Trading Economics-


European stocks closed sharply lower on Wednesday as the ongoing surge in energy price consolidated concerns that inflation could dent demand and drive the ECB to deliver multiple rate hikes this year. The Euro STOXX 50 fell 1.7% to 6,304 and the STOXX Europe 600 fell 1.5% to 640.Brent crude passed $100 per barrel, while regional natural gas benchmarks rose to their highest since 2022. The ECB is due to raise rates by 25bps tomorrow, and potentially give hints on whether it sees more tightening to be warranted. Rate sensitive sector declined sharply, with Santander, ING, Deutsche Bank, and Allianz dropping 2% due to risks on credit demand. Industrials also fell with Schneider Electric, Siemens, Rheinmetall, and Safran falling more than 3%.

Trading Economics-


The FTSE 100 fell more than 1% to a seven-week low on Wednesday as Brent crude surged to $101 a barrel, its highest level since May, amid renewed fighting in the Middle East.Energy stocks were among the few gainers, with Shell up 0.2% and BP rising 0.7%. Aberdeen Group edged lower after earlier gaining more than 2% following the appointment of Torbjörn Magnusson as chairman, subject to regulatory approval. Elsewhere, financials, consumer staples, industrials and materials came under heavy selling pressure. HSBC fell nearly 2%, while Unilever and BAT dropped 1.6% and 1.3%, respectively. Rolls-Royce declined 2.5%, Rio Tinto fell 1.5% and Glencore lost 1%. AstraZeneca was also under pressure, falling 1.8%.

Trading Economics-


The S&P/TSX Composite Index fell 0.6% to close at 35,907 on Wednesday after the US expanded trade restrictions on Canada. The US banned imports of numerous alcoholic beverages, motorcycles and dairy products, following 50% tariffs imposed last month on about $20 billion of Canadian goods and retaliatory tariffs from Canada. Saputo lost 0.7%, Canada Packers shed 3.1%, and BRP fell 4%. Meanwhile, intensifying Middle East hostilities pushed oil prices higher, rekindling inflation fears ahead of Friday’s US CPI data. Banks came under pressure amid increased rate-hike expectations, with RBC and TD Bank down 0.9%, BMO losing 1.3%, and CIBC shedding 1.5%. Miners gained on higher gold prices, with Agnico Eagle adding 0.7%, Barrick rising 1.2%, and WPM up 1.4%. Lithium Americas jumped 6.5% after J.P. Morgan initiated coverage with an “overweight” rating.

Trading Economics-


The Ibovespa fell 0.9% to close at 185,629 on Wednesday amid renewed political risks in Brazil and escalating Middle East hostilities. Supreme Court Justice Flávio Dino ordered the reinstatement of Federal Police chief Andrei Rodrigues, granting an emergency request a day after Justice André Mendonça mandated his removal. Mendonça, who is overseeing a sprawling fraud investigation into failed lender Banco Master, had accused the Federal Police of illegally surveilling him and other public officials. The crisis reflects Brazil’s wider political polarization ahead of the October presidential election. Meanwhile, intensifying Middle East hostilities pushed oil prices higher, rekindling inflation fears. Major banks posted losses, with Itaú down 2% and Bradesco losing 2.4%. Utilities also closed lower, with Axia down 1.9%. WEG (-1.8%) and Ambev (-1.5%) also weighed on the index. Petrobras rose 0.7% on higher oil prices.

Trading Economics-


Bank of Japan board member Kazuyuki Masu said the central bank will continue raising its policy rate and adjust monetary accommodation as underlying inflation nears 2%. Speaking in Fukui on Thursday, he noted the pace of hikes will hinge on progress toward the July baseline scenario and risks from crude oil, AI-driven demand and FX moves. Masu warned that higher fuel and chemical costs tied to the Iran situation could prove more than temporary by lifting distribution and other expenses. Food prices also face pressure from rising domestic logistics, shipping fees and imported fertilizer, raising concern over persistent inflation. He added that recent rate hikes have not curbed firms’ funding demand, which has instead grown, though risks of overheating in corporate investment remain. Households overall hold net asset surpluses, but younger borrowers face heavier housing-loan burdens despite stronger wage growth.

