Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) has achieved a monumental milestone in the global financial arena, with firms operating within its jurisdiction now managing a staggering $28.6 trillion in assets worldwide. This remarkable achievement underscores ADGM’s rapid ascent as one of the fastest-growing financial hubs globally, attracting top-tier asset managers, private equity firms, hedge funds, and institutional investors to Abu Dhabi. Since its inception in 2015, ADGM has transformed from a nascent financial district into a powerhouse of global finance, driven by exponential growth and unwavering international confidence. The number of financial firms based in ADGM has skyrocketed from 130 in 2021 to over 300 by mid-2025, marking a 135% increase in just three years. This growth trajectory has been further amplified by ADGM’s ability to achieve its five-year strategic goals in half the time, reflecting the region’s appeal as a magnet for global capital and corporate migration. Assets under management within ADGM have grown at an average annual rate of 123%, while fund and asset-manager activity has expanded by 62% annually. The district now boasts 11,128 active licenses, the highest among regulated financial hubs in the region. ADGM’s ecosystem employs over 36,000 professionals, drawing top-tier talent in investment, legal, advisory, digital, and fintech sectors. Its unique application of English common law, coupled with Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth ecosystem valued at $1.82 trillion, has solidified its reputation as a stable, investor-friendly jurisdiction. Major global financial players, including BlackRock, Apollo, and Carlyle, have established or expanded operations in ADGM, signaling long-term commitment to the region. The district’s physical expansion onto Al Reem Island has increased its jurisdiction tenfold, making it one of the largest regulated financial districts globally. ADGM’s pioneering regulatory frameworks, innovation infrastructure, and influential events like Abu Dhabi Finance Week have positioned it as a trendsetter in global finance. As ADGM enters its second decade, market analysts predict it will soon rank among the world’s top five international financial centers, alongside New York, London, and Singapore.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Hainan striving to be a ‘low-carbon island’
Hainan Province has taken a significant step toward becoming China’s first ‘low-carbon island’ with the unveiling of a groundbreaking plan to build a new-type power system. The initiative, announced at the 6th New Power System and 21st CSG International Science and Technology Forum in Boao, aims to establish a provincial demonstration zone for a clean, modernized grid by 2030. This marks the first provincial-level demonstration plan developed in collaboration between the Hainan provincial government and China Southern Power Grid, designed to support the Hainan Free Trade Port and help the province achieve its carbon peak target. The strategy outlines eight key projects, including clean power supply, digital grid resilience, and technological innovation, encompassing 28 specific tasks to accelerate the new power system’s construction. As of late October, Hainan’s installed new energy capacity had exceeded 12 million kilowatts, making it the largest power source in the province. The plan also includes the development of offshore wind, solar, and geothermal energy, as well as the completion of the Hainan 500 kV provincial digital grid project by year’s end. Additionally, a new cross-sea transmission channel is in the works to improve power supply reliability. Hainan is also promoting green power consumption through electrification projects, including shore power for ports and electric vehicles, with the ‘Hainan Charging Pile’ platform linking over 4,800 charging stations. The province will develop vehicle-grid interaction projects to support the integration of millions of new energy vehicles. Power trading is becoming more efficient, with clean power from Western Inner Mongolia transmitted to Hainan for the first time in October. To manage large-scale new energy, Hainan will strengthen its intelligent dispatch system and accelerate pumped hydro and new storage technologies. ‘With this plan, Hainan’s demonstration will become a showcase for global power systems,’ said Jiang Hong of the Hainan Provincial Development and Reform Commission. ‘We are fully building Hainan into a ‘low-carbon island’,’ added Yang Guoqiang, vice governor of Hainan Province, highlighting the island’s commitment to a green development path. Since the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), Hainan has built the 500 kV main grid and launched a commercial underwater data center cluster, with clean energy ratios among the highest nationally. ‘The global electrification wave is booming,’ said Angela Wilkinson, secretary general of the World Energy Council. ‘We must build a new energy system that balances security, affordability, and sustainability. True resilience comes from common progress, not going it alone.’
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Chinese-German metals company opens innovation center in Shandong province
Heraeus (Zhaoyuan) Precious Metal Materials, a pioneering Sino-German joint venture in China’s gold application sector, has inaugurated its state-of-the-art innovation center in Zhaoyuan, Shandong province. The facility, now fully operational, is equipped with cutting-edge R&D infrastructure and staffed by a highly skilled technical team. The center is poised to spearhead advancements in semiconductor materials, enhance market competitiveness, and bolster industries such as artificial intelligence and big data. This development coincides with the company’s 30th anniversary in China, marking a significant milestone in its journey of investment and innovation. Ai Zhouping, President of Heraeus Greater China, emphasized the company’s commitment to fostering collaboration between its Chinese and German stakeholders while driving high-quality growth in key sectors. Over the past three decades, Heraeus has expanded its product portfolio from a single gold wire to over 20 varieties, including silver, copper, and aluminum wires, underscoring its evolution and adaptability in the global market.
