By Dr Ryan Copeland, Regional Medical Director, Middle East, International SOS

As traffic volumes continue to rise across Dubai and the UAE, particularly along heavily congested commuter corridors, employers face a growing responsibility to address one of the most underestimated workplace risks: driver fatigue. Recent reports of significant congestion on key routes connecting Dubai and Sharjah serve as a timely reminder that many employees are spending longer periods behind the wheel each day. For organisations whose employees drive for work, whether visiting clients, transporting goods, responding to emergencies, or travelling between sites, fatigue can significantly impair performance and increase the likelihood of serious road traffic incidents.

While organisations often focus on vehicle safety, defensive driving, and compliance measures, fatigue management should be viewed as a critical component of any duty of care programme. Unlike mechanical failures, fatigue can be difficult to recognise, yet its effects on concentration, reaction time, decision-making, and situational awareness can be profound.

Fatigue: More Than Just Feeling Tired

Fatigue is a physical and mental state that reduces a person’s ability to perform tasks safely and effectively. It may result from insufficient sleep, long working hours, stress, illness, dehydration, poor nutrition, or prolonged periods spent driving in congested traffic.

Long commutes, early starts, and frequent travel between emirates can contribute to chronic sleep debt, often before employees recognise its impact on performance.

Common warning signs include:

• Frequent yawning or heavy eyelids
• Difficulty concentrating or maintaining attention
• Missing road signs or navigation instructions
• Drifting within a lane
• Delayed reaction times
• Increased irritability or mood changes

Employers should educate both drivers and line managers to recognise these signs before fatigue becomes a serious safety risk.

Building Fatigue Awareness into Journey Risk Management

Driver fatigue should form part of every organisation’s journey risk assessment process. Managers should evaluate not only the distance being travelled but also the employee’s fitness to drive.

Key considerations include:

• Has the employee had adequate sleep in the previous 24 to 48 hours?
• Are they undertaking an early morning or late-night journey?
• Have they worked a prolonged shift before driving?
• Are they feeling unwell or taking medication that may affect alertness?
• Is the journey likely to involve extended periods in heavy traffic?

Organisations should avoid schedules that encourage rushed journeys, excessive driving hours, or inadequate rest. Where practical, virtual meetings, overnight stays, or alternative transport arrangements may offer safer options than long-distance road travel.

Sleep: The Foundation of Driver Safety

Good-quality sleep remains the most effective defence against fatigue.

Most adults require seven to nine hours of sleep each night to maintain alertness, concentration, and decision-making ability. Chronic sleep deprivation can significantly increase the risk of driving-related incidents.

Employers can support healthy sleep habits by encouraging employees to:

• Maintain consistent sleep and wake times
• Create a cool, dark, and quiet sleep environment
• Avoid heavy meals close to bedtime
• Limit caffeine intake later in the day
• Reduce screen exposure before sleep
• Seek medical advice for persistent sleep problems, snoring, or suspected sleep apnoea

Hydration and Nutrition Matter

The Gulf climate presents additional challenges for drivers. Even mild dehydration can contribute to headaches, poor concentration, fatigue, and reduced mental performance.

Employees should be encouraged to:

• Drink water regularly throughout the day
• Carry water during journeys
• Increase fluid intake during hot weather or after physical activity
• Limit excessive consumption of energy drinks and highly caffeinated beverages

Nutrition also influences alertness. Heavy meals can contribute to sluggishness, particularly during afternoon driving periods.

To help maintain concentration, drivers should aim for:

• Balanced meals containing lean protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables
• Healthy snacks such as nuts, yoghurt, or fresh fruit
• Regular meal timing to maintain stable energy levels
• Reduced reliance on sugary snacks that can lead to energy crashes

While caffeine may provide a temporary boost, it should never be viewed as a substitute for adequate sleep.

Practical Steps During Peak Traffic Periods

As congestion increases, employers should reinforce practical fatigue-mitigation measures:

• Encourage regular breaks during longer journeys
• Rotate driving responsibilities where possible
• Avoid scheduling consecutive high-mileage driving days
• Plan journeys outside peak traffic periods when feasible
• Use telematics and journey management tools to identify excessive driving exposure
• Include fatigue awareness in routine safety briefings

Drivers should also be reminded that opening a window, turning up the music, or consuming caffeine offers only temporary relief. If fatigue develops while driving, the safest option is to stop in a safe location and rest.

