分类: business

  • Rail freight rises amid steady economy

    Rail freight rises amid steady economy

    China’s railway freight sector has demonstrated robust growth in the first three quarters of 2025, reflecting the nation’s steady economic momentum. According to the China State Railway Group, the railway network transported 3.03 billion metric tons of cargo during this period, marking a 3.4 percent increase compared to the previous year. Daily loading of train cars also rose by 4.3 percent, averaging 185,300 cars per day. This growth has been attributed to the continuous optimization of logistics products and enhanced transport efficiency, which have been pivotal in supporting both domestic and international trade flows. The company has intensified efforts to advance market-oriented freight reforms and improve service quality, aligning with national strategies to modernize the logistics system and reduce costs. Key goods, particularly coal, have been prioritized, with 1.55 billion tons transported, including 1.06 billion tons for power generation, ensuring stable energy supplies. Intermodal transport has also expanded significantly, with rail-water combined transport handling 12.78 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), up 16.9 percent. Additionally, the digital freight platform now hosts 143,000 trucks, facilitating 242 million tons of rail-road combined transport. Cross-border freight has remained stable, with China-Europe freight trains making 14,500 trips and trains to Central Asia totaling 10,800, a 22.8 percent year-on-year increase. The China-Laos Railway also saw a 10.4 percent rise in cross-border cargo, further strengthening international trade links.

  • Crescent Enterprises champions global collaboration and innovation in urban transformation

    Crescent Enterprises champions global collaboration and innovation in urban transformation

    Crescent Enterprises has taken center stage as the Premier Partner of the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit (APCS) and Mayors’ Forum, held at Expo City Dubai. The event brought together over 1,500 city leaders, including mayors, deputy mayors, and senior officials, alongside business and innovation leaders, to foster collaboration and share insights on sustainable urban development. Crescent Enterprises, along with its subsidiary Gulftainer, hosted an exclusive Dinner in the Desert, emphasizing the UAE’s commitment to dialogue and partnership in shaping the cities of the future. Badr Jafar, CEO of Crescent Enterprises, highlighted the UAE’s legacy of public-private collaboration, from Expo 2020 to COP28, and its dedication to sharing best practices globally. Tushar Singhvi, Deputy CEO and Head of Investments, underscored the private sector’s role in transforming cities from data-rich to decision-wise through digital infrastructure and innovation. Farid Belbouab, Group CEO of Gulftainer, discussed the transformative potential of ports and logistics in fostering sustainable coastal economies. Crescent Enterprises’ multi-platform strategy, spanning logistics, technology, and venture development, aligns with the UAE’s vision for sustainable urban transformation and the summit’s theme, ‘Connecting Cities, Creating Futures.’

  • Kanoo Energy: Harnessing a legacy of excellence to drive industrial progress at ADIPEC 2025

    Kanoo Energy: Harnessing a legacy of excellence to drive industrial progress at ADIPEC 2025

    Kanoo Energy, a cornerstone of The Kanoo Group, is poised to unveil a groundbreaking suite of intelligent and sustainable solutions at ADIPEC 2025. The event, scheduled from November 3 to 6, 2025, at Stand 12105, Hall 12, ADNEC, Abu Dhabi, will serve as a platform for the company to demonstrate its latest innovations in the energy sector. With a legacy spanning over a century, Kanoo Energy has consistently adapted to the evolving demands of the Middle East’s energy landscape, positioning itself as a leader in modernization and industrial progress. The company’s upcoming showcase will feature advanced technologies designed to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability across the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries. Collaborating with global partners such as Adage Kanoo Analytical Industries (AKAI), Dopak, Woodfield Systems International, and others, Kanoo Energy will highlight advancements in analytics, fluid handling, decarbonization, robotics, and industrial safety. Ali Abdulla Kanoo, Chairman of Kanoo Industrial & Energy, emphasized the company’s commitment to combining innovation with reliability, particularly as the UAE spearheads the region’s transition to cleaner energy systems. Fahad Fawzi Kanoo, a board member, echoed this sentiment, noting the UAE’s role in shaping a sustainable energy future and Kanoo Energy’s contribution through AI-driven solutions. Manoj Tripathy, CEO of Kanoo Industrial and Energy, highlighted the company’s dedication to merging its engineering heritage with modern, localized expertise to deliver measurable value to customers. ADIPEC 2025, a premier event for energy professionals, will provide Kanoo Energy with the opportunity to reinforce its mission of connecting tradition with innovation, showcasing how its century-old legacy continues to drive progress in a rapidly evolving industry.

