Author: Dr Issac PJ

The fifth edition of Diflex, the region’s largest B2B footwear and leather trade fair, will open in Dubai this month at a time when the global industry is navigating harsh tariff barriers in key markets, particularly the US.The show is being positioned as a platform for producers and brands to diversify their reach and capitalise on the $37.51 billion Middle East and Africa (MEA) market, which continues to demonstrate resilient growth.Organised by Verifair, Diflex 2025 will run from September 23 to 25, bringing together exhibitors from more than 16 countries, including leading participants from China, India, Italy and other EU…

Dubai’s super-prime real estate sector continues its extraordinary surge in 2025, posting record-breaking transactions, robust sales volumes, and rising demand from high-net-worth individuals.Prestige districts such as Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Bay Island, Emirates Hills and Dubai Hills Estate have seen transactions that not only shatter previous benchmarks but also signal sustained confidence in Dubai’s ultra-luxury homes market.The evidence is compelling. In H1 2025, ready home sales accounted for 54 per cent of all real estate transactions in Dubai, with off-plan sales making up the other 46 per cent. Villas dominated ready home sales in the super prime segment, making up 69…

UAE companies are lining up to expand investments in India across infrastructure, banking, startups, logistics, and data centres, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Friday, underscoring the growing momentum in economic ties between the two nations.Goyal, who was in the UAE for the 13th meeting of the India-UAE High-Level Joint Task Force on Investments, said both sides have “reset their targets” to scale up capital flows and deepen collaboration in new-age sectors such as renewable energy, shipbuilding, pharmaceuticals, retail, and technology. “The UAE recognises India as a key investment destination. My sense is that we can look at…

India’s economy is showing remarkable resilience at a time of mounting external challenges, with punitive tariffs from the US failing to derail its growth momentum.Despite Washington’s doubling of duties on Indian goods, the country remains the world’s fastest-growing major economy, with GDP projected to expand by 6.5 per cent in FY26. The latest data reinforce the picture of an economy that has not only absorbed external shocks but continues to consolidate its long-term growth trajectory.The tariff blow has been significant in trade terms. August exports to the US fell to $6.7 billion, down 16.3 per cent from July and marking…

The US Federal Reserve has set the stage for a significant turn in global monetary policy with its latest signal that two more interest rate cuts are on the horizon this year, following the quarter-point move announced on Wednesday.The “dot plot” of policymakers’ projections now points to a federal funds rate ending 2025 in a range of 3.50 to 3.75 per cent, down from the current 4.00 to 4.25 per cent after this week’s adjustment. The decision marks the start of a new easing cycle after a prolonged period of monetary restraint and comes against the backdrop of a surprisingly…

GCC banks are on course to set another record in US dollar debt issuance this year, with the UAE playing a pivotal role in the region’s expanding capital markets.According to Fitch Ratings, total issuance is already close to $55 billion in 2025, well above the $36 billion raised last year, and is expected to surpass $60 billion by year-end, or about $40 billion excluding certificates of deposit. This surge reflects large upcoming maturities, robust credit growth, and favourable financing conditions.Saudi banks have been the most active, raising $28.3 billion so far, while UAE lenders follow with $11 billion. Qatari and…

Comera Pay, part of the Royal Group and regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE, has secured principal membership from Visa.This certification allows Comera Pay to issue Visa prepaid and debit cards directly in the UAE and launch a multicurrency offering, letting consumers transact both locally and internationally. The offering will include Visa Classic, Platinum and Infinite tiers, blending secure daily use with premium lifestyle perks.By combining its wallet with Visa’s global network, Comera Pay is promising smoother settlement, enhanced security, and more flexibility for users managing multiple currencies. The move aligns with the UAE’s broader agenda for digital…

The Middle East space economy is gaining global visibility, with the UAE leading the charge as the region consolidates its ambitions in the fast-expanding space sector.According to a new report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), the Middle East and Africa (MEA) space market is valued at $18 billion and is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 5 per cent through 2033. With the UAE commanding a market share of between 40 and 45 per cent, the nation has enhanced its reputation as the regional hub for space innovation and economic diversification.The UAE’s commitment to space exploration and…

The GCC stands at a crossroads in its economic diversification journey, with a new report showing the region has significant untapped potential to attract climate-aligned foreign direct investment (FDI).While more than $1 trillion in global green FDI flowed into projects between 2020 and 2024, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman together captured just $24 billion — or 2 per cent — of the total. This modest inflow contrasts sharply with the $132 billion the three countries invested abroad in green projects over the same period, highlighting a gap the region is now determined to close.The analysis by Strategy& Middle East,…

Dubai’s real estate sector has extended its remarkable run through 2025, with new data pointing to a surge in both off-plan and secondary sales as residents and international investors deepen their commitment to the city.The latest analysis by eXp Dubai shows that transactions climbed 26 per cent in the four months from May to August compared with the first four months of the year, a sign that momentum continues to build despite the seasonal slowdown in August.The Dubai Land Department recorded 75,519 property transactions between May and August, up sharply from 60,110 in the January–April period. While transactions dipped 4.5…