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Editorial

The Rise of Cryptos

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cryptos

By: Srijith K N, Senior Editor

In the early 2010s, Bitcoin was the only cryptocurrency in the market. Today, blockchain—the technology behind cryptocurrencies—has given rise to a myriad of digital currencies like Ethereum, Solana, Tether, XRP, Binance Coin (BNB), USD Coin (USDC), and Cardano, which are now household names. According to CoinMarketCap, there are approximately 22,932 cryptocurrencies with a total market capitalization of $1.1 trillion. Among these, around 10,000 are actively used and trusted by users. The global cryptocurrency market cap today stands at $2.18 trillion, with a wave of cryptocurrencies built on decentralized peer networks, which have become the de facto standard for cryptos.

A Decade of Exponential Growth

By the end of 2013, there were over 50 different cryptocurrencies. By the end of 2014, this number had increased nearly tenfold to over 500. A decade ago, the crypto market was barely worth $10 million. According to Wikipedia, there are 18 countries in the Middle East. In this context, this THE RISE OF CRYPTOS article will primarily discuss cryptocurrency activity in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, and Jordan.

MENA: A Growing Hub for Cryptocurrency

Another report by Chainalysis indicates that the MENA region is one of the fastest-growing cryptocurrency markets in the world, with a significant increase in the volume of cryptocurrency transactions, particularly in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.

Today, we stand on the cusp of a technological revolution in finance. Bitcoin and blockchain have transcended conventional dimensions of financial transactions, contributing to economic welfare. This momentum has ignited a wave of innovation across nations. In the UAE, Dubai has established the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority to oversee the crypto market, and the Central Bank is working toward launching a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). There is a clear intent to position the country as a global crypto hub in the coming years

Automotive

2025 Genesis Electrified GV70 First Drive Review: Fast, Flashy & Functional

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A front-three-quarter-shot of a white 2025 Genesis Electrified GV70 parked on the roadside.
Amalsha VS
Automotive Integrator

Quick, comfortable, glamorous, and graceful. The Genesis Electrified GV70 is a well-rounded package that has more than impressed us.

QUICK TAKE

Shiny Bits

  • Bentley-ish aesthetics
  • Desirable luxury & comfort
  • Peppier than its petrol sibling

Rough edges

  • Inconsistent brake pedal feel
  • Leaves us longing for a little more range

Genesis has gracefully evolved into a veritable luxury brand that now consistently manages to deliver awe-inspiring products. Over the last decade, the luxury arm of Hyundai has polished and enhanced every aspect of its auto-making prowess, that many of their cars are now easy recommendations. The Genesis Electrified GV70 is one of those admirable products, and us because we were at the right place at the right time, were able to drive one around for a couple of days, just enough to get a taste of what Genesis has cooked up on electricity.

Design and Exterior Styling of the 2025 Genesis Electrified GV70: A Head-Turner Indeed!

A side-angle shot of a white 2025 Genesis Electrified GV70 parked on the roadside.

In a world of bland-looking electric capsules, the Electrified GV70 stands out for its flashy yet tasteful design language.

The Electrified GV70 looks pretty much identical to its petrol-powered sibling, and one without an eye for it might not be able to spot the difference at a glance. Which is a good thing because EVs don’t necessarily have to be shaped like a computer mouse, just for the sake of achieving superlative aerodynamics. Hence, in a vast modern world with a considerable number of bland-looking electric capsules, the Electrified GV70 stands out for its flashy yet tasteful design language.

2025 Genesis Electrified GV70 Performance: Swift, Sharp & Sure-Footed

A front-three-quarter-shot of a white 2025 Genesis Electrified GV70 parked on the roadside.

The Electrified GV70 is not just fleet-footed on straight lines, but also appreciably stable during high-speed cornering.

Although visually, the Electrified GV70 didn’t emanate the vibe of a performance-oriented SUV, once I slotted it into Sports mode, it didn’t fail to impress me. This electric crossover is powered by two electric motors nestled into the front and rear axles, capable of producing a maximum combined output of 483 horsepower (in Boost mode) and 700 nm of torque. An all-wheel drivetrain transmits all that vigor to all four wheels, enabling the Electrified GV70 to reach 100 kmph speeds in less than four seconds.

