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ARABIAN POST SPECIAL

Strategy, the publicly traded firm widely known for holding the largest corporate stash of Bitcoin, has drawn a line under doubts over its ability to meet dividend and debt obligations without selling crypto by creating a $1.44 billion U. S.-dollar reserve backed by share sales. This move reflects a deeper shift in the company’s risk management as the digital-asset market endures sharp price swings.

According to disclosures, the cash reserve was funded through the company’s at-the-market sales program, under which Strategy issued new Class A common stock in November, raising nearly $1.5 billion. Those proceeds now serve to fund preferred stock dividends and interest payments on outstanding convertible debt, obligations that had sparked investor concern amid a steep slide in Bitcoin valuations.

Alongside the cash build-up, Strategy added another 130 Bitcoin to its holdings, raising its total cache to 650,000 BTC — reaffirming its long-term bullish stance even as market conditions deteriorate. Executive chairman Michael Saylor reiterated commitment to Bitcoin as core to the firm’s identity, signalling confidence that the underlying asset remains a compelling store of value despite pressure.

Still, Strategy trimmed its fiscal-year 2025 guidance on operating income and diluted earnings per share, reflecting the volatile environment. Earlier projections assumed a markedly higher Bitcoin price range; the company now expects end-of-year BTC valuations between $85,000 and $110,000, a significant downgrade from prior assumptions near $150,000. Analysts caution this wide range introduces considerable uncertainty for cash-flow forecasts and valuation models.

The need for a cash reserve stems from one of the harshest drawdowns Bitcoin has faced this year. Bitcoin surged past $126,000 in early October but surrendered those gains over the subsequent weeks. The broader crypto sell-off, combined with liquidity constraints and high correlation between digital assets and riskier financial instruments, has erased much of the 2025 rally.

Industry-wide, firms that built large digital-asset treasuries this year are now navigating amplified risk. A recent study modelling “Digital Asset Treasury” companies warns that those relying solely on mark-to-market gains are especially vulnerable in bear markets — a problem compounded when accounting for debt and fixed-income obligations. The authors argue that cash-flow generation independent of crypto price swings, such as fee-based services on payment rails, could offer a path to stability; for now, Strategy’s cash reserve seems to be its principal line of defence.

Market reaction was swift. Shares of Strategy dropped more than 10 per cent following the announcement, extending a decline that has taken the stock down over 50 per cent in 2025. Some investors remain unconvinced that the company’s liquidity buffer is sufficient, pointing to its substantial convertible debt load and the challenge of generating recurring operational revenue. Others see the reserve as a pragmatic step — a signal that Strategy is prioritising financial resilience over ideological purity.

Crypto markets endured a sharp shake-out as leveraged positions worth roughly $800 million were liquidated within a single 24-hour span, wiping out a wave of long bets across major digital assets.

The dump was triggered when Bitcoin slipped below a key price threshold, pressuring highly leveraged long positions on futures markets and prompting a cascade of forced sell-offs. Platforms such as Hyperliquid and Bybit reportedly absorbed the majority of the liquidations, underscoring how overextended trader leverage remains widespread even after prior volatility.

Data compiled by derivatives-monitoring firms shows hundreds of thousands of traders saw their positions wiped out, reflecting a broad-based unwind rather than a handful of large outliers. Long positions accounted for the lion’s share of the losses, a pattern that analysts argue deepens near-term downside risk while simultaneously resetting excessive leverage.

Market participants suggest the liquidation sequence was worsened by macroeconomic uncertainty. Signals from major central banks hinting at tighter monetary policy have quelled risk appetite, undermining speculative crypto bets built on hopes of renewed easy capital. A stronger dollar and rising bond yields weighed on crypto sentiment and intensified pressure on leveraged positions.

Declines weren’t limited to Bitcoin. Ethereum and other large-cap altcoins also suffered sharp drawdowns as falling prices triggered liquidation cascades across the derivatives market. As leverage unwinding rippled through the system, traders who had bet on a sustained rebound found themselves among the hardest hit.

Some investors framed this purge of leverage as a potential reset for the crypto market. Clearing out excessive long exposure might pave the way for more stable price action if broader buying support returns. Others, however, cautioned that forced liquidations could destabilise confidence and deepen volatility — especially if macro headwinds persist.

UAE and Saudi Arabia are embarking on sweeping reforms to reshape their healthcare and life-sciences sectors, opening the door to expanded private-sector participation, foreign investment and rapid technological adoption across the region.

Legal changes in the UAE have restructured the regulatory framework for medical products, pharmacies and pharmaceutical establishments under updated laws that strengthen protections and streamline compliance. These alterations aim to catalyse domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing and support a growing life-sciences ecosystem, signalling government intent to shift from reliance on imports to building a robust local industry. The reforms dovetail with a broader healthcare strategy that encourages research, innovation and long-term capacity building in biotechnology and medical technology.

Parallel reforms in Saudi Arabia have dramatically altered the investment climate. Regulatory adjustments now allow 100 per cent foreign ownership of healthcare facilities including hospitals, polyclinics and telehealth centres. This change aligns with government objectives under its economic diversification plan, which seeks to raise private-sector involvement from roughly 40 per cent today to nearly 65 per cent by 2030. Licensing procedures for new medical facilities and services are being streamlined and digitised to offer greater transparency and efficiency, thereby lowering entry barriers for both domestic and international investors.

Market data underscore the scale of transformation. Industry forecasts suggest that overall healthcare and life-sciences investment across Gulf countries could rise sharply, supported by demographic changes, growing demand for chronic-care and geriatric services, and increased appetite for digital health and preventive medicine. In the UAE, life-sciences clusters are being developed to host pharmaceutical and medical-device companies, while production of biosimilars and expansion of research facilities indicate a strategic push to localise supply chains.

Digital health and health-tech are playing a central role in this transformation. Both nations are investing in national platforms for unified electronic health records, AI-powered diagnostics, and telemedicine services designed to expand access to care and improve efficiency. These efforts are complemented by regulatory frameworks that encourage medical innovation and private–public partnerships, creating environments where start-ups and established firms alike can experiment with new models of care delivery.

