Author: Emirates Insight

The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and Australia has officially come into force, marking a major step in advancing economic collaboration between the two nations. The agreement is expected to unlock significant trade and investment opportunities across a wide range of sectors by reducing barriers, enhancing market access for goods and services, and providing a framework for deeper private sector collaboration. With the CEPA ratified and now in force, annual bilateral trade is forecast to increase from $4.2bn in 2024 to over $10bn by 2032. UAE-Australia trade Trade momentum is already strong: in the first half of…

The UAE, notably Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has made significant strides in building a robust digital and physical infrastructure. With high-speed internet, advanced technology hubs, and co-working spaces that rival the best in the world, the UAE stands out as a bastion of connectivity. The state’s commitment to fostering an environment conducive to digital work is evident in its policies and investments. High-Speed Internet and Connectivity The UAE has invested heavily in ensuring that its internet infrastructure is among the best globally. With some of the highest internet speeds available, digital nomads can stay connected without interruptions. This level of…

Swissblock’s impulse signal hints Bitcoin reset is nearly complete, setting up 20-30% BTC gains and 50-150% altcoin rallies. Bitcoin (BTC) may be in the middle of a market reset that historically precedes sharp rebounds, according to analytics firm Swissblock. In a series of posts on X, the research group pointed to its proprietary “Aggregated Impulse Signal,” which has reliably marked past cycle bottoms, with the firm noting that when the indicator returns to zero, it often means that selling pressure has been exhausted and a renewed upside is starting. Analyzing the Impulse for a Turnaround According to Swissblock, the last…

Embattled bank ANZ has shut down its venture capital arm, 1835i, just three weeks after cashing in its chips in Airwallex – US$44 million ($A67m) stake sold to the fintech’s founders and executives. The writing was on the wall for the business, which still had 10 companies in its portfolio, when ANZ, under new CEO Nuno Matos, also killed off consumer cashback fintech Cashrewards last month because had not performed to the bank’s expectations. 1851i invested more than $100 million, including a $76 million acquisition takeover of the former ASX-listed business in 2022. It was just a year ago that Cashrewards…

ADNOC Distribution has relaunched its ADNOC Oasis convenience brand. Unveiled on Tuesday as ‘Oasis by ADNOC,’ the new-look stores that accompany the many company fuel pumps will now feature a premium ‘On-the-Gourmet’ concept. The refreshed identity modernises the Oasis brand, and central to this update is the introduction of the ‘On-the-Gourmet’ concept. The stores are now designed to meet the rising demand for premium, on-the-go food and beverage offerings from customers. By blending high quality with speed and convenience, the concept aims to reinforce the outlets’ position as the UAE’s go-to destination for accessible gourmet dining. Bader Saeed Al Lamki,…

The UAE’s startup ecosystem has burgeoned into a vibrant tapestry of creativity and ambition. Entrepreneurs here are not only responding to current market demands but are also anticipating future needs, pushing the boundaries of what is possible. With Dubai and Abu Dhabi at the forefront, the region has become a fertile ground for entrepreneurs driven by a vision to innovate and disrupt. The growth of this ecosystem is further fueled by a supportive government framework, which not only encourages but actively invests in innovation and entrepreneurship. The Rise of the UAE Startup Ecosystem The UAE’s startup ecosystem is not just…

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Finance has issued the Pre-Budget Statement for fiscal year 2026, estimating total expenditure at about SR1.313tn ($350bn) and total revenue at SR1.147tn ($305bn), resulting in a budget deficit of 3.3 per cent of GDP. The government confirmed it will maintain expansionary fiscal policies aimed at national priorities with social and economic impact, in line with Saudi Vision 2030. These policies are designed to support economic diversification, long-term growth, and sustainability while responding flexibly to global and domestic challenges. Saudi 2026 budget forecast Since the launch of Vision 2030, the Saudi economy has undergone structural reforms that…

Dubai has firmly established itself as a global hub for finance and innovation, and in 2025, it will once again host one of the biggest events in the trading calendar — Forex Expo Dubai 2025. Taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre, this high-profile exhibition and conference will bring together the entire trading ecosystem, from forex brokers and liquidity providers to fintech innovators, investors, and affiliates. With over 30,000 attendees expected from more than 60 countries, Forex Expo Dubai 2025 is not just another industry event — it’s where opportunities are made, partnerships are formed, and the future of trading is…

Kazakhstan has established the first state-sponsored crypto fund, the Alem Crypto Fund, which made its initial investment in BNB. Kazakhstan has launched the Alem Crypto Fund, the country’s first state-backed fund to make an initial investment in digital assets. The fund’s choice to invest in Binance Coin (BNB) instead of Bitcoin (BTC) has been praised by Binance executives as a step toward institutional recognition of BNB. New Reserve Strategy The Kazakhstan Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development announced that the new Alem Crypto Fund has officially made its first  BNB purchase. Owned by the Qazaqstan Venture Group and operating…

Periodic Labs came out of stealth on Tuesday with a war chest of $300 million as a seed round, backed by a tech industry’s who’s who: Andreessen Horowitz, DST, Nvidia, Accel, Elad Gil, Jeff Dean, Eric Schmidt, and Jeff Bezos. Period Labs was founded by Ekin Dogus Cubuk and Liam Fedus. Cubuk led the materials and chemistry team at Google Brain and DeepMind, where one of his projects was, for instance, an AI tool called GNoME. That tool discovered over 2 million new crystals in 2023, materials that could one day be used to power new generations of technology, researchers…