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Shiba Inu has bounced off a decisive demand zone, reclaiming support near $0.000012 and positioning itself for potential upward movement toward $0.000015, as technical charts and market dynamics align in favour of bulls.

The meme token recently rallied from a support cluster between $0.0000115 and $0.000012, forming a reassuring double‑bottom pattern that underscores emerging buying interest. Observers note that if this momentum holds, SHIB could head toward its key short‑term resistance around $0.000015. Analysts emphasise that sustaining pressure above this demand zone is critical to maintaining bullish prospects.

A chart pattern also suggests that SHIB is attempting to break above a descending channel, lying just below its 50‑day moving average. Crossing that threshold could trigger a sharper rally, with targets stretching to $0.000014, $0.0000175, and even beyond, provided higher timeframe breakouts materialise.

Adding fuel to the rally, token burns have surged significantly—over 48,000% in one documented instance—with tens of millions of SHIB permanently removed from circulation. This deflationary action tightens supply and, combined with heightened derivatives activity, bolsters bullish sentiment.

Yet, technical caution is advised. SHIB is currently compressed within a symmetrical triangle near $0.0000123, and the direction of the breakout—either above $0.000013 or below $0.00001—will likely determine whether bullish or bearish trajectories dominate. A clean advance above the upper trendline and rising volume would open the door toward $0.000015 and the 200‑day moving average; conversely, a breakdown could expose support near $0.0000095.

Beyond price mechanics, structural developments around the Shiba Inu ecosystem—such as Layer‑3 platform expansion, burn infrastructure, and community governance initiatives—offer a long‑term narrative that could support sustained demand, though analysts caution that burns and buzz alone may not suffice without wider utility adoption.

In essence, Shiba Inu now stands at an inflection point. A firm hold above the demand zone has reignited interest, and a break above the 50-day MA or the triangle’s upper boundary could spark a more pronounced rally. Conversely, failure to defend current levels risks deeper retracement. Technology upgrades, ecosystem growth, and on-chain developments remain key components shaping its trajectory.

Only one-third of insurers in China provide mental health services, despite rising demand Fifty percent of insurers see personalisation as key to the success of health and wellbeing programs SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 September 2025 – Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, released insights from its inaugural 2025 Insurer Wellbeing Benchmarking Report offering a comprehensive analysis of the health and […]

Pharmaceutical developers are making headway with artificial intelligence tools to model drug absorption, distribution, and toxicity in human-relevant systems. This shift supports the U. S. Food and Drug Administration’s initiative to make animal testing an exception rather than a rule, particularly in pre‑clinical safety assessments for monoclonal antibody therapies and other drugs.

Regulatory authorities expect New Approach Methodologies—including AI-driven computational models, human-cell‑based systems like organs‑on‑chips, and organoids—to halve both development time and costs within the next three to five years. Recursion Pharmaceuticals recently advanced a cancer drug candidate to clinical trials in just 18 months, markedly faster than the 42‑month industry average.

The FDA’s April roadmap encourages drug developers to submit safety data from NAMs in Investigational New Drug applications. Firms providing robust NAM evidence may receive streamlined review processes—a concrete incentive to adopt these modern methods. A pilot programme allows select monoclonal antibody developers to use primarily non‑animal testing strategies, with results shaping future guidance.

Industry leaders at Charles River, Certara, Schrodinger, Recursion and InSphero are investing heavily in these emerging tools. Charles River’s NAM portfolio now generates roughly US $200 million annually. Certara’s president, Patrick Smith, stated the company is reaching a point where animal testing may no longer be necessary. Schrodinger utilises physics‑based simulations with AI to predict potential toxicity, while InSphero tests safety and efficacy using 3D liver microtissue models.

