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Titan Company has struck a deal to acquire a 67% stake in Dubai-headquartered luxury jeweller Damas from Qatar-based Mannai Corporation in a transaction valued at 1.04 billion dirhams, or approximately $283.2 million. The move is poised to significantly strengthen Titan’s footprint in the Gulf region, positioning the Tata Group company among the largest subcontinent-origin jewellery players operating in the Middle East.

The acquisition agreement, announced on Monday, marks a pivotal expansion for Titan beyond its current presence in the UAE, where it has operated under the Tanishq brand since October 2020. The transaction is expected to close by 31 January 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. Titan will also retain an option to purchase the remaining 33% equity in Damas after 31 December 2029, effectively laying the groundwork for full ownership over time.

The deal will give Titan direct access to Damas’ well-established network of 146 outlets across the six Gulf Cooperation Council nations — United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain. With only seven Titan-operated Tanishq stores currently open in the region, the acquisition presents a strategic leap in scale, market share, and regional brand visibility for the Bengaluru-based jeweller.

Damas, founded in 1907, is one of the most recognisable names in the Middle East’s luxury jewellery market. It has developed a reputation for catering to the region’s taste for high-end gold and diamond jewellery, and is known for its broad in-house product range and partnerships with international luxury brands. Mannai Corporation, which has owned Damas since 2012, has been looking to streamline its portfolio, prompting the divestment.

For Titan, the acquisition offers both a fast-track into the premium Gulf retail market and an opportunity to accelerate synergies across procurement, branding, and customer experience. The company is expected to retain Damas’ brand identity and existing management structure, allowing the Dubai-based business to continue leveraging its established reputation while benefitting from Titan’s supply chain and operational expertise.

The Middle East has been a target market for Titan’s international ambitions, driven by the strong presence of the South Asian diaspora and a deep-rooted cultural affinity for gold. The GCC region’s jewellery market is estimated to be worth over $10 billion, with gold accounting for a large share of consumer demand. Analysts view Titan’s acquisition of Damas as a strategically sound move in an environment where cross-border consolidation is becoming increasingly common in luxury retail.

Titan has grown to become one of the most dominant jewellery retailers in South Asia through its flagship brand Tanishq, which is positioned as an accessible luxury label offering a blend of traditional and contemporary designs. The company also operates sub-brands such as Mia and Zoya, each catering to specific consumer segments. Over the past decade, Titan has expanded into new domestic categories and entered select global markets, but the Damas deal marks its most ambitious international push yet.

The acquisition is being viewed by market observers as a significant play within the broader Tata Group strategy of boosting global brand equity across consumer-facing businesses. Following the group’s international expansions in hospitality, automotive, and technology, Titan’s move consolidates Tata’s multi-sectoral presence in the Gulf and taps into a region with rising demand for premium lifestyle offerings.

Financial analysts have underscored the deal’s strategic value, citing Damas’ established customer base and premium positioning, which could drive faster break-even timelines than greenfield expansion. Furthermore, the GCC’s favourable demographic trends and consistent gold demand have added to investor optimism around the deal’s long-term prospects.

Despite geopolitical uncertainty and fluctuations in gold prices, jewellery retail in the Gulf continues to enjoy high volumes due to cultural norms and steady tourist inflows, especially in the UAE. Titan’s increased footprint through Damas will place it in a better position to cater not just to residents but also international shoppers across the region’s major commercial and tourist hubs.

Titan has confirmed that the acquisition will be funded through internal accruals and debt, with no equity dilution expected in the near term. The company’s board has approved the investment, and the transaction is aligned with its long-term capital allocation strategy.

Executives at Titan have expressed confidence in Damas’ future growth trajectory and have indicated that the company will invest further in marketing, store refurbishment, and digital initiatives to modernise the customer journey. Damas’ product portfolio, which includes bridal sets, heritage pieces, and limited-edition designs, will remain intact as Titan aims to preserve the local flavour while infusing global best practices.

Singapore’s Monetary Authority has designated S$1.1 billion to three fund managers as the inaugural allocation of its S$5 billion Equity Market Development Programme. The scheme aims to invigorate the bourse and broaden market participation, focusing on smaller- and mid-cap equities.

MAS selected Avanda Investment Management, JP Morgan Asset Management and Fullerton Fund Management for the initial round. Fullerton is part of state-owned Temasek. MAS indicated that the providers were chosen based on alignment with EQDP’s goals and their capacity to enhance local asset‑management expertise. Over 100 applications were received, with MAS rolling out five‑year funding commitments in phases.

