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  • Barclays predicts surge in GCC IPOs as UAE strengthens position as global listing hub

    Barclays predicts surge in GCC IPOs as UAE strengthens position as global listing hub

    Barclays projects significant growth in initial public offerings across the Gulf Cooperation Council region as the United Arab Emirates solidifies its position as a premier global listing destination. According to Nikita Turkin, Head of CEEMEA Equity Capital Markets at Barclays, favorable market conditions including declining global interest rates, subdued volatility, and receding inflation are creating an optimal environment for equity capital market activities.

    The GCC region has demonstrated remarkable resilience since its breakthrough year in 2022, maintaining substantial IPO momentum despite periodic market fluctuations. Turkin revealed that more than 50 companies are currently considering public offerings, characterizing this as “one of the strongest IPO pipelines globally.” This robust activity translated to IPOs constituting 45% of total ECM volumes in the previous year, with issuance reaching approximately $12 billion—comparable to 2023 levels.

    Barclays is reinforcing its regional presence through expanded research coverage, enhanced local sales teams, and securing a provisional operating license in Saudi Arabia. This strategic expansion builds upon the bank’s five-decade presence in the Gulf, reflecting long-term commitment to the region’s financial ecosystem.

    The UAE’s exchanges have emerged as particularly dynamic venues, with Turkin praising Dubai Financial Market and Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange for their “commercial and proactive” regulatory approach. He noted that UAE authorities demonstrate exceptional agility in updating regulations to meet market needs, often outperforming major European exchanges in responsiveness.

    This regulatory sophistication is transforming the UAE into a credible alternative to traditional international exchanges, with Turkin predicting that within ten years, companies from beyond the GCC will routinely choose UAE listings. Despite oil price concerns, investors remain focused on fundamental economic factors rather than crude volatility, with the UAE’s non-oil sectors now contributing 70-74% of GDP.

    The region demonstrates growing market maturity through increased utilization of sophisticated financial instruments including accelerated bookbuilds, fully marketed offerings, and rights issues. Cross-border listing activity continues to evolve, with most companies preferring local listings while maintaining flexibility between Saudi and UAE exchanges. For businesses with substantial US growth exposure, American listings remain relevant, but Gulf markets have now firmly established themselves on the global financial landscape.

  • UAE emerges as a global luxury retail powerhouse driven by tourism, neutrality and next‑gen wealth

    UAE emerges as a global luxury retail powerhouse driven by tourism, neutrality and next‑gen wealth

    The United Arab Emirates is solidifying its position as a premier global luxury retail destination, propelled by strategic geopolitical positioning, robust tourism infrastructure, and evolving consumer demographics. According to Deloitte Middle East experts Joerg Meiser and Devi Nilayangode, this transformation results from deliberate economic planning and adaptive retail strategies surpassing traditional luxury capitals.

    The nation’s diplomatic equilibrium serves as a foundational advantage, maintaining strong ties with both Western and Eastern economic powers. Trade data reveals substantial commercial engagement, with UAE-US trade reaching $47.9 billion in 2024 while UAE-China trade approached $95 billion in 2023. This balanced positioning creates a stable environment for luxury retailers operating within global supply chains.

    Beyond geopolitics, the UAE has developed sophisticated retail infrastructure that transcends conventional shopping experiences. Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue ranks among the world’s top 15 most expensive retail locations, while tourism-driven retail spending accounts for over 40% of all visitor expenditures. The retail landscape extends beyond flagship destinations to include integrated experiences at Yas Mall, cultural waterfront dining at The Galleria, and emerging hubs in Sharjah and Al Ain.

    Regulatory advancements have further strengthened the sector’s credibility. The UAE’s removal from the FATF grey-list in early 2024 signaled enhanced financial governance, coinciding with the nation’s leading position in attracting high-net-worth individuals worldwide.

