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A colossal leap in infrastructure development is underway as OpenAI pursues the establishment of a data centre in India with a striking capacity of at least one gigawatt. The project, integral to its Stargate initiative, ushers in a new era of AI infrastructure expansion across Asia.

OpenAI is actively exploring partnerships with Indian firms to bring this gigawatt-scale facility to life, though the precise location and timeline remain unspecified. The effort aligns with its Stargate programme—an expansive, multibillion-dollar venture in collaboration with SoftBank, Oracle and MGX to develop next-generation AI infrastructure.

The planned facility stands among the largest of its kind in the region and may be formally introduced by OpenAI’s chief executive, Sam Altman, during his anticipated visit to India in September. OpenAI has already gained legal footing by registering as an entity in India and is gearing up to open its first office in New Delhi later in the year, reflecting the nation’s importance as the company’s second-largest market by user base.

Financial implications of such mega‑scale AI infrastructure are enormous. According to Jensen Huang, chief executive of Nvidia, constructing a singular gigawatt-class facility could cost around $50 billion—$35 billion directed towards Nvidia’s hardware and $15 billion for supplementary systems. OpenAI’s ambitions also include similar “AI super‑factories” in Abu Dhabi and across the United States, all under the banner of Stargate.

This enormous investment is forecast to have ripple effects across the global AI ecosystem. With Stargate estimated at up to $500 billion, it underscores OpenAI’s strategic ambition to lead in AI infrastructure and the mounting demand for AI-optimised processing capabilities. Nvidia, for example, projects AI infrastructure spending could soar to the $3‑4 trillion mark annually by 2030, bolstered by commitments like those under Stargate.

Locally, establishing such a facility in India can offer tangible advantages. A dedicated data centre promises to reduce latency for Indian users while satisfying regulatory demands for local data storage, a critical consideration for enterprise clients and government services. The endeavour complements OpenAI’s earlier move to enable local data residency for services such as ChatGPT Enterprise and its API offerings, aligning with India’s regulatory framework.

India’s data centre ecosystem is expanding rapidly. From an installed capacity of approximately 950 megawatts in 2024, projections currently estimate that figure to nearly double—approaching 2 gigawatts by 2026. However, even with such growth, the nation still accounts for just a fraction of global data centre capacity despite generating a significant portion of worldwide data streams. The arrival of a gigawatt-scale project like OpenAI’s would mark a profound increase in both capacity and technological capability.

Environmental sustainability and energy demands also emerge as critical considerations. Hyperscale data infrastructure requires vast power and cooling resources, raising pressing questions about energy sourcing, water usage, and ecological impact—matters India is progressively addressing through green data centre policies and incentives.

OpenAI’s move echoes broader trends among global tech giants expanding their Indian footprints. For instance, Reliance Industries is planning a three‑gigawatt data centre in Jamnagar; Microsoft, Amazon, and Google are investing heavily in cloud infrastructure; and India’s government continues to support initiatives through Digital India and localisation mandates.

A notable surge in interest marks China’s gaming community, with nearly four in 10 individuals expressing a keen desire for generative AI within gaming platforms.

A recently circulated report indicates that 39 per cent of gamers in China would welcome the integration of generative artificial intelligence into their gaming experiences. This figure underscores a significant shift in consumer expectations and highlights generative AI’s burgeoning role as a differentiator in content creation and gameplay dynamics.

The country’s generative AI gaming market is undergoing remarkable growth. A detailed forecast places market value at approximately USD 319.7 million in 2024, rising sharply to an anticipated USD 5.3 billion by 2035, driven by a robust compound annual growth rate of around 29 per cent. This surge is attributed largely to concerted efforts by major players such as Tencent, NetEase, ByteDance, MiHoYo and Alibaba – all heavily investing in generative AI technologies that promise tailored and dynamic gaming experiences.

Governmental backing is shaping much of this momentum: the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has been advancing policies to encourage AI-driven innovation within the digital economy, reinforcing investments and research in generative AI applications across the gaming landscape.

