As organisations process more data closer to where it is generated, edge computing can enable faster decision-making, reduce latency and help manage bandwidth more efficiently. At the same time, increasingly sophisticated and data-intensive workloads are placing greater demands on storage performance, capacity, endurance and reliability.

“Edge computing is playing a growing role in the Middle East’s digital transformation as organisations bring intelligence and real-time processing closer to devices, infrastructure and operations,” said Antoine Harb, Team Leader Middle East, Kingston Technology. “That makes storage selection about more than capacity or performance.  Organisations need to select and qualify solutions based on the  workload, environmental conditions and expected lifecycle of the complete system before deployment.”

Storage requirements can vary considerably between edge applications. Write-intensive use cases such as smart surveillance, industrial production lines, oil and gas infrastructure and smart traffic management may continuously record, analyse and process data. For devices operating around the clock or in remote and difficult-to-access locations, storage endurance and reliability can therefore have a direct impact on system availability and maintenance requirements.

Edge deployments in the UAE can also present demanding operating conditions, particularly for equipment installed outdoors, in industrial environments or in locations where physical access is difficult. High temperatures, dust, vibration and continuous operation can place additional demands on embedded components, making environmental resilience and appropriate testing and qualification important considerations when selecting storage for its intended use.

Long-term availability is equally important for embedded and industrial deployments, where systems may remain operational for many years. Maintaining component consistency can help organisations avoid unnecessary redesign, requalification and replacement during the lifecycle of a deployment.

As more business and operational data is generated and processed at the edge, organisations must also consider data integrity and the protection of stored information as part of their overall system and security requirements.

“The lowest initial storage cost does not always translate into the lowest cost over the life of an edge system,” added Harb. “Reliability, endurance, maintenance, replacement requirements and long-term product availability all contribute to total cost of ownership. For large-scale or remote deployments in particular, choosing storage with the right characteristics from the outset can help support greater operational continuity.”

Kingston’s embedded storage solutions are designed to support next-generation edge applications with the performance, reliability, durability and lifecycle support required for demanding deployments. As edge computing continues to advance across the GCC, Kingston expects storage selection and qualification to become an increasingly important consideration for organisations building connected, data-intensive infrastructure.

RØDE has today announced a major free firmware update across its premium wireless range, with Wireless GO (Gen 3) and Wireless PRO now boasting Direct Connect, a powerful capability that allows users to connect directly to iOS devices without the need for a physical receiver.

Direct Connect, first introduced with Wireless Micro, enables Wireless GO (Gen 3) and Wireless PRO transmitters to pair with iPhones via Bluetooth® using the RØDE Capture app. This eliminates the need for any additional hardware or accessories, dramatically streamlining mobile setups while preserving the broadcast-quality audio both wireless systems are known for.

“We’ve already witnessed the incredible impact Direct Connect has had on creators using the Wireless Micro,” said Damien Wilson, CEO of RØDE. “Since launch, feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, allowing creators more flexibility and versatility than ever before. It’s our duty as pioneers of the ultra-compact wireless microphone category to extend true wireless freedom to as many creators as possible. With Direct Connect now available on more RØDE systems, we’re delivering exactly that.”

With Direct Connect now available across more of the wireless range, creators can continue to record in merged or split modes through the RØDE Capture app. In merged mode, audio from both transmitters is combined into a single, ready-to-publish stereo track. In split mode, each transmitter is recorded to a separate channel for greater flexibility in post-production. In-app output gain control also makes it easy to adjust recording levels on the fly for consistently balanced results.
This powerful new functionality comes at no extra cost to users and, following recent price drops of 33% for Wireless GO (Gen 3) and 25% for Wireless PRO, offers even greater value for creators looking to simplify their mobile setups without sacrificing sound quality.

Wireless GO (Gen 3)

The third generation of the iconic Wireless GO, Wireless GO (Gen 3) builds on the success of the world’s most popular wireless microphone platform, delivering every feature and convenience a creator could possibly need while keeping the intuitive grab-and-go operation the range is known for. Powered by RØDE’s state-of-the-art Series IV 2.4GHz digital transmission and compatible with any Series IV device, it delivers pristine, reliable wireless audio, with advanced features like 32-bit float on-board recording, intelligent GainAssist for consistently balanced levels and generous 32GB internal storage for recording audio directly to the transmitters.
With Direct Connect now on board, Wireless GO (Gen 3) becomes an even more streamlined solution for mobile creators, offering a cleaner rig and faster setup while maintaining the professional sound expected from RØDE. Available in an array of colours, it also gives creators the freedom to personalise their on-camera presence to suit their style.

Wireless PRO

Designed for filmmakers and professional creators who require maximum capability in a compact form, Wireless PRO is the most powerful system in RØDE’s wireless range, delivering an unrivalled suite of features not found in any other compact microphone in its class. Building on the impressive core performance and capabilities of the Wireless GO (Gen 3), Wireless PRO adds timecode sync for quick-and-easy audio sync in post-production and an extended 260m line-of-sight range for reliable audio over longer distances.