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H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Holding, witnessed the signing of an AED5 billion construction contract between Dubai Holding and China State Construction Engineering Corporation Middle East (CSCEC ME) for the delivery of the Group’s new headquarters and Jumeirah Residences Emirates Towers.

The building contract represents the single largest Dubai Holding has awarded to date, reflecting the scale of capital the Group continues to deploy into projects that support Dubai's long-term growth.

Set to become one of Dubai's most distinctive corporate landmarks, the new headquarters will bring the Group's businesses together in a workplace built around collaboration, sustainability and employee wellbeing, while opening a prime new address in one of the city's most sought-after commercial locations. The building is scheduled to open in 2029.

The award will also advance the delivery of Jumeirah Residences Emirates Towers, comprising 754 branded residences across two towers in the same location, adding a striking new presence to the city’s luxury residential market.

Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs; and Ou Boqian, Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, also attended the signing ceremony alongside Amit Kaushal, Group Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding; Tian Sanchuan, Chairman of CSCEC ME and senior representatives from both organisations.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed said, “Dubai’s success has been built on a clear vision for the future, the confidence to invest with purpose and the discipline to turn ambition into progress. We continue to build from a position of strength, committing capital to assets that support economic growth and create value for our people, communities and future generations.

For more than two decades, Dubai Holding has been an important contributor to the emirate’s transformation, enabling economic activity equivalent to 30% of Dubai’s GDP. This investment reflects the same long-term ambition: to keep setting new standards for what a global city can achieve, and to strengthen Dubai as a global hub for business, investment and talent.”

Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the globally renowned architecture, engineering and urban planning practice behind many of the world’s most recognisable buildings, Dubai Holding’s new headquarters is designed as a highly connected environment.

Defined by its distinctive circular form, the office will be organised around a central open-air atrium and landscaped courtyard, with expansive terraces designed to encourage collaboration and the exchange of ideas.

Employee wellbeing, sustainability, and technology are central to the design. Reflecting the Group’s commitment to sustainable development, the new headquarters has been designed to support resource efficiency, enhance the workplace experience and create a future-focused environment for Dubai Holding's people, with ambitions to meet leading international sustainability and wellbeing standards while supporting a lower-carbon future.

Amit Kaushal said, “This commitment reflects the scale at which Dubai Holding continues to invest for the future. We have a clear strategy for growth and a disciplined approach to capital deployment, focused on strengthening our portfolio, advancing high-quality assets and creating sustainable long-term value for the Group and the city.

Our new headquarters marks the next phase in our evolution. Built to world-class design principles, it sets a new benchmark for prime office space in Dubai and is designed for the people who will shape our future, today and in the years to come. Jumeirah Residences Emirates Towers carries the same ambition in another form, adding a residential landmark to one of Dubai's most prominent districts and adding further strength to our real estate portfolio.”

Tian Sanchuan said, “We are honoured to have been awarded these landmark projects by Dubai Holding, reflecting the mutual trust and confidence between our two organisations. CSCEC ME’s journey in Dubai has been made possible by its exceptional business environment, founded on openness, transparency, fairness and opportunity.

These landmark developments reflect the resilience and strength of Dubai’s economy and reinforce our confidence in its continued growth. We remain committed to Dubai and are proud to contribute to the development of this remarkable city and its ambitious future.”

CSCEC ME will also deliver Jumeirah Residences Emirates Towers, a flagship residential development by Meraas in one of Dubai's most established districts. Designed by SCDA Architects, the development will combine contemporary architecture with Jumeirah’s renowned Arabian hospitality and service expertise, alongside a curated collection of lifestyle, wellness and leisure experiences.

This development will benefit from direct connectivity to some of the most prominent business, cultural and lifestyle destinations in Dubai. Handover is scheduled for 2030.

Operating in the UAE since 2003, CSCEC ME has delivered more than 110 large-scale projects across the Gulf, spanning residential, commercial, hospitality and infrastructure. It is supported by the global capabilities of its parent company, China State Construction Engineering Corporation, one of the largest construction and investment groups in the world.

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Dubai Chambers has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Emirates Islamic, one of the leading Islamic financial institutions in the UAE, to provide businesses with streamlined access to tailored Shariah-compliant banking products, trade finance and corporate financing solutions designed to support their growth and operational efficiency.