The EQDP was unveiled in February in coordination with the Financial Sector Development Fund. Its mandate is to deploy capital through Singapore‑based managers investing primarily in domestic listed equities, with an emphasis on diversifying participation outside large‑cap stocks.

Following the EQDP announcement in August last year, the Straits Times Index has surged 23.9% to July 18, 2025, according to MAS. Authorities believe that targeted investment injection could foster deeper liquidity, narrower bid‑ask spreads and more vigorous price discovery across the exchange.

Analysts welcomed the move. One equity strategist said the programme signals a critical shift: “MAS is using its balance sheet to catalyse private capital into under‑represented segments.” Market observers noted that while headline liquidity in the FTSE Straits Times Index is healthy, mid‑ and small‑cap names typically suffer from thin volume and wide spreads, deterring institutional and retail interest.

JP Morgan’s involvement is expected to bring global asset‑management experience to bear on local strategies. Avanda, a Singapore‑grown emerging‑markets specialist, and Fullerton, with sovereign backing, strengthen confidence that domestic competence will benefit from the infusion of global best practice.

Details of each manager’s mandate have not been disclosed, but MAS emphasised that performance will be measured not only by capital deployment but also progress in building domestic expertise in portfolio construction, trading infrastructure and market‑making behaviours. These elements are crucial to achieving sustainable liquidity gains.

Experts point out that Singapore’s programme mirrors efforts overseas, such as Japan’s ETF purchases by its pension fund, but with a distinctive twist: the EQDP partners with private asset managers rather than buying equities directly. That design aims to stimulate skill transfer and innovation in execution capabilities.

Further co‑investment rounds are expected later this year, with MAS reviewing submissions in stages to expedite capital deployment. The S$5 billion envelope is expected to span several tranches, signalling long‑term commitment to market enhancement.

Since introducing a broad stock‑market review in August last year, MAS and its review group have identified several friction points, including limited participation by retail investors, dominance by large‑cap counters and constrained institutional activity in smaller names. EQDP is one among several initiatives aimed at remedying structural imbalances.

Regulatory adjustments are also on the cards, with potential reforms covering short‑selling rules, stock‑lending frameworks and promoting algorithmic market‑making. MAS has indicated a willingness to consult key stakeholders, including retail brokerages and the Singapore Exchange, to create complementary regulatory enablers.

Market participants have pointed out that EQDP funding alone may not be sufficient. A private fund‑operations specialist commented: “Capital without market infrastructure enhancements risks being parked rather than deployed actively.” MAS’ selection criteria emphasise capacity building—suggesting this concern has been taken into account.

Beyond boosting trading volumes, the manoeuvre may help Singapore position itself as a regional equity hub. By fostering advanced trading strategies, tighter spreads and higher turnover, the city‑state stands to attract more international fund flows. Simultaneously, support for domestic managers reinforces Singapore’s ambition to strengthen its plug‑and‑play asset‑management ecosystem.

MAS confirmed that progress and outcomes will be tracked and disclosed periodically. Selected managers will have to report on liquidity metrics, investment activity and capability transfer milestones. This level of oversight reflects a strategic approach to ensure that public‑private collaboration delivers measurable structural improvements.

Etihad Airways has surpassed the 20 million annual passenger mark for the first time, boosted by strong first-quarter profit and rising customer satisfaction. The airline’s operating fleet now exceeds 100 aircraft as it intensifies its global expansion and pursues ambitious 2030 targets.

Etihad posted a Q1 profit after tax of AED 685 million, a 30 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. Total revenue rose 15 per cent, supported by growth in both passenger and cargo operations. Passenger revenue alone increased by 16 per cent to AED 5.5 billion, reflecting stronger demand and enhanced flight frequency. The carrier flew 5 million passengers in the quarter, a 16 per cent jump year‑on‑year, with a solid load factor of 87 per cent.

Over the past 12 months, Etihad has carried more than 20 million guests—doubling its annual passenger figures in just 30 months—and is now regarded as the fastest-growing airline in the region. Chief Executive Antonoaldo Neves described this milestone as evidence of “sustained growth driven by expanding demand, a dynamic global network, and a clear strategic focus”.

Customer satisfaction surged to record highs, with Q1 scores up 20 per cent versus a year ago. The airline attributed this to refreshed lounge and inflight menus, improved digital services, high-speed Wi‑Fi, and a revamped website and mobile app.

