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The UAE Ministry of Finance convened an impactful awareness session in Shanghai for Emirati students pursuing studies in China, spotlighting pathways into international financial institutions and multilateral development bodies. The event, held at the Shanghai headquarters of the New Development Bank, marked a central component of the UAE’s “UAE Global Cadres” initiative aimed at preparing nationals for careers in global finance.

Attended by prominent figures including H.E. Muhannad Sulaiman Al Naqbi, Consul General in Shanghai; Thuraiya Hamid Alhashmi, Director of International Financial Relations; and Qiangwu Zhou, Vice‑President and CAO of the NDB, the session featured detailed presentations on recruitment, training mechanisms, and institutional roles in multilateral settings. Ali Abdullah Sharafi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for International Financial Relations, highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to “creating an interactive environment that brings together young Emirati talent with influential international organisations”.

With a focus on introducing students to specific roles within institutions such as the New Development Bank, the discussion covered NDB’s core mission of financing infrastructure and sustainable development projects across member countries. Students were provided an in-depth look at the Bank’s internal functions, including strategic planning, project financing, and administrative operations—areas in which career prospects are steadily rising. Qiangwu Zhou shed light on NDB’s expansion and strengthening of its global talent pipeline, reinforcing the UAE’s active role in its leadership and operations.

The session formed part of a wider programme under the “UAE Global Cadres” framework, which seeks to empower Emirati youth with the knowledge and contacts necessary for onboarding into premier international financial institutions. The initiative offers customised introductions, tailored knowledge development, and structured partnerships with organisations like the NDB alongside other global bodies.

Ahli Emirati scholars heard how the Ministry actively forges linkages with multilateral entities, not only to open doors for internships and secondments but also to embed nationals within strategic policy and operational roles. Students were briefed on specific entry requirements, including academic credentials, language proficiency, internship prerequisites, and application timelines. The Ministry emphasised its role as a facilitator, guiding candidates from initial interest through to successful placement.

The Shanghai session aligns with similar outreach efforts previously held in London and Washington, forging a consistent global strategy. In London, Home Office-led seminars engaged Emiratis studying in the UK, while in Washington, the Ministry together with representatives from the World Bank and IMF provided insights into recruitment and professional development frameworks.

Officials confirmed that up to 100 Emirati students participated in the Shanghai event. These attendees represent a cross-section of postgraduate candidates in disciplines such as economics, finance, development studies, and public policy. The Ministry has underlined its ambition for the programme to scale further, expanding to additional locations and engaging larger cohorts.

By nurturing talent domestically and internationally, the UAE aims to enhance its representation within global financial institutions and multilateral banks. This strategy dovetails with broader national goals: positioning Emiratis as influential actors on the world stage and ensuring the nation’s contribution to international finance is both substantive and sustainable.

Strategic partnerships with institutions like the NDB are vital in this respect. Established by BRICS nations in 2014, the NDB is undergoing rapid growth, investing in global operations while seeking multilingual professionals with cross-cultural acumen. For UAE nationals, the Bank offers a rare opportunity to join a rising multilateral institution from an early stage in its trajectory. According to NDB’s Vice-President Zhou, Emirati contributions at organisational and governance levels are steadily increasing.

Students raised questions about the logistics of recruitment, including timelines, evaluation methodologies, and integration approaches. Officials emphasised the importance of early engagement, noting that securing internships during or immediately after academic studies is critical. They also recommended building competencies in project management, negotiation, and multicultural teamwork. Ministry representatives expressed that the goal extends well beyond securing roles—it is about training a generation of Emiratis capable of navigating and shaping global finance policies.

The session also included interactive elements such as Q&A panels and breakout discussions, enabling direct engagement with senior practitioners from the NDB and the Ministry. This format allowed participants to seek personalised advice on career planning, CV refinement, and interview techniques.

The broader economic context for this effort is clear: as global development finance pivots towards sustainable and inclusive projects, multilateral institutions are broadening their hiring strategies to include more diverse nationalities. Countries like the UAE are responding by investing in preparatory programmes that align local talent pipelines with evolving international demand.

This engagement echoes the Ministry’s participation in high-level forums; last August, UAE delegates attended the ninth Annual Meeting of the NDB Board of Governors in Cape Town. Thuraiya Hamid Alhashmi represented the nation on the Board alongside representatives from Egypt and Bangladesh, underscoring the UAE’s growing strategic engagement with the Bank.

Officials described the Shanghai session as “a landmark opportunity for Emirati students to learn first-hand about global finance careers” and signposted further events planned in Europe and North America. The Ministry stressed that participation is not limited to finance graduates—disciplines including law, environmental policy, and engineering are also relevant to multilateral institution operations.