Under the MoU, the two parties will work together to facilitate access to the banking and financing solutions offered by Emirates Islamic for Dubai Chamber of Commerce members. These include Shariah-compliant products, trade finance, cash management and corporate financing solutions tailored to the needs of Dubai Chambers members.

The two organisations will also collaborate to organise seminars, workshops and joint business forums aimed at strengthening financial awareness and supporting business growth.

Khalid AlJarwan, Executive Vice President of Commercial and Corporate Services at Dubai Chambers, said, “This partnership with Emirates Islamic forms part of our ongoing efforts to provide member companies with the solutions and tools that support their growth and expansion. By offering financial advisory services and Shariah-compliant financing products, we are helping businesses realise their full potential and increase their contribution to Dubai’s economic growth, in line with our commitment to supporting innovation, strengthening financial awareness and enhancing the competitiveness of the private sector.”

Vivek Shah, Head of Corporate and Institutional Banking at Emirates Islamic, said, “We are pleased to collaborate with Dubai Chambers to offer purposeful growth opportunities to businesses in Dubai. This partnership strengthens our commitment to driving meaningful economic progress and prosperity. Emirates Islamic is delivering value through innovative, ethical banking and finance solutions that strengthens industry competitiveness and enables scale by supporting the private sector with customer-centric propositions and financial awareness programmes.”

The MoU reflects Dubai Chambers’ ongoing commitment to delivering value-added services that address the evolving needs of the business community. By continually expanding its network of partnerships with financial institutions, Dubai Chambers is helping companies establish and manage their business in Dubai with greater flexibility and efficiency.

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DP World and Kenya-based GulfCap Africa signed an agreement, in the presence of Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, for the development of the Mombasa Industrial Park, which is planned as a 222-hectare Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

The agreement builds on the partnership announced by DP World and GulfCap Africa in early August. It advances plans for the development and solidifies DP World’s plans to expand investments in Kenya by developing end-to-end industrial and logistics infrastructure to drive trade and investments in East Africa.

The first phase of the SEZ will cover 40 hectares, with the full development designed to attract foreign direct investment, expand local manufacturing capacity and strengthen connections between Kenyan businesses and regional and international markets.

More than 60 local and international companies have already expressed interest in taking up space in the SEZ, while the development is expected to support more than 20,000 direct and indirect jobs upon completion.

The development is also expected to create opportunities for Kenyan suppliers and service providers, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and support their integration of Kenyan companies into regional and global supply chains. Businesses operating within the park will be positioned to benefit Kenya’s access to key markets through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), its Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union, and the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, President William Samoei Ruto said, “Today we are taking an important step towards Kenya’s future economy. The tripartite agreement between DP World, Country Government of Mombasa and GulfCap demonstrates what is possible when government creates the right environment for business. Government will support this industrial ambition with the infrastructure required to make it competitive. Our objective is to lower the cost of production so that goods made in Kenya can compete successfully in the region and the global market.”

Essa Kazim, Group Chairman of DP World, said, "Kenya is a market of strategic importance to DP World and this agreement reflects our confidence in its long-term growth. Our investment in the Mombasa Industrial Park is about creating the infrastructure that enables trade, attracts new industries and connects Kenyan businesses more efficiently with markets across Africa and the world. Together with GulfCap Africa, we are moving from ambition to delivery. The opportunity is not simply to build an industrial park, but to create a platform for investment, manufacturing and trade that can generate lasting economic value for Kenya and the wider region.”

Mohammed Akoojee, CEO and Managing Director, Africa, DP World, said, “This agreement marks an important step in the development of the Mombasa Industrial Park and reinforces our long-term commitment to Kenya. By bringing industrial capacity and logistics infrastructure closer together, we can help businesses access markets more efficiently while creating a platform to attract new investment and manufacturing to the country. Our focus is on moving the development forward and building an ecosystem that supports businesses in Kenya while strengthening Mombasa’s role as a trade gateway.”

Suleiman Shahbal, Founder of GulfCap Africa, said, “Our partnership with DP World represents a new chapter for industrial development in Mombasa. The Mombasa Industrial Park is designed to create an environment where infrastructure, logistics and investment can come together to support business growth. Upon completion, the social- economic impact of the park will be huge. The multiplier effect of the project is expected to lead to the creation of over 20,000 jobs directly and indirectly, positively impacting on the livelihood of thousands of Kenyans. So far, over 60 local and international companies have expressed interest to take up space in the SEZ.”