  • Vicenzaoro 2025 underscores storytelling’s role in the future of luxury jewellery

    Vicenzaoro 2025 underscores storytelling’s role in the future of luxury jewellery

    The Vicenzaoro 2025 trade fair, held in Italy, has firmly established storytelling as a cornerstone of the luxury jewellery industry’s evolution. This premier global event brought together top brands, designers, and strategists to explore how heritage, innovation, and responsibility are reshaping the sector. Discussions and panels emphasized a significant shift in focus, with cultural narratives, ethical sourcing, and technological advancements now standing alongside traditional craftsmanship and design as key drivers of the industry. Sessions like ‘The Quantum Age’ delved into jewellery’s expanding role at the intersection of identity, culture, and technology, highlighting the need for storytelling to adapt to diverse markets, including India and China. Zhanna Kirkland, a seasoned industry strategist, noted that storytelling has transitioned from a marketing tactic to a strategic necessity in today’s values-driven luxury landscape. She emphasized that consumers increasingly seek transparency and emotional connections, making authentic narratives essential for building trust and loyalty. The VO Vintage segment underscored the importance of provenance, linking jewellery to its historical and cultural legacy. Organizers also previewed upcoming sustainability initiatives and technology integrations that will shape future editions of the fair. Kirkland encapsulated the prevailing sentiment: ‘The future of jewellery lies not just in its design but in the authenticity of the stories it tells and the connections it fosters.’

  • Israeli state-owned defence firm opens regional arm in UAE

    Israeli state-owned defence firm opens regional arm in UAE

    In a landmark development following the normalization of relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2020, an Israeli state-owned defense company has established a subsidiary in the UAE. Controp Precision Technologies, a leading developer of electro-optical systems, will register its new entity in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), a prominent economic zone in the Emirati capital. The Israeli Ministry of Defense officially approved the move on Sunday, as reported by The Times of Israel. The Abu Dhabi-based subsidiary will serve as Controp’s regional hub in the Gulf, managing marketing, sales, and maintenance of its advanced surveillance and reconnaissance systems used across air, land, and sea operations. In the future, Controp aims to compete directly for defense tenders in the UAE and neighboring countries. This strategic expansion underscores the deepening economic and political ties between the two nations, which have seen bilateral trade reach $3.2 billion in 2024. However, relations have faced challenges following the Gaza war, with the UAE occasionally criticizing Israeli actions. Despite these tensions, the establishment of Controp’s subsidiary signals continued collaboration in the defense sector. The investment is estimated at $30 million, with the subsidiary managed by an Israeli citizen while retaining full control under the parent company.

  • Sharjah tenants to get full fine exemption, 50% fee relief for expired leases

    Sharjah tenants to get full fine exemption, 50% fee relief for expired leases

    In a significant move to support tenants, the Sharjah Executive Council has approved a comprehensive settlement for unauthorized lease contracts. Effective from November 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, tenants who regularize expired leases signed before September 19, 2024, will benefit from a 50% reduction in authentication fees and a complete waiver of administrative fines. This initiative applies to all lease types, including residential, commercial, industrial, and investment agreements. The decision aligns with the implementation of Law No. (5) of 2024 on real estate leasing and its executive regulations. Additionally, the Council greenlit the Hasad Center project, aimed at bolstering food security, advancing the agricultural sector, and aiding local farmers. The center will serve as a hub for collecting and distributing fruits and vegetables, streamlining support for producers. The meeting, chaired by Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, also reviewed plans for the 54th UAE National Day celebrations, emphasizing national unity and cultural heritage. These measures underscore Sharjah’s dedication to fostering economic growth, supporting residents, and celebrating national achievements, in line with the vision of Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah.

  • UAE’s first Green Licence explained: What it means for sustainable businesses

    UAE’s first Green Licence explained: What it means for sustainable businesses

    The United Arab Emirates has taken a significant step towards fostering sustainable business practices with the introduction of its first-ever Green Licence. This groundbreaking initiative was unveiled during the launch of the Green Innovation District at Expo City Dubai, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s green transformation journey. The Green Licence aims to attract and empower eco-conscious businesses by offering a range of benefits, including access to an on-site Green Intellectual Property Office designed to support innovation and attract sustainable enterprises globally. Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority, emphasized that the Green Innovation District would serve as a vibrant ecosystem where economic opportunity and ecological responsibility coexist harmoniously. The district will feature light industrial and urban farming spaces, alongside commercial areas, creating a sustainable, interconnected community. Al Hashimy highlighted that Expo City Dubai’s commitment to green standards and innovation provides an ideal environment for businesses to trial, scale, and succeed. The initiative is part of a broader vision to position Expo City Dubai as a global hub for sustainability-driven enterprises, innovation, and research, reinforcing the UAE’s leadership in building a resilient, net-zero future. Al Hashimy expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, founding partners, local government departments, and existing members of the Expo City Dubai business community for their commitment to advancing clean energy and decarbonization. Together, they are creating a model for the future—a catalyst for sustainable growth where both business and the environment can thrive.

