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Dubai hosted the first public manned flight of Aridge’s Land Aircraft Carrier over Palm Jumeirah, a demonstration that showcases the vehicle’s dual-mode driving and flying capabilities and signals ambitions for the Gulf as an early adoption market.

The modular vehicle, combining a ground “mothership” with a detachable two-seat aerial unit, lifted off from the grounds near the Waldorf Astoria before reattaching and driving away. Aridge said the flight marks a milestone in its plan to roll out consumer deliveries in the Middle East by 2027.

Company executives reported that 600 units have already been pre-ordered by GCC firms, including UAE’s Ali & Sons Group, Kuwait’s Al-Sayer, and Qatar’s Almana, pushing the global tally past 7,000. The firm expects deliveries to begin in 2026 from a new facility in Guangzhou, capable of producing 10,000 vehicles annually.

Aridge’s modular design addresses a common challenge in flying car development: how to balance driving performance, storage, and aerial capability. The ground vehicle acts as a mobile energy platform and storage base, while the air module docks and undocks autonomously. The air unit’s control system uses a single-stick interface managing ascent, speed, and stability with built-in safety constraints such as geofencing.

This version is the fifth generation of the platform, evolving from earlier prototypes demonstrated in Dubai in 2022. For mass adoption, regulatory certification is pivotal: the UAE granted a special flight permit, allowing the test flights to proceed. Aridge’s air module has already received civil aviation type certification in China.

The startup forecasts a market worth of US $41 billion for China’s eVTOL sector by 2040, while projecting Middle East demand to reach about $11 billion. Executives say technological advances—shortened development cycles and lower costs—are making what once seemed science fiction increasingly viable.

Despite the showpiece flight, challenges remain. Integrating city air traffic management, ensuring safety for public use, and building air-ground infrastructure—such as landing pads, vertiports, and regulatory frameworks—are hurdles in most jurisdictions. Some analysts caution that even with promising prototypes, wide adoption may lag until certification, cost reduction, and public trust converge.

In the Gulf region, regulatory openness is proving advantageous: the UAE’s willingness to issue experimental permits positions it as a testbed, attracting innovators who might struggle to get approval elsewhere. Meanwhile, Aridge is lining up partnerships and agreements across the GCC to support sales, operations, and maintenance in local markets.

Saudia’s inaugural direct passenger flight from Riyadh to Moscow landed on Friday at Sheremetyevo airport, signalling a new chapter in Saudi–Russian air connectivity. The airline plans to operate three weekly round-trip services, integrating tourism, business and diplomatic traffic between the two capitals.

The launch positions Saudia alongside Flynas, which commenced direct operations between Riyadh and Moscow’s Vnukovo airport in August with three weekly flights. Flynas is also slated to begin a Jeddah–Moscow route come December. The twin developments reflect a concerted push by both states to deepen bilateral ties through aviation links.

The Riyadh–Moscow air bridge is underpinned by the Saudi Tourism Authority and the Air Connectivity Program, designed to promote cross-border mobility and support Saudi Vision 2030. Saudia officials say ticketing and scheduling are aligned to accommodate business travellers, diplomats and leisure tourists. The route’s launch was celebrated in both capitals, where it was honoured with a water cannon salute at Sheremetyevo and a gala in Moscow attended by diplomatic representatives and aviation executives.

Russia has experienced a surge in travellers from Saudi Arabia. In 2024, over 52,400 Saudis visited Russia, a leap from just 9,300 the previous year, following Moscow’s August 2023 e-visa reform that enabled Saudis easier access. Likewise, Russian visitors to the Kingdom have grown steadily, aided by anticipatory visa liberalisation and reciprocal travel facilitation efforts.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, during talks with his Saudi counterpart, described the launch as an enabler of “tourist exchanges and business contacts,” citing that growing demand warranted direct air links. On the ground, Sheremetyevo’s scheduling system already lists flights to Riyadh beginning mid-October, operating up to five times weekly.

The timing dovetails with a broader recalibration in Saudi foreign policy and energy diplomacy. The personal rapport between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and President Vladimir Putin has been instrumental in facilitating cooperation within the OPEC+ framework. Cooperation in trade, energy and security has steadily flourished in recent years, and aviation ties now offer a tangible bridge between economies.

