Yearly Archives: 2025

American Express Middle East is celebrating the 30th anniversary of The Platinum Card® in the region unveiling exclusive benefits designed to align with the evolving aspirations of its Card Members.

To celebrate this milestone, Platinum Card Members are invited to enjoy two exclusive benefits until December 31, 2025 —a new dining experience and an enhanced retail offer, providing even greater value:

• Platinum Card Members can enjoy up to US$200 dining credit per year at more than 300 restaurants across the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait.
• Platinum Card Memberswith a passion for fashioncan now enjoy a US$200 statement credit per year at Net-A-Porter and Mr. Porter—double the previous value ofUS$100).

All new Platinum Card Members who successfully apply for and receive their Card in 2025 will also enjoy a welcome offer of a statement credit of up to US$250 and a bonus of up to 50,000 Membership Rewards® points. 

“For 30 years, ThePlatinum Cardhas set the bar for premium cards in the Middle East,” said Mazin Khoury, CEO at American Express Middle East& North Africa. “We’re marking this milestone by introducing exclusiveCard benefits across dining andretail, designed to enhance the lifestyle of Platinum Card Members andconnecting them to what they love.”

Three Decades of Defining Premium Experiences

While the new benefits celebrate the 30th anniversary of The Platinum Card®, its legacy in the Middle East over the past three decades remains defined by a suite of existing premium privileges. These benefits reaffirm ThePlatinum Card’s commitment to delivering convenienceand extraordinary experiences for Card Members.

• Complimentary Airport Lounge Access:Eligible Card Members can access over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide through the American Express Global Lounge Collection.
• Comprehensive Insurance Coverage: Offers up to US$1 million in travel insurance coverage.
• 24/7 Concierge Service: Dedicated concierge service available 24/7 to assist with travel planning, reservations, and more.
• Fine Hotels + Resorts Program:Exclusive benefits in 1,600 properties worldwide such as daily breakfast for two, room upgrade upon arrival when available, $100 credit towards eligible charges (which vary by property), guaranteed 4pm late checkout, and noon check-in when available.
• Membership Rewards Program: Points never expire and can be redeemed across a wide range of partners. Points can also be used toward eligible purchase made on the Card and can be used for redemption atany time.

Discover the exclusive benefits of the American Express Platinum Card:https://www.americanexpress.ae/en-ae/cards/the-american-express-platinum-credit-card/

Terms and Conditions apply.

Gulf Capital, one of the largest private equity firms investing from the GCC to the rest of Asia, announced today its full exit from Kuiper Group, in a strategic sale transaction to Asian Energy Services, an Indian company listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange of India Ltd. The transaction comes on the heels of the previous successful sale of Kuiper’s Australian operation in a carve-out management buyout in Q3 last year.

Asian Energy Services Limited, which is an Indian leading integrated service provider to the energy and mining sectors, acquired 100% stake in Kuiper Group, from both Gulf Capital and the founders of Kuiper and OCB Oilfield Services. The acquisition, which will be funded through a combination of internal accruals and debt, is expected to be completed within the next two months. 

Upon the initial acquisition of the leading Dubai-based Oil & Gas offshore crew provider, OCB Oilfield Services, Gulf Capital worked closely with the management team to expand across the fast growing Asian markets. This led to the acquisition of Singapore-based Kuiper International, a dominant player in the offshore construction and maintenance services sector.  Gulf Capital has developed a long track record of building pan-Asian leaders through a mix of bolt-on acquisitions and organic growth.

Richard Dallas, Senior Managing Director at Gulf Capital, said: “We built in Kuiper Group a leading international energy business services platform, together with the management team. Kuiper Group has become a global leader and has presence today in more than 15 Asian, Middle Eastern, and African countries. This offers the new strategic buyer, Asian Energy Services, the opportunity to scale its operations, access a larger addressable market, and support its long-term growth plans.”

