Category Archives: Business & Investments

Business & Investments

Global gold demand hits new high as prices soar in 2024

The World Gold Council’s Q4 and Full Year 2024 Gold Demand Trends report reveals that total annual gold demand hit a new, record high of 4,974t, driven by strong, sustained central bank buying and growth in investment demand. The combination of record high gold prices, and volumes resulted in the highest ever total value of demand at $382bn.

Central banks continued to buy gold at pace in 2024, with purchases exceeding 1,000t for the third year in a row. Buying ramped up significantly in Q4, reaching 333t and bringing the annual total for central banks to 1,045t.

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Business & Investments

At the opening of Qatar’s International Agricultural Exhibition (AgriteQ)

HE Dr. Amna Al Dahak Highlights the Unified Vision of UAE, Qatar, and Gulf nations in Advancing Sustainable Regional Food Security

  • The UAE is participating in the exhibition as the ‘Guest of Honour’, with a dedicated pavilion that highlights the nation’s achievements in agriculture.

Dubai, UAE, 5 February 2025: Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), said that the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries share a unified vision to drive cooperation in strengthening sustainable food security in the region. HE underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the region’s shared challenges, supporting the agricultural sector and enhancing local production of strategic crops.

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Business & Investments

Hong Kong Trade Development Council announces major trade fairs to strengthen UAE-Hong Kong business ties

Dubai – February 05, 2025: Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the statutory trade body for the promotion and creation of opportunities for Hong Kong’s businesses in the global markets, has announced that four major technology exhibitions will be held in April 2025 in Hong Kong. These exhibitions will serve as premier platforms for UAE traders and suppliers to expand their businesses into new markets and explore cutting-edge innovations.

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Business & Investments

Malabar Gold & Diamonds to expand into New Zealand, leveraging the opportunities created by the UAE-New Zealand Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)

Malabar Gold & Diamonds, the 6th largest jewellery retailer globally with over 375 showrooms across 13 countries, is set to expand its footprint into New Zealand. This strategic move is aligned with the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed between the United Arab Emirates and New Zealand, which fosters increased trade and economic collaboration between the two nations.

In Photo left to right): Mr. Shamlal Ahamed, Managing Director – International Operations, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Honourable Todd McClay, New Zealand’s Minister for Trade, Mr. Ahmad Zakkout, New Zealand’s Consul – General Dubai & Northern Emirates & Trade Commissioner – UAE, Qatar, Levant & Africa, Mr. Sitaraman Varadarajan, Head – Business Development, Malabar Gold & Diamonds.

With the entirety of Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ international operations based out of the Malabar International Hub in the UAE, the signing of CEPA between the UAE & New Zealand will enable the brand to further streamline their business operation as it relates to expanding their retail presence into the 14th global country of operation.

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Business & Investments

RAKEZ kicks off Growth Series 2025 with AI event for small businesses

Ras Al Khaimah, 4 February 2025: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) successfully launched the first event of its Growth Series 2025, “AI on a Budget: Affordable Tools and Smart Automation for Small Businesses,” attracting a diverse group of entrepreneurs eager to harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) without significant investment.

The event, hosted at Compass Coworking Centre, featured expert-led sessions from Raizor Vice President–AI Solutions Savio Tovar Dias, and Koshima.ai founders Carlo Pepe and Rob Hayes. These industry leaders demonstrated practical AI tools and strategies, emphasising how small businesses can use smart automation to improve efficiency and effectiveness economically.

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