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The plan includes 16 early childhood centres, six new schools, and three international universities. With these additions, the Emirate is strengthening its position as a global education hub. The new schools will offer a variety of curricula, catering to different international standards, while the universities are expected to provide high-quality degree programmes in multiple disciplines. The expansion aligns with Dubai’s strategic vision to position itself as a regional leader in education, attracting international students and families.

The increasing demand for high-quality education in Dubai is driven by a combination of factors. The city’s burgeoning population, especially among expatriates, has created a need for more educational institutions. According to the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, Dubai’s private schools have seen consistent growth over the past decade, with enrolment numbers steadily rising year after year. This demand for diverse and accessible education options has made the expansion of private institutions a top priority for the local government.

Dubai’s early childhood education market has been one of the fastest-growing sectors. The planned 16 new early childhood centres aim to address the gap in early education services, particularly in areas with high residential developments. These centres will cater to children from infancy to six years old, offering quality educational programmes designed to nurture cognitive, emotional, and social development. As more families choose Dubai as their home, there is an increasing need for flexible, high-standard childcare options.

The introduction of new international universities is part of Dubai’s broader strategy to attract higher education institutions from around the world. The city’s academic infrastructure has been steadily growing over the last two decades, with several global universities establishing campuses in Dubai Knowledge Park and Dubai Silicon Oasis. This expansion will further cement Dubai’s status as a destination for world-class higher education, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in fields such as technology, business, engineering, and healthcare.

The opening of these institutions also presents significant opportunities for local and international educators. With a large number of expat families residing in the city, the demand for skilled teachers across all levels of education remains high. This expansion will create numerous job opportunities for both local and international educators, particularly in the fields of STEM, which are seeing rising demand.

The 25 new institutions are expected to support Dubai’s broader economic development by equipping the workforce with critical skills needed for the city’s knowledge-driven economy. As Dubai continues to diversify its economy, education plays a crucial role in ensuring that its population is equipped with the expertise required for future industries, such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and fintech.

The city’s growth in education is not limited to the expansion of physical infrastructure. The KHDA is also investing in digital learning platforms, enhancing access to education through technology. The shift towards online learning, accelerated by the global pandemic, has influenced Dubai’s educational sector, with many institutions adopting hybrid models of teaching that combine traditional classroom learning with digital tools. These changes aim to make education more accessible and flexible for students of all ages.

Dubai’s vision for 2030 includes further investment in education, ensuring that it continues to attract families and professionals from around the world. As the city’s private education sector evolves, it is set to become an even more attractive option for expatriates seeking world-class education for their children, while also providing opportunities for students to pursue higher education without leaving the region.

Amanat Holdings has finalised the sale of the real-estate assets linked to North London Collegiate School in Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum City, achieving Dhs453 million in proceeds. The deal produced an unlevered cash-on-cash multiple of 1.7× and an internal rate of return of 10 per cent, generating a net cash return of approximately Dhs294 million. The move reflects the company’s disciplined and value-focused investment approach.

This sale fits squarely within Amanat’s “identify, grow, monetise” strategy, which it has employed across its education and healthcare platforms. The firm originally acquired the school’s real estate asset in June 2018 for Dhs360 million and pumped in another Dhs33 million for capital expansion, bringing total spend to about Dhs393 million.

In a statement, Amanat’s chairman, Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, described the sale as a validation of the company’s ability to spot high-quality investments and exit them strategically to unlock value and enhance shareholder returns. He emphasised that proceeds will broaden the company’s strategic options and support continued focus on its core businesses. Chief executive officer John Ireland observed that completing the sale above the initial investment highlights the strength of the firm’s investment model, from disciplined acquisition through development and timely exit, enhancing balance-sheet strength and enabling reinvestment into priority areas.

The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025, and the buyer remains undisclosed. Amanat has confirmed that the unnamed purchaser will assume applicable VAT and Dubai Land Department fees.

A launch date for an initial public offering of Amanat’s education arm has been on the horizon, with plans underway since May 2024 to pursue a listing. The sale’s cash realisation may help to underpin such strategic ambitions.

The broader context sees growing appetite for education-related assets across the UAE property market, despite fluctuations elsewhere. Amanat’s sale follows a wave of substantial land deals, including a headline-grabbing Dhs2.9 billion transaction by Emaar in Ras Al-Khor.