Compatible with the full RØDE Series IV ecosystem, including RØDECaster Pro II, RØDECaster Duo and RØDECaster Video, Wireless PRO is built for serious productions, now with the added convenience of Direct Connect for faster mobile capture when needed.

RØDE’s Wireless GO (Gen 3) and Wireless PRO ship worldwide. The Wireless GO (Gen 3) is available to purchase in a range of vibrant colours for US$199, while the Wireless PRO can be purchased for US$299.

Direct Connect is available now on the RØDE Capture app via a free firmware update.

The series debuts REDMI Titan Durability, integrating reinforced frames and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for superior drop and crush resistance. The Pro models boast massive Silicon–Carbon batteries (up to 6,580mAh) with 100W HyperCharge, designed to maintain peak health for over six years.

Photography enthusiasts can leverage a flagship 200MP main camera on Pro models, featuring AI-powered 4× lossless zoom and Xiaomi HyperAI editing tools. Performance is driven by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 and Xiaomi IceLoop cooling, while the 120Hz AMOLED displays offer a stunning 3,200 nits peak brightness.

Connectivity reaches new heights with Xiaomi Offline Communication, allowing kilometer-level voice calls without network coverage. Xiaomi also expanded its AIoT ecosystem, introducing the REDMI Buds 8 Lite, Xiaomi Electric Scooter 6 Series, and Smart Audio Glasses.

The REDMI Note 15 Series combines ultimate resilience with cutting-edge AI, setting a new benchmark for smartphone value in the region.

Redmi Note 15 Series Partners with Discovery Channel to Demonstrate Real-World Endurance

To showcase the Redmi Note 15 Series “diamond-grade durability,” Xiaomi has partnered with Discovery Channel on a co-branded campaign featuring explorer and survival expert Ed Stafford, renowned for his extreme outdoor challenges. In the campaign, Ed takes on a continuous 24-hour endurance challenge, using the Redmi Note 15 as his only essential tool.

The film demonstrates the phone’s real-world capabilities: supporting navigation, lighting, photography, compass and weather checks, and connectivity, while highlighting its durability, water resistance, and long-lasting battery life.

The campaign will be amplified across Discovery Channel’s platforms and supported by official press coverage, bringing the “tech + endurance” story to audiences across the UAE. To further engage media and creators, a limited number of “Titan Durability” co-branded gift boxes will be made available for unboxings and challenge-style content, offering a hands-on experience of the series’ resilience.

Mijia Smart Audio Glasses: Style Meets Technology

The UAE launch also introduces Mijia Smart Audio Glasses, blending open-ear audio with elegant eyewear design. Equipped with four microphones, wind noise reduction, and a privacy mode, the glasses allow UAE users to enjoy music and calls while staying aware of surroundings. Lightweight and durable, they feature IP54 splash and dust resistance, UV and blue light protection, and up to 13 hours of playback, with fast charging offering 4 hours from just 10 minutes. The Xiaomi Glasses app allows full control, including gesture customization, dual-device connectivity, and safe recording options.

REDMI Buds 8 Lite

Also joining Xiaomi’s AIoT portfolio are REDMI Buds 8 Lite, entry-level true wireless earbuds designed for everyday practicality and convenience. Available in Black, White, or Blue, they feature a 12.4mm titanium-diaphragm driver for clear, detailed sound, Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity, and hybrid active noise cancellation up to 42dB with Transparency mode. Dual-mic AI environmental noise cancellation ensures clear calls even outdoors, while five pre-set EQ modes and app-based customization let users tailor their audio experience. With dual-device connectivity, fast charging, and up to 36 hours of total battery life with the case, REDMI Buds 8 Lite deliver a versatile, practical audio solution for daily use.

Xiaomi TV S Pro Mini LED Series

Xiaomi also introduces the Xiaomi TV S Pro Mini LED Series in UAE, offering 75″, 65″, and 55″ QD-Mini LED models with 4K UHD resolution, 1700 nits peak brightness, Dolby Vision®, HDR10+, HLG, and Filmmaker Mode. With 144Hz native refresh rate, Mini LED local dimming, and low-reflection display technology, the series provides ultra-smooth visuals and vibrant, accurate color reproduction. Audio is powered by dual 15W speakers, Dolby Atmos, Harman AudioEFX, and Xiaomi Sound tuning, delivering immersive experiences for movies, gaming, and streaming. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, HDMI 2.1, USB, Ethernet, and built-in Google TV, Google Cast, and Apple AirPlay, offering seamless streaming and device integration.

Industry analysis by Grand View Research (GVR) reveals that IT services currently account for around 21–22% of total IT spending across MENA, a share expected to rise to between 26 and 28% by the end of the decade. The region’s professional IT services market, valued at USD 33.9 billion (Dh124.5 billion) in 2024, is forecast to grow to nearly USD 58.3 billion (Dh214 billion) by 2030, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 9.5%.

Sourav Bhanja, Middle East Head of GVR, said: “Many B2B IT services firms in the region continue to underinvest in digital engagement. Professional platforms such as LinkedIn remain underutilised, while company websites often lack strong case studies, sector-specific storytelling, and clear positioning.”

