Business

03.09.2026

‘Shams’ maintains growth momentum, recording over 10% growth across key sectors

SHARJAH, 3rd September, 2026 (WAM) -- Sharjah Media City (Shams) has recorded positive growth indicators across several key business activities and sectors through August 2026, led by media packages, management consultancy, and e-commerce.The results reflect the growing preference among the business community for more flexible, digitally driven business models, as well as the evolving needs of entrepreneurs and companies within the new economy.The Media Package recorded 11.8 percent growth, highlighting continued demand for activities and services related to the media and creative industries, driven by the rapid advancement of digital technologies and changing patterns of content production and consumption.Management consultancy activities also recorded 10.9 percent growth, reflecting increasing demand for specialised professional services that support companies and entrepreneurs in developing their businesses, improving efficiency, and adapting to rapidly changing market dynamics.Meanwhile, within the digital commerce sector, retail activities conducted through mail order or online channels recorded 10.5 percent. This indicates the continued expansion of e-commerce and the growing reliance of companies and entrepreneurs on digital channels to reach customers, enhance their operations, and expand into new markets.Commenting on the results, Rashid Sahoo, Director of Operations at Sharjah Media City (Shams), said, “The growth recorded across several vital sectors reflects the continued evolution of the Shams business community and the growing shift towards more flexible and digitally driven business models. At Shams, we continue to develop an integrated ecosystem of solutions and services that make it easier for entrepreneurs and companies to establish, develop, and expand their businesses, enhancing their ability to capitalise on the opportunities offered by the new economy.”He added, “Growth across e-commerce, media, and consultancy demonstrates the diversity of opportunities available to companies. We remain committed to developing a supportive business environment that responds to the needs of investors and entrepreneurs and contributes to enhancing the competitiveness of Sharjah’s digital and creative economy.”The results point to the expanding range of activities experiencing increased demand within the Shams community, alongside continued momentum in areas such as digital marketing and wholesale trade, reflecting the diversity of the business base and the evolving needs of companies.Shams continues to develop tailored business services and solutions while providing a flexible and supportive environment that facilitates company formation and enables business growth. The city remains focused on empowering entrepreneurs and organizations to adapt to market transformations and capitalise on growing opportunities across digital and creative sectors.These indicators further strengthen Shams’ role in supporting Sharjah’s entrepreneurship ecosystem and contributing to the growth of the digital and creative economy by attracting diverse business models and providing an environment that enables companies to develop and expand, supporting the Emirate’s sustainable economic development journey.