This transition builds on milestones such as the FDA Modernization Act 2.0, which removed the default requirement for animal data in drug development and formally recognised in vitro, in silico, and organ‑based methods as valid non‑clinical evidence. The Act is part of a broader regulatory overhaul that began with the ISTAND programme—for qualifying organ-on-chip tools—and continued with acceptance of the first liver‑chip into that pathway in 2024. Additional momentum comes from shifts in funding and policy: the NIH now prioritises human‑based models and no longer supports animal‑only proposals; the U. S. Navy has ended cat and dog experiments; and a federal push is underway to align academic and industry research with NAMs adoption.

Beyond regulation, academic research underscores the promise of computational approaches. A June 2025 study highlights AI and deep learning as enablers of predictive frameworks for vaccine and immunotherapeutic design—pointing toward a future where animal testing is replaced by computational models that refine vaccine targets and immune response predictions.

In parallel, the FDA is advancing its broader modernisation agenda through pilot programmes aimed at accelerating drug review timelines. Commissioner Marty Makary has proposed a split‑submission process that allows early review of key data during clinical trials. Coupled with AI tools such as Elsa—used daily within the FDA to expedite data review—this approach is projected to compress approval times from 10–12 months to as little as one to two months in eligible cases.

Ethically, these developments carry weight. Animal testing has repeatedly fallen short in predicting human outcomes—about 90 per cent of drugs deemed safe in animals fail in humans. New methods rooted in human biology promise not just faster, cost‑efficient drug pipelines, but also greater relevance and reliability in safety assessments, while reducing ethical concerns.

Though a complete end to animal testing is not expected immediately, experts anticipate a hybrid landscape in the short term, with animal studies still used where necessary but significantly reduced in favour of AI and human‑based alternatives.

Pogocache, a new open‑source caching system built in C by Josh Baker—known for creating Tile38—has entered general availability, promising breakthrough performance and seamless integration across multiple protocols. According to benchmarks on AWS c8g.8xlarge hardware, Pogocache delivers around 3.14 million queries per second, leaving behind Memcache, Redis, Dragonfly, Valkey, and Garnet. This cache server distinguishes itself by supporting a range of existing communication standards—Memcache, Redis/Valkey, HTTP, and PostgreSQL wire […]

AstraZeneca is poised to reshape hypertension care with a novel oral therapy that has yielded striking reductions in systolic blood pressure among patients whose condition remained uncontrolled despite multiple medications. In the global BaxHTN Phase III trial, daily doses of baxdrostat achieved a placebo-adjusted drop in systolic readings of approximately 9.8 mmHg at 2 mg and 8.7 mmHg at 1 mg over 12 weeks. The 2 mg dose delivered even more impressive […]

Canada is advancing its Arctic security and defence strategy by expanding collaborations with NATO’s newest members—Finland and Sweden. As the geopolitical landscape shifts, Ottawa is actively moving beyond traditional reliance on the United States to forge deeper military, industrial and technological ties with Nordic allies, reinforcing its sovereignty and resilience in the High North. The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, has formalised a Canada–Finland strategic […]

McLaren Racing is set to be valued at in excess of £3 billion as its Middle Eastern backers move to acquire the remaining minority stake in the team. Bahrain’s Mumtalakat sovereign wealth fund and Abu Dhabi’s CYVN Holdings are preparing to buy out the 30 per cent share previously held by investors such as MSP Sports Capital, UBS O’Connor and Ares Management in a deal expected to be confirmed imminently.

This valuation marks a substantial leap from its December 2020 valuation of approximately £560 million, when MSP Sports Capital entered the picture during a fundraising round. The outcome promises significant returns for the minority investors who backed McLaren during its earlier financial challenges.

McLaren’s resurgence under chief executive Zak Brown and team principal Andrea Stella has helped propel the team back to the forefront of Formula One. Following years overshadowed by dominant rivals, McLaren clinched its first constructors’ championship in 2024, and in the current season its drivers—Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris—are locked in a fierce duel at the top of the drivers’ standings.