Government-led digitalisation programmes, sovereign cloud deployments, smart city initiatives, and national data strategies, coupled with rising enterprise adoption across sectors such as banking and financial services, healthcare, energy, logistics, and public infrastructure, are driving this shift. As hyperscalers and global technology firms expand their regional footprint, demand for localised integration, migration, and managed services continues to accelerate.

Bhanja also emphasised the importance of leadership visibility in the region’s competitive IT market: “Technical capability alone is no longer enough. Firms that combine deep technical expertise with consistent marketing, strong leadership visibility, and clear communication of value are the ones most likely to succeed in the MENA market.”

The analysis highlights that with growing competition among IT services providers, market visibility and differentiation have emerged as critical growth drivers. Integrated, always-on digital marketing strategies are increasingly vital, as many B2B IT services firms underutilise channels such as LinkedIn, websites, thought leadership content, newsletters, blogs, infographics, and short-form video to engage decision-makers.

Market data also indicates a broader shift towards digital-first engagement. Digital advertising spend in the Middle East, estimated at USD 32 billion (Dh117 billion) in 2024, is projected to rise sharply to USD 81.4 billion (Dh298.9 billion) by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 16.7%. In contrast, the regional events and conferences market is expected to expand at a more modest 7.1% CAGR, reflecting changing enterprise marketing priorities.

Grand View Research concluded that IT services firms combining technical depth with strong market communication, data-driven marketing, and visible leadership will be best positioned to capture the next phase of growth across MENA.

People now use their smartphones for way more. Smartphones have replaced a multitude of gadgets for everyday things like cameras, televisions, music players, and, to some extent, laptops. You no longer have to scramble for a laptop to send an urgent email or fumble with paper maps to navigate a strange city. Officially called the HUAWEI Mate XT ULTIMATE DESIGN, Huawei’s trifold smartphone was an answer to the growing demand for smartphones capable of multitasking and more immersive media consumption. Offering users the largest smartphone screen experience with a single 10.2-inch display that folds down into a convenient regular smartphone form factor, it expands the possibilities of smartphone interactions and multitasking.

Now, Huawei is expanding the Mate XT line with more colour options. Previously only available in Red and Black, the phone will be available starting next week in the white vegan leather finish. This new finish gives the device a more refined, minimalist aesthetic.

Despite widening competition, the Mate XT is still the benchmark for what a trifold smartphone can be. The Mate XT’s ingenious Z-shape folding method, where one side folds inward and one outward, has a unique benefit. It uses a single continuous display that unfolds into a tablet, and when folded to a regular smartphone size, one-third of that same screen becomes the outer display. It’s a cleaner, more coherent experience.

Trifold experiments from other brands also fall short of Mate XT in charging speeds, battery capacity and screen resolution. Even a whole year and few months after the initial release, the Mate XT is still the slimmest and lightest trifold in the market. Performance and durability follow the same pattern. The groundbreaking Advanced Precision Hinge System, made of ultra-strong, high-strength steel, offers a smooth, effortless and precise opening and closing experience.

A year on, the Mate XT remains the trifold smartphone others measure themselves against. It’s a category that Huawei created, defined, and continues to push forward while everyone else is still trying to catch up.

With a lubricants business built over more than three decades of manufacturing and global marketing, Emarat’s presence at the exhibition focussed on strengthening channel partnerships, expanding regional reach, and demonstrating performance-led formulations aligned with today’s engine requirements and operating conditions.

On the sidelines of Automechanika Dubai 2025, Emarat’s lubricants team also hosted partner engagements at the stand, including signing landmark agreements to enter into new markets like Armenia and Mauritius with organized partners focusing on distribution and market development. These agreements focused on consolidation of commercial market and growth in Mauritius with Concorde Auto Parts Co. LTD and also emerge into lubricant market alongside Emarat fuel station network with MEGA TRADE L.L.C. in Armenia.

Burny Johnson, Senior Vice President, Lubricants, Emarat, said, “Automechanika Dubai is a decisive platform for the aftermarket where product credibility is tested and long-term supply partnerships are built. Over the past year, we have strengthened the technical advantages of our portfolio to meet industry norms and the real expectations of end users including reliability, protection of critical components, and uptime. Alongside showcasing our latest formulations, we focused on expanding our distributor footprint starting with three new market partnerships that deepened reach and built momentum for the next phase of growth.”

“Looking ahead to 2030, we have clear ambitions in the UAE and beyond, to expand our lubricants business across several countries. We are committed to raising standards, delivering value for partners and customers, and helping shape a more performance-driven lubricants ecosystem,” added Burny.

Emarat displayed a curated selection of its lubricants across pack sizes during the show. The range included 4-litre packs of Power Ultima 0W-16, Power Synth 5W40, XAT SUV, Power Plus, Gear Max HY, and Ultra Cool 50; 5-litre packs of Power Thrust Plus 15W40 and Power Optima 5W40 CK-4; and 1-litre packs of Power Bike 4T, Power Synth 5W30, XAT SUV, Power Plus 20W50, Ultra Cool, and TransMax.