Etihad’s fleet currently comprises over 100 aircraft, including the return of its seventh Airbus A380 and the delivery of a Boeing 787‑9 with an Emirati crew, alongside its first of three Airbus A350‑1000s. A further 18 aircraft are expected in 2025, highlighted by the introduction of the A321LR narrow‑body fleet on 1 August, which will feature private First Suites, lie‑flat Business seats, 4K entertainment screens, and high‑speed Wi‑Fi across all cabins.

The airline has added 27 new routes so far in 2025 and plans to operate nearly 90 destinations by year‑end. These network additions form part of Etihad’s longer-term strategy to expand its global footprint to over 125 destinations and grow its fleet to more than 170 aircraft, with the aim of carrying 38 million passengers annually by 2030.

Operational efficiency gains also strengthened Etihad’s balance sheet. EBITDA rose 32 per cent to AED 1.4 billion, yielding a 21 per cent margin, while net leverage improved to 1.1×, down from 1.9× in March 2024. Cash flow from operations reached AED 1.8 billion, an 11 per cent improvement.

These developments follow a broader resurgence at Etihad. The carrier turned around from consecutive annual losses of recent years to report a record USD 476 million profit in 2024, flying 18.5 million passengers that year—a 32 per cent increase—and generating revenue of nearly USD 6.9 billion. The Q1 results affirm progress in cost optimisation, network rationalisation and fleet modernisation initiated under CEO Neves since taking the helm in 2022 under Abu Dhabi sovereign fund ADQ.

Looking ahead, Etihad plans to sustain delivery of 20-plus new aircraft annually, including further Boeing 787s and Airbus A350s, to meet projected demand. It is also preparing infrastructure and service upgrades connected to Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport, whose terminal expansion tripled annual capacity to 45 million passengers, reinforcing the city’s role as a global hub.

On the route front, 16 further destinations have been announced for 2025, complementing an already swift rollout of 27 new routes. The A321LR rollout from August will unlock First Class on single‑aisle sectors, with an upgraded passenger experience including concierge transfers, chauffeur services and luggage‑free travel in Abu Dhabi.

Etihad’s turnaround, driven by disciplined execution of its “Journey 2030” strategy, has paid off. With record profits, growing customer satisfaction and a fleet age structure among the youngest globally, the airline is moving ahead of Gulf competitors as a stronger, customer‑centric global carrier.

Swatch Group’s first‑half figures underscore a deepening crisis in its key Asian markets after the Swiss watch‑maker disclosed a 7.1 per cent drop in sales, generating CHF 3.059 billion, falling short of market forecasts of CHF 3.2 billion. Operating profit plunged 67 per cent year‑on‑year to CHF 68 million, signalling an urgent warning to investors and management alike.

China, alongside Hong Kong and Macau, remains the primary weak spot, contributing 27 per cent of total revenues. Falling demand across these regions continues to undermine core sales and profit performance. Despite encouraging double‑digit growth in North America and market share gains in countries such as Japan, India and the Middle East, these gains have yet to compensate for the shortfall from Greater China.

Net profit attributable to owners collapsed to CHF 3 million, compared with CHF 136 million during the same six‑month period last year. This dramatic decline illustrates the scale of the downturn, making it Swatch’s worst half‑year performance in recent memory.

Analyst commentary has been scathing: Vontobel described this period as “an ugly half year for Swatch Group in all respects”. The fallout from slowed Chinese consumer activity has been compounded by negative currency effects—Swiss franc appreciation cut CHF 113 million from turnover relative to constant‑currency comparisons.

Adding fresh complexity, new U. S. tariffs threaten to raise costs on Swiss watch imports by up to 31 per cent. Industry stakeholders now warn that these levies could further weigh on margins, with retailers like Watches of Switzerland projecting a margin squeeze in the year ahead.

Beyond external pressures, a growing number of investors are scrutinising Swatch’s internal governance. Shareholder activism has surfaced, with calls for more oversight of the centrally controlled Hayek family, whose dual‑class voting structure remains a source of contention. Net profits collapsed by 75 per cent to CHF 219 million in 2024, but critics assert that this malaise runs deeper. GreenWood Investors, led by Steven Wood, has launched a push to join the board, advocating for brand revitalisation, governance reforms and a strategy pivot toward luxury exclusivity akin to Hermès and Ferrari.

Management, though addressing short‑term volatility, emphasises Swatch’s entrenched strengths. Its vertically integrated manufacturing, with over 150 production sites, and the success of the affordable MoonSwatch line demonstrate resilience. The company has pledged that cost‑cutting measures and a pipeline of new product launches—particularly in the U. S. and Japan—should drive a rebound in the second half of the year.