Despite broad optimism, some challenges remain. Large-scale hospital projects still face regulatory and approval delays, even as efforts are underway to simplify licensing and reduce bureaucratic hurdles. In Saudi Arabia, private investors must navigate evolving cultural and regulatory norms, especially around areas such as reproductive medicine and biotechnology. Recruiting and retaining specialised medical professionals remains difficult, given relatively limited existing local expertise in certain advanced fields.

Although regulatory reforms lay the groundwork for growth, translating legal change into improved patient outcomes and equitable access will demand careful oversight. Ensuring quality across a rapidly expanding private healthcare market and balancing profitability with affordability will require rigorous standards, transparent governance and robust public-health planning.

Organisers DMCC and Bybit have selected five winning projects from their global Web3 Unleashed #3 hackathon, granting a total prize pool of US$140,000 to the top teams. The live finale took place at S/O Uptown Dubai where finalists pitched across six tracks — DeFi, Web3 Gaming, SocialFi, Infrastructure, Tokenisation, as well as two new areas, DeFAI and DeSci.

More than 90 teams applied from around the world and ten were chosen to present before a panel of industry experts and investors. Judges assessed the entries on technical execution, innovation, business potential and real-world impact. The five winners were Yumi Finance, Glint Analytics, Sorachain AI, Aurayale and Spout Finance.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO of DMCC, said the Web3 Unleashed programme has evolved from a regional initiative into a global benchmark for Web3 innovation, and adding new tracks this year reflects organisers’ commitment to technological evolution and decentralised transformation.

Helen Liu, Co-CEO of Bybit, noted the growing technical depth and global calibre of hackers joining the competition. She underscored that despite volatility in crypto markets — with major tokens facing pullbacks — the exchange remains committed to backing builders working on utility-driven Web3 solutions.

Support for the hackathon came from partners including DWF Labs, Hacken, CV Labs, Blockchain for Good Alliance, Verse8, CROSS and Cointelegraph, which contributed mentorship, technical guidance and exposure to participating teams.

The hackathon’s broadened scope this year, especially with DeFAI and DeSci categories, highlights widening interest in merging blockchain with artificial intelligence and decentralised scientific research — areas gaining traction among developers worldwide. The winners’ projects are expected to benefit from access to mentors, potential backing from investors and integration into DMCC’s expanding Web3 ecosystem.

Stakeholders consider the outcome indicative of a maturing Web3 landscape in Dubai and beyond, where decentralised technologies are increasingly judged on real-world utility, technical robustness, and cross-sector applicability.

JPMorgan Chase & Co has upgraded its recommendation on China’s stock market to “overweight,” arguing that potential gains in the coming year now outweigh the risks of sharp losses. Strategists at the firm, including Rajiv Batra, explained that China’s market has already surrendered much of its outperformance this year, creating what they describe as an attractive entry point. They highlighted a combination of factors poised to support equities — widespread adoption of artificial intelligence, renewed consumption measures, and expectations of governance reforms. The performance setback appears to have reset valuations and left positioning relatively light, paving the way for what JPMorgan analysts see as potentially strong upside ahead.

The shift follows a quarter in which the MSCI China Index dropped around 6.2 percent even as broader regional indices in Asia-Pacific posted modest gains. JPMorgan noted that the Chinese equity market remains in the early stages of recovering from a downcycle that began in late 2020. With valuations now seen as acceptable and investor sentiment subdued, the bank anticipates room for rally once supportive catalysts take hold.

Analysts argue that companies tied to technology and AI stand to benefit most from upcoming tailwinds. Firms previously weighed under regulatory and macroeconomic uncertainty may now attract renewed investor interest, especially where corporate governance improvements and capital discipline have strengthened balance sheets. Entities with exposure to domestic consumption, industrial automation, electric vehicles, and energy storage are viewed as especially well positioned.

Some investors remain cautious, citing lingering macroeconomic headwinds, weak property prices, deflationary pressures and subdued consumer sentiment that have dampened retail participation in equity markets. But for long-term investors with a willingness to absorb volatility, JPMorgan’s call marks a turning point: the market’s immediate downside appears limited while its upside — if China’s growth impulses and structural reforms materialise — could be substantial.

JPMorgan also sees potential gains for Asian equities more broadly. With China, Hong Kong, South Korea and India judged as overweight, and Taiwan as neutral, the bank expects the MSCI Asia ex-Japan Index could rise roughly 15 percent from current levels if global liquidity remains supportive. Regional equities, they argue, may benefit from a reorientation of capital flows away from developed markets towards Asia’s current valuations.

At the same time, the bank’s optimism contrasts with more cautious forecasts from some rivals, which warn earnings uncertainty and high valuations could trigger consolidation rather than a sustained rally. That divergence underscores the highly bifurcated nature of the market: selective positioning may offer rewards, but indiscriminate exposure could remain risky.

Abu Dhabi now offers public rides in fully driverless robotaxis operated jointly by WeRide and Uber, marking the first deployment of such services on the Uber platform outside the United States. Passengers can hail an autonomous vehicle on Yas Island using the Uber app — either through UberX or Uber Comfort — or select the newly added “Autonomous” ride option for a dedicated robotaxi.

The launch follows grant of a city-level commercial permit for Level 4 autonomous driving, issued in late October to WeRide, allowing the company to operate robotaxis without a safety driver on board. Local transport authorities approved the licence after WeRide demonstrated its technology and safety protocols through extensive testing over several months. This regulatory clearance and licensing represent a breakthrough in public acceptance of self-driving mobility in the region.

Initial operations are restricted to the tourist and leisure enclave of Yas Island, home to the Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit, where road traffic and infrastructure are relatively controlled. WeRide and Uber plan to expand coverage into central Abu Dhabi by the end of the year, aiming to broaden the footprint beyond the initial zone. The fleet — managed in collaboration with local operator Tawasul Transport — includes GXR-class robotaxi vehicles equipped with multiple sensors and cameras to navigate urban streets autonomously.