Emarat also hosted its regional partners during the event including Foshan Jian Fu Hong Trading Co. Ltd., Alliance Tractors, Dynatrade LLC, and AW Rostamani Trading Co LLC among other global partners.

Furthermore, market outlook indicators continue to underline the scale of the category, with one leading industry forecast estimating the global lubricants market will reach USD 180 billion by 2030. According to Mordor Intelligence, lubricants demand in the UAE is forecast to reach 200 million litres by 2030.

After spending over a month with the Huawei Nova 14 Pro in its pristine White colorway, I find myself appreciating a phone that defies expectations. This is a device that runs HarmonyOS 5 instead of Android, yet manages to deliver one of the most compelling camera experiences I’ve encountered in the mid-range segment. The Nova 14 Pro isn’t trying to be everything to everyone. It’s focusing on what truly matters: exceptional rear camera photography, stunning design, and genuine all-day battery life.

The Elephant in the Room: Life Without Android (It’s Easier Than You Think)

Let’s address this immediately because it’s the question everyone asks: “Can you actually use Google services in a Huawei smartphone in 2025?” The answer is a resounding yes, and it’s remarkably straightforward.

The Nova 14 Pro runs HarmonyOS 5 (also known as HarmonyOS NEXT), which represents Huawei’s complete break from Android. Unlike previous HarmonyOS versions that retained Android compatibility layers, HarmonyOS 5 is built entirely on Huawei’s proprietary microkernel architecture.

GBox: Your Direct Gateway to the Google Ecosystem

Here’s what eliminates any ecosystem anxiety: the Nova 14 Pro comes with GBox built directly into the system. This isn’t a workaround or a hack; it’s an integrated solution that gives you direct access to the Google Play Store. Simply open GBox, sign in with your Google account, and you have the entire Play Store at your fingertips.

Through GBox, I’ve downloaded and used Gmail, Google Maps, YouTube, Google Photos, Chrome, Google Drive, and virtually every Google service I rely on. The experience is seamless. Apps run smoothly, notifications arrive reliably, background sync functions properly, and the integration feels native rather than like a compatibility layer. For all practical purposes, you have full access to the Android app ecosystem while running HarmonyOS.

In my month of testing, I’ve used Gmail as my primary email client, Google Maps & Waze for navigation (with real-time traffic and turn-by-turn directions working flawlessly), YouTube for content consumption, and Google Photos for automatic cloud backup. Everything works exactly as it would on an Android phone. Push notifications are instant, location services work properly, and there’s zero performance degradation.

Common apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Instagram, TikTok, and banking apps can be downloaded either from AppGallery or through GBox; whichever you prefer. I haven’t encountered a single app that I couldn’t install or use in my month of testing. The ecosystem concern that plagued earlier Huawei phones is simply not an issue anymore.

HarmonyOS 5: A Genuinely Refined Experience

Beyond app availability, HarmonyOS 5 itself is impressive. The interface is clean and intuitive with smooth animations throughout. It feels polished and responsive, often more refined than Android in certain areas like system-wide gesture controls, notification management, and privacy features.

The real question isn’t whether you can access your apps (you can, completely), but whether you’re open to experiencing a different OS interface. HarmonyOS 5 brings thoughtful features like granular privacy controls, intelligent resource management, and seamless device connectivity with other Huawei products. The transition is surprisingly painless, and within a few days, navigating HarmonyOS feels completely natural.

The Verdict on Ecosystem Concerns

If you’re worried about losing Google services or Android apps, don’t be. GBox eliminates that concern entirely. You have full, unrestricted access to everything you need. The Nova 14 Pro isn’t asking you to compromise on app availability—it’s offering you choice, with the added benefit of experiencing Huawei’s refined HarmonyOS interface while maintaining complete access to the Google ecosystem you’re familiar with.

The phone’s exceptional camera capabilities and build quality become the actual decision factors, not ecosystem limitations; because those limitations simply don’t exist.

Design: Understated Elegance

The Nova 14 Pro introduces a refined design language that immediately catches attention. My White variant features what Huawei calls the “ice crystal texture,” creating a pearlescent effect that shifts under different lighting conditions. It’s elegant without being ostentatious or screaming for attention.

At 7.78mm thin and weighing 207g, the phone strikes an impressive balance. It feels substantial enough to convey quality but never heavy or cumbersome. The quad-curved OLED display (curved on all four edges) creates a seamless flow from screen to frame, making the phone feel smaller than its 6.78-inch display suggests.

Build quality feels premium throughout. The frame has a refined matte finish that resists fingerprints. The buttons have precise, tactile feedback with no wobble. Huawei includes a TPU protective case in the box, and even with it installed, the phone maintains its slim profile.

The IP65 rating provides dust resistance and protection against water jets from any direction, though it’s not quite the full submersion protection of IP68. For daily use, it’s more than adequate. I’ve used it in light rain and near pools without hesitation.

