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The new connectivity will enable AD Ports to introduce advanced tools such as real-time vessel tracking, predictive maintenance, dynamic route optimisation and automated cargo tracking. At sea, such applications are expected to aid smarter voyage planning, improved fuel efficiency and heightened safety monitoring—capabilities previously constrained by intermittent connections or high latency.

On land, the LEO backbone will support terminal operations by ensuring resilient communication even in remote or critical locations. It is set to enhance cargo monitoring, streamline emergency response coordination and boost business continuity during high-demand operations or network disruptions. Integration with existing Internet of Things sensors, smart port platforms and artificial intelligence analytics will underpin these improvements.

Mohamed Jamal-Eddine, Chief Information Officer at AD Ports Group, stated that this step lays the foundation for “a smart, resilient infrastructure” capable of supporting continuous operations even under challenging conditions. He emphasised that connectivity is not solely about speed but about enabling constant visibility and control across the supply chain.

Importantly, the rollout aims to deliver operational savings. With enhanced connectivity, the company expects reductions in fuel consumption via optimised routing, lower maintenance costs due to predictive modelling, and fewer delays linked to communication failures. These gains form part of a broader agenda of digital transformation already underway at AD Ports, which includes smart port platforms and integrated supply chain systems.

While the service providers involved remain unnamed, the agreements point to AD Ports Group’s strategy to secure multiple vendor relationships to ensure redundancy and avoid single points of failure. The phased model also allows for company-led pilots on select vessels before full fleet implementation.

Analysts observing maritime and logistics industries interpret this move as part of a larger trend: ports and shipping companies are increasingly adopting LEO and other satellite-based technologies to overcome gaps in connectivity, particularly in less accessible sea routes and remote terminal locations. Such capabilities are seen as essential for the adoption of automation, green technologies, and stringent environmental regulations requiring greater transparency in operations.

Gulf Cooperation Council central banks have lowered key interest rates across the region after the United States Federal Reserve reduced its benchmark rate by 25 basis points. The move marks the Fed’s first rate cut this year, and Gulf economies have quickly aligned their monetary policy to maintain currency pegs, apart from Kuwait, which pegs its dinar to a basket of currencies rather than solely to the dollar.

Saudi Arabia cut its repo rate to 4.75% and its reverse repo rate to 4.25%. The UAE lowered its overnight deposit facility rate to 4.15%. Qatar reduced its deposit, lending, and repo rates each by 25 basis points. Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait also followed suit with 25 basis point cuts to their key rates.

The rationale driving these moves lies in the Gulf states’ monetary frameworks. Most GCC currencies are pegged to the US dollar, meaning their central banks generally mirror US monetary policy to preserve exchange rate stability. Kuwait stands out as it links its currency to a basket of currencies, weakening the direct link to Fed actions.

Economic analysts note that easing borrowing costs could help stimulate sectors beyond oil, such as real estate, tourism and manufacturing—areas that have strong roles in GCC diversification plans. The UAE expects its non-oil economy to grow by 5.1% this year, while inflation remains modest, easing pressure on rate cuts.

In the United States, the Fed’s decision also signalled expectations of further cuts before the end of the year, setting a stage for global monetary easing. Chair Jerome Powell emphasised that although inflation remains above target, the labour market has weakened enough to justify the cut, but that future reductions will be measured.

Shares in Santos plunged by up to 13.6% as the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company-backed XRG consortium formally withdrew its A$36.4 billion takeover offer, stating it could not reach agreement with Santos on critical commercial terms.

The consortium, which includes ADQ and Carlyle alongside XRG, had proposed A$8.89 per share in June, equivalent to US$5.76 at the time. Santos had adjusted that for a dividend and told XRG on Monday that it was prepared to accept US$5.626 per share.

This marks the third unsuccessful major offer for Santos over seven years, including a rejected bid from Harbour Energy in 2018 and abandoned merger talks with Woodside Energy. Analysts warn that repeated deal failures erode investor confidence in the company’s ability to seal a large-scale acquisition.

Investor concern was immediately reflected in the market. Santos shares dropped to A$6.61 in early trading, their lowest level since June 10, as the premium embedded in the bid evaporated. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was marginally down.

