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Emirates SkyCargo has been awarded the ‘International Airline of the Year’ title at the STAT Times International Awards for Excellence in Air Cargo for the second consecutive year. This accolade, determined by votes from STAT Times’ global readership, underscores the airline’s significant influence in global logistics.

The award ceremony took place in Nairobi during the Air Cargo Africa 2025 event. Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates SkyCargo, accepted the award on behalf of the company. In his remarks, Abbas highlighted the airline’s dedication to innovation and customer service, stating, “Emirates SkyCargo is the benchmark for excellence in the global logistics industry, serving as a trusted partner that seamlessly connects the world.”

Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of Emirates, has been instrumental in connecting businesses across over 145 destinations on six continents for nearly four decades. Utilizing a combination of passenger aircraft and dedicated freighters, the airline offers a diverse range of specialized products supported by advanced infrastructure, ensuring efficient and reliable cargo movement.

The Abu Dhabi Investment Office has solidified its commitment to fostering economic collaboration with China by entering into strategic agreements with prominent Chinese entities. These partnerships, announced during the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum in Shanghai, aim to enhance investment intelligence and facilitate the expansion of Chinese enterprises into Abu Dhabi’s burgeoning market.

In a notable development, ADIO has partnered with Wind Information, China’s leading financial information services provider. This collaboration designates Wind Information as ADIO’s preferred knowledge partner in China, granting investors enhanced access to Abu Dhabi’s dynamic investment landscape. The alliance is poised to bridge information gaps, enabling Chinese investors to make informed decisions about opportunities within the emirate.

Simultaneously, ADIO has forged a strategic partnership with Hejun Group, a prominent Chinese consulting firm. This agreement is designed to accelerate Chinese investment in Abu Dhabi by leveraging Hejun Group’s extensive network of over 2,000 publicly listed companies. The collaboration aims to introduce these enterprises to Abu Dhabi’s investment prospects, thereby fostering economic growth and diversification within the region.

Further strengthening bilateral ties, ADIO has entered into an agreement with Fosun International Limited, a global innovation-driven consumer group. This partnership seeks to expedite the expansion of Fosun’s subsidiaries into Abu Dhabi and the broader Middle East. ADIO will provide tailored investor support, streamlined market access, and strategic guidance to facilitate Fosun’s ventures in key sectors such as wealth management, fintech, premium residential real estate, and healthcare innovation.

These strategic alliances underscore Abu Dhabi’s proactive approach to attracting foreign investment and enhancing its position as a global financial hub. By collaborating with leading Chinese firms, the emirate aims to diversify its economy and foster innovation across various industries.

The Abu Dhabi Investment Forum in Shanghai served as a pivotal platform for these announcements, highlighting the emirate’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with China. The forum facilitated discussions on Abu Dhabi’s role as a global financial, trade, and technology hub, with a focus on technological innovation in areas such as financial technology, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and digital transformation.

These developments are set against the backdrop of burgeoning trade relations between the United Arab Emirates and China. Bilateral trade between the two nations is projected to reach $200 billion by 2030, positioning Abu Dhabi as a critical gateway for Chinese investment in the Middle East and beyond. The emirate already hosts a significant number of the 6,000 Chinese companies operating in the UAE, spanning key sectors including technology, financial services, and energy.

In addition to these partnerships, Abu Dhabi has been actively engaging in strategic investments to bolster its economic landscape. For instance, Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy company, has been expanding its footprint in the European energy sector. Masdar is currently negotiating with banks to structure the acquisition of a new portfolio of renewable energy assets from Endesa, a Spanish utility company. This move aligns with Abu Dhabi’s broader strategy to invest in sustainable energy solutions and diversify its investment portfolio.

The financial sectors of the UAE and China have been exploring collaborative opportunities to enhance cross-border investments. The Shenzhen Stock Exchange and Dubai Financial Market have signed a memorandum of understanding to bolster cross-border investing, particularly in exchange-traded funds . This agreement includes dual listings, shared indices, and fixed-income offerings, aiming to facilitate secondary market investments and strengthen financial ties between the two nations.

These initiatives reflect a broader trend of deepening economic cooperation between Abu Dhabi and China, with both parties seeking to capitalize on mutual investment opportunities and drive sustainable economic growth. The strategic partnerships established by ADIO are poised to play a pivotal role in this collaborative effort, fostering a conducive environment for innovation, investment, and economic diversification.

Societe Generale-FORGE , a subsidiary of the French banking group Societe Generale, has launched its Euro-backed stablecoin, EUR CoinVertible , on the Stellar blockchain network. This development positions EURCV as one of the first Euro-denominated stablecoins fully compliant with the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets regulations.

