News related to
Expansion

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.

Abu Dhabi hosted the two-day Regional Sports Arbitration Seminar, drawing officials and experts from across Asia to strengthen the legal architecture in sport governance.

The event, organised by the UAE National Olympic Committee and the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation in coordination with the Olympic Council of Asia, featured sessions ranging from case management to institutional development in sports law.

One of the spotlight panels, led by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, addressed existential pressures on arbitration mechanisms under the title “Is Sports Arbitration Under Threat?” Participants from Qatar’s Sports Arbitration Foundation presented their evolving model, underscoring capacity building and procedural innovations.

Dr Mohammed bin Nasser Basem, chair of the Saudi Sports Arbitration Center, laid out his country’s journey in building regulatory frameworks, managing caseloads, and engaging media stakeholders. He urged the expansion of arbitration capacity at both continental and national levels. At the same time, Oman’s Salem Al Rawahi pointed to plans to set up an independent sports arbitration body in the Sultanate, and he commented that the diverse mix of Asian contributions enriched the exchange.

On the first day, Dr Abdullah Al-Hayyan of CAS guided attendees through foundational concepts of sports arbitration, and the Saudi experience was cited as a case study in governance and procedural practices. The seminar also explored cooperation between national courts, ministries of justice and sports arbitration bodies, a recurring theme as countries aim to enshrine arbitration decisions in enforceable legal frameworks.

The Olympic Council of Asia judged the programme a success, asserting that it deepened participants’ grasp of emerging trends in sports law and encouraged engagement among Asian legal and sport justice officials.

Across the two days, attendees weighed the tension between evolving global standards and region-specific contexts in structuring fair dispute resolution. Lessons from Qatar and Saudi Arabia were discussed as potential models adaptable to other national settings.

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.

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.

Lyft Inc. has entered into a partnership with the autonomous vehicle company Tensor Auto Inc. to introduce a fleet of robotaxis across North America and Europe by 2027. The companies aim to reshape the transportation landscape, focusing on the future of urban mobility. Lyft’s venture into the robotaxi market signals a significant step towards embracing fully autonomous driving technologies, which could revolutionise urban transport systems globally.

Under the terms of the agreement, Tensor Auto will provide the necessary technology to power the autonomous vehicles, while Lyft will manage the operations, including fleet logistics, ride-hailing services, and customer-facing platforms. The collaboration is set to leverage Lyft’s extensive experience in the ride-hailing industry, which already covers a wide range of urban markets in both regions. This partnership marks a key milestone in the journey towards making driverless cars a reality, aiming to deliver more efficient and eco-friendly transportation alternatives.

Lyft’s move into robotaxis comes as the autonomous vehicle market is experiencing a rapid surge in interest, with several major players such as Tesla, Google’s Waymo, and others investing heavily in the technology. These vehicles are designed to operate without human intervention, using a combination of sensors, cameras, and advanced artificial intelligence to navigate city streets. By eliminating the need for drivers, robotaxis promise to cut costs, reduce congestion, and lower emissions, aligning with the growing demand for greener urban transport solutions.

The rollout of robotaxis is expected to be gradual, with Lyft planning to initially deploy a limited number of vehicles in select cities. The fleet will be integrated with Lyft’s existing app, allowing customers to book rides as they would with traditional cars. While the service will begin with a small fleet of vehicles, Lyft and Tensor Auto anticipate expanding the network as regulatory frameworks for autonomous vehicles evolve and urban infrastructure adapts to accommodate driverless cars.

Lyft’s decision to enter the autonomous ride-sharing market comes at a time when the company is looking to diversify its services beyond traditional ride-hailing. The potential of robotaxis could be a game changer in terms of profitability and service efficiency. As the global shift towards sustainability grows stronger, self-driving electric vehicles like these offer a promising solution to reduce carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.