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03.09.2026

Sharjah’s ‘Publish’ fund turns ideas into lasting businesses

SHARJAH, 2nd September, 2026 (WAM) -- The publishing sector is undergoing rapid transformation, affecting not only content but also how readers discover, access, purchase and consume books. The UAE’s National Reading Index 2025, issued by the Ministry of Culture, shows sustained demand for reading alongside clear changes in the reader journey: 85.5% of community members expressed a desire to read more, while 89.9% preferred accessing content through digital platforms and 44.9% relied on online purchasing.These shifts in the UAE market coincide with broader global changes in publishing. Data from the Association of American Publishers (AAP) for 2026 shows digital audiobook content grew by 14.5% during the period measured, while e-books declined by 3.5%, reflecting shifting demand across content formats and access channels. At the same time, protecting intellectual property rights in the digital environment is becoming increasingly challenging as artificial intelligence technologies enter the content production and distribution cycle.These developments suggest that readers are not disappearing; rather, the way they access books is changing. For new publishers, this shift means moving beyond the traditional model centred on content production towards building businesses capable of understanding audiences, managing rights, developing distribution channels, leveraging technology and reaching new markets.This is where the strategic vision of the Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund (Publish) comes in. Launched by Sharjah at the initiative of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, the fund serves as an advanced platform aimed at empowering the publishing industry, enhancing its competitiveness and establishing the foundations for its long-term prosperity.The fund adopts a comprehensive approach by providing an integrated environment that brings together specialised training programmes, professional consultations and strategic business-development guidance. It also provides access to advanced infrastructure and facilitates entry into regional and international markets. This enables publishers to move their projects from promising ideas to institutional business models characterised by flexibility, maturity and sustainability.Iman bin Sheibah, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Global Markets at the Sharjah Book Authority, said the transformations taking place in publishing highlight the need to equip publishers with the tools for growth, innovation and competitiveness.“Sustainable publishing businesses today require more than simply producing good content. They depend on a publisher’s ability to understand the market, manage rights, develop distribution channels and build a business model capable of growth and adaptation,” she said. “This is why it is important to provide an integrated ecosystem combining knowledge, guidance, tools and partnerships, helping publishers transform their ideas into sustainable institutional projects capable of competing.”The “Publish” fund translates this vision into three pathways addressing different stages in the publishing business lifecycle. Its support extends beyond publishers at the start of their journey to established businesses seeking growth, expansion and innovation.The Launch pathway is designed for new publishers and focuses on providing them with the knowledge and tools needed to establish and develop their businesses. This includes content development, rights management, market understanding, distribution and building a more sustainable business model.The Growth pathway targets established publishing houses with an operational foundation that are seeking to expand their presence. It provides advisory and specialised services to help them develop their businesses and strengthen their readiness for regional expansion.Meanwhile, the Innovation pathway focuses on supporting transformation in publishing by connecting publishers with modern technologies and solutions and facilitating access to tools and services that can help them improve their operations. It also enables them to benefit from the specialised environment provided by Sharjah Publishing City.This approach gives each project access to the type of support suited to its stage and needs — from establishing the business, to developing it, expanding its reach and innovating its business model.The results of the first cycle of the Launch pathway demonstrate the programme’s ability to turn this model into a practical experience. More than 140 nominations were received, with 26 participants selected to undertake a comprehensive development experience focused on building their capabilities and developing their publishing projects.At the conclusion of the programme, five winners received a package of benefits including financial grants, trade licences, workspaces at Sharjah Publishing City and representation contracts with the Sharjah Literary Agency. The remaining 21 participants benefited from the training, mentoring and professional guidance opportunities provided by the programme.The experience reflects the core philosophy of “Publish”: empowering publishers does not begin or end with funding. It requires building capabilities, opening market channels and providing the expertise, infrastructure and partnerships needed to help a project turn its potential into tangible growth.

