Emirates Development Bank (EDB), the UAE’s leading national development bank driving economic diversification and industrial growth, has premiered its groundbreaking documentary, The Multiplier Effect, at an exclusive VIP screening at Cinema Akil. The film marks a new chapter in financial storytelling, highlighting the inspiring human stories behind the nation’s economic transformation.

Developed in partnership with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT)’s ‘Make it in the Emirates’ initiative and the Ministry of Economy and Tourism’s ‘Startup Capital of the World’ national initiative, the documentary offers an intimate look at how strategic support creates a ripple effect of progress across society. It follows the inspiring stories of three entrepreneurs who, with EDB’s support, have overcome immense personal and professional challenges to build businesses in the UAE. By showcasing these real journeys of resilience and innovation, the film aims to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs to take bold steps in building the UAE’s entrepreneurial nation.

Through a partnership with STARZPLAY, the documentary will be streamed to audiences across the region, with its public launch set for December 2nd, a tribute to the UAE’s visionary leadership and national spirit.

The premiere was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, and other government partners, as well as senior executives from STARZPLAY, alongside EDB partners from the public and private sectors, entrepreneurs from the industrial ecosystem, and leading media representatives.

H.E. Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Development Bank, said: “The Multiplier Effect highlights the people and ideas driving the UAE’s economic transformation. At EDB, our mission is straightforward: when we finance growth, the nation grows. Every business we support contributes to jobs, innovation, and long-term value for the country. This film shows that impact clearly. By backing ambitious founders and working closely with our government and partners, we are strengthening the foundations of a diversified and future-ready economy.”

As the UAE’s national development bank, EDB plays a critical role in advancing the country’s economic diversification agenda and supporting the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology. The documentary highlights how EDB’s support and financing in priority sectors, including advanced technology, food security, and healthcare, is creating a powerful multiplier effect that drives economic growth, job creation, and self-sufficiency.

H.E. Abdulaziz Al-Nuaimi, Assistant Undersecretary for Entrepreneurship and the Economic Affairs Regulatory Sector, Ministry of Economy and Tourism, said: “The UAE’s vision for economic development is fundamentally people-centric. We measure success not only by outputs, but also by the human spirit and resilience — the founders who take risks, innovate, and shape new industries. This same vision lies at the core of the ‘Startup Capital of the World’ campaign. It is not just about numbers or rankings; it is primarily about fostering a culture where entrepreneurship becomes a natural and celebrated path for the UAE’s youth. When government, financial institutions, investors, and industry work seamlessly together, entrepreneurs gain the confidence to take bold steps. The stories featured in this film show exactly what that ecosystem makes possible, and how it inspires many more to contribute to a diversified, future-ready economy.”

The documentary features:

• Rashid Al Sulmi, the founder of SULMI, who risked his family’s legacy to build the UAE’s first electric motorbike from scratch in his garage. SULMI is a graduate of the Make it in the Emirates Accelerator, launched in partnership with MoIAT earlier this year at the Make it in the Emirates 2025 event.
• Bodour Al Tamimi,the founder of Pure Soil, a mother who turned her battle with autoimmune disease into a thriving organic food business, proving that world-class, healthy products can be made in the UAE. Pure Soil is also a graduate of the Make it in the Emirates Accelerator.
• Hiba Orfahli, a cancer survivor who, just weeks before her wedding, found hope in a pioneering, scarless surgical procedure at Oriana Hospital in Sharjah – a healthcare facility supported by EDB – enabling her to start a family.

Since launching its strategy in 2021, EDB has provided more than AED 22.6 billion in total financing, created over 38,000 jobs, and contributed over AED 10 billion to the UAE’s industrial GDP.

Beyond financing, EDB plays a pivotal role in building a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem that empowers businesses to scale and succeed. Through initiatives like the AGRIX Accelerator and Make it in the Emirates Accelerator, EDB provides entrepreneurs with strategic mentorship, technical expertise, market access, and connections to a network of partners and resources. This holistic approach ensures that entrepreneurs and growing businesses receive not just finance, but the comprehensive support needed to transform ambitious ideas into globally competitive enterprises that drive the UAE’s industrial future.

Beyond documenting success, “The Multiplier Effect” serves as a powerful call to action for aspiring entrepreneurs across the UAE and beyond. Each story demonstrates that with the right support, determination, and ecosystem, ambitious ideas can transform into world-class businesses that create jobs, advance industries, and inspire others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. “The Multiplier Effect” will be available for public viewing on December 2nd. EDB encourages all media partners to embed the full documentary to share these inspiring stories with the world and fuel the entrepreneurial spirit that is building the UAE’s future.

Western Furniture is set to captivate design lovers across the UAE with an exclusive Super Sale that brings Italian luxury within reach. For a limited time, the brand is unveiling extraordinary deals on some of Italy’s most prestigious furniture labels, giving furniture lovers the perfect opportunity to refresh their homes with elegance and modern sophistication. From November 28 to December 2, shoppers can explore an exclusive range of designer pieces—each intended to elevate homes with modern elegance, ultimate comfort, and timeless style.

This unmissable event features exquisite pieces from Tonin Casa, Tomasella, Miniforms, Calligaris and Natuzzi editions — each a true reflection of Italian design excellence and artisanal craftsmanship.

Discover timeless elegance and contemporary innovation with these standout pieces:

Calligaris

FLUFF BED FABRIC

Fluff Bed: A luxurious bed in ecru fabric with a matt black frame, measuring 180 x 200 cm. The Fluff Bed combines comfort and style, making it a perfect addition to any bedroom.