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Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) today set out its outlook for the remainder of 2026, with over 100 exhibitions, conferences and business events taking place across its two venues through year-end, alongside continued progress on the AED10 billion expansion of Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC).

The upcoming calendar reflects the continued commitment of organisers and the international business community to Dubai, with major events spanning technology, travel and tourism, energy, real estate, construction, beauty and sustainability. Together with the continued expansion of DEC, the programme reinforces Dubai’s long-term investment in the infrastructure and capacity required to support the evolving needs of the global business events industry.

DWTC’s Q4 calendar spans a diverse range of international industries, with DUPHAT, Middle East Energy and Arabian Travel Market opening the season in September, followed by Arab Lab, WETEX, World Green Economy Summit, Gulfood Manufacturing, The Big 5 Global and Beautyworld Dubai in October. GITEX Global will close the year in December, bringing together more than 200,000 technology executives, 6,800 exhibitors and participants from more than 180 countries.

DWTC’s two venues - Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) in Dubai’s Central Business District and Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai - provide organisers with the flexibility to accommodate different event formats and requirements. Together, the venues enable multiple major exhibitions to take place concurrently, supporting Dubai’s ability to convene global industries across sectors.

Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice President at Dubai World Trade Centre, said, “The business events industry has consistently demonstrated its resilience and ability to adapt, and we are seeing that again today. With a busy Q4 ahead, our focus is on continuing to deliver for our organisers, exhibitors and visitors, building momentum and confidence with every event that takes place.

“Business events have an important role to play in driving Dubai’s wider economic momentum, bringing international businesses, investors and decision-makers to the city to trade, build partnerships and access new markets. The long-term commitment we continue to see from organisers is encouraging, and as we deliver the season ahead, we remain focused on supporting the continued growth of Dubai as a global business events hub.”

The three-phased expansion of Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai is shaping the next generation of business events infrastructure in Dubai, creating the capacity to accommodate a growing pipeline of large-scale international exhibitions and supporting the city’s evolution as a global business events destination.

Phase 1 of the expansion was successfully delivered in early 2026, increasing the purpose-built indoor event space to 140,000 square metres, with a daily visitor capacity of 50,000 people. The expanded venue hosted Gulfood and World Health Expo as its first major events, demonstrating its readiness to support large-scale international exhibitions.

Construction of Phase 2 has progressed steadily through 2026. Beyond additional exhibition capacity, Phase 2 will deliver a more integrated and accessible venue experience featuring 160,000 sqm of indoor event space and increasing daily visitor capacity to around 60,000 upon completion. An extended Concourse will seamlessly connect the Phase 1 and Phase 2 halls, while a new Eastern Access Road will enhance connectivity with Expo City Dubai and existing drop-off areas. New multi-storey parking facilities will initially provide around 7,000 spaces. Together, these developments will give DEC greater flexibility to host major global events and multiple events simultaneously.

Amer Al Farsi, Vice President of Real Estate Development at Dubai World Trade Centre, said, “The expansion of DEC is ultimately about staying ahead of the future requirements of the global events industry. Phase 1 has already demonstrated the scale and flexibility the expanded venue can provide, and we are now building on that foundation through Phase 2.

“The expansion continues to advance in line with our plans, while DEC remains fully operational. Our ambition goes beyond creating greater capacity and scale; we are building a world-class venue that delivers an exceptional experience for organisers, exhibitors and visitors. As the expansion progresses, we are creating the infrastructure and flexibility needed to support larger and more complex international events and Dubai’s long-term growth as a global business events destination.”

Upon full completion of the expansion in 2031, DEC will span 180,000 square metres, extending 1.2 kilometres, with a daily visitor capacity of 65,000 people and the ability to host more than 20 simultaneous events. The expansion supports DWTC's ambition to grow the economic contribution to AED 54 billion annually by 2033, in alignment with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).

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Future Hospitality Summit – FHS World 2026 has released its latest line up of government representatives and industry leaders to speak at the Middle East’s largest, most influential hospitality investment event, taking place at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, 29th September to 1st October 2026.

