Business

Heineken to launch first large-scale brewery in Dubai

Published

2 years ago

November 28, 2024

OCHEFA

492 Views

Dubai is set to host the Gulf’s first large-scale brewery as a joint venture involving Heineken NV prepares to produce popular beer brands in the emirate.

Bloomberg reports that this marks a significant shift in a region traditionally known for its strict regulations on alcohol sales and consumption.

Sirocco, a partnership between Heineken NV and Dubai-based Maritime and Mercantile International, announced plans to begin construction of the brewery late next year, having already secured the required permits.

The project is expected to be completed by 2027. Dubai, the Middle East’s business and tourism hub, is among the region’s most cosmopolitan cities.

Officials permitted alcohol consumption and sales over two decades ago, with regulations gradually easing to accommodate a surge in tourism.

Recently, the city eliminated a 30% sales tax on alcohol and liquor license fees, though sales to Muslims remain restricted. Dubai, part of the United Arab Emirates, is one of seven sheikhdoms in the federation.

The UAE has been gradually loosening restrictions on alcohol, with notable developments such as Las Vegas-based Wynn Ltd. building the region’s first casino in Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi granting a license for on-site beer brewing at a restaurant last year.

The planned brewery in Dubai will produce popular brands like Heineken, Kingfisher, Amstel, and Birra Moretti.

The company also aims to expand its workforce from 60 to 190 full-time employees.

Sirocco, which has been supplying alcohol in the UAE for nearly 20 years, states that local production will help increase output to meet rising demand in a market that attracts over 17 million tourists annually.

The establishment of the new brewery highlights the Gulf’s efforts to liberalize their economies while navigating conservative social norms.

With Middle Eastern governments aiming to reduce their dependence on oil, Dubai continues its push to attract tourists and expatriates as part of its economic diversification strategy.

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Naira Exchange Rates Friday, 3 July 2026

Published

16 hours ago

July 3, 2026

OCHEFA

22 Views

BLACK MARKET RATES

US DOLLAR (USD) Buy ₦1, 397 Sell ₦1,405

GREAT BRITISH POUND (GBP) Buy ₦1,850 Sell: ₦1,865

EURO (EUR) Buy ₦1, 580 Sell ₦1,600

CANADIAN DOLLAR (CAD) Buy ₦1,030 Sell ₦1,100

SOUTH AFRICAN RAND (ZAR) Buy ₦75 Sell ₦90

UAE DIRHAM Buy ₦350 Sell ₦370

CHINESE YUAN Buy ₦180 Sell ₦200

GHANA CEDI (GHS) Buy ₦95 Sell ₦110

WEST AFRICAN CFA Buy ₦2, 380 Sell ₦2, 460

CENTRAL AFRICAN CFA Buy ₦2, 220 Sell 2,300

AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR Buy ₦800 Sell ₦900

CBN OFFICIAL EXCHANGE RATES

US DOLLAR (USD) ₦1,370.15

GREAT BRITISH POUND (GBP) ₦1,832.17

EURO (EUR) ₦1,568.28

SWISS FRANC (CHF) ₦1,1705.44

JAPANESE YEN (JPN) ₦8. 51

CHINESE YUAN (CNY) ₦201. 80

WEST AFRICAN CFA (XOF) ₦2.38

WEST AFRICAN UNIT ACCOUNT (WAUA) ₦1,859. 98

SAUDI RIYAL (SAR) ₦364.91

SOUTH AFRICAN RAND (ZAR) ₦84. 32

Business

Issue: Cloning Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC)

Published

2 days ago

July 2, 2026

OCHEFA

45 Views

The Presidency says the bodies allegedly used by Adeyemi—including the so-called Presidential Economic Advisory Council, Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, and Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council—do not exist as government agencies.

The Presidency says a man identified as Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew allegedly created and operated fake government agencies, forged appointment letters, and falsely claimed to have been appointed by Femi Gbajabiamila.
According to the statement:
The Office of the Chief of Staff discovered the alleged scheme after complaints from the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) that an unauthorized body was operating in a way that conflicted with its functions.

The Chief of Staff petitioned the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force in October 2025 to investigate alleged forged appointment letters.

The Presidency says the bodies allegedly used by Adeyemi—including the so-called Presidential Economic Advisory Council, Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, and Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council—do not exist as government agencies.

Investigators allege Adeyemi operated from an office in the Federal Secretariat Complex, held meetings with diplomats, and sought diplomatic support to obtain U.S. visas for members of the alleged organization.
Police reportedly recovered forged documents and other exhibits during searches of his office and residence.

The investigation allegedly found that Adeyemi operated 34 bank accounts, including several in the names of fictitious organizations, and used forged documents to open a Central Bank of Nigeria account.

The Presidency says no government funds were paid into that account.
Police charged Adeyemi and two others before the Federal High Court on multiple counts, including forgery, impersonation, and obtaining by false pretence. The case is scheduled for hearing on July 27.

The Presidency also denied claims that Gbajabiamila appointed Adeyemi, stating that appointments to federal offices are issued through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, not the Office of the Chief of Staff.

Current status

The Presidency maintains that:
the agencies in question are fictitious,
the appointment letter was forged,
Adeyemi is an impostor,
and the allegations against him should be resolved by the court.

As the case is pending before the court, the allegations remain subject to judicial determination.