The reconstruction of Gaza, described by U.S. President Donald Trump as a ‘demolition site,’ has become a contentious issue, with Gulf states reportedly left out of critical discussions. Marwan Muasher, former Jordanian foreign minister and current vice president of studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, revealed that Gulf nations were not consulted about their potential role in rebuilding Gaza. This comes after two years of intense conflict between Israel and Palestine, which has left the region in ruins. Muasher emphasized that without a durable political settlement, Gulf states have no interest in contributing to reconstruction efforts. A lasting solution, he argued, must include the recognition of a Palestinian state for the 7.5 million Palestinians living in occupied territories. However, the Trump administration’s pro-Israel stance, influenced by Christian Evangelicals who avoid using the term ‘Palestinian,’ has distanced itself from such recognition. Israel’s Knesset has also rejected the two-state solution, a policy that has underpinned negotiations since the 1990s. Muasher expressed skepticism about the feasibility of reconstruction, noting that past pledges and conferences have yielded little tangible progress. Amr Hamzawy, director of Carnegie’s Middle East programme, highlighted Egypt’s efforts to organize a reconstruction summit for Gaza, but acknowledged the ambiguous political conditions. While a comprehensive reconstruction plan exists, its implementation hinges on political will from Israel and international support. Muasher remains pessimistic about Trump’s ceasefire plan, citing its lack of clarity on key issues like reconstruction and stabilization. However, he remains hopeful about the eventual recognition of Palestinian statehood, asserting that the presence of 7.5 million Palestinians makes it an inevitability, albeit not in the near future.
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Labubu maker sees sales soar after launch of mini version of toy
Pop Mart, the renowned Chinese toy manufacturer behind the wildly popular Labubu dolls, has reported a significant surge in sales following the August release of its mini Labubu series. The company’s global revenue for the quarter ending September soared by approximately 250% compared to the same period last year. This remarkable growth was fueled by a dramatic increase in international sales, with revenue in the United States skyrocketing by over 1,200% and European sales climbing by more than 700%.
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UK deploys small number of military officers to Israel following US request
In a strategic move to bolster stabilization efforts in Gaza, the United Kingdom has dispatched a small contingent of military planning officers to Israel. This deployment comes at the request of the United States, which is spearheading a multinational task force aimed at ensuring security in the region. The initiative, known as the Civil-Military Coordination Centre (CMCC), seeks to stabilize the fragile truce between Israel and Hamas while advancing a 20-point ceasefire plan proposed by US President Donald Trump.
The CMCC, still in its formative stages, has yet to finalize key details such as its composition, operational roles, chain of command, and legal framework. The US has committed up to 200 troops to support the force, though they will not be directly deployed in Gaza. Additionally, the US is engaging with other nations, including Indonesia, the UAE, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and Azerbaijan, to contribute to the effort.
A spokesperson for the UK Ministry of Defence confirmed that a ‘small number of UK planning officers’ have been embedded within the CMCC, including a two-star deputy commander. The deployment underscores the UK’s commitment to supporting US-led planning for post-conflict stability in Gaza. ‘The UK continues to work with international partners to support the Gaza ceasefire and contribute to the peace process,’ the spokesperson stated.
British Defence Minister John Healey emphasized that the UK brings ‘specialist experience and skills’ to the table, though it will not lead the initiative. He confirmed that the deployment was made in direct response to a US request, highlighting the collaborative nature of the effort. This move reflects the UK’s ongoing engagement in international peacekeeping and its alignment with US strategic objectives in the Middle East.
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Louvre jewel heist: Stolen items valued at $102 million, says French prosecutor
In a daring daylight robbery at the Louvre Museum in Paris, thieves made off with priceless royal jewels valued at $102 million, according to French prosecutor Laure Beccuau. The heist, which lasted just seven minutes, involved four individuals who used an extendable ladder to break into the museum’s Apollo Gallery. Authorities are currently analyzing fingerprints and reviewing surveillance footage to track down the culprits, believed to be part of an organized crime group. The stolen items include an emerald-and-diamond necklace gifted by Napoleon I to his wife, Empress Marie-Louise, and a diamond-studded diadem once owned by Empress Eugenie. The incident has reignited concerns over the security of France’s cultural institutions, following similar thefts in recent months. Louvre officials defended their security measures, stating that the display cases, installed in 2019, represented a significant upgrade. Meanwhile, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez has pledged to enhance security around cultural sites. The museum remained closed on Tuesday, leaving tourists disappointed.