A Rear Camera System That Genuinely Impresses

After a month of extensive testing, the Nova 14 Pro’s rear camera system has genuinely impressed me. This isn’t just another competent mid-range camera. It’s a thoughtfully engineered imaging system that punches well above its price point, particularly in challenging lighting conditions.

50MP RYYB Main Camera

The star of the show is the 50MP RYYB main camera with variable aperture ranging from f/1.4 to f/4.0. Let me explain why this combination is genuinely special.

Traditional camera sensors use an RGB (Red, Green, Blue) color filter array. Huawei’s RYYB (Red, Yellow, Yellow, Blue) sensor replaces green pixels with yellow ones. Yellow pixels allow significantly more light to pass through than green pixels. The result? The RYYB sensor captures up to 40% more light than traditional RGB sensors, translating to dramatically improved low-light performance.

The variable aperture is equally clever. At f/1.4 (wide open), the camera captures maximum light for low-light situations and creates beautiful background blur for portraits. At f/4.0 (stopped down), you get greater depth of field for landscapes where you want everything sharp from foreground to background. The camera intelligently adjusts based on lighting and subject, though you can also control it manually in Pro mode.

Combined with optical image stabilization, this main camera delivers flagship-level performance. In daylight, photos are sharp with excellent dynamic range and accurate colors. The level of detail captured is genuinely impressive, with textures rendered naturally and colors that pop without looking oversaturated.

Low-Light Photography

The Nova 14 Pro’s low-light photography is where this camera system truly separates itself from the competition. The combination of the RYYB sensor’s 40% increased light capture, f/1.4 aperture, and intelligent processing produces night shots that look genuinely cinematic rather than artificially processed.

I’ve extensively tested night photography across Dubai’s diverse evening environments: dimly lit alleyways, neon-soaked streets, the challenging mixed lighting of outdoor cafes and restaurants. The results consistently impress. Where other mid-range phones produce grainy, muddy images or over-process scenes into unnatural HDR nightmares, the Nova 14 Pro maintains natural texture and color while pulling impressive detail from shadows.

In mixed lighting scenarios where most cameras struggle, the Nova 14 Pro’s camera ensures colors remain true to life. I’ve photographed food under warm restaurant lighting, portraits under mixed street lamps and neon, and landscapes during golden hour. The color accuracy is consistently impressive, maintaining natural tones that look authentic rather than artificially enhanced.

Supporting Cast: Telephoto and Ultra-Wide

The 12MP RYYB telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom and OIS is perfect for portraits and detail shots. The RYYB sensor ensures it performs admirably even in challenging light, maintaining the same low-light prowess as the main camera. The OIS keeps shots sharp even at longer focal lengths. The phone supports up to 30x digital zoom, which remains usable in good light for capturing distant subjects.

I’ve used the telephoto extensively for portrait photography, and the results are impressive. The natural bokeh combined with accurate skin tones creates professional-looking portraits. Detail shots of architecture, signage, and distant subjects remain sharp with excellent clarity.

The 8MP ultra-wide camera with a 112° field of view handles landscapes and group shots competently. It also doubles as a macro camera, allowing you to capture extreme close-ups of small subjects. While it’s not the strongest ultra-wide I’ve tested, it’s consistent with the main camera’s color science, which is important for seamless switching between focal lengths.

Dual Front Cameras

The dual front camera setup consists of a 50MP main sensor with autofocus and an 8MP close-up lens. The 50MP sensor with autofocus ensures selfies are sharp, and the variable zoom range provides flexibility for framing. Portraits are natural-looking, without aggressive smoothing. For video calls and casual selfies, it’s more than adequate, but it’s the rear cameras that truly shine on this device.

Performance: Competent for Daily Use

The Kirin 8020 chipset paired with 12GB RAM delivers competent performance for daily tasks. Built on a 5nm process, it handles multitasking, social media, content consumption, and photography without lag. The Maleoon 920 GPU manages most mobile games at medium-to-high settings, though it’s not quite flagship-level performance.

Gaming performance is acceptable. Popular titles like PUBG Mobile run smoothly at medium settings. You’ll experience some thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions, with frame rates dropping slightly, but it’s not game-breaking. For casual gamers, it’s perfectly serviceable. Hardcore mobile gamers should look elsewhere.

HarmonyOS 5 feels responsive and polished. The interface is clean and intuitive, with smooth animations throughout. App loading times are quick, multitasking is seamless, and the overall experience feels premium despite the mid-range chipset.

Battery Life: Genuine All-Day Endurance

The 5500mAh battery easily delivers a full day of heavy use. I’m talking constant social media scrolling, extensive camera usage (and with these rear cameras, you’ll use them constantly), video streaming, and still having 20-30% remaining at bedtime. Conservative users could stretch this to two days without breaking a sweat.

The 100W fast charging is absurdly fast. A full charge takes approximately 38 minutes from empty, which is genuinely convenient. Even a quick 10-15 minute top-up provides adequate runtime.

