分类： business

The recent inauguration of the Guangzhou-Zhanjiang High-Speed Railway has sparked a tourism renaissance in Zhanjiang, Guangdong’s southernmost coastal city. On its inaugural operation day, approximately 200 travelers participated in a specially curated journey organized by Guangzhou’s cultural and tourism authorities in partnership with GZL International Travel Service.

Tourists now have multiple itinerary options, ranging from immersive three-day cultural explorations of Zhanjiang to extended five-day experiences combining Zhanjiang with Hainan province. The integrated transportation network enables seamless high-speed rail and ferry connections across the Qiongzhou Strait, offering visitors both scenic beauty and duty-free shopping opportunities.

The economic impact has been immediate and substantial. GZL International Travel Service reported a remarkable 50% increase in revenue from Zhanjiang-related tourism products compared to 2024 figures. Vice-President Wen Shuang confirmed the destination’s growing popularity among travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences.

Zhanjiang, celebrated as the birthplace of Leizhou culture, boasts exceptional natural landscapes and cultural resources that are now more accessible than ever. The railway’s opening has transformed Xiashan district, home to Zhanjiang North Railway Station, into a strategic gateway hub that significantly influences visitors’ overall travel experience.

The infrastructure project connects cultural landmarks, scenic attractions, and culinary destinations along its route. According to Xu Hechang, a village official in Mazhang district, tourists can now experience unique ecological tourism activities, including enjoying seafood harvested directly from the pristine mangrove ecosystems.

Local business leaders have welcomed the development enthusiastically. Chen Yu, chairman of Guangdong Maodegong Group, emphasized how the railway fulfills long-standing local expectations: “With increased visitor numbers, we’re excited to showcase Zhanjiang’s beautiful sights, culinary delights, and engaging activities to friends nationwide and globally.”

The enhanced connectivity has revitalized short-distance and weekend travel markets, boosting ancillary industries including hospitality, dining, and retail. Shen Guanxiong, staff member at May Coast Bed and Breakfast on Naozhou Island, reported extensive renovations and service preparations to accommodate the tourism surge.

At a recent press conference, Liu Chunhui, deputy director of Zhanjiang’s commerce bureau, outlined strategic initiatives leveraging the railway as a core driver for the city’s consumption season. The integration of high-speed rail with flagship events like ‘celebrate the New Year in Zhanjiang’ features carefully designed travel routes combining transportation, winter tourism, cuisine, and shopping experiences.

The city has launched complementary consumer coupon campaigns and partnered with renowned dining establishments recognized for ‘Zhanjiang’s top 10 traditional dishes.’ Additional upcoming activities include winter vacation study tours offering immersive Lingnan cultural experiences for families.

According to Chen Chen, deputy director of Zhanjiang’s culture and tourism bureau, the city is accelerating quality enhancements across its cultural and tourism sectors. The comprehensive strategy aims to establish an integrated development model combining transportation, cultural tourism, and consumption, positioning Zhanjiang as the premier destination for ‘weekend micro-vacations’ from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

In a landmark move for technological advancement in the Middle East, Faraday Future Middle East FZ-LLC has entered into a strategic partnership with RAK Digital Assets Oasis through a formal Memorandum of Understanding. This collaboration, announced on December 25, 2025, establishes a framework for joint innovation across three transformative technological domains: artificial intelligence, Web3 digital economy applications, and embodied intelligence systems.

The signing ceremony witnessed the participation of key executives including Paul Dawalibi, Chief Executive Officer of RAK Innovation City, alongside Tin Mok and Morris Gao representing Faraday Future’s Middle Eastern operations. Demonstrating immediate commitment to their partnership, Faraday Future marked the occasion by delivering their FX Super One vehicle to RAK Innovation City, representing the company’s second delivery within the United Arab Emirates market.

This alliance envisions the establishment of specialized research and innovation centers that will leverage both organizations’ technological capabilities and industrial resources. The partnership aims to create a comprehensive ecosystem for testing and implementing cutting-edge technologies within the UAE, positioning Innovation City as a benchmark for next-generation urban development powered by advanced technological integration.

Paul Dawalibi emphasized the strategic significance of this collaboration, noting: “Faraday Future represents not merely an innovation partner but a long-term strategic ally sharing our future-oriented vision. We anticipate driving substantial innovation across AI, embodied intelligence, and Web3 domains through this partnership.”

Tin Mok, Head of FF UAE, highlighted the unique synergies between both entities: “RAK Innovation City stands as the world’s premier future-focused urban development platform with strategic emphasis on cutting-edge technologies. This environment of government support, business-friendly policies, and innovation resources creates ideal conditions for mutual technological advancement.”

Faraday Future maintains significant infrastructure within Ras Al Khaimah, operating a 108,000-square-foot regional facility encompassing production workshops, office spaces, and operational hubs. This infrastructure supports the manufacturing of both FF and FX vehicle lines, enabling the company to promote new energy vehicle ecosystem development throughout the Middle East region through localized production capabilities.

