News related to
Arabian Post Special

MAF Sukuk Ltd is launching a US$500 million, 10-year sukuk under Regulation S, with initial price thoughts set around US Treasuries plus 125 basis points. The securities will be backed by Majid Al Futtaim Properties as the obligor, while parent Majid Al Futtaim Holding offers a guarantee.

The offering adopts a wakala/murabaha structure and is expected to carry credit ratings of “BBB/BBB”, aligned with those of the guarantor. HSBC is acting as lead structuring bank, with the purpose of the funding geared towards expansion and refinancing of property development activities.

Majid Al Futtaim Holding, in its most recent credit review, retains its BBB rating and stable outlook, reflecting its scale of operations and diversified asset base. Fitch affirmed the rating in November 2024, citing growth across revenue and EBITDA. Majid Al Futtaim’s internal guidance confirms that capital allocation remains within the thresholds consistent with its BBB leverage metrics.

Investors familiar with corporate sukuk in the Gulf region view the 125 basis point spread as moderately tight for a 10-year tenor, particularly for a non-sovereign issuer in the real estate sector. The parent guarantee is crucial to bolster credit comfort, given that the issuer is a property development arm.

In recent years, Majid Al Futtaim has deployed Islamic capital markets for its financing needs. Its 2023 green bond issuance of US$500 million was aimed at refinancing an AED 800 million bond commitment, underlining a strategy to blend sustainability credentials with its capital structure. The group similarly has historically issued hybrid capital securities and sukuk in its debt portfolio.

The latest sukuk will be listed via MAF Sukuk Ltd, which already carries a BBB long-term rating. The listing via a special purpose issuer isolates the structure from direct group operations, while the parent guarantee transfers credit risk back to the overarching entity.

Major risks for the deal rest on cyclical pressures in real estate markets, tenant defaults, and development cost inflation. Majid Al Futtaim Properties has disclosed in its base prospectus the possibility of cost overruns, land title constraints, and tenant concentration as material risks. The group also faces competitive dynamics in its markets where some rivals are state-backed.

Mohamed Futtah, a regional fixed-income strategist, commented that “a 10-year sukuk at T+125bp for a BBB group guarantee is ambitious, but could succeed under strong demand, especially from Gulf and Asia Islamic investors seeking yield in a rate environment that is otherwise compressed.”

By K Raveendran Oil prices fell to their lowest level in five months on Tuesday, continuing a slide that has gathered pace over the past several weeks. The benchmark Brent and West Texas Intermediate crude futures have both dipped significantly, erasing much of the year’s earlier gains. In stark contrast, gold has soared to an […]

The article Gold Feeds On Oil’s Misfortune; One Hits The Roof, The Other Down In The Dumps appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority inked three major Memoranda of Understanding this week at GITEX Global 2025, forming strategic partnerships with KHDA, Parkin PJSC, and PayPal to deepen integration of the nol card ecosystem.

Under the agreement, RTA and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, in partnership with GTS Alive Middle East, will roll out the “Study in Dubai – nol ISIC” card, enabling students to use nol across campus services and lifestyle benefits. The nod with Parkin aligns its digital parking operations with the nol payment interface, while the PayPal deal aims to embed nol into broader digital commerce and point-of-sale systems.

Mohammed Al Mudharreb, Chief Executive Officer of RTA’s Corporate Technology Support Services Sector, led the signings on behalf of RTA. On the KHDA side, Dr Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash and Michal Lezo signed for KHDA and GTS Alive Middle East respectively; Parkin’s participation was endorsed by Mohamed Abdulla Al Ali, and PayPal was represented by Otto Williams, SVP and General Manager for PayPal Middle East and Africa.

According to RTA, the thrust of the MoUs is to position nol as more than a public transport card — it aims to transition nol into a multifunctional payment instrument across retail outlets, restaurants, parking, entertainment venues, events, and institutional services. The authority hopes that expanding acceptance will drive convenience, reduce cash reliance, and support Dubai’s smart city ambitions.

KHDA emphasized the student-centric angle: the “Study in Dubai – nol ISIC” card is expected to be accepted across higher education institutions in the emirate, granting students access to discounts, campus services, and lifestyle perks under a unified payment mechanism. Officials stated it will enhance the student experience and streamline campus operations.

From Parkin’s standpoint, the collaboration enables interoperability between its parking systems and the nol platform — motorists may use nol directly for parking payments, potentially eliminating the need for separate digital wallets or parking apps. Meanwhile, PayPal’s role is to act as a bridge for merchants and service providers to adopt nol-based transactions, especially in digital and brick-and-mortar payment contexts.

These moves come amid a broader push by Dubai authorities to accelerate digital payment adoption and integrate city services under unified ecosystems. The expansion from transit to wider commerce mirrors trends in other global cities, where transport payment cards or mobile passes are becoming de facto urban wallets.

A challenge will lie in merchant adoption and technological integration. To be effective, retail outlets, parking operators, education institutions, and event venues must invest in infrastructure to accept nol-based payments, whether via terminals or backend systems tied to PayPal’s network. RTA has framed these partnerships as a pathway to co-developing nol-linked products and value-added services, creating new revenue streams and customer experiences.

Customer satisfaction is a recurring pillar in RTA’s narrative: by enabling one card to handle multiple daily transactions, the authority expects to reduce friction and improve uptake. Sustainability is also a stated goal — shifting transactions away from paper tickets and cash is presented as an environmental benefit.

Notably, Dubai is also spotlighting innovations in mobility at GITEX: the Trackless Tram, an AI-driven, driverless tram solution, is among projects on display. The new MoUs dovetail with such transport-led technology investments, reinforcing Dubai’s intent to integrate mobility and payments as part of its future city blueprint.

Within the education sector, KHDA’s endorsement of nol for student services signals a bridging of infrastructure between municipal systems and institutions — a model that, if successful, could serve as a template for other smart city programmes. The partnership with PayPal is particularly significant, since its global payments reach gives nol a pathway into cross-border and e-commerce transactions, beyond typical fare or local merchant payments.