WeRide retains what it describes as a four-year first-mover advantage in deploying robotaxis in Abu Dhabi, having operated test and pilot robotaxi services since 2021. The company’s broader Middle East fleet already includes more than 100 robotaxis, with ambitions to scale into thousands over the coming years. This launch fits into Uber’s global vision for autonomous mobility, which aims to expand driverless operations to at least 10 cities by the end of next year.

Ride-hailing firms and autonomous-vehicle companies have long eyed the Middle East as a favourable terrain for self-driving deployment, thanks to relatively predictable urban layouts, supportive regulators, and growing appetite for smart mobility solutions. For Uber and WeRide, the Abu Dhabi rollout demonstrates that regulatory, technological and commercial challenges can be addressed in unison.

City officials from the Integrated Transport Centre have emphasised that the licensing process required rigorous review of safety standards and compliance steps before granting commercial operator status. WeRide had earlier secured a national-level licence for self-driving vehicles in 2023, and the new city-level permit is among the first of its kind outside the United States. That dual-licence history helped accelerate trust among authorities and the public.

Drivers and ride-hailing staff will still be involved behind the scenes — Uber, through Tawasul Transport, will handle fleet maintenance, cleaning, charging and vehicle readiness, while WeRide retains responsibility for sensor calibration, software updates and compliance. That model reflects a hybrid approach aimed at balancing technology, operations and safety.

Passengers have reacted with cautious optimism. Some early users welcomed the novelty and convenience of driverless rides, especially in a region with extreme weather and limited public transport options. Others raised concerns over reliability, data privacy, and how the autonomous system would respond to unpredictable road events such as pedestrians or errant drivers.

Bahrain has lowered the minimum real estate investment needed to secure its 10-year Golden Residency visa from BD 200,000 to BD 130,000. The adjustment by the Ministry of Interior’s Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs is expected to boost interest in premium properties and make the residency scheme more accessible to a wider group of investors.

Under the revised threshold, people purchasing property worth at least BD 130,000 now qualify for long-term residence. Previously this benefit was available only to those investing BD 200,000 or more. The Golden Residency programme — launched in 2022 — offers a 10-year renewable permit that allows holders to work, sponsor family members, and enter and exit the kingdom freely. Those migrating under the scheme need not tie their status to an employer or lock in property ownership permanently.

The change may prove timely given growing competition in Gulf real-estate markets. Experts point out that the lower entry cost could reshape demand patterns, especially among mid-to-high net-worth expatriates seeking a base in the Gulf without committing the higher investment required by rival regional programmes. Real estate brokers report a noticeable uptick in enquiries from foreign nationals since the announcement — many exploring apartments and villas that now meet the updated investment threshold.

The authorities emphasised that despite the relaxed investment criteria, the high standards of the Golden Residency system remain intact. Investors must meet all documentation and qualification processes managed by the Ministry of Interior. Other pathways to qualify — including employment of a certain tenure and salary, retirement income or official recognition of exceptional talents — remain unaffected.

For property developers and brokers, the revised threshold may translate into renewed velocity in Bahrain’s high-end property segment. Several luxury residential projects are now being re-marketed, stressing that units previously deemed beyond reach now fall within qualification range. This could lead to increased sales volume, stronger investor inflows, and potentially an uptick in real-estate pricing.

Gulf-region expatriates assessing residency options have long compared the Kingdom’s Golden Residency with similar visas in neighbouring states. The reduced investment bar adds appeal to Bahrain’s model — with its combination of long-term residency, flexibility of employment, opportunity for family sponsorship and comparatively modest financial commitment.

Moscow has moved to ease restrictions on investments tied to digital assets by announcing that major fund managers will be permitted to purchase derivatives linked to cryptocurrencies from early next year. Under this policy shift, the Bank of Russia plans to amend regulations in the first quarter of the upcoming year to allow capital-management firms, previously barred, to engage in futures and options referencing digital currencies.

The initiative marks a departure from earlier policy built around tightly defined access for “specially qualified” investors under a three-year pilot programme unveiled in March, which required individuals to hold over 100 million rubles in securities or earn above 50 million rubles annually. Deputy Finance Minister Ivan Chebeskov confirmed the government is also considering scrapping the “superqual” status entirely, a label proposed for crypto-investors under previous drafts.

The timing aligns with a broader regulatory realignment in which Moscow is both cautioning on crypto risks and expanding permissible use-cases. Earlier this year the central bank issued guidance emphasising that direct cryptocurrency holdings carry significant risk even as it proposed a stepped investment regime for qualified entities. Meanwhile legislators had sanctioned the use of crypto-assets for certain cross-border payments and legalised mining operations in July of last year.

Significant players in the Russian financial sector are already positioning themselves for the shift. Sberbank, the country’s largest lender by assets, reported it had raised 1.3 billion rubles through crypto derivative offerings in recent months and signalled plans to expand the business line further.

Market watchers interpret the regulatory loosening as part of a dual strategy: fostering new sources of capital amid constraints from sanctions, while maintaining supervisory controls on the evolving digital-asset ecosystem. “Allowing derivatives tied to cryptocurrencies is a big step—Russian funds were previously excluded,” said one analyst at a Moscow-based brokerage. At the same time, the analyst warned that “the oversight framework remains immature and the risks of liquidity, valuation and sanctions remain.”

Critics caution that letting traditional investment firms access crypto-linked instruments could raise systemic vulnerabilities. The European Union has recently targeted stablecoin-linked Russian entities under sanctions, and anti-money-laundering regulators flagged the region as high-risk, particularly in flows tied to offshore crypto trading.

Regulators in Moscow underline that the institutional gateway is intended to provide a controlled environment. The Bank of Russia’s earlier proposal for an experimental legal regime limited participation to investors meeting strict asset or income thresholds and required intermediaries to ensure transparency of transactions. It did not allow cryptocurrencies to be used as payment for goods and services.