On the technological front, Tencent recently introduced its Hunyuan 3D-generation system early this year. The platform enables the creation of 3D assets and environments using text prompts, streamlining content generation and unlocking new avenues for immersive game design. NetEase has also made strides by embedding AI-driven features into its mobile games, most notably with dynamic non-player characters that respond with lifelike reactions. Its upcoming title, Justice Online Mobile, will reportedly incorporate chatbot-style AI dialogue systems to allow players to engage in nuanced conversations with NPCs that may alter game progression.

Cloud gaming is emerging as another vector for AI’s influence. Tencent’s cloud gaming platform, START, developed in partnership with NVIDIA, enables users on low-end devices to stream AAA-quality games—blending AI, cloud infrastructure and advanced hardware to expand access and redefine the gaming experience.

Emerging trends include generative AI’s application across multiple stages of game production—from content creation and level design to character animation, testing and quality assurance. Mobile platforms, PC, console and cloud gaming are all key battlegrounds, assisted by both on‑premises and cloud-based deployment models. On-premises models offer enhanced control and data security, whereas cloud deployments grant scalability, faster updates and foster collaborative development.

China’s gaming population, exceeding 600 million users, offers a vast and varied demographic. That scale is bolstering demand for personalised, generative experiences.

Beyond purely technological innovation, generative AI is starting to influence the narrative and emotional depth of gameplay. NPC interactions, procedurally generated story arcs and real‑time adaptations informed by AI are creating fresh, immersive layers of engagement. Developers – both established studios and indie creators – are experimenting to align with gamer preferences and refine the interplay between narrative and agency.

Regulatory frameworks are also evolving. The Cyberspace Administration of China and other authorities introduced “Interim Measures for the Management of Generative AI Services” in August 2023. These regulations aim to ensure ethical application and secure deployment of generative AI technologies across public services – including gaming.

A landmark development has commenced as RRS International Development formally broke ground on the NH Collection Ras Al Khaimah Al Marjan Island Hotel & Apartments, a US‑$100 million mixed‑use venture in collaboration with Minor Hotels. This marks the debut of the NH Collection brand on Al Marjan Island, following its earlier branded residential entry in Palm Jumeirah, Dubai.

Construction will yield 121 hotel keys alongside 36 branded apartments, blending five‑star hospitality with modern residential design. The project’s architecture, crafted by Arkiplan Consulting Architects & Engineers, features a wave‑inspired structure symbolising a seamless union of desert and sea, while interiors by B8 Architectural Prospective Drawings Services bring tropical motifs and lush greenery into open‑plan living spaces. HMK Engineering Consultants serve as Architect of Record, Innovate Project Development is handling project management, and Atlas Star Piling Foundation oversees enabling works.

Rakesh Mirchandani, Co‑Founder of RRS International Development, described the groundbreaking as “more than the start of construction—it’s the beginning of a new chapter,” emphasising investor confidence in both the NH Collection brand and Ras Al Khaimah’s emergence as a global lifestyle destination.

The scheme has already earned multiple industry accolades, including Best Mixed‑Use Development and Best Mixed‑Use Architecture at the 2025–2026 Arabian Property Awards, Best Hospitality Project at the Architecture Leaders Awards, and a nomination for Best Design Concept at the 2025 Commercial Interior Design Awards.

Sanjay Narayandas Dhawan, another Co‑Founder of RRS International Development, noted the emirate’s evolving tourism landscape, highlighting multi‑billion‑dirham investments in leisure and gaming. He sees the new development as aligning with Ras Al Khaimah’s growing international appeal and setting new benchmarks for branded residences and hospitality‑led living.

This announcement builds on Minor Hotels’ strategy to expand its NH Collection portfolio beyond traditional strongholds. Initially unveiled in February 2025, the project is scheduled to open its doors in early 2028 and will comprise 156 keys, including 120 guest rooms and suites alongside 36 serviced apartments. Planned facilities include four restaurants and bars, a gym, an outdoor swimming pool, a kids’ club, a games room, a retail shop and a co‑working space—designed for layered functionality and service excellence.

Minor Hotels’ CEO, Dillip Rajakarier, remarked that the expansion underscores the brand’s global ambition and commitment to establishing NH Collection in new regions including the Middle East. Dhawan reaffirmed RRS’s pride in launching their first boutique hotel on Al Marjan Island, aiming to “blend style, functionality, and exceptional value” while supporting the vision of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.