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03.09.2026

Middle East Energy 2026 drives global energy dialogue and innovation

DUBAI, 2nd September, 2026 (WAM) -- The second day of Middle East Energy's 50th edition centered on the technologies and capital shaping the next phase of the region's energy transition. Today’s event opened with a Leadership Summit keynote from Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs, UAE Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure (MoEI)."Today, of course, energy has never been more important. Demand continues to grow, technology is advancing at an exponential rate, and artificial intelligence is reshaping how we produce, manage, and consume energy. These are not separate challenges; they are part of the same equation. The question before us is not simply how we generate more energy, but rather how do we build a cleaner, smarter, resilient, and sustainable energy system capable of supporting long-term economic growth," he said.Focusing on the future of energy in UAE, Al Olama added, “For the UAE, the journey is guided by a simple belief: energy is not an end in itself. Energy enables progress. It enables industry. It enables technology. It enables mobility, it enables prosperity, and increasingly, it enables national competitiveness. That is why the UAE has followed a balanced yet pragmatic approach – one that combines ambition with realism, innovation with reliability and energy transition with energy security.”Across the different speaking forums, senior voices from government, utilities and global finance presented investment cases for renewable energy and the commercial path forward with topics focusing on AI, digital technologies and transformation, grid flexibility and next gen-technology. These reflect an agenda that has moved beyond ambition to focus on delivery, financing, and execution.Two fireside conversations at the Leadership Summit brought geopolitical and supply chain realities into sharp focus. In "Navigating the Geopolitics of Europe's Clean Energy Transition," Alvaro Nadal, former Spanish Minister of Energy, Tourism and Digital Agenda (2016–2018) and Patricia Espinosa, Founding Partner & CEO of onepoint5 and Former Executive Secretary of UNFCCC examined the role of shifting strategic partnerships in accelerating Europe’s energy transition and the need for policy, investment and grid infrastructure to deliver a secure, affordable and low-carbon energy future. This was followed by "Re-engineering the Energy Supply Chain: Who Is Reshaping Global Energy Delivery?" featuring Peggy Liu, Chairperson of JUCCCE (Joint US China Collaboration on Clean Energy), and Rebecca Harding, CEO of the Centre for Economic Security. The discussion tackled the global realignment of clean energy manufacturing and critical mineral supply chains, and the importance of logistics and shipping corridors in moving the energy transition going forward.Elsewhere on day two, the Technical Excellence Forum's "Energy Transition & Decentralisation" session, explored how distributed generation, microgrids and demand-side flexibility are becoming essential building blocks of the region's net zero pathway. Red Sea Cables launched its 132 kV High Voltage Cable, marking a strategic milestone in the company’s growth and the expansion of its manufacturing capabilities. The launch further strengthens Red Sea Cables’ position as a growing provider of advanced cable solutions for the energy, utilities, infrastructure and industrial sectors across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East.Other key events were the Global Energy Efficiency Alliance roundtable held under the patronage of MoEI, with participation from Sharif Al Olama and 30 CEOs from a wide range of global energy companies. This was followed by Siemens, Honeywell, Schneider Electric, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), Hitachi Energy, Siemens Energy, Net0 signing a memorandum of understanding with the MoEI to take the Global Energy Efficiency Alliance agenda forward.Middle East Energy celebrated the brightest minds in energy innovation with brilliance and ground-breaking products amongst exhibitors across vital product categories in the energy sector. These awards recognised exceptional contributions from visionary individuals and provided an opportunity to showcase cutting-edge technology and revolutionary products. Exhibitor awards winners were: • Distribution Excellence Award – Rolycab Industries• Energy Efficiency Champion Award - Momentive• The Power Resilience Award – CE+T Power• Renewable Energy Innovation Award - PVFARMAcross the show floor, exhibitors highlighted their innovative products engineered for tomorrow. These included Comacon's sustainability-focused engineering solutions for intelligent infrastructure; Lucy Electric's newly launched Nuventura Nu1, a sustainable SF6-free switchgear for a sustainable future delivering reliable performance up to 36kV; Saudi Meters' smart water and electricity metering solutions for real-time utility monitoring and management; and Astro Cables showcasing low-voltage copper and aluminium power cables, building wires, fire-resistant and solar cables, delivering reliable cable solutions for residential, commercial, industrial, infrastructure and renewable energy applications. On the AI innovation front, InfiVR showcased AI-powered safety and HSE trainings. China's Shandong Taikai exhibited high-voltage power transmission and transformation equipment, while Hunan Guochuang Electric highlighted precision-engineered transformer components for the new energy and ultra-high voltage sectors.Hash House highlighted its H1-630, a compact cryptocurrency mining device designed to work with solar and battery systems, helping users convert excess energy into digital income.Exhibitors continue to launch their products on the show floor, with Middle East Energy running until 3 September.

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02.09.2026

MBRAH’s new suppliers complex progresses, with opening set for end of 2026

DUBAI, 2nd September, 2026 (WAM) -- Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH), the aerospace platform of Dubai South dedicated to advancing the aviation industry, has announced continued progress on its new Suppliers Complex, further expanding its infrastructure in response to growing demand from aviation and aerospace businesses seeking to establish and expand their operations at Dubai South.The new facility builds on the success of MBRAH’s existing Suppliers Complex, the first vertical aerospace complex in the region, and forms part of the ongoing expansion of its Aerospace Supply Chain zone.Upon completion by the end of 2026, the facility will feature 88 leasable units across three levels, catering to maintenance service providers, aircraft parts traders and aerospace companies. The development is designed primarily to support start-ups and SMEs seeking flexible spaces within MBRAH’s integrated aerospace ecosystem.Tahnoon Saif, CEO of Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub, said, “The continued development of the new Suppliers Complex facility reflects the strong demand that Dubai is witnessing from aviation-related companies seeking efficient and flexible solutions to establish and grow their operations in the emirate.Building on the success of our existing facility, this expansion will provide additional capacity for SMEs, start-ups and specialised service providers while further strengthening the depth of our aerospace supply chain. We remain committed to developing infrastructure that responds to the evolving needs of the industry and supports Dubai’s position as the aviation capital of the world.”MBRAH offers global aerospace players high-level connectivity and is a free-zone destination for the world’s leading airlines, private jet companies, MROs, and associated industries.