Tensor Auto, a leader in autonomous driving technology, has been a key player in the development of self-driving solutions for both private and commercial transportation. The company has been refining its autonomous system, focusing on the safety, reliability, and efficiency of its vehicles. Tensor Auto’s vehicles are equipped with state-of-the-art sensors and machine learning algorithms designed to enable smooth navigation in complex urban environments. These innovations are expected to be central to the success of the Lyft robotaxi initiative.

While many of the logistics regarding the fleet’s operation remain in development, key challenges will include regulatory approvals, vehicle safety standards, and ensuring that autonomous systems can navigate the dynamic nature of urban environments. Several regions, including parts of Europe and North America, have already started the process of revising their traffic laws to accommodate self-driving vehicles, with pilot programs and test sites being established in cities like San Francisco and London.

Experts suggest that the integration of robotaxis could lead to significant shifts in how people approach urban mobility. With the promise of safer, more reliable, and more affordable transportation, the expansion of driverless cars could be particularly beneficial in densely populated cities, where congestion and pollution are persistent challenges. Lyft and Tensor Auto’s collaboration could set a new benchmark for the future of transportation, one that is driven by sustainability and technological advancement.

The company’s market cap, now placing it among the most valuable companies globally, reflects its strategic positioning at the centre of critical technological trends. Nvidia’s GPU technology has become indispensable in fields ranging from gaming to machine learning and data analytics. Its leadership in AI applications, particularly in areas like autonomous driving and generative AI, has been a key driver behind its expanding market reach.

The surge in Nvidia’s market cap follows impressive quarterly earnings, which showed a substantial increase in revenue, particularly driven by its data centre segment. Analysts attribute the company’s growth to its cutting-edge products, including the A100 and H100 GPUs, which have cemented Nvidia’s reputation as the leading provider of AI computing hardware. These advancements are now crucial to many sectors, including cloud computing, gaming, and large-scale enterprise solutions.

Nvidia’s ability to capitalise on the increasing integration of AI into business processes and consumer products has been pivotal to its success. The company’s GPUs power most of the leading AI platforms, including those used in cloud data centres, where the demand for advanced computational power continues to soar. Moreover, Nvidia’s partnerships with tech giants and startups alike have positioned it as an essential player in the development of AI tools and infrastructure.

In addition to its AI-driven growth, Nvidia has capitalised on the gaming industry, where its GPUs remain a cornerstone for high-performance graphics. The booming popularity of esports and virtual reality, as well as the continual advancement of gaming hardware, has kept Nvidia in a dominant position within this sector. Its GPUs power not only personal gaming rigs but also high-end consoles and cloud-based gaming services, further amplifying its market presence.

The company’s stock performance has consistently outpaced the broader technology sector, with a remarkable acceleration in share prices following its strategic shift towards AI and machine learning. Investors have been particularly bullish on Nvidia, with many analysts forecasting continued growth driven by the company’s investments in next-generation technologies and its expanding footprint in emerging markets like AI-driven healthcare, robotics, and digital content creation.

Nvidia’s market success has also been underpinned by its robust financial health. The company’s ability to generate strong cash flows has allowed it to reinvest in cutting-edge R&D, securing its competitive edge. Nvidia has consistently delivered on innovation, with the launch of new products and the expansion of its software ecosystem, which includes AI development tools, simulation platforms, and enterprise solutions.

The market has recognised Nvidia’s potential beyond traditional GPU applications. Its recent moves into high-performance computing and the automotive sector, particularly with self-driving car technologies, have diversified its portfolio and unlocked new revenue streams. As Nvidia continues to push the boundaries of what its technology can achieve, its influence on the global tech landscape is only expected to grow.

Bybit, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first fully licensed crypto exchange to operate in the UAE. This breakthrough comes amid the UAE’s ongoing efforts to establish itself as a global hub for digital assets and blockchain technology.

The UAE has long been a proponent of embracing emerging technologies, particularly in the fintech and blockchain sectors. The government’s progressive stance has attracted numerous cryptocurrency firms looking to establish a foothold in the region. Bybit’s licensing by the UAE’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority solidifies its position within this growing market.