Analysts and banks responded by downgrading the stock. Jarden cut its rating from “overweight” to “underweight”, lowering its 12-month target from A$8.40 to A$7.05 per share. turn0news10turn0search1turn0search2

Santos leadership emphasised its strong project pipeline, pointing to the Barossa gas project in northern Australia and the Pikka oil venture in Alaska as key future growth drivers. Company chair Keith Spence reiterated that Santos has a clear strategy to generate cash, reward shareholders, reinvest in infrastructure and grow production while maintaining safety and reliability.

XRG stated that a “combination of factors, when considered collectively, have impacted the Consortium’s assessment of its indicative offer”, including inability to agree on terms under the Scheme Implementation Agreement. Among sticking points was the demand that the consortium assume certain regulatory and tax-risk obligations, which XRG considered unacceptable.

Dubai Future Foundation has sealed a Memorandum of Understanding with XSOLLA, a global video-game commerce company, under the framework of the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033. The agreement seeks to reinforce Dubai’s position as a gaming innovation hub, drive thought-leadership in the sector, and deliver economic impact with goals of 30,000 new jobs and an additional US$1 billion in GDP by 2033.

DPG33, launched in November 2023 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of DFF, aims to place Dubai among the world’s top ten gaming hubs over the next decade. The XSOLLA deal was inked during Dubai’s participation in Gamescom 2025 in Germany, where the DFF-led pavilion showcased local developers and gaming initiatives.

Under the MoU, the partners will co-operate on generating thought leadership initiatives and spotlight key activities in content, monetisation, infrastructure, and talent development. DFF also will use its platform to attract investment and cultivate a supportive ecosystem for game developers.

Local game studios have already been gaining traction. Dubai-headquartered iBLOXX secured US$5 million in funding to further develop its online game Strayshot, and Artisan Studios’ Lost Hellden drew over 15,000 wishlist additions on Steam plus more than 300,000 views of its promotional video across platforms such as IGN, PlayStation and Nintendo of America during the Gamescom showing. These examples illustrate growing visibility for indie development as well as commercial promise in Dubai’s gaming sector.

Abdulaziz AlJaziri, Deputy CEO of DFF, said that the level of local and international interest in Dubai’s gaming sector reveals “a real appetite to explore and partner with one of the industry’s most promising markets.” He emphasised Dubai’s advantages in infrastructure, investment, and competitive advantages under DPG33.

The economic projections tied to these initiatives rely heavily on success in three arenas: scaling game creation and publishing, enhancing monetisation capabilities, and developing skilled talent. The MoU with XSOLLA is expected to assist especially in the monetisation and scaling end, leveraging XSOLLA’s global commerce tools and developer support services. Analysts note that aligning global platforms like XSOLLA with local innovation programmes is a strategy used in other leading gaming hubs, helping to bridge gaps in market access, revenue optimisation, and international distribution.

Regulatory and infrastructure support remain under scrutiny, as talent attraction—both local and international—depends not only on capital and tools, but also on clarity in regulation, availability of education and training, creative incentives, and digital and physical infrastructure. Dubai’s gaming strategy, via DPG33, aims to address many of these pain-points through government partnership, industry collaboration, and ecosystem development.

Saudi entities Hassana Investment Company and AviLease have formed a joint venture to offer aircraft-leasing opportunities, signalling a major step in the Kingdom’s drive to build up its aviation financing infrastructure under its National Aviation Strategy. Hassana will own a majority of the new venture; AviLease—backed by the Public Investment Fund—will supply aircraft servicing.

The joint venture’s launch includes a deal to acquire a fleet of ten fuel-efficient, new-technology aircraft from AviLease, all currently leased to carriers based in Saudi Arabia. The portfolio reflects a shift towards greener, more sustainable aviation assets.

Hassana, which manages funds for the General Organization for Social Insurance, sees this as a chance to deepen exposure to resilient asset classes that generate long-term cash flows. Hani Al-Jeha­ni, Acting CEO and CIO of Hassana, emphasised the partnership aligns with its mandate to pursue investments that offer sustainable returns while supporting national aviation goals.

AviLease, established in 2022 as part of the sovereign wealth fund’s expanding portfolio, is expanding rapidly. The company has placed large orders for new Boeing and Airbus aircraft and completed a sizeable financing facility earlier this year. It manages a global portfolio worth several billion dollars. Edward O’Byrne, CEO of AviLease, described the joint venture as foundational to scaling up Saudi Arabia’s aviation ecosystem and creating a platform attractive to both domestic and international investors.