The integration of EURCV into the Stellar network aims to enhance the efficiency of cross-border transactions and financial applications. Stellar’s blockchain infrastructure is recognized for its scalability, speed, and cost-effectiveness, making it a strategic choice for SG-FORGE’s digital asset expansion. This move is part of SG-FORGE’s broader multichain strategy, which includes plans to deploy EURCV on other blockchain platforms such as Solana and the XRP Ledger.

Denelle Dixon, CEO of the Stellar Development Foundation, highlighted the significance of this collaboration, stating that the launch of EURCV on Stellar represents a substantial advancement in digital payments. By combining Stellar’s robust blockchain technology with a trusted MiCA-compliant stablecoin, users are provided with a more efficient means to store and transfer value across borders, facilitating the adoption of this new form of money by individuals and businesses.

SG-FORGE’s commitment to regulatory compliance is evident in its adherence to the MiCA framework, which is designed to provide a clear and harmonized regulatory environment for crypto-assets within the European Union. By ensuring that EURCV meets these stringent regulatory standards, SG-FORGE offers users enhanced security and transparency in their digital transactions.

The decision to utilize the Stellar network was influenced by several technical advantages. Stellar’s architecture supports thousands of operations per second, ensuring that EURCV can handle high transaction volumes efficiently. Transactions on Stellar are typically completed within seconds, a critical feature for real-time financial applications. Additionally, the low transaction costs on the Stellar network make it ideal for micropayments and cross-border transfers, further enhancing the utility of EURCV in various financial contexts.

Guillaume Chatain, Chief Revenue Officer at SG-FORGE, emphasized the alignment between Stellar’s approach and SG-FORGE’s mission to promote broader adoption of stablecoins within the financial system. The collaboration with Stellar is expected to facilitate seamless integration of EURCV into a diverse network of financial institutions, asset managers, and traditional finance entities already connected to the Stellar ecosystem.

This expansion of EURCV onto the Stellar network is anticipated to open new avenues for users and businesses to access a secure, transparent, and scalable digital Euro stablecoin. The combination of MiCA regulatory assurance with Stellar’s robust blockchain infrastructure marks a significant milestone in the evolution of digital assets in Europe.

SG-FORGE’s strategic move comes at a time when the European Union is intensifying its regulatory oversight of crypto-assets. The MiCA regulations, which came into effect in January 2025, require stablecoin issuers to comply with specific standards to operate within the EU. This regulatory environment aims to protect investors and ensure the stability of the financial system, prompting issuers like SG-FORGE to align their offerings with these new requirements.

The launch of EURCV on Stellar is expected to have a positive impact on the adoption of digital assets among institutional investors. By providing a MiCA-compliant stablecoin, SG-FORGE addresses the growing demand for regulated digital assets that can be seamlessly integrated into traditional financial systems. This development is poised to enhance the credibility and acceptance of digital currencies in mainstream financial markets.

In addition to its regulatory compliance and technical advantages, EURCV’s deployment on Stellar is set to benefit from the network’s existing features, including its built-in decentralized exchange. This functionality allows for decentralized transactions between end-users on various cryptocurrencies, facilitating the integration of EURCV into a wide range of financial applications and services.

As SG-FORGE continues to advance its multichain strategy, the successful integration of EURCV on the Stellar network serves as a model for future deployments. The company’s proactive approach to regulatory compliance and technological innovation underscores its commitment to providing secure and efficient digital asset solutions in the evolving financial landscape.

The collaboration between SG-FORGE and Stellar exemplifies the potential of combining traditional financial expertise with cutting-edge blockchain technology. As digital assets become increasingly integral to the global financial system, initiatives like the EURCV stablecoin on Stellar are paving the way for more inclusive and efficient financial services.

Argentine President Javier Milei has presented Elon Musk, advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump, with a chainsaw engraved with the phrase “Viva la libertad, carajo” . This gesture, made during the Conservative Political Action Conference in Maryland, underscores Milei’s commitment to reducing government bureaucracy and spending.

Milei, a libertarian economist, has become known for his dramatic use of a chainsaw during political rallies, symbolizing his intent to “cut” through excessive government expenditure. Since assuming office in December 2023, his administration has implemented stringent austerity measures, resulting in a 30% reduction in public spending and the dismissal of approximately 36,000 public sector employees. These actions have also led to the elimination of various subsidies, aiming to streamline Argentina’s economic framework.

