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Apparel Group and Arabian Alesaar Group have struck a retail alliance to introduce 24 international brands across more than 9,000 sqm at the forthcoming Al Shubaily Grand Mall in Saudi Arabia. The agreement positions the partners to capture demand in one of the region’s fastest-growing markets and expands Apparel Group’s strategic footprint in the Kingdom.

Under the partnership, Apparel Group will bring a mix of fashion, lifestyle, beauty and F&B brands including Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Birkenstock, Skechers, Crocs, Levi’s, Charles & Keith, Rituals, Tim Hortons, and Cold Stone Creamery among others. The range spans apparel, footwear, beauty and food & beverage, combining merchandise that appeals across categories. The deal is intended to dovetail with Saudi Arabia’s retail and tourism ambitions.

Apparel Group already has a significant presence in the Kingdom. It recently opened three new R&B outlets in Dhahran, Riyadh Gallery and Nakheel Mall — bringing the total number of R&B stores to 165 across the Middle East and India. The Nakheel location covers 2,500 sqm, making it one of the largest in Riyadh. The R&B concept covers men’s, women’s and children’s wear, footwear, accessories and home products. The expansion underscores the group’s goal of penetrating deeper into the Saudi market.

Chief Executive Officer Neeraj Teckchandani commented that the tie-up with Arabian Alesaar represents a strategic milestone in the group’s Saudi journey and will enable customers to engage with brands that combine global appeal with local relevance. He reiterated that Apparel Group is prioritising experiential retail, mall partnerships and omnichannel integration in its growth plan.

Market watchers see the deal as aligned with the accelerating growth of Saudi retail infrastructure. Analysts note that more than 30 new malls are in development across the Kingdom over the next few years, creating opportunities for global retail brands and investors. Apparel Group has earlier signed MoUs with mall developers such as Point and Mall of Dhahran to secure anchoring positions in new properties.

The partnership also reflects Apparel Group’s broader regional expansion strategy. The group now operates over 2,300 stores across 14 countries, representing more than 85 brands. It has been actively signing new labels in fashion, beauty, home and F&B segments to diversify its portfolio and diminish reliance on any single category.

CJ Hetherington, CEO of Limitless Labs, has accused Binance of demanding 8 per cent of his project’s token supply and a multimillion-dollar deposit as conditions for listing. Binance, in a forceful rebuttal, called the allegations false and defamatory, and hinted at legal recourse.

Hetherington shared purported internal communications that outlined Binance’s demands: 1 % of the token supply for a day-one airdrop, 3 % for subsequent airdrops over six months, 1 % reserved for marketing, and another 3 % allocated to the BNB HODLer programme. He claimed Binance also asked for a $250,000 security deposit and required around $2 million in BNB as collateral. In total, he argued, these terms effectively extracted 8 % of total tokens in exchange for a listing.

Binance responded swiftly via its official X handle, stating it “does not profit” from token listings and that the content of Hetherington’s posts is “false and defamatory.” The exchange emphasised that it does not charge listing fees and that any required security deposits are typically refundable within one to two years. Binance also denied allegations of token dumping by its executives, calling them “entirely untrue and unsubstantiated.”

The exchange further asserted that Hetherington’s disclosures breached confidentiality, undermining trust and transparency in industry processes. It reserved the right to pursue legal action for what it characterised as unauthorised disclosures.

The dispute has drawn responses from industry observers. Mike Dudas, founder of 6MV, stated on X that he has seen Binance listing proposals with nearly identical terms in the past month and was able to talk about them because he did not sign a nondisclosure agreement. He implied the arrangement described by Hetherington reflects a recurring model.

Crypto analyst Howard Peng, by contrast, criticised Hetherington for publicising the discussions and labelled the move immature. Peng urged projects dissatisfied with listing proposals to walk away and suggested exploring alternative exchanges.

Binance founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao also weighed in, arguing that successful projects should attract listings without paying “fees.” He wrote that if a project must “beg an exchange to list,” it indicates weak demand and could invite scrutiny from within the community.

The exchange’s defence comes amid broader regulatory scrutiny of centralised exchanges and their listing practices. Some market participants argue that hidden costs and opaque listing criteria undermine fairness and can stifle innovation, especially for emerging projects. Others maintain that exchanges are entitled to protective mechanisms—such as collateral or token commitments—to mitigate risk and ensure project stability.

Emirates NBD is in advanced negotiations to acquire up to a 25 percent stake in Mumbai-based RBL Bank through a preferential allotment of equity and warrants, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters. The proposal would mark a major move by the Dubai-based lender into India’s private banking sector.

The Dubai bank is evaluating the terms of the deal, including pricing and structure, though both parties have yet to confirm the arrangement publicly. One of the sources indicated that the deal may be announced once approvals are in place.

On the Indian equities front, news of the talks propelled RBL’s shares higher: the stock climbed over 3 percent on 14 October, reaching its highest level since January 2024, and became one of the top gainers among private banks. Investor optimism stemmed from expectations that a reputable foreign investor might bolster transparency, governance and capital strength at RBL Bank.