As the investment window broadens, industry participants expect asset management firms to bring structured products to market, linking outcomes to benchmark crypto indices rather than direct holdings of tokens. “Derivatives give firms a means to hedge and gain exposure without custody of coins,” noted a fund-manager in Moscow. However, he added that regulatory clarity on taxation, disclosure, and cross-border transfers is still lacking.

The government’s removal of the “superqual” status could widen the investor base further, allowing mid-sized firms and high-net-worth individuals access to asset classes previously off-limits. This move may increase competition, as offshore platforms draw new Russian clients frustrated by domestic restrictions.

At the same time, the expanded framework raises questions about how Russia’s risk-management infrastructure will evolve. The central bank has repeatedly warned that cryptocurrencies remain speculative and not backed by the state; ongoing amendments to legislation will need to address issues of market integrity, investor protection and sanctions compliance.

Abu Dhabi: Financial executives from over 20 Arab countries gathered this week at the newly formed Sanadak unit to examine its dispute-resolution model designed for banks and insurance firms, marking a push by the UAE to raise consumer-protection standards across the region. Sanadak cited engagement with the 50 delegates as an opportunity to showcase how its independent mechanism can serve as a regional benchmark, while participants praised the UAE’s pro-consumer frameworks and stressed transparent regulation as vital for financial trust.

Sanadak operates under the oversight of the Central Bank of the UAE and was established to adjudicate complaints between consumers—or small to medium-sized enterprises—and licensed financial institutions or insurance companies. Its core functions include receiving complaints online or via app, verifying that 15 calendar days have passed from the institution’s response or a lack thereof, and moving the matter into resolution or referral to appeal-committees.

At the gathering, Sanadak emphasised that its role extends beyond the UAE, as the first financially-regulated specialised ombudsman unit in the Middle East and North Africa region. The unit highlighted how its jurisdiction, rules and structure could offer a template for cross-border alignment among Arab states seeking stronger consumer redress in banking and insurance. The discussion touched on the unit’s values of impartiality, accessibility, efficiency and integrity.

The session underscored several key trends: First, financial-services regulators globally are moving toward early-intervention powers, unified licensing for banks and insurers, and forward-looking oversight of fintech and digital-asset services. The UAE’s newly enacted Federal Decree-Law No. 6 of 2025 consolidates banking, finance and insurance regulation and confirms Sanadak’s independent mandate for complaints resolution.

Second, consumer-protection mechanisms are gaining regulatory prominence as market participants cope with rising complexity in product offerings, from digital banking to insurance-linked investment products. Sanadak’s model aims to provide a single portal of access and streamline resolution without resorting to litigation. Officials say this helps build consumer confidence, enhance financial inclusion and strengthen institutional integrity.

Third, regional cooperation and benchmarking among Arab states were highlighted as emerging priorities. Delegates at the meeting emphasised that harmonised complaint-handling standards will bolster cross-border financial activity and investor trust. One delegate observed that adopting a model such as Sanadak’s “sends a strong signal that consumer rights are integral to banking-sector stability”.

Sanadak’s leadership also outlined practical outcomes: the resolution of insurance-sector disputes via permanent committees including independent judges and experts was mandated by Administrative Resolution No. 10-A/1/2024, issued by the Central Bank. That rule establishes minimum timelines, virtual-hearing options and defined fee structures—from AED 100 for fixed-value disputes up to AED 30,000 for higher-value claims.

The initiative aligns with the UAE’s broader ambition — underpinned by its “digital-first” strategy — to present its financial sector as accessible, regulated and globally competitive. Sanadak states its mission to support trust in the financial system and foster financial-inclusion goals through education and accessible redress.

Nonetheless, challenges loom. Ensuring that external, regional institutions adopt the same discipline and that complaints-resolution outcomes are enforceable across jurisdictions remains uncertain. Some financial-services observers caution that consumer-protection frameworks must evolve as digital-asset services proliferate and as cross-border financial activity expands. One expert described the regulatory change as “about future-proofing the UAE’s financial system by ensuring it remains resilient, inclusive and responsive to emerging technologies”.

The Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement recorded nine new contracts worth AED 1.012 billion on behalf of the Ministry of Defence on the fifth and final day of the Dubai Airshow 2025, elevating the event’s five-day total to 36 agreements with a cumulative value of AED 25.455 billion.

At a press conference in Dubai attended by spokespersons Majed Ahmed Al Jaberi, Abdulla Ahmed Al Saeedi and Manea Abdulkarim Al Mansoori, the council detailed that six of the final-day contracts, sized at AED 544.675 million, were with local firms, while the balance, AED 467.913 million, involved international companies.

Among the domestic deals, two contracts with the Abu Dhabi-based M4 Trading comprised a AED 57.636 million order for a Grand Control Station and a AED 161.634 million deal for aircraft procurement. A AED 29 million contract went to Al Taif Technical Services Company for cooling-equipment and power-generator maintenance, while MP3 Company secured a AED 154.5 million agreement for aerial-rescue systems and spare parts. International Golden Group received AED 65.905 million for aerial drop systems and AED 76 million went to Abu Dhabi Autonomous Systems Investments for drone procurement.

On the global front, two agreements with Lockheed Martin amounted to AED 184 million and AED 63.551 million respectively for maintenance and spare-parts support. A third contract with Raytheon Technologies was valued at AED 220.362 million for friendly-force identification systems.

Across the event, earlier announcements show the council had already signed 20 contracts worth AED 18.01 billion during the first three days of the airshow. This underlines a consistent pace of deal-making spanning both national and international industrial partners.

The contract portfolio highlights the UAE’s emphasis on building a robust domestic defence-and-security-industrial ecosystem, spanning aircraft systems, drones, radars, simulation and service-support infrastructure. Analysts note this reflects a shift from traditional procurement towards localisation, technology transfer and national capability building.

Tawazun’s officials emphasised that the partnerships frame more than incremental orders; they represent structural steps toward embedding industry in sovereign defence strategy. Ms Mansoori observed that the council “continues to foster a competitive and enabling environment for the private sector” and that the outcomes achieved through the airshow “reflect the UAE’s vision of developing an integrated, innovative and strategically driven defence and security sector.”