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02.09.2026

UAE Net Zero 2050 - Indian businesses eye new Green-Economy opportunity as trade target nears $200bn

DUBAI, 1st September, 2026 (WAM) -- The UAE’s drive towards Net Zero by 2050 is opening a new multi-sector growth opportunity for Indian businesses, with companies expected to play an increasing role in renewable energy, waste management, sustainable construction, green finance, e-mobility and climate technology.That was the key message from an executive webinar hosted today by the Indian Business and Professional Council (IBPC Dubai) Energy & Climate Focus Group, which examined what the UAE’s Net Zero ambitions mean for Indian companies.The opportunity comes as India and the UAE seek to take bilateral trade to US$200 billion by 2030.Participants said the green economy could become an increasingly important pillar of that growth.Keynote speaker Sunjay Sudhir, former Ambassador of India to the UAE, said businesses should move ahead of regulation rather than wait for every detail to be finalised. “Compliance is a cost, but the cost of being late will be higher than the cost of being early.”Sudhir highlighted the growing shift in the climate agenda from voluntary commitments towards compliance, pointing to Federal Decree No. 11 of 2024 and the need for greater awareness among companies and institutions.“The transition from fossil fuels to clean energy is accelerating,” he said, highlighting the complementary strengths of the two markets: India’s technology, innovation and clean-energy pipeline, alongside the UAE’s capital, infrastructure and market access.He added that the scale of India’s existing clean-energy ecosystem strengthens the case for greater India-UAE collaboration. Approximately 87% of India’s renewable energy capacity is privately owned, underlining that the energy transition is already a major commercial market for Indian companies rather than solely a government-led initiative.Dr Samiullah Khan, CEO/CSO of Net Zero, said the opportunity extends well beyond solar. Indian companies could participate in wind, microgrids, rooftop systems, geothermal energy, carbon credits, direct air carbon capture, energy-efficiency solutions and emissions measurement, alongside emerging opportunities in agritech and waste management.The webinar identified building retrofits, waste management and e-mobility as particularly immediate opportunities for Indian businesses. The UAE’s ambition to reduce landfill dependency could create significant demand for Indian waste-management technologies and operating models, while India’s experience in electric motorcycles and building retrofits offers potential solutions that can be adapted for the UAE market.Khan also highlighted the UAE’s drive to increase green spaces and transform desert environments, identifying opportunities for Indian agritech and water-efficient technologies.

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02.09.2026

CBUAE concludes participation in G20 Meetings in United States

ABU DHABI, 1st September, 2026 (WAM) -- The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) concluded its participation in the Fourth G20 Finance and Central Bank Deputies Meeting and the Second G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting, held in Asheville, North Carolina, United States, from 29th August to 1st September 2026, under the United States’ G20 Presidency for 2026.The CBUAE delegation was led by Ebrahim Obaid Al Zaabi, Assistant Governor for Monetary Policy and Financial Stability, and included Mohamed Hussain Al Marzooqi, Head of International Relations, and Maryam Abdulla Alzaabi, Manager, Multilateral Affairs.In his interventions, Ebrahim Obaid Al Zaabi addressed inflation expectations amid shocks and structural shifts affecting the global economy, and the role of central bank communication policies.He also outlined the challenges central banks face in conducting monetary policy amid rapid changes in the global economy, including trade and geopolitical developments, the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence, shifting supply chains, and demographic trends.On financial literacy and combating financial fraud, Al Zaabi highlighted the importance of enhancing financial literacy and equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed financial decisions and reduce fraud risks, alongside institutional measures supporting consumer protection.He also addressed the importance of strengthening information sharing and coordination between the public and private sectors, as well as international cooperation to combat cross-border financial fraud.This participation forms part of the CBUAE’s continued engagement in international economic and financial forums, reflecting the UAE’s active role in supporting efforts to enhance the stability of the global financial system and keep pace with its ongoing transformation.