During Gulf Capital’s holding period, Kuiper Group has implemented a growth programme which focused on significant diversification in customer base, service capabilities, and geographical coverage. The Kuiper Group has recorded revenue of approximately US$ 68 million in year ending December 2024 and is a profitable business, further strengthening the strategic value of the acquisition.

Commenting on this, Mr Kapil Garg, Managing Director, Asian Energy Services Limited said, “The acquisition of Kuiper Group marks a pivotal milestone in Asian Energy Services’ journey to expand its footprint across key energy markets in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. This strategic move enables us to participate more actively in global energy projects and establish a scalable, future-ready platform for long-term growth. Kuiper Group’s strong presence in these regions will serve as a foundation for Asian Energy to broaden its integrated O&M services offering. We also aim to support and grow Kuiper’s existing business. I warmly welcome Kuiper’s management team and employees to the Asian Energy family and look forward to working together following the completion of the acquisition.”

Alvaro Abella, Managing Director at Gulf Capital, said: “The exit to Asian Energy Services will support Kuiper in solidifying its position across the 15 markets where it operates and further afield. During our holding period, we have managed to grow the topline significantly and double the geographic footprint. Now, Kuiper, in partnership with Asian Energy Services, is poised for further growth and success.”

Simon Cooper, Finance Operating Partner at Gulf Capital, concluded: “We are proud of the transformation and growth Kuiper has undergone during our investment period—from a regional manpower provider to a highly-scalable, global operator with robust governance and commercial discipline. This transaction with Asian Energy Services represents a strategic fit that unlocks long-term potential for Kuiper’s management team and their global client base. It also reflects Gulf Capital’s ability to identify, grow, and exit high-quality platforms in the energy services space through hands-on value creation, internationalisation and disciplined execution.”

Arabic Press Release

Grounded in sensory play, hands-on learning, and emotional connection, Numu Nursery’s new summer programme empowers children to build, explore, and express in real-world ways—no screens required. This summer, young learners are invited to embark on a new kind of adventure with the launch of “Minecraft: A Builder’s World” Summer Camp 2025. Inspired by the beloved digital universe, the camp transforms Minecraft’s spirit of creativity and discovery into a screen-free, sensory-rich experience filled with stories, songs, sand, and sprinkles of STEM learning. 

Tailored for children aged 12 months to 6 years, this unplugged summer camp transforms Minecraft’s imaginative spirit into hands-on play. Here, children build, explore, and express themselves in meaningful, tactile ways—constructing villages, crafting characters, experimenting with STEM, and discovering cultures in a joyful, emotionally intelligent environment. 

Build, Explore, Imagine: A Summer of Real-World Wonder 

At the heart of the experience lies the Minecraft Village—a vibrant, purposefully designed world where imagination, identity, and community come together. Within this multi-sensory space, children move freely between themed zones, each supporting a unique aspect of their development. 

At The Crafting Table, they construct homes and dreamscapes from LEGO and recycled materials, while mixing simple recipes and artistic projects that fuel creativity. In the cozy Emotion Explorers corner, feelings are named, expressed, and understood through storytelling, art, and dramatic play—laying the foundation for emotional resilience. 

The Garden of Growth encourages reflection and patience, offering a peaceful space to slow down and embrace the beauty of gradual progress. In the Music & Motion Matrix, movement and rhythm unlock self-expression and joy through dance, percussion, and group activity.  

Bringing it all together is the Minecraft Village itself—a shared space that celebrates culture, diversity, and belonging. Here, children form friendships, explore what makes them unique, and experience the true meaning of community through collaborative play and discovery. 

Across the entire village, campers dive into sensory STEM challenges, creative cooking, dress-up corners with global stories, and role-play adventures that spark empathy, imagination, and confidence—all without ever needing a screen.

Peek View Saturdays: Try Before You Enroll 

Throughout June, families are invited to join Peek View Saturdays—interactive sessions offering a firsthand look at the Minecraft Village. Children get a taste of the camp experience, explore the space, and connect with Numu’s passionate educators. Limited to 25 children per session, these sneak peeks are the perfect way to see the Multiverse magic in action. 

Enrollment Now Open – July to August 2025 

With campuses in Business Bay and Town Square—and new locations in Nad Al Sheba and Al Khawaneej set to launch in July—Numu Nursery is a next-generation early childhood center where UAE heritage meets global best practices. 

Powered by its proprietary neuro-informed methodology, Numu delivers an emotionally responsive learning environment anchored in the British EYFS framework and backed by research from Harvard University. Each campus is thoughtfully designed with eco-conscious materials and sensory elements to support holistic development—emotional, social, cognitive, and creative. 

Spots are limited. Enroll now and give your child a summer of creativity, connection, and confidence—where digital dreams are reimagined through real-world wonder. 

Istituto Marangoni Dubai welcomes a distinguished lineup of mentors for the 2024/2025 academic year, underlining its commitment to hands-on, innovative, and industry-driven education. This year’s mentorship program brings together internationally acclaimed designer Ross Lovegrove, fashion entrepreneurs Julius and Victor Juul of HELIOT EMIL, luxury fashion pioneer Ingie Chalhoub, and fashion director Luca Finotti.

Roberto La Iacona, Institution Director at Istituto Marangoni Dubai, said: “At Istituto Marangoni Dubai, we believe that learning from industry leaders is essential in preparing students for their future career. Our mentorship program connects students with internationally recognized professionals, providing them with first-hand insight, real-world projects, and invaluable industry expertise. By bringing global creative leaders to the region, we continue to bridge academia and industry, ensuring our students are equipped with the skills, vision, and connections to thrive in their future careers.”

Ross Lovegrove, one of the world’s most forward-thinking designers, has his work showcased in permanent collections at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York and the Design Museum in London. Recognized by the Centre Pompidou as emblematic of the transition from the 20th to the 21st century, Lovegrove’s design philosophy bridges technology, sustainability, and aesthetics. He will mentor students in Interior Design, focusing on luxury hospitality, wellbeing, and retail spaces.

For over four decades, Ingie Chalhoub has played a pivotal role in shaping the luxury fashion landscape in the Middle East. As the founder and President of Etoile Group, she has introduced some of the world’s most prestigious fashion brands to the region, establishing herself as a leading industry figure. She will mentor students in the Professional Course in Fashion Entrepreneurship and the MA in Fashion & Luxury Brand Management, providing her expertise in navigating the evolving luxury market.

Luca Finotti, recognized by Forbes as ‘The Film Director Behind Fashion’s Viral Videos,’ is a creative and film director known for his dynamic fashion films. He has collaborated with top brands including Nike, Versace, Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Givenchy, Moschino, and Adidas, as well as publications such as Vogue, Dazed & Confused, and i-D Magazine. With a background in Marketing and Economics from Bocconi University and film studies at the New York Film Academy,  Luca Finotti merges powerful visuals with strategic trend research to create highly shareable content. His work features global icons like Lady Gaga, Jeremy Scott, Gigi Hadid, Monica Bellucci and many others.”

Julius and Victor Juul co-founded the ready-to-wear unisex fashion label HELIOT EMIL in 2017, quickly turning it into a force in contemporary fashion. Julius, whose early clients spanned Michael Kors, Alexander Wang, Nike, and Adidas, among many others, leads the brand’s creative vision, while Victor drives its global expansion, securing retail partnerships in over 150 stores worldwide. They will mentor students across Fashion Design, Fashion Management, Fashion Product Management, and Fragrance & Cosmetics, offering insight into building a brand with global resonance.

Following in the footsteps of previous Istituto Marangoni Dubai mentors, including Giulio Cappellini and Sara Sozzani Maino (2022/2023) and Dimore Studio and Sabina Mandelli (2023/2024), this year’s mentors will continue to shape the next generation of creative talent. With a global employability rate of 91% and a ranking among the world’s top 100 universities for art and design (QS Rankings), Istituto Marangoni remains at the forefront of fashion and design education, equipping students with the tools to define the industry’s future.