While the headline figure of AED 25.455 billion positions Dubai Airshow 2025 among the region’s most commercially active defence gatherings, some independent observers caution that the true measure of success will rest on execution, delivery timelines and domestic-industry uptake. Questions remain about how many contracts include meaningful offsets, R&D components and long-term local value-creation versus straightforward procurement.

Nevertheless, the event’s records reinforce Dubai’s growing role as a hub for aerospace-defence engagement, with deals touching both military and dual-use capabilities. Compared with earlier editions, this year’s flow involves a higher proportion of contracts that combine hardware, maintenance-services and technology-transfer features — signalling deeper industrial ambition rather than purely kit acquisition.

The spread of contract-values — from tens of millions of dirhams for niche specialised systems to multi-hundred-million agreements with global primes — reveals a multipronged strategy. Domestic SMEs are being drawn into the supply chain alongside major established defence-sector players, thereby diversifying participation and reducing reliance on external supply.

As the UAE moves ahead with its national defence-industrial roadmap, the final-day flurry of deals from Tawazun brings the focus firmly onto the implementation phase of those agreements and the strategic partnerships that will underpin them over the coming years.

Authorities in Kerala have issued widespread weather warnings as a strengthening atmospheric circulation over the southeast Arabian Sea intensifies rainfall across multiple districts. The India Meteorological Department has placed seven districts—Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam—under a yellow alert, signifying expected rainfall between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm in a 24-hour period. The advisory also highlights the possibility of thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds reaching up to 40 km/h.

The underlying weather trigger is a low-pressure system that formed over the Strait of Malacca and adjoining Andaman Sea around 22 November, and is forecast to develop into a depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal by 24 November. This system is expected to bring moisture-laden winds into the region, maintaining wet conditions over the coming days.

Forecasters report that isolated areas in Kerala may receive 7–11 cm of rainfall in a 24-hour window between 22 and 26 November, with similar conditions flagged for the nearby Lakshadweep archipelago. Fisherfolk along coastal waters have been advised to refrain from venturing out due to rough sea conditions and winds of 35–55 km/h.

The yellow alert classifications carry significant implications for life and infrastructure. Local officials note heightened risk of waterlogging on roads, reduced visibility in hill-tracks and potential disruption of the ongoing Sabarimala pilgrimage season. Devotees travelling between Sannidanam, Pampa and Nilakkal are being urged to adjust plans and monitor weather updates.

On the marine front, maritime authorities have warned deep-sea vessels to return to the nearest harbour by Tuesday and advised fishermen along the Kerala and Lakshadweep coasts to suspend operations. Similar advisories extend to the coast of south Tamil Nadu and the Gulf of Mannar up to Wednesday as the system may increase wave activity further.

Looking at district-specific schedules, the IMD indicates that on 24 November, yellow warnings will shift to Palakkad and Malappuram alongside the core list of districts; on 25 and 26 November, the alert is expected to persist in the earlier-listed seven districts.

While yellow alerts are not the most severe classification, the extended duration of the weather system and its broad geographic footprint warrant strong preparedness. Infrastructure officials are monitoring river and dam levels, road-maintenance crews are on standby for landslide-prone zones in the Western Ghats, and local governments have begun messaging on minimizing non-essential travel.

Kerala has faced heavy rainfall challenges in past years, including major landslides in 2024 and 2018 that underlined the vulnerability of hill-terrain regions. That history adds urgency to current warnings and reinforces the need for preventive action.

As the state transitions into the winter season, this spell of sustained rainfall poses a dual risk of flooding and landslides, especially where hillside stability has been compromised by prior weather events. Hydrology experts emphasise monitoring of water-storage levels in reservoirs, the drainage readiness of urban areas and the real-time condition of key pilgrimage routes and forest paths.

A pioneering bio-textile crafted from marine algae has been rolled out by the Fashion Commission of Saudi Arabia at the Misk Global Forum in Riyadh, marking a bold step into sustainable fashion. The initiative, termed the Red Sea Seaweed Project, turns algae harvested from the Red Sea into fabric through a collaboration with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology and the fibre-specialist PYRATEX. The unveiling took place during a panel titled “Fabric of the Future: Red Sea Seaweed Textile” and was led by the commission’s CEO Burak Çakmak.

The textile is created by integrating seaweed biomass with Lyocell and organic cotton to form a sustainable fibre. Py­ra­tex’s expertise in seaweed-based fabrics—previously applied in other regions—has been adapted here for local algae species. The venture relies on KAUST’s research unit KAUST Beacon Development to harvest Red Sea algae while maintaining its bioactive properties and supporting a traceable supply chain. Çakmak said the material “marks a defining moment in our journey to build a future-ready sustainable fashion ecosystem. By transforming a local natural resource into a fully traceable, sustainable textile, we are demonstrating the power of science, creativity and industry working together.”

KAUST’s involvement builds on its broader algal biotechnology work, including the DABKSA initiative set up with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture to establish local algae-based industries. That scheme originally focused on animal feed, but now its marine-species work is feeding into fashion applications. PYRATEX’s page confirms seaweed-based fabrics offer anti-irritation and skincare benefits—though that model was previously developed in Iceland.

The project is designed not only as a material innovation but as a symbol of economic diversification. The Fashion Commission says it aims to strengthen the Kingdom’s domestic fashion ecosystem by embedding sustainability principles and leveraging local resources. The Lab, the commission’s in-house development studio, converted the seaweed fibre into wearable garments, emphasising full supply-chain transparency.

Analysts note that the fashion industry globally is under rising pressure to reduce its environmental footprint. The Guardian estimated the sector accounts for up to 10 per cent of global greenhouse-gas emissions. By tapping coastal biomass, the Saudi initiative could offer a distinct regional advantage. The Red Sea region’s marine environment provides access to algae species adapted to high salinity and heat, meaning less intensive cultivation may be required. KAUST’s earlier trials with extremophile algae in desert conditions underline that point.

