Latest news with #DPWorld
Arabian Business
13 hours ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
chemical distributor
Despite the 2020 crisis and the delayed economic recovery, the petrochem sector is poised for significant growth in the decades ahead, DP World's chief commercial officer said
What's On
a day ago
- Entertainment
- What's On
Lace up: Dubai Fitness Challenge returns this November
Here's what we know… Great news, folks! The Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) – aka the 30×30 challenge, returns to Dubai this November 2025. The DFC is highly popular with UAE residents and is now in its ninth edition. It returns for 30 days from Saturday, November 1 to 30, 2025. *The best new Pilates studios in Dubai* Haven't heard of the Dubai Fitness Challenge? It's an annual event launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. The first edition took place back in 2017. It is part of Sheikh Hamdan's vision to transform Dubai into one of the world's most active cities. And it looks like his vision is working because, so far, over the eight editions, more than 13 million people have taken part in the Dubai Fitness Challenge. Basically, those who sign up for the challenge, have to make a commitment to themselves to exercise for 30 minutes a day for 30 days (30×30… get it?) And you don't have to do it alone. You can join others who have signed up for the movement at community events all across the city. People of all ages and cultural backgrounds come together, to not only support each other but also to foster a culture of health and vitality across Dubai. Commenting on the impact of DFC, His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council and CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation stated, 'The success of the Dubai Fitness Challenge would not have been possible without the passion, energy, and commitment of our community.' He added, 'Since its launch in 2017, DFC has grown into a citywide movement embraced by the people of Dubai – transforming the city into a world-class sporting hub. With 2025 declared the Year of Community in the UAE, I am confident that this year's edition will once again unite friends, families, and organisations in the shared pursuit of a healthier, more active lifestyle.' *17 free fitness classes in Dubai to try for the first time* What does the Dubai Fitness Challenge 2025 calendar look like? During the DFC in November, you can expect 30 days of free and inclusive fitness events, fitness villages, community hubs, classes, and activities. In short, expect Dubai to turn into a city-wide gym. A new flagship event has been introduced for the ninth edition: Dubai Yoga where you can enjoy sunset yoga sessions on November 30. Other popular events that are returning on the calendar include Dubai Ride (presented by DP World) November 2, Dubai Stand-Up Paddle on November 8 and 9 November, and Dubai Run (presented by Mai Dubai) on November 23. For all the latest updates, visit and of course, check back in with us on closer to the event.
The National
2 days ago
- Business
- The National
Kazakhstan looks to Gulf investment as it develops the next Silk Road
Kazakhstan is working to attract more investment from Gulf states as it develops transport routes akin to the ancient Silk Road between Europe and China, the country's deputy foreign minister has told The National. Gulf countries have poured investment into the oil and mineral rich central Asian country, deputy minister Roman Vassilenko said in an interview at the Astana International Forum in Kazakhstan's capital. These nations are seen as "an important source of potential investment', he said. Emirati transport and logistics giants including AD Ports Group and DP World already work at trade and port hubs in Kazakhstan. The country is expanding capacity on the so-called 'middle corridor', a trade route following similar paths to the Silk Road, connecting China with Europe through Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey. Several agreements were signed with the UAE when Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, visited Astana last month, Mr Vassilenko said, in sectors such as artificial intelligence, health care, renewable energy and infrastructure. Kazakhstan's foreign policy stands on several legs. Russia is one. China is another one. Central Asian neighbours have a special place, of course, then the West, and then the Arab world Roman Vassilenko, deputy foreign minister of Kazakhstan AD Ports Group, the operator of industrial cities and free zones in Abu Dhabi, said it plans to invest another $600 million to expand its operations in Kazakhstan, and aims to develop a multipurpose terminal to improve trade and expand its fleet in the Caspian Sea. The investment in trade infrastructure comes as countries look to shore up supply routes for consumer goods and commodities and protect against shocks similar to those caused by the coronavirus pandemic and economic and political instability. 'Abu Dhabi Ports is already working to help Kazakhstan develop maritime infrastructure on the Caspian Sea, as well as building up tankers for transporting our oil across it,' Mr Vassilenko said. 'That is, of course, also part of the solution to the challenges that we face as we try to develop the middle corridor.' The volume of products traded on the route, including crude oil and consumer goods, has increased from 560,000 tonnes in 2021 to 4.5 million tonnes last year, Mr Vassilenko said. Relationships with the Gulf countries are focused on trade and investment, Mr Vassilenko added. Kazakhstan's wealth of hydrocarbon and mineral resources, and keenness to widen its trading base beyond traditional allies Russia and China, mean that much of its foreign policy centres around finances and economics. Ties with major powers remain important – Beijing and Moscow are Astana's largest trade partners, followed by the EU. But Kazakhstan is looking elsewhere too. 'Kazakhstan's foreign policy is sort of standing on several legs,' Mr Vassilenko said. 'Russia is one. China is another one. Central Asian neighbours have a special place, of course, then the West, and then the Arab world. It's all part of the concerted vision that we have pursued ever since independence.' Sanctions on both Russia and Iran have complicated trade for Kazakhstan and its central Asian neighbours, creating more need to bolster routes such as the middle corridor that travel through neither's land territory. Astana has adopted a neutral position on the conflict since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. It continues to do business with Russia, from where goods from face wash to breakfast cereal and vodka fill the supermarkets of Astana. Conflict and instability in Afghanistan have also limited north-south trading routes. 