The Bench, organiser of FHS, announced that Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, will join more than 100 global industry leaders on its speaker list. Bin Touq will deliver the opening keynote address titled “The UAE Growth Engine: Tourism, Investment and the New Economy”.

The FHS World 2026 agenda covers everything from investment to innovation, sustainability to staffing, and technology to tourism trends, all in line with this year’s event theme, Reinvest in our Future. Delegates will experience three days of keynote speeches, panel discussions, presentations, and roundtable debates, as well as a plethora of events, networking sessions and receptions.

Ali Shahid, CEO, The Bench, said, “Capital is moving, markets are changing, and the future of hospitality is being shaped now. FHS World brings together the investors, owners, operators and innovators making that future happen. For 21 years, the UAE has been our home and a global meeting point for hospitality investment. We look forward to bringing our community together in Dubai once again.”

As well as a robust speaker list and an unmissable agenda, FHS World 2026 features its usual array of focussed events, awards and off-site visits.

Among them is FHS Living, rebranded from its previous title of the Branded Residences Forum to incorporate a wider, investment-led platform covering the seven living asset classes, taking place on Thursday, 1 October.

The Startup Den, one of the most anticipated events in the FHS calendar, is also back on the agenda, giving entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to plug directly into the region’s fastest growing hospitality and F&B ecosystem. FHS Saudi Arabia winner was Sabrine Chennaoui, Chief Executive Officer, MONSAPO. Commenting on her win earlier this year she said: “Winning the FHS Startup Den was a major milestone for us. It validated the relevance of our solution within the hospitality industry and gave us strong visibility among hotel groups, investors and industry leaders. More importantly, it reinforced our conviction that innovation in hospitality can combine operational efficiency with measurable environmental impact.”

FHS World offers investors unparalleled access to high-value deal-making opportunities in one of the fastest-growing hospitality markets with dedicated event features including the FHS Dealroom, an exclusive showcase featuring premier real estate investment opportunities and cutting-edge projects. In additon, investors have access to the Investors Lounge, an exclusive invite-only networking zone and the Investor Breakfast, designed to connect senior decision-makers with high-value opportunities and focused discussion.

FHS World 2026 is also set to celebrate the industry pioneers whose careers reflect excellence, innovation, and a commitment to inspiring future generations of hospitality leaders, with the FHS Leadership Award. This year’s winner, to be announced on Tuesday, 29 September, will join an esteemed collection of title-holders, including Muin Serhan, CEO of Amsa Hospitality, who won at FHS Saudi Arabia 2026, and Abdulla Ahmed AlMoosa, Founder & Chairman, A.A. ALmoosa Enterprises, who was awarded at FHS World 2025.

Networking will be woven throughout FHS World, with dedicated opportunities designed to help delegates make valuable connections and maximise their time at the event. A Newcomers Session will offer practical guidance on navigating the summit, complemented by speed networking and an AI powered matchmaking app connecting attendees with relevant industry peers. Conversations will continue beyond the conference sessions at the Welcome Reception at Jumeirah Mina Al Salam, while a padel tournament, beach Pilates, breathwork and meditation sessions will provide more informal settings in which to connect.

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The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) issued the “Monetary and Banking Developments – July 2026” report, which showed that gross banks’ assets increased by 1.3%, amounted to AED5,669.1 billion at the end of July 2026.

Gross credit continues to grow, increased by AED41.2 billion (by 1.5%), and reaching AED2,798.9 billion at the end of July 2026. The growth was driven by 1.4% increase in domestic credit, reaching AED2,206.0 billion and 1.8% increase in foreign credit reaching AED592.9 billion, contributing positively by 1.1 p.p. and 0.4 p.p., respectively.

The expansion in domestic credit was primarily driven by higher lending to Private sector. Credit to Individuals recorded an increase by 2.3% (AED 13.9 billion), contributing by 0.6 p.p., while credit to Corporate increased by 1.1% (AED 10.9 billion), contributing by 0.5 p.p. At the same time, lending to the Government grew by 1.7% (AED 4.2 billion) and added 0.2 p.p. to the overall growth of domestic credit.