Abu Dhabi National Energy Company has secured a substantial AED 8.5 billion term loan to bolster its liquidity and support its long-term growth objectives. The financial facility, which spans a two-year period, is expected to enhance the company’s operational flexibility, enabling it to pursue strategic investments and strengthen its position in the energy sector. The move reflects TAQA’s commitment to enhancing its financial standing amidst an increasingly competitive market.

The loan, denominated in UAE dirhams, is structured as a floating-rate instrument, which ties the interest payments to a benchmark rate, typically the LIBOR or its successor. This structure offers flexibility to the company, aligning its financial obligations with market conditions over the loan’s tenure. This large-scale financing arrangement also provides the company with the necessary funds to continue its diverse projects, including those in renewable energy, which are central to TAQA’s strategic shift toward sustainability.

TAQA’s loan agreement underscores its focus on transforming its energy portfolio, including expanding its investments in cleaner energy solutions and enhancing its existing assets. Over the past few years, the company has undertaken several initiatives aimed at increasing its renewable energy capacity, with a notable emphasis on solar, wind, and water energy projects both within the UAE and internationally. This aligns with the broader UAE vision to transition towards more sustainable energy sources while diversifying the national economy away from reliance on oil revenues.

The loan will also assist TAQA in fulfilling its ambitious growth plans. Its focus on improving liquidity is seen as crucial in maintaining stability and ensuring the company’s ability to secure additional investments in future projects. The energy sector is experiencing significant changes, driven by the global push for sustainability and a growing demand for energy diversification. As such, firms like TAQA are positioning themselves to leverage opportunities arising from these shifts in energy consumption patterns.

With the funding, TAQA will have the flexibility to manage ongoing infrastructure upgrades and explore new ventures, including potential acquisitions and investments that align with its strategy to expand across international markets. The company’s portfolio includes a range of assets in energy distribution, generation, and water desalination, providing it with a diverse stream of revenue and contributing to the stability of its financial outlook.

The term loan also reflects the confidence that financial institutions have in TAQA’s future growth prospects, especially in a market that is becoming increasingly dependent on green technologies. The global energy transition, fuelled by the shift towards decarbonisation, presents both challenges and opportunities for energy companies. For TAQA, expanding into renewable energy markets offers significant potential for long-term profitability and operational diversification.

This loan also comes at a time when the UAE is intensifying its efforts to implement its Green Agenda, which includes significant investments in renewable energy projects and a commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. As a key player in the region’s energy sector, TAQA’s ongoing efforts to decarbonise its portfolio and adopt innovative solutions will be critical in meeting these ambitious national and global targets.

TAQA’s ability to access such large-scale financing reflects its strong financial fundamentals and market reputation. The company’s management has been proactive in securing capital for key growth areas, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of the region’s energy transformation. The long-term focus on sustainability and diversification is set to position TAQA as a leading energy provider in the MENA region, with significant reach beyond its home market of the UAE.

The UAE is on track to finalise key trade and investment agreements with the Eurasian Economic Union by the end of this year, according to Sultan Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade. These deals are expected to significantly bolster economic relations and facilitate the UAE’s efforts to diversify its economy beyond oil.

Al Zeyoudi’s announcement reflects the UAE’s growing ambition to expand its trade network, particularly with nations in the Eurasian region. The EAEU, which includes Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, represents a significant economic bloc that the UAE sees as a vital partner in its long-term economic strategy.

The agreements focus on enhancing investment flows and providing broader access to regional markets. Both parties are keen to foster deeper collaboration in sectors such as energy, technology, agriculture, and logistics. With its strategic location as a global trade hub, the UAE is positioning itself as a bridge for Eurasian nations to access markets across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.

The economic benefits for the UAE are substantial, aligning with the country’s efforts to diversify its economy away from oil dependency. The UAE government has long pursued a strategy of enhancing non-oil sectors, such as tourism, renewable energy, and advanced technology. According to Al Zeyoudi, these agreements are an integral part of that vision, as they promise to unlock new avenues for investment and business partnerships.

For the member countries of the EAEU, the deals offer access to the UAE’s advanced infrastructure, highly developed financial systems, and a favourable business environment. The UAE’s well-established role in global logistics and trade is a valuable asset for EAEU nations, many of which have been seeking new markets and economic partners in recent years.