    Despite these advantages, the UAE continues developing cultural depth to match established luxury capitals. Unlike Paris and London’s centuries-old fashion institutions, the Emirates are consciously building cultural legitimacy through initiatives supporting immersive activations and high-value experiences.

    Capturing the lucrative Chinese luxury market represents a particular opportunity, requiring retailers to adopt digital-first engagement strategies and Mandarin-language services. Meanwhile, family enterprises that traditionally dominated Gulf retail must modernize governance structures and digital capabilities to remain competitive.

    The future luxury landscape will increasingly prioritize experiential consumption, wellness integration, and personalized omnichannel engagement. As global wealth transfers to younger generations valuing experiences over mere transactions, the UAE’s evolving ecosystem positions it as both a shopping destination and innovation launchpad for the luxury industry’s next chapter.

  • Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber tops 2026 ICIS top 40 power players

    Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber tops 2026 ICIS top 40 power players

    Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and CEO of ADNOC, has secured the premier position in the 2026 ICIS Top 40 Power Players list, recognizing his exceptional leadership in shaping the global chemical industry. This prestigious ranking by Independent Commodity Intelligence Services (ICIS) Group highlights executives driving substantial positive impact within their organizations and across the international chemicals sector.

    The recognition follows Dr. Al Jaber’s previous accolade as ICIS CEO of the Year in 2025 and acknowledges his strategic vision in two landmark developments: the creation of Borouge Group International (BGI) and the successful acquisition of German polyurethanes producer Covestro through ADNOC’s investment vehicle, XRG.

    Industry analysts note that the forthcoming merger between Abu Dhabi-based Borouge, Austria’s Borealis, and Canada’s NOVA Chemicals will establish BGI as a dominant force in global polyolefins production. Joseph Chang, Global Editor of ICIS Chemical Business, emphasized that these strategic moves are fundamentally transforming the chemical industry landscape.

    With global chemical demand projected to grow by 70% by 2050, these consolidations position Abu Dhabi as a central hub in the chemicals value chain. XRG’s expansion strategy aims to establish the entity among the world’s top three chemical providers, significantly enhancing the UAE’s industrial capabilities.

    The ICIS selection process evaluates leaders across multiple criteria including project execution, profitability, shareholder value creation, mergers and acquisitions, innovation support, and implementation of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. The global editorial team at ICIS assesses each candidate’s distinction and visionary approach to industry challenges and opportunities.

  • Holcim UAE joins IRENA’s alliance for industry decarbonisation

    Holcim UAE joins IRENA’s alliance for industry decarbonisation

    In a significant move to accelerate industrial decarbonization, Holcim UAE has officially become a member of the Alliance for Industry Decarbonization (AFID), an initiative spearheaded by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The membership was formalized during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in January 2026, marking a strategic evolution in the company’s sustainability journey from operational improvements to sector-wide leadership.

    The AFID coalition brings together governments, international organizations, and leading industrial players to implement transformative technologies and practices across hard-to-abate sectors. Holcim’s participation enables the company to contribute its substantial expertise in sustainable building materials and solutions to policy dialogues that will shape the future of industrial activity in the UAE and beyond.

    According to Ali Said, CEO of Holcim UAE and Oman, “Industry decarbonization requires practical action at scale, supported by the right policy direction. Joining AFID allows Holcim to engage at that intersection, bringing perspective shaped by practical experience to conversations that matter for the UAE’s low-carbon future.”

    The alliance focuses on multiple priority areas including renewable energy adoption, carbon capture utilization and storage, circular economy principles, green hydrogen development, human capital development, and climate-aligned finance. These initiatives align closely with Holcim’s long-term sustainability strategy, which integrates environmental considerations throughout its operations, investment decisions, and value chain partnerships.

    This collaboration represents a concerted effort to bridge the gap between industrial implementation and policy development, ensuring that regulatory frameworks and investment signals are informed by real-world industrial experience and practical decarbonization challenges.