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Data is the new emerging currency in Dubai real estate
Dubai’s real estate sector is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the increasing demand for transparency, digital tools, and data-driven insights. In a rapidly maturing market, traditional methods of intuition and charm are no longer sufficient for real estate professionals. Today, agents must evolve into data strategists, analysts, and trusted advisors to meet the expectations of modern investors and buyers.
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‘A new sense of energy and hope’: Singaporean women acquitted over pro-Palestine walk
In a landmark ruling, a Singaporean court has acquitted three women who organized a walk to the presidential office in support of Palestine. The trio—Siti Amirah Mohamed Asrori, Kokila Annamalai, and Mossammad Sobikun Nahar—were initially charged with organizing an illegal procession in February 2024. However, the judge ruled that their actions did not fully meet the legal criteria for the charge, citing their lack of awareness that the route they took was in a prohibited area. The women had walked along public roads and pavements, with no signage indicating restrictions. The judge noted that they had made efforts to comply with the law, and their procession, though unpermitted, did not warrant conviction. If found guilty, each could have faced fines of up to S$10,000, six months in jail, or both. The acquittal has been hailed as a significant moment for civil rights activists in Singapore, where public demonstrations are rare and heavily regulated. The women’s supporters celebrated outside the court, with one of the defendants stating that the verdict provides ‘a new sense of energy and hope’ for the movement. The case has drawn widespread attention, particularly as Singapore maintains strict rules against public assemblies, especially those related to the Israel-Gaza conflict. Authorities have consistently denied permits for such events, citing the risk of public disorder. The government supports a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine but enforces stringent measures to maintain domestic harmony. The prosecution has two weeks to appeal the verdict, while police continue to investigate other events related to the conflict.
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‘Good soil, good income’: Dubai-based CEO says farmers could earn from carbon credits
Farmers worldwide may soon have a new revenue stream by storing carbon in their soil, contributing to environmental protection while boosting their incomes. This innovative concept was highlighted at the Abu Dhabi Global Food Week (ADFW) 2025, where experts discussed the potential of carbon credits in regenerative farming practices. Satyam Bose, Chairman and CEO of Virenxia Group, emphasized that sustainable agriculture is not only beneficial for the planet but also financially viable for farmers. Bose’s company is at the forefront of this transformation, integrating sustainable bio-inputs, digital soil testing tools, and AI-based advisory systems to guide farmers in real-time decision-making. However, Bose stressed that technology alone doesn’t drive change—people do. He shared the success story of Ajay Chauva, a young agricultural graduate from India, who, after training in Virenxia’s systems, now runs his own enterprise and is a respected figure in his farming community. This shift towards data-driven agriculture is fostering a culture of innovation, with farmers discussing advanced topics like drone scheduling and soil organic carbon as casually as sports scores. Bose also drew parallels between the challenges faced by small-scale farmers in India and those in the UAE’s controlled agricultural systems, noting that both must learn to trust data while preserving traditional wisdom. To support this transition, new systems are being introduced, such as greenhouses that provide real-time soil and water readings directly to farmers’ phones. This evolution is reshaping farmers’ identities, empowering them to make data-backed decisions and inspiring a new generation of tech-savvy farmers who balance traditional practices with modern innovations. Bose’s insights were shared during the AgriTech Forum at ADFW 2025, a three-day event bringing together global experts to explore how emerging technologies can build resilient and sustainable food systems for the future.
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UAE’s crypto lead unmasked: Here’s why investors are ahead
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has solidified its position as a global frontrunner in cryptocurrency adoption, with recent data highlighting its exceptional growth and investor enthusiasm. According to a 2025 wealth-insights report by Avaloq, 39% of affluent to ultra-high-net-worth individuals in the UAE hold crypto assets, surpassing the global average of 30%. This trend is further underscored by a 210% year-on-year growth in crypto adoption and a remarkable 25.3% ownership rate, earning the UAE a near-perfect score of 98.4 out of 100 on a leading adoption index.