SIPARIO MIRROR GLASS GMG – GREY MIRROR:

Sipario is a mirror with a poetic design that combines curved glass and flat glass. Simulating the curtain of a theatre, the mirror is characterized by two parts, a reflective one and one that breaks down the image, symbolizing the contrast between what is shown and what remains hidden.

UNIVERSAL BUFFET CERAMIC

Universal Buffet is versatile buffet with a calacatta black marble ceramic top and matt bronze wood frame, measuring 241 x 50 x 79 cm. The Universal Buffet offers ample storage space while adding a touch of luxury to any room.

TWINS DINING TABLE CERAMIC and VANILLA DINING CHAIR FABRIC

Twins Dining Table: A sleek, contemporary dining table featuring a bronze glass top and a matte black metal frame, sized 249 x 119 x 75 cm. Paired with the Vanilla Dining Chair in fabric, it creates a perfectly balanced and stylish dining area, ideal for those who value modern aesthetics and practical elegance.

CAMEO DINING TABLE WOOD

Cameo Dining Table: A true statement piece, the Cameo Dining Table features a striking calacatta black marble ceramic top complemented by a matte bronze metal frame. Its extendable design adapts effortlessly to your space,
Pair it with the Glen Dining Chair in fabric to create a stunning, cohesive dining area.

The Glen Chair by Gino Carollo is a versatile option, with clean lines and an oval-profile frame in wood or metal, paired with plush upholstery in a wide range of colors.

Tomasella

ARMADI WARDROBE

The exquisite Armadio wardrobe by Tomasella seamlessly ensues impeccable craftsmanship and contemporary aesthetics, providing a haven for your most cherished belongings.

PORTICELLO BED

a luxurious bed featuring a dual headboard design — a soft, upholstered fabric center framed by sleek, dark wood. The space is accented with marble-effect panels, metallic lighting fixtures, and muted pastel tones, creating a serene, high-end atmosphere perfect for modern living.

Tonin Casa

Ablos Table

Ablos is an expression of lightness and movement, a perfect balance between strength and delicacy. Its base, formed by two curved sheets of hammered glass, supports an asymmetrical top, also in hammered glass; the play of reflections when light hits the glass creates a vibrant, ethereal atmosphere.

Victory Table

Featuring a striking marble top paired with a distinctive sculptural base, Victory transforms any dining space into a statement of elegance and sophistication. Designed to blend artistry with functionality, this table is more than a piece of furniture—it’s a centrepiece that elevates the style and character of every room it graces.

Miniforms

Plauto table

Named after the Roman playwright, Plauto draws on the past to inspire the future. Crafted from a single piece of wood, it explores a variety of shapes—flat, curved, pointed—showcasing the material’s natural beauty.

Inspired by monolithic structures, the table features a sculpted top that seems to float above its “leaf-cut” legs, creating a perfect balance of form and weight. Elegant, simple, and striking, Plauto is a statement piece for any space.

Soda coffee table

Soda coffee table Crafted from a single piece of Murano blown glass, it features three petal-like stems that support its tabletop. Its hammered, translucent surface highlights the purity and elegance of the glass, creating mesmerizing plays of light and shadow. A perfect blend of artistry and craftsmanship, Soda by Yiannis Ghikas transforms a simple material into a striking centrepiece for any living room.

Natuzzi editions sofas

Adrenalina is a masterpiece of comfort combined with solid design, featuring a blend of generous proportions and statement tailoring. The wooden base gives this sofa a totally refined style and a contemporary modernist look. With its simple and elegant character, this piece will be the highlight of any space.

The Speranza Sofa by Natuzzi Editions combines inviting design with exceptional comfort, creating the perfect spot to relax, reset, and embrace new beginnings. A timeless piece crafted to elevate your living space with warmth and elegance.

The Ernesto by Natuzzi Editions designed for real living, offers deep, generous seating — including an extra-large option — crafted for everyday comfort. Its open-base design adds a sense of lightness and modern elegance, making it a perfect fit for any contemporary interior.

Toledo by  Natuzzi Editions brings refined Italian craftsmanship to modern living spaces, featuring luxurious Italian leather seating designed for homeowners who value exceptional quality. Available in multiple configurations — including options with elegant metal-finished legs

Whether you’re refreshing your interiors or searching for a standout piece, this sale offers the perfect opportunity to add a touch of Italian luxury to your home at exceptional value.

Authors’ Lounge at voco Bonnington Dubai has just launched a delightful daily offer that provides an elevated café experience that’s both practical and easy to fit into any routine. Guests and visitors can now enjoy a warm, freshly baked croissant served with unlimited pours of their preferred coffee for just AED 65 per person.

The lounge is known for its welcoming atmosphere, spacious seating, and steady, reliable service. Fresh bakes and a well-rounded beverage selection make it a natural choice for quick meetings, relaxed catchups, or quiet time with a book. The new offer brings together value, comfort, and ease, making it an effortless pick for both regular guests and visitors.

What you can look forward to:

• A daily selection of warm, artisanal bakes
• Unlimited refills of premium coffee with your croissant
• A chic and calming café atmosphere ideal for meetings, musings, or me-time
• The option to linger longer with access to all-day dining

Author’s Lounge remains a steady favourite for those who enjoy calm spaces and good flavours.  In line with voco Bonnington Dubai’s approach to warm hospitality and quality dining, the lounge focuses on thoughtful plates, attentive service, and an inviting atmosphere that appeals to both hotel guests and the wider JLT community.