The sport’s expanding global appeal, driven by Liberty Media’s strategic digital outreach and the cultural phenomenon of the Netflix series Drive to Survive, has magnified team valuations across the grid. McLaren’s rise is emblematic of that broader trend.

Alongside on-track performance, McLaren has diversified into other motorsport arenas. It competes in IndyCar and has confirmed plans to enter the World Endurance Championship, notably the 24 Hours of Le Mans, beginning in 2027. Mastercard has also joined as the team’s title sponsor, in a deal slated to begin in 2026.

The Gulf investors, Mumtalakat and CYVN, currently hold control of McLaren Group Limited, the parent entity of McLaren Racing. With this deal, they will consolidate full ownership of the racing arm.

Beyond this deal, McLaren’s broader corporate structure has undergone notable change. In March 2024, Mumtalakat completed a full takeover of McLaren Group. Later, in December 2024, CYVN acquired McLaren Automotive along with a non‑controlling interest in the racing division. These moves underscore a strategic integration under Gulf ownership, spanning both competition and high-performance automotive manufacturing.

The proposed stake sale is set to be formally announced in the coming days—and might already be public by the time this report is published.

Further context: Aston Martin, another Formula One team, recently sold a minority stake in its racing operation for approximately $147 million, valuing that team at around $3.2 billion.

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Launch of RJJ Hotels and multiple agreements position Malaysia as the hub for regional tourism and investment growth KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 September 2025 – Malaysian-owned hospitality group, RIYAZ International Sdn. Bhd., has formalised a strategic partnership with Jin Jiang Hotels China Region to launch RJJ Hotels Sdn. Bhd. and expand its footprint across Southeast Asia and the wider Asia Pacific region. […]

A notable surge in interest marks China’s gaming community, with nearly four in 10 individuals expressing a keen desire for generative AI within gaming platforms.

A recently circulated report indicates that 39 per cent of gamers in China would welcome the integration of generative artificial intelligence into their gaming experiences. This figure underscores a significant shift in consumer expectations and highlights generative AI’s burgeoning role as a differentiator in content creation and gameplay dynamics.

The country’s generative AI gaming market is undergoing remarkable growth. A detailed forecast places market value at approximately USD 319.7 million in 2024, rising sharply to an anticipated USD 5.3 billion by 2035, driven by a robust compound annual growth rate of around 29 per cent. This surge is attributed largely to concerted efforts by major players such as Tencent, NetEase, ByteDance, MiHoYo and Alibaba – all heavily investing in generative AI technologies that promise tailored and dynamic gaming experiences.

Governmental backing is shaping much of this momentum: the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has been advancing policies to encourage AI-driven innovation within the digital economy, reinforcing investments and research in generative AI applications across the gaming landscape.

On the technological front, Tencent recently introduced its Hunyuan 3D-generation system early this year. The platform enables the creation of 3D assets and environments using text prompts, streamlining content generation and unlocking new avenues for immersive game design. NetEase has also made strides by embedding AI-driven features into its mobile games, most notably with dynamic non-player characters that respond with lifelike reactions. Its upcoming title, Justice Online Mobile, will reportedly incorporate chatbot-style AI dialogue systems to allow players to engage in nuanced conversations with NPCs that may alter game progression.

Cloud gaming is emerging as another vector for AI’s influence. Tencent’s cloud gaming platform, START, developed in partnership with NVIDIA, enables users on low-end devices to stream AAA-quality games—blending AI, cloud infrastructure and advanced hardware to expand access and redefine the gaming experience.

Emerging trends include generative AI’s application across multiple stages of game production—from content creation and level design to character animation, testing and quality assurance. Mobile platforms, PC, console and cloud gaming are all key battlegrounds, assisted by both on‑premises and cloud-based deployment models. On-premises models offer enhanced control and data security, whereas cloud deployments grant scalability, faster updates and foster collaborative development.

China’s gaming population, exceeding 600 million users, offers a vast and varied demographic. That scale is bolstering demand for personalised, generative experiences.