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01.09.2026

Sharjah Chamber concludes Korea business mission with strategic partnerships

SHARJAH, 1st September, 2026 (WAM) -- The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has concluded an official business mission to the brotherly Republic of Korea, led by Halima Humaid Ali Al Owais, Chairperson of the Sharjah Consultative Council and Board Member of SCCI.The delegation comprised 30 prominent businesswomen, women entrepreneurs and representatives of Sharjah's economic, investment and entrepreneurship ecosystem.The mission aimed to expand SCCI's international economic network, open new channels for trade and investment cooperation, and strengthen the global presence and competitiveness of Sharjah's business community.Its programme featured official meetings, business-to-business engagements, field visits and economic events held in cooperation with UAE and Korean institutions, including the Embassy of the brotherly Republic of Korea to the UAE, Korea International Trade Association (KITA), Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC), Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTI Park), and Korea-Arab Society (KAS).The programme strengthened direct business links between the two sides and explored opportunities for strategic partnerships, investment and knowledge exchange.The Sharjah-Korea Businesswomen Forum was a key highlight of the mission, featuring the signing of two strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). The first was signed between SCCI and KAS, while the second was concluded with the Korea Venture Business Women Association (KOVWA).The agreements seek to deepen trade and economic cooperation and strengthen business networks connecting women entrepreneurs in Sharjah and the brotherly Republic of Korea with new opportunities for market access, growth and strategic partnerships.The forum brought together businesswomen, economic leaders and representatives of business, investment and innovation support institutions. Discussions focused on accelerating women's economic growth, expanding access to international markets and commercialising scientific research, innovation and emerging technologies into high-value products and solutions.The mission also featured a series of B2B meetings linking businesswomen and representatives of companies and institutions from Sharjah and the brotherly Republic of Korea to explore opportunities across high-growth sectors, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, energy and smart mobility.The delegation conducted field visits to Korean enterprises and specialised facilities, including Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), designed by the late architect Zaha Hadid, as well as leading design and textile markets.It also visited Beauty Play to gain insights into the brotherly Republic of Korea's advanced cosmetics ecosystem and participated in the Global Economic Cooperation Forum, creating further opportunities for networking and economic cooperation.A cultural tour of the National Museum of Korea gave the delegation an opportunity to explore the country's history and cultural heritage.Al Owais said the mission successfully enhanced the visibility and market presence of Sharjah's business community in the brotherly Republic of Korea while creating new pathways for strategic partnerships among women entrepreneurs, companies and institutions.She said, "The mission's comprehensive agenda of business meetings, field visits and discussions enabled the delegation to gain first-hand insights into investment opportunities, explore cooperation prospects with Korean counterparts and showcase Sharjah's investment advantages to investors and businesses."She added that B2B engagements helped identify high-potential areas for cooperation, particularly in technology and innovation, advanced industries, healthcare and trade.The mission coincided with Emirati Women's Day on 28th August, marked by a special event organised by the UAE Embassy in Seoul to celebrate Emirati women's achievements and highlight their expanding role in business and investment leadership.The event also featured a panel discussion organised by SCCI, bringing together prominent Emirati businesswomen from the delegation to share their entrepreneurial experiences, perspectives on women's evolving economic role, and the key opportunities and challenges encountered during their careers.

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01.09.2026

Korea's August exports jump 68.7% to $98.25 billion

SEOUL, 1st September, 2026 (WAM) -- The Republic of Korea's exports surged 68.7 percent in August from a year earlier, buoyed by strong semiconductor shipments, data showed Tuesday.Outbound shipments came to US$98.25 billion in August, Yonhap News Agency reported, citing data from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources.Imports climbed 22.6 percent on-year to $63.51 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $34.75 billion.By sector, semiconductor exports, a key pillar of Asia's fourth-largest economy, soared 209 percent during the period to $46.65 billion, as major technology companies known as hyperscalers stepped up spending on artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure.Semiconductor exports topped $40 billion for a third consecutive month.Exports of petroleum products jumped 65.3 percent to $6.84 billion, while those of petrochemical products rose 12.2 percent to $3.86 billion. Automobile exports, however, fell 29.8 percent to $3.85 billion.By destination, exports to China shot up 119.3 percent to $24.1 billion, driven by strong shipments of semiconductors and general machinery.Exports to the United States advanced a brisk 89.3 percent to $16.5 billion, mainly on triple-digit growth in shipments of semiconductors and computers.