The FSRA’s approval marks a crucial development, as it provides Bybit with a clear regulatory framework to offer crypto trading services to customers in the UAE. The exchange, which has previously operated under regulatory frameworks in other jurisdictions, will now operate in full compliance with local laws. This licensing allows Bybit to offer a wide range of digital asset services, including spot and derivatives trading, to both institutional and retail investors.

The approval is a testament to the UAE’s regulatory efforts to integrate the cryptocurrency sector into its broader financial ecosystem. The country has been proactive in ensuring that regulations keep pace with the rapid evolution of digital assets, making it an attractive destination for crypto companies seeking a compliant and stable environment.

Bybit’s decision to seek a licence in the UAE comes at a time when the global crypto market faces heightened scrutiny and regulatory challenges. In a climate where several countries have been introducing stringent regulatory measures, the UAE’s more flexible approach to crypto regulation has set it apart. This has resulted in an influx of international crypto firms looking to operate in the region, as they see the UAE as a secure base from which to expand their services.

The approval process for Bybit was rigorous and comprehensive, ensuring that the exchange adhered to strict security measures, anti-money laundering protocols, and customer protection standards. The FSRA has been meticulous in its review, demonstrating its commitment to fostering a secure and transparent environment for digital asset trading.

UAE officials have long spoken about their vision to turn the country into a leader in the global digital economy, with blockchain and cryptocurrency playing key roles in that vision. The emirate of Dubai, in particular, has been a front-runner in attracting cryptocurrency firms, with its Dubai International Financial Centre and the Dubai Financial Services Authority offering frameworks tailored to the needs of digital asset businesses.

The Bybit licensing follows a series of initiatives launched by the UAE government, including the establishment of the Dubai Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority. VARA’s creation was designed to regulate virtual assets, ensuring that companies operating within the region meet stringent compliance standards. This regulatory framework has been instrumental in bringing crypto companies into the fold, offering a more secure trading environment for users and businesses alike.

Bybit’s entry into the UAE market has also brought attention to the broader trends shaping the cryptocurrency industry in the Middle East. The UAE has become one of the leading markets for blockchain innovation, with numerous projects underway to integrate blockchain technology into sectors such as real estate, logistics, and finance. As the region’s appetite for digital innovation grows, companies like Bybit are poised to capitalise on this evolving landscape.

The licensing of Bybit is also expected to have a ripple effect on the wider cryptocurrency ecosystem. With the exchange now authorised to operate legally in the UAE, it may pave the way for other platforms to follow suit, thereby increasing the variety of options available to investors. This will likely enhance the overall appeal of the UAE as a destination for cryptocurrency trading and investment.

Despite the current global volatility in the crypto market, Bybit’s expansion into the UAE market reflects its long-term confidence in the future of digital assets. As the company continues to expand its services worldwide, the UAE’s stable regulatory environment offers a solid foundation for its growth in the Middle East.

LearningCrypto has emerged as a leading force in the intersection of cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence, capitalising on the growing interest in crypto education. As more individuals seek to understand the complexities of digital currencies, platforms like LearningCrypto are responding to an urgent demand for in-depth knowledge in the ever-evolving crypto space.

The expansion of AI-driven educational tools has significantly reshaped how cryptocurrency is taught. LearningCrypto, which has grown rapidly over the past year, leverages AI to personalise the learning experience for its users. The platform uses AI algorithms to track a learner’s progress, adapt content, and recommend courses based on individual learning preferences and gaps in knowledge. By tapping into AI, the platform aims to bridge the knowledge gap, enabling people of all levels—from beginners to seasoned investors—to enhance their understanding of crypto assets.

Market trends show an overwhelming shift toward digital learning, especially in niche fields like cryptocurrency. As blockchain technology continues to disrupt traditional industries, there is a growing need for professional development courses tailored to the crypto world. This demand is being fuelled by a surge in cryptocurrency adoption and institutional interest, coupled with an increase in regulatory scrutiny. Individuals and businesses alike are eager to stay ahead of the curve, making crypto education a crucial priority.