Traders on the U. S. prediction market Kalshi are assigning a 55 percent chance that Bitcoin will exceed $130,000 by the end of 2025, with probabilities of 34 percent for surpassing $140,000 and 24 percent for topping $150,000. That places the market’s expected annual high at roughly $132,000.

Those figures reflect a steadily intensifying optimism about Bitcoin’s trajectory, drawing attention from institutional and retail participants alike. Kalshi’s “How high will Bitcoin get this year?” market is driving price discovery around extreme outcomes for the cryptocurrency.

That optimism today sits alongside growing institutional flows into related assets. Bitcoin spot ETF issuers have been attracting multi-billion dollar inflows across several jurisdictions; analysts view that as a cornerstone of structural demand, tightening supply in spot markets. At the same time, the derivatives market is registering sharply skewed positioning in favour of upside moves, especially in out-of-the-money call options.

Crypto research platforms note that exchange reserves of Bitcoin are at multi-year lows, meaning a smaller buffer for large sell orders to exert downward pressure. Some large holders are moving coins to cold storage or long-term custody, reducing the circulating float further. That dynamic can magnify even moderate inflows into a pronounced price rise.

Macroeconomic factors are reinforcing these tailwinds. Markets broadly expect the U. S. Federal Reserve to shift toward a less restrictive stance in the months ahead, which would lower the opportunity cost of holding a risk asset like Bitcoin. Inflation pressures, geopolitical uncertainty, and currency devaluation narratives have been pushing capital toward non-sovereign stores of value — a trend some asset allocators perceive as supportive for digital assets.

Kalshi itself has expanded rapidly. In October 2025, the company announced growth into over 140 countries following a $300 million funding round that values it at $5 billion. This capital boost is intended to improve infrastructure, broaden partnerships, and scale its product stack beyond simple yes/no event contracts. The valuation surge underscores confidence in prediction markets as a means of tapping collective foresight.

Kalshi is currently viewed as a leader in the prediction-market space, outpacing rivals like Polymarket. As of mid-October, Kalshi’s valuation exceeds that of Polymarket by a wide margin, though the latter retains star appeal in crypto circles.

European Commission officials are poised to grant approval to Abu Dhabi’s state oil company for its €14.7 billion acquisition of Germany’s Covestro, conditional on minor adjustments to compliance measures, according to sources familiar with the process. The decision could mark one of the most significant Gulf-to-EU corporate takeovers to date.

Brussels opened a detailed investigation into the deal earlier this year under its Foreign Subsidies Regulation, citing concerns that the United Arab Emirates might have leveraged state-backed advantages—such as an unlimited state guarantee and pledged capital injections—to win the bid. The Commission’s probe, initially suspended in September pending additional information, has now resumed as ADNOC submits remedial proposals.

In its revised remedy package, ADNOC has committed to removing language referencing the unlimited guarantee from Covestro’s articles of association and to preserving Covestro’s intellectual property within Europe. Sources suggest the Commission may insist on further tweaks before final clearance, but no major restructuring is expected.

ADNOC’s international investment arm, XRG, has framed the concessions as reflective of its long-term investor stance and asserted confidence that the proposals are “robust and proportionate.” The supreme size of the deal amplifies scrutiny—a deal described by analysts as ADNOC’s largest ever and among the biggest foreign acquisitions of a European company by a Gulf state.

Opponents and industry peers have raised flags about the competitive effects of the transaction. Critics argue that ADNOC’s state backing might have deterred rival bidders, distorting the playing field in Europe’s chemicals sector. Regulators collected feedback from market participants as part of the remedy review, a standard stage in EU merger oversight.

In September, the EU paused its review, citing gaps in the information submitted by the parties. ADNOC responded by accusing the Commission of issuing “disproportionate and invasive” demands. It warned such tactics jeopardised the deal’s viability. Brussels has indicated it will reset its decision deadline after receiving all necessary material. Its previous deadline had been 2 December.

Analysts suggest that the minimal expected adjustments reflect the Commission’s confidence that the core concerns have been addressed. Some believe that failure to clear the deal now would signal strained investment relations between EU institutions and sovereign-backed acquirers. Others caution that even small remedial changes—especially on governance rights or intellectual property handling—could materially alter deal returns.

Covestro, a leader in polymer materials, chemicals, coatings and adhesives, stands to bolster its growth potential under ADNOC’s ownership. The acquisition aligns with ADNOC’s drive to diversify beyond hydrocarbons toward higher-value downstream chemical operations. Yet the deal also pits strategic ambition against regulatory sensitivity—a balancing act now unfolding in the corridors of Brussels.

By Nitya Chakraborty On October 10, the Nobel Prize Committee awarded the Peace prize for the year 2025 to the Venezuelan right wing politician Maria Corina Machado who has been working for the last few years for the removal of the President Nicholas Maduro from his office. The White House initially reacted that the Nobel […]

The article Trump Has Not Got Nobel Peace Prize But The Winner Machado Is His Acolyte In Latin America appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment is spotlighting a suite of digital housing solutions at GITEX Global 2025, announcing strategic tie-ups aimed at advancing smart infrastructure and inclusive living. The initiative underscores Dubai’s push to fuse technology with urban development amid intensifying global competition in digital transformation.

MBRHE is presenting new digital services engineered to optimise housing operations, energy efficiency and resident experience. At GITEX, the entity finalised a partnership with Emirates Islamic Bank to develop financing and digital payment tools tailored for homeowners, and earlier inked an agreement with AI Smart to retrofit housing units with assistive technologies for People of Determination. The latter includes deploying smart systems in five identified residences to enhance mobility and independence. These deals complement an existing MoU with Emirates Gas to supply next-generation LPG composite cylinders across MBRHE communities, complete with annual maintenance services.

