分类： business

Sharjah’s real estate market is experiencing a significant transformation as GCC nationals increasingly select the emirate for their secondary residences. According to industry executives, this trend is driven by Sharjah’s exceptional market stability and consistent capital appreciation rates, which outperform neighboring markets.

Recent data from the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department reveals substantial investment activity, with GCC nationals channeling Dh3.4 billion into 2,055 properties throughout the previous year, positioning them among the top investor demographics.

Lamia Al Jewaied, Head of Studies and Research Bureau at the Registration Department, noted a noticeable influx of GCC nationals and tourists who now perceive Sharjah as an ideal location for secondary homes. “The affordability factor, particularly in developments like Al Mamsha, serves as a primary motivator for these investment decisions,” she explained during an interview at the recently concluded Acres 2026 exhibition.

The emirate’s property market has demonstrated robust performance with price appreciations ranging between 10-12% last year, with projections indicating similar growth patterns for the current year.

Yousif Ahmed Al Mutawa, Chief Real Estate Officer at Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), confirmed the emirate’s growing appeal among GCC investors. This sentiment was echoed by Noreen Nasralla, Senior Vice President for Marketing Strategy and Branding at Alef Group, who highlighted the market’s evolution toward more end-users and serious investors rather than speculative buyers.

A notable development in Sharjah’s real estate landscape involves the expansion of waterfront properties following legislative changes that permit all nationalities to purchase freehold properties in designated communities. Abdullah Al Zarouni, Director of the Real Estate Transactions unit, reported over ten new waterfront projects registered during 2024-2025.

Industry experts emphasize that waterfront developments represent particularly valuable investments due to their limited supply and high demand. George Raymond Khouzami, CEO of Al Thuriah Real Estate Group, noted that these properties maintain strong investment value, deliver superior rental returns, and offer enhanced liquidity upon resale. Farid Jamal, Chief Commercial Officer at Ajmal Makaan, added that coastal tourism initiatives further amplify the economic and real estate value of these waterfront developments.

China’s transportation sector has achieved a significant milestone with the inaugural launch of a dedicated express cotton freight train service from Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The pioneering service departed from Aksu railway station on January 26, 2026, transporting 1,395 metric tons of cotton destined for Binzhou in Shandong Province, eastern China.

Operated by China Railway Urumqi Group Co., Ltd., this specialized freight service represents a transformative development in textile industry logistics. The express trains maintain operational speeds of 120 kilometers per hour utilizing premium, well-maintained carriages specifically configured for cotton transportation. Customized loading protocols have been implemented at each warehouse facility to preserve cargo integrity throughout the journey.

The strategic initiative provides substantial benefits to both cotton producers and manufacturing enterprises. Agricultural suppliers gain enhanced shipping convenience while downstream textile manufacturers can optimize production scheduling with improved supply chain predictability.

Yang Baofu, General Manager of China National Cotton Exchange, revealed expansion plans for the service, indicating future routes will extend to Zhengzhou in Henan Province and Shanghai metropolitan area. These developments are projected to significantly reduce overall logistics expenses across the cotton industry value chain, strengthening China’s position in global textile markets while supporting economic development in Xinjiang region.

China’s domestic tourism sector demonstrated remarkable resilience in 2025, achieving substantial growth with residents making 6.522 billion trips—a significant 16.2% increase from the previous year. According to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s latest sampling survey, this surge generated approximately 6.3 trillion yuan ($906 billion) in tourism expenditure, marking a 9.5% year-on-year increase.

The most striking development emerged in rural tourism dynamics. While urban residents recorded 4.996 billion trips (14.3% growth), rural residents demonstrated exceptional momentum with 1.526 billion trips—a dramatic 22.6% increase. Spending patterns mirrored this trend: urban tourism expenditure reached 5.3 trillion yuan (7.5% growth), while rural tourism spending skyrocketed by 21.4% to 1 trillion yuan.

Industry experts attribute this growth to multiple factors. Professor Lyu Ning, Dean of the School of Tourism Sciences at Beijing International Studies University, identified three primary drivers: a flourishing holiday economy, deeper integration of tourism with cultural and sports activities creating novel experiences, and effective pro-consumption policies. She emphasized tourism’s evolution from mere leisure activity to a essential source of emotional value and happiness in modern Chinese society.