Beyond purely technological innovation, generative AI is starting to influence the narrative and emotional depth of gameplay. NPC interactions, procedurally generated story arcs and real‑time adaptations informed by AI are creating fresh, immersive layers of engagement. Developers – both established studios and indie creators – are experimenting to align with gamer preferences and refine the interplay between narrative and agency.

Regulatory frameworks are also evolving. The Cyberspace Administration of China and other authorities introduced “Interim Measures for the Management of Generative AI Services” in August 2023. These regulations aim to ensure ethical application and secure deployment of generative AI technologies across public services – including gaming.

First Abu Dhabi Bank, the UAE’s largest lender by assets, today instructed a consortium of global banks to coordinate a series of investor calls focused exclusively on environmental, social and governance fixed‑income opportunities. These discussions pave the way for the offering of a benchmark 5‑year, USD‑denominated, Regulation S low‑carbon energy bond, to be issued under FAB’s USD 20 billion Euro Medium Term Note programme. The institutions enlisted as joint lead managers and bookrunners […]

A landmark development has commenced as RRS International Development formally broke ground on the NH Collection Ras Al Khaimah Al Marjan Island Hotel & Apartments, a US‑$100 million mixed‑use venture in collaboration with Minor Hotels. This marks the debut of the NH Collection brand on Al Marjan Island, following its earlier branded residential entry in Palm Jumeirah, Dubai.

Construction will yield 121 hotel keys alongside 36 branded apartments, blending five‑star hospitality with modern residential design. The project’s architecture, crafted by Arkiplan Consulting Architects & Engineers, features a wave‑inspired structure symbolising a seamless union of desert and sea, while interiors by B8 Architectural Prospective Drawings Services bring tropical motifs and lush greenery into open‑plan living spaces. HMK Engineering Consultants serve as Architect of Record, Innovate Project Development is handling project management, and Atlas Star Piling Foundation oversees enabling works.

Rakesh Mirchandani, Co‑Founder of RRS International Development, described the groundbreaking as “more than the start of construction—it’s the beginning of a new chapter,” emphasising investor confidence in both the NH Collection brand and Ras Al Khaimah’s emergence as a global lifestyle destination.

The scheme has already earned multiple industry accolades, including Best Mixed‑Use Development and Best Mixed‑Use Architecture at the 2025–2026 Arabian Property Awards, Best Hospitality Project at the Architecture Leaders Awards, and a nomination for Best Design Concept at the 2025 Commercial Interior Design Awards.

Sanjay Narayandas Dhawan, another Co‑Founder of RRS International Development, noted the emirate’s evolving tourism landscape, highlighting multi‑billion‑dirham investments in leisure and gaming. He sees the new development as aligning with Ras Al Khaimah’s growing international appeal and setting new benchmarks for branded residences and hospitality‑led living.

This announcement builds on Minor Hotels’ strategy to expand its NH Collection portfolio beyond traditional strongholds. Initially unveiled in February 2025, the project is scheduled to open its doors in early 2028 and will comprise 156 keys, including 120 guest rooms and suites alongside 36 serviced apartments. Planned facilities include four restaurants and bars, a gym, an outdoor swimming pool, a kids’ club, a games room, a retail shop and a co‑working space—designed for layered functionality and service excellence.

Minor Hotels’ CEO, Dillip Rajakarier, remarked that the expansion underscores the brand’s global ambition and commitment to establishing NH Collection in new regions including the Middle East. Dhawan reaffirmed RRS’s pride in launching their first boutique hotel on Al Marjan Island, aiming to “blend style, functionality, and exceptional value” while supporting the vision of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.

Architect Abdulla Al Abdouli, Chief Executive Officer of Marjan—the master developer behind Al Marjan Island—welcomed the project as integral to transforming the destination into a dynamic branded‑tourism hub. He praised the synergy between NH Collection’s service standards and Marjan’s mission to curate high‑quality lifestyle offerings across the emirate.

