Global Pulse

分类： business

  • Dubai Investments reinforces regional glass industry leadership through Emirates Float Glass expansion

    Dubai Investments reinforces regional glass industry leadership through Emirates Float Glass expansion

    Dubai Investments has solidified its dominance in the regional glass industry with a groundbreaking expansion of its industrial portfolio under Glass LLC, its dedicated glass holding company. By consolidating Emirates Glass, Emirates Float Glass (EFG), and Saudi American Glass (SAG) into a unified platform, the company has created one of the Middle East’s most comprehensive glass manufacturing ecosystems. This integration enables end-to-end solutions, ranging from float glass production to advanced coatings, lamination, and double glazing.

    Each subsidiary brings unique strengths to the table. Emirates Glass is renowned for its premium architectural glass, featuring over 400 proprietary EmiCool® coatings for solar control and energy efficiency, alongside innovative products like SmartLite switchable glass and ArmourLite bullet-resistant systems. Emirates Float Glass, the UAE’s first integrated float glass facility, is pioneering the production of Ultra Clear low-iron glass, a first in the MENA region, through its new float line. Saudi American Glass complements this portfolio with its K-LITE coated glass series, SAFE-T-LAM laminated glass, and decorative silk-screened glass, catering to high-end commercial and hospitality projects in Saudi Arabia.

    A significant milestone in this expansion is the construction of a second float line by Emirates Float Glass, which will double its production capacity from 600 to 1,200 tons per day. This project, developed in partnership with Germany’s HORN Glass Industries and other key collaborators, represents a technological leap for the region, introducing Ultra Clear low-iron glass and setting new standards for clarity and color accuracy.

    Dubai Investments’ comprehensive glass portfolio supports key sectors such as construction, architecture, automotive, and energy. The company’s focus on smart manufacturing and sustainability aligns with the UAE’s low-carbon industrial strategy, incorporating advanced automation and energy-efficient systems to minimize environmental impact.

    Over the past three decades, Dubai Investments’ glass subsidiaries have played a pivotal role in shaping iconic skylines globally, supplying high-performance glazing for projects like Dubai and Abu Dhabi Airport Terminals, Emirates Towers, and international developments such as Gate Towers in Egypt. With a combined output exceeding 14.8 million square meters in 2024, Dubai Investments continues to drive sustainable growth and innovation in the Middle East.

  • Dubai: Archer denies Joby Aviation’s claims after lawsuit over trade secrets

    Dubai: Archer denies Joby Aviation’s claims after lawsuit over trade secrets

    In a high-stakes legal confrontation, Archer Aviation has vehemently denied allegations from competitor Joby Aviation regarding the alleged theft of trade secrets. The dispute emerged after Joby filed a lawsuit in Santa Cruz, California, accusing Archer of hiring a former Joby employee, George Kivork, who allegedly brought confidential business strategies, partnership terms, and aircraft specifications to Archer. Joby is seeking unspecified monetary damages and a court injunction to prevent Archer from misusing its proprietary information.

    Eric Lentell, Archer’s Chief Legal & Strategy Officer, dismissed the claims as baseless, stating that Archer has no deal with the developer in question and that Kivork did not provide any confidential Joby information. Lentell, who is currently attending the Dubai Airshow 2025, accused Joby of resorting to litigation as a tactic to undermine fair competition. However, he declined to comment on whether Archer plans to file a counter-lawsuit.

    Both companies are competing to bring their electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, commonly referred to as flying taxis, to market by next year. The legal battle underscores the intense rivalry in the burgeoning advanced aviation sector, where innovation and intellectual property are critical assets.

    Joby Aviation has refrained from commenting beyond the details outlined in its legal complaint. Meanwhile, Archer remains steadfast in its mission to pioneer the future of advanced aviation in America, undeterred by the ongoing legal challenges.

  • UAE: Sudanese pharmacist blends heritage, innovation with skincare brand

    UAE: Sudanese pharmacist blends heritage, innovation with skincare brand

    Latifa Elnour, a Sudanese pharmacist and the founder of Ashri Skin, is revolutionizing the skincare industry by combining ancestral wisdom, scientific rigor, and Korean innovation. Her journey began in the UK, where she moved at 15 and later earned a Master’s in Pharmacy from the University of Manchester. With extensive experience in pharmaceutical science, Elnour’s passion for skincare led her to create a brand that simplifies self-care in an increasingly complex world. Ashri Skin, launched a year ago, offers a streamlined, three-step routine featuring toner, ampoule, and moisturizer, designed to cater to diverse skin types and needs. Manufactured in Korea, a global leader in cosmetics technology, the products incorporate scientifically proven ingredients while paying homage to Elnour’s Sudanese heritage. The brand name, ‘Ashri,’ meaning ‘beauty’ in Nubian, reflects this cultural connection. Elnour emphasizes the importance of self-care in Sudanese culture, viewing Ashri Skin as a celebration of identity and a meaningful contribution to daily life. Recently, she participated in the KT+150 networking event and is set to join the KT+150 Summit, where she will connect with mentors, investors, and fellow innovators. For Elnour, Ashri Skin is more than a beauty brand—it’s a fusion of heritage, science, and simplicity, proving that culture and care can lead the way forward.