As part of Dubai’s government ecosystem at GITEX, MBRHE is listed among Gold Partners in the Digital Dubai pavilion, joining over 50 public and private entities promoting the emirate’s City-as-a-Service model. This placement gives MBRHE visibility amid hundreds of technology players from more than 180 countries. The pavilion is intended to demonstrate cross-sector digital synergies across health, energy, mobility and governance spheres.

MBRHE officials emphasise a multipronged strategy. The partnership with Emirates Islamic is geared toward embedding embedded financial tools into housing services. The AI Smart alliance is positioned as a step toward inclusive smart homes. Meanwhile, the collaboration with Emirates Gas addresses energy reliability and safety in residential zones under MBRHE’s purview. In announcing the AI Smart engagement, MBRHE described it as aligning with UAE leadership’s agenda to empower all segments of society, especially People of Determination.

The move follows MBRHE’s earlier commitment with GFS Developments to launch the Smart Housing Forum 2025, a platform to convene global experts on sustainable housing innovation. That partnership, formalised in late September, frames GITEX as a conduit for showcasing outcomes and inviting further collaboration.

Industry analysts say MBRHE’s integration of housing, finance, energy and assistive technology is representative of a wider trend in the Gulf: public agencies are no longer viewing infrastructure in isolation but as an integrated service ecosystem. State-linked housing bodies are increasingly collaborating with fintech, cleantech, proptech and social inclusion tech firms to convert static assets into responsive, data-enabled platforms.

Critics caution that the true test lies in execution, particularly in integrating legacy systems, ensuring cybersecurity across interconnected modules, and managing equitable access across lower-income beneficiary groups. For instance, retrofitting older housing stock with IoT or assistive systems often requires structural upgrades, which carry cost and logistical burdens.

At GITEX, MBRHE is expected to demonstrate live pilot models of smart home systems, energy monitoring dashboards, and resident apps that tie into real estate finance. These demos will act as proof points to entice further private sector engagement and scaling. MBRHE’s role as both regulator and operator gives it leverage but also raises accountability for outcomes.

By Nantoo Banerjee There is little to be excited about the recent inauguration of predominantly mountainous Arunachal Pradesh’s first commercial coal mine at Namchik-Namphuk in the Changlang district jointly by Union Coal & Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy and Arunachal Chief Minister Pema Khandu, marking the state’s first coal mine project. With an officially estimated […]

The article India Must Cut Down Coal Consumption appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Dubai Healthcare City Authority has unveiled a Dhs1.3 billion development programme for Phase 1 of Dubai Healthcare City, marking an aggressive expansion that aims to elevate its global standing in health infrastructure. Construction is set to start in December, with a targeted completion window by November 2027.

At the heart of the initiative lies a triple-pronged buildout: a LEED Platinum-certified office block, a purpose-built medical complex, and supporting infrastructure—each tailored to attract health-related investors and operators. The office building, designed by P&T Architects & Engineers, spans some 13,000 sqm across nine levels and includes flexible workspaces and ground-floor retail zones. The medical complex, by Design & Architecture Bureau, covers 5,800 sqm, with two basements and five floors, and is planned to accommodate surgical units, diagnostics, outpatient services and lab facilities.

Beyond buildings, the infrastructure scope includes multi-storey parking with electric vehicle charging points, integration with Salik for smart parking, and accessibility enhancements. The aim is to strengthen the underlying ecosystem so that the healthcare precinct becomes not just a cluster of clinics, but a fully serviced global health hub.

Issam Galadari, DHCA’s CEO, asserted that these projects reflect the authority’s ambition to combine sustainability, global investment appeal and design excellence, aligned with Dubai’s Economic Agenda and the UAE’s Net Zero Strategy 2050. Allae Almanini, COO, added that the works will “boost confidence for healthcare providers and investors” by improving efficiency, accessibility and sustainability across the community.

Phase 1 of DHCC, located in Oud Metha, currently operates within a 4.1 million sq ft footprint dedicated to medical services and education. Phase 2, by contrast, spans around 19 million sq ft at Al Jaddaf, and is oriented more toward wellness and mixed support services.

This new investment signals a sharpened focus on physical infrastructure as a differentiator. In recent years, DHCC has emphasised partnerships and innovation: its free-zone model already supports over 400 licensing entities and more than 168 clinical facilities. Earlier this year, DHCA collaborated with AI Quantum Intelligence Institute to launch an AI healthcare innovation lab in the free zone, and formed an agreement with AirMed International to deepen medical transport capabilities.

Analysts see the move as a bid to compete not only regionally, but globally. Healthcare infrastructure, especially when linked with sustainability credentials such as LEED Platinum certification, is increasingly a factor in investors’ decisions. The new build will position DHCC among the few healthcare zones worldwide that combine clinical, administrative and research capacity within one contiguous ecosystem.

However, the scale and timeline carry risks. Dubai’s construction sector is already navigating supply-chain pressures, labour constraints, and rising material costs. Ensuring timely delivery and quality control in a high-performance project will demand rigorous project management. Meanwhile, the authority must ensure that demand from healthcare operators, both local and international, matches the expanded real estate supply, lest vacancy rates rise.

More immediately, the December commencement date — just weeks away — will test DHCA’s readiness in securing contractors, tendering work packages and coordinating certifications. Delays in permitting or approvals could cascade into missed target windows. Yet, if executed successfully, the project will enable DHCC to present itself as an integrated health campus offering offices, clinical space, and support services under one sustainable umbrella.

Observers note that medical tourism in Dubai already commands significant weight, drawing patients from the GCC, the broader Arab world, Europe, and Asia. DHCA’s bet is that infrastructure sophistication will amplify that pull, especially for high-end specialty and precision medicine segments.

Dubai-based Dubizzle Group Holdings has unveiled plans to float about 30.34 % of its share capital via an initial public offering on the Dubai Financial Market. The offer comprises 1.25 billion ordinary shares, of which 196.1 million are fresh issues from the company and 1.05 billion are existing shares sold by current shareholders. Subscription will be open from 23 to 29 October, the price will be fixed on 30 October, and trading is expected to begin on 6 November 2025.