The phone also features AI Charging Control, which intelligently manages charging patterns to protect long-term battery health. The absence of wireless charging is disappointing for a phone at this price point, but the blazing-fast wired charging somewhat compensates.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The Nova 14 Pro supports Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, and GPS. It’s worth noting that Wi-Fi 6 or 7 would have been preferable for a 2025 device, but Wi-Fi 5 is adequate for most users.

The infrared blaster is a genuinely useful addition, allowing you to control TVs, air conditioners, and other appliances. It’s a feature that’s disappeared from many flagships, so its inclusion here is appreciated. The side-mounted fingerprint scanner is fast and reliable, unlocking instantly with accurate recognition even with slightly damp fingers.

Stereo speakers provide respectable audio quality for media consumption, though they’re not the most powerful I’ve tested. They’re clear and balanced at moderate volumes but can sound thin when pushed to maximum.

The Verdict

The Huawei Nova 14 Pro is a camera-centric smartphone that delivers exceptional imaging prowess, stunning design, and genuine all-day battery life, all while proving that ecosystem concerns are a thing of the past thanks to seamless Google integration.

After over a month of real-world use, the Nova 14 Pro has proven itself as a genuinely capable device that surprises in all the right ways. The main camera with variable aperture produces flagship-level photos, particularly in low light where it genuinely excels. The telephoto and ultra-wide complete a versatile camera system that punches well above its price point.

The concern about Google services? It’s completely eliminated. GBox provides direct, seamless access to the Google Play Store and all Google services. Everything works flawlessly—Gmail, Maps, Photos, Drive, YouTube—with zero compromise. HarmonyOS 5 proves to be a polished, responsive, and feature-rich operating system that holds its own against Android while giving you complete access to the Android app ecosystem.

Beyond photography, the phone refuses to compromise on essentials. The 5500mAh battery with 100W charging delivers genuine all-day use with lightning-fast top-ups. The design is elegant and premium, with the White variant’s ice crystal texture catching light beautifully.

Performance is competent rather than cutting-edge. The Kirin 8020 handles daily tasks smoothly but isn’t designed for hardcore gaming or intensive multitasking. For typical smartphone use, it’s more than adequate.

If you’re looking for a phone with genuinely impressive cameras at a mid-range price, with full access to all your familiar apps and services, the Nova 14 Pro deserves serious consideration.

The launch ceremony opened with remarks from Debo Zhang, General Manager of HONOR GCC, who highlighted the brand’s robust performance across GCC markets and reaffirmed HONOR’s commitment to delivering purposeful technology that reflects the lifestyle and ambitions of consumers in the region. Debo Zhang emphasized that the HONOR Magic8 Pro represents the next evolution of intelligent imaging and mobile productivity, stating, “The GCC region continues to demonstrate strong demand for advanced imaging capabilities and intelligent mobile technology. With the HONOR Magic8 Pro, we are delivering a flagship experience that empowers creators and enhances everyday visual storytelling across the Middle East.“

During the keynote, HONOR presented a comprehensive overview of the HONOR Magic8 Pro’s key product features, including an interactive comparison demonstrating the device’s next-generation camera quality. The HONOR Magic8 Pro is equipped with a 200MP AI Ultra Night Telephoto camera, offering enhanced clarity in long-distance and low-light scenarios, as well as an upgraded AI Ultra Night Portrait mode engineered for precise color accuracy and balanced exposure. The device introduces AI Magic Color and a new AI Editor, enabling refined color optimization and on-device creative adjustments. HONOR also confirmed that the HONOR Magic8 Pro is the first smartphone in the UAE to feature the Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform, delivering advanced processing efficiency, improved thermal performance, and elevated responsiveness. Additional features highlighted included the 7100mAh HONOR Silicon-carbon Battery, AI Button, AI Search, and AI Documents, all designed to enhance productivity and support AI-driven workflows.

A key announcement during the event confirmed the HONOR Magic8 Pro as the first 5.5G-ready smartphone in the UAE, marking a step forward in the nation’s digital evolution. This milestone underscores HONOR’s dedication to advancing next-generation connectivity and technological innovation, further strengthening the UAE’s position as a global leader in digital transformation.

The keynote also featured a presentation by a photographer and videographer expert Riadh Maghni, who shared insights on the device’s performance during low-light usage, stating: “The HONOR Magic8 Pro delivers outstanding clarity and detail in low-light environments enabling more people to tell authentic stories from their own perspectives. Its AI imaging tools provide creators across the region with a professional-level experience directly from the smartphone, removing traditional barriers to night photography.” Following the keynote, guests were invited to explore an extensive Experience Zone designed to showcase the HONOR Magic8 Pro’s performance in realistic low light scenarios.

Pre-orders for the HONOR Magic8 Pro begin on December 11, 2025, across the UAE. The HONOR Magic8 Pro is available in two configurations: 12GB + 512GB in Sunrise Gold, Sky Cyan and Black colourways priced at AED3,999 and 16GB +1TB Sunrise Gold and Black colourways priced at AED4,699. All pre-orders include a premium gift package valued at AED2,299, comprising HONOR VIP Care+ with 12-month damage protection, a three-month Google AI Pro trial, and the HONOR Watch5 Ultra.

