Business Club

DUBAI — The iconic annual Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is accelerating the city’s biggest-ever celebrations into full gear with the highly anticipated launch of the first-ever DSF Auto Season, celebrating automotive culture in grand style from 1 January to 12 January 2025. Providing residents and visitors the chance to experience the best of Dubai’s perfect weather for the season during DSF’s monumental 30th-anniversary edition, citywide adrenaline-fuelled adventures will feature an action-packed calendar of all things automotive - from showcases of the latest craftsmanship to thrilling competitions, exclusive experiences, parades, and engaging meetups to spotlight the world of cars, bikes, speed, and cutting-edge technology.

Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE),  DSF Auto Season will cater to car enthusiasts, families, and adventurers alike with everything from classic car showcases to futuristic concepts, combining breathtaking displays with thrilling experiences.

Here’s what to expect:

CITYWIDE EVENTS

The Dubai Hills Mall Car Showcase from 1 to 12 January will offer visitors a chance to explore over 90 unique vehicles, ranging from timeless classics to cutting-edge models, displayed in distinct, visually engaging zones. The experience includes a thrilling Gaming Truck Activation with VR automotive games, exclusive giveaways, and a grand prize of a luxury car.

From 3 to 5 January, Circuit De Meydan x DSF Auto Season will deliver a blend of automotive and cycling excitement. The event will feature 20 custom-modified cars by PowerDose alongside bespoke bicycles by Bike On. Guests can witness the exclusive reveal of two Mercedes models, compete in VR gaming, and enjoy competitions for the fastest lap and best-looking bicycle, all set against a backdrop of innovation and adrenaline.

At The Drift Home x DSF Auto Season from 9 to 12 January, Dubai Festival City Mall will host a high-octane drifting competition. For just AED 30, attendees will have the opportunity to experience thrilling rides alongside professional drivers or even test their skills with expert guidance. Visitors will have the chance to experience two adrenaline pumping laps with one of the 50 internationally certified drift drivers for AED 200 per person and learn to drift with a professional trainer of up to 20 minutes for AED 500. Showcasing over 20,000 horsepower and featuring internationally certified drift drivers, this event promises electrifying competitions and action-packed performances across its four-day schedule.

The Mirdif Motor Show will take place on 10 and 11 January at Mirdif City Centre, featuring over 700 vehicles and a variety of activities for all ages. This grand exhibition will be a key highlight of the DSF Auto Season, offering an exciting showcase of power, performance, and design.

The Michelin 24H Dubai will take place on 11 and 12 January at the Dubai Autodrome as part of the prestigious Hankook 24H Series. Fans will witness world-class endurance racing with high-performance cars and elite teams. Highlights include nighttime racing, access to the Fan Zone, garage tours for VIP ticket holders, and the awards ceremony celebrating the winners of both the DSF Auto Season and the 24-hour race.

On 12 January, the season will conclude with the WEB3 Auction at the Dubai Design District MOTB Stage. This exclusive event will showcase rare automobiles and unique automotive NFTs, offering collectors a thrilling opportunity to bid on one-of-a-kind items worth over AED 50 million.

PARADES

DSF Auto Season will also feature a series of captivating parades to join and watch out for. The Yalla Dubai x DSF Auto Season on 2 January, starting at Super Car Majlis (SCM), Oman and ending at Hatta Wadi Club, will celebrate the spirit of unity and adventure between the two nations. This stunning convoy of vehicles will journey across a scenic route, offering a symbolic connection between Oman and the UAE.

The PowerDose Parade will take place on 3 January from 3pm to 4pm, starting at Power Dose in Nad Al Hammar and culminating at DXBike. Featuring a unique line-up of over 20 custom-designed cars valued at more than AED 20 million, the parade will offer a rare opportunity to witness automotive innovation and craftsmanship. At the end point, visitors can interact with the car owners and admire these exceptional vehicles, many of which will be seen in public for the first time.

The Super Cars Parade, kicking off on 4 January, will showcase an awe-inspiring lineup of the world’s most luxurious and high-performance vehicles. Beginning and ending at Dubai Hills Mall, this spectacular procession will highlight the elegance and power of iconic supercars. Enthusiasts will marvel at the sleek designs and roaring engines as the parade transforms the streets into a dynamic display of automotive excellence.

The Dubai Ducati Ride 2025 (DDR25) scheduled for 4 January will start at the Wheels of Arabia Ducati Showroom and end at Reform Social & Grill, bringing Ducati riders a city tour featuring Dubai’s iconic landmarks and stunning skylines. At the end point, participants will display their bikes for the public while enjoying Italian food such as pizzas and gelato, as well as Ducati-themed movies and slideshows. The event will feature giveaways, merchandise, and a lucky draw, along with a kid’s corner, creating a family-friendly atmosphere for all attendees.