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Automaker leverages premium audio to ride China’s intelligent vehicle wave
As China’s automotive sector rapidly advances toward electrification and intelligent innovation, Beijing Hyundai, a joint venture of Hyundai Motor Group, is seizing new opportunities by enhancing its in-car audio experience. The automaker has integrated Dolby Atmos technology into its vehicles, delivering immersive spatial sound through six built-in speakers. Additionally, an optional Bose external amplifier system with eight speakers is available for audiophiles seeking superior sound quality. This upgrade will debut in the Elexio SUV, Hyundai’s first fully electric model designed exclusively for the Chinese market. Ickkyun Oh, head of Hyundai Motor Co’s China business division, emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation, stating, ‘As the in-car entertainment ecosystem evolves rapidly in China, we are proud to introduce the Dolby Atmos experience in a Hyundai model. We look forward to expanding this to more models and customers globally.’ The move aligns with the surging demand for intelligent connected vehicles, which is transforming automotive entertainment. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global automotive infotainment market is projected to grow from $35.78 billion in 2025 to $58.18 billion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 7.2%. Hyundai’s strategic focus on premium audio underscores its efforts to stay competitive in China’s dynamic automotive landscape.
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This Dubai girl is helping senior citizens embrace new technology
Divyana Maheshwari, a Grade 12 student at Dubai International Academy, has taken a remarkable step to bridge the digital divide for senior citizens. Through her initiative, DIVE, she is empowering older generations to navigate the complexities of modern technology. What began as a personal effort to assist her grandparents during the COVID-19 pandemic has now grown into a global movement, impacting thousands of lives. Divyana’s journey started in 2019 when she noticed her grandparents struggling with basic digital communication. She began creating simple video tutorials, teaching skills like sending voice messages, adjusting phone settings, and connecting to WiFi. These tutorials, initially shared within her family circle, soon expanded to platforms like YouTube and WhatsApp, gaining widespread appreciation. To date, Divyana has created 235 tutorials, reaching over 3,000 individuals across 12 countries. She has also conducted 14 in-person workshops in Dubai, collaborating with NGOs and old-age homes. Her initiative has even extended to helping seniors with Alzheimer’s and cognitive disorders, partnering with organizations like Forget Me Not and Elderly Square. Divyana’s vision is to make technology accessible and inclusive for all, regardless of age. She plans to expand DIVE by involving more young people to dub tutorials into multiple languages and aims to collaborate with the United Nations to further her mission. Despite her ambitious goals, Divyana remains grounded, balancing her academic responsibilities with her passion for dance and spending quality time with her grandparents. Her story is a testament to the power of youth-driven social change and the transformative impact of technology education.
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2025 World Internet of Things Exposition to Propel Global IoT Innovation in Wuxi
The 2025 World Internet of Things Exposition (WIOT), a flagship event co-developed by Wuxi city and Jiangsu province, is poised to take center stage from Friday to Sunday in Wuxi. This premier gathering, focusing on the digital economy and next-generation information technology, will serve as a global platform for innovation, collaboration, and industry advancement. The event will kick off with the unveiling of significant milestones, including the IoT Industry Scale Measurement Index System, the Intelligent Connectivity Development Index, and the 2025 Global IoT Top Ten Trends. These announcements are expected to set the tone for the future trajectory of IoT development worldwide. The exposition will bring together leading experts, entrepreneurs, and innovators to engage in in-depth discussions on cutting-edge topics such as artificial intelligence, satellite internet, and brain-computer interfaces. These dialogues aim to explore new frontiers and foster breakthroughs in IoT technology. Over three days, the IoT Products and Applications Exhibition will showcase the latest advancements across four themed pavilions: IoT Capabilities, Industry Applications, Intelligent Connectivity Ecosystem, and Smart Life. This year’s event will feature 387 companies from 15 countries and regions, including the US, France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and Singapore, marking a significant increase of over 100 participants compared to the previous year. Since its inception in 2016, the WIOT has grown into one of the most influential IoT events globally, attracting over 5,000 top experts and entrepreneurs from 56 countries and regions. The event has also drawn 3,300 exhibitors, including 87 Fortune Global 500 companies and 322 unicorn enterprises, with offline visits surpassing 2 million. Industry giants such as Google, Microsoft, Huawei, and major telecom operators have consistently debuted groundbreaking products at the exposition. The WIOT’s continued success has played a pivotal role in accelerating Wuxi’s rise as a hub for IoT innovation and industry growth.