Located on Al Marjan Island, the hotel and residences benefit from proximity to white‑sandy beaches, resort facilities and a growing leisure‑oriented environment. The project appeals to those seeking convertible living spaces that combine permanent residence, holiday retreat and investment potential—backed by internationally recognised hospitality.

Alongside the NH Collection development, Al Marjan Island is witnessing sweeping growth, including large‑scale tourism and gaming projects such as the Wynn Al Marjan Island integrated resort, which is under construction and slated for opening in early 2027. That mega‑resort will feature over 1,500 rooms, a casino, retail and convention facilities, and a marina for super‑yachts, reinforcing the island’s growing status as a landmark destination.

Enterprise technology budgets are increasingly tilted towards AI, with artificial intelligence infrastructure and software commanding the lion’s share of growth while traditional hardware investment shows signs of stagnation. IDC projects global AI spending will surge to over US $632 billion by 2028, propelled by an almost 30 percent compound annual growth rate between 2024 and 2028. Generative AI alone is expected to capture roughly one‑third of this, driven by a […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Night Vision Pro driving glasses claim to reduce glare and enhance low-light viewing through yellow‑tinted lenses and anti‑reflective coatings. User testimonials often echo these benefits, reporting clearer contrast and less eye strain behind the wheel. But independent experts and research cast doubt on whether these lenses truly deliver improved safety and visibility. Night Vision Pro glasses are described as non‑prescription eyewear with yellow‑tinted […]

HUZHOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 September 2025 – A series of activities highlighting ecological progress were held on August 15th as the country embraces its third National Ecology Day. The focus is on protecting the ecological environment, addressing climate change and how China’s meteorological departments are taking action. This year it was Yucun Village, nestled in Anji County of Zhejiang Province in eastern China […]

Apple has moved three MacBooks—the MacBook Air, the MacBook Pro and the MacBook Pro —to its obsolete products list. This change ends all hardware service support, including repairs and parts availability. Meanwhile, the iPhone 8 Plus has been reclassified as vintage, extending its limited repairability for up to two more years, depending on parts availability. Apple’s classification system allows only battery service for obsolete MacBooks up to ten years after discontinuation—subject to […]

A wave of data indicates that staff reliance on informal messaging platforms, particularly WhatsApp, is opening critical cybersecurity gaps across organisations. The 2025 KnowBe4 Africa Annual Cybersecurity Survey shows that 93 per cent of African professionals use WhatsApp for work purposes—surpassing email and even messages sent via enterprise-grade tools. Alarmingly, up to 80 per cent of these users operate from personal devices that often lack proper management […]

StuDIYo Lab, a design‑technology and woodworking centre for young learners based in Dubai, has entered into a five‑year memorandum of understanding with the Bhubaneswar City Knowledge Innovation Cluster Foundation, under the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. The agreement sets a clear trajectory for rolling out maker‑based education, inclusive workshops, bootcamps and vocational training across India and the UAE.

The collaboration begins by launching School Innovation Labs in targeted Indian states. Over the next six months, the partners plan to establish up to four pilot labs, train some 20 educators, and engage over 500 learners. The agenda emphasizes accessibility for underserved groups, including tribal communities and neurodiverse participants, aiming to extend the reach of creative, skill‑based education beyond urban centres.

As part of the initiative, vocational programmes will be tailored specifically for women and youth, while inclusive workshops will cater to special‑needs learners. Innovation and entrepreneurship bootcamps are also planned to nurture student‑led startups and ideas.

This partnership represents a strategic convergence of StuDIYo Lab’s international pedagogical expertise and BCKIC’s deep grassroots network in India, reflecting a commitment to equitable and experiential learning. Capt. G. S. R., Adviser to the foundation, and Lina Sadek, founder and CEO of StuDIYo Lab, were present during the signing of the MoU in August 2025.