Established in 2014, Faraday Future has pursued a mission of automotive industry disruption through user-centric, technology-forward electric vehicles. Their flagship FF91 model exemplifies luxury and innovation, while the FX strategy aims to deliver mass production vehicles featuring advanced technology at accessible price points for broader market penetration.

Dubai’s jewellery sector is witnessing a nuanced development with the recent formal publication of 14-karat gold rates by the Dubai Jewellery Group, marking its first pricing disclosure for this category this year. This administrative move has prompted consumer inquiries regarding the actual availability of 14K gold jewellery within the emirate’s retail landscape.

Industry insights reveal that while technically available, 14K gold jewellery exists primarily through custom-order arrangements rather than ready-made inventory. Asim Damudi of Gold and Gems Gallery confirms that most Dubai jewellery establishments don’t routinely stock 14K pieces, reflecting the market’s limited preference for this particular karatage.

The prevailing consumer choice hierarchy remains firmly established with 18K gold occupying the dominant position, closely followed by 22K varieties. Market observers note that 14K gold attracts merely sporadic interest, primarily from curious consumers experimenting with its aesthetic appeal rather than considering it for investment purposes.

Economic factors are gradually influencing this dynamic, as noted by Suresh of Zaiba Jewellers. With gold prices reaching elevated levels, some budget-conscious buyers are beginning to inquire about 14K alternatives. However, these potential savings are frequently offset by higher manufacturing charges due to 14K gold’s harder composition, requiring greater craftsmanship precision.

Affan Sada, a trader at Gold Souk Dubai, indicates that the 14K market segment primarily serves tourist demographics rather than local residents, with only select retailers accommodating custom requests. Market experts consequently advise consumers to clearly define their purchase objectives—while 14K might suffice for occasional ornamental use, it hasn’t yet gained traction as a viable investment vehicle within Dubai’s gold market.

International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has issued a stark warning to Chinese leadership during her Beijing visit, drawing direct parallels between China’s current economic challenges and Japan’s prolonged period of economic stagnation. Georgieva emphasized the urgent need for President Xi Jinping’s administration to make “brave choices” in accelerating structural reforms to transition China toward a consumption-driven economic model.

The IMF chief highlighted two critical challenges: addressing the ongoing property crisis that fuels deflationary pressures and eliminating so-called “zombie firms” – unviable property developers that continue to operate through bank loan rollovers. “China is simply too big to generate much more growth from exports, and continuing to depend on export-led growth risks furthering global trade tensions,” Georgieva stated regarding the world’s second-largest economy.

While acknowledging differences between China’s situation and Japan’s decades-long deflation battle, Georgieva noted concerning similarities in the accumulation of bad loans and policy responses. China’s deflationary period is now entering its fourth year, with November credit expansion remaining subdued at just 392 billion yuan ($55.7 billion), well below expectations.

The core problem lies in China’s household behavior, where approximately 70% of household wealth is tied to real estate. With property values declining and household loans contracting for two consecutive months – the first such occurrence since records began in 2005 – consumers are hesitant to spend their $22 trillion in savings.

Economists from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas have identified mounting evidence of “zombie lending” in China, where banks continue extending credit to unprofitable firms rather than recognizing losses. This practice mirrors Japan’s experience in the 1980s and 1990s, which led to inefficient capital allocation and decreased productivity.

The solution, according to IMF China economist Sonali Jain-Chandra, requires rebalancing demand toward consumption and further opening the service sector, which represents an “underexploited driver of growth.” However, as Rhodium Group economist Camille Boullenois notes, Beijing’s main policy tools – directed use of the financial system and large-scale fiscal support – are becoming less effective and “close to exhausted.”

Without comprehensive structural reforms that alter incentives, increase competitiveness, and level playing fields, monetary easing alone cannot reverse China’s deflationary trajectory or address the growing zombie firm problem as 2025 concludes.

Pure Bliss Development, a subsidiary of the prominent Lals Group, has officially announced the successful topping out of its flagship Bliss Tower project. This significant construction milestone was reached at the prestigious Dubai Land Residence Complex, marking a pivotal moment in the development’s timeline.

The achievement signifies the completion of the tower’s structural framework, paving the way for the subsequent phases of interior finishing, facade installation, and comprehensive MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) works. The Bliss Tower is envisioned as a premium residential destination, designed to offer a blend of luxury living and modern amenities to its future residents.

Strategically located within the master-planned Dubai Land community, the project is poised to benefit from the area’s extensive infrastructure, entertainment offerings, and growing status as a key residential hub. This development aligns with the broader vision of enhancing Dubai’s real estate landscape with high-quality, contemporary housing solutions.