Trade relations between the UAE and EAEU countries have been growing steadily over the past few years. The UAE is already one of the largest trading partners for Russia and Kazakhstan in the Middle East. However, the planned agreements will formalise and expand this economic cooperation, creating a more structured and comprehensive framework for bilateral trade.

Experts suggest that the agreements will have a significant impact on both sides. The UAE stands to benefit from an influx of investment, particularly in sectors like technology and agriculture, where EAEU nations have strengths. Meanwhile, the EAEU countries are likely to gain access to the UAE’s advanced financial markets and industries, accelerating their own economic development.

Al Zeyoudi highlighted that these agreements are not just about trade but also about long-term strategic cooperation. The UAE, with its robust diplomatic and economic capabilities, is offering more than just commercial partnerships; it is providing a platform for wider regional collaboration. This aligns with the UAE’s broader foreign policy goals of strengthening relations with emerging economies and expanding its global influence.

The discussions on these trade deals have intensified in the wake of growing geopolitical shifts, particularly in the context of the global economic reordering. The UAE’s proactive stance in seeking new trade alliances is also a response to the changing dynamics in global trade and investment. By deepening ties with the EAEU, the UAE aims to position itself at the forefront of economic integration across multiple regions.

The agreements are also likely to play a crucial role in enhancing the UAE’s role in the global economy. As countries in the Middle East and Central Asia seek to strengthen their economic positions amid a rapidly changing global landscape, the UAE’s ability to provide a gateway for trade and investment becomes increasingly important.

Al Zeyoudi has been vocal about the need for greater economic diversification and international collaboration. This year, the UAE government has continued to focus on expanding its trade relations beyond traditional partners, with Asia, Africa, and Europe emerging as key regions of focus. The finalisation of the Eurasian agreements will mark another milestone in the UAE’s evolving foreign trade strategy.

Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Energy has acquired a 24.1% equity stake in Caturus, a rebranded platform for natural gas and liquefied natural gas exports, following the successful closure of its investment in partnership with alternative asset manager Kimmeridge. This move marks a significant step in Mubadala’s strategy to strengthen its foothold in the US energy market, specifically within the integrated natural gas and LNG sectors.

Mubadala Energy’s involvement in the US market reflects its broader strategy to diversify its portfolio, tapping into high-growth energy markets outside its core base. The company’s new stake in Caturus aligns with its goal to expand its presence in global energy infrastructure, particularly in areas that promise long-term stability and returns.

The deal, valued at an undisclosed sum, solidifies Mubadala Energy’s growing influence in the North American energy sector, which has been experiencing a surge in LNG exports. The US has become a crucial player in the global LNG market, with rising production levels and the establishment of new infrastructure facilitating an increasing flow of exports, particularly to Europe and Asia.

Kimmeridge, a US-based alternative asset manager, has also made substantial strides with its role in Caturus, cementing its position as a key player in energy investments. The collaboration between Mubadala and Kimmeridge is part of a wider effort to create a more integrated and efficient LNG export system, as the two firms look to leverage their combined expertise to drive future growth and development in the sector.

This partnership highlights the growing trend of international energy companies and investment firms looking to the US as a prime location for natural gas and LNG infrastructure. The US energy landscape has seen significant transformation in recent years, with abundant shale gas reserves and increased technological advancements enabling greater extraction and export capabilities.

Caturus itself is designed to optimise the export of LNG, focusing on enhancing infrastructure, improving logistics, and ensuring the delivery of natural gas to international markets with efficiency and minimal environmental impact. The platform’s focus on sustainability aligns with Mubadala’s wider goals of promoting cleaner energy solutions and reducing carbon emissions within its portfolio.

By securing a stake in this critical infrastructure, Mubadala Energy not only diversifies its holdings but also strengthens its role in the ongoing global shift towards cleaner energy sources. The company has committed to transitioning its investments towards more sustainable energy solutions, with a particular focus on natural gas, which is seen as a cleaner alternative to coal and oil in power generation.