A Shared Responsibility

Managing driver fatigue is not solely the responsibility of the individual behind the wheel. It requires a coordinated approach involving employers, managers, occupational health teams, and employees.

By promoting healthy sleep habits, supporting hydration and nutrition, recognising warning signs, and embedding fatigue awareness into journey planning, organisations can significantly reduce fatigue-related driving risks.

As traffic volumes continue to increase during peak periods, companies that proactively address fatigue as part of their duty of care strategy will not only enhance road safety but also protect employee wellbeing, productivity, and organisational resilience. Ultimately, safer and healthier drivers contribute to safer roads for everyone.

“U by Emaar”, Emaar’s lifestyle loyalty programme, announces its expansion into Egypt, bringing its rewarding experiences to Marassi and marking the latest chapter in the programme’s continued international growth.

The expansion welcomes five distinctive hotels in Marassi to the U by Emaar portfolio: Address Marassi Golf Resort, Address Beach Resort Marassi, Palace Beach Resort, Vida Marina Resort Marassi and Al Alamein Hotel. The addition gives members more opportunities to earn and redeem UPoints while experiencing one of Egypt’s most sought-after destinations.

A New Destination for U by Emaar

U by Emaar brings together hospitality, dining, wellness, entertainment, shopping and fitness through one integrated loyalty programme, rewarding members across the experiences they enjoy.

The arrival of U by Emaar in Egypt extends this experience to a new destination, giving members more places to enjoy the benefits of their membership while discovering the distinctive hospitality and lifestyle experiences of Marassi.

From beachfront stays and memorable dining to wellness and relaxation along Egypt’s North Coast, members can now experience more of Marassi while earning and redeeming UPoints along the way.

Experience Marassi with U by Emaar

Set along Egypt’s Mediterranean coastline, Marassi brings together hospitality, residences, dining, beaches and leisure experiences within one vibrant destination.

With U by Emaar, members can discover Marassi through five distinctive hotels, each offering its own interpretation of contemporary hospitality.

Address Marassi Golf Resort offers an elegant retreat surrounded by landscaped fairways, combining contemporary luxury with the signature service of Address Hotels + Resorts.

Address Beach Resort Marassi brings sophisticated beachfront living to Egypt’s North Coast, creating a relaxed Mediterranean escape complemented by dining and leisure experiences.

Palace Beach Resort offers an intimate beachfront experience defined by understated elegance, warm hospitality and the natural beauty of the Mediterranean coast.

Vida Marina Resort Marassi brings Vida’s contemporary and social approach to the heart of Marassi Marina, offering a vibrant base from which to experience the destination.

Al Alamein Hotel completes the portfolio with a distinctive beachfront retreat that celebrates the character, heritage and enduring appeal of Egypt’s North Coast.

Together, the five participating hotels create more opportunities for U by Emaar members to Stay, Dine and Relax, while earning and redeeming UPoints throughout their experience.

Growing the U by Emaar Experience

The expansion into Egypt reflects the continued evolution of U by Emaar and its commitment to creating a more connected loyalty experience across Emaar destinations internationally.

As the programme continues to grow, members can enjoy the familiarity of their U by Emaar membership across more destinations, with greater choice and more opportunities to be recognised and rewarded wherever their journeys take them.

Hakan Keskin, Head of Hospitality, Emaar Hospitality Group said: “Egypt is an exciting addition to the growing U by Emaar portfolio. Bringing the programme to Marassi allows us to give our members even greater choice, while connecting them with five distinctive hospitality experiences along Egypt’s Mediterranean coast. As U by Emaar continues to expand, our focus remains on creating meaningful experiences, recognising our members and making every journey with Emaar more rewarding.”

More Places. More Experiences. More Reasons to Be Rewarded.

The addition of Marassi strengthens U by Emaar’s international portfolio while staying true to the programme’s core promise: rewarding members across the experiences they enjoy.