The firm has appointed Rothschild & Co. as Independent Financial Advisor and Emirates NBD Capital as Listing Advisor. The IPO will be co-managed by banks including Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Barclays, EFG-Hermes UAE, Emirates NBD, Goldman Sachs International, HSBC Middle East and Morgan Stanley. Dubizzle’s largest shareholder, Prosus N. V., is committing USD 100 million to the issuance, signaling continued backing after initially investing in 2011.

Dubizzle operates across two main platforms: dubizzle, which handles automotive and general classifieds, and Bayut, focused on real estate. In the 18 months leading up to the IPO, the group pursued strategic acquisitions such as Drive Arabia, Hatla2ee, and most recently Property Monitor, a UAE real estate data and analytics provider. The acquisition of Property Monitor, which delivered a revenue CAGR of 55 % from 2022 to 2024, is expected to deepen Dubizzle’s insight offering in its property vertical.

Financially, the group has improved its performance. In 2024, revenues reached USD 222 million, with the net loss narrowing. For the first half of 2025, revenue rose to USD 133 million, while adjusted profit stood at USD 14 million. The more constrained net loss of USD 8.9 million in H1 2025 marks further progress in reducing deficits.

Market conditions have played in Dubizzle’s favour. Dubai’s real estate market has surged, with prices climbing over 70 % over four years, boosting transaction activity and demand for online classifieds. Analysts view the Dubizzle IPO as one of the largest tech offerings this year in the UAE, designed to attract capital inflows into the growing digital marketplace sector.

Yet challenges lie ahead. Investor scrutiny of valuations and corporate transparency will intensify, and Dubizzle must show sustainable path to profitability beyond growth. Some analysts estimate the IPO value in the USD 500 million to USD 1 billion range, consistent with its fundraising and valuation aspirations. Liquidity and free float requirements—especially for inclusion in indices like MSCI—may pressure the group to deliver consistent operational metrics.

In preparing for the public listing, Dubizzle has restructured its syndicate. It previously engaged banks such as Emirates NBD, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, and now rotated in Morgan Stanley, replacing former links to Citigroup. The reconfiguration suggests an adaptive approach designed to secure stronger placement and institutional interest.

Dubizzle and many other UAE firms are benefiting from momentum in the IPO pipeline. According to regional capital markets observers, between 25 IPOs were recorded in the first half of 2025, generating about USD 4.5 billion. Brokers like Citi assert that the pipeline remains healthy, even amid macro and geopolitical headwinds, and highlight investor demand for exposure to unlisted technology, fintech, and real estate-adjacent sectors.

Dubai hosted the first public manned flight of Aridge’s Land Aircraft Carrier over Palm Jumeirah, a demonstration that showcases the vehicle’s dual-mode driving and flying capabilities and signals ambitions for the Gulf as an early adoption market.

The modular vehicle, combining a ground “mothership” with a detachable two-seat aerial unit, lifted off from the grounds near the Waldorf Astoria before reattaching and driving away. Aridge said the flight marks a milestone in its plan to roll out consumer deliveries in the Middle East by 2027.

Company executives reported that 600 units have already been pre-ordered by GCC firms, including UAE’s Ali & Sons Group, Kuwait’s Al-Sayer, and Qatar’s Almana, pushing the global tally past 7,000. The firm expects deliveries to begin in 2026 from a new facility in Guangzhou, capable of producing 10,000 vehicles annually.

Aridge’s modular design addresses a common challenge in flying car development: how to balance driving performance, storage, and aerial capability. The ground vehicle acts as a mobile energy platform and storage base, while the air module docks and undocks autonomously. The air unit’s control system uses a single-stick interface managing ascent, speed, and stability with built-in safety constraints such as geofencing.

This version is the fifth generation of the platform, evolving from earlier prototypes demonstrated in Dubai in 2022. For mass adoption, regulatory certification is pivotal: the UAE granted a special flight permit, allowing the test flights to proceed. Aridge’s air module has already received civil aviation type certification in China.

The startup forecasts a market worth of US $41 billion for China’s eVTOL sector by 2040, while projecting Middle East demand to reach about $11 billion. Executives say technological advances—shortened development cycles and lower costs—are making what once seemed science fiction increasingly viable.

Despite the showpiece flight, challenges remain. Integrating city air traffic management, ensuring safety for public use, and building air-ground infrastructure—such as landing pads, vertiports, and regulatory frameworks—are hurdles in most jurisdictions. Some analysts caution that even with promising prototypes, wide adoption may lag until certification, cost reduction, and public trust converge.

In the Gulf region, regulatory openness is proving advantageous: the UAE’s willingness to issue experimental permits positions it as a testbed, attracting innovators who might struggle to get approval elsewhere. Meanwhile, Aridge is lining up partnerships and agreements across the GCC to support sales, operations, and maintenance in local markets.

Dubai — The Syrian Pavilion will make its first appearance at GITEX Expand North Star 2025, opening from 12 to 15 October, under the banner “Syria is Online.” This marks a milestone in Syria’s efforts to reconnect with the international innovation community and attract investment for its fledgling tech ecosystem.

The pavilion is being organised by SYNC, the Syria-Next Conference network, and backed by the Syrian Business Council and the U. S.–Syria Business Council. It aims to provide Syrian startups a platform to showcase digital solutions, engage in pitching sessions, facilitate panel discussions, and establish connections with global investors and industry partners.

Bassel Yassine Ojjeh, Chairman of SYNC and project lead for the pavilion, stated that the initiative intends to generate 25,000 tech-related jobs over five years through strengthened collaboration and external funding. He emphasised that GITEX offers “a vital step … to showcase Syrian talent and build partnerships that open doors for a new generation shaping the digital future.”