  • Paolo Maldini adds his name to growing list of global celebrities setting up base in the UAE

    Paolo Maldini adds his name to growing list of global celebrities setting up base in the UAE

    Italian football legend Paolo Maldini has joined the growing roster of international celebrities establishing strategic investments in the United Arab Emirates, specifically aligning with Ras Al Khaimah’s rapidly expanding luxury hospitality sector. The AC Milan icon has partnered with RRS International Development for the launch of NH Collection Ras Al Khaimah Al Marjan Island Hotel & Apartments, a $100 million mixed-use development scheduled for completion in 2027.

    In an exclusive interview, Maldini revealed his attraction to the project stemmed from a personal introduction to RRS’s founders and their straightforward, founder-led methodology. ‘The approach felt genuinely serious—focused on destination development, hospitality concepts, and long-term asset growth without unnecessary pressure or theatricality,’ Maldini stated.

    The former defender emphasized Ras Al Khaimah’s unique appeal compared to other emirates, noting its ‘calmer rhythm, natural surroundings, and accessibility.’ He described the emirate as a place that ‘integrates seamlessly into real life rather than representing a complicated plan.’

    Market data substantiates Maldini’s investment rationale. Ras Al Khaimah’s real estate market demonstrated remarkable performance throughout 2025, achieving double-digit growth fueled by investor demand, luxury developments, and vigorous off-plan activity. Apartment sales prices escalated by 30.4%, while villa prices witnessed an extraordinary 41.9% increase.

    According to CBRE analytics, the emirate registered a 39% year-on-year surge in residential prices during Q1 2025, predominantly driven by branded and waterfront developments, particularly those situated on Al Marjan Island. This artificial archipelago has emerged as the epicenter of buyer demand, with average apartment prices climbing 21.3% to Dh1,328 per square foot in 2025.

    Maldini perceives Al Marjan Island as cultivating a distinctive identity rather than merely constructing a skyline, creating hospitality and leisure experiences designed to encourage repeat visits and sustain long-term value. Enhanced infrastructure, including significant road-capacity improvements between Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah expected to reduce travel time by 45%, further bolsters investor confidence.

    The broader economic context provides additional momentum, with Ras Al Khaimah’s economy projected to maintain approximately 4% annual growth through 2027, supported by sustained tourism and real estate investment. The upcoming Wynn Al Marjan Island integrated resort development further reinforces these favorable conditions.

    Maldini articulated his investment philosophy, contrasting boutique luxury with mere extravagance: ‘Authentic luxury isn’t about quantity—it’s about quality. This project exemplifies curated design and a serene atmosphere rather than excessive opulence.’

    The developer’s decision to retain approximately 50% of the inventory signaled strong confidence in the asset’s long-term appreciation potential, a factor that significantly influenced Maldini’s participation.

    Beyond individual endorsement, market metrics paint a compelling picture. Ras Al Khaimah’s property transactions doubled to Dh15.08 billion in 2024, reflecting intensifying international investor interest. The market maintains competitive rental yields, with Al Marjan Island apartments delivering approximately 5.75% gross yields alongside annual capital appreciation of 15-20% in premium segments.

    Maldini summarized his cross-industry perspective: ‘In football, discipline creates longevity. In real estate, discipline creates value.’ With disciplined developers, increasing global attention, and an evolving luxury-hospitality ecosystem, Ras Al Khaimah—and particularly Al Marjan Island—appears positioned for its most robust investment cycle to date.

  • Cosmetic surgeon sorry for picking apart singer Troye Sivan’s looks on TikTok

    Cosmetic surgeon sorry for picking apart singer Troye Sivan’s looks on TikTok

    A London-based cosmetic surgeon has ignited a significant conversation about medical ethics and body image after publicly analyzing pop star Troye Sivan’s appearance without consent. Dr. Zayn Khalid Majeed, who boasts over 250,000 social media followers, posted a two-minute video dissecting what he termed “problem areas” in the 30-year-old singer’s facial structure following a red carpet appearance in Australia.