Whether escaping to the Mediterranean, discovering a new dining experience or taking time to unwind, members can enjoy more opportunities to earn and redeem UPoints across participating venues in Marassi.

With Egypt joining the U by Emaar network, the programme continues to bring together more destinations and experiences under one rewarding membership.

New collection brings together contemporary design, GCC-ready durability and complete outdoor living solutions for spaces of every size

Dubai, UAE – 25 September 2026: Al-Futtaim ACE has unveiled its new 2027 Outdoor Living Collection, inviting families across the UAE to make the most of the outdoor season. The collection offers stylish and practical solutions for connecting, entertaining and unwinding together.

Inspired by the belief that some of life’s most meaningful moments happen when families come together, the collection is brought to life through the campaign “Styled for Together Time.” From relaxed mornings and family meals to weekend barbecues and evening gatherings, it reflects the many ways people spend time together outdoors.

With over 30 years of outdoor living expertise, Al-Futtaim ACE’s collection spans five zones: Lounge Living, Dining, Balcony Living, Relaxation, and Outdoor Entertainment, featuring furniture, outdoor kitchens, grills, gazebos, and accessories for spaces ranging from compact balconies to spacious villa gardens.

Designed for outdoor living in the GCC

Combining style with functionality, the collection has been developed with the region’s demanding climate in mind. Powder-coated aluminium and corrosion-resistant steel offer strength and everyday reliability. Selected collections also feature premium UV-resistant outdoor fabrics, designed to retain their colour and appearance despite prolonged sun exposure.

Responsibly sourced materials also feature across the range, including FSC® certified wood and recyclable metals. Available exclusively at Al-Futtaim ACE, these limited-quantity collections draw inspiration from global design trends, offering customers in the region a unique combination of style, quality, and value.

David Elliott, General Manager – Al-Futtaim ACE, said:

“Outdoor spaces are where so many memorable moments with family and friends take place. This collection has been thoughtfully curated to make those moments even better.

“As outdoor living specialists, we want to make it easier for customers to create spaces that work for the way they live. Whether it’s a compact balcony, family garden or larger entertaining area, the collection brings together style, quality and durability in one destination. Ultimately, it’s about giving our customers more time to enjoy the moments that matter most.”

A complete destination for outdoor cooking

Al-Futtaim ACE offers one of the region’s most extensive outdoor cooking ranges, bringing together world-leading brands including Broil King, Weber, Traeger, Char-Broil, and Blackstone under one roof. From gas and charcoal BBQs to smokers, griddles, electric grills, and accessories, ACE provides everything customers need for outdoor cooking and entertaining. Building on its category expertise, ACE will also bring back its popular barbecue tasting event later this year, allowing customers to experience the range firsthand with premium barbecue brands.

Making outdoor living more accessible

Customers can enjoy flexible payment options across the collection, including 0% instalment plans over 3, 6, 9 and 12 months, as well as Buy Now, Pay Later through Tabby.

To make refreshing outdoor spaces even easier, customers can also benefit from an introductory offer of free delivery on outdoor furniture orders above AED 999, alongside expert installation services and express delivery options for those looking for quicker delivery.

Customers can experience the 2027 Outdoor Living Collection at Al-Futtaim ACE flagship stores in Dubai Festival City, Yas Island, Dubai Hills and Dubai Festival Plaza. The new outdoor product catalogue will also be available online via the Al-Futtaim ACE UAE website.

Dubai’s push to become a global hub for healthy longevity is moving into a new phase, with the emirate formally setting out a regulatory and investment framework for a sector expected to span healthcare, wellness, technology and increasingly, the built environment.

On Sunday, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum approved the strategy and operating budget of the Dubai Longevity Authority, moving the body from establishment into implementation. Created in June, the Authority is the world’s first dedicated regulator for the Longevity, Wellness and Advanced Health sector, with a mandate covering research, clinical trials, manufacturing, commercialisation, investment and infrastructure.

While the strategy is rooted in healthcare and life sciences, its wider focus on healthspan, quality of life and supporting infrastructure comes as wellness is already becoming a significant part of the UAE real estate market.