StuDIYo Lab has earned the Certified Autism Center™ designation, a mark of its dedication to inclusive environments and creative engagement for sensory‑sensitive individuals. The CAC accreditation underscores the lab’s commitment to accessibility and may enhance the quality and inclusivity of programmes deployed under the new agreement.

BCKIC has a track record of forging multi‑sector partnerships to support innovation, sustainable livelihoods, and inclusive growth across communities. Its ecosystem‑building efforts have previously included collaborations with educational institutions, startups, NGOs and research organisations.

This latest MoU follows a pattern of strategic alliances BCKIC has been cultivating. Earlier in August 2025, BCKIC signed a pact with AIIMS Bhubaneswar and KIIT‑TBI to support healthcare innovation, start‑up incubation and the development of joint Centres of Excellence. The new partnership with StuDIYo Lab signals an expansion of its mandate into design-oriented and maker-based learning pathways.

The timing reflects growing attention to bridging practical skill development with innovation ecosystems. By emphasising maker labs, vocational training, and inclusion across demographic and geographic lines, the pact contributes to a broader agenda of democratizing access to creative and technological learning.

This alliance also opens doors for corporate social responsibility initiatives from Middle Eastern and philanthropic partners, creating a channel for investment into inclusive educational infrastructure and innovation in India.

With its applied learning model and certified inclusivity, StuDIYo Lab brings a distinctive approach that complements BCKIC’s innovation cluster framework. The aim is to replicate scalable, equitable education solutions across diverse Indian regions—encompassing tribal, rural, urban and neurodiverse communities alike.

The experimental nature of the pilot labs and the focused goals for learner and teacher engagement indicate a test-and-scale strategy. If successful, this could form a template for expanding maker-based, design-driven learning nationwide.

By linking UAE’s expertise in accessible, hands-on learning with a credible Indian innovation ecosystem actor, the partnership may serve as a model of cross-border collaboration in education—a bridge between global pedagogy and local implementation at scale.

Greenlogue/AP The United Arab Emirates is elevating its contribution to the global clean‑energy shift through an ambitious expansion of solar generation capacity, backed by major state and private entities, spanning domestic projects and international initiatives. Domestically, the Al Dhafra Solar PV project near Abu Dhabi, boasting a capacity of 2 GW, remains one of the world’s largest single‑site solar power plants and significantly bolsters the UAE’s installed solar capacity […]

Choithrams Is Turning Everyday Shopping into Lifesaving Support at Choithrams.com and across outlets in UAE to support WFP’s nutrition programme for schoolchildren DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – EQS Newswire – 1 September 2025 – Choithrams (www.Choithrams.com), Dubai’s leading supermarket chain, and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) are launching the latest edition of the “End Hunger with Goodness” campaign to support school meal programmes across the […]

Dubai is poised to welcome a wave of new educational institutions in the 2025–26 academic year, with 25 private schools, early childhood centres, and universities slated to open their doors. This initiative is designed to add more than 11,700 school seats and 2,400 places at early childhood centres, significantly expanding learning options for families across the emirate.

Investors continue to express strong confidence in Dubai’s education sector. The new openings include six private schools offering a diversity of curricula—ranging from British to American and International Baccalaureate styles—16 early childhood centres, and three internationally renowned universities. These developments align closely with Dubai’s Education 33 strategy, which aims to elevate the emirate as a global centre for quality education and to boost its socio-economic growth.

The higher education expansion includes flagship additions: the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, the American University of Beirut, and Fakeeh College for Medical Sciences. IIM Ahmedabad stands out with its global presence and reputation for top-tier business and management programmes, AUB holds a strong international ranking, and Fakeeh College brings expertise in medical sciences to the Dubai education landscape.

GEMS Education is also making headlines with the upcoming launch of the GEMS School of Research and Innovation in August 2025. Situated in Dubai Sports City, this school is being billed as Dubai’s most expensive to date, with a build cost of approximately US$100 million. It will follow the British National Curriculum and focus heavily on artificial intelligence, offering world-class facilities including an Olympic‑standard 50‑metre swimming pool and helipad. School fees are expected to be the highest in the country.