Consumers can pre-order HONOR Magic8 Pro via HONOR Online Store, Sharaf DG, EMax, Ecity, Jumbo, Virgin Megastore, Amazon, Carrefour, e&, Eros, Noon & Lulu

With the introduction of the HONOR Magic8 Pro, HONOR strengthens its position as a leading innovator in AI imaging, mobile intelligence, and creator-focused technology, setting a new benchmark for low-light photography and 5.5G connectivity.

Boston Consulting Group (BCG) announced the launch of its new report, “AI Data Centers: An Opportunity in the Middle East”, during the sidelines of MWC Doha 2025, revealing that the Middle East is rapidly positioning the region as a rising global nexus for AI data center investment and innovation. As global demand for AI infrastructure accelerates, with data center power needs projected to grow from 86GW in 2025 to 198GW by 2030, BCG finds that the Middle East has a uniquely competitive advantage in supplying scalable, cost-efficient AI compute capacity.

Middle East: A Critical New Hub of AI Data Center Investment

BCG’s report highlights that the Middle East is not merely participating in the global AI infrastructure race; it is fast emerging as a critical new hub of AI data center development. The region benefits from distinctive structural advantages. Its strategic geography places it within a 2,000-mile radius of over 3 billion people, enabling it to serve Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Global South with non-latency-sensitive AI inferencing at scale.

Thibault Werle, Managing Director & Partner, BCG

Competitive cost structures, including up to 50% lower leasing rates, low power tariffs, and advanced cooling systems adopted by regional operators, significantly reduce the total cost of ownership. Meanwhile, markets such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia continue to accelerate time-to-market for new data centers through fast-track development, dedicated investment teams, and special economic zone clusters such as Masdar City’s Stargate Campus. This momentum is reinforced by the region’s expansive land availability, scalable power ecosystems, and the planned ~720 Tbps Fibre in the Gulf (FIG) submarine cable project.

Harold Haddad, Managing Director & Senior Partner BCG

Thibault Werlé, Managing Director and Partner at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), said: “The Middle East is undergoing a pivotal transformation as it positions itself to become a global hub for AI infrastructure. With strategic investments, progressive digital policies, and ambitious national visions across Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, the region is building the foundation for scalable, next-generation AI compute. Qatar’s ongoing initiatives, showcased during MWC Doha, reflect the broader regional commitment to shaping a competitive and globally relevant AI ecosystem that can serve markets across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Global South.”

Country Momentum Across the Region

The report outlines major national initiatives shaping the Middle East’s AI infrastructure landscape. Saudi Arabia has launched HUMAIN with a targeted 1.9GW AI data center capacity, along with partnerships with NVIDIA, AMD, AWS, DataVolt, and Groq to develop multi-hundred-megawatt AI campuses, including the world’s largest AI compute center. The UAE is advancing a 5GW AI campus in Abu Dhabi under the US-UAE AI Acceleration Partnership and is importing 500,000 GPUs for regional and US partners, supported by Microsoft’s USD $15.2 billion AI and cloud infrastructure investment. Qatar’s strategic investments complement these national efforts and reinforce a GCC-wide push toward establishing a global AI compute corridor.

Qatar Leading Regional Momentum

Qatar is steadily strengthening its position as a competitive player in the global AI and technology race, supported by strategic investments from the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA). These include the establishment of a USD $3 billion global platform with Blue Owl Capital to accelerate international AI and cloud infrastructure expansion, as well as QIA’s participation in Anthropic’s USD $13 billion funding round. These initiatives underscore Qatar’s commitment to advancing its digital capabilities and align closely with the ambitions of the Qatar Digital Vision 2030.

MWC Doha serves as a testament to the country’s growing role in shaping the regional technology landscape, reflecting Qatar’s intent to contribute meaningfully to the Middle East’s emerging AI infrastructure ecosystem.

Reflecting on BCG’s participation at MWC Doha, Harold Haddad, Managing Director and Senior Partner noted: “Qatar’s digital ambition is rapidly taking shape, driven by decisive leadership and a deep commitment to innovation. In line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy, the country is harnessing AI and emerging technologies to cement its role as a competitive force in the global digital economy. Hosting Mobile World Congress Doha reflects this momentum and Qatar’s growing influence as a pivotal hub for technological advancement. At BCG, we are proud to contribute to this journey, partnering across sectors to help build the digital foundations of the future economy.”

Recommendations for Middle Eastern Governments

To fully unlock the region’s potential, BCG recommends that governments create streamlined, unified investment packages that integrate key inputs such as land, power, water, and connectivity within clear, time-bound frameworks. Expanding a diverse ecosystem of business and financing models including hyperscalers, GPU-as-a-Service providers, equity platforms, and bond-backed investments will be critical to enabling flexibility for market entrants. The report also emphasizes the importance of strengthening partnerships across chipset suppliers, research institutions, and component manufacturers to accelerate innovation across the AI data center value chain. Developing and retaining world-class digital and AI talent remains a central requirement for long-term competitiveness, capacity building, and sustained innovation.

