分类: business

  • Hebei to expand transportation projects during 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30)

    Hebei to expand transportation projects during 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30)

    Hebei province has announced a comprehensive plan to enhance its transportation infrastructure during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30), aiming to bolster connectivity within the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. Key projects include the construction of the Tanglang (Tangshan-Langfang) Expressway, set to begin in 2026, which will divert traffic from Beijing’s ring expressways, thereby reducing congestion in the capital. Additionally, the Langzhuo (Langfang-Zhuozhou) Expressway is being expanded from four to eight lanes, with completion expected by 2027, which will significantly improve the capacity and efficiency of the region’s transportation network. Another major initiative is the Jingwu (Beijing-Wuhan) Expressway, which will create a 314-kilometer high-speed corridor through Hebei, with construction slated to start in 2027. The G335 highway upgrade, currently underway, will enhance links between Zhangjiakou and Beijing upon its completion in 2027. These projects build on the progress made during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), which saw the addition of 18 expressway segments connecting Hebei with Beijing and Tianjin, bringing the total number of inter-provincial or city trunk roads to 54 segments with 80 interfaces. These developments are expected to further regional coordination and provide more efficient travel options for residents across the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.

  • Dubai becomes key US investment hub, supporting 184,000 American jobs

    Dubai becomes key US investment hub, supporting 184,000 American jobs

    Dubai has solidified its position as a pivotal hub for American investments, supporting approximately 184,000 jobs in the United States, according to UAE government estimates. This significant figure underscores Dubai’s growing role as a gateway for US businesses expanding into the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, and beyond. The findings were highlighted during the Dubai Business Forum – USA in New York, which attracted around 700 attendees and showcased the deepening economic ties between Dubai and the US. A report by Dubai Chambers further revealed that trade between the two regions has surged, with Dubai’s exports to the US increasing by 76% from $5.2 billion in 2018 to $9.3 billion in 2024, while imports grew by 34% to $22.3 billion. Over the past decade, the US has become Dubai’s top source of foreign direct investment (FDI), with $21.7 billion channeled into 1,474 projects across sectors such as tourism, IT, business services, and communications. Dubai’s strategic advantages, including its world-class logistics, connectivity, and business-friendly policies, have made it an attractive destination for American companies. Additionally, Dubai’s leadership in digital transformation and blockchain regulation has drawn significant interest from US tech firms and entrepreneurs, further cementing its status as a global innovation hub.

  • Salik’s net profit jumps 39% due to higher toll usage, fines

    Salik’s net profit jumps 39% due to higher toll usage, fines

    Salik Company, Dubai’s exclusive toll gate operator, has announced a significant 39.1% increase in net profit for the first nine months of 2025, reaching Dh1.14 billion. This growth is attributed to higher toll usage fees, increased fines, and new tag activations. Total revenue for the same period rose by 38.6% year-on-year to Dh2.275 billion, with a 36.9% increase in Q3 2025 alone. EBITDA also saw a substantial 42% growth, amounting to Dh1,583.7 billion, resulting in a margin of 69.6%. The company’s core tolling business recorded 470.5 million chargeable trips, with 152.2 million completed in Q3 2025. Toll usage fees surged by 41.5% year-on-year to Dh2.01 billion, driven by the new variable pricing structure introduced in January 2025 and the addition of two new toll gates. Revenue from fines increased by 18.2% year-on-year to Dh206.7 million, with Q3 2025 fines growing by 23.3% to Dh72.4 million. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board of Directors, attributed the strong performance to Dubai’s economic growth and the company’s resilient business model. Ibrahim Sultan Al Haddad, CEO, highlighted the success of strategic initiatives and digital partnerships in driving ancillary revenues.