According to the Global Wellness Institute, the UAE’s wellness real estate market grew from USD 3.3 billion in 2017 to USD 14.6 billion in 2025, with the segment now accounting for more than 12% of total construction making the country among the world’s fastest-growing wellness real estate markets

The shift is increasingly visible in Dubai, where a growing number of developments are moving beyond conventional gyms and swimming pools towards concepts centred on sleep, air and water quality, movement, recovery, biophilic design, social connection and preventative wellbeing.

One example is EYWA Tree of Life by R.Evolution, positioned as Dubai’s first fully longevity-led residential development, using neuroarchitecture and biophilic design principles to create an environment designed to support residents’ long-term health and wellbeing.

“The significance of the Longevity Authority is that it broadens the conversation from treating illness to supporting healthspan over the long term. We spend around 90% of our time indoors, so the built environment has a meaningful role in how well we live and age. Longevity in real estate therefore goes beyond adding wellness amenities. It means considering how every element of a home, from air quality and light to movement, recovery and social connection, can support healthier daily routines over many years. As this thinking becomes more established, it could begin to influence wider industry expectations, shaping how developments are designed, planned and, potentially, regulated in the future.” said Igor Karpikov, CCO of R.Evolution.

The movement also coincides with the UAE’s growing position as a global wellness destination. Industry analysis has previously placed the country among the world’s top 20 wellness and spa tourism destinations, with wellness travellers spending more than USD 5 billion in 2022 and per-trip expenditure exceeding USD 1,500. Dubai has continued adding high-end preventative health, longevity and wellness concepts aimed at an international clientele.

That demand is beginning to influence expectations in residential real estate as well. For affluent buyers, luxury is increasingly being defined by the quality of the environment around them and whether a home can support healthier daily routines over the long term.

“Dubai recorded 296 home sales above USD 10 million in the first half of 2026 alone, showing the depth of its HNWI buyer base. For these buyers, the conversation is increasingly moving beyond size and finishes towards the quality of the environment and how a home supports everyday life. As longevity develops into a more structured sector, these considerations are likely to move from being differentiators in selected projects to more established purchasing criteria across the premium market, particularly as more affluent buyers choose Dubai as a long-term home.” said Abdulla Lahej, Chairman of Amaal.

The creation of a dedicated Longevity Authority could accelerate that transition. Its remit includes attracting investment and talent, establishing regulatory standards and creating an environment in which longevity-focused businesses can test and scale new products and services. As that ecosystem develops, Dubai’s next generation of residential developments could increasingly be shaped around the question: What is this home doing for the health of the person living in it?

In the United States, the company is planning single-family home communities in Celina and Frisco, within the Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan area. In Australia, it has acquired sites in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast. Both programmes will be supported by company equity and local financing, with projects tailored to the requirements of buyers in each market.

Mr. PNC Menon, Founder of Sobha Group, said: “Our expansion into the United States and Australia reflects a long-term commitment to building an international business grounded in quality and trust. Over five decades, we have developed a discipline that places responsibility for the finished product at the heart of every decision. As we enter these markets, our priority is to apply that experience with a clear understanding of local needs. We intend to earn our position through the communities we create and the lasting value we deliver to homeowners.”

Mr. Ravi Menon, Chairman of Sobha Group, said: “The United States and Australia are important markets in Sobha’s next phase of growth. Our strategy is to establish a focused presence in locations with strong housing demand and build scale through disciplined investment and phased delivery. Securing land in North Dallas and South East Queensland gives us a foundation for that approach. We intend to grow deliberately in both markets, creating homes shaped by local needs and built to the standards that define Sobha.”

United States

Sobha Realty has secured land in Celina and Frisco and plans to deliver a phased programme of single-family homes over the coming years. Sales in its first Celina community are expected to begin in 2027, with the programme funded through company equity and local lending.

The first two communities are planned in Celina. The initial development will comprise larger homes on generous lots adjacent to North Sky, followed by a broader community of family homes. Work on the Frisco site is expected to begin in 2027.

The homes will cater to move-up buyers and growing families. The company’s focus on North Dallas is informed by population growth and corporate relocations supporting residential demand across the region.