Saudia’s fleet expansion and network strategy underscore that the Moscow link is more than symbolic. The airline now serves over 100 destinations across four continents, with plans to expand to 145 destinations by 2030. Performance figures underscore ambition: in the first half of 2025, Saudia carried 17.5 million passengers and operated 100,000 flights.

The route is expected to spur ancillary sectors. Saudi tour operators are preparing Russia-focused packages including Moscow, St Petersburg, and beyond, while Russian travel agencies are packaging Saudi cities and pilgrimage circuits. Pilgrim traffic is especially significant: the Moscow launch could funnel more Russian pilgrims directly to Mecca or Medina via Riyadh.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GITEX GLOBAL 2025 is primed to showcase groundbreaking developments in artificial intelligence, drawing attention from industry leaders and innovators worldwide. The event is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of AI, as a growing number of companies and startups highlight AI’s transformative capabilities across multiple sectors.

The spotlight will be on the innovative use-cases that AI offers, from healthcare and finance to transportation and beyond. AI’s potential to revolutionise industries is set to dominate discussions, as the event will feature a plethora of demonstrations, seminars, and cutting-edge technologies aimed at propelling AI to new heights. The highly anticipated conference will also address the challenges AI faces, particularly concerning data privacy, security, and the ethical implications of rapidly evolving technologies.

Several leading AI-driven companies are expected to debut next-generation products and services that will redefine the way businesses and consumers interact with technology. The launch of AI tools designed to optimise workflows, enhance customer experiences, and boost operational efficiency will take centre stage, underscoring AI’s growing role in the business world. Key players such as tech giants and emerging startups are preparing to demonstrate solutions that leverage AI for better decision-making, automation, and personalised services.

One of the most anticipated announcements is the unveiling of AI-powered healthcare technologies. AI’s ability to accelerate diagnostics, enhance patient care, and streamline administrative tasks is generating immense interest in the medical field. Exhibitors at GITEX GLOBAL 2025 will present AI-powered tools that use machine learning algorithms to analyse medical images, predict health risks, and support doctors in making faster and more accurate decisions. Such advancements have the potential to revolutionise healthcare delivery globally, improving outcomes and reducing costs in the process.

The financial services industry is also embracing AI, with a growing number of companies leveraging AI to enhance fraud detection, improve risk management, and optimise investment strategies. AI’s capabilities in analysing vast amounts of financial data in real-time are being used to identify patterns and trends that would be difficult for human analysts to detect. During GITEX GLOBAL 2025, financial institutions and fintech startups are set to demonstrate how AI is reshaping the way investments are managed and how consumers interact with their financial institutions.

Another key area where AI is making waves is autonomous transportation. From self-driving cars to AI-assisted logistics, the transport sector is undergoing a dramatic shift. At GITEX GLOBAL 2025, industry leaders will reveal advancements in AI-driven transportation solutions that promise to improve safety, reduce traffic congestion, and make travel more efficient. AI’s ability to process vast amounts of real-time data and make split-second decisions is crucial to the development of autonomous vehicles and their integration into the wider transportation ecosystem.

AI’s role in cybersecurity is also a hot topic at GITEX GLOBAL 2025. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, AI is increasingly being used to detect, prevent, and respond to security breaches. By analysing patterns in network traffic and identifying anomalies, AI-powered cybersecurity systems can rapidly identify and mitigate threats, offering a new level of protection for organisations and consumers alike. The growing importance of AI in safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring secure digital environments will be a central theme during the event.

Sustainability is another area where AI is being leveraged to drive change. From optimising energy usage in smart cities to improving the efficiency of manufacturing processes, AI is helping industries become more sustainable. GITEX GLOBAL 2025 will showcase AI technologies that are not only transforming industries but also contributing to global sustainability goals. These solutions promise to reduce carbon footprints, lower energy consumption, and make industries more efficient and environmentally friendly.

Silver prices have surged to an all-time high of $49.57 per ounce as of October 8, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the precious metals market. This unprecedented surge is attributed to a confluence of factors, including escalating geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainties, and a robust demand for safe-haven assets.

The rally in silver prices mirrors a broader trend in the precious metals sector, with gold also reaching record levels above $4,000 per ounce. Investors are increasingly turning to these assets as a hedge against inflation and financial instability. The U. S. Federal Reserve’s anticipated interest rate cuts have further bolstered the appeal of non-yielding assets like silver and gold.