The pavilion will include startup pitch showcases, interactive tech talks, and networking forums. It plans to highlight projects in sectors such as fintech, AI, e-commerce, digital health and creative tech. Several Syrian entrepreneurs have already submitted entries, and a curated selection will present on the main stages of Expand North Star.

The move aligns with a broader expansion of national pavilions in this year’s GITEX edition. Brazil is participating as the Country Partner, and new delegations from Serbia, Hong Kong, Canada and Ecuador are set to join the global tech showcase. The event is expected to host over 1,800 startups and 1,000 investors managing over USD 1 trillion AUM, turning Dubai into a tech capital for dealflow.

Despite decades of conflict and economic sanctions, Syria retains a reservoir of technical talent across its population, especially among youth and diaspora communities. SYNC was founded with the objective of bridging Syrian innovators in Silicon Valley and the diaspora with on-ground talent, thereby facilitating collaboration, mentorship, and capital flows. The 2025 edition of SYNC was held in Damascus earlier this year, bringing together local technologists and overseas experts to discuss ecosystem development.

Still, Syrian tech ambitions face significant headwinds. Infrastructure deficits, internet connectivity constraints, regulatory uncertainties, difficulties in accessing cross-border payment systems, and war-induced economic fragmentation continue to challenge the sector’s scalability. International sanctions and distrust around financial compliance also complicate foreign investment.

To mitigate these risks, the pavilion’s backers aim to frame Syria’s entry into the tech market as more than symbolic. Organisers say they are structuring due diligence frameworks, matchmaking with vetted investors, and post-event follow-up mechanisms to sustain momentum beyond the exhibition.

Dubai has launched a new permit scheme that enables free-zone companies to conduct business within its mainland, a move designed to dismantle long-standing regulatory barriers between jurisdictions and unlock new commercial opportunities.

Under Executive Council Decision No. 11 of 2025, the “Free Zone Mainland Operating Permit” allows companies already holding a Dubai Unified Licence to apply for mainland access digitally via the Invest in Dubai platform. The permit spans six months, priced at AED 5,000, and may be renewed under the same terms. The scheme applies initially to non-regulated sectors such as technology, consulting, design, professional services and trading. Companies granted the permit must maintain distinct financial records for mainland operations and will incur a 9 per cent corporate tax on revenues generated onshore.

Dubai Business Registration and Licensing Corporation, part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, has partnered with the Dubai Free Zone Council to administer the framework. Ahmad Khalifa Al Qaizi Al Falasi, CEO of DBLC, described the initiative as a step toward “regulatory modernisation” and a more seamless investor experience. Dr Juma Al Matrooshi, Assistant Secretary-General at the Free Zones Council, said the permit enhances Dubai’s competitiveness by combining the flexibility of free zones with access to domestic markets.

Authorities expect the permit to benefit over 10,000 existing free-zone firms, adding 15–20 per cent to cross-jurisdiction business activity in its first year. Businesses can now tap domestic trading avenues and contend for government tenders previously off-limits to entities without a mainland presence. Existing free-zone staff may serve mainland operations, eliminating the need for new hiring under those permits.

Though the permit removes many structural hurdles, certain limitations and compliance obligations remain. Firms dealing in regulated activities—such as banking, healthcare, education or financial services—must still secure approvals from relevant regulators. The new scheme prohibits its use for entities within the Dubai International Financial Centre, which remains under a distinct legal regime.

The resolution introduces three permitted pathways: establishing a branch physically in the mainland, setting up a branch that operates out of the free zone, or obtaining a temporary permit for limited operations. All applications require consent from both DET and the corresponding free-zone authority. The permit regime mirrors the requirements of Resolution No. 11, which mandates separate bookkeeping and compliance under federal and local laws.

Dubai’s regulatory architecture has evolved in recent years: free zones traditionally offered full foreign ownership and streamlined processes, but lacked direct access to local markets. To counter that gap, companies often had to replicate operations via separate mainland entities or dual licences—a burden that increased costs and administrative duplication.

The new permit scheme thus signals a strategic pivot toward harmonising the city’s jurisdictional divide. Corporate law specialists note that simpler structures reduce overhead, ease governance challenges and mitigate tax or substance-test scrutiny. As one regional legal adviser put it, “Businesses can now use a single platform to expand rather than duplicating corporate filings.”

The pricing and validity terms are notable. The six-month, AED 5,000 permit is significantly more affordable and flexible than establishing a full mainland company, lowering the threshold for smaller firms and startups to experiment with onshore operations. The 9 per cent tax rate aligns with federal rules that apply to mainland income, while free-zone revenues remain eligible for preferential regimes.

By Nitya Chakraborty There is a big possibility of renewal of India-US bilateral ties impacting the ongoing trade talks following the proposed one on one meeting between the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the U.S. President Donald Trump during their presence in Kuala Lumpur to attend the summit of ASEAN members on October 26 […]

The article Trump-Modi Meet At ASEAN Summit In Malaysia Can Remove Irritants In Indo-US Ties appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Saudia’s inaugural direct passenger flight from Riyadh to Moscow landed on Friday at Sheremetyevo airport, signalling a new chapter in Saudi–Russian air connectivity. The airline plans to operate three weekly round-trip services, integrating tourism, business and diplomatic traffic between the two capitals.

The launch positions Saudia alongside Flynas, which commenced direct operations between Riyadh and Moscow’s Vnukovo airport in August with three weekly flights. Flynas is also slated to begin a Jeddah–Moscow route come December. The twin developments reflect a concerted push by both states to deepen bilateral ties through aviation links.

The Riyadh–Moscow air bridge is underpinned by the Saudi Tourism Authority and the Air Connectivity Program, designed to promote cross-border mobility and support Saudi Vision 2030. Saudia officials say ticketing and scheduling are aligned to accommodate business travellers, diplomats and leisure tourists. The route’s launch was celebrated in both capitals, where it was honoured with a water cannon salute at Sheremetyevo and a gala in Moscow attended by diplomatic representatives and aviation executives.