However, questions remain about how the new textile will scale commercially and how its sustainability claims will hold in full life-cycle analyses. Industry watchers emphasise that adopting bio-based textiles is only part of the solution; supply-chain energy use, water consumption, and end-of-life recyclability also matter. The Fashion Commission acknowledged those challenges in its public statement but noted this is a “first step” in a broader innovation roadmap.

Beyond the material itself, the move aligns with broader strategic priorities such as Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative, which call for economic diversification and sustainable development across the Kingdom. It also positions Saudi fashion as a player in the global sustainability agenda, where brands are looking for story-driven innovation and regional supply-chain transparency. The Fashion Commission’s statements emphasise that this home-grown development can contribute meaningful solutions to the global fashion landscape.

First Abu Dhabi Bank has mandated a group of global and regional banks to arrange investor calls on Wednesday, 19 November, signalling the preparation of a benchmark USD-denominated Additional Tier 1 capital issuance. The Abu Dhabi-based lender, rated Aa3 by Moody’s and AA- by both S&P and Fitch, is targeting a fixed-rate, resettable perpetual instrument with a non-call six-year structure, expected to be rated Baa3 by Moody’s, subject to market conditions.

FAB has appointed Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Barclays, Emirates NBD Capital, itself, HSBC and Standard Chartered Bank as joint lead managers and bookrunners for the issuance, reflecting a strong syndicate backing. According to institutional-market briefings, the period of investor calls is intended to gauge pricing, demand, and issuance size ahead of launch.

This move marks FAB’s first benchmark AT1 issuance in approximately five years and comes as the bank seeks to bolster its capital buffer amid evolving regulatory expectations. Market-specialist commentary notes that such securities serve a dual purpose: providing permanent capital that counts towards Tier 1 regulatory ratios while offering issuers the flexibility of a call option after a set period — in this case six years — to redeem, subject to certain conditions.

FAB’s prior issuance of a senior green bond earlier this month — a €850 million deal priced at mid-swaps plus 70 basis points after opening at plus 100 basis points — underlined its readiness to access capital markets. That deal illustrated investor appetite for the bank’s funding instruments and the bank’s willingness to tap diverse instruments and jurisdictions. The proposed AT1 issuance broadens FAB’s capital-raising toolkit further.

In assigning an expected rating of Baa3 by Moody’s for the proposed issue, the bank is effectively targeting the lowest investment-grade category from that agency for this level of instrument. Such ratings reflect the subordinated nature of AT1 securities; they rank lower than senior debt in the creditor hierarchy and often incorporate features such as coupon discretion and loss-absorption mechanisms — factors that carry higher credit risk for investors compared to senior bonds.

Emerging-markets commentators note that demand for Gulf-region AT1 securities has been relatively scant over the past year as investors have weighed macro-economic headwinds, rising interest-rate environments and regulatory adjustments. The Gulf region’s total primary issuance of bonds and sukuk for the first quarter of the year was reported at USD 51.5 billion, down from USD 55.5 billion in the same period a year prior; within this, financial-institution capital instruments formed a subset of activity. Nevertheless, select banks continue to tap issuance windows that align with investor sentiment.

For FAB, the timing appears strategic: the bank’s common equity Tier 1 ratio stands at 13.7 per cent — a figure comfortably above its internal threshold of 13.5 per cent but lower than the 14.3 per cent recorded a year earlier. This suggests room for issuing capital-absorption securities like AT1 to reinforce buffers without triggering market concern. Regulatory changes also loom: UAE banks are due to face a 50-basis-point increase in the counter-cyclical buffer next year, which will raise total capital requirements and heighten the capital-management imperative.

Investor calls scheduled on 19 November are expected to cover structuring options, timing of launch, target size and investor syndication. Initial market commentary anticipates that FAB may aim for a headline size in the region of USD 750 million — consistent with its last AT1 benchmark in 2020 — although precise sizing will hinge on demand and market dynamics.

The joint bookrunners assemble a strong global footprint: Barclays, HSBC and Standard Chartered provide global investor access while Emirates NBD Capital and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank offer regional distribution strength. That reflects FAB’s dual aim of tapping both GCC-based and international institutional investors. Market observers believe that if oversubscription builds, pricing could tighten relative to initial guidance and the syndicate may consider increasing sizing accordingly.

US-based artificial intelligence firm Luma AI has secured a $900 million Series C funding round led by Saudi-backed HUMAIN, the AI venture owned by the kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund. Participation also came from AMD Ventures and existing investors including Andreessen Horowitz, Amplify Partners and Matrix Partners. The funding is part of a broader strategy to advance multimodal artificial general intelligence capable of generating, interpreting and interacting with the physical world.

Luma AI’s valuation following the round is estimated at over $4 billion, underscoring the intense competition among frontier AI firms. The company specialises in “world models” that integrate video, audio, image and language to drive applications in robotics, simulation, advertising, gaming and personalised education. CEO Amit Jain described the aim as training systems on “a quadrillion tokens” of multimedia data to move beyond current large-language-model architectures.

HUMAIN, having positioned itself as a global full-stack AI player, will use the funding partnership to anchor its compute infrastructure ambitions. The joint roadmap includes the rollout of what HUMAIN terms “Project Halo” — a super-cluster targeting up to 2 gigawatts of AI compute capacity in the kingdom. Luma AI will become a key customer of this infrastructure.

The funding and infrastructure build-out reflect a strategic shift in Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification efforts. Under the leadership of Mohammed bin Salman, the PIF is deepening commitments to AI and high-performance computing as pillars of its wider Vision 2030 agenda. Luma AI’s partnership becomes a vehicle for exportable AI capabilities and for strengthening the kingdom’s position in the global tech ecosystem.

From Luma AI’s perspective, the capital infusion and access to sovereign-scale compute represent a strategic lever to accelerate development of next-generation models. In entertainment and creative industries the company already claims traction: its Ray3 reasoning video model has been embedded within major platforms. The new funding will allow expansion into simulation, robotics and immersive media. Jain asserted that only by integrating systems and infrastructure at scale can models “understand and simulate the universe”.