The disproportionate growth in rural tourism reflects the sector’s crucial role in rural revitalization. Years of tourism-focused poverty alleviation have substantially improved rural infrastructure, while urban demand for authentic cultural experiences and micro-vacations has created new economic opportunities. This transformation has repositioned rural areas from tourist sources to premium consumption destinations, establishing a mutually beneficial urban-rural dynamic.

Both Professor Lyu and Professor Yin Ping from Beijing Jiaotong University dismissed concerns about ‘consumption downgrading’ despite the slower spending growth relative to trip volume. They characterized this phenomenon as market maturation rather than weakening consumption, noting travelers’ increasing preference for value-conscious experiences, short-distance travel, and county-level destinations. Improved transportation infrastructure, particularly high-speed rail, has reduced travel times and altered traditional spending patterns while enhancing overall accessibility.

The professors emphasized that tourism’s economic impact extends beyond direct revenue, stimulating broader industrial chains, expanding domestic demand, creating employment opportunities, and facilitating information and capital flow throughout the economy.

In a significant geopolitical development, India and the European Union have finalized a comprehensive trade agreement following nearly two decades of intermittent negotiations. The breakthrough comes as both economic powers seek to strengthen international partnerships amid growing trade tensions with the United States.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa attended India’s Republic Day celebrations in Delhi as chief guests, setting the stage for Tuesday’s bilateral summit where the agreement will be formally announced. The presence of EU leadership at this symbolic event underscores the strategic importance both parties place on this partnership.

The agreement, described by officials as the ‘mother of all trade deals,’ represents approximately 25% of global GDP and one-third of worldwide trade. It will enhance market access for Indian exports to European markets while facilitating entry for European investments and goods—particularly automobiles and beverages—into India’s rapidly expanding economy.

This development occurs against a backdrop of increasing protectionist measures globally. Both India and the EU have faced economic pressure from recent US tariff policies, including the 50% tariffs imposed by the Trump administration last year. The timing of this agreement sends a powerful message about both economies’ commitment to multilateral trade cooperation in an era of rising trade barriers.

While negotiations began in 2007 and stalled in 2013 due to disagreements over market access and regulatory standards, discussions formally resumed in July 2022. The most contentious issues included access to India’s automobile sector, agricultural goods, and carbon-linked tariffs. Intensive negotiations over recent days successfully resolved these remaining chapters.

The formal signing is expected later this year following approval by the European Parliament and European Council. This agreement marks India’s latest in a series of trade pacts, including recent agreements with the UK, Oman, and New Zealand, while the EU recently concluded a landmark deal with Mercosur after 25 years of negotiation.

In a landmark development for global trade, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Tuesday the successful conclusion of a comprehensive free trade agreement between India and the European Union. This monumental pact, affecting approximately two billion people across both economies, culminates sixteen years of complex diplomatic and economic negotiations.

The agreement, characterized by both parties as the ‘mother of all deals,’ establishes one of the world’s most significant bilateral trade frameworks. The partnership encompasses an extraordinary 25% of global GDP and accounts for approximately one-third of worldwide trade activity, creating substantial opportunities for businesses and consumers across both markets.

Prime Minister Modi revealed the breakthrough during a virtual address at an energy conference, emphasizing the transformative potential of the agreement. ‘This landmark accord will generate tremendous economic benefits and strengthen strategic cooperation between our nations,’ Modi stated, highlighting the agreement’s broad economic implications.

The timing of this agreement carries particular significance as both India and the EU face escalating trade tensions with the United States, which has imposed substantial import tariffs affecting both economies. These developments have disrupted traditional trade patterns and accelerated the pursuit of alternative economic partnerships among major global players.

The formal announcement was scheduled to occur later Tuesday through a joint declaration involving Prime Minister Modi, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa. This high-level participation underscores the strategic importance both sides attribute to the agreement.

Analysts suggest this agreement could reshape global trade dynamics by creating a powerful economic bloc that balances against other major trading nations while establishing new standards for international commerce in the 21st century.