Russia has experienced a surge in travellers from Saudi Arabia. In 2024, over 52,400 Saudis visited Russia, a leap from just 9,300 the previous year, following Moscow’s August 2023 e-visa reform that enabled Saudis easier access. Likewise, Russian visitors to the Kingdom have grown steadily, aided by anticipatory visa liberalisation and reciprocal travel facilitation efforts.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, during talks with his Saudi counterpart, described the launch as an enabler of “tourist exchanges and business contacts,” citing that growing demand warranted direct air links. On the ground, Sheremetyevo’s scheduling system already lists flights to Riyadh beginning mid-October, operating up to five times weekly.

The timing dovetails with a broader recalibration in Saudi foreign policy and energy diplomacy. The personal rapport between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and President Vladimir Putin has been instrumental in facilitating cooperation within the OPEC+ framework. Cooperation in trade, energy and security has steadily flourished in recent years, and aviation ties now offer a tangible bridge between economies.

Saudia’s fleet expansion and network strategy underscore that the Moscow link is more than symbolic. The airline now serves over 100 destinations across four continents, with plans to expand to 145 destinations by 2030. Performance figures underscore ambition: in the first half of 2025, Saudia carried 17.5 million passengers and operated 100,000 flights.

The route is expected to spur ancillary sectors. Saudi tour operators are preparing Russia-focused packages including Moscow, St Petersburg, and beyond, while Russian travel agencies are packaging Saudi cities and pilgrimage circuits. Pilgrim traffic is especially significant: the Moscow launch could funnel more Russian pilgrims directly to Mecca or Medina via Riyadh.

Ethereum’s value slipped beneath the psychologically and technically significant $4,000 mark today, intensifying fears that the second-largest cryptocurrency may be entering a deeper correction. On Binance, ETH dipped to $3,988.89, down almost 8 per cent in 24 hours.

The abrupt drop triggered widespread liquidations, especially among leveraged positions. On-chain liquidation trackers show nearly $188 million in crypto was liquidated in just one hour during the sharp move.

Persistent macroeconomic headwinds, alongside renewed U. S.–China trade tensions, appear to have compounded selling pressure. The Nasdaq and other equity benchmarks also suffered, amplifying risk aversion among crypto investors.

Technical analysts now view the breakdown below $4,000 as a turning point. From a charting perspective, the fall invalidated previously bullish setups such as bull flags, leaving Ethereum exposed to further downside. One analyst cautioned that extended weakness could push ETH toward the $3,750 to $3,500 zone if pivotal support fails.

Support between $4,200 and $4,300 had held in recent sessions, but now that zone is under siege. Should it collapse, the stage may be set for a retest of $3,900 or lower. Traders are watching whether buyers will defend this corridor or capitulate.

Despite today’s plunge, some investors see accumulation underway. Ethereum’s total on-exchange supply has declined to a nine-year low, with large holders withdrawing ETH from exchanges—an indicator that long-term confidence may still remain intact.

Longer term, expectations remain cautiously optimistic. Standard Chartered recently raised its year-end target for ETH to $7,500, citing heightened institutional adoption and increasing use of the Ethereum network in stablecoin and DeFi infrastructures. Meanwhile, Citigroup offers a more conservative forecast of $4,300 by end-2025, warning that current prices may be more sentiment-driven than fundamentals-rooted.

Major upgrades on Ethereum’s roadmap could yet shift sentiment. Among them: the Glamsterdam upgrade, which integrates enhanced proposer-builder separation. However, a fresh academic study warns of a “free option” risk under high volatility, whereby builders may cancel committed payloads without penalty—posing challenges to network liveness during stress.

In the short term, analysts are split. Some argue that the slide is a healthy reset before ETH resumes an uptrend, provided support zones hold. Others say the breach of $4,000 suggests a loss of momentum strong enough to spark a deeper correction.

Crypto markets are already exhibiting signs of strain beyond Ethereum. Bitcoin is under pressure as well, and risk assets broadly are being squeezed by mixed macro data and higher real-interest rates. Some strategists say the crypto pullback could morph into a broader derisking wave unless fresh catalysts emerge.

Looking ahead, observers point to a few key variables: whether ETH can reclaim and sustain above $4,500; whether buyers will step in at $4,200–$4,300; and whether the network upgrades can deliver tangible improvements to gas, scalability, and decentralisation.

By Girish Linganna In a move that would have seemed unthinkable just a few years ago, Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi arrived in New Delhi on October 9 for an eight-day official visit that marks a watershed moment in India’s foreign policy. His meetings with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, followed by visits to […]

The article The Price Of Pragmatism: What India Gains (And Loses) By Courting The Taliban appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

The Government of Sharjah, rated Ba1/BBB–/AAA by Moody’s, S&P and Lianhe respectively, has mandated several major banks to explore a new Panda Bond issuance in China’s onshore bond market. The Finance Department has appointed Bank of China as lead underwriter and bookrunner, with Crédit Agricole, JP Morgan Chase, ICBC, China Bohai Bank, Citic Securities, the Export-Import Bank of China, and Shenwan Hongyuan Securities acting as joint lead underwriters and bookrunners.

This initiative marks Sharjah’s second foray into the Panda Bond space; it first tapped the Chinese domestic bond market in February 2018 with a RMB 2 billion issue, becoming the Middle East’s first Panda issuer. That issuance carried a coupon rate of 5.8 per cent and matured in 2021.

Market participants say Sharjah’s renewed interest signals increasing appetite among Gulf issuers for renminbi funding, especially given the growing scale of China’s interbank bond market and its accessibility to international issuers. The Panda market is seen as a way to diversify funding sources away from traditional dollar or euro issuance, while deepening engagement with China’s capital markets.