Under Milei’s leadership, Argentina has witnessed a significant decline in its inflation rate. In January 2025, the country’s monthly inflation rate slowed to 2.2%, the lowest since mid-2020. The annual inflation rate also decreased to 84.5% in January, a substantial drop from 117.8% in December 2024. This downward trend is attributed to Milei’s orthodox economic policies, focusing on achieving fiscal and trade surpluses to combat the previously rampant triple-digit inflation.

Elon Musk, serving as the head of the newly established Department of Government Efficiency in President Trump’s administration, has been advocating for similar reductions in government spending in the United States. At the CPAC event, Musk brandished the gifted chainsaw, declaring it a tool to combat bureaucracy. His efforts have already led to significant budget cuts across various sectors, including the termination of 6,000 employees at the Internal Revenue Service.

Musk’s dramatic presentation at CPAC, where he appeared in a “Dark MAGA” outfit while wielding the chainsaw, was met with enthusiastic support from the conservative audience. He emphasized the necessity of eliminating wasteful government spending and streamlining operations, aligning with Milei’s approach in Argentina.

The collaboration between Milei and Musk highlights a growing trend among certain political leaders to adopt aggressive strategies in reducing government size and expenditure. While supporters argue that these measures are essential for economic stability and growth, critics express concern over potential negative impacts on public services and employment.

Gulf Cooperation Council equity markets are projected to yield returns between 12% and 13% in 2025, according to First Abu Dhabi Bank’s latest Global Investment Outlook report. This optimistic forecast is underpinned by robust economic growth, strategic diversification efforts, and a stable geopolitical climate within the region.

The report highlights that the United Arab Emirates is expected to see its Gross Domestic Product growth accelerate from 4.5% to 5.6% in 2025, surpassing the International Monetary Fund’s global growth projection of 3.2%. This surge is attributed to significant investments in non-oil sectors, including technology, tourism, and renewable energy, as part of the nation’s broader economic diversification strategy.

Similarly, the broader GCC region is anticipated to double its growth rate from 2.1% to 4.2% in 2025. This expansion is driven by strategic initiatives aimed at reducing dependence on oil revenues and fostering sustainable economic development. The FAB report emphasizes that these efforts are positioning the GCC economies to outpace global growth in the coming year.

In the equity markets, an expected earnings growth of 11.1% and a price-to-earnings ratio of approximately 15.18x are projected to support the anticipated double-digit returns, inclusive of dividends. The petrochemical sector, in particular, is poised for a strong recovery, bolstered by increased global demand and favorable pricing dynamics. Additionally, the financial sector is set to benefit from rising interest rates and enhanced profitability metrics.

Fitch Ratings’ recent analysis aligns with this positive outlook, indicating a stable forecast for GCC corporates in 2025, underpinned by resilient fundamentals. The real estate sector is also expected to experience continued growth, with gross leverage projected to improve to an average of 2x in 2025, down from 2.5x in 2024.

The FAB report further underscores the role of artificial intelligence and technological innovation as pivotal drivers of economic transformation in the GCC. Governments across the region are investing heavily in AI and digital infrastructure, aiming to enhance productivity and create new avenues for economic growth. These technological advancements are expected to contribute significantly to the region’s GDP and attract foreign direct investment.

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company has successfully completed a $2.84 billion share offering in its subsidiary, ADNOC Gas. The sale involved approximately 3.1 billion shares, priced at 3.40 dirhams each, representing 4% of ADNOC Gas’s total share capital. This transaction stands as the largest share sale in the Middle East and North Africa region since Saudi Aramco’s $12.3 billion offering in June.

The offering witnessed exceptional demand from institutional investors across the Gulf Cooperation Council and international markets, with total oversubscription reaching 4.4 times. The pricing of 3.40 dirhams per share reflects a 43% premium over ADNOC Gas’s initial public offering price of 2.37 dirhams per share and a 5% discount to the company’s closing share price of 3.58 dirhams on February 20, 2025, the last trading day before the offering.

Settlement of the offering is expected to occur on or around February 26, 2025. Post-transaction, ADNOC will retain an 86% majority stake in ADNOC Gas, while the company’s free float will increase by 80%, bringing it to a headline figure of 9%. This enhanced liquidity is anticipated to pave the way for ADNOC Gas’s inclusion in major indices such as the Morgan Stanley Capital International Emerging Market Index and the Financial Times Stock Exchange Emerging Market Index, potentially during the next quarterly review, subject to meeting all relevant inclusion criteria.