Beyond its initial sites, Sobha Realty is evaluating opportunities in Austin and Houston, as well as Dallas–Fort Worth submarkets including Southlake, Westlake and Flower Mound. Nashville, Phoenix and Florida are also under consideration as part of its longer-term growth plans.

Australia

Sobha Realty has acquired two sites in Southeast Queensland, in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast. A development application for the Fortitude Valley site in Brisbane is planned within the next month. Construction on both projects is expected to begin in mid-2027, subject to approvals.

The projects are being planned around Australian buyers and local conditions, supported by feasibility assessments undertaken in the market. For its initial developments, Sobha Realty is partnering with Australian tier-one builders, architects and consultants, with the aim of contributing a wider range of housing types and price points.

Company equity will provide the base funding, complemented by financing from Australian banks and non-bank lenders, with bank funding preferred. Beyond Queensland, the company is assessing opportunities in Sydney across apartments and house-and-land developments.

Local delivery and Sobha standards

Mr. Francis Alfred, Managing Director of Sobha Realty, said: “Our entry into these markets begins with understanding how people want to live and translating those needs into homes that combine thoughtful design, innovation and the quality associated with Sobha. In the United States, our initial focus is on single-family homes for growing families and buyers taking the next step in homeownership. In Australia, we are planning projects around local lifestyles and conditions, working with experienced partners. Across both markets, we will combine local insight with Sobha’s expertise in technology, design and quality assurance, building our presence thoughtfully while maintaining the standards that define Sobha.”

In the UAE, Sobha Realty’s Backward Integration model brings design, engineering, manufacturing and construction in-house, from concept to completion. Through Mission 70/70, the company is moving a growing share of construction off-site into highly automated factories, using technology, automation and precision manufacturing to enhance quality and consistency.

Its initial projects in the United States and Australia will be delivered with local partners, with the company intending over time to introduce elements of its Backward Integration model, including factory-built components and advanced construction technologies, into both markets.

The expansion builds on Sobha Realty’s Dubai delivery programme, with 6,000+ homes planned for handover in 2026 across communities including Sobha Hartland, Sobha Hartland II, Sobha Reserve, Sobha One and Verde by Sobha.

Kenz De Rasasi, the newest outlook of Rasasi Perfumes – contemporary luxury fragrance house born from the heritage of Rasasi Perfumes, will make its official debut at Beautyworld Middle East on 6 October 2026, with Bollywood superstar Salman Khan attending as Chief Guest for the brand’s official launch and unveiling.

Salman Khan will join Mr. Anis Abdul Razzak, Owner of Rasasi Perfumes and Chairman of AAR Group, for the unveiling, marking a significant new chapter in the Rasasi fragrance legacy.

Born from decades of perfumery heritage, Kenz De Rasasi has been created to rediscover and reimagine selected treasures from Rasasi’s legacy for a new generation of fragrance consumers.

The name itself reflects this philosophy. “Kenz” means “treasure” in Arabic, while “de” means “of” in French making Kenz De Rasasi, “The Treasures of Rasasi.”

Rather than simply revisiting existing creations, Kenz De Rasasi reimagines each treasure in its entirety from the fragrance and formulation to the bottle, packaging, design, positioning, storytelling and overall consumer experience. The character and heritage at the heart of each creation are preserved, while being given a contemporary new expression.

At Beautyworld Middle East 2026, Kenz De Rasasi will unveil eight fragrance collections, presenting the brand and its fragrance universe to international retailers, distributors, media, creators and the wider fragrance industry for the first time.

Conceptualised and creatively driven by Mr. Anis Abdul Razzak, Owner of Rasasi Perfumes and Chairman of AAR Group, Kenz De Rasasi represents an evolution from within the Rasasi family. Drawing upon decades of perfumery expertise while establishing a distinctive identity of its own, the brand has been created with the ambition of building a globally recognised contemporary fragrance house from Dubai.

Joining Mr. Anis Abdul Razzak for this milestone will be Bollywood superstar Salman Khan as Chief Guest, who will take part in the official launch and unveiling of Kenz De Rasasi at the brand’s Z6-A12 booth from 2:00 PM on 6 October.