Observers note that the list of joint bookrunners and underwriters—including both Chinese and Western entities—reflects a strategic bridging between global and Chinese investor bases. Bank of China’s role as lead suggests that Chinese financial institutions will play a key role in structuring and distributing the bonds to domestic accounts. The presence of Crédit Agricole and JP Morgan, meanwhile, may facilitate cross-border investor participation.

Industry sources expect the issuance to follow the standard procedure under China’s bond regulations governing overseas issuers. This includes registration with NAFMII, compliance with disclosure requirements, and pricing via roadshows to institutional investors in China. The timeline, tenor and final coupon structure have not yet been disclosed, but sources familiar with the matter suggest Sharjah is seeking favourable market conditions to launch.

Issuers of Panda Bonds have historically benefitted from lower yields relative to comparable offshore RMB options, thanks to the liquidity and depth of China’s domestic markets. That said, success depends heavily on investor confidence in the issuer’s credit profile, transparency in the bond documentation, and the relative attractiveness of coupon spreads over domestic benchmarks.

Sharjah’s credit ratings present both strengths and challenges. Its triple-A rating from Lianhe bolsters credibility in the Chinese market. However, its non-investment grade rating from Moody’s and S&P may weigh on perceptions among global investors. How Sharjah positions itself to bridge that gap will be critical, particularly in roadshow messaging and bond structuring.

This development arrives at a time when Panda bond issuance is gaining momentum. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, for example, raised CNY 2 billion in its latest two-year Panda issuance, achieving oversubscription and attracting new investor accounts. The New Development Bank further expanded its onshore footprint earlier this year, issuing RMB 7 billion under its registered Panda Bond Programme.

Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund ADQ has shown preliminary interest in acquiring a majority stake in SAC, the operator of Catania Airport in Sicily, sources said, as investor focus intensifies on Italy’s regional infrastructure.

The sale process is not yet formally launched; however, ENAC is evaluating a draft tender expected to receive approval by late October to set the transaction in motion. Under the plan, between 51 % and 66 % of SAC would be sold. The asset is valued at between €500 million and €600 million, underpinned by projected core earnings in excess of €30 million.

SAC, controlled by local authorities and chambers of commerce, manages both Catania–Fontanarossa—Italy’s fifth busiest airport by traffic—and Comiso Airport in southern Sicily. The operating concession runs through 2049. The Sicilian airport served over 12.3 million passengers in 2024.

Privatisation of Sicily’s airports has been under discussion since 2022, when SAC appointed Mediobanca to advise on structuring the deal. Local shareholders have recently approved calls for an international tender and adopted updated industrial plans to attract private capital, while pledging to retain a qualified minority stake.

Antonino Belcuore, special commissioner of the Chamber of Commerce of South and East Sicily, welcomed ADQ’s interest, stating that it underscores the strategic importance of the asset and aligns with the broader push for privatisation in Sicily. ADQ declined to comment; SAC and ENAC have not issued responses.

ADQ currently holds investments spanning transport and logistics, including interests in Abu Dhabi Airports and Etihad Airways, and manages a portfolio worth approximately US$251 billion. Analysts say its appearance among suitors signals growing appetite from Gulf-based capital for stable, long-term infrastructure assets in Europe.

Observers flag that the EU and Italy are increasingly receptive to foreign capital inflows into infrastructure, particularly where public budgets remain constrained. The potential deal dovetails with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s agenda to deepen ties with Gulf states, exemplified by agreements under which the UAE committed to invest US$40 billion across strategic sectors in Italy.

Should ADQ or another bidder proceed to formal offers, the Catania sale could set benchmarks for airport privatisations in southern Europe. Authorities will need to balance investor returns with preserving public oversight, territorial interests, and aviation safety standards.

Local stakeholders—including regional governments and municipalities—are expected to negotiate protections within the concession framework to safeguard continuity of services, employment, and regional development. Meanwhile, potential bidders are assessing traffic trends, inflation, regulatory risk, and concession duration as they size their offers.

The sale of SAC would open a new chapter in Italy’s ongoing wave of airport privatisations, which has involved assets in the UK and across European markets. That backdrop provides precedent and comparators for valuation, regulatory design, and deal structures.

The UAE Space Agency has rolled out a new digital platform designed to deliver space licences and permits entirely online via a smartphone app, enabling applicants to sign in using UAE PASS and monitor their application status. The launch took place in Dubai ahead of the GITEX Global 2025 tech expo.

This platform replaces traditional paper-based workflows with an integrated, automated system. Submissions, approvals and tracking are now consolidated into a user interface that aims to reduce processing times and increase transparency. Companies, start-ups and investors across the space sector will access the full lifecycle of licensing digitally, including renewals, amendments and compliance reporting.

UAESA’s chairman, Khalifa Al Shamsi, emphasised that the move aligns with the UAE’s ambition to become a regional space hub. “This platform reinforces our commitment to efficiency, sustainability and innovation,” he said. The agency expects that the system will eliminate redundancy, reduce human error and allow for better data analytics to guide policy decisions.

The system ties into UAE PASS, the country’s national digital identity service, meaning users can authenticate securely with existing credentials. Once logged in, applicants will receive real-time updates at each processing stage and be able to respond to requests or queries via the interface.

Behind the scenes, UAESA integrated the platform with multiple government entities—such as telecommunications regulators, frequency management and national security agencies—to ensure licensing decisions can access requisite data without repeated manual handovers. This interoperability was cited as a major technical hurdle during development, but UAESA says the system passes all requisite security audits.

Space industry observers see multiple competitive advantages. By cutting weeks or even months from licence cycles, the platform may attract foreign investment and accelerate project deployment. It also lowers the barrier for smaller actors — including universities or start-ups — to obtain permitting for satellite launches, ground stations or frequency allocations.

That said, challenges remain. Some firms have flagged concerns over the transition, especially those with legacy processes, noting that training and system migration will require internal adjustments. Also, regulatory complexity in cross-border space operations is unlikely to disappear entirely, so coordination with other national and international space authorities will still demand institutional engagement.