  • Joby Aviation sues air-taxi rival Archer over ‘stolen’ trade secrets

    Joby Aviation sues air-taxi rival Archer over ‘stolen’ trade secrets

    In a high-stakes legal confrontation, Joby Aviation has filed a lawsuit against its competitor, Archer Aviation, alleging the theft of trade secrets. The complaint, made public on Thursday, was lodged in a California state court in Santa Cruz. Joby claims that Archer hired a former Joby employee, George Kivork, who allegedly took confidential information regarding business strategies, partnership terms, and aircraft specifications to his new employer. Joby asserts that this information was used by Archer in an attempt to undermine a contract with a real-estate developer. Archer has denied these allegations, stating that no such deal with the developer exists and that Kivork did not bring any confidential information from Joby. Eric Lentell, Archer’s chief legal and strategy officer, criticized the lawsuit as an attempt to gain a competitive edge through litigation rather than fair competition. Joby, backed by Toyota, is a prominent player in the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft market, aiming to revolutionize urban transportation with sustainable solutions. The lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary damages and a court order to prevent Archer from misusing Joby’s trade secrets. This legal battle underscores the intense competition in the burgeoning eVTOL industry as companies race to bring their innovative vehicles to market.

  • Dh1 items to 90% discount: UAE’s Black, White, Yellow, Green Friday Sales explained

    Dh1 items to 90% discount: UAE’s Black, White, Yellow, Green Friday Sales explained

    As November draws to a close, the UAE transforms into a shopper’s haven with its much-anticipated Black, White, Yellow, and Green Friday Sales. These sales, offering discounts of up to 90%, span a wide range of products, from homeware and groceries to electronics, beauty, and fashion. Both online retail platforms and physical stores participate in this annual shopping extravaganza, making it the perfect time for residents and tourists to snag the best deals ahead of the festive season and the new year.

    The Yellow Friday Sale, named after Noon’s vibrant yellow logo, is one of the most significant events of the year. Running from November 20 to 30, it offers up to 80% off on a variety of items, including home services, skincare, health and nutrition products, electronics, and fashion. Shoppers can also find grocery items starting at just Dh1, making it an ideal opportunity to stock up on essentials.

    The Black Friday Sale, originating from the US, has become a staple in the UAE. It begins in the last week of November, coinciding with the Thanksgiving holiday, and offers massive discounts on fashion, electronics, home appliances, and beauty products. The term ‘Black Friday’ was coined by the Philadelphia Police Department due to the heavy traffic on the day, and it also signifies the positive earnings retailers experience during this period.

    The White Friday Sale, often confused with Black Friday, is essentially the Middle Eastern version of the same event. It takes place on November 28, 2025, and offers discounts of up to 90%. The name ‘White Friday’ was chosen to align with the region’s cultural and religious significance of Friday as a day of worship and family gatherings.

    Lastly, the Green Friday Sale, introduced by e& in 2019, focuses on eco-friendly products such as e-scooters, bikes, and vegan items. This sale typically runs from late November to early December, offering discounts on environmentally conscious products.

    Major brands and platforms like Amazon, Noon, Sharaf DG, and Sephora UAE are among the key players in these sales, providing shoppers with a wide array of discounted items. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your electronics, refresh your wardrobe, or stock up on groceries, the UAE’s Black, White, Yellow, and Green Friday Sales offer something for everyone.