Banks’ deposits increased by 1.1%, from AED3,472.8 billion at the end of June 2026 to AED3,509.8 billion at the end of July 2026. This growth was driven by an increase in both resident and non-resident deposits. Resident deposits increased by 0.5%, reaching AED3,198.4 billion, while Non-resident rose by 6.8% reaching AED 311.4 billion.

Within resident deposits, the largest contribution to the growth came from Private sector deposits by 0.5 p.p. increasing 0.7% during the month, and reaching AED2,344.4 billion. In addition, GREs deposits increased by 3.7% reaching AED347.3 billion and contributing by 0.4 p.p. Meanwhile, OFCs deposits stood at AED61.3 billion and Government sector deposits stood at AED445.4 billion at the end of July 2026.

The money supply aggregate M1 increased by 0.7%, amounted to AED1,047.4 billion at the end of July 2026. Currency in circulation outside banks stood at AED159.2 billion, while Monetary deposits increased by 0.9%, reaching AED888.1 billion.

The report also showed that the money supply aggregate M2 increased by 0.8% in July 2026, reaching AED2,900.3 billion at the end of month. Based on the sectoral breakdown of deposits, this improvement was attributable to an increase in Corporate and Government Related Entities (GREs) deposits by 0.9% and 3.7% respectively, (contributing by 0.5 p.p. and 0.4 p.p.). Furthermore, the money supply aggregate M3 also increased over the month (by 0.4%), reaching AED3,440.8 billion at the end of July 2026.

Corporate and Government Related Entities (GREs) deposits contributed equally (by 0.4 p.p. each) to overall monthly growth of M3. Positive contribution came from Individuals deposits too, increasing by 0.2% and reaching AED896.5 billion. The monetary base increased by 1.2%, amounted to AED792.7 billion at the end of July 2026.

During the month, Reserve balances of banks with the CBUAE recorded an increase of 4.7%, reaching AED256.9 billion.

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RAK Properties has partnered with Rakbank to introduce a first-of-its-kind financing solution designed to make off-plan property ownership more accessible and rewarding for customers looking to invest in Ras Al Khaimah’s vibrant residential property sector.

RAK Properties and Rakbank customers will benefit from enhanced flexibility by enabling them to access financing at different stages of their property purchase. Primarily focused on off-plan homes, customers can benefit from tailored financing solutions, exclusive offers and a seamless experience that provides confidence and certainty throughout the process.

Buyers can make a low initial investment to unlock access to structured financing solutions. The attractive offers support the entire journey from construction to handover subject to eligibility and applicable terms and conditions.

This will be rolled out to select off-plan and under construction RAK Properties developments, including Skai, Quattro Del Mar, Solera, NURA, Anantara Residences, Anantara Villas, ENTA, Lunara on The Strand , Mirasol 1, Mirasol 2, Beach Villas and The Edge.

Sameh Muhtadi, Chief Executive Officer of RAK Properties, said, “Our goal at RAK Properties is to make owning a premium residence in Ras Al Khaimah as attractive and easy as possible. By partnering with RAKBANK on this exclusive product, we’re pleased to offer one of the most accessible home financing solutions on the market. More than a standard mortgage product, this highly tailored and flexible financial pathway gives buyers total confidence from the off-plan stage all the way to handover. With this first-of-its-kind solution, RAK Properties is setting a new benchmark within our Emirate’s fast-moving real estate sector.”

Raheel Ahmed, Group Chief Executive Officer of Rakbank, said, “Buying a home is one of life’s biggest milestones and, for many people, the fulfilment of a long-held dream. Our role is to help make that dream feel more achievable. Through our partnership with RAK Properties, we are giving eligible customers greater flexibility and support throughout the journey, from construction to the moment they receive the keys to their new home. It is another way we are making banking simpler, more human and more connected to what matters most in our customers’ lives.”

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Al Seer Marine (ADX: ASM), a frontrunner in advanced maritime solutions and a subsidiary of IHC, today announced the completion of the sale and delivery of the VLCC Twin Pollux Tanker, generating a profitable exit as part of the Company’s ongoing active fleet management strategy.

The transaction reflects Al Seer Marine’s disciplined, countercyclical approach to fleet management. The Company chose to realise value at a time of attractive asset prices, capturing returns from the investment and creating capacity to pursue new opportunities with stronger return potential.

