分类： business

The International Apparel & Textile Fair (IATF) 2025 has officially commenced at the Dubai World Trade Centre, marking its 20th anniversary as the Gulf’s leading B2B fashion sourcing event. Running from November 17 to 19, the fair features over 400 exhibitors from more than 30 countries, including the UK, USA, Italy, China, India, France, Germany, Russia, Spain, and Portugal. This milestone edition highlights the event’s pivotal role in shaping the region’s apparel and textile industry over the past two decades.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Butti Saeed Al Ghandi, Vice Chairman of Dubai World Trade Centre, and Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice President, emphasizing Dubai’s growing prominence as a global fashion trade hub. The fair spans Halls 6 and 7, attracting thousands of sourcing professionals, industry buyers, and decision-makers from the GCC, Europe, and beyond.

This year’s edition introduces ‘Moda Sole & Accessories,’ a dedicated showcase featuring over 70 curated booths for footwear, handbags, laces, trims, and premium accessories. The event also emphasizes sustainability, ethical production, and circular design, aligning with global industry trends.

Bhavna Nihalani, Founder and Show Director of IATF, remarked, ‘IATF has become a dynamic platform that unites the entire fashion sourcing cycle, fostering creativity, responsibility, and innovation.’ The fair’s Hosted Buyers Program facilitates thousands of pre-scheduled meetings, driving meaningful business connections and long-term partnerships.

Visitor registration is now open for November 18 and 19, welcoming designers, manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, and wholesalers to explore the future of fashion sourcing.

Flydubai, Dubai’s second-largest carrier, has announced a significant agreement with GE Aerospace to acquire 60 GEnx-1B engines for its new fleet of 30 Boeing 787-9 aircraft. The deal, unveiled on the opening day of the Dubai Airshow 2025, also includes spare engines and a long-term services agreement to support the airline’s ambitious entry into long-haul operations. While the financial details remain undisclosed, the partnership underscores flydubai’s strategic shift from its all-Boeing 737 fleet to diversify its offerings and meet evolving market demands. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, known for its fuel efficiency, will enable flydubai to expand its global reach and enhance its competitive edge. Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, emphasized the critical role of engine performance and durability in the airline’s expansion plans, particularly as it prepares to integrate the 787 aircraft into its fleet. The announcement comes amid challenges posed by Boeing’s delivery delays, which have impacted flydubai’s growth trajectory. Russell Stokes, President and CEO of Commercial Engines and Services at GE Aerospace, expressed enthusiasm about supporting flydubai’s expansion, highlighting the GEnx engine’s proven reliability and efficiency. Since its introduction in 2011, the GEnx engine family has logged over 62 million flight hours, cementing its reputation as a trusted powerplant for modern aircraft.

Appinventiv, a leading technology solutions provider, has unveiled its new regional office in Dubai, solidifying its commitment to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) market. Situated on the 6th floor of Meydan Grand Stand in Nad Al Sheba, the office will serve as a hub for delivering cutting-edge mobile development, digital transformation, and emerging technology services to public and private sector clients across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

The expansion comes in response to growing demand for localized technology expertise in the GCC, where businesses face unique challenges such as Arabic-first design, right-to-left interfaces, and cultural nuances often overlooked by Western providers. Saurabh Singh, CEO and Director of Appinventiv, emphasized the importance of establishing a physical presence to better understand and address client needs. ‘Being on the ground allows us to respond with greater speed and precision,’ he stated.

Singh also highlighted the necessity of integrating local payment systems like Telr and Network International, as well as adhering to region-specific compliance standards such as the UAE’s NESA requirements, Saudi Arabia’s SAMA cybersecurity guidelines, and Qatar’s data sovereignty regulations. These factors underscore the complexity of digital transformation in the GCC.

Prior to the launch, Appinventiv conducted extensive research across GCC industries, identifying three critical areas of focus: accurate bilingual experiences, local collaboration, and data governance. Companies in the region demand culturally relevant user interfaces, in-region partnerships, and expert guidance to navigate evolving data protection laws.

The Dubai office will function as both a delivery and innovation center, aligning with the region’s digital acceleration initiatives, including Saudi Vision 2030 and the UAE’s innovation agenda. ‘Our goal is to ensure that digital platforms not only meet global standards but also reflect local requirements,’ Singh added.

With a proven track record in global projects, Appinventiv aims to empower GCC businesses to scale their digital capabilities effectively.