The new wave of global finance, driven by sustainability goals and digital transformation, requires professionals with a hybrid skill set: technical competence, policy insight, cultural intelligence, and legal understanding. The Ministry’s programme aims to sculpt Emirati candidates who meet these multifaceted demands, thereby positioning them as competitive contenders in the international talent ecosystem.

Dubai Police has achieved the highest possible worldwide ranking in policing reputation, securing a prestigious AAA+ rating and a score of 9.2 out of 10 in the Brand Finance Institutional Brand Value Index. This accolade eclipsed law enforcement agencies across ten countries, drawing on insights from over 8,000 stakeholders and institutions. The evaluation focused on core measures such as professionalism, integrity, effectiveness, fairness and transparency, marking a clear leadership position for the force.

Public perception placed Dubai Police well above global averages in eleven reputation metrics. In categories like safety and security assurance, fair treatment of individuals, commitment and integrity, and ethical conduct, the force significantly outperformed its peers. Excellence was also noted in professional engagement, field performance, innovation in crime prevention, and its presence on social media.

This endorsement builds on the findings of Brand Finance’s National Brand Report, placing Dubai Police at a brand valuation of AED 57.9 billion. The contribution made by the force represents a sizeable portion of the UAE’s total national brand value, estimated at AED 4.48 trillion. Brand Finance highlighted how the institution’s reputation enhances the country’s soft power, improving perceptions of Dubai and the UAE as preferred destinations for tourism, investment and residency.

Lieutenant General Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri, Commander‑in‑Chief of Dubai Police, credited the recognition to visionary guidance from President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice‑President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He said, “This recognition reflects the trust placed in police institutions across the UAE and highlights Dubai Police’s commitment to public safety, wellbeing, and quality of life.” He described the achievement as the result of “visionary leadership and an unwavering pursuit of excellence”, pointing to the force’s transition into a forward‑thinking, intelligent and sustainable policing model.

A variety of strategic initiatives have driven this transformation. Smart Police Stations, the SWAT Challenge, e‑sports tournaments and the Esaad programme are among the flagship projects cited. The adoption of artificial intelligence for crime prediction and the roll‑out of Smart Police Stations reflect a commitment to modernising public service delivery. Community engagement and outreach efforts have also improved trust between citizens and law enforcement.

David Haigh, CEO and Chairman of Brand Finance, highlighted the link between perception and influence: “Perceptions drive behaviour. The Brand Finance Global Soft Power Index is the world’s largest study of soft power perceptions.” The institute used existing city and nation brand metrics as a foundation, supplemented with a bespoke public survey to assess the force across ten global markets.

Dubai Police outperformed global benchmarks in key areas:

* Safety and security assurance: 67%
* Effective duty performance: 64%
* Strong operational field presence: 63%
* Transparent communication: 51%
* Modern, progressive development: 54%

These figures confirm the force’s positioning as both a law enforcement body and an instrument of national branding and soft power.

The emphasis on innovative service delivery through digital channels and media engagement also featured prominently in the assessment. Dubai Police maintains an active digital footprint, using platforms such as Twitter and Instagram to foster transparency and proactive public communication.

Stakeholders from government and community sectors described the force’s branding as inclusive and human‑centric, praising its alignment with universal values—justice, innovation and transparency—and its ability to humanise policing.

Brand Finance’s report also quantified the economic impact of reputation. Dubai Police’s brand contributes an estimated AED 57.9 billion to the UAE’s soft power value, reinforcing the UAE’s attractiveness on the global stage.

World Liberty Financial , a cryptocurrency firm closely linked to President Donald Trump and his family, has sent a cease-and-desist letter to Fight Fight Fight LLC and NFT marketplace Magic Eden. The legal action follows the announcement of a new digital wallet branded as the “Official $TRUMP Wallet by President Trump,” which the Trump family asserts was launched without their approval.

The disputed wallet was unveiled earlier this week through the X account associated with the $TRUMP memecoin, a cryptocurrency project initiated by Fight Fight Fight LLC. The company, reportedly connected to longtime Trump associate Bill Zanker, partnered with Magic Eden to promote the wallet, inviting users to join a waitlist. However, the Trump family has publicly denied any involvement with the project.

Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, and Barron Trump have all issued statements distancing themselves from the wallet. Eric Trump cautioned against the unauthorized use of their family name, while Donald Trump Jr. emphasized that the Trump Organization had no connection to the project. He also revealed that the family is developing their own official wallet through World Liberty Financial.

World Liberty Financial, co-founded by the Trump family, has been actively expanding its presence in the cryptocurrency space. The firm has launched its own stablecoin, USD1, and is reportedly working on a crypto wallet focused on token yield generation. The company has attracted significant investment, including a $2 billion infusion from a firm associated with the Abu Dhabi government.