LearningCrypto’s rise highlights a broader trend in the education sector, where AI is being harnessed not only for customised learning experiences but also for its potential to simulate real-world trading scenarios. This feature appeals to both new investors looking to explore the market and seasoned professionals wanting to test their strategies without the risk of losing capital. The ability to create simulated trading environments has proven to be a game-changer, giving users a safe space to learn and practice their skills.

Several factors contribute to the rapid adoption of crypto education platforms, with accessibility being at the forefront. These platforms offer an array of resources, from video tutorials and webinars to live sessions with industry experts. The inclusion of AI-driven assistance allows users to receive real-time feedback, enhancing their ability to grasp intricate concepts at their own pace. With many courses offered online, learners have the flexibility to study on their terms, making education more accessible than ever before.

The integration of AI also addresses one of the key challenges in cryptocurrency education—keeping up with the pace of change in the crypto market. AI tools can quickly adapt content to reflect the latest developments, market trends, and regulatory updates. This ability to provide up-to-date information ensures that learners are not left behind as the landscape shifts. For example, new developments such as the rise of central bank digital currencies and the ongoing discussions around the regulation of stablecoins are integrated into course materials in real-time.

The success of LearningCrypto is also a testament to the broader trend of the digital transformation of education. As traditional educational models struggle to keep up with technological advancements, online learning platforms powered by AI are becoming the go-to option for learners. Cryptocurrency, once viewed as a niche market, has gone mainstream, and its educational demand reflects this shift. By leveraging AI, platforms like LearningCrypto are positioning themselves at the forefront of this digital revolution in finance education.

Key players in the crypto education space have also taken note of this trend, with many developing their own AI-powered features to enhance the learning experience. Some platforms offer AI chatbots that provide instant answers to users’ queries, while others employ predictive analytics to help learners anticipate and prepare for market trends. This evolving landscape has raised the bar for crypto education, pushing platforms to integrate cutting-edge technology to remain competitive.

Google has broadened the accessibility of its AI-powered search feature, now available in 35 additional languages and 40 more countries. This global expansion brings cutting-edge search capabilities to millions more users, further solidifying the tech giant’s position in the evolving digital landscape.

The search engine’s AI mode, which has already been integrated into several regions, is designed to enhance user experience by delivering more nuanced, contextually aware responses. It leverages advanced machine learning algorithms to provide users with relevant, personalised information based on their search queries. As a result, users now receive more accurate results and immediate answers, whether they’re looking for detailed technical data, news, or casual information.

The expansion into 35 new languages, including Bengali, Malay, and Persian, marks a significant milestone in Google’s ambition to create a more universally accessible search engine. The company’s efforts to make its AI-powered features more inclusive have resonated with a global audience, particularly in regions with high numbers of native speakers who had previously been underrepresented in AI-driven services.

This development is part of Google’s broader strategy to strengthen its competitive edge in the search market. With AI now becoming a central element in search functionality, the company aims to differentiate itself from other players, such as Microsoft’s Bing, which has also integrated AI technology into its search engine.

Google’s move aligns with its ongoing efforts to prioritise artificial intelligence across its platforms. AI’s role in search has evolved beyond simple query-based responses to complex problem-solving and semantic understanding. By deploying AI in this expanded format, the company is setting a new benchmark for how search engines should interact with users. The introduction of more languages ensures that users worldwide benefit from a more intuitive and responsive search experience.

The roll-out is also designed to capture the attention of non-English-speaking markets, where Google has faced competition from regional players. For example, in countries where local languages dominate, such as parts of Southeast Asia and the Middle East, the ability to use AI-driven search in native languages is a crucial step towards maintaining user loyalty. Google’s strategy appears to be not only about providing relevant information but also tailoring responses in ways that reflect cultural and linguistic contexts.