Fahad Al-Saif, Chairman of AviLease, noted that the partnership marks one of the first private-sector-led steps into the aviation financing domain within Saudi Arabia, reinforcing the role of investment institutions in strengthening the sector.

The move supports Saudi Arabia’s ambition to draw 150 million visitors annually by 2030, up from earlier targets, and to enhance the economic multiplier effects of tourism, trade, and transport infrastructure. Aviation financing is seen as a key enabler in achieving these goals, since airlines often face high capital costs.

ADQ and Azerbaijan Investment Holding have signed a memorandum of understanding to pursue joint projects in the financial services sector, aiming to improve market connectivity and bolster the investment environment for sustainable economic growth.

The agreement follows their establishment of a joint investment platform in December 2023, under which both organisations committed equal capital to developing sectors such as agriculture, technology, pharmaceuticals and energy infrastructure across Azerbaijan, the UAE, and Central Asia—with possible expansion beyond those regions.

Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of ADQ, said the deal exemplifies the strategy of deploying patient capital and leveraging investment know-how to stimulate economic diversification, foster industrial expansion, and enhance regional connectivity and competitiveness.

Ruslan Alikhanov, Chief Executive Officer of AIH, described the partnership as a key move to unlock new growth opportunities for Azerbaijan, emphasising that combining capital and expertise will support more diversified development and position Azerbaijan as a proactive actor in regional investment networks.

AIH, founded in 2020, manages strategic state-owned enterprises, enhancing governance, boosting operational efficiency and channeling investment into national priorities. ADQ is recognised for investing in critical infrastructure, global supply chains, and strategic sectors that align with broader national and regional economic transformation agendas.

Trade between the UAE and Azerbaijan has been strengthening, with non-oil trade rising 43 per cent year-on-year to reach about USD 2.4 billion in 2024. UAE investments into Azerbaijan have crossed USD 1 billion, reflecting the deepening economic partnership.

Abu Dhabi will become the base for a new production venture aiming to create large-scale action films, as Emirati actor-producer Mohamed F. Mostafa joins forces with British filmmakers Neil Marshall and Jadey Duffield.

The trio plan to produce under the UK company Art of Action, with two projects already in development: Marshall’s Skeleton Coast, a desert survival thriller, and Duffield’s Blackout, described as a whodunnit in the style of Knives Out crossed with The Raid. Mostafa is establishing a production company in Abu Dhabi to ensure that Emirati talent is deeply involved both in front of and behind the camera.

Abu Dhabi’s film incentive scheme is a cornerstone of the plan. Productions can receive up to 50% cashback on qualifying spend, provided they meet criteria including hiring local cast and crew and investing in local infrastructure. This enhanced rebate framework is intended to attract big-budget shoots while developing the skills of the domestic film workforce.

Marshall, known for directing episodes of Game of Thrones such as “Blackwater” and “The Watchers on the Wall”, described action as a genre with worldwide appeal. He and Duffield emphasise that their films will draw on regional fighting styles and action choreography seldom seen in global cinema, aiming to push what local crews can do alongside their work.

Mostafa said the timing is opportune, asserting that the Emirati entertainment sector has abundant talent that has so far lacked full exposure. He hopes this partnership will showcase that local crews and performers can deliver action content with international production values.

Abu Dhabi has over time hosted major international productions including Dune, Mission: Impossible, and Star Wars-related work. But Mostafa, Marshall and Duffield see potential beyond serving as a filming location: their goal is to make Abu Dhabi a creative base for action filmmaking with staying power.

Duffield emphasises translating external expertise into local growth, especially in areas like stunt and action design, with “knowledge transfer” baked into the structure of their planned films. The idea is not merely to import crews but to train and promote domestic specialists.

HSBC has opened a dedicated wealth centre in Dubai aimed at serving affluent clients, stepping up efforts to capture a growing share of the UAE’s expanding wealth and asset management sector. It comes as the bank’s Swiss private arm moves to cut ties with over 1,000 wealthy clients from the Middle East under regulatory pressure.

