Author: Dr Issac PJ

Cedar-IBSi Capital has secured a key investment from KSH Investments, the global investment and wealth management arm of the Private Department of Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalid Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, for its debut venture capital fund.The partnership strengthens Cedar-IBSi Capital’s positioning as one of the region’s few sector-specialist FinTech funds, focused on enterprise and B2B software for the financial services industry. KSH Investments’ commitment marks a strategic move to leverage Cedar’s expertise and tap into the growing FinTech ecosystems of India and the wider region.Founded in 2023 by Sahil Anand, Cedar-IBSi Capital builds on the legacies of Cedar Consulting…

Sharjah real estate sector’s transaction values surged nearly 60 per cent this year on the back of rising foreign investment, landmark freehold developments, and strong demand from both end-users and investors.Once known primarily as an affordable commuter hub for Dubai, Sharjah is fast emerging as one of the UAE’s most dynamic property markets, reshaping its identity as a hub of sustainable, community-driven living.According to Savills Research, property transactions in Sharjah reached Dh44.3 billion in the first nine months of 2025 — a 58.3 per cent increase compared with the same period last year and already exceeding the total value recorded…

Penthouses now account for one in five homes listed in Dubai for sale above Dh50 million—significantly outpacing villas and duplexes at the same elite price level, according to the latest research released on Monday.The research data underscores a striking shift in buying preferences among the world’s wealthiest, with sky-high living now defining Dubai’s luxury narrative.According to eXp Dubai’s analysis of current listings across the emirate, Dubai’s property market is home to a vibrant luxury segment. Around 5.9 per cent of all homes for sale are priced between Dh10 million and Dh25 million, 1.9 per cent are between Dh25 million and…

Dubai’s property market is holding firm despite a modest dip in October, fuelled by robust activity from mid-income home-buyers powering demand for more affordable apartments. Year-to-date sales in the emirate reached 177,519 transactions worth Dh 554.9 billion, underscoring the resilience and depth of the city’s real estate sector.Data released by Property Finder shows that the primary ready sector led the way with a year-to-date value increase of 74 per cent and a 63 per cent rise in volume year-on-year.Meanwhile, the off-plan secondary segment remains strong, posting a 45 per cent growth in value and a 52 per cent increase in…

Abu Dhabi’s state energy giant Adnoc is preparing for one of the most important growth phases in its history, with its trading arm set to boost the volume of oil and refined products it handles by nearly two-thirds over the next few years.The move is part of a sweeping international expansion strategy designed to position the UAE as a leading player in global energy trading and value creation.Ahmed bin Thalith, chief executive officer of Adnoc Global Trading, said the company’s rapid progress since its launch in 2018 reflects the UAE’s broader strategy to diversify its energy revenues and deepen its…

Dubai’s status as one of the world’s fastest-growing digital innovation hubs is gathering speed, with the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy announcing support for the establishment and expansion of 582 digital startups in the first nine months of 2025 alone.The surge underscores the emirate’s rising influence in technology entrepreneurship and its drive to attract the next generation of global digital pioneers.According to the chamber, 70 per cent of these startups were international companies, confirming Dubai’s growing appeal among global founders seeking access to Middle Eastern, African, and Asian markets. Artificial intelligence (AI) led the way, accounting for 21 per cent…

Gold has been treading water in recent weeks, holding near the $4,000-an-ounce mark but showing little conviction either way. However, precious metals analysts say beneath this surface calm, the market is simply gathering strength before its next big move—one that could carry prices toward an unprecedented $5,000 per ounce by 2026.Despite the metal’s inability to sustain gains above the symbolic $4,000 level, the underlying tone in the gold market remains strikingly optimistic. Ewa Manthey, commodities strategist at ING, believes the current pause is less a sign of exhaustion and more of a healthy reset. In her latest monthly update, Manthey said…

Emaar Properties has  reported for the first nine months of 2025 a 22 per cent increase in property sales to Dh61 billion, crossing a significant milestone with its revenue backlog surpassing Dh150 billion. The Dubai-based global property developer delivered  growth across all key financial metrics, underscoring the sustained demand for premium real estate in Dubai and the strength of its diversified business model.The company’s revenue surged 39 per cent to Dh33.1 billion during the period, while earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (Ebitda) grew 32 per cent to Dh16.6 billion. Net profit before tax reached Dh16.7 billion, reflecting a healthy…

The global crypto wealth boom is driving a historic migration of digital assets and investors to the UAE, with its zero-tax environment and progressive regulatory framework positioning it as the world’s premier crypto hub.The ranks of crypto millionaires have reached an unprecedented 241,700 individuals worldwide — a striking 40 per cent year-on-year increase — according to the newly published Crypto Wealth Report 2025 by Henley & Partners. This surge, fuelled by a 45 per cent rise in total market value to $3.3 trillion, represents one of the most significant wealth transfers in modern history, with 36 crypto billionaires now commanding…

Dubai-based real estate developer Deyaar Development on Wednesday reported a substantial 23.7 per cent year-on-year increase in profit after tax for the first nine months of 2025, reaching Dh406.4 million. The company’s strong financial performance was propelled by a significant 39.1 per cent surge in total revenue, which climbed to Dh1.447 billion from Dh1.040 billion in the same period last year.The results underscore the company’s successful execution of its development strategy. The core property development segment was the primary growth engine, with its revenue soaring 46.4 per cent to Dh1.196 billion. Other business segments also contributed positively, registering a 12.2 per cent…