Industry analysts note that the deployment of AI in search is becoming increasingly vital for tech companies looking to stay ahead in the digital space. By bringing AI to more languages, Google is ensuring its search platform remains at the forefront of technological innovation, offering greater value to users around the globe. Furthermore, the technology promises to assist businesses in connecting with customers more effectively by improving discoverability and delivering content more suited to regional and linguistic preferences.

This step towards universal AI integration is also a response to the growing demand for more accessible, user-centric services. As artificial intelligence continues to mature, users expect it to provide not only immediate answers but also solutions that are tailored to their individual needs and linguistic background.

However, the move is not without its challenges. Ensuring that AI algorithms perform optimally in diverse languages, including those with complex grammatical structures and dialects, remains a significant hurdle. For instance, languages like Bengali or Malay pose unique challenges due to their rich vocabulary and varied sentence structures. Google’s AI team is likely to continue refining its models to handle these nuances, improving accuracy and overall user satisfaction.

The growing global reach of AI-powered search further emphasises the broader trend of AI’s role in shaping future technology. With machine learning increasingly being embedded into everyday tasks, from search engines to digital assistants, the evolution of AI represents both an opportunity and a responsibility for companies like Google. The company must balance rapid innovation with ethical considerations, ensuring that its AI systems are transparent, equitable, and accountable.

GITEX, the iconic technology and innovation expo, is broadening its footprint by expanding into Vietnam, heralding a new chapter for the Southeast Asian nation’s burgeoning digital economy. With the event’s successful history in the Middle East and Asia, this expansion signals a strong shift towards positioning Vietnam as a central player in the global digital arena. The launch aligns with Vietnam’s ambitious vision to develop a digital economy worth over $200 billion by 2030, driven by the country’s evolving tech ecosystem, government-backed initiatives, and an increasingly connected population.

GITEX Vietnam, set to take place in Hanoi, is expected to be a major catalyst for the nation’s digital transformation. The expo, known for showcasing the latest advancements in AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and smart technologies, will provide a platform for global tech giants and local startups to foster collaboration. This shift not only promises to boost local innovation but also offers international companies the opportunity to tap into Vietnam’s rapidly growing market. The country’s young, tech-savvy population and expanding digital infrastructure make it an ideal destination for the event, underscoring the symbiotic relationship between GITEX’s global platform and Vietnam’s digital future.

The expansion into Vietnam is a testament to GITEX’s strategic move to capture the rising tide of digitalisation across Southeast Asia. According to industry analysts, Vietnam’s digital economy is one of the fastest-growing in the region. With the government’s commitment to building a robust digital infrastructure, the country aims to integrate digital solutions across key sectors, including healthcare, education, logistics, and manufacturing. This government push is expected to further accelerate innovation in AI and blockchain technologies, sectors where Vietnam has begun to make notable strides.

One of the main drivers behind Vietnam’s digital economy ambitions is the government’s Digital Transformation Program, which aims to equip businesses and individuals with the tools to thrive in the new digital world. As part of this initiative, the Vietnamese government has pledged to support local startups and foster an environment conducive to technological advancements. Public-private partnerships are expected to play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between government policy and the commercial sector, ensuring that both infrastructure and innovation go hand in hand.

GITEX’s involvement in this transformation is poised to elevate Vietnam’s digital capabilities on the global stage. By offering a comprehensive view of the latest trends, technologies, and business solutions, the event will expose Vietnamese enterprises to the tools and insights needed to enhance productivity, efficiency, and innovation. As part of the expansion, Vietnam’s homegrown tech companies will also be able to showcase their capabilities, fostering collaboration with global leaders in digital technologies.

The 2025 edition of GITEX Vietnam will feature a broad spectrum of sectors, including digital health, fintech, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. These areas align closely with the country’s vision to modernise key industries and improve overall living standards through technology. AI, for instance, is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing Vietnam’s manufacturing sector, enabling greater automation and precision in production. Additionally, fintech’s rise in Vietnam promises to boost financial inclusion by offering innovative solutions to underserved populations, with digital payments and mobile banking expanding rapidly in urban and rural areas alike.