The cryptocurrency market has experienced a sharp downturn, with over $100 million worth of positions liquidated in the past 60 minutes. This sudden plunge has sent shockwaves through the sector, with both retail and institutional investors facing severe losses. The volatility underscores the unpredictable nature of the crypto landscape, where prices can fluctuate wildly, often within short time frames.

At the heart of the market’s rapid decline is a combination of factors that have rattled traders. A significant sell-off in major cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, has triggered a cascade of liquidations. This activity typically occurs when leveraged traders are forced to sell off their positions to meet margin calls, further driving down prices. The market has seen a surge in such sell-offs following a series of adverse market signals, including regulatory concerns, broader economic factors, and macroeconomic events affecting global financial markets.

The recent downturn comes at a time when cryptocurrency markets have already been under pressure from tightening financial conditions across the globe. Inflation concerns and rising interest rates have led to reduced liquidity in many sectors, including digital assets. Cryptocurrency, which is often seen as a high-risk investment, has been particularly vulnerable to these shifts. With investors pulling back and re-evaluating their portfolios, volatility has surged, and cryptocurrencies have taken a substantial hit.

Market analysts have pointed to several factors contributing to the liquidity crisis. Firstly, the ongoing regulatory scrutiny in key jurisdictions has heightened concerns over the long-term viability of certain digital assets. In the United States, lawmakers have continued to debate how to regulate cryptocurrencies, with some seeking stricter oversight, which could have a dampening effect on investment. Meanwhile, in Europe, the regulatory landscape has been evolving, with the European Union moving forward with legislation designed to increase transparency in the crypto sector. These developments have raised uncertainty about the future of cryptocurrencies as a legitimate financial asset.

Bitcoin, the largest cryptocurrency by market capitalisation, has been trading below key support levels, which has triggered massive sell-offs. Technical analysis indicates that the price has dipped significantly, prompting traders to take precautionary measures and close their leveraged positions to avoid further losses. Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency, has followed suit, showing similar signs of weakness. The price action of both major coins has been exacerbated by the liquidations themselves, creating a feedback loop that deepens the market’s downward spiral.

Traders in the cryptocurrency space are no strangers to high volatility, but such rapid and significant liquidations highlight the risks of excessive leverage. Leverage, which allows traders to borrow funds to increase their exposure to a particular asset, can amplify both gains and losses. While it has the potential to increase returns during a rally, it can be equally damaging in a downturn, leading to forced liquidations when assets fall below a certain threshold.

The crisis in the cryptocurrency market also serves as a reminder of the growing role of institutional investors, who are increasingly active in the space. While their presence has brought more legitimacy to the market, it has also introduced new dynamics. Many institutional investors now utilise leverage and sophisticated trading strategies, contributing to the market’s overall volatility. The presence of institutional money means that market movements can be magnified, especially when large positions are liquidated in a short time frame.

By Nitya Chakraborty The Israel-Hamas peace deal announced by the US President Donald Trump on Wednesday night in Washington is a welcome development, however limited it be at the moment as the agreement between the two warring parties is only for the first phase of Trump sponsored deal involving the release of all hostages by […]

The article Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Deal Is Welcome But The Follow Up Is Crucial For Enduring Peace appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

State Street Corporation, a global asset management firm managing over $5.1 trillion in assets, has announced a significant shift in investment strategy, revealing that 60% of institutional investors plan to expand their allocations in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. This move marks a notable change in the traditionally cautious stance of institutional investors toward digital assets.

The Boston-based firm’s latest report sheds light on the growing momentum in the crypto market, despite its historically volatile nature. The increase in institutional interest comes amidst an evolving regulatory landscape and a heightened focus on digital assets as an emerging class of investments. State Street’s research found that institutional investors, especially pension funds, endowments, and family offices, are increasingly viewing cryptocurrencies as viable long-term assets rather than speculative investments.

The surge in interest is partly driven by the evolving understanding of blockchain technology and its potential to revolutionise various industries. Many institutional investors, once sceptical of cryptocurrencies, are now integrating digital assets into their portfolios as part of a broader diversification strategy. State Street’s report highlights that over the next two years, the shift towards Bitcoin and crypto could lead to a more balanced investment portfolio for many institutional players.

One of the key drivers of this shift is the increasing recognition of Bitcoin as a store of value, akin to gold. With inflationary pressures persisting in traditional markets, many institutional investors are seeking alternative assets that offer the potential for significant returns, coupled with a hedge against inflation. In fact, Bitcoin’s rise over the past few years has been compared to the gold rush, attracting both institutional and retail investors keen on capitalising on its perceived scarcity.

The report highlights the rising number of crypto-friendly regulatory frameworks being developed globally. Governments and regulators in key markets, including the US and Europe, are progressively aligning with the crypto industry’s growth. Recent regulatory clarity is expected to further boost institutional confidence, providing a more stable environment for investors. This shift in regulatory attitudes signals a broader acceptance of digital currencies in the financial system.

The institutional appetite for cryptocurrencies is being encouraged by the increasing number of crypto-focused financial products. Bitcoin futures, exchange-traded funds, and custodial services have become more accessible, offering institutional investors a secure and regulated pathway into the crypto market. Major players like BlackRock and Fidelity have already launched Bitcoin ETFs, catering to the rising demand for digital asset exposure.

Despite the optimistic outlook, challenges remain. The volatility of cryptocurrencies, the risk of regulatory changes, and concerns over security are factors that continue to cause hesitation among some institutional investors. However, the growing presence of crypto in mainstream finance is undeniably reshaping perceptions and broadening the scope of opportunities within the digital asset space.

State Street’s survey also highlighted a shift in the broader financial ecosystem. As crypto adoption increases among institutional investors, the traditional financial sector is also ramping up efforts to integrate blockchain technology into its operations. From clearing and settlement systems to cross-border payments, blockchain is beginning to be recognised for its potential to enhance efficiency and transparency in financial transactions.