Author: Emirates Insight
Investigators found drug traffickers, Southeast Asian scam gangs, and North Korean hackers frequently using major crypto platforms to quietly move their funds. The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists’ (ICIJ) Coin Laundry investigation found illicit funds were funneled through major cryptocurrency exchanges, including Binance, OKX, Coinbase, Kraken, Bybit, and Kucoin, as part of a global shadow economy benefiting from criminal proceeds. The 10-month cross-border project, which was conducted with 37 media partners in 35 countries, gathered hundreds of wallet addresses connected to scams, theft, sanctions violations, and other illicit activity, and traced tens of thousands of transactions across public blockchains.…
Byju Raveendran, the embattled founder of Indian ed-tech giant Byju’s, has blasted a U.S. bankruptcy court’s order directing him to pay more than $1.07 billion. He is denying wrongdoing, accusing lenders of misleading the court, and vowing to appeal a ruling that marks a dramatic fall for a onetime poster boy of India’s startup boom. The Delaware bankruptcy judge issued a default judgment after finding that Raveendran had repeatedly ignored court orders and provided “evasive, incomplete” responses regarding about $533 million that Byju’s U.S. unit allegedly transferred in 2022 and never recovered. The judge also cited issues with a separate…
Dubai is set to come alive with spectacular citywide celebrations for the 54th Eid Al Etihad, commemorating the UAE’s union with a sensational showcase of national pride, unity, and community. Taking place from 1 to 3 December 2025, this year’s celebrations promise a refreshed programme that blends culture, heritage, hospitality, gastronomy, family entertainment, and more. Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the festivities feature dazzling fireworks, live concerts, picture-perfect parades, exclusive staycation offers, retail promotions, and diverse dining, alongside brand-new experiences introduced for the first time ever. With its dynamic mix of returning favourites and exciting debuts, the…
Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) and Dubai Land Department (DLD) have launched a new partnership to accelerate innovation in property technology (PropTech) through Sandbox Dubai, a programme designed to develop next-generation regulatory frameworks in support of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). The initiative aims to create a regulatory environment that fast-tracks emerging technologies, enhances real estate efficiency and sustainability, and strengthens Dubai’s position as a global hub for PropTech. The PropTech Sandbox will test and scale cutting-edge real estate technologies within a safe and structured environment. Dubai real estate partnership The programme will facilitate knowledge exchange and capacity building while bringing…
Emirates SkyCargo and LODD Autonomous signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the 2025 Dubai Airshow, to explore the development and deployment of next generation air cargo solutions. The agreement was signed by Badr Abbas, Emirates SkyCargo’s Divisional Senior Vice President and Rashid Al Manai, Chief Executive Officer of LODD Autonomous. Under the terms of the MoU, Emirates SkyCargo and LODD Autonomous will collaborate to validate the use of VTOL (Vertical Take Off and Landing) aircraft across the airline’s vast global network, through feasibility studies, regulatory engagement and live demonstrations. Leveraging over four decades’ expertise in the global movement of…
Although the day ended in the green, BlackRock’s IBIT extended its negative streak. The spot Bitcoin ETFs in the United States set a new record in terms of trading volume on Friday, which was categorized as “wild but normal” by experts. This came amid turbulent times for the underlying asset, which experienced a substantial price volatility that included a drop toward $80,000 and a subsequent recovery of almost five grand. BTC ETFs See New Record Bloomberg’s senior ETF analyst Eric Balchunas described the events that took place on the spot Bitcoin ETF front as an “eruption” in the trading…
Only a few years ago, funding decisions relied on manual spreadsheets, phone calls, and gut instinct. Today, artificial intelligence is revolutionizing how capital moves, providing investors and banks with real-time insights, predictive power, and swifter decision-making for small business funding. Advanced AI Analytics Powers Faster, Smarter Investment Decisions Investors now depend on advanced analytics to stay ahead in the market. Modern platforms scan vast amounts of financial data and public sentiment in real time, quickly identifying trends and uncovering new opportunities. For small and mid-sized businesses, there are companies like Affiniti offering AI-powered CFO agents tailored to their needs. These…
XRG, the international investment arm of ADNOC, has received all final regulatory approvals for its acquisition of Germany’s Covestro, one of the world’s leading producers of high-performance polymers and sustainable materials. Reportedly valued at EUR14.7 billion (US$17 billion), it is ADNOC’s biggest acquisition yet and one of the largest foreign takeovers of an EU company by a Gulf state. All hurdles were cleared with the final outstanding approval from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. Headquartered in Leverkusen and with a portfolio of over 10,000 specialty solutions, Covestro operates 46 production sites and 13 R&D centres worldwide,…
dnata, a leading global air and travel services provider, was recognised with two accolades at the Aviation Business Middle East Awards 2025. For the 15th time now, the company was named Ground Support Company of the Year, one of the Awards’ most prestigious categories. The award was accepted by Jaffar Dawood, dnata’s Divisional Senior Vice President for UAE Airport Operations. The recognition reflects dnata’s sustained progress in transforming its ground-handling operations through innovation, digitalisation and significant investment in advanced equipment. Over the past year, dnata has strengthened its ground operations in Dubai with the introduction of autonomous, electric baggage tractors. Operating at Dubai…
Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, has unveiled a visual tribute to the UAE’s Founding Fatherson the Dubai Metro’s Red Line.The creative display features images of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, along withverses from the poem ‘The People and the Leader’by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, celebratingthe enduring legacy of the Founding Fathers. Implemented in cooperation with the Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai (RTA), the initiative…