During our testing, we found the EV consistently delivering this pace, even after multiple consecutive 0-100 runs. The Electrified GV70 is not just fleet-footed on straight lines, but also appreciably stable during high-speed cornering. Road manners is exceptional for an SUV weighing almost two and a half tonnes (2,285 kgs), except for the brake pedal feel, which was considerably inconsistent across drive modes and different regen settings. Keeping this minor hiccup aside, I would say the Electrified GV70 is one of the best sleeper EVs we have experienced in recent times.

2025 Genesis Electrified GV70 Range: Doesn’t Induce Range Anxiety But Still Leaves Us Wanting More

The Electrified GV70 draws energy from an 84-kWh battery pack, which on a full charge provides a range of around 400 km. Genesis claims that charging up this battery pack from 10 to 80% takes less than 20 minutes. While the charging speed is more than enough, I wish a range of 500+ km would have entirely eliminated range anxiety for me, considering the average long-distance drives we frequently take across the UAE, to and fro neighboring emirates.

2025 Genesis Electrified GV70 Interior: Comfy, High-Class & Tech-Laden

Front cabin and center console of the 2025 Genesis GV70 Electrified

Air conditioning in EVs is considerably superior to traditional ICE vehicles

Every nook and corner of the cabin is made up of desirable elements and sheathed in high-quality, soft-touch materials. The seats are heated, ventilated, and shrouded in natural leather, while the front seats also offer electric adjustability. Another often overlooked comfort factor specific to EVs is the consistency of their air-conditioning. Unlike petrol-powered cars, there isn’t a need for the compressor to be running at a particular speed or the car to be driven at a specified pace; air conditioning in EVs is considerably better compared to traditional ICE vehicles. This was evident in the Electrified GV70, as it kept our heads cool during the three days of testing in the UAE’s harsh summer heat. Overall, this compact luxury electric SUV is one of the best in its class, when it comes to ride comfort, interior quality, and easily ticks all the boxes in the comfort sector.

The rear seats of the 2025 Genesis GV70 EV

Tech features are abundant inside the Electrified GV70. The instrument console is a digital unit with a 3D visual effect that displays all the vital information in a legible and appealing format. The central infotainment touchscreen is a massive 14.5-inch OLED unit, which can also be operated via a rotary dial located conveniently in the center console. Although some might consider this a last-generation feature, we found this helpful when we found ourselves too lazy to reach for the touchscreen located above the dashboard. Another exceptional feature is the optional Lexicon-branded 15-speaker audio system in our test unit, which delivered a crisp and professional-grade auditory experience.

Final First-Impressions: Understated Excellence

A rear-three-quarter shot of a 2025 Genesis GV70 Electrified

The GV70 Electrified hides the finesse of a high-performance SUV under the flamboyance of the luxury and comfort it offers.

We found the Genesis Electrified GV70 to be one of the most underrated offerings in the sea of EVs currently on sale in the UAE. It hides the finesse of a high-performance SUV under the flashiness and flamboyance of the luxury and comfort it offers. But we looked beneath it and found a gracefully comfy EV that can switch character to a quick and capable, driver-satisfying (although not ardently enthusiastic) EV. Hence, for us, the Electrified GV70 stands out as one of the finest electric SUVs on sale in the UAE

FAQ

Is the Genesis Electrified GV70 available in the UAE?

Yes, the GV70 electric variant is now available through official Genesis dealerships across the UAE.

What is the real-world range of the Electrified GV70?

In UAE driving conditions, the range is approximately 400 km per charge.

How fast is the Electrified GV70?

With Boost mode enabled, it goes from 0 to 100 kmph in under four seconds.

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Editorial

Dubai Gears Up for the 26th Edition of the World’s Largest Security, Safety, and Fire Protection Trade Fair

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Intersec

Intersec has firmly established itself as a global powerhouse, renowned for its unparalleled success in bringing together world-class speakers, a cutting-edge conference program, prestigious awards, an innovation zone, and an array of live demonstrations. Since its humble beginnings in 1999, with just 61 exhibitors from 13 countries, Intersec has evolved into the premier international platform for security, safety, and fire protection.

This year, Integrator Media is proud to serve as the official regional media partner for the expo. We’ll be on the ground from Day 1, engaging with suppliers, thought leaders, innovators, manufacturers, and buyers. Through our camera lens and dedicated coverage on our LinkedIn and website pages, we’ll spotlight the latest technologies, products, and solutions driving transformation across various industries.