The topping-out ceremony is traditionally a celebratory event in construction, symbolizing that the building has reached its maximum height. This milestone for Bliss Tower not only demonstrates Lals Group’s commitment to progressing according to schedule but also reinforces investor and market confidence in the project’s timely delivery. The focus now shifts towards the intricate work required to transform the structural shell into a finished, habitable luxury tower.

Chopard has unveiled its most mechanically sophisticated timepiece to date—the Lopard L.U.C Grand Strike—marking a historic achievement in haute horology. This exceptional watch represents the culmination of over 11,000 hours of dedicated research and development, entirely conceived and manufactured within Chopard’s own workshops.

The Grand Strike stands as the purest expression of Chopard’s mechanical excellence, featuring three groundbreaking complications seamlessly integrated into one masterpiece: a grande sonnerie, petite sonnerie, and a 60-second tourbillon. The timepiece boasts ten technical patents, with five specifically developed for this creation, making it the most complex instrument ever produced by the Swiss manufacturer.

Encased in 43mm of ethical white gold, the watch presents a striking openworked design that reveals the meticulously hand-finished L.U.C 08.03-L movement comprising 686 components. The transparent architecture allows full visibility of the synchronized steel hammers positioned at 10 o’clock, which strike specially engineered sapphire crystal gongs to produce remarkably pure acoustic tones.

Beyond its musical capabilities, the timepiece maintains exceptional precision, carrying both COSC chronometer certification and the prestigious Poinçon de Genève hallmark. The movement operates at 4 Hz with a substantial 70-hour power reserve, while maintaining a wearable profile of just 14.08mm thickness. The watch is completed with hand-sewn alligator straps in grey or deep blue, secured with an ethical white-gold folding clasp.

This achievement represents more than two decades of dedicated research into chiming watch mechanisms, establishing new standards in both auditory excellence and mechanical complexity within contemporary watchmaking.

In a strategic move to bolster competition within its rapidly growing aviation sector, India has granted preliminary operational approval to two new airlines. This development comes shortly after widespread flight cancellations by market leader IndiGo exposed systemic vulnerabilities stemming from excessive market concentration.

The Civil Aviation Ministry issued formal ‘no-objection certificates’ to regional startup alHind Air and carrier FlyExpress earlier this week. Minister Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed the regulatory milestone through an official social media announcement, emphasizing the government’s commitment to fostering increased competition in domestic air travel.

The urgency for market diversification became apparent earlier this December when IndiGo’s operational crisis led to approximately 4,500 cancelled flights. The disruption stranded tens of thousands of passengers nationwide and revealed the risks associated with the carrier’s 65% market dominance. Air India Group follows as distant competitor with approximately 27% market share, while smaller operators account for the remaining portion.

According to operational plans, alHind Air intends to commence services in southern India utilizing ATR Turboprop aircraft, currently progressing through the final Air Operator Certificate acquisition process. FlyExpress similarly indicates impending market entry through its digital communications.

This authorization continues a pattern of regulatory expansion, with six air operators receiving permits since 2020, including several regional specialists. The approvals represent India’s deliberate strategy to transform its aviation landscape while supporting infrastructure development in underserved regions.

In a landmark development for sustainable agriculture, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has officially inaugurated the Mleiha Dairy Farm and Factory—now certified by Guinness World Records as the planet’s largest A2A2 cattle farm. Spanning approximately 20,000 square meters with an annual production capacity nearing 600 tonnes, this state-of-the-art facility represents the culmination of a 65-year vision for the Ruler.

The project forms an integral component of Sharjah’s comprehensive food security initiative, which synergistically integrates livestock management, poultry operations, crop cultivation, and supporting manufacturing plants. This strategic framework is further bolstered by specialized academic programs in agricultural, veterinary, and desert sciences, cultivating a new generation of experts to drive the sector forward.

Emphasizing a return to heritage-based agricultural practices, Sheikh Sultan articulated a philosophy centered on natural production methodologies. The farm exclusively raises rare A2A2 cattle breeds—genetically distinct varieties known for producing milk containing only A2 beta-casein protein, which some studies suggest offers superior digestibility compared to conventional milk. These animals are nurtured through organic feeding systems and ethical treatment protocols aligned with traditional desert farming.

‘Our objective transcends commercial profit; we prioritize population wellness above financial gain,’ the Ruler declared during the inauguration ceremony. This health-first ethos extends across Sharjah’s agricultural landscape, including ongoing olive cultivation projects, free-range poultry farms, and vegetable production using indigenous plant varieties—all monitored through advanced agricultural technology systems.

Following the formal opening, Sheikh Sultan conducted an extensive tour of the compound, inspecting production lines, packaging facilities, the central control room, milking parlors, and livestock housing areas. Senior officials detailed the facility’s rigorous quality control measures and outlined ambitious expansion plans designed to enhance the emirate’s self-sufficiency objectives within the broader national food security framework.