Architect Abdulla Al Abdouli, Chief Executive Officer of Marjan—the master developer behind Al Marjan Island—welcomed the project as integral to transforming the destination into a dynamic branded‑tourism hub. He praised the synergy between NH Collection’s service standards and Marjan’s mission to curate high‑quality lifestyle offerings across the emirate.

Located on Al Marjan Island, the hotel and residences benefit from proximity to white‑sandy beaches, resort facilities and a growing leisure‑oriented environment. The project appeals to those seeking convertible living spaces that combine permanent residence, holiday retreat and investment potential—backed by internationally recognised hospitality.

Alongside the NH Collection development, Al Marjan Island is witnessing sweeping growth, including large‑scale tourism and gaming projects such as the Wynn Al Marjan Island integrated resort, which is under construction and slated for opening in early 2027. That mega‑resort will feature over 1,500 rooms, a casino, retail and convention facilities, and a marina for super‑yachts, reinforcing the island’s growing status as a landmark destination.

DWF Ventures, the investment arm of Web3 market‑maker DWF Labs, has delivered a detailed evaluation of $WLFI, World Liberty Financial’s newly issued utility token. Published via X, the analysis emphasises $WLFI’s integration into World Liberty’s broader ecosystem and its potential as a key enabler in connecting traditional finance with on‑chain liquidity. Unlike World Liberty’s $TRUMP memecoin, $WLFI is purpose‑built to power the upcoming “WLFI super app”, which will streamline access through web wallets and bank on‑ramps, and underpin planned lending and borrowing services.

The report highlights the success of the USD1 stablecoin—backed by short‑term US Treasuries and cash equivalents—which now commands a market capitalisation approaching $2.5 billion and enjoys listings on major exchanges such as Binance and Coinbase. These developments have significantly boosted investor attention toward the $WLFI token.

World Liberty has raised approximately $500 million across two funding rounds by selling about a quarter of its 100 billion token supply. Among its backers are DWF Labs itself and crypto figure Justin Sun, while ALT5 Sigma has outlined a $1.5 billion treasury strategy centred around $WLFI. DWF Ventures expects that the token could soon be integrated by several DeFi protocols, including Falcon Finance, Ethena and Mantle.

Importantly, DWF Ventures positions $WLFI’s launch as more than a token debut; it sees the initiative as a structural pivot that could catalyse institutional adoption and facilitate compliant capital onboarding—possibly even drawing interest from sovereign investors.

But $WLFI’s entry into the market has triggered concerns. Reports reveal technical difficulties involving the Lockbox contract, intended to unlock 20 percent of token allocations for early investors, which have left many users unable to activate the mechanism. Pre‑market trading responded with a 40 percent drop, raising doubts about launch readiness. Coupling these issues with the political profile of its founders, the token has become entangled in financial and reputational risks.

Indeed, WLFI’s connection to the family of the former president has cast a shadow over its market potential. The token’s political dimensions have already affected diplomatic engagements—such as withdrawals from the Bitcoin Asia 2025 conference—and prompted ethical criticism over conflicts of interest.

Broader scrutiny of World Liberty Financial underscores such tensions. Investigations have revealed that the Trump family commands a substantial share of revenue from token sales and that governance design reflects unusual centralisation for a DeFi project. Further concerns relate to self‑dealing practices: for instance, ALT5 Sigma—a firm acquired by World Liberty—purchased $750 million worth of WLFI tokens. As part of this arrangement, its leadership includes Eric Trump and WLFI co-founder Zach Witkoff, a structure that regulators and critics view as raising red flags.

Ethics experts warn that such close ties between ruling office, private enterprise and foreign investment could undermine democratic safeguards. The New Yorker, for one, described the venture as stretching the norms of political ethics, with World Liberty seen by some as a mechanism for influence through token‑based access channels.

The $WLFI launch is clearly more than a token generation event—it is shaping into a test case for the nexus of politics, finance and regulation in the emerging Web3 era.

Lunate has unveiled a new thematic ETF offering, marking the first of its kind in the region, aimed squarely at quantum computing—a field rapidly reshaping sectors from pharmaceuticals to cybersecurity. The Boreas Solactive Quantum Computing UCITS ETF, developed under Lunate’s newly introduced Boreas range, is set to debut on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange on 22 September under the ticker QUANTM.

