Real Estate

Over 2 million work hours saved in 2025, as Shaffra expands Autonomous AI Teams across GCC

Dubai, UAE 29 January 2026: Shaffra, an AI research and applications company building autonomous AI teams for enterprises and governments, has announced the deployment of fully autonomous AI teams at national and enterprise scale across the Gulf, marking one of the region’s most significant operational AI rollouts to date. The teams are now supporting government and enterprise organisations across Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and the UAE, delivering measurable productivity and transforming traditional workflows.

Over the past year, Shaffra has moved beyond individual AI employees to operate autonomous AI teams embedded directly into enterprise and government systems, achieving operational outcomes that were previously unattainable. Organisations using Shaffra’s autonomous AI teams have reported up to 80% reductions in operational costs, over 2 million manual work hours saved monthly, and significantly faster execution of operational processes, like HR and customer service, all while maintaining consistent quality and compliance standards.

Shaffra has established strategic partnerships with regional telecommunications leaders, including STC across Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, Omantel in Oman, and Ooredoo in Qatar, as well as multiple government entities and large enterprises across the aviation, HR, and real estate sectors. The company is also expanding into Europe through strategic partnerships, reflecting growing international demand for enterprise-grade AI execution, as global AI spending is projected to reach $2 trillion by 2026.

Commenting on the company’s progress, Alharith Alatawi, CEO and Co-Founder of Shaffra, said: “Enterprises are moving past AI trials and looking for systems that can operate reliably inside real organisations. At Shaffra, we are not experimenting with AI; our AI employees have been operating inside real organisations for over a year, with defined roles, accountability, and measurable cost and productivity impact. Our focus is on strengthening Shaffra’s position as a regional leader in enterprise AI execution, supporting enterprises and government entities as they translate AI strategies into daily operations and sustained productivity gains.”

In customer service, AI teams manage up to five times more queries than human-only teams, with continuous, multilingual support. In HR, recruitment cycles that once took weeks are now reduced to hours through automated processing of applications and structured evaluations. Within government and public sector organisations, autonomous AI teams are supporting citizen services, internal reporting, and employee performance workflows, contributing to improved response times and reduced error rates. This reflects a broader shift in enterprise operations, with 70% of organisations expected to rely on AI-driven tools for recruitment, engagement, and performance management.

Shaffra’s approach enables autonomous AI teams to process enterprise knowledge, perform defined roles, and take independent action within workflows. This integrated model signals a fundamental shift in how AI can operate at scale, moving beyond pilots to sustained operational impact.

To learn more about Shaffra and its autonomous AI teams, please visit https://shaffra.com/ 

-END-

Real Estate

MERED appoints French landscape architects MDP for Riviera Residences on Al Reem Island

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 29 January 2026 – MERED, the award-winning international real estate developer,  has appointed Paris-based landscape architecture and urban planning practice Michel Desvigne Paysagiste (MDP) as landscape consultant for Riviera Residences, its landmark waterfront development on Al Reem Island, designed by world-renowned architects Herzog & de Meuron. This brings one of Europe’s most respected landscape studios to Abu Dhabi and marks a key construction milestone in one of the capital’s most anticipated residential projects.

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Real Estate

Danube Properties and Rizwan Sajan Announces Cricket Legend Brett Lee as Global Ambassador to Amplify International Presence

Dubai, UAE – Danube Properties, part of the UAE-based real estate conglomerate Danube Group, has announced the appointment of former Australian cricket legend Brett Lee as its official Global Ambassador. This strategic partnership marks a significant step in strengthening Danube’s global brand presence and deepening engagement across international markets.

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Real Estate

Richmind Announced Oystra Phase 1 Sell-Out, Launches Phase 2 as Global Buyer Demand Accelerates

  • Star-studded exclusive evening hosted at Ain Dubai
  • New phase to reveal limited edition penthouses and duplexes expected to be priced at around AED 75M and above
  • Europe, US, China among top markets for buyers

DUBAI, UAE: Richmind, a premium developer specialising in ultra-luxury real estate projects and a flagship business vertical of Richmind Holding has announced the complete sell-out of Phase 1 of its flagship development, Oystra, located on Al Marjan Island. Following an unprecedented response from buyers and investors, the developer has launched Phase 2, which is now open for sale.

Designed by the visionary Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA), marking the firm’s first residential development on Al Marjan Island, Oystra by Richmind has witnessed exceptional demand from overseas markets. Data from Phase 1 reveals that over 50% of buyers hail from Europe, underscoring the project’s appeal to sophisticated global investors. Significant interest was also recorded from key markets including the USA, Canada, China, Australia and Turkey. As part of Phase 2, Richmind also teased the upcoming release of limited edition ultra-luxury penthouses. Expected to list for around AED 75 Million, these exclusive residences will set a new benchmark for pricing and exclusivity on Al Marjan Island.