In a significant shift in the aviation industry, Airbus is on track to secure the majority of a major jet order from flydubai at the Dubai Airshow 2025, according to sources familiar with the matter. This development marks a pivotal moment as it breaks Boeing’s longstanding dominance over the fast-growing budget carrier. Airbus is reportedly nearing a deal to sell approximately 100 A321neo jets to flydubai, while Boeing is in discussions for a smaller order of several dozen 737 MAX aircraft. The final allocation of the order, however, remains contingent on ongoing negotiations, which are expected to intensify as the industry gathers for its annual summit from November 17-21. Airbus and Boeing have both declined to comment on the matter, and flydubai has not yet responded to requests for clarification. This potential deal would represent a significant milestone for Airbus, as it seeks to penetrate a market that has historically been dominated by Boeing. Flydubai, which currently operates a fleet of 175 MAX jets and has 30 larger Boeing 787s on order, has previously indicated its intention to place its largest-ever aircraft order. The airline’s move to diversify its fleet with Airbus jets could provide it with access to hundreds of new aircraft, further enhancing its operational capabilities. The Dubai Airshow has historically been a platform for major aviation announcements, and this year’s event is no exception. Airbus has also projected that the Middle East’s aircraft fleet will more than double to 3,700 planes by 2044, underscoring the region’s growing importance in the global aviation market.

Emirates Airline has announced a groundbreaking initiative to provide free Starlink WiFi across its entire fleet, marking a significant leap in inflight connectivity. The rollout will begin in November 2025 with Boeing 777 aircraft and is expected to be completed by mid-2027. The service will be available to all passengers, regardless of cabin class, with no additional fees or Skywards membership required. The first aircraft equipped with Starlink, a Boeing 777-300ER (A6-EPF), is currently on display at the Dubai Airshow, where visitors can experience the high-speed internet firsthand. The first commercial flight featuring Starlink will depart immediately after the Airshow. Emirates plans to install the technology on approximately 14 aircraft per month, with the Airbus A380 fleet scheduled for upgrades starting in February 2026. This initiative underscores Emirates’ commitment to delivering industry-leading inflight experiences, allowing passengers to stream, game, work, and stay connected seamlessly at cruising altitude. The airline’s partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink aligns with its broader fleet refurbishment program, which includes new Premium Economy cabins, enhanced Business Class, and upgraded entertainment systems. Emirates President Sir Tim Clark emphasized that this move reflects the airline’s dedication to redefining air travel. Other regional carriers, such as Qatar Airways and Saudi airlines, have also adopted Starlink, further solidifying its position as a game-changer in aviation connectivity.

Silver, often dubbed ‘poor man’s gold,’ has proven to be a lucrative investment in 2025, surging over 70% in the past year. Trading at approximately $51 per ounce in the London spot market, it remains a key player in both jewelry and industrial sectors, particularly in the production of electric vehicles, electronics, solar panels, and medical devices. The metal’s ascent has been fueled by increased ETF flows, though it remains vulnerable to price corrections. Analysts predict a robust upward trajectory, with prices potentially averaging $57 per ounce by the fourth quarter of 2026. The U.S. government’s recent classification of silver as a critical mineral has sparked speculation about tariffs, though the market remains resilient. Despite a projected 11% decline in demand next year, Bank of America forecasts silver could reach $65 per ounce by 2026. The metal’s value has also been bolstered by a weak U.S. dollar and ongoing supply deficits. Experts anticipate continued volatility, driven by industrial demand and investor behavior.

In a significant policy shift, the US administration has announced the removal of tariffs on over 200 food products, including essential items like coffee, beef, bananas, and orange juice. This decision comes as American consumers grapple with escalating grocery prices, which have fueled widespread discontent. The move represents a notable departure from President Donald Trump’s earlier stance, where he maintained that the tariffs imposed earlier this year were not contributing to inflation. The executive order, released on Friday, modifies the scope of reciprocal tariffs initially announced on April 2 and took immediate effect. Duties already collected will be refunded. Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One, acknowledged that tariffs might ‘in some cases’ raise prices but reiterated his belief that the US has ‘virtually no inflation.’ He also revealed plans to distribute a $2,000 payment to lower- and middle-income citizens next year, funded by tariff revenues. The list of exempted products includes everyday staples that have seen double-digit price increases, such as oranges, cocoa, and fertilizers. Critics, including US Representative Don Beyer, argue that the administration is finally acknowledging the inflationary impact of its trade policies. Despite the tariff rollback, consumers remain frustrated by high grocery prices, which economists attribute partly to import duties. Richard Neal, the top Democrat on the House Ways and Means Committee, criticized the move as ‘putting out a fire that they started.’ The US Consumer Price Index for September 2025 showed a 3% year-over-year increase, with beef and coffee prices surging by 14.7% and 18.9%, respectively. While some industry groups have praised the exemptions, the broader economic implications of the tariff reversal remain a contentious issue.