The unveiling will bring together the heritage of Rasasi, the creative vision behind Kenz De Rasasi and one of Indian cinema’s most recognised personalities for the official introduction of the brand to the global fragrance industry.

Beautyworld Middle East marks the beginning of a new chapter for Kenz De Rasasi as it introduces its fragrance universe under one defining philosophy: KENZ DE RASASI – A LEGACY REIMAGINED.

SAAS Properties officially launched The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Al Maryah Island at LIVEX 2026, introducing a new branded residential landmark to one of Abu Dhabi’s most prestigious waterfront destinations.

The launch ceremony brought together Ahmed Al Qassimi, CEO of SAAS Properties, and Jaidev Menezes, Regional Vice President – Mixed-Use Development, Europe Middle East and Africa of Marriott International.

With construction already underway and handover anticipated in the second quarter of 2030, the launch marks another significant milestone in SAAS Properties’ growing portfolio of luxury developments across the UAE.

Set along Al Maryah Island’s waterfront canal, the tower combines sculptural elegance with meticulous architectural detailing. Emerging from a landscaped podium featuring family-focused amenities and resort-inspired spaces, the development has been carefully designed to offer residents a seamless balance between privacy, wellbeing and connectivity.

The building was designed by renowned architect Shaun Killa, Founder and Design Director of Killa Design, whose more than 29 years of international experience have shaped some of the region’s most recognisable architectural landmarks.

The interiors are conceived by acclaimed British designer Tara Bernerd, Founder and Creative Director of Tara Bernerd & Partners, renowned for her global portfolio of luxury hospitality and residential projects. The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Al Maryah Island marks her first project in the Middle East.

The development comprises an exclusive collection of 165 private homes, including one- to four-bedroom simplex residences, duplexes residences, as well as a signature penthouse residence at the pinnacle of the collection.

Residents will have access to a state-of-the-art gym and spa, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, an executive golf lounge, a co-working lounge and boardroom, a cinema, landscaped spaces and dedicated areas for families, all supported by The Ritz-Carlton’s renowned service.

Commenting on the launch, Ahmed Al Qassimi, CEO of SAAS Properties, said: “ Al Maryah Island is one of Abu Dhabi’s most important destinations. We set out to create a residence worthy of it, pairing exceptional design and quality with The Ritz-Carlton’s renowned service.”

Jaidev Menezes, Regional Vice President – Mixed-Use Development, Europe Middle East and Africa of Marriott International added: “We are delighted to further strengthen our relationship with SAAS Properties through the launch of The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi. This development embodies The Ritz-Carlton brand’s commitment to exceptional service, timeless elegance and memorable residential experiences.”

At LIVEX 2026, SAAS Properties also showcased a selection of its residential and mixed-use portfolio, including The St. Regis Residences, Al Maryah Island.

An aerial image of the 42-acre Battersea Power Station masterplan with 16 acres of the brownfield site to develop (left) – Credit High Level Photography. A CGI of the next chapter of Battersea Power Station, delivering up to 3.2 million sq ft of mixed-use development. Buildings are indicative only and subject to design detail and Reserve Matters applications (right) – credit Studio Egret West.

Battersea Power Station has submitted a planning application to evolve the development’s masterplan for the remaining 16 acres of the 42-acre riverside neighbourhood, setting out an ambitious vision for the next chapter of one of Central London’s last large-scale brownfield sites.

Proposing up to 3.2 million sq ft of residential, commercial and leisure space across 16 acres, the future phases of Battersea Power Station will nearly double the scale of development already delivered across the thriving riverside neighbourhood.

Renowned master planner, urban designer and landscape architect, Studio Egret West, has refreshed the original masterplan by Rafael Viñoly, which is over 15 years old, to respond to major changes in urban living, working and how people spend their leisure time. It also reflects feedback received through public consultation and stakeholder engagement which took place throughout the summer.

A CGI of the view from Battersea Park Road towards the Grade II* listed Power Station. Buildings are indicative only and subject to design detail and Reserve Matters applications (right) – credit Studio Egret West.