Under Indian banking regulations, strategic foreign investors are generally restricted to a 15 percent stake, although exceptions have been made in high-profile cases. The Reserve Bank of India earlier permitted Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation to hold 20 percent in Yes Bank, setting a precedent for flexibility in exceptional circumstances. Simultaneously, India is exploring adjustments to foreign ownership rules to enhance capital inflows into its banking sector.

Emirates NBD already holds regulatory approval in principle to convert its branches in India into a wholly owned subsidiary, positioning itself to operate on par with domestic Indian banks. That architecture would facilitate compliance with local regulations and provide greater autonomy to its Indian operations.

RBL Bank maintains a dispersed shareholding structure, with retail investors, mutual funds and small institutional holders driving most of its capital. It has no traditional promoter group. In June 2024, the bank had announced plans to raise ₹65 billion through a mix of institutional share issuance and debt instruments to support growth plans.

Previous media reports spanning earlier in 2025 suggested Emirates NBD’s interest in acquiring a minority stake in RBL, via a preferential allotment route, as part of its Asian expansion push. Those earlier discussions laid the groundwork for the current advanced negotiations.

The deal—if consummated—would align with Emirates NBD’s broader strategy of deepening its footprint in India, a market it already serves through branches in Mumbai, Chennai and Gurugram, and via its approved subsidiary structure. The bank has posted robust growth: in the first quarter of 2025, it exceeded profit expectations, buoyed by strong loan expansion and net interest income.

Still, multiple hurdles remain. Key among them are regulatory approvals from the RBI and possibly the finance ministry, clearances from capital markets regulators, and acceptance by RBL Bank’s board. Moreover, the valuation will be closely scrutinised, since acquiring a wedge of 25 percent may require pricing the equity at a premium to prevailing market values.

On the regulator’s side, officials have been deliberating over changes to banking ownership norms to attract foreign capital, particularly in systems where capital demand is rising rapidly. Some observers view case-by-case relaxation of limits as a likely path forward.

Institutional analysts have viewed Emirates NBD’s possible entry as a positive for RBL. One equity research note from ICICI Direct argued that the presence of a well-capitalised global investor could strengthen governance practices and investor confidence.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dubai — DOOGEE is rolling out a bold “Tech For Nature” showcase at GITEX GLOBAL 2025, positioning itself at the intersection of rugged devices and sustainability. From 13 to 17 October, the company will host its exhibit at booth A40 in Hall 13, where its outdoor-oriented hardware and eco-aware design features will be on full display.

DOOGEE describes the exhibit as centred around its “Tech Impact” zone, a curated space meant to demonstrate how its devices can withstand extreme conditions while serving the needs of explorers, scientists, and rescue personnel. The lineup includes models engineered for shock, heat, immersion, and drops — with features aimed at bridging utility and resilience.

Among the highlight products is the V Max Play, which pairs a high-capacity battery with a 200 MP main camera and integrates a mini projector for on-the-go displays. DOOGEE also plans to exhibit the S200 Ultra, built with aluminium-titanium alloy framing and a rear display for rapid glanceable information. Wearables and peripheral devices are similarly designed for outdoor resilience: the Anywise W1 Pro watch offers dual-band GPS, 5ATM water resistance, and offline map capability, while BoneAir Swim provides bone conduction audio under IP68 waterproof rating.

The firm frames “Tech For Nature” as both a mission and a product philosophy—suggesting that its devices should “coexist with nature” rather than merely tolerate it. In its public communications, DOOGEE emphasises use of sustainable materials and energy-efficient design elements. For instance, it references the use of recycled coffee grounds in casing composites and UV-responsive surfaces that shift hues with ambient light.

DOOGEE is no stranger to rugged or niche technology showcases. Earlier in 2025, the company participated in GITEX Europe, where it spotlighted AI-enhanced rugged devices and wearables built for industrial and outdoor environments. The Dubai event, by contrast, marks its largest commitment yet to the consumer-facing “outdoor tech” narrative.

Analysts note that DOOGEE is entering a competitive space where brands like CAT, Ulefone, and Blackview already target the rugged market segment. To distinguish itself, DOOGEE appears to lean into hybrid positioning: ruggedness plus eco credentials. “The idea is to appeal to users who don’t want to sacrifice environmental sensibility for durability,” commented one industry observer.

GITEX GLOBAL 2025 is itself a major platform: this 45th edition of the event draws participants across AI, quantum, data centres, and startup ecosystems. DOOGEE’s exhibit is aligned with the trend of hardware firms emphasizing sustainability, resilience, and experience-driven product showcases.

Visitors at booth A40 will have hands-on access to the full “Tech For Nature” suite, including tablets, phones, wearables, and audio gear. DOOGEE is also promoting discounts on first orders for attendees and encouraging media and partners to trial devices on-location. Beyond demonstration, the firm is signalling intention to gear up distribution and service channels in regions where demand for rugged outdoor gear is rising.