Asian equity markets demonstrated remarkable resilience on Tuesday, posting broad gains despite escalating trade tensions between the United States and South Korea. The positive momentum followed an upward trajectory on Wall Street, where robust corporate earnings reports continued to fuel investor optimism.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 advanced 0.9% to close at 53,333.54, while South Korea’s Kospi delivered a particularly impressive performance with a 2.7% surge to 5,084.85. This substantial gain occurred despite former President Donald Trump’s announcement of impending tariff increases on South Korean goods, including automobiles, lumber, and pharmaceutical products. Trump declared via social media that rates on certain goods would escalate from 15% to 25%, citing insufficient progress on trade framework implementation.

The South Korean government responded with diplomatic urgency, confirming high-level meetings with U.S. officials. Industry Minister Kim Jung-Kwan will engage with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, while Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo prepares for separate discussions with Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. The presidential office reiterated its commitment to implementing last year’s trade agreement.

Technology stocks emerged as the primary drivers of South Korea’s market performance. Samsung Electronics climbed 4.9%, and semiconductor manufacturer SK Hynix soared 8.7%, effectively counterbalancing losses in the automotive sector where Kia Corp. declined 1.1% and Hyundai Motor Co. dropped 0.8%.

Other Asian markets showed mixed but generally positive results. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index gained 1.3% to reach 27,106.83, while China’s Shanghai Composite added 0.2% to 4,139.90. Taiwan’s Taiex advanced 0.8%, and India’s Sensex edged 0.1% higher. Only Shenzhen’s smaller market benchmark experienced a slight decline of 0.1%.

Investors now turn their attention to the Federal Reserve’s impending interest rate decision scheduled for Wednesday. While the central bank is expected to maintain current rates, market participants anticipate potential cuts in 2026 to stimulate economic growth. The persistent inflation exceeding the Fed’s 2% target complicates monetary policy decisions.

This week also brings earnings reports from several technology titans including Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Tesla, and Apple, which could significantly influence market direction. Precious metals continued their ascent with gold adding 0.2% to $5,089.70 per ounce after briefly surpassing $5,100 for the first time, reflecting investor caution amid geopolitical uncertainties.

Orkla India’s flagship brand Eastern has solidified its position as the UAE’s leading Indian spice label, with company executives identifying the Emirates as the strategic spearhead of their global expansion ambitions. This market dominance comes amid surging consumer demand for both traditional spices and modern convenience foods across the Gulf region.

According to Ashvin Subramanyam, CEO of International Business at Orkla India, the GCC accounts for approximately 70% of the company’s international sales, with the UAE alone contributing over one-third of this revenue. The company has demonstrated remarkable growth with a 14% compound annual growth rate over the past three years, a trajectory management expects to accelerate further.

Initially popular among the Malayali and broader Indian diaspora, Eastern has successfully transcended cultural boundaries to gain significant traction in Arabic and Emirati households. Strategic partnerships with major retailers including Union Coop and Sharjah Coop have been instrumental in mainstreaming the brand beyond its traditional consumer base. Recent market data confirms Eastern’s position as the household reach leader among Indian spice brands in the UAE.

The brand’s cross-cultural success stems from Orkla’s sophisticated culinary research capabilities through its Cuisine Centre of Excellence. This dedicated facility conducts in-depth studies of regional dishes, reverse-engineers flavor profiles, and drives innovation across spice blends, meal solutions, and convenience food categories.

This research-driven approach has enabled Eastern to expand beyond Indian flavors into a growing Arabic spice range, supported by locally tailored marketing and product development. The company has particularly focused on younger consumers seeking convenient formats without compromising authenticity, exemplified by innovations like the “5-Minute Breakfast” range that recreates Kerala staples in ready-to-prepare formats.

With a distribution network spanning over 16,000 outlets, Orkla’s growth strategy centers on innovation, expanded distribution, and consumer insight-led marketing. The UAE’s dynamic food landscape—characterized by global culinary trends, health-driven preferences, and demand for clean-label offerings—provides fertile ground for accelerated expansion.

Industry events like Gulfood have served as significant catalysts for the brand’s regional visibility and innovation efforts. Subramanyam emphasized the importance of such platforms in fostering the “positive collision of ideas” that drives culinary innovation and international recognition for regional brands.