Recognising the diverse needs of people living within a city and building on the success of the first half of the riverside neighbourhood, the future phases will continue to follow a mixed-use approach. Commercial spaces of varying sizes and designs will support a broad range of businesses, alongside new homes, cultural and leisure venues, furthering Battersea Power Station’s vision of creating a vibrant and inclusive place for all.

Studio Egret West’s new proposals adapt Viñoly’s original masterplan by dividing each of the remaining phases into clusters of smaller buildings, helping the neighbourhood to feel more open and connected with the wider area. The plans also introduce a finer network of streets, laneways, courtyards and passages, which will give people a greater choice about how they move through the neighbourhood.

New sightlines through the future buildings will create stronger visual connections to the Power Station, helping the local community engage with the restored landmark while ensuring it remains the dominant architectural feature of the riverside neighbourhood.

The emerging landscaping proposals help to stitch Battersea Power Station together with the wider Nine Elms area, by including a ‘green handshake’ across Nine Elms Lane connecting

directly to Nine Elms Park. A planting strategy has also been developed with biodiversity and a changing climate in mind, featuring a varied mix of resilient species and references to Battersea’s history, including lavender.

A ‘Third Generator’ is a core part of the emerging vision. Inspired by the Power Station’s history of generating one-fifth of London’s electricity. The ambition is to create a dynamic venue that brings together a diverse mix of uses and experiences spanning the arts, music, fashion, food, education, sport and the wider creative industries.

Phase 5A, within the future phases, has already received detailed planning permission and will deliver 200 new council homes in partnership with Wandsworth Council. The remaining phases will be subject to design detail and Reserved Matters applications.

Tan Sri Shahril Ridza Ridzuan, Chairman of Battersea Project Holding Company, said: “The submission of our revised masterplan for the remaining 16-acres of Battersea Power Station is a critical step forward in realising the vision for this vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood. Projects of this scale and ambition take decades to bring to fruition, during which time cities naturally evolve and advance, and it’s our duty as custodians of a major undeveloped part of the city to take account of these adjustments.

When we embarked on this project in 2012, we understood the scale of the challenge ahead, from restoring a derelict Grade II* listed landmark to investing in major public infrastructure to support the mixed-use eco-system. Our steadfastness and relentless commitment to delivery remains as strong today as it was 14 years ago, and this is reflected in our ambitious revised masterplan for the remaining phases.”

James Saunders, CEO of Battersea Power Station Development Company, said:

“The last decade has seen events like Covid-19 and digital integration into everyday life blur the boundaries between work, living and leisure time, all fundamentally changing how we interact with cities. Responding to this, our refreshed masterplan seeks to place community and connection at the core of Battersea Power Station.

From green spaces, to expanding London’s cultural scene, championing business innovation, creating new homes and delivering thousands of new jobs, our proposals for the next chapter of Battersea Power Station will build upon our existing successes and create a future-proofed neighbourhood that London can be proud of.”

David West, Founding Director at Studio Egret West, said:

“The revised masterplan builds on the success of the first half of the Battersea Power Station story, creating opportunities for more homes, workplaces, retail and leisure including a new hybrid cultural venue. The future phases will be more permeable, inclusive and intriguing, with an expanded network of playful, artistic and biodiverse public spaces. The refreshed vision is also deliberately flexible, leaving room for serendipity, while remaining responsive and resilient to what we’ve learned from the journey so far. It’s about commerce, culture, community and curiosity working in harmony.”

Battersea Power Station has become a global blueprint for regeneration, transforming the former coal-fired Power Station and surrounding brownfield site into a thriving mixed-use neighbourhood home to over 3,000 residents, 8,000 workers and welcoming millions of visitors each year.

Major public infrastructure has firmly established Battersea Power Station’s position in Central London, including the Northern Line Extension which opened five years ago. This improved connectivity has helped support the delivery of more than 2,200 homes, c. 800,000 sq ft offices and over 170 British and international brands now open across the riverside neighbourhood.

Culture and community are equally central to the neighbourhood’s success. A growing programme of large-scale events, including last weekend’s celebrASIA festival, demonstrates Battersea Power Station’s role not only as a place to live and work, but as a destination that brings people together.

