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Hala Expands Accessibility with New WhatsApp Ride Booking Service

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Hala launches WhatsApp booking for taxis in Dubai

Hala, Dubai’s most convenient e-hailing taxi solution, launched its WhatsApp booking platform as an additional channel for securing Hala rides in the city. This development will make it easier and more accessible for Dubai residents and visitors to access transportation with a simple text message.

As part of the new launch, Hala introduced a WhatsApp chatbot to manage booking requests, streamlining the process, and reinforcing Hala’s commitment to using technology to improve Dubai’s mobility options. The interactive chatbot will ensure customers enjoy an intuitive and friendly user experience. Additionally, passengers booking rides through WhatsApp will enjoy the same prices as those made via the Careem application.

Khaled Nuseibeh, Chief Executive Officer at Hala said, “We are excited to bring WhatsApp bookings to our customers across Dubai, making their booking process fast and more accessible.  As one of the world’s most popular messaging platforms, WhatsApp allows us to reach a wider audience and engage with its large user base in the city. By introducing this additional booking channel, Hala continues to make a difference in the way people commute daily across Dubai.”

The WhatsApp ride-booking feature is simple and quick to use:

  1. Passengers can message ‘Hi’ to 800 HALATAXI (4252 8294) to start the booking process. The Hala chatbot will request the passenger’s location to book a ride.
  2. Passengers will then receive a booking confirmation along with the captain’s information and estimated arrival time.
  3. Real-time updates are provided, allowing customers to track their ride until the taxi arrives.
  4. Passengers will receive a live tracking link, which can be shared with friends and family to monitor their journey.
  5. Users can pay at the drop-off location via card or cash.

The service is available 24/7, providing passengers with easy access to rides at any time of day or night. In addition to WhatsApp bookings, Hala continues to offer its regular booking option through the Careem application. This ensures that Dubai residents and tourists benefit from a smooth and hassle-free taxi booking experience.

As Dubai’s most convenient e-hailing taxi solution, Hala remains committed to integrating innovative technology into its operations, continuously seeking ways to elevate the customer experience and expand its service offerings. Hala currently manages 24,000 captains on its platform with a fleet of 12,000 cars provided by its franchise partners for Dubai residents and visitors.

Automotive

NIO Inc. Provides December, Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Delivery Update: Achieving a New Record-High Monthly and Quarterly Deliveries

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Side view of a dark gray NIO electric SUV parked on a paved driveway in front of a modern house with large glass doors and warm interior lighting.

In December 2025, NIO Inc. delivered 48,135 vehicles globally, marking a new monthly record and representing a year-on-year increase of 54.6%. The NIO brand delivered 31,897 vehicles, achieving a historic high with 54.8% year-on-year growth, and recording five consecutive months of growth. The ONVO brand delivered 9,154 vehicles in December. The firefly brand delivered 7,084 vehicles, reaching a new monthly record, with a month-on-month increase of 16.4%, and attaining five consecutive months of growth.

In the fourth quarter of 2025, NIO Inc. achieved record-high quarterly deliveries of 124,807 vehicles, representing a 71.7% year-over-year increase. Deliveries of the NIO brand reached 67,433 vehicles, marking an all-time high and a 27.8% year-over-year growth. The ONVO brand delivered 38,290 vehicles in the fourth quarter, posting a 92.1% year-over-year increase. Deliveries of the firefly brand totaled 19,084 in the fourth quarter, achieving a record high and representing a 52.8% quarter-over-quarter increase.

In 2025, NIO Inc. delivered a total of 326,028 vehicles, representing a new annual record and a year-on-year increase of 46.9%. Total deliveries of the NIO brand reached 178,806. The ONVO brand delivered 107,808 in 2025, hitting a record high. The firefly brand delivered 39,414 vehicles for the year.

As of today, NIO Inc. has cumulatively delivered 997,592 vehicles. Cumulative deliveries of the NIO, ONVO, and firefly brands reached 829,609, 128,569, and 39,414 vehicles respectively.

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Automotive

Goodyear continues support for Team De Rooy in the 2025 Dakar Rally

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Goodyear continues its partnership with Team De Rooy for the upcoming Dakar Rally 2025. As the official tire supplier, Goodyear will equip the Dutch team with its high-performance Goodyear OFFROAD tires and advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), helping to ensure reliable performance throughout the rally’s demanding stages. This collaboration highlights Goodyear’s dedication to truck motorsport, combining innovation with proven durability on some of the world’s toughest terrains.

Dakar 2025: new challenges await

The 2025 Dakar Rally, running from January 3 to January 17, will cover nearly 8,000 kilometers, including over 5,000 kilometers of competitive stages, starting in Bisha and finishing in Shubaytah. This edition ramps up the difficulty, featuring an early 48-hour chrono stage that flows into the marathon stage, setting a challenging pace from the outset. In the second week, competitors will tackle the demanding dunes of the Empty Quarter, with over 45% of the course on separate tracks for different vehicle classes, enhancing safety while complicating navigation.

Goodyear OFFROAD tires and TPMS: performance in challenging conditions

Team De Rooy relies on Goodyear OFFROAD tires for their durability and reliable traction across different conditions. Designed to handle heat and challenging surfaces, these tires help reduce heat buildup at high speeds and provide consistent performance on sand, rocks, and steep slopes.

Goodyear’s TPMS offers real-time monitoring of tire pressure and temperature, helping the team make quick adjustments and avoid potential issues. This advanced system helps to minimize downtime and supports better strategic decisions—crucial for maintaining momentum during the rally.