  • Indian refiners pause new Russian oil orders, await clarity amid higher US sanctions

    Indian refiners pause new Russian oil orders, await clarity amid higher US sanctions

    Indian refiners have temporarily suspended new orders for Russian crude oil as they await further clarity on the implications of heightened US sanctions targeting Russia’s oil sector. Sources revealed on Tuesday that major players, including state-run Indian Oil and private conglomerate Reliance Industries, are refraining from placing fresh orders while assessing the situation. Some refiners are reportedly turning to spot markets to meet their immediate crude oil needs. The US recently imposed sanctions on Russia’s top oil producers, Lukoil and Rosneft, prompting Indian refiners to reconsider their import strategies. Reliance Industries, India’s largest buyer of Russian oil, has committed to complying with the sanctions while maintaining ties with existing suppliers. However, the company plans to halt imports from Rosneft, a sanctioned entity. Industry insiders noted that refiners are cautious about engaging with traders linked to sanctioned entities, as banks may refuse to process payments. India, which imported 1.9 million barrels per day of Russian oil in the first nine months of 2025, accounting for 40% of Russia’s total exports, has seen a decline in imports due to narrower discounts and tighter supplies. Refiners are increasingly sourcing crude from the Middle East and the US to mitigate risks. The pause in Russian oil orders could potentially facilitate a trade deal between India and the US, as compliance with sanctions aligns with broader diplomatic objectives.

  • UAQ free trade zone: A smart haven for investors

    UAQ free trade zone: A smart haven for investors

    The Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ) is rapidly establishing itself as a cornerstone of sustainable economic growth within the UAE’s expansive network of free zones. Recognized as a Designated Free Zone under the UAE’s corporate tax regime, UAQ FTZ offers investors unparalleled benefits, including zero tax on qualifying income, transparency, and robust logistical connectivity. This strategic hub links seaports, airports, and major highways, creating a compliance-driven ecosystem that fosters stability and growth. The UAE’s corporate tax framework ensures that businesses operating within UAQ FTZ enjoy a 0% tax rate on income derived from manufacturing, distribution, and other qualifying activities. This tax-free environment allows companies to reinvest profits, accelerating expansion and enhancing global competitiveness. Legal and financial experts highlight that this clarity has significantly boosted investor confidence across the region. UAQ FTZ’s strategic location provides direct access to key transportation corridors, enabling duty-free import and re-export of goods. This logistical advantage translates into faster customs clearance, reduced costs, and smoother regional distribution, giving businesses a decisive edge in the competitive Gulf trade landscape. The Free Zone caters to a diverse range of enterprises, from startups and freelancers to industrial manufacturers. Its flexible licensing structure—commercial, industrial, service, and freelance—supports seamless scaling and operational diversification. UAQ FTZ also prioritizes compliance, offering advisory support, accounting guidance, and banking partnerships to ensure businesses meet evolving regulatory standards effortlessly. With ongoing infrastructure investments, including a 400,000sqft warehouse expansion and new industrial plots, UAQ FTZ is building a future-ready ecosystem for logistics, storage, and manufacturing. By aligning with the UAE’s Vision 2031, the Free Zone aims to attract two million active companies and ten unicorn startups within the decade, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global business leader. In an era defined by compliance, clarity, and cost-efficiency, UAQ FTZ stands out as a model of economic foresight, offering investors a launchpad for sustainable growth and success.

  • Chasing the unicorn dream: Unlocking the UAE’s entrepreneurial future

    Chasing the unicorn dream: Unlocking the UAE’s entrepreneurial future

    The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has long been celebrated for its business-friendly environment, offering foreign investors 100% ownership, zero corporate taxes, and rapid company setup through its free zones. Despite these advantages, the nation has yet to produce a significant number of homegrown unicorns—startups valued at over $1 billion. This raises a critical question: Why does the UAE lag behind in fostering billion-dollar startups, and what can be done to unlock its entrepreneurial potential?