    The video, which employed comparative imagery of Sivan throughout his career, introduced the concept of “twink death” – referring to the perceived aging of individuals who previously embodied a youthful, boyish aesthetic. Dr. Majeed proceeded to outline various cosmetic procedures including dermal fillers and skin boosters that could theoretically “retwinkify” the artist, framing his analysis within a hypothetical patient consultation scenario.

    This unsolicited medical commentary prompted immediate backlash from both fans and general social media users. The situation escalated when Sivan himself responded through a heartfelt Substack essay, revealing how the video had exacerbated long-standing body image insecurities and nearly pushed him toward considering cosmetic interventions. “I’ve struggled with my body image for a lot of my life, as I’m sure most people have,” the singer wrote, questioning the societal pressure to “fix all of these flaws that this random plastic surgeon told me I have.”

    Following the widespread criticism, Dr. Majeed removed the content from his TikTok and Instagram platforms and extended a personal apology to Sivan, which the singer described as “thoughtful and sweet.” In subsequent statements to BBC Newsbeat, the cosmetic practitioner expressed regret for the distress caused while maintaining his educational intent. “I felt terrible and it was never my intention to make him feel like that,” Majeed acknowledged, adding that he now recognizes how his content might contribute to negative beauty standards.

    The incident has stimulated broader discussion about ethical boundaries in medical social media content. Samantha Rizzo, a New York-based content creator focused on skin positivity, distinguishes between consensual educational content and unauthorized celebrity analysis: “I appreciate if you’re using your clients and they consent to their before, during, after photos. I feel a little icky when they’re just taking the celebrity’s picture. Just because they’re famous doesn’t mean you have the right to just pick them apart.”

    Rizzo speaks from personal experience, having undergone Botox injections that resulted in limited facial movement after being influenced by online content. She reflects that “the things you can see can skew your perception of yourself so much that it forces your hand for a decision like that.”

    Irish social media personality Keelin Moncrieff further emphasizes the impact on young audiences, noting that even well-intentioned transparency about procedures can inadvertently endorse them. “People can’t make up or fill in the gaps of what they’re not seeing behind the scenes,” she observes. “People think that this is an easy process.”

    Despite the controversy, Dr. Majeed indicates he will continue creating celebrity-focused content, believing there remains substantial public interest in “demystifying surgeries that celebrities have.” However, he now pledges to leverage his platform to promote body positivity and natural aging processes, stating: “I have a voice and I need to use it to shape conversations for the better.”

  • Man shot by federal agents in Minneapolis has died: US media

    Man shot by federal agents in Minneapolis has died: US media

    Minneapolis police have confirmed the death of an armed individual following an officer-involved shooting with federal agents on Saturday, January 24, 2026. The incident, which occurred under circumstances yet to be fully disclosed, has drawn sharp criticism from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz who characterized it as “another horrific shooting.

    The Department of Homeland Security acknowledged through an official statement that the individual was armed during the confrontation with federal agents. However, the agency declined to provide specific details regarding the sequence of events leading to the shooting or to formally confirm the fatality at this time.

    This tragic event unfolds less than three weeks after the fatal shooting of Renee Good in the same city, raising concerns about patterns of violence and law enforcement responses in the community. The proximity of these incidents has sparked renewed attention on use-of-force protocols and public safety measures in Minneapolis.

    Local authorities have initiated investigations into the circumstances surrounding the shooting, while community leaders await transparent disclosure of facts from the involved federal agencies. The incident represents another chapter in the ongoing national conversation regarding law enforcement practices and civilian interactions.

  • American rock climber Alex Honnold climbs Taipei 101 skyscraper without ropes

    American rock climber Alex Honnold climbs Taipei 101 skyscraper without ropes

    In a breathtaking display of human endurance and skill, renowned American rock climber Alex Honnold successfully scaled Taipei 101, one of the world’s tallest skyscrapers, without ropes or protective equipment on Sunday. The daring ascent of the 508-meter (1,667-foot) tower captivated spectators and raised questions about the ethics of broadcasting high-risk athletic endeavors.