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31.08.2026

UAE Fuel Prices Set to Rise in September

Fuel prices in the UAE will increase across all categories from Tuesday, 1 September 2026, ending a brief period of relief for motorists as regional tensions keep pressure on energy supply chains.

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31.08.2026

ADRA reports 6.4% growth in new economic licences issued to Emirati businesswomen in Abu Dhabi during H1-2026

ABU DHABI, 31st August, 2026 (WAM) -- The Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (ADRA), the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development’s (ADDED) arm to develop and regulate the business sector, has revealed continued strong growth in new economic licences issued to Emirati businesswomen and entrepreneurs, underscoring the success of initiatives and policies to empower women and increase their positive contribution to socio-economic development.ADRA reported that 3,058 new economic licences were issued to Emirati female entrepreneurs and businesswomen during the first half of 2026 (January to June), representing 6.4% rise compared with 2,873 licences issued during the corresponding period in 2025.The continued growth in economic licences and the increasing role of women entrepreneurs across various economic sectors reflect the effectiveness of ADDED’s policies and initiatives, which are aligned with the National Strategy for Empowerment of Emirati Women (2023–2031), launched by H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), to strengthen the women’s role in vital sectors.The licences issued to Emirati businesswomen during the first six months of 2026 covered a wide range of sectors and licence categories, including standard licences, the Tajer Abu Dhabi, and Freelance licences, which enable professionals and specialists to undertake economic activities, helping leverage the extensive knowledge and expertise of professionals to accelerate the transition towards a knowledge and innovation-based economy.The Mobdea licences, one of innovative solutions to enable UAE women turn their creative passions into thriving businesses, witnessed strong growth with a 33% increase in 2025 and 10.1% in the first half of 2026.Mohamed Munif Al Mansoori, Director General of ADRA, said, “The continued strong growth in economic licences owned by Emirati businesswomen over the past few years demonstrates their advanced position in the business sector and the vital role they play in enhancing the competitiveness of Abu Dhabi’s economy. We reaffirm our commitment to continuously developing our services to empower entrepreneurs and businesswomen to transform their ambitions into success stories that support sustainable development.We are proud of women entrepreneurs’ confidence in Abu Dhabi’s business ecosystem and its ability to provide an enabling environment that empowers women to innovate and contribute effectively to socio-economic development. We remain committed to focusing on innovative solutions that support Emirati women on their entrepreneurial journey and strengthen their contribution to an inclusive and sustainable development.”

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31.08.2026

Dubai Customs turns speed into value: Air cargo transactions surge 53% in H1 2026