The growing momentum of GITEX in Southeast Asia is evident through its ongoing success in regions like the UAE, India, and Saudi Arabia, where it has served as a crucial platform for digital transformation discussions. The move into Vietnam further strengthens its position as a global tech hub, providing valuable opportunities for cross-border collaboration. Vietnamese companies, eager to expand their reach, will benefit immensely from the international exposure GITEX provides, potentially paving the way for future partnerships, investments, and technological breakthroughs.

The subscription window for Abdulaziz Ahmad Al-Twijri Trading Company’s initial public offering on the Nomu–Parallel Market will run from 2 to 9 November 2025, focusing exclusively on qualified investors. The offering involves 1 million shares — equivalent to 20 % of the company’s post-IPO capital. The Capital Market Authority approved the registration in June 2025.

Al-Twijri had earlier attempted an IPO in June 2023, when it proposed to list 600,000 shares; the attempt was cancelled after failing to attract full subscription. The current issue is built on a base capital prior to offering of SAR 40 million, paid up via 4 million shares at a nominal value of SAR 10 each. Post-offering, the company will issue 5 million shares, with the floated portion representing 20 %.

Al-Twijri’s core operations span wholesale of food, hygiene and personal care products, medical supplies, plus real-estate leasing and management. In its prospectus, the firm indicates plans to channel proceeds toward expansion of storage capacity and related working capital needs.

The company has appointed Yaqeen Capital as financial advisor and bookrunner, and a spectrum of Saudi capital firms — including Derayah, Al Rajhi Capital, SNB Capital, Riyad Capital, Albilad Capital, AlJazira Capital, Alistithmar Capital, Alinma Capital, ANB, Alkhabeer, SAB Capital, Sahm Capital, GIB Capital and Musharaka Capital — as receiving agents.

Under Saudi capital markets rules, the offering is limited to qualified investors as defined by CMA guidelines. The CMA has emphasised that its approval is procedural; it does not constitute an investment endorsement.

Analysts note that the timing taps into broader momentum in Saudi Arabia’s IPO market. During the second quarter of 2025, Saudi listings captured about 76 % of all GCC IPO proceeds, with strong interest in offerings on both the main market and Nomu. Participation by institutional or high-net-worth investors will be critical to achieving full allocation.

Al-Twijri’s promoters — chiefly members of the Al-Twijri family — will retain controlling interest. In past filings, Mohamed and Khalid Al-Twijri held 30.5 % each, with minority holders covering the remainder. Post-IPO, their combined share will remain significant.

Gemini has secured registration with AUSTRAC and formally established its Australian arm, positioning itself as a regulated digital currency provider in the country. With the move, Australians can now trade with Australian dollars through local payment rails and the firm has named a dedicated country head to lead its strategy.

The new entity, Gemini Intergalactic Australia Pty Ltd, is now recognised by AUSTRAC as a digital currency provider, enabling full operations in compliance with Australia’s anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing laws. Local deposit and withdrawal options via PayID and Australia’s New Payments Platform will be enabled, reducing reliance on cross-border transfers.

Saad Ahmed, Gemini’s head of APAC, said the expansion aligns with robust demand in Australia’s crypto market, which the company estimates at roughly 22–25 per cent adoption. He emphasised that the decision to push into Australia preceded the government’s latest regulatory proposals. The firm plans to apply for an Australian Financial Services License to roll out advanced services such as staking and lending, but these will not be available at launch.

To lead its local presence, Gemini has appointed James Logan as Head of Australia. Logan was formerly in leadership roles at Luno and Bitget in Australia, thus bringing regional experience in crypto operations and regulatory compliance. His responsibilities include building partnerships, scaling operations, and navigating evolving policy frameworks.