The emergence of the unauthorized $TRUMP Wallet has led to confusion and concern within the crypto community. The wallet’s website has experienced intermittent outages, and its X account has been suspended. Despite these issues, neither Fight Fight Fight LLC nor Magic Eden has commented on the dispute.

The Trump family’s foray into cryptocurrency has been marked by controversy. The $TRUMP memecoin, launched in January 2025, saw an initial surge in value before experiencing a significant decline. While the token generated substantial revenue through trading fees, it also raised ethical questions regarding the president’s dual role as a public official and a private entrepreneur.

Critics argue that the intertwining of the Trump family’s business interests with their political influence poses potential conflicts of interest. The lack of clear boundaries between governance and private enterprise has led to calls for greater transparency and regulatory oversight in the rapidly evolving crypto industry.

Ripple’s US dollar-pegged stablecoin, RLUSD, has secured regulatory approval from the Dubai Financial Services Authority , authorising its use within the Dubai International Financial Centre . This development enables RLUSD to be integrated into Ripple’s DFSA-licensed payments platform and utilised by other DFSA-registered entities operating in the DIFC.

The approval positions RLUSD among a select group of stablecoins recognised under the DFSA’s crypto token regime, which includes Circle’s USDC and EURC. RLUSD is designed for enterprise use, offering features such as 1:1 USD backing with high-quality liquid assets, segregated reserves, third-party audits, and clear redemption rights. It is issued under a New York Department of Financial Services Trust Company Charter, subjecting it to stringent regulatory standards.

Reece Merrick, Ripple’s Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa, noted the growing interest from businesses in the UAE for cross-border payments and digital asset custody solutions. He emphasised the dynamic nature of the UAE’s digital economy and expressed optimism about RLUSD’s role in facilitating real-time, cost-effective international transactions.

Ripple is collaborating with local partners, including digital bank Zand and fintech platform Mamo, who are expected to be early adopters of RLUSD. Additionally, RLUSD will support the Dubai Land Department’s initiative to tokenize real estate title deeds on the XRP Ledger, aiming to digitize and record property ownership using blockchain technology.

The DFSA’s recognition of RLUSD follows Ripple’s earlier approval to offer blockchain-powered payment solutions within the DIFC, obtained in March. This dual approval allows Ripple to integrate RLUSD into its global payment services in Dubai and the UAE, while also enabling other DFSA-licensed firms in the region to incorporate the stablecoin into their offerings.

Jack McDonald, Ripple’s Senior Vice President of Stablecoins, stated that the DFSA’s approval validates RLUSD as a trusted and compliant stablecoin built for global business. He highlighted the stablecoin’s potential to bring value across payments, decentralised finance , and real-world asset tokenization.

Bechtel Corporation has been appointed as the delivery partner for three new terminals at King Salman International Airport in Riyadh, marking a significant advancement in one of the world’s most ambitious aviation infrastructure projects.

The agreement, formalised during a high-profile visit by U.S. President Donald Trump to Saudi Arabia, entrusts the U.S.-based engineering firm with managing the development of a terminal for commercial airlines, Terminal 6 for low-cost carriers, and a private aviation terminal complete with hangars. This collaboration underscores the strengthening infrastructure ties between the United States and Saudi Arabia.

KSIA is poised to become the world’s largest airport upon completion, a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative aimed at diversifying the nation’s economy and enhancing global connectivity. The airport is designed to handle an anticipated capacity of 185 million passengers and 3.5 million tonnes of cargo annually by 2050. It will feature six parallel runways and encompass an area of 57 square kilometres, integrating advanced sustainable practices to achieve LEED Platinum certification across all terminals.

Darren Mort, President of Bechtel’s Infrastructure Business, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “The King Salman International Airport is a landmark project that will reshape Riyadh and enhance the lives and communities it serves.” He highlighted Bechtel’s extensive experience in delivering complex airport projects globally, including Hamad International Airport in Qatar, Dubai International Airport in the UAE, and London City Airport in the UK.

Marco Mejia, Acting CEO of the King Salman International Airport Development Company, emphasized the project’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. He noted that the selection of Bechtel as the delivery partner reflects the project’s dedication to elevating aviation infrastructure standards through collaboration with a company possessing over 120 years of global experience.

The new terminals are expected to replace existing facilities at King Khalid International Airport, enhancing Riyadh’s status as a global hub for transportation, tourism, and trade. The development aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader goals of economic diversification and infrastructure modernization.

Bechtel’s role in the KSIA project builds upon its longstanding presence in Saudi Arabia, where it has completed over 300 projects, including the recently inaugurated Riyadh Metro. The company’s involvement in KSIA signifies a continued commitment to supporting the kingdom’s transformative infrastructure initiatives.