DUBAI, 31st August, 2026 (WAM) -- As speed increasingly shapes trade and investment decisions, Dubai Customs’ Air Cargo Centres Management is transforming the emirate’s strategic location and global connectivity into a competitive advantage — accelerating cargo flows, keeping pace with the surge in e-commerce, and expanding operational capacity to meet the growing demands of global trade.This gives businesses greater agility in reaching markets and managing their operations, while strengthening Dubai’s role as a global gateway for trade and logistics — where the efficient movement of goods helps unlock new pathways for business, investment, and economic growth.The results for the first half of 2026 reflect the scale of this role: the Air Cargo Centres Management processed approximately 18.2 million customs transactions, compared to around 11.9 million during the same period in 2025, marking growth of nearly 53 %. The total weight of shipments handled by the management reached approximately 1.3 million tons, compared to around 886,000 tons — growth of nearly 47 %.Mohammed Al Ghaffari, Executive Director of the Customs Inspection Division at Dubai Customs said, “These results reflect Dubai Customs’ shift from facilitating trade to empowering it. The role of customs work is no longer limited to processing transactions — it now extends to supporting trade and economic growth, improving the business environment, reducing time and cost, and strengthening Dubai’s ability to attract trade flows and investments linked to the shipping, distribution, logistics, and digital economy sectors, directly contributing to the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda.”He affirmed that the Customs Inspection Division is one of the key enablers of trade movement in Dubai, given its role in striking a balance between border protection and the smooth flow of trade, and in ensuring goods reach local markets efficiently and reliably.He added, “We are developing a customs inspection model capable of keeping pace with continuous trade growth and the rapid shifts in supply chains, strengthening Dubai’s ability to maintain its position as a pivotal hub for global trade. This approach also translates Dubai Customs’ strategy and future plans into a direct impact on economic activity, ensuring that customs points of entry continue to support trade growth and enhance the emirate’s ability to attract business and connect global markets.”The shift in trade patterns is even more evident in the results of the Free Zone Department within the Air Cargo sector, which completed approximately 17.7 million customs transactions during the first half of 2026, compared to around 10.9 million during the same period in 2025 — growth of 62 %.In a further indicator of growing e-commerce activity, the Free Zone Department handled more than 6.2 million postal parcels during the first six months of the year, placing the air cargo centers at the heart of accelerating flows that require processing vast numbers of shipments and parcels efficiently and quickly, while maintaining the highest levels of customs control and protection.This growth reflects not only a rise in shipping volumes but also a shift in the nature of trade itself. E-commerce relies on large volumes of small shipments and rapid movement from order to delivery, making the efficiency of customs procedures a core part of the digital trade cycle and the experience of both businesses and consumers.In this context, the Cross-Border E-Commerce Platform — one of Dubai Customs’ advanced initiatives — supports the emirate’s ability to keep pace with this shift by providing an integrated customs framework that serves digital trade companies and logistics service providers, linking the sector’s growth to facilitations that speed up procedures and raise operational efficiency.Operational development at the centres is complemented by customs facilitations aimed at easing the burden on the e-commerce sector. Chief among these is the increase in the customs duty exemption threshold for eligible goods and products within cross-border e-commerce shipments to AED1,000, effective 3rd August, 2026.This adjustment gives companies greater scope to capitalize on the growth of digital trade, helping to reduce costs, raise operational efficiency, and strengthen the competitiveness of the business environment.The facilitations also include exempting returned goods imported by companies for personal purposes from customs duties, provided the duties were previously paid and the goods are returned within 60 days of their departure — supporting flexible returns processes in line with the nature of e-commerce.The exemption does not apply to tobacco and its derivatives, e-cigarette devices, accessories, and nicotine liquids, alcoholic beverages, and food preparations containing alcohol.Readiness That Matches the Rapid Growth in Shipping ActivityAbdulla Ahmad Alblooshi, Director of Air Cargo Centers Management at Dubai Customs said, “The results for the first half of 2026 reflect our ability to keep pace with the rapid growth in shipping and e-commerce activity. For us, success isn’t measured only by the number of transactions or the volume of goods we handle — it extends to the greater speed we provide traders and companies in reaching markets, the higher efficiency we enable in managing their operations, and the broader capacity for growth we offer them from Dubai.”He added, “We are working to shorten the time between a shipment’s arrival and its entry into the market, because the speed of customs procedures has become a core part of trade competitiveness. As transaction volumes and shipment sizes continue to rise, we are continuing to build the capabilities of our inspectors and staff, and equipping our centers with smart technologies, devices, and artificial intelligence applications that raise the efficiency of examination and inspection and speed up processing — without compromising protection and customs compliance requirements.”82% Growth Amid Geo-Economic ShiftsThe ability of the air cargo centers to support trade continuity stood out even more clearly during periods of heightened operational pressure and geo-economic shifts. The total volume of imported goods cleared through the Cargo Village at Dubai International Airport and the Air Cargo Centre at Al Maktoum International Airport rose to 48.26 million kilogrammes in May 2026, compared to around 26.56 million kilograms in January of the same year — growth of nearly 82 %.The maximum daily volume of goods handled also rose to 2.11 million kilogrammes in May, compared to 1.24 million kilogrammes in January, reflecting higher operational capacity and the centers’ flexibility in absorbing rising demand while maintaining fast processing and service quality.Dubai Customs supported this readiness through field initiatives aimed at boosting operational capacity, including stepping up inspection activities, introducing innovative procedures to serve customers, and developing work mechanisms — contributing to shorter processing times, faster operations, and the continuous, efficient flow of goods to local markets.