For HUMAIN the deal accomplishes several objectives: securing a marquee US AI partner, anchoring compute commitments, and beginning commercial deployments of its planned AI infrastructure. The first phase of the accompanying joint venture with Cisco Systems and AMD will deliver a 100-megawatt data-centre cluster in Saudi Arabia, fully subscribed by Luma AI, with construction scheduled to begin in 2026 and renewable energy powering the facility.

The global implications are significant. With Asia, Europe, India, the Middle East and Africa identified as target markets-worth an estimated 4.5 billion people-the infrastructure build-out promises to reshape the geography of AI training and inference. HUMAIN’s model seeks to challenge the dominance of US- and China-based AI supply chains.

Challenges remain. Developing multimodal AGI is widely acknowledged as highly complex, with technical risks, high compute costs and uncertain commercial timelines. Critics highlight concerns about geopolitical dependencies in AI infrastructure and the ethical implications of deploying models trained on vast multimedia datasets. The Saudi-US dimension adds further scrutiny given strategic sensitivities around data, export controls and digital sovereignty.

A pact between SkyGrid and High Lander has been signed at the Dubai Airshow 2025 to construct a framework for advanced air-mobility operations in the United Arab Emirates, focusing on integrating crewed and uncrewed aerial vehicles. The memorandum of understanding calls for development of airspace management ecosystems, digital operations for electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft and cargo drones, vertiport planning and cybersecurity protocols. SkyGrid, headquartered in Austin, Texas, acts as a third-party service provider for advanced air mobility operations, while High Lander offers unmanned traffic-management and drone-fleet-management solutions. The deal is part of the UAE’s ambition to position Abu Dhabi as a hub for next-generation aviation services.

Under the agreement the firms will jointly assess “Advanced Air Mobility Supporting Operational Environments” to develop technology road-maps and regulatory frameworks that facilitate scalable AAM operations. The collaboration targets areas including airspace integration, enabling vertiport infrastructure, securing digital operations and ensuring safe coexistence of crewed and uncrewed aircraft. SkyGrid chief executive Jia Xu said the alliance “represents a significant milestone in shaping the digital foundation of Advanced Air Mobility in the UAE and across the Middle East”. High Lander’s chief executive Alon Abelson commented that the environment in the UAE, supported by major aerospace players, constitutes “the perfect environment to demonstrate how automation, data-driven management and cross-industry collaboration can transform the future of air mobility”.

Analysis of this partnership places it amid a broader global push for uncrewed traffic-management systems and urban or regional air-mobility networks. Industry research shows that UTM ecosystems are considered vital for the safe scaling of commercial beyond-visual-line-of-sight drone operations. A 2024 readiness index issued by the Global UTM Association named both companies among participants in task forces shaping digital airspace adoption worldwide. That makes this UAE-based partnership a concrete step from theoretical planning to operational readiness.

The UAE’s Economic Vision 2030 describes diversification into technology, aerospace and transport as key pillars. The SkyGrid–High Lander partnership explicitly links with these goals, signalling industry-scale intentions rather than pilot programmes alone. By creating a unified operational blueprint, regulators and operators in the Gulf region may be asked to adapt their air-space classification, licensing and infrastructure regimes. Implementation will still depend on national aviation regulator approvals, air-traffic-management integrations, and standards alignment with international frameworks.

Despite the ambition, challenges remain. Data-sharing protocols across crewed and uncrewed systems must meet stringent safety and cybersecurity standards. Vertiport infrastructure—dedicated landing and take-off sites for eVTOL vehicles—is still nascent globally and will require investment and spatial planning, especially in congested urban zones. Moreover, global certification regimes for eVTOLs and unmanned systems are evolving; regulatory uncertainty may slow deployment. Analysts caution that while the Gulf region offers less airspace congestion than some metropolitan centres, integration of new aircraft types must still ensure separation from traditional air-traffic flows.

The cryptocurrency futures market experienced a significant wave of forced liquidations, amounting to $1.03 billion over the past 24 hours. A considerable portion of the liquidations occurred in long positions, totaling $725 million, while $305 million worth of short positions were also closed.

The dramatic liquidations were triggered by volatile market movements, which saw sharp price fluctuations across multiple digital assets. These price swings were exacerbated by shifts in market sentiment, which contributed to the rapid unwinding of leveraged positions. The forced liquidations come amid a broader backdrop of market uncertainty, as traders adjust their positions in response to global economic factors and the ongoing regulatory scrutiny of the cryptocurrency sector.

A notable driver of the sell-off was the high level of leverage employed by market participants. Crypto futures markets, particularly those offering derivatives with high leverage, often see sharp price corrections as a result of large liquidation events. When asset prices move against traders’ positions, forced liquidations can amplify the price movements, resulting in cascading effects that further destabilize the market.

This liquidations event reflects the high-risk nature of trading in the cryptocurrency space, especially with the volatile price action witnessed in major tokens such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other altcoins. Market analysts note that a significant portion of these liquidations occurred as Bitcoin’s price struggled to maintain momentum, dipping below key support levels. Other altcoins, including Ethereum and Solana, also saw substantial price corrections, which intensified the market’s turmoil.

While the forced liquidations have had a short-term destabilising effect, many market observers suggest that they may serve to recalibrate market positions, potentially clearing out overleveraged traders. However, the long-term implications for the market remain unclear. Crypto futures markets are known for their volatility, which can often result in sudden price movements, leaving traders vulnerable to unexpected liquidations during sharp corrections.

The level of forced liquidations seen in this event underscores the risks associated with high-leverage trading, particularly in a market as volatile as cryptocurrencies. As more traders flock to these markets, seeking greater profits from leveraged positions, such liquidations will likely become a recurring feature in the digital asset landscape.

Despite these liquidations, some analysts argue that the broader trend in the crypto market remains positive, with institutional adoption and growing interest from mainstream investors continuing to support long-term bullish prospects. They point to the increasing recognition of cryptocurrencies as a viable asset class, with traditional financial institutions exploring ways to integrate blockchain technology and crypto assets into their services.