The fund traces the Solactive Developed Quantum Computing Index and encompasses 25 firms spanning pure-play quantum specialists like IonQ and Rigetti, alongside technology giants at the vanguard of quantum research such as Microsoft, Nvidia, and IBM. Lunate, acting through its regulated affiliate in Abu Dhabi, is spearheading the investor-facing programme, which integrates active thematic research with transparent, index‑based selection.

Geir Espeskog, an industry veteran, heads the specialist team behind the Boreas suite, reinforcing Lunate’s intensified investment in its ETF platform. Following the addition of this thematic ETF to its portfolio, Lunate will manage a total of 19 offerings, combining traditional and thematic strategies.

ADX’s Group Chief Executive, Abdulla Salem Alnuaimi, highlighted the significance of this launch, noting that QUANTM will serve as the 17th ETF listed on the exchange. He underscored its value in granting investors direct access to global leaders in quantum computing, including Alphabet and Amazon.

Solactive, the index provider, described the collaboration as a milestone both for itself and for thematic ETFs in the region. Its ARTIS® natural language processing power plays a central role in categorising companies across hardware, software & algorithms, and communication & sensing segments—applying a rank-weighted methodology that ensures balanced exposure within the index.

Market trends underpinning this launch are compelling. The global thematic fund arena has nearly doubled in size over five years, reaching roughly $562 billion. In the U. S. and Europe, thematic ETFs have also surged; by early 2025, the U. S. counted 473 listings, while Europe hosted 748, with assets concentrated in tech-heavy strategies such as AI and digital infrastructure.

Investors may subscribe to QUANTM between 10 and 16 September via six authorised participants or the ADX eIPO portal. The fund will carry a total expense ratio of 0.49 percent.

StuDIYo Lab, a design‑technology and woodworking centre for young learners based in Dubai, has entered into a five‑year memorandum of understanding with the Bhubaneswar City Knowledge Innovation Cluster Foundation, under the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. The agreement sets a clear trajectory for rolling out maker‑based education, inclusive workshops, bootcamps and vocational training across India and the UAE.

The collaboration begins by launching School Innovation Labs in targeted Indian states. Over the next six months, the partners plan to establish up to four pilot labs, train some 20 educators, and engage over 500 learners. The agenda emphasizes accessibility for underserved groups, including tribal communities and neurodiverse participants, aiming to extend the reach of creative, skill‑based education beyond urban centres.

As part of the initiative, vocational programmes will be tailored specifically for women and youth, while inclusive workshops will cater to special‑needs learners. Innovation and entrepreneurship bootcamps are also planned to nurture student‑led startups and ideas.

This partnership represents a strategic convergence of StuDIYo Lab’s international pedagogical expertise and BCKIC’s deep grassroots network in India, reflecting a commitment to equitable and experiential learning. Capt. G. S. R., Adviser to the foundation, and Lina Sadek, founder and CEO of StuDIYo Lab, were present during the signing of the MoU in August 2025.

StuDIYo Lab has earned the Certified Autism Center™ designation, a mark of its dedication to inclusive environments and creative engagement for sensory‑sensitive individuals. The CAC accreditation underscores the lab’s commitment to accessibility and may enhance the quality and inclusivity of programmes deployed under the new agreement.

BCKIC has a track record of forging multi‑sector partnerships to support innovation, sustainable livelihoods, and inclusive growth across communities. Its ecosystem‑building efforts have previously included collaborations with educational institutions, startups, NGOs and research organisations.

This latest MoU follows a pattern of strategic alliances BCKIC has been cultivating. Earlier in August 2025, BCKIC signed a pact with AIIMS Bhubaneswar and KIIT‑TBI to support healthcare innovation, start‑up incubation and the development of joint Centres of Excellence. The new partnership with StuDIYo Lab signals an expansion of its mandate into design-oriented and maker-based learning pathways.

The timing reflects growing attention to bridging practical skill development with innovation ecosystems. By emphasising maker labs, vocational training, and inclusion across demographic and geographic lines, the pact contributes to a broader agenda of democratizing access to creative and technological learning.

This alliance also opens doors for corporate social responsibility initiatives from Middle Eastern and philanthropic partners, creating a channel for investment into inclusive educational infrastructure and innovation in India.