The Dubai centre, housed in HSBC’s flagship Jumeirah branch, will offer Premier and high-net-worth clients access to relationship managers in a specialist space. Dinesh Sharma, HSBC’s head of International Wealth and Premier Banking for Middle East, North Africa and Turkey, said the UAE is among HSBC’s top five global markets, and the investment in infrastructure, people, capabilities and marketing over the next three to four years represents its largest in two decades. Singapore is cited as a model for how the UAE could develop into a global wealth hub.

In parallel, HSBC Private Bank has informed more than 1,000 clients in Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Egypt and Qatar—many with assets exceeding US$100 million—that it will terminate its relationships with them. The bank is classifying these clients as high risk, following findings by Swiss regulator FINMA that it failed to meet anti-money laundering obligations in past transactions involving politically exposed persons.

HSBC has emphasised its continued commitment to both its Middle East and Swiss wealth business units. Barry O’Byrne, CEO of International Wealth and Premier Banking, maintains that Switzerland remains one of HSBC’s “core wealth hubs.” HSBC is structuring its strategy to grow where it has “a clear competitive advantage.”

The bank notes that personal financial assets in the UAE have surged over the past few years, exceeding US$700 billion, with more than 130,000 millionaires now in the country. Migrants of wealth are drawn by favourable investment policies, tax incentives and regulatory reforms. Regions contributing large shares of incoming wealth include India, other Middle Eastern markets, Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States, and a growing number from the UK, Europe and China.

HSBC’s move to reduce exposure to high-risk clients comes after FINMA’s rulings in 2024, which identified breaches in anti-money laundering duties in connection with transactions involving politically exposed persons between 2002 and 2015. The regulator prohibited HSBC Private Bank from onboarding new relationships with such individuals until its compliance practices were overhauled. The bank is now working under those rules, winding down existing relationships judged to pose compliance risk.

Space42, listed in Abu Dhabi, and Viasat, a US communications company on Nasdaq, have joined forces to launch a new entity called Equatys to deliver Direct-to-Device and mobile satellite services worldwide leveraging 5G standards.

Equatys will combine satellite and terrestrial networks under a 3GPP Non-Terrestrial Network architecture so that standard smartphones and IoT devices can connect even where ground-based networks cannot reach. It will use over 100 MHz of harmonized Mobile Satellite Services spectrum across more than 160 markets. The venture aims to begin commercial service within three years.

The “space tower” model at Equatys is built on shared multi-tenant infrastructure covering both space and ground components. This setup is designed to cut redundant investment, improve spectrum utilisation, and reduce overall capital costs for operators. Licensed terrestrial and satellite operators will be able to tap into this infrastructure for D2D and next-generation MSS offerings.

Space42 was formed in 2024 through a merger combining the operations of Bayanat and Yahsat. Its business units include upstream satellite operations and geospatial analytics/AI-powered smart solutions. Major shareholders include G42, Mubadala, and IHC. Viasat, having acquired Inmarsat in 2023, operates globally in secure satellite communications, for government, enterprise, and consumer markets.

While financial terms of the venture were not disclosed, Equatys is expected to issue equity in phases, opening opportunities for strategic and financial partners as the system scales. The model is pitched as infrastructure-grade, aiming to offer returns tied to long-term deployment and spectrum utilisation rather than short-term hardware sales.

The project is subject to regulatory and customary conditions. It follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed in March 2025 between Space42 and Viasat which moved from exploratory technical and commercial studies to forming a jointly owned infrastructure company.

Experts are watching closely how spectrum harmonisation will be maintained across the many markets Equatys aims to cover. Nation-level telecom regulators often impose latency, licensing or usage constraints on MSS and NTN services, which can complicate global rollout. Also, implementing a shared infrastructure model across multiple orbits of satellites presents technical and operational challenges, from latency and hand-off between orbits, to ground station coordination, spectrum interference and service reliability.

Dubai International Airport has deployed over 520 hearing loops across its three terminals to support passengers with hearing loss. The system, which allows travellers using hearing aids or cochlear implants to hear announcements clearly by switching to the ‘T’ setting, requires no pairing or extra equipment.

The devices are now installed at critical passenger touchpoints including check-in counters, immigration desks, boarding gates and information desks. The initiative is part of DXB’s broader accessibility drive under Dubai’s Universal Design Code, which mandates inclusive access in public facilities and transport infrastructure. Staff across frontline operations have also been trained to assist guests of determination.

Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer at Dubai Airports, said this move demonstrates a commitment to enabling every traveller to move through the airport “with ease, dignity, and confidence.” The rollout was supported by oneDXB partners including airlines, airport services, customs, police, and ground handling agencies.

Globally, about 1.5 billion people live with some degree of hearing loss, a figure projected by the World Health Organisation to rise to 2.5 billion by 2050. Experts say transport hubs like airports are under increasing pressure to provide accessibility services that do not add friction for travellers. Implementation of hearing loops is among the measures considered most effective because of their unobtrusive nature and compatibility with existing devices.

Abu Dhabi has initiated a landmark pilot for self-driving delivery vehicles in Masdar City, with the Integrated Transport Centre collaborating with K2 and EMX under oversight from the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council. The operation includes the issuance of the emirate’s first licence plate for an autonomous delivery vehicle.

The vehicles, developed by K2’s Autogo subsidiary, are designed to travel urban routes and deliver orders without direct human control, using artificial intelligence and smart mobility systems. Officials say the trial is a stepping-stone toward broader commercial deployment across the emirate.

This pilot follows approved Level 4 autonomous vehicle trials in Masdar City, overseen by the Integrated Transport Centre in partnership with the smart mobility provider Solutions+, a Mubadala firm. Under these trials, vehicles are operating over a 2.4-kilometre geofenced route linking landmarks such as the Siemens building, Central Park, My City Centre Masdar mall, and others. Initially safety officers are onboard; remote control from a central operations hub is planned as trust and performance increase.

Regulators emphasise that safety, compliance, and adaptability are core to the initiative. Dr Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director-General of the ITC, stated that the project marks a significant milestone in Abu Dhabi’s strategy to support innovation while ensuring legal and operational frameworks protect public welfare. Ahmed Baghoum, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar City, described the undertaking as a leap forward in autonomous mobility capabilities and aligned with the emirate’s vision of sustainable, technological integration.

Tariq Al Wahedi, Group CEO of 7X, said that through its logistics arm EMX, the company views this pilot as part of a broader last-mile delivery ecosystem. He indicated plans to expand coverage beyond Masdar City to areas such as Khalifa City and Dubai, with full commercial rollout expected within the next twelve months.

The moves align with Abu Dhabi’s goals under its smart mobility strategy, including the target that a quarter of all trips in the emirate use smart transport solutions by 2040. The ambitions also dovetail with the UAE’s broader sustainability framework, including its Net Zero by 2050 initiative.

Gold surged past levels not seen in over four months after growing confidence that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates this month boosted demand for bullion, while silver climbed above $40 per ounce for the first time in over a decade.

Spot gold rose around 0.9% to roughly US$3,486.86 per ounce, reaching highs last marked in late April. US gold futures for December delivery also advanced, riding momentum from dovish comments by San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly and a U. S. appeals court decision that struck down most of former President Trump’s tariffs, which weighed on the dollar. Silver jumped about 2.2%, to near US$40.56, its best since September 2011. Other precious metals followed: platinum added 1.5% and palladium rose around 0.8%.

Investors have been digesting a weakening US dollar, cautious labour market indicators, and signals from policymakers suggesting the Fed could lower rates by 25 basis points. Some traders contemplate a larger cut, although forecasts remain varied. Demand for gold as a hedge has been reinforced by geopolitical uncertainty and concerns around the independence of central banking.

Analysts at ANZ and UBS have revised their forecasts for gold upward. ANZ now expects gold to average about US$3,800 per ounce by year-end, with upside toward US$4,000 by mid-2026. UBS similarly raised its year-end target, citing robust central bank buying, persistent inflation pressures, and the likelihood of further policy easing.

Silver’s rally, driven by industrial demand and tight supply, outpaces gold in percentage gains. ETF inflows have also favoured silver, reflecting investor appetite for high-beta exposure in the precious metals space.

Haitham Al Ghais, Secretary General of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, has affirmed that OPEC will remain a pillar of market stability and a critical voice for oil’s role in the world for decades. Delivered to coincide with OPEC’s 65th anniversary, his remarks emphasised the organisation’s long‐standing mission and future direction.

