Recognised as the heart of Dubai’s traditional trading ecosystem, Deira has long been a preferred sourcing destination for buyers from across the CIS region, East and West Africa, the Middle East, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Mauritius, Fiji and several other international markets. As one of the world’s leading port and free trade hubs, Dubai continues to attract wholesalers, exporters, traders and project buyers seeking reliable sourcing partners, with Deira remaining at the centre of this activity.

Recent geopolitical developments led to a temporary moderation in trading activity across key hubs such as Deira; however, market indicators now point towards a steady return of demand, renewed buyer movement, and strengthening business confidence. The launch of Milano by Danube’s new B2B showroom comes at this pivotal juncture, reflecting the brand’s confidence in Deira’s resilience and Dubai’s continued position as a global trading gateway.

Milano has consistently adopted a long-term growth approach, continuing to invest even during periods of market uncertainty. The company recently expanded its retail footprint with the launch of its Maleha showroom in Sharjah and has now further strengthened its presence in Deira by securing a prime location that supports its long-term vision for export-led growth. Beyond expanding its own footprint, this launch is expected to boost confidence among traders in the Deira market and encourage more businesses to expand and invest in the area.

Speaking on the occasion, Anis Sajan, Vice Chairman of Danube Group, said, “Deira is not just a market for us; it is where my journey began. This is where I learned the fundamentals of trade: trust, relationships, hard work, and speed. In many ways, this journey feels deeply personal. I started Milano from Deira, and coming back to launch yet another showroom here feels truly surreal. I believe the export market is poised for significant growth over the next six months, and this is the right time to strengthen our presence, invest strategically, and prepare for the opportunities ahead.” 

Sahil Sajan, Director at Milano, added, “The new showroom has been designed as a one-stop sourcing destination for wholesalers, exporters and retail customers. Our diverse product portfolio across sanitaryware, hardware, electricals, chandeliers and tiles allows customers to source multiple categories under one roof. Combined with our strong inventory, competitive pricing and efficient supply chain, we are able to offer greater convenience and flexibility to our customers while strengthening Milano’s position as a preferred sourcing partner for businesses across global markets.” 

Milano’s integrated supply chain further differentiates the brand within the market. With warehousing facilities in Jebel Ali, the company maintains substantial inventory while also enabling customers to source mixed product categories.

Sahil Sajan further added, “Despite geopolitical tensions and rising freight costs, we remained confident that demand would remain resilient and that customers with genuine requirements would absorb the additional cost. Therefore, we continued our shipments without interruption and ensured that none of our containers were sent back to their source. This decision is now contributing to our growth.”

Looking ahead, Milano expects to achieve a further 20% growth over the next six months as export activity gains momentum, reinforcing its commitment to supporting Dubai’s position as one of the world’s leading global trading gateways. 

Data from Counterpoint Research reveals that global smartphone shipments declined by 6% year-over-year in Q1 2026. Despite this downturn, HONOR stood out by achieving the highest growth among leading brands, exceeding 25% year-over-year.

Further reinforcing this performance, IDC reported that HONOR also ranked as the fastest-growing brand among the top 10 smartphone manufacturers globally.

Counterpoint attributes HONOR’s strong performance to its strategic overseas expansion and regionally tailored product portfolio. This growth was further supported by aggressive promotional efforts and effective strategic execution, enabling the company to outperform the broader market even amid rising component cost pressures.

HONOR’s strong global momentum reflects its ability to consistently deliver high-quality, competitive products tailored to diverse consumer needs across markets, supported by a growing ecosystem of connected devices and IoT products that enhance user experience and drive brand loyalty.

Building on this success, HONOR is set to expand its presence in the Middle East and Africa region with the upcoming launch of its HONOR 600 Series including HONOR 600 and HONOR 600 Pro. The new lineup will feature a flagship-level 200MP AI camera system, powerful AI imaging capabilities including AI Image to Video 2.0, and an industry-leading 7,000mAh battery. Combined with premium design and flagship-class performance, the series is positioned to redefine user experience in its segment.

As competition intensifies across the global smartphone landscape, HONOR’s strong performance underscores its growing influence among leading brands. With continued investment in innovation, ecosystem development, and regional expansion, the company is well positioned to capture new opportunities and sustain its growth momentum in the quarters ahead.

