Business

Robots, AI and future tech take centre stage at BEYOND Expo 2025 in Macau

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1 year ago

May 23, 2025

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The world of future tech is on full display at the 5th BEYOND Expo 2025, now open at The Venetian Macau’s Cotai Expo. Over 800 companies from across Asia have gathered to showcase the region’s most exciting innovations in robotics, AI, clean energy, health tech and more, all under the theme “Empowering Asia, Connecting the World.”

From robot assistants and flying vehicles to human-centric AI and sustainable tech, the event is drawing major attention from business leaders, investors, and tech enthusiasts from around the globe, including the UAE.

The three-day expo kicked off with a powerful message about international cooperation. Key speakers included Indonesia’s Ambassador to China Djauhari Oratmangun, who promoted Southeast Asia’s growing investment opportunities, and Takeo Kawamura, Japan’s former Chief Cabinet Secretary, who emphasised the importance of cross-cultural collaboration in tech development.

A Spotlight on Innovation

Visitors are treated to hands-on demos of futuristic products, from AI-driven health solutions to electric flying vehicles like the Xpeng AEROHT. Across every exhibition zone, the focus is on technology that puts people first while tackling global challenges like climate change and health care.

Global Conversations and Regional Impact

Panel discussions include everything from green building and medical technology to Middle East–Asia cooperation, giving UAE-based innovators and investors plenty of opportunities to plug into Asia’s rapidly expanding tech ecosystem.

The Middle East–Asia Forum, in particular, opens new doors for UAE entrepreneurs interested in building partnerships and exploring tech solutions designed for both regions.

Panel sessions also included BGlobal Summit; Japan Tech Forum, Asia-Europe Tech Forum; International Industrial Design Forum; Founder Talk; Demo session; ORIGIN Southeast Asia Tech Forum; and SheTech Summit.

Celebrating Game-Changers

This year’s BEYOND Awards recognised 25 standout companies for their work in innovation, sustainability, and social impact. Awards such as the BEYOND Impact Awards, Gen Z Innovators, and Healthy Living Product Awards spotlighted bold ideas and bright minds from across the continent.

BEYOND Expo co-founders Jason Ho and Dr. Lu Gang presented BEYOND Best Choice awards to 25 companies.

Since 2021, BEYOND has received over 1,500 nominations, becoming one of the most respected platforms for recognising tech excellence in Asia. Out of this, more than 200 innovative pioneers have been included in the list.

Visit BEYOND Expo 2025

BEYOND Expo is hosted at the massive Cotai Expo at The Venetian Macau, one of Asia’s top event venues, offering over 71,000 square metres of exhibition space. It’s part of the Sands Resorts Macau, which features luxury hotels, high-end shopping, and world-class dining, perfect for visitors mixing business with leisure.

Want to explore the future of tech?
BEYOND Expo 2025 runs this week and is open to industry professionals, startups, and anyone interested in the world of smart innovation.

For more information or to see the full list of exhibitors, visit: www.beyondexpo.com

Michael Gomes

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

Announcements

Small businesses in the UAE now have tax relief until 2029

Published

6 hours ago

August 7, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Small businesses in the UAE with annual revenues of up to Dh3 million will continue to be eligible for Small Business Relief under the corporate tax regime until the end of 2029.

The Ministry of Finance said on Friday that Ministerial Decision No. 131 extends the period during which eligible businesses can benefit from Small Business Relief to cover tax periods ending on or before December 31, 2029.

The relief was introduced to help reduce the corporate tax compliance burden for smaller businesses and start-ups that meet the eligibility requirements.

Dh3 million threshold remains unchanged

The existing annual revenue threshold of Dh3 million, set under Ministerial Decision No. 73 of 2023, will continue to apply.

The relief applies to tax periods beginning on or after June 1, 2023 and, following the latest amendment, will remain available for subsequent tax periods ending on or before December 31, 2029.

Eligible taxable persons with annual revenue of up to Dh3 million can claim Small Business Relief, subject to meeting the conditions and requirements outlined in the corporate tax legislation.

The relief enables qualifying businesses to benefit from simplified corporate tax compliance requirements.

More time for small businesses

The extension provides eligible small businesses and start-ups with additional tax periods to benefit from the relief while continuing to meet the Dh3 million revenue threshold.

The Ministry said the decision is part of its efforts to support smaller companies and entrepreneurs, strengthen the business environment, and encourage sustainable growth and expansion.

Business

No cash? No card? No problem: Now shop at Dubai Duty Free with crypto

Published

2 days ago

August 5, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Dubai Duty Free has become the first airport retailer in the Middle East to introduce Crypto.com Pay, allowing eligible UAE residents to pay for purchases using their Crypto.com accounts.

The new payment option is now available at Dubai International Airport (DXB), Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC/AMIA) and online at Dubai Duty Free’s website.

The rollout follows a strategic partnership signed between Dubai Duty Free and Crypto.com in July 2025 and supports Dubai’s wider push towards a cashless economy under the D33 Economic Agenda.

How it works

For in-store purchases, shoppers simply select Crypto.com Pay at checkout, scan the QR code displayed at the counter using the Crypto.com app and approve the payment. The transaction is processed instantly, with Dubai Duty Free receiving settlement in UAE dirhams.

Online shoppers can also choose Crypto.com Pay during checkout, scan the QR code generated on the payment page and confirm the transaction through the Crypto.com app. Mobile users are redirected directly to the app before returning to complete their purchase.

Available for eligible UAE residents

The service is currently available to eligible UAE residents with a Crypto.com account. Payments are processed through Crypto.com’s regulated payment platform, with transactions settled in dirhams.

Dubai Duty Free said the launch expands its range of digital payment options, which already includes Apple Pay, Alipay and TerraPay, while offering customers another convenient way to pay.

The move also strengthens Dubai’s ambition to become a global leader in digital commerce, with the emirate targeting 90 per cent of financial transactions to be cashless by the end of 2026.

Announcements

August fuel rates announced: UAE petrol prices go up

Published

1 week ago

July 31, 2026

Michael Gomes

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UAE motorists will pay more at the pump from Saturday after the UAE Fuel Price Committee announced higher petrol and diesel prices for August 2026.

The revised rates, which take effect from August 1, are:

Super 98: Dh3.60 per litre (up from Dh3.40)
Special 95: Dh3.49 per litre (up from Dh3.29)
E-Plus 91: Dh3.41 per litre (up from Dh3.21)
Diesel: Dh3.80 per litre (up from Dh3.60)

The increase reverses July’s price reduction and comes after volatility in global oil markets during the past month.

The UAE Fuel Price Committee reviews retail fuel prices at the end of each month, with rates determined in line with movements in international oil markets.

The new prices will remain in effect throughout August 2026.