OPEC projects oil demand to reach around 123 million barrels per day by 2050, driven by economic expansion and growing populations. Al Ghais warned that predictions of a near-term decline in relevance or “peak oil” should be viewed with scepticism in light of long‐term demand forecasts and OPEC’s historical resilience.

He noted that oil remains indispensable across many spheres of daily life: transportation, construction, food production and healthcare. Oils and petroleum derivatives, he said, are foundational not just for consumers but for societal and economic prosperity more broadly. Without them, critical infrastructure and supply chains could be severely disrupted.

Al Ghais described OPEC’s foundation in 1960 as a unifying vision for oil-producing nations, asserting sovereign control over production, supporting regular supply to consuming nations, and ensuring a fair return for investors. He reflected on the group’s evolution, including its expansion and the formation of the OPEC+ framework in 2016, which he said strengthened its ability to respond to global shocks such as those caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 65-year mark, he argued, is not simply an anniversary but a reaffirmation of core objectives: balancing producer and consumer interests; dialogue and cooperation with non-OPEC producers; and emphasizing a holistic, multi-technology approach to energy security and poverty alleviation in developing regions.

He also stressed that energy security is “inconceivable without oil,” especially for societies coping with energy poverty. For OPEC, the challenge ahead involves ensuring that growth in demand is met “in a sustainable way” that incorporates environmental, social and economic considerations, while keeping market stabilisation efforts front and centre.

Binghatti Holding Ltd, a Dubai-based developer, has initiated steps toward an initial public offering in the United Arab Emirates, as it looks to harness momentum from a strong real estate market climb. The company is in discussions with banks to assist in going public, according to persons with knowledge of the matter who spoke under condition of anonymity. A spokesperson declined to comment, calling the IPO talk “market rumour and speculation.”

Earnings performance is underpinning the move. For the first half of 2025, Binghatti reported a net profit of AED 1.82 billion, up 172 percent year-on-year. Total sales rose 60 percent to AED 8.8 billion, while revenue jumped about 189 percent to AED 6.3 billion. These figures reflect strong demand for its residential offerings.

Non-resident buyers are accounting for a growing share of Binghatti’s business, with about 61 percent of sales in H1 2025 coming from outside the UAE. That shift underscores Dubai’s continued appeal to international investors.

This potential IPO follows recent capital market activity by Binghatti. It issued a USD 500 million Sukuk under its USD 1.5 billion Trust Certificate Issuance Programme; the offering was oversubscribed by five times, with orders exceeding USD 2.5 billion from regional and global investors.

In June, Binghatti launched an asset management arm, Binghatti Capital, based in Dubai International Financial Centre and regulated by the DFSA. The new entity is targeting roughly USD 1 billion in assets under management, focused on Sharia-compliant real estate investment and private credit strategies.

Several analysts view the IPO bid as a strategic move to broaden funding sources beyond debt and sukuk, enable more institutional investment in the company, and leverage its rising profile. Real estate analysts note that the surge in demand—both domestic and foreign—is creating a favourable window for property players to tap equity markets. Oversupply concerns persist in some segments of Dubai’s housing market, but differentiated developers like Binghatti, known for branded luxury residences and fast construction delivery, appear well positioned.

Eshraq Investments has struck sale and purchase agreements totalling AED 264 million with Blue Lake Properties and Al Ain Properties to dispose of several land plots on Al Reem Island. The move forms part of its strategy to monetise land holdings and respond to mounting financial losses.

The sale takes place in prime zones of Al Reem Island adjacent to Al Maryah Island and inside the jurisdiction of the Abu Dhabi Global Market, locations particularly attractive to developers seeking centrality and regulatory stability. The agreements bolster Eshraq’s land monetisation drive, which has become a priority as the company seeks to improve its financial footing.

Financial filings show that accumulated losses for the first half of 2025 reached AED 484.85 million, equal to 18.05% of Eshraq’s capital. That marks an improvement from a loss of AED 526.55 million at the end of 2024, helped by gains from independent valuations of assets held by Goldilocks Investments, which rose by AED 55.14 million during the same period.

Goldilocks, a key non-core investment, had its net investment value boosted to AED 827.70 million as at 30 June 2025, up from AED 772.56 million in December 2024, offering some cushion against Eshraq’s operating losses.