Regulatory oversight remains a critical component of Dubai’s educational expansion. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority has approved a 2.35 per cent Education Cost Index for tuition fee adjustments in for-profit private schools for 2025–26, based on audited financials. The ECI covers teacher and staff salaries, support services, and facility rentals. Established institutions—those operating for over three years—may apply for fee increases up to this limit, subject to KHDA review and quality assurance criteria.

This expansion comes amid growing enrolment demands. Sources suggest that student numbers across the UAE’s K‑12 segment are expected to rise sharply, with a forecast of over 150,000 new students by 2027. By 2040, higher education enrollment is also expected to more than double, necessitating an additional 10–15 branch campuses to cater to demand.

Dubai’s private education sector currently encompasses 331 early childhood centres, 233 private schools, and 44 higher education institutions. The forthcoming additions will further diversify program offerings and increase accessibility across the education spectrum.

Beyond capacity, this expansion reinforces strategic priorities. The new institutions are expected to support Dubai’s ambition to scale up educational tourism, foster a generation equipped for future-facing sectors, and reinforce its status as a major global economic and educational hub.

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 September 2025 – Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, today announced Bonjay Koo has been appointed Enterprise Client Leader, Asia Pacific in South Korea effective September 1. Bonjay Koo In this strategic role, Koo will be responsible for the delivery of integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital solutions to Aon’s enterprise and large multinational […]

Bilateral non-oil trade between the UAE and India surged past US $37.6 billion in the first half of 2025, marking a 33.9 per cent increase compared with the same period in the previous year. The UAE’s Foreign Trade Minister, Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, highlighted during his Mumbai visit the pivotal role of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in propelling this growth. Discussions focused on expanding cooperation across pharmaceuticals, food and logistics, alongside Bharat Mart, a 2.7 million sq ft trade complex in Jebel Ali Free Zone designed for Indian exporters to reach markets across the Middle East, Africa and Europe.

Trade figures underscore that CEPA has significantly deepened economic ties. In 2024, non-oil trade between the two nations topped US $65 billion, reflecting a 19.7 per cent increase from 2023 and more than doubling the 2020 tally of US $27.9 billion. UAE investments in India reached around US $17 billion by late 2023, while Indian investments in the UAE climbed to approximately US $8 billion—total mutual investment topping US $25 billion, with the UAE accounting for 70 per cent of that figure.

This dynamic was further backed by the UAE-India CEPA Council’s Start-up Series, which has drawn more than 10,000 applications from Indian entrepreneurs since its launch in June 2025. The initiative, showcased in New Delhi by Ahmed Aljneibi, has made stops at leading institutions including Banaras Hindu University and the Master’s Union School of Business, offering mentorship, regulatory guidance and pathways for cross-border scale-up.

The strategic focus on innovation also extends beyond startups. Sheraa, Sharjah’s entrepreneurship centre, and Startup Middle East signed a memorandum to establish an India Startup Hub in Sharjah, aimed at facilitating the entry of Indian ventures into the UAE market and strengthening regional innovation ecosystems.

Policy measures in the UAE are evolving to match this economic outreach. Amendments to more than 40 laws, most notably the Commercial Companies Law enabling 100 per cent foreign ownership, are part of a broader strategy to double the non-oil economy—from US $381 billion to US $762 billion—by 2030. Foreign trade is viewed as central to achieving that ambition, with the UAE’s connectivity, infrastructure and logistics network seen as vital assets for Indian businesses seeking wider regional access.

CEPA’s architecture underscores its comprehensive approach: since its implementation in May 2022, tariffs on more than 80 per cent of Indian exports to the UAE have been reduced or eliminated immediately, benefiting sectors from gems and jewellery to pharmaceuticals and automobiles. Additional gains accrue from streamlined customs protocols, regulatory harmonisation and a joint committee addressing market-access and technical barriers.