The decision comes as ASM continues to actively manage its commercial shipping portfolio against changing market fundamentals and a shifting geopolitical environment. By maintaining flexibility across its asset base, the Company can respond to market cycles and allocate capital selectively as new opportunities emerge.

Guy Neivens, CEO of Al Seer Marine, said, “Active fleet management requires discipline around both investment and divestment. The profitable sale of Twin Pollux demonstrates our ability to identify the right point in the market to realise value and redeploy capital where we see stronger return potential. We will continue to manage our portfolio with the same discipline, remaining focused on opportunities that strengthen Al Seer Marine’s position and create sustainable value for our shareholders.”

The transaction forms part of Al Seer Marine’s broader approach to building a high performing maritime portfolio through operational expertise, active asset management and selective investment. As an IHC subsidiary, ASM draws on the Group’s Dynamic Value Networks, which connect businesses, capabilities and opportunities across sectors and global markets to unlock synergies and support long-term growth.

Al Seer Marine will continue to evaluate opportunities across commercial shipping and its wider maritime platform, maintaining a disciplined approach to investment as it advances its long-term growth strategy.

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The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) Group and the Committee of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Stock Exchanges (CoSSE), representing 14 stock exchanges across southern Africa, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to facilitate and coordinate the exploration, assessment, and potential connection to the thriving Tabadul network by participating SADC capital market exchanges.

Under the agreement, the CoSSE will serve as the coordinating body for member exchanges who are interested in entering further discussions pertaining to the Tabadul Hub. CoSSE brings together exchanges across SADC, an economic bloc comprising 16 countries , working to enhance regional financial integration, promote sustainable economic development, and foster a resilient financial ecosystem. CoSSE member exchanges collectively comprise more than 776 listed companies, with a combined market cap of $1.3 trillion.

The partnership formally recognises the opportunities to strengthen cross-border capital market connectivity, investor access, post-trade services, the exchange of best market practices, and strategic cooperation between the SADC region and the UAE.

Abdulla Salem Alnuaimi, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) Group, said, “The collaboration with CoSSE marks another milestone in ADX’s global collaboration efforts in fostering mutually beneficial relations, broadening access and strengthening cross-border investment connectivity. As investors’ demand for regional diversification continues to grow, this partnership will help connect dynamic capital markets, enhance liquidity, and create new opportunities for investors across the UAE and the SADC region.

This partnership reinforces our commitment to upholding Abu Dhabi’s position as a dynamic and globally connected investment center and long-term economic vision for sustainable growth and shared prosperity.”

Complementing these remarks, Collen Tapfumaneyi, the Chairperson of the Committee of SADC Stock Exchanges (CoSSE), said, “This MoU with ADX marks a significant step forward in CoSSE’s mission to deepen regional financial integration and open new pathways for our member exchanges to connect with global capital markets. As we work to harmonise regulatory frameworks and enhance liquidity across the SADC region, this partnership with one of the fastest-growing exchanges in the world gives our member exchanges a valuable opportunity to explore the benefits of the Tabadul network, broaden investor access, and strengthen the trade and investment ties between Southern Africa and the UAE. We look forward to working closely with ADX to translate this agreement into tangible outcomes for our markets and investors.”

Operated by the ADX, the Tabadul Hub serves as a leading cross-border trading platform built to meet growing investor appetite for seamless regional access. Connecting 11 member exchanges with over US$1 trillion in combined market capitalization, Tabadul links more than 700 listed companies with over 11 million registered investors. Trading values on the platform reached 13.5 billion dirhams so far in 2026, surpassing total 2025 volumes.

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The UAE delegation participated in the BRICS Women-Led Development Summit 2026, organised by the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance (WBA) in New Delhi under India’s 2026 BRICS Presidency, bringing together government and business leaders, investors and women entrepreneurs from across BRICS economies.

The UAE Chapter is chaired by Feryal Ahmadi, Chairperson of the BRICS WBA UAE Chapter and Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer of DMCC.