Progress is already being made on the next phases of development with construction beginning earlier this month on Prospect Place South, two new buildings designed by Gehry Partners. The buildings are part of Frank Gehry’s first and only UK residential development, and will provide approximately 300 homes, 65,000 sq ft of commercial space and a 15,000 sq ft community hub, while completing the pedestrianised high street, Electric Boulevard.

H.E. Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade for the United Arab Emirates, graced the occasion with his presence and delivered the keynote address. Lee Won-ik, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the United Arab Emirates and Mr. Jonghoon Han, Director of COEX, were also present at the event. Jo Sang Hyeon, President of COEX, said, “This event, the first COEX is presenting in Dubai, is meaningful as both an initiative to support Korean SMEs entering the Middle East and a starting point for expanding COEX’s overseas business into the region. We aim to support promising Korean SMEs by facilitating direct consultation with local buyers and enabling them to assess consumer responses so that they can practically evaluate their potential to enter the Middle Eastern market. Going forward, we will continue to expand export channels for Korean companies across the GCC and throughout the Middle East by leveraging our global exhibition and buyer networks.’’

This is the first event being organized by COEX in Dubai and marks its first exhibition in the Middle East as COEX expands its overseas business operations following Vietnam and Indonesia. It connects Korean consumer-goods companies with buyers from the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman—and connect the companies with local market local market validation and sales opportunities.

A total of 50 promising Korean consumer-goods companies have participated across categories including beauty and fashion, living and interior, food and beverages, and other consumer products. A key feature of the event is its one-on-one export consultation program, connecting participating companies with distributors and purchasing representatives from major retail networks across the GCC markets, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.

COEX has leveraged its global buyer network and local agents to identify and match potential buyers in advance according to each participating company’s product portfolio and export needs. COEX is also providing consultation and export support aimed at helping participating companies enter local distribution networks.

Alongside the export consultations, the event features an offline local showcase and an online sales programme designed to introduce participating brands to the local market. Before and after the event, participating companies’ products are being showcased to local consumers at major retail facilities in Dubai.

Following the event, COEX will support cross-border trade (CBT) online sales for approximately two months, allowing participating companies to assess consumer interest and market potential.

COEX plans to use its first Dubai event as a stepping stone to expand into the Middle Eastern market, leveraging its experience and networks in consumer-good exhibitions and export-support in Vietnam and Indonesia to strengthen its presence across the GCC and the wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

EVENT OVERVIEW

Event Name: ‘2026 K-Premium Products Fair in Dubai’

Date: September 29 (Tue) – October 1 (Thu), 2026

Venue: InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Dubai, UAE

Main Product Categories: Promising consumer goods, including beauty and fashion, living and interior, food and beverages

Programs: One-on-one export consultations, offline showcase, online sales linkage, VIP networking, visits to local retail facilities

Originating in Bacolod City and known as the “Festival of Smiles”, Masquerade is recognised for its colourful masks, lively celebrations and spirit of joy and resilience. Bringing that sense of togetherness to the table, IKEA is inviting the Filipino community in the UAE, as well as food lovers looking to discover new flavours, to come together over familiar Filipino dishes throughout the six-day celebration.

Created in collaboration with Chef JP Anglo, the menu features a selection of Filipino favourites spanning starters, breakfast, soups, main courses and desserts. New to IKEA, guests can enjoy Chef JP’s Lumpiang Shanghai as a starter or add-on, alongside dishes including Tapsilog with Siomai, Chicken Arroz Caldo, Chicken Sopas, Chicken Sotanghon, Bistek Tagalog, Beef Kare Kare and BBQ Chicken, followed by desserts including Buko Pandan and Kaffir Lime Leche Flan. Prices start from AED 9, with selected add-ons available from AED 3.

Chef JP Anglo will also visit participating IKEA stores from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM during the celebration, giving guests an opportunity to experience the Masquerade menu during his scheduled appearances.

Chef JP UAE store visit schedule:

• 29 September: IKEA Dubai Festival City
• 30 September: IKEA Dubai Jebel Ali
• 1 October: IKEA Jimi, Al Ain
• 2 October: IKEA Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
• 3 October: IKEA Dubai Festival City
• 4 October: IKEA Dubai Festival City