Digital Transformation And Energy Transition To Fuel ‘Insatiable Demand' For Critical Minerals, UAE And Mena Region Positioned To Capitalise, Finds New DMCC Report
The accelerating demand for critical minerals, fuelled by digitalisation, AI and the global energy transition, is reshaping the international trade and investment landscape with projections that 'insatiable demand' for certain minerals could surge to 75 times current levels by 2050.
Titled 'The Critical Minerals Race: Trade, Supply and Transition', the special edition Future of Trade report by DMCC – the leading international business district that drives the flow of global trade through Dubai – highlights the unprecedented demand for resources such as lithium, cobalt, nickel and rare earth elements to meet production needs of electric vehicles, renewable energy and next-generation technologies. The report also outlines the structural vulnerabilities in critical minerals supply chains, including geographic concentration of resources, notably in China, Russia, Australia and Latin America, that is compounding trade regionalisation and risks such as geopolitics, resource nationalism and supply bottlenecks.
Against this increasingly competitive global landscape, the MENA region is emerging as an increasingly important hub in the supply chain. With an expansive trade network and infrastructure, access to low-cost energy and significant investment capital, countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia are making strategic moves to invest in global mining projects, expand refining capacity, and forge new trade partnerships. These efforts place the region at the centre of a rapidly evolving critical minerals market which has significant bearings on the future of energy and global digital transformation.
Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DMCC, said: " The demand for critical minerals such as copper, cobalt, lithium, manganese and graphite has reached unprecedented levels, driven by the accelerating need to power key industries – from electric vehicles and semiconductors to energy storage and artificial intelligence. This demand is projected to surge up to 75 times current levels, profoundly reshaping global trade flows, supply chains, and government industrial policies. Within this global race for critical minerals, our latest Future of Trade report highlights the UAE and Dubai's growing role, underpinned by our world-class infrastructure, strategic trade partnerships and ease of doing business that will drive resilience, innovation and growth for global businesses.'
Feryal Ahmadi, Chief Operating Officer, DMCC, added: 'Amid intensifying trade tensions and growing industrial competition, our latest Future of Trade report highlights the pivotal role critical minerals play in shaping the global economy. With cutting-edge insights, expert analysis, and strategic policy and business recommendations, this report offers actionable insights to empower all stakeholders involved in the critical minerals trade. As DMCC continues to build an environment optimised for business growth, we look forward to working closely with our members to navigate these challenges, unlock growth opportunities and strengthen global trade resilience overall.'
The Future of Trade report outlines several key recommendations for governments and businesses to drive the evolution of the critical minerals industry and secure future growth, including:
Leverage Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborate with private sector partners to unlock mineral reserves, enhance technology capabilities and attract investment.Invest in Innovation: Support research into alternative technologies, such as sodium-ion batteries, to reduce reliance on scarce minerals.Attract Processing Investments: Capitalise on access to low-cost energy to develop domestic refining capabilities and support industrial growth.Manage Supply Risks: Use futures markets, long-term contracts and partnerships with suppliers to reduce exposure to price volatility and supply shocks.Develop Downstream Industries: Invest in battery manufacturing, solar cells and renewable technologies to strengthen demand and build industrial ecosystems.Support Clear Regulations: Work with policymakers to foster competitive, clear regulations that encourage critical mineral investment.
This special edition of the Future of Trade report builds on the success of previous editions, which have positioned DMCC as a leading voice on global trade trends. The report series has garnered widespread engagement, with over 2.5 million downloads and views, reflecting its value as a key resource for industry leaders and policymakers shaping the future of global trade.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Bawaba
30-05-2025
- Al Bawaba
DGCX Joins Arab Federation of Capital Markets Committee to Strengthen Regional Capital Markets
The Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange (DGCX) has announced its acceptance into the Arab Federation of Capital Market's (AFCM) Business Development Committee. The appointment reflects DGCX's expertise in regulatory oversight, risk management and product innovation, reinforcing its position as a leading regional player in derivatives trading and financial market AFCM, established in 1978 as the principal body for Arab stock exchanges, plays a critical role in enhancing collaboration and standardising best practices across the region. By joining the Business Development Committee, DGCX will contribute to key initiatives that strengthen regional capital markets, including:• Coordinating operational rules and regulations governing trading across Arab exchanges.• Proposing legislative reforms to support market activity.• Developing strategies to boost trading volumes and liquidity.• Setting strategy to develop business of brokerage and exchange companies.• Encouraging knowledge exchange among Arab exchanges.• Engaging external experts to enhance market Bin Sulayem, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DGCX, commented: 'DGCX's appointment to the Business Development Committee of the Arab Federation of Capital Markets underscores our pivotal role in the region's financial and commodities landscape. As the largest and most diversified derivatives exchange in the Middle East, DGCX brings deep expertise in market innovation, risk management and regulatory alignment. This recognition not only reinforces our commitment to advancing capital markets across the Arab world but also strengthens Dubai's position as a leading global centre for commodities and financial services.'DGCX has been an active member of the AFCM and is serving on its Audit & Governance Committee. Already underway with its participation at the AFCM annual conference in Tunisia, the Exchange's contribution to the Business Development Committee underscores its ongoing commitment to enhancing regional market structures, expanding product offerings and fostering greater collaboration across the development also elevates the profile of the Dubai Commodities Clearing Corporation (DCCC), DGCX's clearing house, which plays a crucial role in ensuring financial stability and risk mitigation in derivatives trading. With this strategic step, DGCX reaffirms its leadership in financial markets across the Arab world, contributing to an integrated, transparent and globally competitive regional trading environment. © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba ( Signal PressWire is the world's largest independent Middle East PR distribution service.
