Malabar Gold & Diamonds; Mr. Shaji Kakkodi, Malabar Group Chief Digital Officer; Mr. Ranjith KV, Regional Head-UAE; Mr. Nijaz EM, Zonal Head-Abu Dhabi, other senior management team members, customers, and well-wishers were present.
Malabar Gold & Diamonds, the 5thlargest jewellery retailer globally with over 420 showrooms across 14 countries, has unveiled its flagship new concept showroom in Abu Dhabi at Hamdan Street. The showroom was formally inaugurated by Bollywood actress and Brand Ambassador of Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Kareena Kapoor Khan, in the presence of Mr. Abdul Salam K.P, Vice Chairman of Malabar Group; Mr. Shamlal Ahamed, MD-International Operations, Malabar Gold & Diamonds; Mr. Nishad AK, Malabar Group Executive Director; Mr. Abdul Majeed, Director of Malabar Group; Mr. Faisal AK, Head of Manufacturing at Malabar Gold & Diamonds; Mr. Ameer CMC, Director of Finance & Admin at Malabar Gold & Diamonds; Mr. Sakkeer P, Head of Merchandising & SCM (Gold) at Malabar Gold & Diamonds; Mr. Shaji Kakkodi, Malabar Group Chief Digital Officer; Mr. Ranjith KV, Regional Head-UAE; Mr. Nijaz EM, Zonal Head-Abu Dhabi, other senior management team members, customers, and well-wishers. Kareena Kapoor Khan’s much anticipated appearance drew large crowds to Hamdan Street, reaffirming its stature as one of Abu Dhabi’s most strategic and prominent jewellery destinations.
Three-time GRAMMY award winner Wouter Kellerman with an award-winning lineup deliver a heartfelt performance
Dubai, January 19, 2026: Alpen Capital and Alpen Asset Advisors’ 22nd Global Fusion concert featured a captivating performance by a lineup of acclaimed artists, including six performers who together have earned nine GRAMMY awards across various years.