On 8 January, the 24H Dubai Parade will showcase the elite cars participating in the 24H endurance race. Starting and ending at the Dubai Autodrome, the parade will offer fans an up-close experience with race teams, drivers, and high-performance vehicles. Visitors can explore the Fan Zone, enjoy automotive-themed activations, and attend the race to witness incredible driving, pit stops, and team strategies. VIP ticket holders will have the exclusive opportunity to tour the garages and interact with the teams, making this a must-see event for motorsport enthusiasts.

The Mirdif Motor Show Parade, starting and ending at Mirdif City Centre on 10 January, will be part of Dubai’s largest auto exhibition. Featuring over 700 vehicles, including trucks, classic cars, supercars, motorbikes, and police cars, the parade will make its way to the rooftop parking lot, where the main showcase will take place. Family-friendly activities such as remote-control car races, face painting, and safety workshops will ensure a fun-filled day for visitors of all ages.

CAFÉ POP-UPS

Adding to the excitement of DSF Auto Season, a series of unique activations and meet-ups will take place at citywide locations, combining automotive flair with dining, entertainment, and community engagement. On 3 January, the Defenders Meet-Up will bring together enthusiasts for a one-of-a-kind gathering in the serene desert landscapes of Al Marmoom, offering a unique opportunity to connect over their shared passion for this iconic vehicle. Meanwhile, Cars & Cookies will roll into Flat12 Café at Port Rashid on 5 January, inviting the car community to showcase their wheels and indulge in the café’s offerings for a day of camaraderie and automotive pride.

The Broncos Meet-Up will take place on 9 January, also at Al Marmoom, where fans of the classic vehicle will unite in a picturesque desert setting for another unforgettable gathering. On 10 January, Block 92 at Jumeirah Sunset Mall will offer visitors a chance to savour premium coffee while entering a draw to win an exclusive Bugatti experience, complete with a personal chauffeur for a day.

Adding another thrilling element, the Bikers Café Meet-Up on 4 January at Jumeirah Street will feature the latest lineup of motorcycles from top manufacturers and dealerships. Attendees can explore a curated selection of apparel and merchandise while connecting with like-minded enthusiasts in a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates the passion for motorcycles and the joy of shared experiences.

Visitors can navigate through the endless excitement of this year’s festival through the all-new digital DSF Map - an interactive online guide to explore all of the season’s iconic and only-in-Dubai experiences, festival favourites, ever-popular signature events, and brand-new additions waiting to be discovered across the city.

UAE residents can get rewarded for keeping up to date on all the DSF news on the Dubai Shopping Festival website. The DSF 30th anniversary competition, running until 12 January, brings a thrilling chance to win an exciting prize worth a whopping AED 30,000 by simply registering details on the DSF website. 

DUBAI — The epic 30th anniversary edition of the iconic annual Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) has been in full gear with a stellar line-up of out-of-this-world enchanting experiences, extraordinary entertainment, and dazzling daily sky spectacles. Organised by Dubai Festivals & Retail Establishment (DFRE), this citywide celebration will continue to illuminate Dubai’s skies every night with a brand-new drones theme for the twice-daily drone displays at Bluewaters Island and The Beach, JBR starting from 27 December 2024 to 12 January 2025. The new theme of celebrating Dubai will feature a stunning new display of visuals, vibrant colours, and dazzling light shows. The excitement will reach its peak with the return of the incredibly popular firework-drones show with pyrotechnics and skydivers on 11 January 2025, while the twice-daily drone shows will close the DSF season on 12 January 2025.

Presented by Emarat, DSF’s spectacular drone shows have become a standout sensation this edition, captivating both residents and visitors alike. Night after night, crowds gather to witness this awe-inspiring spectacle lighting up the skies above Bluewaters Island and The Beach, JBR. With two breathtaking displays every evening at 8pm and 10pm, the show continues to enchant audiences from 27 December to 12 January, where it will unveil a brand-new theme, “Celebrating Dubai” and the city’s essence through a dynamic fusion of tradition and modernity. Set to powerful beats and cutting-edge soundscapes, the mesmerising performance will integrate 2D and 3D drone formations into iconic Dubai landmarks, creating a visual masterpiece that honours the city’s spirit and innovation.

That is not all. The monumental 30th edition of DSF will see the return of the second show of the jaw-dropping firework-drone spectacle on 11 January at Bluewaters Island and The Beach, JBR, seamlessly blending pyrotechnics with cutting-edge drone technology, accompanied by jaw-dropping skydiving stunts and a phenomenal fireworks finish. This groundbreaking spectacle will once again dazzle audiences at 8pm, transforming Dubai’s skyline into a canvas of vibrant colours and mesmerising formations in a way that will leave visitors spellbound.

Visitors will also be captivated by the dazzling Dubai Lights installations illuminating Bluewaters Island and The Beach, JBR. Seamlessly blending artistry with cutting-edge technology, these immersive displays promise to enchant audiences and perfectly complement the extraordinary tech-driven experiences defining this DSF season.

