Author: Dr Issac PJ

Oil prices rose on Monday despite Opec+ confirming it will raise output in September, as a combination of tight inventories, renewed geopolitical tensions and expectations of US interest rate cuts offset concerns about increased supply. The day’s rally came after early-session weakness pushed crude to its lowest in a week. By mid-morning, Brent crude was trading at $69.48 per barrel, up 0.30 per cent from Friday’s close of $69.27. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) gained 1.86 per cent to $66.77 per barrel from $65.55. Later in the day, Brent crude futures fell $1.17, or 1.7%, to $68.50 a barrel by 1127 GMT.…

The UAE has been ranked among the world’s top 20 nations for artificial intelligence (AI) talent density, alongside Saudi Arabia, in the latest Global AI Competitiveness Index published by the International Finance Forum (IFF) and Deep Knowledge Group (DKG).With 0.7 per cent of the global AI talent pool, the UAE has outpaced countries such as Italy and Russia — affirming its growing stature as a global innovation powerhouse.Recommended For You UAE: More kids are deciding what parents should buy for the household, says surveyPakistan: At least 3 dead, 15 missing in landslide after heavy monsoon rainsGolf’s parallel DP World &…

Dubai’s real estate market maintained its upward trajectory in the first half of 2025, underlining its role as a vital driver of the emirate’s economic growth and a preferred destination for global investors.According to data from the Dubai Land Department (DLD), the period saw the completion of 24 real estate projects worth Dh4.5 billion, alongside a surge in ongoing developments and strong activity across both the sales and rental segments.Recommended For You Sales soar as Abu Dhabi off-plan projects attract strong demandThe story behind the tactics that enabled Rome to rule the world.UAE doctor working on new car seat law…

Alpha Dhabi Holding, one of the fastest-growing investment holding companies in the Middle East and North Africa region, recorded revenue of Dh35.9 billion for the six-month period, up 23 per cent year-on-year.Supported by strong performances across its core verticals, the healthy results underscore the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange-listed company’s ability to sustain growth through a diversified and future-focused investment portfolio.  Recommended For You Siraj expects Bumrah to feature for India in fourth TestAbu Dhabi: Stunning light sphere, AI fountain show to light up Al Maryah Waterfront Schools to courts: Dubai expects new AI icons to be used across sectorsDubai Racing…

The International Air Transport Association (Iata) reported that global air travel demand, measured by revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), increased by 2.6 per cent in June 2025 compared to the same month in the previous year.Capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), grew by 3.4 per cent, leading to a slight drop in global load factors to 84.5 per cent — a decline of 0.6 percentage points while remaining near historic highs. International RPK climbed 3.2 per cent year-on-year, with load factors dipping to 84.4 per cent, and domestic demand rose 1.6 per cent with a load factor of 84.7 per…

With its carefully designed infrastructure, inclusive vision, and policy alignment, the soon to be launched Digital Dirham promises to usher in a new era of digital money  —  one that empowers users, strengthens trust, and secures the UAE’s leadership in the digital economy.The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has published a landmark report detailing the significant progress made in the development of the Digital Dirham — its upcoming central bank digital currency (CBDC) — highlighting the project’s critical role in shaping the future of financial services, enabling inclusive access to digital money, and advancing the country’s leadership in financial…

Arada is forecasting a record-breaking year in 2025, setting its sights on Dh15 billion in full-year sales as demand for high-end residential property continues to gain momentum across the UAE.The Sharjah-based master developer reported Dh9.15 billion in sales during the first half of the year, more than tripling its performance from the same period in 2024 and marking a 336 per cent year-on-year increase.Recommended For You Dubai Racing Club and France Galop announce strategic partnershipMicrosoft server hack hits about 100 organisationsTrump announces ‘massive’ Japan trade deal including 15% tariffUAE: Two women found dead in Sharjah in under 2 weeks; what…

E& Group on Thursday reported a robust 60.7 per cent year-on-year increase in consolidated net profit to Dh8.8 billion for the first half of 2025, underlining its strong execution across a diversified global portfolio and strategic investments in AI, cloud, 5G and fintech. The Abu Dhabi-based technology conglomerate also posted a 23.3 per cent rise in consolidated revenue to Dh34.9 billion during the period, supported by broad-based growth across its UAE, international, enterprise and digital lifestyle verticals.  Recommended For You India ‘stands in solidarity’ with Bangladesh as PM Modi condoles Dhaka jet crashPakistani militants use drones to drop bombs on security forces,…

Adnoc Drilling has reported its strongest-ever financial performance for the first half of 2025, with revenue surging 30 per cent year-on-year to $2.37 billion (Dh8.7 billion), supported by robust operational activity, fleet expansion, and growing demand for oilfield services. The Abu Dhabi-headquartered company also saw Ebitda climb 19 per cent to $1.08 billion and net profit rise 21 per cent to $692 million, driven by strong execution across onshore, offshore, and unconventional operations. The record results come as Adnoc Drilling strengthens its position as the largest integrated drilling services company in the Middle East, benefiting from the UAE’s accelerated hydrocarbon…

Emsteel, the Abu Dhabi-based industrial heavyweight and one of the region’s largest steel and building materials manufacturers, reported strong financial results for the first half of 2025, underscoring its resilience and operational strength despite global pricing challenges in the steel sector. The company posted a revenue of Dh4.3 billion for H1 2025, a 9 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) rose by 6 per cent year-on-year to Dh540 million, supported by strong demand, higher sales volumes, and strategic product shifts. The group’s solid performance was powered by a…