分类： business

In a strategic shift, major oil companies are now drilling in East Texas, not for oil, but for lithium and other rare earth elements essential for advanced manufacturing. Chevron, Halliburton, and Exxon are leading the charge, with significant projects announced in 2025. The Smackover Formation, a massive brine deposit, has been identified as the most lithium-rich site in North America, sparking a rush of investment and development.

The global design industry is experiencing a seismic shift, propelled by advancements in artificial intelligence, digital experiences, and sustainability. At the forefront of this transformation is India, which is rapidly emerging as a hub for creative education and innovation. The World University of Design (WUD), India’s first university dedicated exclusively to creative disciplines, is attracting a growing number of students from the UAE and beyond, drawn by its forward-thinking programs and global relevance.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Vice Chancellor of WUD, highlights the evolving role of design in today’s world. “Design is no longer confined to aesthetics; it is driving industries ranging from technology and urban planning to fashion and digital experiences,” he explains. The global design industry, currently valued at $63 billion, is projected to reach $89 billion by 2033, with India playing a pivotal role in this growth.

India’s design sector is expanding at an impressive annual rate of 25%, fueled by innovations in digital products, gaming, animation, and user experience. Government initiatives like Make in India and Digital India, coupled with the rise of global R&D hubs, have positioned design at the core of the country’s economic engine. Design education, in particular, is shaping India’s trajectory toward becoming a $5 trillion economy, with design thinking bridging the gap between technology and human needs in sectors such as healthcare, fintech, and smart cities.

Dr. Gupta emphasizes the multidisciplinary nature of future careers in design. “Employers increasingly value professionals who can think across boundaries—engineers who understand aesthetics, entrepreneurs who think like designers, and coders who empathize with users,” he says. WUD’s curriculum integrates design, business, and technology, fostering creativity, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving.

For UAE students, India offers a unique blend of world-class education, cultural familiarity, and affordability. WUD’s multicultural campus and globally benchmarked programs prepare students for careers in Dubai, London, Mumbai, and beyond. With tuition and living costs significantly lower than in the West, India provides exceptional value for families seeking quality education.

As the UAE continues to invest in its creative industries, collaborations with India’s design education ecosystem are strengthening. Institutions like WUD are at the forefront of this partnership, shaping the future of design, innovation, and the creative economy in the Global South. Admissions for WUD’s 2026 intake are now open, with the WUD Design Aptitude Test (WUDAT 2026) scheduled for January 4, 2026.

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) has achieved a monumental milestone in the global financial arena, with firms operating within its jurisdiction now managing a staggering $28.6 trillion in assets worldwide. This remarkable achievement underscores ADGM’s rapid ascent as one of the fastest-growing financial hubs globally, attracting top-tier asset managers, private equity firms, hedge funds, and institutional investors to Abu Dhabi. Since its inception in 2015, ADGM has transformed from a nascent financial district into a powerhouse of global finance, driven by exponential growth and unwavering international confidence. The number of financial firms based in ADGM has skyrocketed from 130 in 2021 to over 300 by mid-2025, marking a 135% increase in just three years. This growth trajectory has been further amplified by ADGM’s ability to achieve its five-year strategic goals in half the time, reflecting the region’s appeal as a magnet for global capital and corporate migration. Assets under management within ADGM have grown at an average annual rate of 123%, while fund and asset-manager activity has expanded by 62% annually. The district now boasts 11,128 active licenses, the highest among regulated financial hubs in the region. ADGM’s ecosystem employs over 36,000 professionals, drawing top-tier talent in investment, legal, advisory, digital, and fintech sectors. Its unique application of English common law, coupled with Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth ecosystem valued at $1.82 trillion, has solidified its reputation as a stable, investor-friendly jurisdiction. Major global financial players, including BlackRock, Apollo, and Carlyle, have established or expanded operations in ADGM, signaling long-term commitment to the region. The district’s physical expansion onto Al Reem Island has increased its jurisdiction tenfold, making it one of the largest regulated financial districts globally. ADGM’s pioneering regulatory frameworks, innovation infrastructure, and influential events like Abu Dhabi Finance Week have positioned it as a trendsetter in global finance. As ADGM enters its second decade, market analysts predict it will soon rank among the world’s top five international financial centers, alongside New York, London, and Singapore.

Heraeus (Zhaoyuan) Precious Metal Materials, a pioneering Sino-German joint venture in China’s gold application sector, has inaugurated its state-of-the-art innovation center in Zhaoyuan, Shandong province. The facility, now fully operational, is equipped with cutting-edge R&D infrastructure and staffed by a highly skilled technical team. The center is poised to spearhead advancements in semiconductor materials, enhance market competitiveness, and bolster industries such as artificial intelligence and big data. This development coincides with the company’s 30th anniversary in China, marking a significant milestone in its journey of investment and innovation. Ai Zhouping, President of Heraeus Greater China, emphasized the company’s commitment to fostering collaboration between its Chinese and German stakeholders while driving high-quality growth in key sectors. Over the past three decades, Heraeus has expanded its product portfolio from a single gold wire to over 20 varieties, including silver, copper, and aluminum wires, underscoring its evolution and adaptability in the global market.

The UAE continues to solidify its position as a global maritime hub with the upcoming 7th Tristar Safety at Sea Conference, set to take place on November 10 at the One&Only Royal Mirage in Dubai. Under the theme ‘Get Safety Right, Get Everything Right,’ the event will bring together key stakeholders to address critical issues in maritime safety and foster collaborative solutions. This gathering follows the UAE’s successful hosting of the World Maritime Day Parallel Event 2025, organized by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI) in September, which focused on the theme ‘Our Ocean – Our Obligation – Our Opportunity.’ The MOEI will once again play a prominent role at the Safety at Sea Conference, with Eng. Hessa Al Malek, adviser to the Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs, attending as an Honour Guest for the third consecutive year. Eugene Mayne, CEO of Tristar Group, emphasized the UAE’s leadership in maritime safety and the event’s evolution since its inception in 2019. Originally aimed at addressing the emotional and mental well-being of seafarers, the conference has grown into a vital platform for dialogue among professionals in the maritime industry. Tristar’s active participation in the World Maritime Day Parallel Event, including showcasing its hybrid electric bunkering barge and engaging in panel discussions, further underscores its commitment to advancing maritime safety and innovation. The Safety at Sea Conference, supported by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), will continue to highlight the UAE’s dedication to fostering global maritime collaboration and progress.

In a significant development within the ongoing U.S.-China trade negotiations, China has agreed to postpone its latest restrictions on rare earth exports for one year. This decision, part of a broader trade agreement brokered by President Donald Trump, provides the U.S. and its allies with a critical opportunity to enhance their own production and processing capabilities. However, experts caution that breaking China’s dominant position in the global rare earth market remains a formidable challenge.