Visitors can navigate through the endless excitement of this year’s festival through the all-new digital DSF Map - an interactive online guide to explore all of the season’s iconic and only-in-Dubai experiences, festival favourites, ever-popular signature events, and brand-new additions waiting to be discovered across the city. 

Residents and visitors across the city can get rewarded for keeping up to date on all the DSF news on the Dubai Shopping Festival website. The DSF 30th anniversary competition brings a thrilling chance to win an exciting prize worth a whopping AED 30,000 by simply registering their details on the DSF website. The winner will be announced on 12 January 2025. 

Dubai Shopping Festival is supported by Key Partners Dubai Islamic Bank and VISA, and Strategic Partners which include: Al Futtaim Malls (Dubai Festival City Mall & Festival Plaza), Al Zarooni Group (Mercato Shopping Mall), AW Rostamani Group, DHAM (Al Seef, Bluewaters, Ibn Battuta Mall, Nakheel Mall and The Outlet Village), Emirates Airline, ENOC, e&, Majid Al Futtaim (Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira), Merex Investment (City Walk and The Beach, JBR), and talabat.

CFI Financial Group, the region’s leading online trading provider, proudly announces the launch of its pioneering programme, “Trading Transparency+: Empowering Awareness and Clarity in Trading.” This initiative aims to tackle misinformation and market noise, helping individuals gain clarity on trading realities and access the resources they may need to determine whether trading aligns with their financial aspirations and circumstances.

With trading becoming increasingly accessible, individuals are often overwhelmed by a flood of information, unrealistic expectations, and confusion about the suitability of trading. Trading Transparency+ serves as a trusted guide, cutting through these complexities with transparency and knowledge. The program includes multiple components, with the "Trading Reality Check" as a standout feature—an engaging tool designed to help participants explore whether trading aligns with their goals and if they fully understand the realities and related risks of trading. Beyond this, Trading Transparency+ provides a comprehensive suite of educational and awareness resources, including videos, seminars, webinars, and articles, to explain trading’s suitability, risks, and myths. 

To explore the program further and access its comprehensive resources, visit: https://cfi.trade/trading-transparency

Empowering Knowledge, Promoting Responsibility

The Trading Transparency+ program is built on three core pillars:

“We recognize that the public is often exposed to wrong and sometimes even misleading information about trading and its reality,” said CFI’s Co-Founder and Managing Director, Hisham Mansour. “Through Trading Transparency+, its pillars, and particularly the ‘Trading Reality Check,’ and the different videos, articles, seminars, and webinars we will be arranging, we aim to empower individuals to understand whether trading aligns with theircircumstances, goals, and risk tolerance or not, the difference between trading and investing, and much more. We also aim to raise awareness that sometimes, the right decision might be choosing not to trade or at least not to trade specific products. Our mission through this initiative is to bring clarity and confidence to every step of the financial journey.”

Through Trading Transparency+, CFI reaffirms its dedication to fostering clarity, education, and integrity—empowering individuals to make thoughtful and informed choices when it comes to trading and financial markets.

About CFI: CFI Financial Group is MENA's leading online trading broker with over 25 years of experience, boasting the highest number of regulated entities and regional offices, including key locations such as London, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Cape Town, Baku, Larnaca, Beirut, Amman, and Cairo. Specializing in online trading services across equities, currencies, and commodities, CFI offers highly competitive trading conditions, including zero-pip spreads and no commission fees. The group supports elite sports through partnerships with organizations like AC Milan and FIBA WASL. It proudly names Seven-Time Formula One™ World Champion Sir Lewis Hamilton as their Global Brand Ambassador, reflecting a shared commitment to excellence and innovation. The group is also partnered with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), demonstrating its commitment to promoting local culture and fostering community engagement. The group actively participates in various Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in the communities where it operates.

AMMAN — Do you know that the salt from the Dead Sea not only keeps people buoyant but also plays a critical role in agriculture worldwide due to its high potassium content?

Potassium is a vital nutrient for plant growth, and potash fertilizer significantly boosts crop yields and enhances quality. It helps produce plumper fruits and more vibrant colors, ultimately improving the overall health and productivity of crops.

Jordan, benefiting from its proximity to the Dead Sea, is rich in potassium salt resources. This abundance has propelled the Arab Potash Company (APC) to become the eighth-largest potash producer globally. Annually, the APC produces 2.8 million tons of potassium chloride, which is distributed worldwide and helps to ensure the global food security.

In this video, Egyptian vlogger Mohamed Jihad takes us on an insightful journey to the APC in Jordan. Mohamed explores the company's expansive production facilities near the Dead Sea, visits its state-of-the-art R&D center, and observes the central control room where all the operations are managed. With a close observation into the intricate potash production process, he understands the critical role of potash in global food security. This project, with a joint venture by China and Jordan, exemplifies successful economic cooperation between the two countries.

How is potash fertilizer produced? What technological innovations have been used to drive its production? What are the different effects of various types of potash fertilizer? Watch this video to find your answers!