Author: Dr Issac PJ

The UAE is emerging as a standout performer in the Gulf, transforming lower oil prices into a catalyst for innovation, trade expansion, and sustainable growth. As Opec+ increases production and crude prices hover near $60 per barrel — the lowest since 2020 — the UAE’s diversified economy is proving remarkably resilient, outpacing regional peers and reinforcing its position as a global business hub. Analysts argue that although evolving Opec+ production and soft crude prices pose clear challenges across the region, the UAE is emerging as an outlier. As the International Monetary Fund (IMF) noted after its October 2025 visit, the country “has…

Dubai has cut the time it takes to open a business bank account by 90 per cent — from an average of 65 days to just five — thanks to the Dubai Unified Licence (DUL), a flagship digital initiative that is transforming the way businesses start and operate in the city.The milestone, a major boost to investors and entrepreneurs,  was announced by the Dubai Business Registration and Licensing Corporation (DBLC), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). The move underscores Dubai’s commitment to streamlining business processes and strengthening its position as one of the world’s easiest and fastest…

The way UAE residents manage and understand their credit is undergoing a major transformation with Etihad Credit Bureau (ECB) rolling out sweeping reforms designed to give customers more control over their financial data and a clearer view of how their credit behaviour shapes opportunity.The launch of a redesigned mobile app and web portal in 2025 marks the most customer-focused change in the bureau’s history. What was once a technical process hidden behind lending decisions is now being brought directly to consumers’ fingertips. Through the new platforms, users can explore their credit score in real time, understand what affects it, and…

In a move that signals a major shift in how industries approach talent, technology, and productivity, AD Ports Group has unveiled a visionary blueprint that reimagines the global workforce for the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI).  Titled “Building Human-AI Teams: AD Ports Group’s Blueprint for Tomorrow’s Workforce,” the document lays out a transformative roadmap for how humans and AI can work side by side to drive efficiency, resilience, and sustainable growth across the group’s international operations. As one of the world’s leading facilitators of trade, logistics, and industry, AD Ports Group is positioning itself at the forefront of the next industrial…

Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company (Adnic) has reported strong financial results for the first nine months of 2025, underpinned by sustained growth across its core business segments and a series of strategic partnerships aimed at expanding services and strengthening its market position. The insurer, one of the UAE’s leading multi-line providers for corporates and individuals, recorded a net profit before tax of Dh395 million, an increase of 15.3 per cent compared to the same period last year. Gross written premiums rose by 17.4 per cent year on year to Dh7.21 billion, reflecting broad-based performance across all business lines. Adnic also…

Crescent Enterprises, one of the UAE’s leading diversified conglomerates, has announced plans to deploy Dh1 billion over the next three years across high-growth markets in India, Southeast Asia, and the GCC. The investment programme, driven by its strategic investment arm CE-Invests, will focus on mid-market companies in four key sectors — consumer, healthcare, manufacturing, and financial services — as the company deepens its footprint across the GCC-Asia corridor. The initiative comes as rapid economic growth, digital adoption, and policy reforms across these regions create an increasingly attractive environment for long-term investors. Crescent Enterprises aims to harness these trends by targeting businesses with…

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…