  • Dubai Chambers opens New York office to strengthen UAE-US business ties

    Dubai Chambers opens New York office to strengthen UAE-US business ties

    Dubai Chambers has unveiled its inaugural office in New York City, marking a significant milestone in strengthening economic and investment ties between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the United States (US). The announcement, made during the Dubai Business Forum-USA, highlights Dubai’s growing global influence and its strategic ambition to serve as a bridge between Eastern and Western markets. This move aligns with Dubai’s broader vision to channel $1.4 trillion in planned investments across emerging sectors, positioning the New York office as a pivotal hub for fostering international business opportunities. Eng Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Dubai Chambers, emphasized that the office will deepen engagement with US businesses and investors, leveraging New York’s status as a global financial capital. The city’s proximity to major markets like Canada and Mexico, coupled with its concentration of multinational corporations, makes it an ideal location for Dubai’s expansion. The office will facilitate easier access for US companies to explore Dubai’s business potential while serving as a gateway for Emirati investors in the US. Notably, 787 new US companies joined the Dubai Chamber of Commerce in the first nine months of 2025, bringing the total number of active American members to 3,690. This surge underscores Dubai’s increasing appeal to the American business community. Dubai’s foreign direct investment (FDI) reached $14.2 billion in 2024, cementing its position as a top global destination for new projects. The city’s business-friendly environment, characterized by zero personal income tax, over 200 global flight connections, and thriving sectors like fintech, clean energy, and digital innovation, further enhances its attractiveness. Al Mansoori highlighted the potential for strategic partnerships in high-growth sectors, including the digital economy, infrastructure, oil, and gas. He also reiterated Dubai’s ambition to become a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI), citing initiatives like the AI-driven expansion of Dubai’s airport and DP World’s BoxBay automation system as examples of innovation in action. With a focus on fostering bilateral trade and investment, the UAE-US partnership is poised for continued growth, driven by emerging technologies and shared economic goals.

  • UK growth slows down to a crawl in Q3 ahead of crucial budget

    UK growth slows down to a crawl in Q3 ahead of crucial budget

    The UK economy experienced a significant slowdown in the third quarter of the year, with growth nearly grinding to a halt, according to official data released on Thursday. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported a mere 0.1% increase in GDP between July and September, a sharp decline from the 0.3% growth recorded in the previous quarter and below market expectations of 0.2%. This sluggish performance comes as a blow to the British government, which is preparing to unveil a critical budget in less than two weeks, widely anticipated to include tax hikes. A major factor behind the disappointing figures was a cyber attack on Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), the UK’s largest automaker. The attack, which occurred on August 31, forced the company to halt production and send workers home, disrupting operations until October. The shutdown had a ripple effect across the UK automotive sector, with industrial output falling by 2% in September and car manufacturing plummeting by 28.6%, the steepest decline since April 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The economic challenges were further compounded by rising unemployment, which reached 5%, the highest level in four years. Treasury Chief Rachel Reeves acknowledged the difficult economic backdrop, attributing it to international factors such as US tariffs and global uncertainty. She hinted at potential tax increases in the upcoming budget to address public finance shortfalls, including a possible rise in the basic rate of income tax—a move not seen in the UK for 50 years. The government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, faces mounting pressure as it grapples with declining public support and negative favorability ratings just 18 months into its term.

  • Singles Day success offers lessons for US businesses

    Singles Day success offers lessons for US businesses

    The unprecedented success of China’s Singles Day, the world’s largest retail festival, has sparked a call for US businesses to explore the untapped potential of the solo economy. Originally conceived as a playful counter to Valentine’s Day, Singles Day, celebrated on November 11, has evolved into a global shopping extravaganza, generating $202 billion in sales last year. This year, Chinese e-commerce giants like Alibaba and JD.com extended the event from October 9 to November 11, leveraging AI to enhance efficiency, personalize recommendations, and provide real-time assistance. Remarkable sales figures included Apple’s Tmall store selling more iPhones in the first two hours than it did in an entire day the previous year, and JD.com reporting a 300 percent surge in apparel imports within five days. Peter McGraw, a marketing and psychology professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, emphasizes the rising singles population in the US, which constitutes nearly half of the adult population, and the emerging ‘solo economy.’ He argues that the US could benefit from a similar event, though cultural and timing challenges, such as Veterans Day on November 11, pose significant obstacles. McGraw suggests that a US version might require a new date, like November 1, and an ’emotional hook’ to resonate with consumers. He also highlights the broader lesson for US companies: singles represent a fast-growing and diverse consumer segment with significant commercial opportunities. Frank Calvino, an editor at Cross-Border Magazine, views Double 11 as a reflection of China’s consumer culture and a strategic opportunity for global brands. Despite the growing presence of international brands on Chinese e-commerce platforms, US consumer awareness of Singles Day remains low, with less than 20 percent of US consumers aware of the event, according to a recent survey.