In its first quarter of 2025, Eshraq reported a net loss of AED 27.03 million, a sharp decline from AED 306.05 million in the same period of 2024. Revenue across its portfolio has faltered, prompting management to accelerate the disposal or development of under-utilised land.

Industry observers note that investor appetite for Al Reem Island remains strong, driven by its proximity to key business hubs, relatively favourable regulatory environment, and demand for residential and mixed‐use projects. The sale with Blue Lake and Al Ain Properties underscores that even amidst financial pressure, prime real estate in central Abu Dhabi retains market confidence.

WWE has confirmed that WrestleMania 43 will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in 2027, marking the first time the flagship event will be held outside North America. The announcement was made by WWE’s Chief Content Officer, Paul “Triple H” Levesque, in partnership with Turki Alalshikh of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority.

Officials say WrestleMania 43 will become part of Riyadh Season, with the Kingdom hosting both the weekend’s celebrations and related WWE programming such as Friday Night SmackDown, Monday Night Raw, NXT, fan events, and community outreach.

This move represents a major shift in WWE’s global strategy. Since 2018, WWE has maintained a ten-year partnership with Saudi Arabia aimed at expanding international entertainment ties under Vision 2030. The deal has already resulted in multiple large WWE events being hosted in the Kingdom.

Levesque described the decision as an opportunity to “show the world … that WWE is a global brand that reaches every corner of the world.” Turki Alalshikh emphasised respect for WrestleMania’s legacy and global prestige, and expressed intent to make the upcoming show “unlike anything the world has ever seen.”

Among those present for the announcement were WWE legends Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker, and current stars including Seth Rollins, Charlotte Flair, Liv Morgan, Bianca Belair, Logan Paul, and Stephanie Vaquer.

Negotiations are underway for marquee matchups. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is reportedly in discussions to appear, possibly facing either Roman Reigns or Cody Rhodes, which, if confirmed, could involve one of the largest wrestler paydays ever.

Abu Dhabi-based developer Object 1 is accelerating its expansion into the capital, using the platform of the International Real Estate & Investment Show at ADNEC to roll out its latest developments and strategic vision. Head of Business Development, Ismail Gasanov, will speak on panels addressing investment prospects for foreign nationals, sustainability, and intentional design.

The company is opening its first sales gallery in Abu Dhabi to serve investors, brokers, and homebuyers. Sales figures for Abu Dhabi’s wider real-estate sector demonstrate strong performance: Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre reported Dh25.3 billion worth of transactions in the first quarter of 2025, a year-over-year increase of 34.5 %, with demand shifting toward lifestyle, waterfront, and premium residences.

Object 1’s growth in Abu Dhabi builds on its rapid ascendance in Dubai. With over 17 active projects, the developer has become a top-ten player in Dubai’s development landscape within just a few years. The company claims sales value jumped 188 % in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, while transaction volume rose 157 %. Its development pipeline now exceeds 4.5 million square feet, including ALTA V1EW, its newest tower slated to rank among the tallest in Jumeirah Village Circle.

At IREIS 2025, with more than 35 exhibitors and over 2,000 investors expected, Object 1 joins Gold Sponsors such as Reportage Properties, Danube Properties, and Dugasta Properties. The show features an Investment Conference that will examine foreign investment, property law reforms, new ownership models, and how proptech, smart cities, and sustainability are reshaping the market.

Tatiana Tonu, CEO of Object 1, said that Abu Dhabi’s stable economy, high-quality infrastructure, and affluent communities continue to draw discerning investors seeking both capital growth and lifestyle excellence. The expansion into the capital reflects the firm’s long-term confidence in Abu Dhabi as a hub for design-led, sustainable developments that combine community living and investment value.

Abu Dhabi’s active development pipeline is considerable. A report by BNC Network puts the total value of active projects at about US$758.79 billion, with the urban construction component contributing some US$221.56 billion. Residential supply is increasing, with around 2,400 units already delivered in Abu Dhabi city this year; by year end, about 10,400 units are projected, and 11,000 more scheduled for delivery in 2026.

Australia’s Reserve Bank, through Assistant Governor Brad Jones, has warned that the era of stability and integration following the Cold War has given way to a more contested strategic environment that carries elevated risk for governments, financial institutions, and markets. At a FINSIA event in Sydney on 12 September, Jones declared that “the era of the peace dividend is over,” citing geopolitical, technological and operational disruptions reshaping the global financial order.