Several factors contribute to this surge. Regulatory clarity stands at the forefront, with Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (Vara) and tax-friendly policies creating an investor-friendly environment. The UAE’s commitment to digital economy development has also fostered a fertile ground for both retail and institutional crypto activity. Notably, Abu Dhabi-based MGX Fund Management’s $2 billion investment in Binance in March 2025 exemplifies the institutional momentum driving the market.
Infrastructure development further bolsters the UAE’s crypto leadership. The country’s exchange market generated nearly $1 billion in revenue in 2023 and is projected to grow to $5.35 billion by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 27.1%. Demographics also play a crucial role, with a tech-savvy, youthful population showing significant interest in digital assets. Studies reveal that 74% of UAE residents aged 25-34 are actively engaged with cryptocurrencies, and 21% plan to trade within the next year.
Despite these advancements, challenges persist. Market volatility, lack of knowledge, and distrust of exchanges remain barriers for some investors. Additionally, competition among wealth managers is intense, with 63% of UAE investors considering or having changed advisors due to cost, transparency, and trust issues. Analysts emphasize the need for education and robust infrastructure to sustain growth.
Akash Anand, Avaloq’s regional director, remarked, ‘The UAE’s investor appetite for crypto is ahead of the global trend. It’s not just about buying digital coins but harnessing a broader digital-asset ecosystem to build future wealth.’ As the UAE continues to lead the crypto race, its blend of regulatory support, institutional backing, and demographic advantages positions it as a key player in the evolving digital asset landscape.
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NBQ’s net profits rise 16% to Dh465 million in 9 months
The National Bank of Umm Al Qaiwain (NBQ) has announced a robust financial performance for the first nine months of 2025, with net profits soaring by 16% to Dh465 million compared to the same period in 2024. The bank’s total assets witnessed a significant 32% increase, reaching Dh21.8 billion as of September 30, 2025, up from Dh16.5 billion a year earlier. This growth was driven by a 20% rise in net loans and advances to Dh8.7 billion and a 45% surge in customer deposits to Dh14.7 billion. Shareholders’ equity also expanded by 10% to Dh6.4 billion. NBQ’s capital adequacy ratio stood at 33.75%, well above the minimum threshold set by the Central Bank of the UAE in line with Basel III guidelines. The non-performing loans ratio improved dramatically, dropping by 338 basis points to 0.85% from 4.23% in September 2024. Non-interest income grew by 48% to Dh233 million, while the cost-to-income ratio remained efficient at 22%. Impairment coverage, including collateral, stood at an impressive 459%. Adnan Al Awadhi, CEO of NBQ, attributed the bank’s success to its ongoing digital transformation, customer-centric solutions, and sound risk management practices. He emphasized NBQ’s commitment to operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and sustainability, which he believes will drive further expansion.
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UAE’s e-commerce boom spurs business transformation amid soaring digital transactions
The United Arab Emirates is experiencing a transformative wave in consumer behavior, with digital transactions surpassing $60 billion in 2025, reflecting a nationwide embrace of e-commerce. Data from the UAE Central Bank reveals that retail transactions under the UAE Funds Transfer System (UAEFTS) surged by 22.57% in 2024, totaling 109.7 million transactions worth Dh7.4 trillion (approximately $2 trillion). This represents a 20.63% increase in transaction value compared to the previous year, highlighting the country’s accelerating digital transformation. Projections indicate that digital payment transaction values will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.4%, reaching nearly $118 billion by 2030. By then, the number of e-commerce users in the UAE is expected to hit 10.63 million, according to Statista. This digital boom is not only reshaping consumer habits but also compelling businesses to adapt. Blue Ocean Global Group, a Dubai-based distribution leader representing over 25 regional and international brands, has significantly reduced its offline retail operations to focus on becoming a fully technology-driven e-commerce distribution platform. Shahzad Ahmed, Chairman of Blue Ocean Global Group, noted that the company’s e-commerce distribution business has grown by 40% year-on-year, managing inventories for over 550 SKUs to meet rising demand for consumer and electronic goods online. Ahmed attributed this shift to the preferences of millennials and Gen Z consumers, who are driving the digital revolution. The company has also invested heavily in enhancing its supply chain, leveraging emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Machine Learning to streamline B2B operations. Rohit Savara, CEO of Blue Ocean Global Group, emphasized that embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution is essential for staying competitive in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.