Author: Dr Issac PJ

Botim Money has expanded its investment offerings in the UAE by launching digital silver trading on its platform, allowing users to invest in the precious metal with as little as Dh10 and further broadening access to alternative assets for retail investors. The new feature enables eligible users to buy, sell and manage fractional silver holdings directly through the botim app, marking the latest step in the fintech platform’s push to democratise investing and strengthen its digital wealth ecosystem. The move follows the successful rollout of in-app gold investment services introduced in partnership with OGold in 2025. By lowering the traditional barriers associated…

Real estate markets across the Gulf are poised to sustain strong momentum through the first half of 2026, supported by resilient economic growth, rising populations and improving liquidity conditions, with Dubai continuing to stand out globally for its high rental yields and investor-friendly fundamentals. A latest outlook by Kuwait Financial Centre Markaz points to an accelerating phase for GCC real estate markets after robust performance in the second half of 2025, driven by steady non-oil economic expansion, infrastructure investment and expectations of a more accommodative interest-rate environment. Higher oil production, continued government spending on development projects and anticipated policy easing are…

A powerful new wave of global wealth migration is gathering pace as high-net-worth individuals rethink where they live, invest and structure their assets, with the UAE rapidly reinforcing its position as one of the world’s most preferred destinations for the super-rich. Fresh data from global financial advisory firm deVere Group shows that about 35 per cent of high-net-worth individuals are actively considering relocating to lower-tax and policy-stable jurisdictions, reflecting a structural shift in global wealth flows driven by taxation changes, geopolitical uncertainty and long-term wealth preservation strategies. The findings, based on the firm’s international client base of more than 80,000 wealthy…

Abu Dhabi’s International Holding Company (IHC) delivered a strong set of audited financial results for 2025, with revenue and profit surging on the back of aggressive dealmaking, disciplined capital allocation and sustained momentum across its diversified global portfolio. The investment giant reported revenue of Dh111.4 billion for the year ended December 31, up 29.1 per cent year-on-year, while profit after tax climbed 35.1 per cent to Dh34.7 billion, underscoring its growing scale as one of the region’s most active investor-operators. Earnings per share rose 38.1 per cent to Dh9.93 and return on equity improved to 15.2 per cent, reflecting stronger…

Dubai’s off-plan residential market is powering into 2026 with strong momentum, but mounting debate over speculative activity and exit risks is prompting investors and developers alike to reassess whether the current cycle can sustain its rapid gains. Off-plan transactions continue to dominate the emirate’s housing market, accounting for roughly 70 per cent of total residential deals, driven by flexible payment plans, lower entry prices and expectations of capital appreciation. Early 2026 figures show Dh25.98 billion in off-plan sales across 10,623 transactions, a 45 per cent year-on-year increase, underlining sustained appetite for new launches even after a multi-year price rally. Apartments remain the…

Sukuk issuance is gaining renewed momentum globally, with the GCC countries emerging as the dominant force behind market expansion, driven by strong economic activity, rising financing needs and increasingly supportive market conditions.  According to S&P Global Ratings, total global sukuk issuance climbed to $264.8 billion in 2025, up from $234.9 billion in 2024, marking a year-on-year increase of 12.7 per cent and underscoring the growing importance of Islamic finance in global capital markets.The increase was fuelled by robust issuance activity in core Islamic finance markets, particularly Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain, alongside Malaysia and Türkiye. Foreign currency-denominated sukuk exceeded…

The Indian rupee has been grinding lower, repeatedly testing record lows near Rs92 per $1, and dragging the dirham rate close to Rs25 per Dh1 for UAE-linked travellers, students, importers and remitters.The latest moves have been choppy rather than one-way, explains a currency expert. On January 27, the rupee firmed slightly as the dollar softened and markets drew comfort from trade-deal optimism, after touching fresh lows earlier.Still, the broader story remains clear: the rupee’s downtrend is being driven less by one “big bang” event and more by a pile-up of pressures — global rates, foreign money leaving, a high import…

India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget for 2026–27 on February 1, marking her ninth consecutive budget and the third full budget of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) 3.0 government.Coming against the backdrop of resilient economic growth, global trade uncertainty and rising expectations from households and businesses, this budget is being seen as a crucial policy signal and fiscal reset for India’s medium-term growth path. For income taxpayers, NRIs and investors, the focus is likely to be on tax relief, capital market stability, export competitiveness and fiscal discipline.Growth backdrop and revenue mathThe world’s fourth-largest economy, which is…

The global airline industry is entering a new growth phase, with the UAE, India and Saudi Arabia emerging as its main drivers as profits recover, travel demand surges and aircraft shortages tighten supply.Airlines are expected to earn about $41 billion in 2026, marking a fourth straight year of profitability and signalling a decisive break from the pandemic-era downturn, according to forecasts from aviation lessor Avolon.The sector has already recovered more than 80 per cent of the $182 billion lost during Covid-19. Now the focus has shifted to expansion. India, the UAE and Saudi Arabia together hold aircraft orders exceeding 3,000…

India stands at a defining moment in its modern economic and geopolitical journey as the world’s most populous nation marks its 77th Republic Day. From a newly independent democracy in 1950 to a rising global powerhouse in 2026, India’s transformation has become one of the most compelling development stories of the 21st century. At a time when the world economy is grappling with slowing growth, geopolitical fragmentation and shifting trade alliances, India is emerging not only as a rare engine of economic momentum but also as an increasingly influential diplomatic, cultural and strategic force.A republic in motionThe world’s most populous nation…