Jones described the international security and economic system as undergoing “seismic adjustment — on a scale and speed unseen in eight decades.” He flagged multiple forces contributing to instability: rising strategic rivalry, weakening tenets of the rules-based order, frictions in globalisation, and increasing emphasis on self-insurance by nations and firms against a broader set of possible harms.

Technological advances form one front of the risk profile. Jones spoke of an expanding surface for cyber-attacks driven by digitalisation, concerns over concentration risk in cloud services, and quantum computing’s looming threat to encryption systems. Artificial intelligence, while promising productivity gains, poses risks of misinformation, fraud, and systemic instability due to herding behaviour.

Critical infrastructure exposures were cited as especially vulnerable: telecommunications networks, the electrical grid, payment systems, and market infrastructure. Jones referenced a recent example in Europe, where cascading power outages in the Iberian Peninsula disrupted both households and economic activity, pointing out that such disruptions would be far more dangerous if key financial infrastructure were affected.

To respond, the RBA is pressing for what it calls an “anti-fragile” financial system—one not simply capable of withstanding shocks but able to adapt and improve because of them. Innovation, competition, and efficiency are being positioned not as opposing goals to resilience but as complementary. Initiatives under way include work with industry to bolster payments resilience, frameworks to ensure that future payments systems embed reliability and recoverability, migration to quantum-safe encryption standards, and reforms aimed at enabling new entrants in financial market infrastructure to reduce concentration risk.

These concerns build on earlier warnings in the RBA’s Financial Stability Review, which noted that heightened geopolitical tensions, trade uncertainty, and technological vulnerabilities could interact with existing financial system risks. The review flagged operational risks from interconnectedness and dependency on third parties for infrastructure and services.

The shift has implications for monetary policy, regulatory oversight, and business strategy. Regulators are likely to place greater emphasis on risk scenarios involving geopolitics, cyber-threats and supply-chain disruptions; financial institutions will need to review and stress-test against non-traditional threats while ensuring agility; and policy frameworks may need to evolve to address threats outside standard macroeconomic shocks.

Taraf, the real-estate arm of Yas Holding, has entered a joint venture with Masdar City to build a residential community covering 1.4 million square metres within Masdar City, Abu Dhabi’s flagship sustainable innovation hub. The development will offer over 1,000 homes, including two- to six-bedroom villas and townhouses, with freehold ownership options.

Designed around a neighbourhood cluster model, the community emphasises human-centred amenities: shaded walkways, cycling routes linked to Al Masar Park, numerous parks, and extensive open spaces for wellbeing and active lifestyles. The layout will also include family-friendly infrastructure: dedicated clubs, safe environments for children, and walkable areas throughout.

Low Ping, Group CEO of Yas Holding, said that this project reflects Taraf’s strategy of building “design-led communities that inspire modern living where sustainability and innovation come together,” and that it aligns with Abu Dhabi’s Falcon Economy Vision for dynamic, connected growth. Ahmed Baghoum, CEO of Masdar City, emphasised the intention for the development to combine Taraf’s design focus with Masdar’s sustainability framework, creating a place “where people can live, work, learn, and innovate” under low-carbon principles.

This project represents a growing trend in the UAE towards full-community developments built on sustainable, low-carbon design and green infrastructure. Masdar City has already established itself as a leader in eco-innovation, hosting many businesses, research centres and incubation hubs under strict environmental standards. The inclusion of freehold ownership is relatively rare in developments of this nature in Masdar City, potentially making the homes attractive to investors and owners seeking long-term assets.

Investors and urban planners are likely to monitor how the community balances high design and sustainable living with affordability and infrastructure delivery. Ensuring that walkable, shaded and bike-friendly pathways are effectively integrated, as well as ensuring accessibility of services such as schools, healthcare and public transport, will be critical to the success of the development.

Regulatory and market conditions in Abu Dhabi have been increasingly favourable to sustainable urban development, with government policy pushing for low-carbon goals, renewable energy adoption, and integrated infrastructure. Abu Dhabi’s Falcon Economy Vision is central to this, aiming for economic diversification and environmental sustainability together.