A Legacy of motorsport excellence

Goodyear’s continued support of Team De Rooy highlights its long-standing commitment to truck motorsport. As the title sponsor of the Goodyear FIA European Truck Racing Championship (ETRC), Goodyear uses motorsport as a proving ground for tire technology advancements. The partnership with Team De Rooy reflects this commitment, driving innovation and performance in demanding environments.

Maciej Szymański, Marketing Director Commercial EMEA at Goodyear, commented:

“Our continued collaboration with Team De Rooy for Dakar 2025 underscores our commitment to supporting motorsport teams in extreme conditions. With Goodyear OFFROAD tires and TPMS, we aim to provide the reliability needed to tackle the rally’s challenges. We wish Team De Rooy all the best and look forward to another exciting competition at this iconic rally”.

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Elite Group Holding and Jetour Ignite Liwa Festival 2026 with a Powerful Brand Showcase Across the Desert

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A white Jetour T2 off-road vehicle kicks up a large cloud of sand as it drives across the desert during the day. The vehicle is modified with a black hood decal and a roof rack. The background shows the hazy outlines of desert structures and festival signage under a sunset sky.

Jetour, in exclusive partnership with Elite Group Holding in the UAE, has officially kicked off the Liwa International Festival 2026 with a dynamic brand presence designed to celebrate adventure, culture, and community. As the festival opens its doors for a 23-day celebration in the Al Dhafra region, Jetour stands front and centre, welcoming visitors with interactive displays, premium experiences, and thrilling off-road moments that embody the spirit of Travel+.

Five Jetour T2 SUVs in different colors (grey, black, yellow, blue, and teal) are parked in a row on the sand at the base of a massive dune. The teal and yellow vehicles prominently feature "600 HP" graphics on their side doors. The scene is bathed in the warm, soft light of late afternoon.

Recognised as one of the UAE’s most anticipated annual events, the Liwa International Festival welcomes thousands of visitors for an unforgettable celebration of heritage, motorsport, and entertainment. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Al Dhafra’s golden dunes, the festival features an extraordinary line-up of cultural showcases, high-energy competitions, nightly performances, and family-friendly attractions, all paying homage to the UAE’s deep connection to its desert traditions.

For the 2026 edition, Jetour will elevate the festival experience with a comprehensive presence across multiple zones, showcasing the brand’s innovation, exploration, and community engagement. Attendees can enjoy interactive test drives alongside lifestyle-driven hospitality experiences, with Jetour’s showcase crafted to highlight the versatility, capability, and premium comfort of its SUV line-up.

A wide night shot at the Liwa Festival featuring two men in traditional white Emirati kanduras watching a fireworks display. To the right, a black Jetour T2 i-DM is parked next to a large illuminated digital screen displaying technical specifications. The desert ground is sandy, and strings of warm decorative lights are visible in the background.

At the heart of the activation was the Jetour VIP Camp. During the first week, from December 12th to 14th, guests experienced a range of immersive cultural activities, including Arabic Tanoora performances, oud sessions, falconry, henna artistry, and traditional Dalla service. Additional weekends bring a world-music DJ fusion with international drummers and performers from December 19th to 21st, followed by an Eastern-inspired programme from December 26th to 28th featuring a Dragon show, Chinese calligraphy, Bian Lian performances, tea tasting, and more. Throughout the entire festival, the VIP Camp will boast a Majlis, outdoor cinema, refreshments, giant board games, neon installations, volleyball, and a photobooth, creating an elevated retreat for families and adventure-seekers.

A daytime view of a desert exhibition featuring massive, standalone yellow and white letters spelling out "JETOUR" against a backdrop of a towering orange sand dune. Several Jetour SUVs in various colors—white, black, and silver—are parked in front of and between the letters. The sky is bright blue with scattered white clouds.

In the Corporate Area, Jetour presents a fully branded showroom-style display active from December 12th to January 3rd, featuring flagship SUVs including the G700, T2 i-DM 4WD, T2 Luxury Plus, T1, and Dashing. As the festival reaches its peak, Jetour will also command attention at Tal Moreeb from December 31st to January 3rd, where the imposing G700 takes centre stage beside the grandstand culminating with a spectacular New Year’s Eve show and fireworks.

“Our participation at this year’s Liwa Festival reflects Jetour’s passion for connecting with communities through truly immersive experiences,” said Haroon Hayat, Group CFO of Elite Group Holding. “Moments like this remind us that personal achievements are only possible when backed by the dedication of an exceptional team. We are proud to bring Jetour’s adventurous DNA to one of the UAE’s most celebrated cultural gatherings.”

A large yellow spherical monument with the "JETOUR - Drive Your Future" logo sits atop a tall metal structure in the desert. Below it, a white walkway leads toward a small building. Several black and grey Jetour T2 i-DM SUVs are parked on the surrounding sand, with a massive sand dune and white festival tents in the background.

Jetour, under the exclusive distributorship of Elite Group Holding, continues to redefine the UAE’s SUV landscape with its Travel+ philosophy, delivering innovation, intelligent design, and powerful performance tailored for modern lifestyles. With a growing presence across the Emirates, Jetour’s premium SUV line-up is crafted for drivers who value capability, comfort, and discovery across both city roads and rugged terrain.

As Liwa International Festival 2026 begins its annual celebration of heritage and adventure, Jetour is ready to take attendees on a journey of excitement and discovery that captures the true essence of Travel+.

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