Al Bawaba
26-05-2025
- Al Bawaba
DMCC And Ellington Properties Break Ground On Award-winning Mercer House In Uptown Dubai
DMCC, the leading international business district that drives the flow of global trade through Dubai, and Ellington Properties, Dubai's award-winning design-led boutique developer, have broken ground on Mercer House, an iconic upscale residential development anchoring Uptown Dubai's status as a global lifestyle destination. The mixed-use development will comprise two elegant towers rising 34 and 41 storeys, featuring a range of premium property types designed to suit diverse lifestyles, including studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments as well as luxurious penthouses. Mercer House will offer a unique blend of lifestyle, wellness and community living, featuring premium retail and F&B outlets, as well as an exclusive urban beach club with natural sand, delivering a truly elevated residential experience in one of Dubai's most strategically positioned districts. Residents will enjoy access to a wide array of amenities, including a grand lobby, multi-sports facility, family pool, kids' play area, games room, fitness studio, scenic sauna, ice room, and an exclusive clubhouse, all designed to foster wellbeing, recreation, and community interaction. Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DMCC, said: 'This groundbreaking marks a major milestone in our vision to transform Uptown Dubai into a world-class lifestyle destination. Rising across two towers of 34 and 41 residential floors, Mercer House will feature a diverse range of residences – from stylish studios and one- to three-bedroom apartments to expansive penthouses – alongside standout and unique amenities including an urban beach club, premium retail, and wellness spaces designed for vibrant and healthy community living. As development accelerates, Uptown Dubai is setting the benchmark for integrated city living, connecting residents, businesses, and visitors through world-class infrastructure and a vibrant community environment.' Joseph Thomas, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Ellington Properties, added: 'At Ellington, we design more than buildings – we create spaces that elevate everyday living through thoughtful design and community-centric experiences. Mercer House represents our boldest vision yet: a landmark that reflects the evolving aspirations of modern residents in one of Dubai's most dynamic districts. Through our collaboration with DMCC, we are not just building homes – we're helping shape a lifestyle destination defined by quality, wellbeing, and connection.' Mercer House is located at the heart of the Uptown Dubai masterplan and will play a key role in reinforcing its reputation as a global business and lifestyle destination. Developed by Ellington Properties in collaboration with DMCC, the project combines DMCC's strategic vision for urban development with Ellington's signature approach to design-led, lifestyle-focused living. The development aligns with DMCC's strategic mission to attract leading international businesses and top talent to Dubai not only through world-class commercial infrastructure, but also by creating exceptional residential environments designed for modern, connected living. The groundbreaking of Mercer House marks a key milestone in the transformation of Uptown Dubai into a benchmark for integrated city living, bringing together world-class infrastructure, vibrant community spaces, and modern residential offerings. Mercer House was recently honoured at the International Property Awards, earning top recognition in the Mixed-Use Development category and reinforcing its excellence in design and innovation.
Al Bawaba
22-05-2025
- Al Bawaba
DMCC Sees 13% Growth In Singaporean Companies As It Concludes First-ever Roadshow In Singapore, Signs Hawksford As Local Partner
DMCC, the leading international business district that drives the flow of global trade through Dubai, has announced growth of 13% of companies from Singapore joining its international business district in the past 12 months. The figures were revealed during DMCC's first-ever roadshow on the ground in Singapore as part of its efforts to attract Singaporean business to Dubai, and mean DMCC is now home to over half of the estimated total Singaporean businesses operating in the UAE. A new partnership with Hawksford, the international business services provider, will streamline company setup in DMCC's district. Hawksford will provide advisory and registration, accounting and tax support to businesses, attracting new companies to DMCC – particularly from the technology, innovation and sustainability sectors – and enabling them to set up, scale and operate seamlessly from Dubai. Singapore represents one of DMCC's strategic target markets, with a range of opportunities across tech, commodities and trade underpinned by a deepening relationship as Singaporean firms seek efficiencies through Dubai. With nearly 400 Singaporean companies now registered in DMCC, the business district is rapidly expanding its status as a critical gateway for businesses from Southeast Asia looking to grow internationally. The event saw senior DMCC executives engage directly with over 100 Singaporean business leaders, providing tailored insights into how Dubai can serve as a launchpad for international growth and investment diversification. Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DMCC, said: 'Our first in-person Made For Trade Live roadshow in Singapore comes at a time of accelerating cooperation between our two nations, with bilateral trade reaching USD 18.7 billion last year. This momentum is echoed by a 13% rise in Singaporean companies joining DMCC over the past 12 months, bringing the total to nearly 400 – accounting for more than half of all Singaporean businesses in the UAE. As our partnership deepens, our new agreement with Hawksford as our local partner will further reinforce DMCC's position as the business district of choice for Singaporean firms seeking global expansion from Dubai.' Tommaso Barindelli, Head of Business Development, Hawksford Dubai, added: 'We are delighted to be appointed as an International Service Provider by DMCC. With our on-the-ground expertise in Singapore and other key markets, we are ideally placed to help clients seize the unique advantages of DMCC and Dubai – whether they are entering the UAE for the first time or looking to expand across Asia, the Middle East and Africa. This partnership marks a significant milestone for our firm and a valuable opportunity for our current and future clients.' The partnership with Hawksford forms part of DMCC's broader strategy to build a strong global network of referral partners, easing the company formation journey for foreign investors and ensuring tailored support across jurisdictions. DMCC is currently home to over 25,000 companies from 180 countries, covering every sector and industry. The district contributes 15% of Dubai's annual FDI inflows and in accounting for 7% of Dubai's GDP, it remains a key driver of the emirate's position as a leading hub for international business.