With its applied learning model and certified inclusivity, StuDIYo Lab brings a distinctive approach that complements BCKIC’s innovation cluster framework. The aim is to replicate scalable, equitable education solutions across diverse Indian regions—encompassing tribal, rural, urban and neurodiverse communities alike.

The experimental nature of the pilot labs and the focused goals for learner and teacher engagement indicate a test-and-scale strategy. If successful, this could form a template for expanding maker-based, design-driven learning nationwide.

By linking UAE’s expertise in accessible, hands-on learning with a credible Indian innovation ecosystem actor, the partnership may serve as a model of cross-border collaboration in education—a bridge between global pedagogy and local implementation at scale.

Bilateral non-oil trade between the UAE and India surged past US $37.6 billion in the first half of 2025, marking a 33.9 per cent increase compared with the same period in the previous year. The UAE’s Foreign Trade Minister, Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, highlighted during his Mumbai visit the pivotal role of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in propelling this growth. Discussions focused on expanding cooperation across pharmaceuticals, food and logistics, alongside Bharat Mart, a 2.7 million sq ft trade complex in Jebel Ali Free Zone designed for Indian exporters to reach markets across the Middle East, Africa and Europe.

Trade figures underscore that CEPA has significantly deepened economic ties. In 2024, non-oil trade between the two nations topped US $65 billion, reflecting a 19.7 per cent increase from 2023 and more than doubling the 2020 tally of US $27.9 billion. UAE investments in India reached around US $17 billion by late 2023, while Indian investments in the UAE climbed to approximately US $8 billion—total mutual investment topping US $25 billion, with the UAE accounting for 70 per cent of that figure.

This dynamic was further backed by the UAE-India CEPA Council’s Start-up Series, which has drawn more than 10,000 applications from Indian entrepreneurs since its launch in June 2025. The initiative, showcased in New Delhi by Ahmed Aljneibi, has made stops at leading institutions including Banaras Hindu University and the Master’s Union School of Business, offering mentorship, regulatory guidance and pathways for cross-border scale-up.

The strategic focus on innovation also extends beyond startups. Sheraa, Sharjah’s entrepreneurship centre, and Startup Middle East signed a memorandum to establish an India Startup Hub in Sharjah, aimed at facilitating the entry of Indian ventures into the UAE market and strengthening regional innovation ecosystems.

Policy measures in the UAE are evolving to match this economic outreach. Amendments to more than 40 laws, most notably the Commercial Companies Law enabling 100 per cent foreign ownership, are part of a broader strategy to double the non-oil economy—from US $381 billion to US $762 billion—by 2030. Foreign trade is viewed as central to achieving that ambition, with the UAE’s connectivity, infrastructure and logistics network seen as vital assets for Indian businesses seeking wider regional access.

CEPA’s architecture underscores its comprehensive approach: since its implementation in May 2022, tariffs on more than 80 per cent of Indian exports to the UAE have been reduced or eliminated immediately, benefiting sectors from gems and jewellery to pharmaceuticals and automobiles. Additional gains accrue from streamlined customs protocols, regulatory harmonisation and a joint committee addressing market-access and technical barriers.

Experts point to CEPA as transformative for both economies. Indian gems and jewellery exports more than doubled from US $4.9 billion to US $8 billion in fiscal year 2024, aided by duty removals. Labour-intensive industries such as textiles, leather, footwear, sports goods, plastics, furniture, engineering goods, agricultural produce and food items have also gained momentum, while regulatory alignment has accelerated entry of generic drugs and medical devices, boosting health-sector cooperation and supply-chain resilience.

Further integration is visible in emerging fintech and logistics initiatives. Bharat Mart reinforces logistical synergy, while the nascent Virtual Trade Corridor, fintech sandboxes and experiments such as India’s MagRail pilot demonstrate growing interoperability in digital trade and compliance systems.

At the political level, the CEPA enters its third year this February. Al Zeyoudi noted that India remains the UAE’s second-largest non-oil export destination, accounting for 13.5 per cent of total non-oil exports in 2024—a 75.2 per cent rise year-on-year. Conversely, the UAE is India’s third-largest trading partner and a major investor, illustrating the strategic depth CEPA has added to bilateral ties.