On the other hand, the market faces significant regulatory challenges, particularly in key jurisdictions such as the United States and Europe. Governmental authorities have expressed concerns over the potential for market manipulation, fraud, and the lack of investor protection in the largely unregulated crypto space. These regulatory uncertainties add another layer of complexity to the market, as traders weigh the risks of entering a space with evolving rules and regulations.

At the same time, some proponents of cryptocurrency markets argue that forced liquidations and market volatility are simply part of the growing pains of a maturing market. They note that as liquidity improves and market participants become more sophisticated, the frequency and intensity of these liquidation events may diminish over time.

Global stock markets continue to experience significant losses, with sharp declines across major indices in Asia and other regions. The ongoing sell-off in equities has been driven by a combination of factors, including rising fears surrounding the stability of the global economy and concerns over the sustainability of the recent surge in artificial intelligence investments. These developments have raised alarm among investors, who are now bracing for the potential consequences of an AI bubble burst. As shares in major companies tumble, analysts are warning that the broader market could face deeper turmoil if the situation continues to deteriorate.

The volatility began when shares in leading technology firms, particularly in the AI sector, showed signs of weakness. Companies such as Google, Microsoft, and NVIDIA, which have heavily invested in AI technologies, saw substantial declines in their stock prices. Google’s CEO, Sundar Pichai, joined the growing chorus of voices warning that no company, regardless of its size or industry, would be immune if the AI-driven bubble were to burst. His remarks have further heightened concerns about the potential risks associated with the rapid adoption of AI technologies in various sectors, from finance to healthcare and manufacturing.

The sell-off has not been limited to just tech stocks. Broader market indices have also suffered, with the MSCI Asia-Pacific Index recording steep losses. Investors are particularly focused on the outlook for interest rates, as central banks, especially the Federal Reserve, have indicated that they will continue their tightening policies to combat inflation. This uncertainty regarding monetary policy has contributed to the risk-off sentiment, leading many investors to retreat from stocks and other risk assets.

Compounding the situation, the price of bitcoin, a barometer for risk appetite, has fallen to a seven-month low, reflecting the broader pullback from riskier assets. The digital currency, which had seen impressive gains earlier in the year, has now become a symbol of the broader unease in global financial markets. Its drop has triggered additional concerns, with some market participants fearing that the crypto market’s downturn could further exacerbate the sell-off in traditional equities.

The economic uncertainty has been exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing trade disputes between major economies, rising energy prices, and concerns over global supply chains. These factors have combined to create a perfect storm for investors, who are now facing mounting pressure to reassess their portfolios and risk exposures.

Corporate earnings reports are also under scrutiny, with many firms expected to report weaker-than-expected results due to higher input costs and slowing demand. Companies that had previously benefited from the pandemic-driven digital transformation, such as e-commerce giants and cloud computing providers, are now seeing their growth rates slow down. This slowdown is further contributing to the negative sentiment surrounding the stock market.

As the stock market sell-off continues, experts are advising caution and suggesting that investors should prepare for continued volatility in the months ahead. Some are calling for a reassessment of the risk associated with high-growth sectors, particularly those heavily reliant on AI technologies, while others recommend diversification to protect against potential downturns.

GE Aerospace has reached significant milestones at the Dubai Airshow 2025, signing major engine agreements with two of the UAE’s most prominent carriers—Emirates and flydubai. The deals highlight the ongoing growth and resilience of the UAE’s aviation sector, which continues to see robust demand for both commercial aircraft and high-performance engines, despite the global challenges facing the industry.

The first of these landmark agreements was signed with Emirates, the world-renowned airline based in Dubai. Under the terms of the agreement, GE Aerospace will supply advanced engines for a number of Emirates’ new aircraft, including both narrowbody and widebody models. The deal underscores the airline’s commitment to expanding its fleet with cutting-edge technology to enhance fuel efficiency, performance, and sustainability.

For flydubai, the agreement is equally important as it continues its rapid growth trajectory. Flydubai, known for its extensive network across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, will also integrate GE engines into its fleet expansion plans. The airline’s strategic focus on upgrading its fleet with advanced engine technology aims to improve operational efficiency while reducing carbon emissions—an essential move in line with global environmental goals.

GE Aerospace’s role in both of these agreements solidifies its position as a leader in the global aviation industry, especially in the Middle East, a region that has become a critical hub for air travel. These deals are seen as a testament to GE’s cutting-edge engineering capabilities, which align perfectly with the UAE’s ambitious aviation growth plans. The country’s major airlines, particularly Emirates, have long been at the forefront of technological advancements in the aviation industry, pushing the envelope on fuel efficiency and operational performance.

The Dubai Airshow itself has served as a vital platform for aerospace companies to showcase new technologies and forge strategic partnerships. The agreements with Emirates and flydubai are a clear indication of the UAE’s ongoing investments in its aviation infrastructure, which is poised to continue its rapid expansion over the coming years. Aviation experts suggest that these deals are also part of a broader trend in the region, where carriers are increasingly prioritising the integration of more fuel-efficient and environmentally sustainable technologies into their fleets.

In addition to fleet expansion, both Emirates and flydubai are working to increase their market share, not only within the Gulf region but also globally. With air travel demand rebounding in many parts of the world, the strategic importance of the UAE’s aviation sector cannot be overstated. Emirates, with its vast global reach, remains a key player in international air travel, while flydubai has emerged as a critical part of the UAE’s broader air transport network, offering affordable travel options to key regional destinations.

GE Aerospace’s engine technology plays a crucial role in supporting both airlines’ efforts to stay competitive and sustainable in the evolving air travel market. The next-generation engines provided by GE offer improved fuel economy and significantly lower emissions, aligning with international targets for reducing aviation’s environmental footprint. In addition to offering operational benefits, these engines will provide long-term economic advantages, ensuring that both Emirates and flydubai remain agile in a highly competitive market.