Experts point to CEPA as transformative for both economies. Indian gems and jewellery exports more than doubled from US $4.9 billion to US $8 billion in fiscal year 2024, aided by duty removals. Labour-intensive industries such as textiles, leather, footwear, sports goods, plastics, furniture, engineering goods, agricultural produce and food items have also gained momentum, while regulatory alignment has accelerated entry of generic drugs and medical devices, boosting health-sector cooperation and supply-chain resilience.

Further integration is visible in emerging fintech and logistics initiatives. Bharat Mart reinforces logistical synergy, while the nascent Virtual Trade Corridor, fintech sandboxes and experiments such as India’s MagRail pilot demonstrate growing interoperability in digital trade and compliance systems.

At the political level, the CEPA enters its third year this February. Al Zeyoudi noted that India remains the UAE’s second-largest non-oil export destination, accounting for 13.5 per cent of total non-oil exports in 2024—a 75.2 per cent rise year-on-year. Conversely, the UAE is India’s third-largest trading partner and a major investor, illustrating the strategic depth CEPA has added to bilateral ties.

Mastercard and Circle have deepened their collaboration to enable settlement of transactions in USDC and EURC stablecoins for acquirers and merchants across Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Arab Financial Services and Eazy Financial Services are among the first institutions to access this capability, which integrates stablecoin payments into Mastercard’s established global network.

The initiative marks a clear shift towards tokenised money. Mastercard’s President for EEMEA, Dimitrios Dosis, emphasised the ambition to bring stablecoins into mainstream finance by investing in infrastructure, governance and partnerships, while leveraging the company’s longstanding expertise in security and compliance. Kash Razzaghi, Chief Business Officer at Circle, framed the move as a step towards “borderless, real‑time commerce,” seeking to make USDC as ubiquitous as traditional payments.

Arab Financial Services highlighted the tangible value of the new model: improved liquidity, operational efficiencies and dramatically reduced friction in high‑volume reconciliations. Eazy Financial Services underscored how the expanded settlement option aligns with its mission to offer faster, more secure, and efficient payment solutions, setting a fresh standard for digital settlements in EEMEA.

This development builds on existing collaborations such as crypto payment card solutions with the likes of Bybit and S1LKPAY, which already use USDC for settlement in the region. Mastercard further extends its stablecoin portfolio beyond USDC and EURC, already supporting USDG, FIUSD and PYUSD across various use‑cases spanning remittances, B2B, and payouts via platforms like Mastercard Move and the Multi‑Token Network, underpinned by its Crypto Credential and Crypto Secure frameworks.

Financial infrastructure experts view the rollout as particularly meaningful for emerging markets. World Bank data indicates cross‑border transfer costs remain high—around 8% on average—far exceeding the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal threshold of 3%. Introducing stablecoin settlement is expected to trim costs, accelerate transfers, and bolster working capital and currency resilience for small and medium businesses.

Analyses point to early adopters witnessing significant gains: settlement speeds up by 30%, and liquidity costs drop around 20%, according to some reports. Mastercard’s compliance infrastructure, combined with evolving regulatory frameworks like the European MiCA and US GENIUS Act, fosters institutional trust in this digital settlement evolution.

Circle is working to fortify USDC’s global footprint beyond this initiative. Its broader strategy includes partnerships with Finastra to plug USDC into traditional payment hubs, OKX for zero‑fee USDC conversions, and ventures with SBI Group and Ripple in Asia—all aimed at building liquidity, interoperability and widespread adoption.

Nigeria’s energy shortfall continues to constrict economic potential, affecting millions of homes and businesses, prompting a call from Ronald Adams—Chairman of the off‑grid impact fund All On and Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company —for substantial private investment to close the gap. Addressing business leaders at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s 2025 International Business Conference & Expo, Adams highlighted that over 80 million Nigerians lack […]

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