  • Seven Mayfair unveils Dh1 billion Development ‘Mayfair Nexus’ in Wadi Al Safa 7 with a drone show

    Seven Mayfair unveils Dh1 billion Development ‘Mayfair Nexus’ in Wadi Al Safa 7 with a drone show

    Seven Mayfair Real Estate Development has officially entered Dubai’s competitive real estate market with the unveiling of its inaugural project, Mayfair Nexus, a Dh1 billion development located in Wadi Al Safa 7. The grand reveal took place at Mayfair Gardens, the project site, during an exclusive event themed ‘Imagination Comes to Life.’ The evening attracted a distinguished audience of real estate professionals, partners, and industry stakeholders, marking the debut of a brand built on experience, design, and integrity. The event featured an immersive experience, starting with a walkthrough of the architectural model and culminating in a breathtaking drone show that illuminated the night sky, symbolizing the transformation of vision into reality. Fauzaan Malkani, Managing Director and Co-founder of Seven Mayfair, emphasized that the launch was not just about a project but the beginning of a story rooted in transparency, trust, and timeless design. Designed by renowned architect Tony Ashai, Mayfair Nexus comprises nine residential towers, 434 apartments, and over 88,000 square feet of retail and F&B space, creating a connected community that integrates lifestyle, wellness, and design. The RERA-approved project, supported by an Escrow account, is slated for completion in Q4 2028. The development’s modern architectural style focuses on simplicity, proportion, and tranquility, utilizing natural materials, balanced lighting, and open spaces to evoke understated luxury. The event concluded with a drone show that visually encapsulated Mayfair’s brand philosophy, blending imagination, architecture, and emotion to herald a new chapter in Dubai’s residential landscape.

  • Emsteel nine-month revenue gains 10%, eyes sustainable growth

    Emsteel nine-month revenue gains 10%, eyes sustainable growth

    Emsteel, a leading steel and building materials manufacturer in the region, has unveiled an impressive financial performance for the first nine months of 2025, driven by robust market demand and strategic operational enhancements. The company reported a 10% year-on-year increase in revenue, reaching Dh6.5 billion, while its Ebitda surged by 28% to Dh823 million, boosting margins to 12.7% from 11% in the previous year. Net profit soared by an extraordinary 209% to Dh283 million, partly attributed to a low comparison base following a one-off provision in 2024. Operationally, Emsteel achieved a 9% rise in total steel sales volumes, with finished steel products climbing 21% to 2.4 million tonnes. Cement and clinker sales also advanced by 17% to 2.3 million tonnes, supported by strong UAE demand and optimized capacity utilization. The Emirates Steel division remained the cornerstone of the business, contributing Dh5.8 billion in revenue and Dh680 million in Ebitda, marking a 38% year-on-year increase. Emirates Cement posted Dh652 million in revenue, a 21% rise, while the Pipes & Other segment, currently under divestment, added Dh133 million. Emsteel’s financial position strengthened further, with net cash reaching Dh711 million as of September 30, compared to Dh337 million at the end of 2024. Third-quarter results highlighted this momentum, with revenue up 13% and Ebitda more than doubling. Beyond financials, Emsteel accelerated its sustainability initiatives, unveiling TrueGreen, a new identity consolidating decades of decarbonization efforts and introducing digital carbon tracking to help clients meet emissions targets. The company also launched the world’s first Electric Process Gas Heater (ePGH) pilot in steelmaking, cutting over 2,200 tonnes of CO₂ annually. In landmark projects, Emsteel supplied 5,000 tonnes of U-type sheet piles for Egypt’s Floating Movable Bridge across the Suez Canal and delivered the region’s first hydrogen-based rebar for Abu Dhabi’s inaugural net-zero carbon mosque. The company also became the first in Mena to earn ResponsibleSteel certification, reinforcing its leadership in sustainable steel production. Eng. Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group CEO, stated, ‘Our strong performance reflects Emsteel’s agility and resilience in a dynamic market. Guided by our TrueGreen™ framework, we remain committed to building a stronger, more sustainable industrial future for the UAE and our stakeholders worldwide.’ Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, Emsteel operates 16 state-of-the-art plants with annual capacities of 3.5 million tonnes of steel and 4.6 million tonnes of cement, serving over 70 international markets. Majority-owned by ADQ, the company plays a pivotal role in supporting the UAE’s industrial strategy and Net Zero 2050 ambitions.