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31.08.2026

Alpha Dhabi to double private credit commitment, stake to US$1 billion in MICAD Credit JV managed by Mubadala Capital

ABU DHABI, 31st August, 2026 (WAM) -- ADX-listed Alpha Dhabi Holding PJSC (Alpha Dhabi), one of the fastest-growing investment holding companies in the MENA region, has increased its investment in its private credit joint venture, MICAD Credit JV, managed by Mubadala Capital, the global alternative asset manager.Under the revised partnership agreement, Alpha Dhabi will double its capital commitment to US$1 billion and increase its ownership interest in the joint venture to 40 percent, from 20 percent.The joint venture’s investment mandate has been broadened to include additional private credit strategies available through Mubadala Capital's longstanding relationships, alongside its existing US and European direct lending activities.The MICAD Credit JV manages approximately US$1.7 billion in assets across 45 portfolio companies.Hamad Salem Al Ameri, Managing Director and Group CEO of Alpha Dhabi Holding PJSC, said, "This expanded partnership with Mubadala Capital reflects our conviction in private credit as a strategic pillar of Alpha Dhabi's investment portfolio.Doubling our commitment and broadening our mandate is a deliberate step — one that positions us to access a wider universe of high-quality global opportunities. With US$1.7 billion in assets across 45 portfolio companies, this joint venture is a strong platform, and we see significant runway ahead.”Omar Eraiqat, President and Chief Investment Officer, Credit and Solutions at Mubadala Capital, said, “The evolution of the joint venture reflects the strength of our approach to building high-quality investment platforms together with institutional partners.As our Credit business continues to grow, we remain focused on expanding access to differentiated private credit opportunities through our investment capabilities and long-term global relationships in the sector.”

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31.08.2026

UAE Fuel Price Committee announces prices for September

ABU DHABI, 31st August, 2026 (WAM) -- The UAE Fuel Price Committee has approved fuel prices for September 2026, with petrol prices adjusted by between 5.56 percent and 5.87 percent.The prices were set under the UAE's monthly fuel pricing mechanism, which tracks movements in global energy prices and reflects changes in the domestic market.The approved prices are as follows:Super “98”: AED3.80 per litre.Special “95”: AED3.69 per litre.E-Plus “91”: AED3.61 per litre.Diesel: AED4.30 per litre.

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CATEGORIES

‘Shams’ maintains growth momentum, recording over 10% growth across key sectors

Sharjah’s ‘Publish’ fund turns ideas into lasting businesses

Middle East Energy 2026 drives global energy dialogue and innovation

MBRAH’s new suppliers complex progresses, with opening set for end of 2026

UAE Net Zero 2050 - Indian businesses eye new Green-Economy opportunity as trade target nears $200bn

CBUAE concludes participation in G20 Meetings in United States

Sharjah Chamber concludes Korea business mission with strategic partnerships

Korea's August exports jump 68.7% to $98.25 billion

UAE Fuel Prices Set to Rise in September

ADRA reports 6.4% growth in new economic licences issued to Emirati businesswomen in Abu Dhabi during H1-2026

Dubai Customs turns speed into value: Air cargo transactions surge 53% in H1 2026

Alpha Dhabi to double private credit commitment, stake to US$1 billion in MICAD Credit JV managed by Mubadala Capital

UAE Fuel Price Committee announces prices for September

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The FlyDubai Story Just Got Even CRAZIER!

Paxton partied in Dubai with fugitives: WSJ

Ken Paxton partied with 2 fugitives in Dubai, Wall Street Journal reports

flydubai Terror Plot: 2 More Pilots Arrested, Shocking Crew Allegations Emerge

Why Sheikh Wives Suddenly Look Younger After Eating This Royal 😱 #dubai #shortvideo

Iran Strikes Dubai News: Dubai Marina Building Hit by Debris Amid Israel-Iran War | India Today

BREAKING NEWS FlyDubai: No ONE Is Reporting THIS!