logo
Mideast Stocks: UAE stocks rise as oil gains on IEA's market outlook

Mideast Stocks: UAE stocks rise as oil gains on IEA's market outlook

Zawya11-07-2025
Stock markets in the United Arab Emirates rebounded on Friday, led by gains in oil prices, while U.S. tariffs and possible further sanctions on Russia were also in focus. Crude prices rose after the International Energy Agency said on Friday the global oil market may be tighter than it appears, with demand supported by peak summer refinery runs to meet travel and power-generation.
Brent crude was up 0.5% at $68.99 a barrel as of 1110 GMT. Dubai's main market rose by 0.4%, hitting a fresh 17-year peak as its upward momentum entered into a third straight week of gains.
Real estate stocks also drove gains in the index, with market heavyweight Emaar Properties advancing 1.4%, while business park operator Tecom Group added 1.8%. Among financials, Ajman Bank was one of the top performers, jumping 3.4% after the Ajman government raised its stake in the lender to 31.1%.
Abu Dhabi's benchmark index inched 0.2% higher, supported by a 2.5% increase in IHC-owned investment firm Multiply Group and 2.4% rise in real estate giant Aldar Properties.
Separately, Adnoc Gas signed a three-year LNG supply agreement worth AED 1.5 billion ($408.42 million) with Germany's SEFE, although the Abu Dhabi-based company's shares closed unchanged. For the week, Dubai's index recorded a 1.8% gain, while Abu Dhabi's index rose 0.8%, according to data from LSEG.
($1 = 3.6727 UAE dirham)
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

HONOR's Laurance Li on the Magic V5, AI's impact and future of foldables
HONOR's Laurance Li on the Magic V5, AI's impact and future of foldables

Gulf Business

timean hour ago

  • Gulf Business

HONOR's Laurance Li on the Magic V5, AI's impact and future of foldables

The foldable smartphone segment is rapidly moving beyond its nascent stages, transforming into a mature category that blends cutting-edge technology with practical, daily utility. In the Middle East, a region characterised for its love of digital innovation and premium devices, the introduction of a new flagship foldable carries significant weight. HONOR recently unveiled its Magic V5 foldable in Dubai, a device meticulously engineered to redefine the user experience through a convergence of advanced hardware and deeply integrated artificial intelligence. We chatted with t o delve deeper into the technical advancements, strategic market positioning, and HONOR's overarching vision for the future of foldables, Redefining durability and power When discussing the core upgrades and engineering breakthroughs of the HONOR Magic V5, Laurance Li emphasised the company's long-standing commitment to making foldables a seamless part of everyday life. He noted that while HONOR has consistently pushed the boundaries of slimness, from the Magic V2's 9.9mm to the Magic V5's remarkable 8.8mm, thinness is merely one dimension of innovation. The Magic V5 primarily addresses critical user concerns: reducing bulk, extending battery life, enhancing durability, and improving photography capabilities. The device's robust design is anchored by the HONOR Super Steel Hinge , a component subjected to rigorous testing to endure 500,000 folds . This hinge also showcases impressive structural integrity, demonstrating its ability to lift a weight of 100 kilogrammes under controlled conditions – a feat recognised by a new Guinness World Record. Further fortifying its resilience, the Magic V5 holds IP58 and IP59 dust and water resistance ratings . The inner display panel is protected by a NanoCrystal Shield , which offers a 15 times greater scratch resistance compared to standard glass. Powering this advanced hardware is a 5,820mAh silicon-carbon battery , which Li said is the 'industry's largest battery in a foldable device'. This battery features 15 per cent higher silicon content for enhanced efficiency, providing ample power for extended use. Charging capabilities are equally robust, supporting both 66W wired and 50W wireless HONOR SuperCharge . Li emphasised that this engineering prowess is rooted in HONOR's manufacturing philosophy. 'At the core of this engineering is HONOR's AI Manufacturing process, the industry's most advanced AI-powered production system, which enhances structural precision, durability, and design integrity,' he stated. This commitment is supported by substantial investment in research and development, with over 70 per cent of HONOR's workforce dedicated to R&D , and 11.5 per cent of the company's annual revenue reinvested into innovation . AI at its core: Enhancing productivity and communication Artificial intelligence forms a central pillar of the Magic V5's user experience, particularly in enhancing productivity and communication. Laurance Li detailed how the device is designed to offer an 'AI-first experience' through several integrated features. A significant innovation is the Magic Sidebar , an intelligent, context-aware panel that dynamically adapts to user activity. 'This smart feature suggests helpful features on the side bar based on what you're doing,' Li explained. This intuitive design eliminates the need for users to switch between apps for common tasks like translation or summarization, ensuring that 'everything you need appears right when you need it.' The device's operating system has been 'reinvented… to enable better collaboration between hardware and software based on understanding of user intents,' incorporating a unique 'human-based kernel to learn about and analyse user habits, personal intents as well as the environment.' The Magic V5 also features deep integration with Google Gemini . 'Central to this is Gemini Live, an AI assistant designed for real-time interaction and multitasking,' Li clarified. Gemini Live's capabilities extend to analysing live video feeds to identify objects, text, and scenes, providing instant insights without requiring users to leave their current application. It also supports screen sharing with the AI assistant, allowing the device to understand and summarise complex content, such as legal documents or financial charts, and offer context-aware assistance. For seamless access, the innovative 'Tap Tap' interaction allows users to launch Gemini simply by double-tapping the back of the device. Beyond these broad AI capabilities, the Magic V5 integrates on-device AI for specific, critical functionalities: AI call translation: Powered by HONOR's on-device call translation large model, this feature ensures complete privacy by processing audio locally. It enables smooth real-time phone conversations between users speaking different languages, with only one party needing an HONOR device. AI photography: The HONOR AI Super Zoom leverages an on-device AI RAW model to enhance image clarity and sharpness up to 30x zoom . For higher zoom levels, cloud processing is utilised to further improve image quality. AI security: 'HONOR Deepfake Detection also operates fully on-device to identify AI-generated face manipulations during video calls,' providing a crucial layer of privacy and security in an era of increasing AI-driven misinformation. Li envisions a future where 'smartphones will evolve from being just tools into intelligent companions that understand your preferences, anticipate your needs, help solve complex problems, and inspire creativity.' Strategic market focus: Tailoring for the tech-savvy GCC The UAE and wider GCC region play a pivotal role in HONOR's global foldable strategy. Li highlighted that 'The GCC region is one of the most dynamic and promising markets in the world for technology. Consumers here are highly tech-savvy, open to innovation, and quick to adopt new technologies, especially in areas like AI, advanced smartphones, and gaming.' 'This strong demand makes the region 'an ideal launchpad for our most sophisticated devices,' he said. The Magic V5 has been deliberately tailored to meet the needs of this discerning audience, designed to be 'the perfect lifestyle companion for UAE users with busy, connected lives,' through its combination of advanced hardware and intelligent AI experiences. A key localised integration for the UAE market is the pre-installation of the UAE PASS app . This app, developed in partnership with the UAE's Digital Government Regulatory Authority, provides users with secure and seamless access to government and private sector services from the moment they activate their device, showcasing HONOR's commitment to delivering meaningful, locally relevant digital solutions. Competitive landscape and market position Li articulated HONOR's perspective on the competitive landscape: 'At HONOR, we welcome competition as a catalyst for innovation and growth within the foldable market.' He views the entry of new players as validation of increasing consumer interest. 'HONOR has been a pioneer in the foldable space, consistently pushing the boundaries of technology and design with each generation of our foldable smartphones,' he asserted. The company's strategy focuses on creating devices that are not only 'as lightweight and comfortable to hold as bar phones, but also deliver a premium user experience.' While specific country-by-country market share figures were not disclosed, Li shared internal data indicating HONOR's rapid growth. 'HONOR is the fastest-growing tech brand in the MENA region, with shipments rising over 83 per cent — a milestone no other smartphone brand here has achieved.' In the UAE specifically, 'our sales in the first half of 2025 increased by 75 per cent compared to the same period in 2024.' He also noted that the HONOR Magic V3 'doubled foldable shipments', and the HONOR 400 series 'grew by 200 per cent', signifying strong consumer adoption for both foldable and traditional flagship smartphones. Pre-order, availability, and expanding ecosystem The HONOR Magic V5 will be available in the UAE at a price of Dhs 6,499 ($1,799) . Pre-orders commenced on Thursday, August 14 , with the device officially hitting shelves on Thursday, August 21. For early adopters, Dhs3,695 . This package includes a Bose Speaker, HONOR Magic Pen, and an additional HONOR Magic V5 Case . Crucially, it also features HONOR VIP Care+ , which provides 12-month screen protection (covering one free replacement for both the inner and outer screens, with no cost for parts or labour). Purchases made after the initial month will still receive six months of screen protection. The VIP Care+ package further includes 24-month customised service for up to eight sessions. The Magic V5 is offered in four elegant color options: Dawn Gold, Ivory White, Reddish Brown, and Black. Pre-orders are available through the HONOR Online Store, HONOR Experience Stores, and a wide network of retail partners, including Sharaf DG, Emax, Jumbo, Lulu, Carrefour, Eros, Etisalat by e&, Du, Virgin Megastore, Amazon, Noon, KM Trading, and Ecity. Beyond the foldable, the launch event also showcased HONOR's commitment to expanding its broader AI device ecosystem. The HONOR Magic Pad 3 tablet features a 13.3-inch 165Hz HONOR Eye Comfort Display, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform, 8 speakers with HONOR Spatial Audio, and a large 12,450mAh silicon-carbon battery, all within an ultra-slim 5.79mm and lightweight 595g design. The HONOR MagicBook Art 14 2025 laptop, designed for portability and performance, weighs just 1kg, is only 1cm thick, and features a 1600nit HONOR Eye Comfort Display. These devices, alongside the Magic V5, leverage HONOR Share , a cross-platform file transfer and syncing technology that allows instant content sharing across various operating systems, illustrating HONOR's strategic shift toward becoming a global AI device ecosystem leader.

Al Reem Island property prices surge 38% in Q2 2025, cementing lead as Abu Dhabi's top investment hotspot
Al Reem Island property prices surge 38% in Q2 2025, cementing lead as Abu Dhabi's top investment hotspot

Arabian Business

time4 hours ago

  • Arabian Business

Al Reem Island property prices surge 38% in Q2 2025, cementing lead as Abu Dhabi's top investment hotspot

Al Reem Island has reinforced its position as Abu Dhabi's premier residential investment destination, recording a 38 per cent year-on-year rise in off-plan property weighted average prices in Q2 2025, according to analysis by international developer MERED using Quanta transaction data. Other leading areas also posted strong growth, with Khalifa City up 24 per cent and Jubail Island up 20 per cent, underscoring the capital's buoyant real estate market. Al Reem Island's popularity extends to rentals, where apartment rents climbed 21 per cent year-on-year in Q2 2025, supported by a mix of high-quality infrastructure, waterfront living, Grade-A offices, diverse retail, advanced healthcare, and the 1,000,000sq ft Reem Central Park. Abu Dhabi real estate Strategically positioned between Abu Dhabi's mainland business district and Saadiyat Island's cultural attractions, the island offers a fully integrated 'live-work-play' lifestyle. Building on this momentum, MERED is developing a design-led waterfront project across two prime plots totalling more than 23,400sq m within the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). The scheme, crafted by Pritzker Prize-winning architects, aims to set a new benchmark for super-prime living in the UAE capital. Artemiy Marinin, Project Director at MERED, said: 'Al Reem Island has unequivocally established itself as Abu Dhabi's premier residential destination. Average prices in waterfront projects have exceeded AED 1,800 ($490)per square foot, with new projects launched at even higher prices. 'We're proud to contribute to this dynamic market with our forthcoming project, offering direct sea views and architectural distinction crafted by Pritzker Prize-winning visionaries.' The island's growth has been boosted by ADGM's April 2023 jurisdiction expansion to Reem Island, which has attracted more than 1,100 new businesses and lifted total registrations past 11,000. The influx of high-earning professionals has reinforced its status as the residential hub of choice for ADGM. With sustained price growth, rising rents, and a steady pipeline of landmark developments, Al Reem Island is poised to remain Abu Dhabi's go-to address for luxury living and long-term investment.

Dubai's economy grew 4% in first quarter on diversification boost
Dubai's economy grew 4% in first quarter on diversification boost

The National

time4 hours ago

  • The National

Dubai's economy grew 4% in first quarter on diversification boost

Dubai's economy grew by 4 per cent annually in the first quarter of 2025, backed by expansion across several key sectors. The emirate's gross domestic product rose to Dh119.7 billion ($32.6 billion) in the three months that ended in March, Dubai Media Office said on Thursday. The growth was driven by 'strong performances' in key sectors, with human health and social work posting the highest year-on-year growth rate at 26 per cent to hit Dh1.9 billion, it said. In terms of value, the wholesale and retail trade sector was the biggest at Dh27.5 billion, up 4.5 per cent year-on-year and contributing nearly a quarter to Dubai's economy in the first three months. Activity in real estate, one of Dubai's most important sectors, rose 7.8 per cent to about Dh9 billion. The volume and value of real estate transactions in Dubai rose sharply in the first half of the year amid the entry of more than 59,000 new investors into the booming market, Dubai Media Office said last month, quoting Dubai Land Department data. The number of transactions reached 125,538, up nearly 26 per cent from 99,947 during the first six months of last year. The value of these transactions rose about 25 per cent to about Dh431 billion, 'highlighting the strong growth momentum in the market', the report said. In the first quarter, financial and insurance, another key industry in Dubai, grew 5.9 per cent to Dh16 billion. Manufacturing grew 3.3 per cent to Dh8.7 billion. Accommodation and food services posted a 3.4 per cent increase to reach Dh4.9 billion, the report found. Dubai received 9.88 million international visitors in the first six months of 2025, Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed said this month. Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism said the latest figure represents a 6 per cent year-on-year increase. The data highlights Dubai's continuing growth as a global tourism hub, after the city welcomed a record 18.72 million international visitors last year. Meanwhile, transport and storage added 2 per cent to Dubai's GDP in the second quarter, at Dh15.7 billion. Information and telecoms rose 3.2 per cent to Dh5.3 billion. Overall, the trade, real estate, financial services, transport and industry sectors collectively contributed about 78 per cent of Dubai's total growth, the media office said. 'At a time when businesses, investors and entrepreneurs are seeking stability and certainty, Dubai's sustained and diversified economic growth continues to underscore its global appeal,' said Hadi Badri, chief executive of Dubai Economic Development Corporation. The emirate remains focused on boosting domestic and international partnerships through strategic initiatives to unlock "new opportunities, enabling innovation, and turning ideas and plans into scaleable, commercial successes", he added. Dubai's economy has been expanding on the back of several government initiatives aimed at encouraging entrepreneurship and attracting international investments The emirate is currently working towards its Dubai Economic Agenda, or D33, which aims to double the size of its economy to Dh32 trillion over the next decade and establish the emirate among the top three global cities. The wider UAE has also undergone robust growth in its economy, which expanded by 4 per cent in 2024 to hit Dh1.776 trillion, driven by its non-oil sector as the country continues to diversify, official data showed in June. The World Bank in June upgraded its economic growth forecast for the UAE to 4.6 per cent this year, up from its 4 per cent projection in January. Emirates NBD, Dubai's biggest bank by assets, expects the emirate's economy accelerate to 3.7 per cent this year on the back of substantial project spending from both the private and public sectors. foreign direct investments. The Emirates, which received Dh167 billion in FDI last year, aims to increase that figure to Dh1.3 trillion by 2031.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store