Gemini’s entry comes amid intensifying regulatory focus in Australia. The government recently released draft legislation that would require crypto exchanges to hold an AFSL under the Corporations Act, thus applying the same regulatory rigour to digital assets as to traditional finance firms. Some industry observers view the move as a consolidation trigger—smaller platforms may struggle to absorb compliance costs.

Beyond regulation, banking integration remains a competitive differentiator. Australian customers have long faced friction when depositing and withdrawing via crypto platforms due to banks restricting or flagging such transactions. Gemini’s local setup aims to mitigate such barriers by partnering with Australian payment systems and financial institutions.

In the competitive landscape, Gemini will go head to head with established players such as Independent Reserve, CoinSpot, Binance Australia and OKX. While some already operate under established local compliance frameworks, Gemini emphasises institutional-grade infrastructure, regulatory integrity and global liquidity as its advantages.

Analysts view the timing of Gemini’s move as strategic. The firm’s recent listing on Nasdaq, in which it raised USD 425 million, has strengthened its capital base and credibility. Establishing operations in Australia now allows it to lock in market share under current rules, ahead of any stricter licensing regime.

Australia’s crypto adoption has surged in recent years. Surveys and industry reports suggest that by 2025 nearly one in four Australians hold digital assets—a rate comparable to the U. S. This growth, along with rising institutional interest, makes the market an increasingly attractive target for global exchanges.

Gemini has had a presence in Australia since 2019, serving local users via its global platform but with limited features and higher costs. Under the new structure, native AUD deposits, enhanced trading pairs, and faster settlement are expected to improve user experience and price competitiveness.

While Gemini’s initial rollout will omit certain features like crypto-backed credit or staking, the company says it is pacing its product expansion in tandem with regulatory clarity. It is adopting a “wait-and-watch” posture with respect to the government’s consultation process, but remains confident that its operations will comply.

The Australian push is one element in Gemini’s broader global strategy. It has also moved ahead in Europe under MiCA and is exploring tokenised stock trading in key markets. The firm now claims to serve customers in over 60 jurisdictions and has processed hundreds of billions of dollars in cumulative trading volume.

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company announced that its six publicly traded subsidiaries will distribute AED 158 billion in dividends through to 2030, nearly doubling the AED 86 billion cumulative payout since the first listing in 2017.

The announcement came during ADNOC’s inaugural Investor Majlis in Abu Dhabi, where the group underscored its commitment to shareholder returns and transparent governance. The dividend programme is subject to customary approvals and will provide long-term visibility to investors across its diversified portfolio of listed entities.

ADNOC’s six listed companies currently account for more than AED 550 billion in market capitalisation on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and represent nearly 40 percent of the annual dividends distributed on the market. Under the new plan, three additional entities—ADNOC Distribution, ADNOC Gas, and ADNOC Logistics & Services—will join ADNOC Drilling in issuing quarterly dividends.

Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, ADNOC’s Managing Director and CEO, also serving as UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, described the dividend target as a “landmark step” adding clarity to the group’s capital return path. He stated the move would “enhance value” for citizens, residents, and partners, and reaffirmed ADNOC’s focus on cost discipline, efficiency and growth.

Each listed unit announced specific dividend floors and policy reforms. ADNOC Drilling set a cumulative floor of AED 25 billion by 2030, representing a 26 percent minimum return over the period. ADNOC Gas pledged a target of AED 90 billion, with dividends moving to a quarterly basis from 2025 onward. ADNOC Logistics & Services raised its guidance to AED 8.1 billion for 2025–2030 and intends to adopt quarterly distributions from the third quarter of 2025.

Other units will also tighten their dividend structures. ADNOC Distribution expanded its dividend policy through 2030 and targets cumulative returns exceeding 30 percent over the 2025–2030 period. Borouge affirmed a dividend floor for 2025 and envisaged a payout ratio of 90 percent of net profit in future years. Fertiglobe flagged interim dividend payments and share buybacks for 2025 to support yield.