Sobha Realty Green Sukuk oversubscribed 2.8x

Investor demand proved exceptional. The five-year Sukuk, set to mature in 2030, attracted USD 2.1 billion in orders—2.8 times its issue size. As a result, pricing tightened by 50 basis points from initial guidance. Moreover, Sobha Realty fixed the Sukuk at a profit rate of 7.125% with an effective yield of 7.375%. Importantly, allocations reflected a balance: 56% from regional investors and 44% from international buyers.

Financing green projects through the Sukuk

The proceeds will finance or refinance sustainable projects outlined in Sobha Realty’s Green Financing Framework. Furthermore, the framework aligns with ICMA’s Green Bond Principles and LMA’s Green Loan Principles. In addition, DNV issued a Second Party Opinion confirming this alignment. Consequently, the Sobha Realty Green Sukuk directly connects capital markets with climate-focused development, ensuring measurable environmental benefits.

Chairman’s view on growth and responsibility

Ravi Menon, Chairman of Sobha Group, expressed confidence in the company’s strategy.

“The success of our Green Sukuk demonstrates investor belief in our financial strength and ESG vision. This issuance aligns our financing with our sustainability agenda. It also accelerates our green initiatives, positions us as a leader in sustainable luxury real estate, and supports the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.”

His words underline how the Sukuk combines financial discipline with long-term responsibility.

Ratings and banking partners

Moody’s expects to rate the Sukuk at Ba2 (Stable) and S&P at BB (Stable), matching Sobha Realty’s corporate profile. Additionally, leading banks supported the transaction. Dubai Islamic Bank, Emirates NBD Capital, J.P. Morgan, Mashreq, and Standard Chartered acted as Joint Global Coordinators. Several other institutions joined as Joint Lead Managers and Bookrunners. Moreover, Deutsche Bank and Emirates NBD Capital served as Joint ESG Structuring Coordinators, embedding sustainability into every stage.

A milestone in Sobha Realty’s financing journey

This issuance strengthens Sobha Realty’s balance sheet and sets a benchmark for sustainable real estate financing. By pairing luxury projects with green funding, the company proves that ESG and profitability can align. Communities like Sobha Hartland and Sobha Siniya Island will benefit as proceeds flow into projects built for long-term environmental and social value.

Ultimately, the Sobha Realty Green Sukuk represents more than a financing success. It reflects investor trust, confirms global credibility, and reinforces the company’s role in shaping sustainable communities aligned with the UAE’s national vision.

Check out this previous post on Lebanon fintech investment: Whish Money Q&A

Lebanon’s financial system has faced extraordinary pressure in recent years. Yet within these challenges lies an unexpected opportunity: the rise of Lebanon fintech investment as a driver of inclusion and growth. Among the companies leading this shift is Whish Money, a digital-first platform serving more than 1.3 million users in 110 countries. In this exclusive Q&A, Toufic Koussa, Co-Founder and CEO, explains how Lebanon can position itself as a hub for fintech despite ongoing uncertainty.

Lebanon fintech investment appeal for global investors

Q: In Lebanon’s current economic climate, what factors can attract local and foreign fintech investment, and how is Whish Money positioned to benefit?

Toufic Koussa: Lebanon’s economy has created a surge in demand for secure, accessible, and compliant financial solutions. Investors now search for opportunities where technology fills urgent gaps. They want platforms that streamline payments, enable quick transfers, and promote financial literacy. Whish Money’s 1.3 million users across 110 countries show that fintech can scale locally and globally. Our commitment to trust and inclusivity makes us an attractive partner for Lebanon fintech investment.

Strategies sustaining Lebanon fintech investment growth

Q: What investment strategies and operational efficiencies have been key to sustaining Whish Money’s growth in an uncertain regulatory and economic environment?

Toufic Koussa: Growth in Lebanon could not depend on costly infrastructure. Instead, we focused on agility and smart resource allocation. Scalable digital rails and strong compliance frameworks gave us a solid base. We relied on strategic partnerships rather than trying to build everything in-house. This approach kept us flexible and efficient. At the same time, we co-created our roadmap with users. Services such as instant transfers and QR payments solved real problems. Each decision translated into adoption and sustainable growth—strengthening Lebanon’s fintech investment landscape.