As the world stands at the forefront of technological innovation, the critical importance of security in our lives cannot be overstated. Addressing complex challenges requires a global collaboration between security experts, policymakers, and standardization communities. Intersec rises to this occasion with over 25 dynamic sessions, including panels, leadership talks, and fireside chats, featuring renowned speakers and thought leaders from across the globe.

Notable speakers include Brett Taylor, Safety & Security Director at Diriyah; Fawaz AlSumaim, Head of Cyber Crime Division at Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior; Stuart Frost, Head of Enterprise Security & Risk Management for the UK Government; and Mohamed AlMaleki, Head of Information Security Office at the UAE’s Federal Tax Authority. These leaders will tackle pressing challenges in their respective fields, sharing insights, best practices, and transformative strategies.

This year’s event will also feature experts from global powerhouses such as Mastercard, Mubadala, Schneider Electric, MBC Group, and more. High-level plenaries and keynotes will showcase security strategists, policymakers, and innovators from organizations like Interpol, Neom, Aramco, Amazon, and Google, offering an invaluable opportunity to gain insights into the future of security and safety.

The Middle East homeland security market, which includes monitoring and surveillance systems, restricted entry mechanisms, and perimeter security solutions, is projected to reach $23.4 billion by 2028. Additionally, the region’s cybersecurity market is being propelled by rapid digital transformation and increased adoption of cloud technologies. Regulatory efforts aimed at countering evolving threats further amplify the importance of cybersecurity in driving growth.

Intersec’s 26th edition promises to be a transformative event, uniting global visionaries and innovators to shape the future of security, safety, and fire protection. It stands as a testament to Dubai’s pivotal role in fostering collaboration and innovation on the global stage.

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Automotive

Driving Growth Through Mobility for 53 Years

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UAE National Day

As the UAE marks its 53rd National Day, the nation celebrates not only its unity but also its emergence as a global leader in innovation and economic resilience. Central to this story is the automotive industry, a key player in shaping the nation’s economic landscape and mobility solutions. From luxury vehicles adorning its bustling streets to cutting-edge advancements in electric and autonomous technology, the UAE has positioned itself as a hub for automotive innovation in the region.

By Srijith K N

The country’s focus on sustainability and smart mobility has catalyzed investments in infrastructure, including EV charging networks and green mobility corridors, further underscoring its status as a pioneer in future-ready transportation. These advancements also reflect the nation’s commitment to sustainability, a cornerstone of its vision for the future.

Within this thriving ecosystem, the car rental industry has emerged as a dynamic sector, mirroring the UAE’s strategic focus on mobility and economic diversification. Rahul Singh, Managing Director of AA AL Moosa Enterprises – Car Rental Division, highlights how this sector has become a key driver of growth. “The UAE’s economy thrives on its strategic focus on travel and tourism, which contributed 11.7% of GDP in 2023. This success is mirrored in the expanding demand for car rental services, with the market growing 10% year-on-year in 2023 to USD 1.77 billion and projected to reach USD 214.70 million annually by 2029.”

Singh attributes this growth to the UAE’s ability to attract millions of international visitors—17.15 million in Dubai alone in 2023—many of whom rely on rental vehicles to explore the nation’s iconic destinations. “This surge reflects a shift towards flexible and cost-effective mobility solutions, driving direct and indirect economic benefits for the country,” he adds.

The role of car rentals becomes even more significant during National Day, as they facilitate seamless mobility for residents and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the celebrations. Beyond offering convenience, rental services cater to diverse needs—from premium sports cars that embody luxury to family-friendly SUVs and eco-conscious electric vehicles.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are particularly transformative, aligning with the UAE’s ambitious green mobility goals. The car rental industry’s increasing integration of EVs reflects a growing consumer preference for sustainable travel solutions. This trend not only supports the nation’s net-zero aspirations but also positions the UAE as a leader in environmentally responsible tourism and transportation.

As the UAE celebrates its 53rd National Day, the car rental and broader automotive sectors stand as pillars of the country’s vision for growth, sustainability, and global leadership. Together, they drive the narrative of a nation that remains steadfast in its pursuit of innovation, inclusivity, and a brighter, greener future.

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