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.
分类： business
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Global NICMARians Alumni Meet and Construction Leadership Conclave 5.0 concludes in Dubai
The Global NICMARians Alumni Meet and Construction Leadership Conclave 5.0, held at the Hilton Dubai, Business Bay, successfully concluded, bringing together over 200 industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers from the construction and real estate sectors. Organized by the Alumni Growth Network Initiative (AGNI), the official UAE chapter of NICMAR (National Institute of Construction Management and Research), the event marked one of the largest alumni-driven industry gatherings in the region.
The conclave commenced with opening remarks from Balkrishan Singh, managing director and founding partner of RBS Architectural Design Consultancy, and Raghvendra Singh Bisen, vice-president (development) at Sobha UAE and Qatar Projects. Both emphasized AGNI’s mission to foster a collaborative ecosystem for alumni leadership, professional growth, and industry partnerships. Distinguished academic leaders from NICMAR University, Pune, including Dr. Tapash Kumar Ganguli, director general (in-charge), and Dr. Sushma Kulkarni, vice chancellor, also addressed the attendees, highlighting NICMAR’s global impact and the role of alumni in shaping infrastructure and project management excellence.
The one-day event featured leadership sessions and panel discussions on various topics, including project management, AI and digital transformation, entrepreneurship, global HR trends, women’s leadership, and coastal infrastructure development. The “NICMARians Firechat: Chasing the Dream” session showcased alumni who have achieved significant milestones in international markets, offering insights into global best practices and innovation in construction management.
Senior alumni and volunteers were recognized for their contributions to the NICMAR community and their efforts in mentoring emerging professionals. The conclave resulted in new collaborations, mentoring clusters, and cross-border partnerships among NICMAR alumni, reinforcing stronger links between academia and industry to develop future-ready leadership.
“This conclave represents a collective force of leaders who believe in contributing, connecting, and creating value beyond boundaries,” said Balkrishan Singh. Raghvendra Singh Bisen added, “NICMARians are not just professionals; we are visionaries shaping the future. Together, we are building an ecosystem of opportunity.”
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China’s power battery industry records nearly 50% jump in sales
China’s power battery industry has maintained its global leadership for the eighth consecutive year, achieving a remarkable 48.9% year-on-year sales growth in the first three quarters of 2025. According to Wan Gang, president of the China Association for Science and Technology, the industry’s sales volume reached 786 gigawatt-hours (GWh) during this period. Speaking at the 2025 World Power Battery Conference in Yibin, Sichuan province, Wan also highlighted that power battery exports surged by 32.7% to 129 GWh. This robust growth has significantly bolstered China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) sector, which recorded sales of 6.937 million units in the first half of 2025, marking a 40.3% increase. Despite these achievements, Wan emphasized ongoing challenges, including the need to enhance battery performance for all-climate and full-scenario applications, improve upstream resource supply, and strengthen downstream recycling systems. He called for diversified technological innovation, intelligent management technologies, and the development of new application models to ensure sustainable growth. The conference also saw the signing of 180 green energy projects worth 86.13 billion yuan ($12.1 billion), expected to generate 90 billion yuan in output and create 30,000 jobs.
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ABG launches Marketer of the Future Middle East: Region’s defining event for the future of marketing
The Advertising Business Group (ABG) has unveiled its flagship event, *Marketer of the Future Middle East (MOTF)*, set to take place on November 2025 at the TODA Theatre in Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai. This groundbreaking event aims to bring together global and regional leaders from marketing, media, technology, academia, and government to shape the future of the industry. Designed as the region’s most forward-thinking marketing gathering, MOTF will explore the trends, technologies, and transformations that will define the next decade of marketing. The event will feature a diverse lineup of thought leaders, including Trevor McFarlane, Founder & CEO of EMIR Intelligence, Stephan Loerke, CEO of the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA), and Daniel Floyed, Chief Growth Officer of The Brandtech Group, among others. Key discussions will focus on topics such as AI-driven marketing, sustainability, and the evolving role of Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs). Exclusive roundtables, such as *The Performance Imperative* and *Responsible Advertising in the Gulf*, will offer attendees unique insights into marketing effectiveness and ethical communication. Eleni Kitra, Executive Director of ABG, emphasized that MOTF is not just a conference but a catalyst for progress, empowering the industry to evolve with purpose. The event is supported by leading sponsors, including Digital Media Services (DMS), TikTok, Snapchat, and Publicis Groupe Middle East.
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China’s courier sector posts record-breaking growth during ‘Double 11’ shopping festival
China’s courier industry has set new benchmarks during the annual ‘Double 11’ shopping festival, with daily parcel handling reaching an unprecedented 777 million, as reported by the State Post Bureau of China. From October 21 to November 11, postal and courier companies across the nation managed an astonishing 13.94 billion parcels, averaging 634 million per day—a 117.8 percent increase over the usual daily volume. This remarkable achievement highlights the sector’s enhanced capability to handle the massive surge in demand during major shopping events. The bureau credited this growth to vigorous online consumption, fueled by extensive promotional efforts from e-commerce platforms. The sustained expansion of the express delivery market underscores its crucial role in supporting consumption upgrades and bolstering the real economy. These record figures not only reflect the resilience of China’s consumer market but also the efficiency of its logistics network, which continues to ensure the smooth circulation of goods and drive economic growth.
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OMODA&JAECOO marks 2,000 car sales milestone in UAE with exclusive one-day offer
OMODA&JAECOO, the globally recognized automotive brand, has reached a significant milestone by selling 2,000 vehicles in the UAE within less than a year of its official launch in February 2025. To commemorate this achievement, the brand has announced an exclusive one-day offer, dubbed the ‘Best Offer of the Year,’ available at all six of its UAE showrooms on November 16, 2025. The details of this attractive deal will only be revealed to customers who visit the showrooms on the day. This initiative aims to reward loyal customers and further strengthen the brand’s market presence in the region. The parent company of OMODA&JAECOO has also been recognized for its global success, securing the 233rd position on the 2025 Fortune Global 500 list and surpassing 5 million vehicle exports worldwide. This ‘Dual 500’ achievement highlights the company’s rapid international growth and commitment to innovation in the automotive industry. Additionally, OMODA&JAECOO has enhanced its regional visibility through a high-profile advertising campaign at Dubai International Airport, showcasing its upcoming models, the JAECOO J8 SHS and OMODA C7. This campaign has captured the attention of millions of travelers, further solidifying the brand’s reputation for bold design and advanced hybrid technology. Since its debut, OMODA&JAECOO has gained a strong foothold in the UAE market, appealing to drivers who value sophistication, innovation, and driving excitement. Shawn Xu, CEO of OMODA & JAECOO Automobile International, expressed pride in the brand’s accomplishments and gratitude for the support of UAE customers. The exclusive one-day offer is a gesture of appreciation to the brand’s growing customer base, inviting them to experience its award-winning vehicle lineup at showrooms in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah.