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For years, Indonesia’s raw materials have been ferried from remote mines and plantations to global markets by armies of traders who handle negotiations, loans and even cranes and river barges.Now the government is taking over, hoping to save billions of dollars it says are otherwise lost in transit.Under the surprise plan, the country will take control of exports of the country’s major commodities. It’s a sweeping move reminiscent of the country’s past — radical even for President Prabowo Subianto, a former general who has sought to harness the country’s raw materials and centralise economic management since he took power in 2024.The policy, Prabowo said this week, is intended to eventually increase transparency and curb tax evasion. In the short term, it has rattled already nervous investors, and left traders, producers and even some government officials scrambling to understand how it can even begin to be implemented.Only the broad strokes of the plan have so far been made public, including a decision to begin with coal and palm oil, two commodities in which Indonesia has unparalleled clout as a top exporter. Details are yet to be decided. What is already evident, according to many of those involved, is that the mission is daunting.Commodity producers spread across the Indonesian archipelago connect with foreign buyers through a network of hundreds of agents, traders and trading houses, from multinational giants like Trafigura Group to small, local firms. The links — financial, personal and logistical — have been forged over decades, and will have to be replicated in just months.“It’s going to be a real uphill battle,” said Kevin O’Rourke, political analyst and principal at Jakarta-based consultancy Reformasi Information Services. “There is a whole ecosystem of human relations. It’s not something that can be subjected to this type of disruptive action on such a short time scale.”The new entity, Danantara Sumberdaya Indonesia, will sit under sovereign wealth fund Danantara — an outfit that was itself set up just over a year ago and reports to Prabowo.Pandu Sjahrir, Danantara’s chief investment officer, has sought to reassure investors that it will be market-friendly. It will be an operator not a regulator, he said on Friday, staffed with the best talent recruited from the industry, and meeting high governance standards. Its new CEO will be a former director of PT Vale Indonesia.Indonesia, as leading producer, should have more control over the price at which it sells its raw materials, he said in his address to lawmakers on Wednesday, and cannot afford to leak an annual sum he estimates at $150bn.Indonesia’s natural resources industry is perilous even for the most experienced and deep-pocketed firms. Asset and company ownership is frequently opaque, the government has battled corruption for years and — as the past week has demonstrated — policy changes can be abrupt and unexpected. Over the years, multinational miners have largely abandoned the country, leaving local firms to take over prized assets.That’s left room for commodity traders, whose more nimble business model has allowed them to buy and sell raw materials while, in many cases, avoiding the entanglement of owning assets.In coal, their most crucial contribution is credit. Traders draw from international banks and finance small miners, who in turn promise discounted coal to be delivered at a later date. Those are crucial funds for companies that may struggle to find affordable credit lines — and it is unclear how the new Danantara system can replace that.Not all coal producers need traders to supply funds. The top six miners in Indonesia, including PT Bayan Resources and PT Adaro Andalan Indonesia, have ample access to credit and account for about half of the 600mn tonnes of annual supply. But the remainder is split between scores of smaller firms, many of whom produce less than a million tons a year and are in need of cash.Those small mines make Indonesia the world’s top thermal coal exporter. And most of that coal goes to China, where Prabowo’s attempts to exert control have already irked buyers.Several major Chinese trading firms — whose prominence in Indonesia has grown in recent years, along with Chinese investors like nickel heavyweight Xiang Guangda of Tsingshan Holding Group Co — fear that their long-term contracts could face disruption and heftier costs once Danantara’s new trading entity begins operations, according to three traders familiar with the matter. They asked not to be named as the matter is sensitive.Some coal and palm oil contracts extend through 2027. Renewing these contracts will almost certainly mean dealing with different interlocutors and meeting new requirements, though they could also gain access to additional mining assets, they added.Then there are the practical challenges of building an Indonesian version of Glencore Plc in a matter of months, and the question of state meddling in its dealings.The new entity will handle exports that total some $65bn a year, requiring vast working capital, connections and manpower. Executives for Danantara have already sought advice from other commodity traders on how to manage the project, according to people familiar with the matter. They asked not to be named as the requests were not public.In the palm sector, long-fragmented supply chains connect smallholder farmers to agents to merchants to global food giants — a business dominated by large conglomerates like Wilmar International Ltd and Musim Mas Holdings Pte Ltd.The prospect of disruption is already impacting the market. Bidders have pulled back from Indonesian tenders on fears the restrictions may slow shipments and swell stockpiles.“It’s definitely going to be a bumpy road for everyone,” said Putra Adhiguna, managing director at the Australia-based Energy Shift Institute. “The government included.” 

Saudi oil giant Aramco said on Sunday its net profit rose by 25.5% in the first quarter compared to the same period last year, after the Middle East war sent oil and gas prices soaring.The result comes as uncertainty plagues global markets over the conflict's trajectory, with Iran restricting the passage of hydrocarbons through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.Aramco, the world's biggest oil exporter, said in a statement published on the Saudi stock exchange website that its "increase in revenue was mainly due to higher prices and volumes sold of refined and chemical products as well as higher crude oil volumes sold and higher crude oil prices".Crude prices jumped during the first quarter from the mid $60s in early February to more than $100 a barrel in March as Iran's shutdown of the strait sparked a global energy crisis.Aramco, majority-owned by the state, said in its statement that net income in the first quarter of 2026 reached 120.13bn Saudi riyals ($32.04bn), compared to 95.68bn riyals ($25.51bn) for the same quarter in 2025."The increase was mainly driven by higher revenue and other income related to sales, partially offset by higher operating costs and an increase in income taxes and zakat driven by higher taxable income compared to the same quarter of the previous year," it said.The median analyst consensus for first quarter adjusted net income had been $31.16bn -- an external estimate based on 13 forecasts.Aramco's increase in net income is its first quarterly rise after 12 consecutive quarters of decline.President and CEO Amin H Nasser said the result reflected "resilience and operational flexibility in a complex geopolitical environment".He said the company was "leveraging both its domestic infrastructure and its global network to navigate disruption".Aramco is the flagship company of the Saudi economy and one of the largest firms in the world by market capitalisation.Despite the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, it has been able to deliver millions of barrels of crude to markets daily through its massive east to west pipeline, which connects its energy installations on the Gulf to export terminals on the Red Sea.The company said "a significant increase in pumping through the east-west pipeline to reach its maximum capacity of 7mn barrels per day in the first quarter supports exports from the kingdom's west coast".Last month, Saudi Arabia's energy ministry said the pipeline and other facilities had been restored following attacks by Iran.The Gulf region has borne the brunt of Iran's attacks during the war, which came in response to US-Israeli strikes in late February that triggered the conflict.Tehran has targeted US assets but also civilian infrastructure including energy facilities and airports.In Saudi Arabia, facilities in Riyadh, the Eastern Province and the industrial city of Yanbu were all targeted. They included infrastructure for oil and gas production, transport and refining, and petrochemical plants and power facilities.The surge in prices for oil and gas has also created a windfall for other major energy firms.In late April, French oil and gas giant TotalEnergies said its net profits had risen 51% in the first quarter, while British energy giant Shell saw profits after tax jump 19%.If crude oil prices remain at current levels, Aramco's profits are expected to continue rising in the second quarter after Saudi Arabia, Russia and the rest of the Opec+ countries raised their oil production quotas as expected. 

Online brokerage has become a crowded business. Access to global markets is no longer rare, nor is the promise of speed, convenience, and lower friction. As more firms compete for the same internationally minded trader, differentiation is shifting away from simple product breadth and towards something less visible but more durable: the quality of the platform environment itself. Primevex is attempting to position itself on that terrain.Its proposition is straightforward. Through one regulated account, clients can trade a range of instruments including stocks, indices, forex, energy, soft commodities, and precious metals. These are offered through CFDs, allowing users to speculate on price movements without owning the underlying asset. In practical terms, this gives Primevex entry into the familiar multi-asset brokerage model. What matters more is how the company frames that model.Primevex does not present itself chiefly as a high-excitement trading venue. Instead, it emphasises continuity, structure, and operational clarity. Its platform is available across web, mobile, and tablet, with synchronised access designed to keep positions, settings, and account activity consistent across devices. This may sound like a technical detail. It is, in fact, central to the company’s economic logic.Traders increasingly behave as cross-device users. They analyse on one screen, execute on another, and monitor positions throughout the day from wherever they are. In such a setting, the value of a brokerage platform lies not only in what it offers, but in how seamlessly it accompanies the user. Firms that fail to provide that continuity risk turning product access into operational friction. Primevex appears to understand that.The company also places unusual weight on discipline. Its marketing language centres on real-time pricing, charting tools, order controls, account oversight, and risk-management functions. This has two advantages. The first is reputational. In a sector often associated with noisy promotions and exaggerated claims, a more restrained tone can improve perceived credibility. The second is commercial. Traders who stay longer on a platform are often those who feel in control of the environment, not merely excited by it.Primevex extends this logic through layered services. Educational webinars, research tools, economic calendar access, and market signals broaden the user relationship beyond basic execution. Elite Services then push the model further, offering priority support and more personalised guidance for advanced clients. This is economically sensible. As customer-acquisition costs rise, brokerage firms have greater incentive to deepen the value of each client relationship rather than depend solely on volume.The company also highlights regulation, operational integrity, and secure access as key parts of its identity. That is hardly surprising. Trust is an economic asset in financial services, particularly in retail-facing segments where switching costs are low and reputational damage can spread quickly. A brokerage that can persuade clients it offers both market access and procedural reliability may enjoy an advantage that is difficult to replicate through pricing alone.Still, the challenge is considerable. The multi-asset trading market is already full of firms making similar claims about access, usability, and support. Primevex will need to prove that its version of platform coherence is substantive, not cosmetic. If it can, it may benefit from a broader change in trader expectations. Clients increasingly want not just access to markets, but a platform architecture that reduces noise, improves continuity, and supports decision-making over time.That is the real significance of Primevex’s positioning. It suggests that the future of brokerage may depend less on the novelty of the instruments offered and more on the design of the environment through which those instruments are traded. In a mature market, that is where meaningful differentiation often begins. 

Tracking strong momentum in the global markets, the Qatar Stock Exchange Thursday saw its key index gain as much as 120 points and capitalisation add in excess of QR7bn.A higher than average demand at the telecom, banking and insurance counters lifted the 20-stock Qatar Index by 1.07% to 11,336.59 points, although it touched an intraday low of 11,204 points. The foreign institutions’ increased net buying had its influence on the main market, whose year-to-date gains improved to 5.33%. About 54% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the main bourse, whose capitalisation, added QR7.2bn or 1.07% to QR680.12bn mainly on large and midcap segments. The Gulf institutions were seen increasingly bullish in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were seen strengthening. The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the other indices of the main market, which saw as many as 0.03mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.15mn trade across two deals. However, the local retail investors were increasingly net profit takers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds. The domestic funds were also increasingly bearish in the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills. The Total Return Index gained 1.07%, the All Share Index by 1.1% and the All Islamic Index by 0.97% in the main bourse. The telecom sector index shot up 1.8%, banks and financial services (1.57%), insurance (1.14%), industrials (0.71%), real estate (0.7%) and consumer goods and services (0.03%); while transport declined 1.04%. As many as 29 gained, while 17 declined and eight were unchanged. Major movers in the main market included Qatar Islamic Bank, Qatar National Cement, QIIB, Qatar Insurance, Qatari Investors Group, QNB, Lesha Bank, Industries Qatar, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Ooredoo and Vodafone Qatar. In the junior bourse, Techno Q saw its shares appreciate in value. Nevertheless, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution, Milaha, Nakilat and Qamco were among the shakers in the main market. The foreign institutions’ net buying increased substantially to QR155.21mn compared to QR15.2mn on January 21. The Gulf institutions’ net buying expanded considerably to QR33.32mn against QR18.41mn the previous day. However, the Qatari retail investors’ net selling expanded drastically to QR132.64mn compared to QR3.51mn on Wednesday. The domestic institutions’ net selling strengthened significantly to QR49.06mn against QR30.31mn on January 21. The Arab retail investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR3.77mn compared with net buyers of QR0.08mn the previous day. The foreign individuals’ net profit booking expanded perceptibly to QR2.22mn against QR0.69mn on Wednesday. The Gulf retail investors were net sellers to the extent of QR0.86mn compared with net buyers of QR0.9mn on January 21. The Arab funds had no major net exposure against net profit takers to the tune of QR0.09mn the previous day. The main market saw a 7% jump in trade volumes to 135.44mn shares, 61% in value to QR627.67mn and 39% in deals to 32,118. In the venture market, a total of 0.01mn equities valued at QR0.03mn changed hands across seven transactions. 

Qatar Chamber and Qatar Development Bank (QDB) have pledged closer co-operation to tackle challenges facing exporting manufacturers, underscoring the private sector’s role in driving industrial growth and expanding Qatari products into global markets.The joint meeting, held at the Chamber’s headquarters in the presence of Qatar Chamber Chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani, brought together senior officials, board members, and leading industrialists.The chamber's side was chaired by first vice-chairman Mohamed bin Towar al-Kuwari, while QDB was represented by CEO Abdulrahman Hashem al-Suwaidi.Also attending were second vice-chairman Rashid bin Hamad al-Athba, Industry Committee chairman Abdulrahman Abdullah al-Ansari, and board members Ali bin Abdul Latif al‑Misnad and Mohamed bin Ahmed al-Obaidli, as well as Qatari businessman Saad bin Abdullah al-Tawah al-Hajri, alongside several other board members and representatives of Qatari industrial companies.Al-Kuwari stressed the importance of collaboration between the two institutions to enhance industrial and economic development. “This cooperation contributes to enabling industrial investors to grow their businesses and expand into foreign markets,” he said. He highlighted the rapid progress of Qatar’s industrial sector and its pivotal role in achieving Qatar National Vision 2030.Al-Kuwari praised QDB’s “vital role in supporting the industrial sector through innovative financing solutions and specialised incentive programmes that empower national factories, support entrepreneurs, encourage innovation, and enhance the competitiveness of Qatari products in local, regional, and global markets”. He affirmed that Qatar Chamber is keen to strengthen integration with QDB to address challenges, seize opportunities, and promote high-value-added industries.Al-Suwaidi welcomed the dialogue, describing QDB as “a key partner for manufacturers and exporters through the comprehensive advisory and financing services it provides to enable the private sector to fulfil its role in economic development”. He emphasised raising awareness of QDB’s support mechanisms, including export insurance policies, raw material financing, global expansion financing, and buyer credit products, which he said are “vital in enabling Qatari exports to access global markets”.Al-Ansari noted that QDB’s export guarantee services will directly benefit manufacturers. He called for greater private sector involvement in selecting target countries and markets, stressing the need to leverage business expertise in shaping export promotion strategies.Al‑Misnad underlined the importance of holding regular joint meetings between QDB and manufacturers to exchange ideas and implement a national strategy for industry, while al-Obaidli highlighted manufacturers’ strong interest in entering new markets and stressed the importance of protecting Qatari factories from challenges abroad, while recognising the significance of both financing and non‑financing services offered by QDB.Al-Hajri echoed these views, emphasising the importance of expanding exports and supporting Qatari products’ access to regional and global markets. He praised QDB’s efforts in promoting exports and Qatar Chamber’s continuous support for industrial development.The meeting also featured extensive discussions among exporters, who raised a number of challenges facing the sector. It was agreed that all issues and proposals would be studied further to strengthen the competitiveness of the Qatari industry and expand its global footprint. 

Alongside all the triumphant AI talk, surging retail spirits and whiplash trades in crypto, a quieter trend was unfolding across global markets in 2025: Diversified strategies posted some of their strongest returns in years.It’s an achievement that has largely flown under the radar.Simple portfolios split between stocks and bonds delivered double-digit advances, the best year since 2019. Multi-asset “quant cocktails” — blending commodities, bonds and global equities — outperformed the S&P 500. A Cambria Investments exchange-traded fund holding 29 ETFs spanning across global markets posted its best year on record, bolstered by hefty gains overseas.This week’s inflation report was a lesson in their wisdom. Softer-than-expected US inflation data on Thursday sparked a rare in-tandem rally in both stocks and bonds. So-called risk parity funds posted gains on the week, a reminder that market conditions still reward balance, even in a world where artificial intelligence continues to obsess investors.But while 2025 may have marked a comeback for old-school Wall Street prudence, it will also go down as another year when investors kept walking away from those very strategies. Capital has continued to migrate toward concentrated Big Tech exposure, thematic trades from nuclear power to quant computing, and blunt hedges such as gold.“Despite all the focus on the AI story, 2025 was not a stocks story,” said Marko Papic, chief strategist at BCA Research. “It was all about global diversification.”As market valuations stretch and concentration deepens — particularly in tech-heavy US benchmarks — some strategists warn that abandoning diversification now could leave portfolios exposed at precisely the wrong moment.Retail investors, in particular, have been backing away from balanced and multi-asset funds for years. The category — including public risk parity funds and 60/40 portfolios, which traditionally allocate 60% to equities and 40% to bonds — has posted outflows for 13 straight quarters, before a modest rebound this autumn, according to JPMorgan Chase & Co. While money has continued to flow into dedicated bond and equity funds, the middle — traditional blended strategies — remains out of favour.Nikolaos Panigirtzoglou, a strategist at JPMorgan, points to a multi-year stretch of underwhelming performance, compounded by unusual cross-asset correlations that dulled returns. The 2022 bond market rout — triggered by aggressive central bank tightening — further damaged confidence in fixed income as a buffer within cross-asset portfolios.“That just destroyed the psyche of retail investors about the bond market,” said Jim Bianco of Bianco Research. “And that’s the big thing — that’s why investors keep jumping around from asset to asset.”April offered a fresh scare. When President Donald Trump announced new trade tariffs during a televised “Liberation Day,” markets sank. The S&P 500 fell 9% in a week; a benchmark 60/40 portfolio dropped more than 5%. Treasury bonds rallied while gold fell. Bitcoin dropped sharply, then snapped back.Yet under the surface, a broadening has been underway for most of the year. Value-oriented equity ETFs, many of which eschew the top-heavy tech complex, pulled in more than $56bn this year, the second-largest annual inflow since at least 2000. Cambria’s Global Value ETF jumped roughly 50%, its best since launch. International stocks rebounded on fiscal reform tailwinds and a weaker dollar. Small caps outperformed in the fourth quarter.Some strategists believe the shift will extend into 2026. Greg Calnon, global co-head of public investing at Goldman Sachs Asset Management, expects US earnings growth to broaden, with small caps and international stocks outperforming. He sees continued strength in municipal bonds, supported by attractive tax-adjusted yields relative to Treasuries and robust investor demand.JPMorgan Asset Management’s David Lebovitz is tilting toward emerging-market debt and UK gilts while maintaining selective US and AI equity exposure.Still, others see signs of froth. Bank of America Corp notes that 2025 showed the second-strongest dip-buying impulse in nearly a century. Emily Roland, co-chief investment strategist at Manulife John Hancock Investments, said markets have become increasingly disconnected from fundamentals.“This year has been a short-term investor’s dream,” she said. “We would be careful with the dash for trash as of late. It has been a momentum-driven year where fundamentals and earnings growth have been seemingly irrelevant.”Yet even as investors abandon classic 60/40 bets, many have not given up on multi-asset approaches. Capital has flowed into alternative assets — from private credit and infrastructure to hedge funds and digital assets — as investors seek exposure beyond public markets. In some cases, the search has become less about portfolio balance and more about access to alternative assets, yield or insulation from public-market volatility.“They aren’t losing faith, but the 60/40 is evolving, and it’s important to recognise that what has worked for the past 25 years may not work as well over the next 25 years,” said JPMorgan’s Lebovitz. “The core concept of diversification still holds, but investors today have many more levers that they can pull.” 

Over the past decade, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become one of the most attractive destinations for entrepreneurs and investors from around the world. Thanks to its thriving economy, investor-friendly policies, and unmatched access to global markets, the UAE offers the perfect environment for ambitious business owners seeking to grow internationally. Whether you’re a startup founder, SME owner, or established enterprise, expanding to the UAE can open doors to limitless opportunities. For many entrepreneurs exploring business setup in Dubai, the country’s progressive reforms, tax incentives, and world-class infrastructure make it an obvious next step for scaling up operations and entering new markets. In this article, we’ll explore the main reasons why entrepreneurs are expanding their business to the UAE — from economic advantages and access to global trade routes to lifestyle benefits and government support. A strategic global location One of the most compelling reasons to expand to the UAE is its prime geographical position. Located between Europe, Asia, and Africa, the country acts as a natural bridge connecting global markets. Entrepreneurs benefit from: Access to 2 billion consumers within a four-hour flight radiusWorld-class logistics hubs, including Dubai International Airport and Jebel Ali Port—two of the busiest in the worldTime zone advantage, allowing businesses to operate efficiently across both eastern and western markets For e-commerce companies, manufacturers, and service providers, this strategic positioning enables faster trade, lower transportation costs, and smoother global coordination. The UAE’s connectivity through air, sea, and digital infrastructure makes it the ultimate gateway for international expansion. Investor-friendly business environment The UAE government continues to implement reforms that make doing business simpler, faster, and more transparent. Over the years, the country has built a reputation as one of the most business-friendly destinations in the world — reflected in its consistently high ranking on global ease-of-doing-business indexes. Some of the standout features include: 100% foreign ownership in most business sectorsNo personal income tax and highly competitive corporate tax ratesEase of company formation through digital and paperless systemsStable and reliable legal framework based on international standards Free zones across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah further simplify the process by offering entrepreneurs attractive benefits such as zero customs duties, full profit repatriation, and streamlined licensing procedures. These factors combine to create a stable, transparent, and investor-friendly environment that nurtures business growth. Access to a diversified and resilient economy While the UAE’s economy was once largely dependent on oil, today it is one of the most diversified in the region. Non-oil sectors such as tourism, logistics, finance, technology, healthcare, and renewable energy now contribute significantly to the country’s GDP. This diversification offers entrepreneurs a range of opportunities to invest and expand: Technology and innovation: Dubai and Abu Dhabi are developing into regional innovation hubs, home to incubators, accelerators, and fintech companies.Tourism and hospitality: Millions of visitors travel to the UAE every year, creating demand for unique experiences, services, and products.Green energy and sustainability: The UAE’s Vision 2031 and Net Zero 2050 strategies open the door to investors in clean technology and sustainability. By operating in a diversified economy, entrepreneurs reduce risk exposure to single-sector fluctuations and position themselves within an ecosystem built for long-term growth. Advanced infrastructure and digital transformation Another reason why global entrepreneurs are drawn to the UAE is its state-of-the-art infrastructure and commitment to digital innovation. The country consistently ranks among the top globally in infrastructure quality, telecommunications, and smart city initiatives. Key infrastructure advantages: High-speed connectivity and widespread 5G coverageWorld-leading ports and logistics facilities for seamless imports and exportsFree zone and business parks designed specifically for startups and international companiesSmart government services that allow entrepreneurs to handle business registration, licensing, and visa applications online Dubai’s and Abu Dhabi’s ongoing push toward becoming fully digital economies means that entrepreneurs can easily manage operations remotely, leverage e-government platforms, and integrate new technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain into their business models. This focus on innovation creates a competitive edge for businesses that rely on automation, data analytics, and digital tools to scale efficiently. Quality of life and talent attraction Beyond its business advantages, the UAE offers one of the highest standards of living in the world, making it an appealing destination for entrepreneurs and employees alike. Safe cities, modern healthcare, world-class education, and a vibrant multicultural community attract top talent from across the globe. Lifestyle and workforce benefits include:A cosmopolitan environment with residents from over 200 nationalitiesTax-free personal income, allowing professionals to maximize earningsAccess to skilled labor, particularly in finance, technology, and creative industriesResidency and long-term visa options for investors, business owners, and highly skilled workers Entrepreneurs who establish their companies in the UAE can also benefit from programs such as the Golden Visa and the Green Visa, which offer long-term residency and stability for business owners and their families. This combination of professional opportunity and exceptional lifestyle makes the UAE not only a place to do business but also a place to build a future. **media[372572]** The UAE continues to attract entrepreneurs and investors from every corner of the world — and for good reason. Its strategic location, pro-business policies, diverse economy, world-class infrastructure, and exceptional quality of life make it one of the best places globally to expand operations and achieve long-term growth. For entrepreneurs exploring business setup in Dubai, the country provides everything needed for success: stability, innovation, access to global markets, and an environment designed for entrepreneurship. Expanding your business to the UAE isn’t just a smart move — it’s a step toward building a brand that thrives on the global stage.

The price of a barrel of Kuwaiti oil fell by USD 1.25, reaching USD 62.52 per barrel in trading on Friday, compared to USD 63.77 on Thursday, according to the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation.In global markets, the settlement price of Brent crude futures rose 23 cents to USD 61.29 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures also increased 8 cents to USD 57.54.

The price of a barrel of Kuwaiti oil fell by USD 1.38, reaching USD 64.73 per barrel in trading Monday, compared to USD 66.11 last Friday, according to the price announced by the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation today. In global markets, the settlement price of Brent Crude futures fell 59 cents to USD 63.32 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures also fell 59 cents to USD 59.49.

A top LuLu Group executive has called on Indian companies to shift from “transactional trade” to strategic investment and view Qatar as a launchpad for global markets.Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the Qatar-India Joint Business Council meeting organised in Doha by Qatar Chamber, Dr Mohamed Althaf, Global Director of LuLu Group International, underscored Qatar’s world-class infrastructure, favourable tax regime, and access to major international trade corridors. He said: “Indian companies should look to Qatar as a springboard for global markets... they should think that this country also offers enormous infrastructure in terms of business, trade, and investments.”Dr Althaf noted that Qatar “has crossed beyond outdated models on commodity exchange” and “the buy and sell type of transaction,” and emphasised that the LNG-rich Gulf state has positioned itself as an investment destination with world-class infrastructure.He pointed to the recent visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to India, emphasising the reciprocal engagement of major investment houses “as signs of a maturing partnership”. “What we are looking at now is inward investment into Qatar, joint ventures, collaborations, and co-creative businesses,” Dr Althaf stressed.Dr Althaf emphasised that Qatar’s economic platform is well-positioned to support Indian firms in the smart manufacturing and digital transformation sectors, saying: “They have access to global markets and investment houses. India also has tremendous potential in terms of a lot of good startups and technology firms. That will be a very good synergy.”

QatarEnergy has signed a long-term sales and purchase agreement (SPA) with Messer for the supply of 100mn cubic feet per annum of high-purity helium from Qatar’s world-class facilities in Ras Laffan to global markets.This marks QatarEnergy’s first direct long-term SPA with Messer, the largest privately held industrial gases company, headquartered in Germany. The SPA signing was hosted by His Excellency Saad Sherida al-Kaabi, the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, the president and chief executive officer of QatarEnergy, and attended by Bernd Eulitz, Global chief executive officer of Messer SE & Co., during a special ceremony held at QatarEnergy’s headquarters in Doha. The event was attended by senior executives from both companies."Messer is a leading global supplier of helium with a strong reputation and diverse assets. We are delighted to enter into our first direct agreement with Messer and to continue providing high-quality helium to the world through reliable partners," al-Kaabi said.This pact, according to him, underscores QatarEnergy’s commitment to delivering reliable resources from one of the world’s largest helium producers to support fast-growing industries worldwide.Helium plays a critical role in advanced technologies, including MRI scanners, semiconductor manufacturing, quantum computing, fiber optics, and space exploration.