Caturus’s strategic location within the US allows it to access key markets, positioning it as a vital part of the LNG export network. With LNG demand increasing globally, particularly in Asia, the platform is well-placed to capitalize on the growing need for cleaner and more sustainable energy options. Mubadala’s participation in this project is expected to enhance its capacity to meet the increasing energy demands of international markets while positioning itself as a responsible player in global energy transitions.

The shift towards LNG and natural gas aligns with broader global energy policies that are looking to reduce carbon emissions and transition away from coal. As countries around the world pursue cleaner alternatives to traditional energy sources, LNG has become an attractive option due to its lower emissions profile compared to coal and oil. The increased export of LNG from the US is particularly important as it helps to meet the energy needs of European and Asian markets, which have increasingly turned to LNG for their energy security needs.

Mubadala Energy’s commitment to sustainability and the environment also underpins this investment. The company has set ambitious goals to reduce its carbon footprint and increase its investments in renewable and low-carbon energy technologies. This aligns with the UAE’s broader energy strategy, which has placed a strong emphasis on cleaner energy, and further reinforces Mubadala’s role in contributing to these global efforts.

Despite mounting international tensions and growing calls for sanctions, India has confirmed its commitment to continuing oil purchases from Russia. The decision, which has drawn both support and criticism, comes in the face of strong opposition from Western powers, particularly the United States.

India’s robust relationship with Russia, especially in energy sectors, remains central to its strategy to ensure energy security amid global market volatility. While the United States has intensified its warnings against increasing trade with Russia, citing geopolitical risks and the ongoing war in Ukraine, Indian officials assert that the decision aligns with the country’s broader economic interests and long-term energy goals.

The timing of the announcement comes as global oil prices continue to fluctuate, driven by factors ranging from OPEC+ production cuts to the ripple effects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. With Russia now facing significant sanctions from the West, including oil price caps and restrictions on exports, India has emerged as one of the largest buyers of Russian crude oil, navigating complex international pressures while keeping its energy needs in focus.

India’s oil imports from Russia soared in the wake of the war in Ukraine, particularly after Western nations moved to isolate Moscow from the global market. The country, which historically sourced much of its oil from the Middle East, found Russian oil a lucrative alternative as Western sanctions created discounts, allowing India to tap into a relatively cheap energy supply.

Russia, in turn, welcomed the partnership, as it opened new markets and ensured continued demand for its oil. According to official sources, Russia’s increased sales to India, and other non-Western nations, helped offset some of the lost revenue due to sanctions.

India’s government, however, has been careful to position its stance within a framework of neutrality. Public statements highlight that the nation’s energy decisions are based on its own national interest, focusing primarily on economic stability and the welfare of its people. Officials have also pointed out that India is among the world’s most energy-hungry nations and needs to secure a steady and affordable supply of oil to support its growing population and economic expansion.

Internationally, this trade has sparked debates over the moral and strategic implications of engaging with Russia. Critics argue that by maintaining ties with Russia, India risks undermining global efforts to isolate Moscow, particularly as Western governments seek to enforce stricter sanctions. They point out the tensions between India’s non-alignment policy and its deepening economic relationship with a nation under international scrutiny.

On the other hand, some argue that India’s approach reflects a pragmatic understanding of its own strategic priorities, particularly the need to balance international relationships with domestic requirements. With rising fuel costs and inflation becoming pressing issues for many nations, securing affordable energy resources has become a matter of national security.

India’s oil trade with Russia, however, is not without its challenges. Western nations have long pressured India to reduce its dependence on Russian energy. The Biden administration, particularly, has warned that India’s continued imports could strain relations, especially as the US seeks to maintain solidarity with its European allies in pressuring Russia. Washington’s position on the matter is clear: nations that continue to do business with Russia will face consequences, with potential impacts on trade and geopolitical ties.

Yet, India’s economic and geopolitical imperatives make it unlikely to back down. As part of the BRICS group, which also includes Brazil, Russia, China, and South Africa, India has voiced its commitment to a multipolar world order where nations can pursue their own economic paths, free from external coercion. India has also consistently argued for the need for dialogue and peaceful resolution in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, advocating for diplomacy over military escalation.

The ongoing conflict has undeniably reshaped global energy dynamics, forcing countries to reassess their energy strategies and alignments. While India’s stance has garnered significant attention, its broader approach is seen as part of an evolving foreign policy that seeks to advance national interests without being swayed by external pressures.