The first‑half slump follows broader downturns last year, when revenue declined 12.2 per cent to CHF 6.74 billion in 2024, and operating profit fell 75 per cent to CHF 304 million. That drop reinforced trading floor rumours of governance fatigue and brand dilution at high‑end labels like Omega and Breguet.

Economically, China’s consumer landscape remains unsettled. A combination of property market stress, slower GDP growth and official campaigns discouraging conspicuous consumption have dampened luxury spending. Swiss watch exports to China and Hong Kong plunged by double digits in early 2024, while only the lower‑priced Swatch line bucked the trend in the region, gaining 10 per cent in sales volume.

Swatch Group’s corporate ambition to maintain full production capacity and avoid layoffs during weak demand, while strategically commendable, has weighed on margins—especially in the production segment. Management asserts this decision safeguards long‑term capabilities and is now beginning to bear fruit, with production margins improving since June.

Mixed signs beyond China offer guarded optimism. North America posted record sales, Japan recorded robust growth, and emerging markets like India and the Middle East offered upside. These regions now form the central axis of Swatch’s recovery strategy.

GCC countries secured $3.4 bn from 24 initial public offerings in the first half of 2025, down 6% from $3.6 bn over 23 listings a year earlier, according to a report by Kuwaiti research firm Markaz. Saudi Arabia drove the surge, contributing $2.8 bn through 22 IPOs—an increase of 36% year‑on‑year—while the UAE and Oman saw more subdued performances.

Oil‑price volatility, US tariff threats and global trade uncertainty weighed on market sentiment, but issuance volumes rose. The number of offerings edged higher to 24 from 23 in H1 2024, illustrating issuer appetite amid wider economic headwinds.

Saudi listings captured 85% of the total proceeds, reinforcing its dominance in the regional IPO pipeline. The Kingdom raised $2.8 bn, up from $2.1 bn in the first half of 2024, with 22 issuances compared to 19 a year ago.

The UAE saw a substantial 88% drop in IPO proceeds, with just one public offering—Alpha Data—raising $163 m in Abu Dhabi. Oman followed with the debut of Asyad Shipping Company, generating $333 m on the Muscat bourse. No IPOs were recorded in Kuwait, Qatar or Bahrain during this period.

Sector analysis reveals the industrials segment led with $1.4 bn in proceeds, bolstered by Flynas and Asyad Shipping Company. Real estate followed with demand for development and construction offerings, while healthcare IPOs collected $505 m. Financial services and technology contributed $408 m and $204 m respectively.

Performance after listing was mixed. Ten of the 24 companies saw positive returns by the end of June. Asyad Shipping led the pack, with its stock surging 835% since its March 12 listing. Umm Al Qura in Saudi Arabia recorded a 51% gain. On the downside, Hedab Alkhaleej, Dkhoun National Trading and Service Equipment fell by 30%, 27% and 26% respectively. Flynas edged slightly lower by 0.2%, despite an initial dip.

Wider equity market performance across the region showed divergence. Kuwait’s bourse rose 18.1% year‑to‑date, followed by Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar, while Oman, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia retreated by 1.7%, 2.1% and 7.6% respectively.

Geopolitical shocks—including renewed US tariff threats and oil price fluctuations— exerted pressure on national indices. On Monday, Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul shed 0.2%, while Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar all fell in the range of 0.3–0.5%. Investors are watching US inflation signals and Fed decisions closely, given the peg of Gulf currencies to the dollar.

Despite softer proceeds overall, the strong issuance tally suggests issuers seized a narrow window before heightened uncertainty. A PwC analysis of Q1 showed GCC IPOs rose 33%, raising $1.6 bn from 11 deals, with Saudi Arabia capturing nearly 70% of that total.

Looking ahead, Saudi Arabia is expected to maintain momentum, driven by privatisation efforts and a diverse pipeline of government-linked listings led by the Public Investment Fund. The UAE is projected to ramp up activity in industrials and tech, while Kuwait is implementing regulatory reforms to stimulate listings.

Market analysts caution that global headwinds remain. PwC flagged how tariff announcements and macroeconomic instability continue to disrupt IPO sentiment globally. Within the GCC, sustained oil-price volatility and tightening monetary conditions add complexity.

Nevertheless, Gulf capital markets have demonstrated resilience. Encouraged by diversified sector participation and healthy post-listing gains, policymakers and market participants appear poised to capitalise on remaining windows of stability.