To celebrate this milestone, Richmind hosted a spectacular Phase 2 launch event on January 27th at Ain Dubai. The evening was headlined by world-renowned DJ Shimza, who curated an immersive sonic experience for a select guest list of investors, dignitaries, and industry elites, mirroring the avant-garde spirit of the Oystra development.

Mohammad Rafiee, CEO of Richmind, commented, “The sell-out of Phase 1 is a resounding validation of our vision to bring art into living. Oystra has resonated deeply with the international community, particularly those in Europe who value the fusion of iconic Zaha Hadid architecture with functional luxury – at an evergrowing lifestyle destination like Al Marjan Island. Our Phase 2 launch will see even more exclusivity, premium offerings and limited edition homes, setting this new standard of UAE living to the world. The interest from global investors to buy property in the UAE is a trend we will continue to cater to. Our recent expansion into China with a sales office in Shanghai and our collaboration with Harrods in London in February are strategic steps to be closer to our global clientele.”

Responding to this global appetite, Richmind has expanded its presence in key global markets, with the recent opening of a sales office in Shanghai, to serve Far Eastern investors. Furthermore, Richmind is bringing Oystra directly to European investors through a series of high-profile roadshows scheduled for February, including stops in Manchester, Hamburg, and an exclusive showcase at Harrods in London.

The stunning development offers residents access to over 50 world-class amenities, including a 150-metre crystal-clear lagoon, a branded Luxe European spa, dedicated yoga pavilions, and a state-of-the-art golf simulator, collectively designed to elevate the living experience. Richmind will also be announcing a collaboration with a luxury hospitality brand this year, bringing curated serviced residences and exclusive high-end F&B offerings to the community.

The crown jewel of the development’s leisure offerings is Ras Al Khaimah’s first and only 360° infinity pool, offering some of the most dramatic views on Al Marjan Island. This is complemented by a world-renowned Beach Club and a dedicated 24-hour, 5-star concierge service, ensuring a hotel-standard lifestyle for all residents.

Christos Passas, Director of Design at Zaha Hadid Architects, added, “With Phase 2, we continue the narrative of fluid elegance. The architecture of Oystra is designed to engage with the elements,the sea, the wind, and the light. We are thrilled to see how well the design has been received globally. It confirms that there is a universal language for beauty and innovation, and we look forward to seeing this second phase come to life, offering residents a spatial experience that is both grounding and limitless.”

During the launch event, Richmind also took the opportunity to recognize its top-performing partners, presenting awards to key brokers who played a pivotal role in the success of Phase 1.

As construction progresses toward the 2029 handover, Oystra continues to embody Richmind’s vision for design-led, artful living that enhances the UAE’s coastal landscape while delivering lasting value for residents and investors. Operating across the UK, Germany, China, and the UAE, Richmind Holding is well positioned for continued international growth in the year ahead.

**ENDS**

About Richmind Holding

Richmind Holding is a diversified conglomerate with expertise and interests in businesses inclusive of real estate, holiday homes, construction equipment, international trade, and healthcare. Founded on the principles of innovation, and value creation, the organization provides a strong foundation for Richmind Development, or simply Richmind, its flagship business vertical to excel as a leading premium developer. With assets and interests in the United Kingdom, Portugal, Spain, and other European Nations, as well as the United Arab Emirates, Richmind Holding’s reach is extensive in the region and in major global markets. Richmind Holding  has a proven track record across multiple industries, inclusive of real estate, hospitality and commodities trading, medical equipment, and pharmaceutical trading.

For more information about the holding group, please visit – https://richmindholding.com/

For information about the developer, please visit – https://richmind.com/

For media queries please reach out to:

PIXL Group – PR@Pixl.ae 

Education

RIT Dubai professor launches new textbook to support the UAE’s sustainable energy vision

Publication offers a practical guide for the integration of renewable energy sources into modern power grids  

January 29,2026, Dubai, UAE: Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Dubai has announced the launch of a major new academic textbook release offering a timely and practical guide to integrating renewable energy into modern power grids. Authored by Professor of Electrical Engineering, Dr. Abdalla Ismail Alzarooni, in collaboration with Dr. Haris M. Khalid, from the University of Dubai, the textbook, entitled, Advanced Grid Technologies: Grid Evolution, Smart Grid Fundamentals, and Renewable Energy Integration, Volume 1 by Elsevier, aims to support the UAE’s national strategies for sustainability, innovation, and clean energy.

Dr. Haris M. Khalid,  Associate Professor, University of Dubai, Dr. Yousef Al Assaf, President, RIT Dubai, Prof. Abdalla Ismail Alzarooni, Professor, RIT Dubai

As the energy sector undergoes a profound shift, traditional electricity grids, once designed for centralised, fossil fuel–based power generation, are now required to accommodate renewable energy, electric vehicles, digital technologies, and intelligent control systems. The textbook addresses these changes by exploring how power grids are evolving into smarter, cleaner, and more flexible systems. It provides an outline of the history of the modern energy grid, followed by a comprehensive overview of renewable energy sources, the challenges they pose for typical energy grids, and the fundamentals of modern smart grid adaptations.

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