Beyond dividends, ADNOC disclosed key developments across its upstream, LNG and petrochemical segments. ADNOC Gas has secured a long-term feedstock agreement worth AED 147 billion with its Ruwais LNG facility. Over 80 percent of project capacity is under contract. The group also reported that the merger of its petrochemical assets with OMV—that is, combining Borouge and Borealis into Borouge Group International —remains on course for completion in Q1 2026. Financing for the transaction, valued at AED 56.6 billion, is in place and synergies of at least AED 1.8 billion annually have been identified.

Earlier this year, ADNOC transferred its stakes in several listed subsidiaries—namely Distribution, Drilling, Gas and Logistics & Services—to its wholly owned investment arm, XRG, via off-market moves. The transfers, completed or pending regulatory clearance, were explicitly stated not to affect operations, leadership or dividend policies. Control remains with ADNOC via its 100 percent ownership of XRG.

Analysts view the dividend pledge as a strategic signal in a more competitive capital-raising environment. It strengthens the case for long-term investor confidence, especially amid global volatility in energy markets and shifting sector dynamics. Some warn, however, that such large commitments require careful balance with capital expenditure demands, especially for exploration, decarbonisation and upstream expansion to meet rising regional energy and gas demand.

MetaMask has rolled out an integration with Hyperliquid that allows perpetual futures trading directly within its wallet, marking a major expansion beyond its core custodial functionality. The launch went live today in selected jurisdictions, enabling users to take leveraged positions without leaving the application’s interface.

This move transforms MetaMask from a simple wallet to a more comprehensive on-chain trading hub. By embedding Hyperliquid’s perpetuals engine natively, MetaMask removes several intermediate steps that historically deter adoption—such as requiring users to traverse to external exchanges, cross chains, or cover multiple transaction fees. According to MetaMask’s global product lead, Gal Eldar, the integration “offers a frictionless path for passive holders to become active traders.” The wallet’s new “one-tap” experience is optimised for mobile usage, lowering barriers to entry.

Hyperliquid, a decentralised derivatives platform built with its own Layer 1 infrastructure, claims to support gas-free settlement and performance at scale. The platform processes tens of billions in trading volume, placing it among the leading names in on-chain perpetual markets. Hyperliquid’s architecture, with reported throughput exceeding 200,000 orders per second, underpins the performance demands of integrating derivatives directly inside a wallet.

MetaMask’s entry into this domain arrives amid sharp growth in decentralized perpetuals. In September, the total trading volume across decentralised perpetual platforms exceeded $700 billion, spurred by trader demand for leverage, 24/7 markets, and non-custodial exposure. Hyperliquid is a consistent high performer, with some estimates attributing to it a majority share of decentralised perpetual activity.

The new feature supports USDC deposits from any Ethereum Virtual Machine-compatible chain, and trades can be initiated with a single tap. The integration includes slippage checks, fee previews, and confirmation flows meant to shield users from common UX pitfalls. MetaMask’s team emphasises that the wallet retains self-custody at all stages, with users retaining control over private keys.

Critics caution that embedding leverage within a wallet may amplify risks for inexperienced users. Rapid liquidation, sharp market swings, and elevated margin requirements could expose users to sudden losses. To mitigate this, MetaMask is integrating risk-control measures and permission checks, though the success of those mechanisms will be closely watched by the community.

MetaMask’s expansion aligns with its broader roadmap. Earlier in the year, it unveiled a Mastercard-powered card feature, enabling spending directly from self-custodial wallets. It has also signalled intent to launch its native token, MASK, and is refining a loyalty rewards engine tied to on-chain activity. Those ancillary products may dovetail with its perpetuals integration, potentially weaving them into loyalty tiers, discounts, or governance models.

The decision pits MetaMask more directly against both centralised and decentralised exchanges. Centralised venues such as Binance and Bybit continue to dominate derivatives in terms of volume; however, their users must trust custody and counterparty risk. MetaMask’s proposition is differentiated by offering derivatives inside a wallet, combining convenience with self-custody.