    Honnold, celebrated for his unprecedented free solo climb of Yosemite’s El Capitan, commenced his vertical journey using the building’s horizontal metal beams as handholds. Clad in a distinctive red short-sleeve shirt, the climber periodically paused during his ascent to acknowledge the cheering crowd below, creating dramatic moments during the live broadcast on Netflix, which employed a 10-second delay for safety considerations.

    The architectural complexity of Taipei 101 presented unique challenges, particularly the middle section comprising 64 floors known as ‘bamboo boxes’—the building’s signature feature. This segment required navigating eight distinct phases, each featuring eight floors of steep, overhanging climbing followed by balcony areas where Honnold took strategic rests.

    While French climber Alain Robert previously ascended the building during its 2004 inauguration using safety equipment, Honnold’s achievement marks the first completely unprotected climb of the Taipei landmark. The event, originally scheduled for Saturday, was postponed due to adverse weather conditions, adding another layer of anticipation to the already dramatic feat.

  • Next generation may not need driver’s licence, says Uber President

    Next generation may not need driver’s licence, says Uber President

    In a groundbreaking interview with CNN, Uber President and Chief Operating Officer Andrew Macdonald projected a future where driver’s licenses may become unnecessary for younger generations as autonomous vehicles revolutionize personal transportation. Macdonald observed that contemporary 16-year-olds demonstrate significantly diminished interest in obtaining driving credentials, reflecting a broader societal shift away from traditional car ownership paradigms.

    Macdonald articulated a vision for a ‘hybrid mobility network’ where self-driving vehicles operate alongside human drivers and delivery personnel. This transportation ecosystem, he emphasized, will particularly transform Western markets within the next five years, where elevated labor costs will accelerate the economic viability of autonomous solutions.

    The Uber executive identified a persistent decade-long trend showing declining percentages of teenagers pursuing driver’s licenses at the traditional age of 16. This behavioral shift represents what Macdonald characterizes as a ‘multi-decade transition’ fundamentally reshaping humanity’s relationship with personal transportation.

    ‘Future mobility will predominantly feature autonomous vehicles rather than single-passenger cars as we currently conceptualize transportation,’ Macdonald stated during the CNN dialogue with host Fareed Zakaria. This transformation signals not merely technological advancement but a profound cultural reimagining of mobility, ownership, and personal freedom.

    The executive’s comments arrive amid accelerating investments in autonomous vehicle technology across the transportation industry, suggesting that the next generation might experience mobility as an on-demand service rather than individually owned property.

  • Ros Atkins on… How popular is President Trump?

    Ros Atkins on… How popular is President Trump?

    BBC Analysis Editor Ros Atkins has launched a comprehensive examination of former President Donald Trump’s current standing with the American public during what has been an exceptionally eventful period in early 2026. The analysis comes as the nation navigates a series of consequential developments both domestically and internationally that have shaped the political landscape.

    The assessment delves beyond superficial polling numbers to explore the nuanced dimensions of Trump’s popularity, measuring public sentiment through multiple indicators including approval ratings, voter enthusiasm, and demographic breakdowns. The investigation considers how recent policy decisions, international engagements, and domestic controversies have collectively influenced perceptions of the former president’s leadership.

    Atkins’ methodology incorporates comparative historical data, placing current approval metrics within the context of previous administrations at similar junctures. The analysis further examines regional variations in support, highlighting the evolving political allegiances across different states and constituencies. Special attention is given to how independent voters and moderate Republicans view Trump’s handling of the pressing issues that have dominated the national conversation throughout this period.

    The timing of this deep dive proves particularly significant as the political ramifications of these approval ratings could influence upcoming electoral strategies and policy directions. The comprehensive assessment provides stakeholders across the political spectrum with critical insights into the American electorate’s current disposition toward one of the nation’s most polarizing political figures.