Analysts note that silver’s ascent is not solely driven by investor sentiment. The metal’s industrial applications, particularly in solar energy and electric vehicles, have seen a significant uptick. The International Energy Agency projects that silver demand from the solar sector will continue to rise, driven by the global push towards renewable energy sources.

Market dynamics also play a crucial role in silver’s price trajectory. The London Bullion Market Association reports a tightening in silver supply, with inventories reaching historic lows. This supply-demand imbalance has intensified competition among investors, pushing prices higher.

In India, silver prices have mirrored global trends, with rates reaching ₹1.57 lakh per kilogram in major markets. The surge has been fueled by increased demand during the festive season and a growing interest in silver as an investment vehicle. The Reserve Bank of India has noted a rise in silver-backed exchange-traded funds, reflecting a shift in investor preferences.

Despite the bullish outlook, experts caution about potential market corrections. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission has observed increased volatility in silver futures markets, indicating heightened speculative activity. Investors are advised to exercise caution and consider the long-term fundamentals of silver as an investment.

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company announced that its six publicly traded subsidiaries will distribute AED 158 billion in dividends through to 2030, nearly doubling the AED 86 billion cumulative payout since the first listing in 2017.

The announcement came during ADNOC’s inaugural Investor Majlis in Abu Dhabi, where the group underscored its commitment to shareholder returns and transparent governance. The dividend programme is subject to customary approvals and will provide long-term visibility to investors across its diversified portfolio of listed entities.

ADNOC’s six listed companies currently account for more than AED 550 billion in market capitalisation on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and represent nearly 40 percent of the annual dividends distributed on the market. Under the new plan, three additional entities—ADNOC Distribution, ADNOC Gas, and ADNOC Logistics & Services—will join ADNOC Drilling in issuing quarterly dividends.

Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, ADNOC’s Managing Director and CEO, also serving as UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, described the dividend target as a “landmark step” adding clarity to the group’s capital return path. He stated the move would “enhance value” for citizens, residents, and partners, and reaffirmed ADNOC’s focus on cost discipline, efficiency and growth.

Each listed unit announced specific dividend floors and policy reforms. ADNOC Drilling set a cumulative floor of AED 25 billion by 2030, representing a 26 percent minimum return over the period. ADNOC Gas pledged a target of AED 90 billion, with dividends moving to a quarterly basis from 2025 onward. ADNOC Logistics & Services raised its guidance to AED 8.1 billion for 2025–2030 and intends to adopt quarterly distributions from the third quarter of 2025.

Other units will also tighten their dividend structures. ADNOC Distribution expanded its dividend policy through 2030 and targets cumulative returns exceeding 30 percent over the 2025–2030 period. Borouge affirmed a dividend floor for 2025 and envisaged a payout ratio of 90 percent of net profit in future years. Fertiglobe flagged interim dividend payments and share buybacks for 2025 to support yield.

Beyond dividends, ADNOC disclosed key developments across its upstream, LNG and petrochemical segments. ADNOC Gas has secured a long-term feedstock agreement worth AED 147 billion with its Ruwais LNG facility. Over 80 percent of project capacity is under contract. The group also reported that the merger of its petrochemical assets with OMV—that is, combining Borouge and Borealis into Borouge Group International —remains on course for completion in Q1 2026. Financing for the transaction, valued at AED 56.6 billion, is in place and synergies of at least AED 1.8 billion annually have been identified.

Earlier this year, ADNOC transferred its stakes in several listed subsidiaries—namely Distribution, Drilling, Gas and Logistics & Services—to its wholly owned investment arm, XRG, via off-market moves. The transfers, completed or pending regulatory clearance, were explicitly stated not to affect operations, leadership or dividend policies. Control remains with ADNOC via its 100 percent ownership of XRG.

Analysts view the dividend pledge as a strategic signal in a more competitive capital-raising environment. It strengthens the case for long-term investor confidence, especially amid global volatility in energy markets and shifting sector dynamics. Some warn, however, that such large commitments require careful balance with capital expenditure demands, especially for exploration, decarbonisation and upstream expansion to meet rising regional energy and gas demand.