As AI continues to reshape economic landscapes, data centers form the critical backbone of global technological leadership. With its strategic geography, favorable economics, and ambitious national digital agendas, the Middle East is uniquely poised to emerge as a global AI data center powerhouse—particularly for regions requiring scalable and cost-efficient AI compute such as the Global South.

Governments and developers, in the Gulf, are shifting policies and procurement practices toward low-embodied-carbon alternatives: recycled aggregates, low-carbon concrete, engineered timber, high-performance insulation and off-site modular systems that dramatically cut waste. According to Grand View Research, in 2024, the global green building materials market was estimated to be worth hundreds of billions of dollars, and it is forecast to grow. Moreover, the GCC green building materials market alone reached an estimated USD 10.6 billion in 2024 and, according to an IMARC Group report, is expected to grow significantly as demand for sustainable inputs scales up.

NEOM’s energy and utilities arm, Enowa, explicitly emphasises circular systems and positions the project as a 100%renewables-powered ecosystem that integrates water, energy and industrial systems from the outset. It combines Industry 4.0 technologies with circular economy principles that force the choice of materials toward those that can be reused or easily recycled, while promoting off-site fabrication techniques that shrink construction waste.

For more than a decade, Masdar City has been offering a working prototype of what happens when sustainable material choices meet a systems approach, translating low-carbon urban design into practice. It pairs demonstrable clean energy capacity with district cooling systems, solar generation, and energy-efficient building envelopes with planning that reduces transport demand. Masdar’s broader organisation, its parent group, has also been scaling fast. Its report highlighted growth in clean energy capacity and an organisational push into integrated, low-carbon urban projects. The Masdar model is a reminder that reliable renewable supply makes higher-embodied, energy-intensive solutions (for example, electric construction equipment charged by renewables).

But materials alone won’t be enough, this is where AI becomes a multiplier. AI tools now enable topology optimisation for material efficiency, predict and prevent waste by logistics algorithms (supply chain forecasting, demand matching). In operations, machine learning drives HVAC optimisation (manage buildings in real time, predictive maintenance). For projects on the scale of NEOM or Masdar, with thousands of buildings, millions of square meters and complex infrastructure, AI systems can turn millions of data points into continuous efficiency gains.  NEOM and related initiatives are already integrating AI for water, energy and materials planning, while Oxagon’s industrial model assumes broad adoption of automation and AI in production.

Dubai’s trajectory shows how regulation and market amplify these technological shifts and incentives accelerate adoption. Municipal green building regulations, alongside certifications such as LEED and local green building systems, have driven a rapid uptake of sustainable construction practices, pushing developers to pursue energy-efficient envelopes, reduced water use, and green materials. According to Dubai Municipality, the city’s policy environment, paired with developers’ appetite for premium assets that offer lower operating costs and resilience to climate risk, creates an ecosystem where sustainable materials and smart building systems are not only environmentally desirable but financially sensible.

The Grand View Research estimates show the Gulf’s green-building sector and related materials markets expanding rapidly, with market valued in the mid-to-high tens of billions of dollars and forecast to double-digit compound annual growth rates in the coming five years. That inflow of capital matters because sustainable materials often carry higher up-front cost but deliver lower lifecycle costs, while AI and automation substantially reduce construction and lifecycle operating overruns. In other words, together they improve the return profile for long-term investors.

Yet ambition collides with practical constraints. Supply chains for low-embodied materials must scale quickly; while those in the region remain sensitive to cost, logistics, and local standards. Skilled labour in advanced assembly and data-science expertise to drive AI systems are limited and must be cultivated. Governance questions are also pressing: who owns the data generated by smart urban systems, how is privacy protected, and how do we ensure that AI allocates resources such as water, energy and mobility fairly. These are governance design problems, solvable, if tackled deliberately.

There are three pragmatic approaches for solving them. First, governments and project sponsors can accelerate local manufacturing of green materials through incentives and public-private partnerships. Second, procurement rules should favour lifecycle carbon and circularity over the lowest upfront price; that shifts incentives toward durable, reusable materials and off-site fabrication. Third, data-governance frameworks must be established from the outset: transparent rules about ownership and enable third-party innovation without commercial capture.

If NEOM, Masdar City and Dubai’s new districts can scale these approaches, the payoff will be tangible: lower lifecycle emissions, less construction waste, healthier indoor environments, and long-term savings for investors and taxpayers. The Middle East can move beyond being a market for imported technology to becoming a global crucible for sustainable urban practices, provided policymakers, developers and technologists align incentives and share data and best practices.

NEOM, Masdar and Dubai’s new districts are more than national statements; they are testbeds whose lessons could reshape how cities are built globally. If they get it right, prioritising lifecycle outcomes, scaling green materials, and embedding AI from design to operations, Middle East will be measured not only in square metres and skylines, but in the tonnes of embodied carbon avoided and the megabytes of intelligence that keep cities efficient and humane. The world will, for once, be watching not only to admire, but to learn.