Author: Dr Issac PJ
The Middle East aviation sector may be facing one of its toughest operating environments in decades, but industry experts believe the current crisis is more likely to reinforce the strategic importance of Gulf carriers than diminish it.Aviation industry expert argue that Gulf carriers have historically demonstrated greater adaptability than many traditional airlines during periods of disruption, supported by modern fleets, strong hubs and government-backed aviation strategies. He has also noted that countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia continue to view aviation as a strategic driver of economic growth despite current geopolitical challenges. The latest forecast by the International Air…
[Editor’s Note: Follow media’ live blog for the latest regional developments with the US-Israel-Iran ceasefire now in effect.] The closure of the Strait of Hormuz may have triggered one of the most severe energy supply disruptions in modern history, but the global oil market is already looking beyond the crisis, with analysts forecasting a return to oversupply and lower prices once the vital waterway reopens.According to Fitch Ratings, the current oil price surge reflects a temporary logistical shock rather than a permanent loss of production capacity. The ratings agency expects Brent crude to average $87 a barrel in 2026, assuming the Strait…
The UAE’s retail sector is on course to become a $227 billion market by 2033, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing and most sophisticated consumer economies, according to a new strategic assessment by the InterRegional for Strategic Analysis (MIR).The report projects the sector will expand from $145.3 billion currently to $227.1 billion by 2033, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1 per cent. At the same time, the country’s smart retail market is expected to surge from about $810 million to $9.74 billion, growing at an annual rate of 32.2 per cent as artificial intelligence,…
Bitcoin’s return to the $60,000 level has exposed a striking shift in institutional investor behaviour, raising fresh questions about whether the world’s largest cryptocurrency is entering a prolonged consolidation phase or preparing for its next major rally.Unlike the sharp correction in February, when investors largely viewed the sell-off as a buying opportunity, the latest decline has triggered one of the biggest waves of institutional withdrawals since spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) were launched in the United States.Bitcoin was trading at $63,386.73 on Monday afternoon, as per data from Binance, after briefly falling close to the psychologically important $60,000 support level,…
Opec+’s decision to raise production quotas for a fourth straight month may have reinforced the group’s commitment to restoring supply, but it has also exposed a growing contradiction at the heart of the global oil market: more barrels are being allocated on paper even as fewer are reaching consumers.With the Strait of Hormuz disruption continuing to choke Gulf exports and Russia struggling to meet its own targets amid infrastructure attacks, analysts argue that the latest quota increase is largely symbolic. The real significance of Sunday’s decision lies not in its immediate impact on supply, but in what it reveals about Opec+’s…
The Gulf’s long-awaited railway network is rapidly evolving from an economic integration project into a strategic necessity, as regional governments accelerate investments in rail infrastructure to strengthen supply-chain resilience, reduce reliance on maritime chokepoints and safeguard trade flows amid continuing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.A new report by PwC Middle East shows the landmark GCC Railway project has reached approximately 50 per cent completion, with full operations targeted by 2030. Spanning more than 2,100km across six Gulf states, the network is expected to become one of the region’s most transformative infrastructure projects, reinforcing trade connectivity, economic diversification and logistics…
The UAEâÂÂs corporate sector demonstrated remarkable resilience in the first quarter of 2026, posting double-digit earnings growth even as war-related disruptions rattled trade routes, financial markets and business sentiment across the Middle East.Listed companies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai generated more than $17 billion in profits, powered by strong banking activity, a booming property market and sustained infrastructure spending, according to the latest GCC earnings review by Kamco Invest.The robust performance comes at a time when businesses across the region have been grappling with supply-chain disruptions, shipping restrictions and heightened geopolitical uncertainty. Yet the UAEâÂÂs diversified economy, supported by strong…
The UAE has emerged as the worldâÂÂs second most influential Islamic economy, overtaking several larger markets as it strengthens its position as a global hub for Islamic finance, halal trade, investment and digital innovation.According to the latest State of the Global Islamic Economy Report 2025/26 by DinarStandard, the UAE climbed to second place in the Global Islamic Economy Indicator (GIEI), up from fourth position in the previous two years, reflecting the countryâÂÂs growing leadership across virtually every segment of the Islamic economy.The report comes as the global Islamic economy enters a new phase of expansion, with Muslim consumer spending reaching…
India has reinforced its position as the world’s fastest-growing major economy, expanding 7.7 per cent in the 2025-26 fiscal year despite geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, elevated oil prices, a weakening rupee and slowing global growth.The strong performance comes even as the country remains sixth in the global GDP rankings in nominal dollar terms, a position largely influenced by currency movements and statistical revisions rather than economic fundamentals.The latest data from the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) showed that the economy grew 7.7 per cent during FY26, accelerating from 7.2 per cent in 2023-24 and 7.1 per…
Gold may have lost some of its glitter in recent weeks, but analysts believe the world’s favourite safe-haven asset remains firmly on track for another record-breaking year, supported by relentless central bank buying, geopolitical uncertainty, a weakening faith in fiat currencies and surging investment demand.After touching historic highs above $4,700 an ounce earlier this year amid the Middle East conflict and fears of global economic fragmentation, spot gold has entered a phase of consolidation. The metal was trading around $4,365 an ounce on Friday, pressured by stronger-than-expected US employment data that boosted the dollar and pushed Treasury yields higher.The pullback…