Khaled Al Zaabi, Group Chief Financial Officer at ADNOC, expressed pride in completing the UAE’s first-ever marketed offering and the largest placement on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange to date. He highlighted that the exceptional demand and competitive pricing underscore strong investor confidence in ADNOC Gas’s performance and growth prospects. Al Zaabi reaffirmed ADNOC’s commitment as a long-term majority shareholder, emphasizing the subsidiary’s integral role in Abu Dhabi’s decarbonization and growth ambitions.

ADNOC Gas has demonstrated consistent growth and profitability. In its full-year 2024 financial results, the company reported an adjusted net income of $5 billion, the highest since its IPO, with $1.38 billion earned in the fourth quarter alone. These figures significantly surpass Bloomberg consensus estimates. The company’s robust performance aligns with its strategic update announced in November 2024, which outlined a refreshed growth pipeline. This includes the planned acquisition of Ruwais LNG and a target of over 40% adjusted EBITDA growth by 2029.

The successful offering is expected to diversify ADNOC Gas’s shareholder base and enhance liquidity. A higher free float is also projected to facilitate the company’s inclusion in prominent emerging market indices, broadening its investor base and increasing awareness of its value proposition.

BofA Securities, Citi, EFG-Hermes, First Abu Dhabi Bank, HSBC, and International Securities acted as joint global coordinators and bookrunners for the offering. ADNOC has agreed to a restriction on selling additional shares for a period of six months from the closing of the offering, subject to certain exceptions and unless waived by the joint global coordinators.

ADNOC Gas, operational since early 2023, was formed by consolidating ADNOC’s gas processing, liquefied natural gas , and industrial gas operations into a single entity. The company went public on the ADX, raising approximately $2.5 billion in one of the region’s largest IPOs in recent years. This latest share sale further underscores ADNOC’s strategy to unlock value from its assets and attract a diversified investor base.

The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates has achieved a significant milestone with its 500 dirham banknote being recognised as the ‘Best New Banknote Issue’ for 2025 in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region. This accolade was announced during the High Security Printing EMEA conference held in Basel, Switzerland, earlier this month.

The award-winning banknote, which entered circulation on 30 November 2023, is part of CBUAE’s third polymer series. It reflects the UAE’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in the financial sector. The note’s design incorporates advanced security features and three-dimensional elements, setting new standards in banknote aesthetics and security.

One of the standout features of the 500 dirham note is its use of the region’s largest surface-applied foil stripe, a pioneering move in Middle Eastern currency design. This security enhancement not only deters counterfeiting but also adds a distinctive visual appeal. The note was printed by Oumolat Security Printing, a fully owned subsidiary of CBUAE, underscoring the nation’s capability in high-security printing technologies.

The front of the banknote showcases the Terra Sustainability Pavilion from Expo City Dubai, symbolising the UAE’s dedication to a sustainable future inspired by the principles of the nation’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The reverse side features the Museum of the Future in Dubai, an architectural marvel that bridges the past and future, along with iconic landmarks such as the Emirates Towers and the Burj Khalifa. Notably, the Burj Khalifa, standing at 828 meters with over 160 floors, is highlighted as a beacon of sustainability, deriving a significant portion of its energy from solar power.

In a strategic move towards environmental responsibility, CBUAE opted for polymer material in the production of the new banknotes. Polymer notes are more durable and have a longer lifespan than traditional paper notes, and they are fully recyclable, significantly reducing environmental impact. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s broader vision to transition to a green economy and ensure sustainable development for future generations.

This recognition follows a previous accolade where CBUAE’s 1,000 dirham banknote was awarded ‘Best New Banknote’ in 2023. The consistent acknowledgment of the UAE’s currency innovations highlights the nation’s leadership in adopting cutting-edge security features and sustainable practices in banknote production.

His Excellency Saif Humaid Al Dhaheri, Assistant Governor of Banking Operations & Support Services at CBUAE and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Oumolat Security Printing Company, expressed pride in this achievement. He emphasised that the award is a testament to the UAE’s dedication to sustainability and innovation, positioning the nation at the forefront of advanced security features and environmentally friendly materials in currency production.

The High Security Printing EMEA conference is a prestigious event that recognises excellence in the design and technical development of banknotes, passports, and identity cards across the EMEA region. The UAE’s accomplishment at this conference not only enhances the global reputation of its currency but also reflects the country’s broader commitment to innovation and sustainability in various sectors.