  • Colombian coffee brews up a buzz in China’s market

    Colombian coffee brews up a buzz in China’s market

    Colombian coffee is making significant inroads into China’s burgeoning specialty coffee market, driven by increasing demand and a growing appreciation for high-quality Arabica beans. Sebastian Ortiz, a renowned Colombian barista and roaster known as ‘Bozo,’ has observed a notable shift in the industry, with China emerging as a key destination for Colombia’s premium coffee exports. This trend is supported by one of the best coffee crops in recent years, which has boosted production and export volumes. China, which ranked as Colombia’s 18th export destination in 2019, surged to become the sixth-largest by 2023, importing approximately 540,000 60-kilogram bags. In the first quarter of 2024, China climbed to the second-largest importer of Colombian coffee, reflecting its rapidly expanding market. According to a report by iiMedia, China’s coffee imports grew by 130,800 tons between 2020 and 2024, a 6.5-fold increase, with the market projected to reach 1 trillion yuan ($141 billion) this year. Domestic coffee chains like Luckin Coffee and Cotti have played a pivotal role in this growth, competing with global giants like Starbucks. Ortiz attributes this success to China’s vast population and its openness to new coffee customs, particularly the preference for softer, nuanced flavors found in Colombian Arabica beans. Chinese consumers favor medium or light roasts, which highlight delicate floral notes rather than intense flavors. Juan Esteban Cardona Yepes, commercial director of Mantagro, a coffee producer and exporter, noted that China’s demand is primarily for green coffee beans, which are locally roasted by coffee chains. Additionally, the trade relationship between Colombia and China has expanded beyond coffee, with affordable brewing equipment from China gaining popularity among both professionals and home brewers. Colombia, the world’s third-largest coffee producer, is experiencing a strong production year, with output rising 17% to 14.87 million 60-kg bags between October 2024 and September 2025, driven by favorable weather and crop renovation. Export values have also surged, fueled by high international prices and robust demand from China. Ortiz emphasized the growing importance of China’s specialty coffee market, attracting increasing interest from Asian buyers.

  • Brazil hit by tariff uncertainty

    Brazil hit by tariff uncertainty

    Brazil, a key player in South American trade, is facing significant economic uncertainties due to the unpredictable tariff policies of the United States. Despite recent efforts to ease trade tensions between China and the US, the lingering effects of the US-initiated trade war continue to disrupt global markets and undermine investor confidence. Raquel Nadal, Deputy Secretary for Macroeconomic Policy at Brazil’s Ministry of Finance, emphasized the lack of predictability in trade conditions, which is stifling investment and growth. ‘If you cannot foresee the terms and conditions of your exports, you hesitate to invest. These tariffs are highly detrimental,’ Nadal stated. She highlighted the risks posed to Brazil’s trade surplus with China, particularly concerning soybean exports, which could suffer if China leverages soybean sales in negotiations with the US. Vivian Fraga, a regulatory affairs expert at TozziniFreire, noted that the US tariffs have far-reaching consequences, reshaping global supply chains and increasing costs across industries. Even companies not directly involved with the US are affected as the ripple effects spread worldwide. Evandro Menezes de Carvalho, an international law professor at Fluminense Federal University, criticized the US trade war for contradicting the principles of the World Trade Organization, which promotes tariff reduction to boost international trade. Carvalho pointed out China’s resilience in handling the tariff wars, forcing the US to reckon with the economic costs of its policies. He also predicted ongoing fluctuations in US-China relations, driven by competition for technological dominance and contrasting approaches to globalization. ‘We are witnessing a US-driven deglobalization and a China-led re-globalization through multilateralism,’ Carvalho remarked. As Brazil navigates these challenges, the broader implications for global trade and economic stability remain a pressing concern.

  • Retailer lauded for ‘moral-damage’ compensation

    Retailer lauded for ‘moral-damage’ compensation

    Pangdonglai, a prominent supermarket chain in Henan Province, China, has garnered widespread acclaim for its innovative approach to employee welfare by introducing a moral-damage compensation system. The company recently disclosed detailed records of payments made to employees whose personal dignity was compromised at work, highlighting its commitment to fostering a respectful and fair workplace environment.

  • Japan OKs $135 billion stimulus package to help revive its sluggish economy

    Japan OKs $135 billion stimulus package to help revive its sluggish economy

    The Japanese Cabinet has greenlit a substantial 21.3 trillion yen ($135.4 billion) stimulus package aimed at revitalizing the nation’s economy and mitigating the effects of rising prices. Announced on Friday, this expansive fiscal measure underscores Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s commitment to aggressive government spending, despite concerns over its potential to exacerbate Japan’s already substantial national debt, which stands at approximately three times the size of its economy.

  • World stocks track Wall Street’s drop, erasing previous day’s gains

    World stocks track Wall Street’s drop, erasing previous day’s gains

    Global stock markets experienced significant volatility on Friday, mirroring Wall Street’s sharp decline, as investors grappled with concerns over a potential bubble in artificial intelligence (AI)-related shares and mixed economic signals. Major benchmarks across Asia, Europe, and the U.S. erased previous gains, reflecting heightened market skittishness. The U.S. Federal Reserve’s reluctance to cut interest rates in December, fueled by stronger-than-expected jobs data, further dampened investor sentiment.