Author: Dr Issac PJ

The landmark Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the UAE and Australia, which officially came into force this week, is set to more than double bilateral trade value to over $10 billion by 2032.The deal marks a major milestone in the UAE’s strategy to expand non-oil trade through a growing network of global partnerships and economic alliances.Driven by strong complementarities between the two economies, the UAE–Australia Cepa will significantly reduce trade barriers, enhance market access for goods and services, and attract new investments across key sectors such as renewable energy, infrastructure, food security, technology, and education. The pact builds on already…

The partial shutdown of the US government — the first since late 2018 — has triggered ripples across global markets, unsettling investors, pressuring the dollar, and rekindling interest in traditional safe-haven assets such as gold and the yen.The fallout has also drawn renewed attention to dollar-pegged currencies, such as the UAE dirham, which may experience short-term fluctuations as the US dollar weakens.The shutdown followed a bitter standoff in Congress after lawmakers failed to reach a last-minute agreement on a funding bill. The impasse has forced around 800,000 federal employees — or nearly 40 per cent of the workforce — into…

The UAE’s fast-evolving property technology sector is poised for exponential growth as digital transformation reshapes the nation’s real estate landscape.From artificial intelligence (AI) to blockchain, and from virtual reality (VR) to the Internet of Things (IoT), PropTech is becoming a key pillar of the UAE’s ambition to lead global innovation in smart urban living.According to new data from market research firm Research and Markets, the UAE’s PropTech industry — valued at Dh2.24 billion in 2024 — is projected to surge to Dh5.69 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual rate of 17.49 per cent. The expansion is being fuelled…

The UAE’s insurance industry proved its mettle in the face of the country’s worst floods on record, cushioning the financial system from what could have been a major economic shock.Backed by solid capital buffers and swift government action, insurers absorbed billions of dirhams in claims after the April 2024 deluge — turning a potential crisis into a showcase of resilience and reinforcing the nation’s reputation for financial stability.A new report by S&P Global Ratings reveals that the insurance sector and government together bore the financial brunt of the disaster, protecting the banking system from potential credit distress. Gross paid insurance…

The UAE banking sector has continued to power ahead, reporting strong credit growth, solid profitability and improved efficiency in the second quarter of 2025 — a performance that underscores the country’s robust economic momentum and enduring investor confidence.The latest UAE Banking Pulse by Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) reveals that the nation’s top lenders delivered another stellar quarter, reinforcing the UAE’s position as the most stable and profitable banking system in the region. Lending activity accelerated sharply, with net loans and advances rising 5 per cent quarter-on-quarter, outpacing deposit growth of 2.8 per cent as both corporates and consumers demonstrated growing…

The UAE has emerged as the powerhouse of the GCC’s travel and tourism resurgence, with Dubai at the forefront of a record-breaking post-pandemic rebound that has redefined the region’s global tourism landscape. Backed by visionary leadership, massive infrastructure investments, and sustained inflows of international visitors, the UAE continues to drive the sector’s transformation into a major pillar of Gulf economies, travel industry experts said.According to the Gulf Statistical Centre’s World Tourism Day report, the GCC’s travel and tourism industry contributed $247.1 billion to the region’s GDP in 2024 — a 31.9 per cent jump over 2019. The sector’s share is projected…

What makes the UAE continue to stand out as one of the world’s most sought-after “bridge economies,” reinforcing its status as a destination of choice for global firms expanding their footprints? The answer lies in a rare blend of strategic geography, business-friendly reforms, world-class infrastructure, and vision-driven leadership that has transformed the Emirates into a global hub for trade, finance, logistics, and innovation. A new report by Standard Chartered, titled Future of Trade: Resilience, reaffirms the UAE’s growing appeal by revealing that 20 per cent of corporates globally are reviewing their supply chains through the country — a clear testament…

Chinese tech powerhouse Xiaomi has stepped up its global challenge to smartphone giants Apple and Samsung with the worldwide launch of its new 15T series, alongside a lineup of smart home appliances under its Mijia brand.The launch—unveiled in Munich and rolled out in the UAE—marks a major move in Xiaomi’s strategy to strengthen its foothold in both the premium smartphone and connected living ecosystems.The company has introduced its new flagship duo—Xiaomi 15T and 15T Pro. The 15T Pro comes in black, grey, and mocha gold, while the 15T is offered in black, gray, rose, and gold. Both models are aimed…

Chinese tech powerhouse Xiaomi has stepped up its global challenge to smartphone giants Apple and Samsung with the worldwide launch of its new 15T series, alongside a lineup of smart home appliances under its Mijia brand.The launch—unveiled in Munich and rolled out in the UAE—marks a major move in Xiaomi’s strategy to strengthen its foothold in both the premium smartphone and connected living ecosystems.The company has introduced its new flagship duo—Xiaomi 15T and 15T Pro. The 15T Pro comes in black, grey, and mocha gold, while the 15T is offered in black, gray, rose, and gold. Both models are aimed…

The Indian rupee’s steep fall against the dirham has stirred mixed emotions among expatriates in the UAE.While families back home gain more rupees per dirham sent, remitters themselves are showing new restraint — a sharp contrast to earlier phases of rupee weakness that saw money transfer counters across the UAE overflowing with customers.The rupee ended last week at around Rs88.72 against the dollar, its weakest level in a month, after briefly touching a record intraday low of Rs88.80. The currency dropped about 0.7 per cent for the week amid concerns over higher US visa fees, fresh tariff uncertainties, and continuing capital…