The cryptocurrency market of 2025 is witnessing a surge in presale activities, with two projects, PEPETO and Solaxy, capturing significant attention. PEPETO, an Ethereum-based memecoin, has achieved a remarkable milestone by surpassing $5 million in its presale phase, indicating robust investor interest. In contrast, Solaxy, a Layer 2 blockchain solution enhancing Solana and Ethereum compatibility, is nearing the completion of its presale, aiming to address scalability issues within these networks.

PEPETO’s success can be attributed to its unique features that resonate with the crypto community. The project offers a zero-fee trading platform, a cross-chain bridge facilitating seamless transactions across multiple blockchains, and a staking mechanism with an annual percentage yield of 348%. These incentives have led to over 24 trillion tokens being staked, representing approximately 5% of the total supply. The project’s emphasis on usability and accessibility has fostered a strong grassroots following, distinguishing it from other memecoins that rely heavily on influencer-driven hype.

Solaxy, on the other hand, focuses on enhancing blockchain efficiency by providing a scalable Layer 2 solution compatible with both Solana and Ethereum networks. The project has allocated 30% of its total SOLX supply for ongoing development and 10% for liquidity upon listing on decentralized and centralized exchanges. Additionally, Solaxy offers a staking yield of up to 214%, appealing to investors seeking passive income opportunities. The project’s recent audit by Coinsult has reinforced trust in its smart contract infrastructure, positioning it as a promising player in the Layer 2 blockchain sector.

Rabdan Academy, a prominent institution specializing in safety, security, defence, emergency preparedness, and crisis management, has formalized a training agreement with INTERPOL. This collaboration aims to bolster cooperation in research, training, and the exchange of expertise between the two entities.

With the signing of this agreement, Rabdan Academy officially joins the INTERPOL Global Academy Network, a consortium dedicated to elevating training standards for law enforcement agencies worldwide through collaborative efforts and knowledge sharing among leading institutions.

The partnership outlines a framework for both organizations to identify and develop joint training activities and projects. These initiatives will encompass courses, seminars, conferences, curricula development, study tours, and train-the-trainer programs, all designed to enhance the capabilities of law enforcement personnel globally.

His Excellency James Anthony Morse, President of Rabdan Academy, emphasized the strategic importance of this alliance, stating that it aligns with the Academy’s mission to develop specialized skills and capabilities in relevant fields. He highlighted that collaboration with key international and local partners is essential for achieving this goal.

INTERPOL’s Secretary General, His Excellency Valdecy Urquiza, underscored the value of partnering with esteemed academic institutions like Rabdan Academy. He noted that such collaborations are vital for developing comprehensive global training methodologies and standards for law enforcement, benefiting INTERPOL’s member countries and enhancing the effectiveness of the Global Academy Network.

The agreement includes commitments to jointly develop training materials and curricula, exchange academic and training resources, and share expertise and faculty members. This cooperative approach aims to create robust training opportunities and foster applied research on topics pertinent to law enforcement.

Students at Rabdan Academy will gain access to courses and training tools from the INTERPOL Virtual Academy, enriching their proficiency in international policing. Additionally, Rabdan Academy’s training programs will receive accreditation from INTERPOL, ensuring they meet global standards of excellence.

This partnership was formalized during the International Defence Exhibition 2025, where Rabdan Academy is actively participating as an exhibitor. IDEX 2025 serves as a platform for showcasing the latest advancements in defence technology and fostering collaborations among global security stakeholders.

Rabdan Academy’s involvement in IDEX 2025 underscores its commitment to shaping the future of defence and security. The Academy is showcasing its specialized programs in safety, security, and crisis management, highlighting its role as a hub of expertise that brings together policymakers, defence leaders, and global experts to address evolving security challenges.

In addition to its partnership with INTERPOL, Rabdan Academy is set to announce new global collaborations aimed at strengthening its leadership in security and defence education. These initiatives reflect the Academy’s dedication to fostering expertise and cooperation to enhance global security efforts.

The INTERPOL Global Academy Network, established in 2019, is a collective of trusted law enforcement education institutions committed to providing a unified approach to law enforcement training. Rabdan Academy’s inclusion in this network signifies a significant step toward enhancing the quality and reach of specialized training programs for law enforcement professionals worldwide.

Through this partnership, both Rabdan Academy and INTERPOL aim to address contemporary challenges in law enforcement by leveraging their combined expertise and resources. The collaborative efforts are expected to result in the development of innovative training solutions that are responsive to the dynamic nature of global security threats.

As part of the agreement, there will be a concerted focus on applied research, enabling both institutions to contribute to the body of knowledge in law enforcement practices. This research component is poised to inform policy decisions and operational strategies, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies across different jurisdictions.