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Tristar’s Safety at Sea event to highpoint UAE as global maritime hub
The UAE continues to solidify its position as a global maritime hub with the upcoming 7th Tristar Safety at Sea Conference, set to take place on November 10 at the One&Only Royal Mirage in Dubai. Under the theme ‘Get Safety Right, Get Everything Right,’ the event will bring together key stakeholders to address critical issues in maritime safety and foster collaborative solutions. This gathering follows the UAE’s successful hosting of the World Maritime Day Parallel Event 2025, organized by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI) in September, which focused on the theme ‘Our Ocean – Our Obligation – Our Opportunity.’ The MOEI will once again play a prominent role at the Safety at Sea Conference, with Eng. Hessa Al Malek, adviser to the Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs, attending as an Honour Guest for the third consecutive year. Eugene Mayne, CEO of Tristar Group, emphasized the UAE’s leadership in maritime safety and the event’s evolution since its inception in 2019. Originally aimed at addressing the emotional and mental well-being of seafarers, the conference has grown into a vital platform for dialogue among professionals in the maritime industry. Tristar’s active participation in the World Maritime Day Parallel Event, including showcasing its hybrid electric bunkering barge and engaging in panel discussions, further underscores its commitment to advancing maritime safety and innovation. The Safety at Sea Conference, supported by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), will continue to highlight the UAE’s dedication to fostering global maritime collaboration and progress.
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Family of British journalist detained in US say UK has failed to help him
The family of Sami Hamdi, a British Muslim journalist detained by US authorities, has urgently called for the UK government to secure his immediate release, expressing frustration over its perceived inaction. Hamdi, the editor-in-chief of The International Interest, was detained by the Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at San Francisco International Airport during a speaking tour in the US. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has labeled his detention as retaliation for his criticism of Israel, describing it as an ‘abduction.’
Hamdi’s wife, Soumaya, voiced her distress, stating that her husband was ‘abducted’ for advocating Palestinian rights. She emphasized his role as a devoted family man and urged the UK government to provide full consular support, which she claims has not yet been extended. ‘Sami is now being held captive thousands of miles away from our children, who miss their father dearly,’ she said. ‘We are increasingly concerned by the lack of action and communication from the UK government.’
Hamdi had recently spoken at a CAIR gala in Sacramento, where he condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, and was scheduled to speak at another event in Florida. CAIR condemned his detention as a blatant attack on free speech, asserting that it was motivated by his criticism of Israeli policies. Meanwhile, Israel activist Amy Mekelburg, who claimed responsibility for Hamdi’s arrest, accused him of ‘legitimizing Jihadi networks,’ a claim echoed by Tricia McLaughlin of the Department of Homeland Security.
This incident occurs amid broader accusations of efforts to silence critics of Israel’s actions in Gaza. Human Rights Watch reported that over 3,000 students have been arrested in the US in 2024 for protesting against Israel’s military operations, labeling the Trump administration’s crackdown as ‘illegitimate and false.’ Hamdi’s case has reignited debates about free speech and the treatment of dissenting voices in the US and beyond.
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Sylvester Stallone calls ‘Demolition Man’ a ‘great movie’ that still holds up
Hollywood legend Sylvester Stallone has expressed his admiration for the 1993 science-fiction action film ‘Demolition Man,’ calling it a ‘great movie’ that remains relevant even decades after its release. In a recent video shared on October 25, the 79-year-old actor reflected on his illustrious career and iconic roles, highlighting the enduring appeal of the dystopian thriller. Stallone described the film as ‘very contemporary’ and ‘really well done,’ noting that its portrayal of a gentrified society feels ‘almost close to happening.’ In the movie, Stallone stars as Detective John Spartan, who is revived from suspended animation in 2032 to apprehend his nemesis, Simon Phoenix, played by Wesley Snipes. Stallone praised Snipes as ‘a wild man, very energetic, good fighter,’ recalling their intense fight scenes. He also revealed that ‘Demolition Man’ featured two of the most dangerous stunts of his career, including a cryogenic freezing sequence in a sealed plexiglass chamber filled with oil. Directed by Marco Brambilla, the film debuted at No. 1 at the box office and has since become a cult favorite for its blend of humor, action, and social commentary. Stallone hinted at a potential sequel in 2020, but no updates have been provided since. Brambilla, however, noted that the film’s unique tone might make it difficult to produce in today’s cinematic landscape.
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Report: China retains crown in global scientific papers published
China has once again solidified its position as the global leader in scientific research publications, according to the latest annual report titled ‘Statistical Data of Chinese Science and Technology Papers.’ The report, published by the Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China, reveals that the country accounted for 35.2% of the world’s top-tier scientific papers in 2024, maintaining its dominance for the second consecutive year. This achievement underscores China’s growing influence in the global scientific community and its commitment to advancing research across diverse disciplines. In 2024, China published over 15,000 papers in 163 high-impact journals spanning 178 disciplines, further cementing its status as a powerhouse in scientific innovation. Additionally, China led in both the number of publications and citation counts in 377 top international scientific journals, with 154,900 papers and over 1 million citations. The report highlights China’s decade-long leadership in citation counts across nine key scientific fields, including materials science, chemistry, and computer science. Notably, the average citation count of Chinese international papers reached 17.24, surpassing the global average for the second year in a row. Zhang Mingming, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, attributed this success to China’s investment in advanced research facilities, efficient experimental methods, and the dedication of its researchers. As of August 2024, China also accounted for more than half of the world’s ‘hot papers’—recently published studies with high citation rates—with 2,342 papers, a 4.6% increase from the previous year. The United States followed with 1,511 hot papers. This remarkable progress reflects China’s strategic focus on fundamental research and its ambition to shape the future of global science and technology.