Its leadership and working-group representatives include Ayesha Al Mulla, Co-Chair of the Tourism Working Group and Chairwoman of the UAE Businesswomen Council; Badreya Al Maidoor, Assistant Undersecretary at the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and member of the Inclusive Economy Working Group; Prof. Dr. Hoda Alkhzaimi, Co-Chair of the Creative Industries Working Group and National Expert in Advanced Sciences and the Future Economy; Dr. Ibtisam Al Bastaki, Co-Chair of the Healthcare Working Group; and Abeer Al Ameeri, Co-Chair of the Innovative Development Working Group and Director of Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Development at the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa).

Together, the team reflects the breadth of the UAE’s contribution to the Alliance across trade and investment, tourism, inclusive growth, advanced sciences, creative industries, healthcare, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Ahmadi, Al Mulla, Al Maidoor and Alkhzaimi participated in the New Delhi programme, while Al Bastaki and Al Ameeri contributed to and led the UAE Chapter’s work within their respective specialised workstreams.

Feryal Ahmadi said the UAE Chapter is focused on moving beyond building networks towards developing practical, scalable economic, trade and investment partnerships, while leveraging the UAE’s position as a global hub connecting capital, companies and markets.

“We see the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance as a platform for translating relationships into tangible opportunities in trade, investment and market access, while leveraging the UAE’s ability to connect businesses, capital and opportunities across BRICS economies and global markets,” Ahmadi said.

Ayesha Al Mulla highlighted that the economic value of the Alliance lies in the strength of the BRICS network and its ability to connect opportunities and experience across markets, extending beyond investment to include business opportunities, use cases, knowledge exchange, successful policy models, partnerships and market access.

“The value of the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance lies in the strength of the network it brings together. We are connecting women not only to investment, but also to opportunities, use cases, expertise, policies, partners and markets across different economies,” Al Mulla said.

She emphasised that economic interventions should remain measurable, tracking the partnerships and investments generated, businesses entering new markets, commercial opportunities created, and the successful transfer of knowledge and proven models between economies.

Badreya Al Maidoor said women’s economic empowerment goes beyond providing opportunities to participate. It requires women to have the knowledge, confidence and capital needed to build, grow and transform local opportunities into businesses capable of competing across global markets.

“Empowerment means ensuring that women have the knowledge, confidence and capital to build sustainable businesses. Our ambition should not stop at creating local opportunities; women must be enabled to build partnerships, access markets and create economic opportunities across borders,” Al Maidoor said.

She noted that the diversity of BRICS economies creates significant opportunities for SMEs and women entrepreneurs to progress from domestic markets into international value chains and cross-border markets.

Prof. Dr. Hoda Alkhzaimi said the next phase requires expanding the concept of women’s empowerment beyond participation to enabling women to lead emerging and future economies, create economic value, own it and scale it.

“We are not speaking only about enabling women to enter existing sectors. We are speaking about enabling women to be among those building the new economies—as founders, investors, innovators, decision-makers and owners of the economic value these economies create,” Alkhzaimi said.

She said the distinctive strength of BRICS lies in the collective value of its 11 economies and the diversity of talent, capabilities, capital, infrastructure, markets and knowledge they bring together.

“We should not look at the 11 economies as separate markets, but as an interconnected economic architecture. Talent may exist in one market, scientific or industrial capability in another, capital in a third, and infrastructure and opportunities for scale elsewhere. Catalytic economic value is created when we connect these assets and translate them into shared economic capacity,” Alkhzaimi said.

She added that funding is a critical part of this architecture, but that capital should be understood more broadly to encompass human, knowledge, financial and institutional capital, connected to infrastructure and markets to enable women-led businesses to grow across borders.

“We also need to build intergenerational economic infrastructure, so that the next generation of women does not begin again from zero, but builds on the knowledge, capital, networks, institutions and market access created by the generations before them. When we connect talent, capabilities, capital, infrastructure and markets across BRICS economies, we are not only empowering women; we are creating a new engine for shared economic growth and value creation,” Alkhzaimi said.

The UAE Chapter’s approach is therefore centred on creating pathways that take women from knowledge to confidence, from capability to capital, and from local opportunity to global markets, while developing the BRICS network into a practical platform connecting women entrepreneurs with investors, companies, institutions and markets.

The UAE’s participation reflects a broader shift towards a new phase of women-led development in which success is measured not only by participation or representation, but by economic value created, businesses scaled, capital mobilised, markets accessed and partnerships sustained across borders and generations.