Partnerships powering Lebanon’s fintech investment ecosystem

Q: How do partnerships with Visa, Mastercard, and TerraPay boost investor confidence and accelerate market expansion locally and abroad?

Toufic Koussa: Partnerships are central to our expansion. When Visa and Mastercard integrate with Whish, it confirms that our platform meets global standards. It also proves our ability to connect seamlessly with international ecosystems. TerraPay and Ria extend our reach to Lebanon’s diaspora, making remittances faster and safer. These alliances inspire confidence, increase scalability, and highlight Lebanon as an emerging fintech investment hub.

How Lebanon fintech investment empowers communities

Q: How can fintech—especially digital payments—drive economic empowerment in Lebanon, and what investment in infrastructure or regulation is needed to maximize this impact?

Toufic Koussa: Digital payments empower people and businesses alike. Workers who receive wages digitally enter the formal economy and gain access to vital protections. Merchants who accept QR payments reach more customers and reduce dependence on cash. Families who rely on remittances benefit from transparent and instant transfers that improve stability. To maximize these gains, Lebanon must invest in infrastructure and adopt forward-looking regulation. The Central Bank of Lebanon licenses Whish Money, but progress depends on broader collaboration. Regulators, telecom providers, and fintech innovators must work together to unlock the full promise of Lebanon fintech investment.

Lessons shaping Lebanon’s fintech investment future

Q: From serving over 1M users in 110+ countries, what lessons can you apply to Lebanon’s fintech scene, and how do you position the country as attractive for fintech investors?

Toufic Koussa: Our journey shows that agility and customer focus drive scale. We built a culture that listens to communities and responds with transparent solutions. This approach ensures innovation is tied to real needs, not abstract ideas. Internally, we promote continuous learning, which allows us to adapt to changing conditions.

For Lebanon to draw investors, it must embrace entrepreneurship, encourage collaboration, and support startups with impact-driven missions. Above all, the ecosystem should build trust and prioritize transparency. With these values in place, Lebanon can emerge as a hub where innovation and inclusion converge. That vision makes Lebanon fintech investment a story of resilience and opportunity.

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Indoor Wellness, Accessible to All

Running from 1 to 31 August, the BurJuman Summer Walk transforms Level 1 of the mall into an early-morning walking route. This air-conditioned environment offers a welcome escape from Dubai’s summer heat. Residents and visitors can stay active without battling high outdoor temperatures.

The initiative supports those building daily movement habits, whether to reach step goals, clear the mind, or socialise. The safe, inspiring environment makes it easy for people of all ages to take part.

Easy Access and Added Comfort

Early entry is available through the Metro Entrance, Mankhool Entrance, or Parking Lobby E. Clear wayfinding helps walkers navigate Level 1. Several cafés also open early, serving coffee and light snacks for post-walk refreshment.

This combination of easy access, cooling comfort, and refreshments makes the BurJuman Summer Walk an attractive option for both residents and tourists.

From Shopping to Lifestyle Destination

BurJuman Mall’s transformation from a retail hub to a lifestyle destination is clear. Initiatives like B Hive, B Hub, and #ChaloBurJuman have introduced new experiences. The BurJuman Summer Walk now adds a wellness dimension to this evolution.

“We’re committed to creating experiences that enhance the daily lives of our diverse community,” says a BurJuman Mall spokesperson. “The Summer Walk is more than a wellness activity—it’s an opportunity to connect, unwind, and start the day positively.”

More Than Just Movement

The BurJuman Summer Walk promotes both physical activity and mindfulness. Walking in a calm, indoor space helps participants slow down, breathe, and prepare for the day ahead. Families can enjoy quality time together, while solo walkers can reflect or get light exercise before work.

After the walk, visitors can explore cafés and breakfast spots across the mall. From quick grab-and-go to sit-down options, there’s something for every taste.

Visit and Take Part

The BurJuman Summer Walk is open daily until the end of August, welcoming everyone from seasoned fitness enthusiasts to casual walkers. With easy metro access, plentiful parking, and a thoughtfully designed walking route, participation is effortless.

Check out our previous post on LEGOLAND Dubai Neon Nights Lights Up Summer Splash Fest