  • CentFX strengthens market leadership with major win at Forex Expo Dubai 2025

    CentFX strengthens market leadership with major win at Forex Expo Dubai 2025

    CentFX, a leading multi-asset brokerage firm, has solidified its position in the global financial markets by securing the title of ‘Best B2B Liquidity Provider’ at the Forex Expo Dubai 2025. The firm, which participated as the Diamond Sponsor, was recognized for its innovative solutions, reliability, and commitment to enhancing market access and liquidity efficiency. This accolade underscores CentFX’s growing influence in the financial trading ecosystem.

    Founded in 2022, CentFX has rapidly expanded its footprint, offering access to over 400 trading instruments, including foreign exchange, indices, and precious metals, through the MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platform. Catering to both institutional and retail investors, the firm provides flexible trading options and a robust infrastructure designed to ensure efficiency and speed.

    CentFX operates under the regulatory oversight of multiple international authorities, including the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FINCEN) in the United States, and the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Mauritius. This compliance framework highlights the firm’s adherence to global financial governance standards.

    The brokerage’s operational model emphasizes responsible growth and sustainable performance. Its technology stack integrates advanced execution systems and analytical tools aimed at improving trade precision and risk management. By balancing innovation with regulatory discipline, CentFX has emerged as a key player in shaping the future of cross-border financial trading.

    At the Forex Expo Dubai 2025, industry analysts observed a shift in global liquidity and financial connectivity dynamics. ‘As trading volumes continue to grow, the focus is increasingly on firms that can deliver reliability and transparency in execution,’ noted one analyst.

    CentFX’s recognition at the event follows a year of significant progress in the brokerage landscape, with global liquidity providers expanding their regional presence and forging technology partnerships. The company’s recent achievements reflect broader transformations in financial markets, where digital infrastructure and multi-asset integration are becoming critical drivers of competitiveness.

    Looking ahead, CentFX plans to expand its institutional relationships and explore collaborations across emerging markets. The firm’s participation in major financial events and expos remains a cornerstone of its long-term strategy to enhance access to diversified trading opportunities and foster knowledge exchange within the global financial community.

  • Dubai’s Samana Developers to launch IPO next year, offload around 20% stake

    Dubai’s Samana Developers to launch IPO next year, offload around 20% stake

    Dubai-based property developer Samana Developers has announced plans to launch an Initial Public Offering (IPO) in late 2026, aiming to offload approximately 20% of its equity. The company’s CEO, Imran Farooq, revealed in an interview with Khaleej Times that the first step in this journey involves raising $300 million (Dh1.1 billion) through a Sukuk issuance by the end of the first quarter of 2026. Standard Chartered, Dubai Islamic Bank, and Emirates NBD have been appointed as lead banks for this financial maneuver. The IPO is expected to be listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM), with the company’s valuation projected to approach Dh20 billion. Samana Developers, which currently holds a 4% market share in Dubai’s property sector, has significantly benefited from the post-pandemic real estate boom. The Dubai property market has seen a surge over the past five years, driven by an influx of expatriates and high-net-worth individuals investing heavily in real estate. This has led to a substantial increase in property prices and rents, with some communities experiencing more than a doubling in values since 2020. The UAE’s IPO market has also been vibrant, with 19 companies and funds across various sectors planning to list on regional exchanges, according to the EY Mena IPO Eye Q3 2025 report. Farooq added that a ratings agency has been engaged to issue a report within the next six to eight weeks, which will be crucial for the IPO process. The final advising bank will provide guidance post the successful Sukuk issuance.