'We are not only landlocked, but we are also limited in our options, so we can trade via Russia, and we have been doing this throughout our independence,' Mr Vassinlenko said. 'Yet, we now understand that we need to develop alternative routes, and that's why the middle corridor comes in handy.' When it comes to Iran, Astana sees 'enormous' potential for trade, especially for transit to third countries, said Mr Vassilenko, who added that there are prospects for much better relations if ongoing talks between Tehran and the US reach fruition and sanctions on Iran are lifted. Sharing a naval border in the Caspian Sea, Iran and Kazakhstan had a trade volume of $303 million in 2023, according to the Observatory for Economic Complexity. The trade was dominated by Iranian exports to Kazakhstan, mostly of polymers, ceramics and tropical fruit. 'The opportunities of trading via Iran with the world for Kazakhstan are enormous, and yet they are limited now,' Mr Vassilenko said. 'Now you can still send goods via Iran, mostly food stuffs which are not sanctioned, et cetera, but it's still very limited. There is an infrastructure, and we have tried using this infrastructure in the past, meaning railways, and Iran offers beneficial tariffs for transporting our goods via railways, but generally normalisation of these relations will help.' The world's ninth largest nation by land area, Kazakhstan gained its independence in 1991 following the collapse of the Soviet Union, and produces 40 per cent of total current world supply of uranium, as well as crude oil. It also has other resources including rare earth minerals so attractive that they are becoming a leading area of policy for the country, as other nations seek to secure supplies. Increasingly important in the development of consumer electronics, electric vehicles and medical equipment, rare earth minerals are highly sought-after by countries around the world, which are rapidly seeking to secure access to supplies. In April, Kazakh authorities announced the discovery of more than 20 million tonnes of metal deposits – a reserve that, if proven, would give the country the world's third largest reserves of rare earth elements, behind only China and Brazil. Kazakhstan not only needs foreign technologies to help it mine the precious reserves, it also wants to bring in foreign geologists to explore and discover more of them. The country has agreements with German, French, British and American geologists. 'I think in the next five to 10 years, you will hear more and more about rare earth metal developments in Kazakhstan, in particular in co-operation with the West,' Mr Vassilenko said.
Associated Press
4 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Navigating Turbulent Waters: How Sustainable Supply Chains Can Thrive in a Disrupted Trade Era
As global trade policy fractures into a patchwork of bilateral agreements and shifting regulations, supply chains are being tested like never before. Efficiency, continuity, and compliance are no longer guaranteed – and yet, the push for sustainable practices is only intensifying. How can companies meet the growing demand for environmentally responsible operations while staying agile in the face of geopolitical and economic volatility? Join us for an eye-opening webcast exploring how forward-thinking supply chain leaders are embedding sustainability into their core strategies – not just as a compliance measure, but as a driver of long-term resilience and competitive advantage. Register now to hear how companies like DP World are navigating today's complexities with data-driven solutions, adaptive trade strategies, and bold environmental commitments. You'll learn: Don't miss this timely and practical conversation on the future of sustainable supply chains. Register Today! Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from DP World
The National
4 days ago
- Business
- The National
Turkish companies expect more opportunities to support $500bn Syria reconstruction
Companies from banks to port operators and energy companies are lining up to grab their share of business opportunities arising out of Syria's $500 billion reconstruction effort as the war-torn country opens up its economy. Turkey's Deniz Bank, which is fully owned by Emirates NBD, expects more financing opportunities to support Syria's reconstruction, while the port operator DP World plans to ship more cargo out of Turkey to Syria. Turkish conglomerate Kalyon Holding also expects more deals in Syria after signing a $7 billion energy investment agreement to build power plants in the country on Thursday. US and Qatar-based companies are also part of this consortium. As part of the agreement, natural gas power plants with a total installed capacity of 4,000 megawatts and a solar power plant with an installed capacity of 1,000 megawatts will be built in Syria. 'Despite security challenges, the international community's commitment is strong in Syria, with support from the EU and the US,' Kalyon Energy chief executive Murtaza Ata said in Istanbul. Kalyon Energy is a unit of Kalyon Holding, which has interests in a number of sectors, including construction. 'The group we formed is one of the best solution providers who can successfully implement all these projects,' Mr Ata said. 'Syrian people are fed up with the struggle and the war of 15 years and are looking for development projects.' The company is also looking at other opportunities in Syria, including the reconstruction of the airport, Kalyon Holding chief executive Mustafa Kocar said. The company built Istanbul airport in Turkey and this expertise can be applied in Syria and other countries, he added. Deniz Bank is also bullish about Syria as the country reopens. 'There will be a good opportunity for us,' Deniz Bank chief executive Recep Bastug told media in Istanbul. 'In the past, it was an opportunity of commercial, but now infrastructure and other parts of investment will be there … because Turkey has serious amount of construction power in terms of companies, there will be very important opportunities.' Despite security challenges, the international community's commitment is strong in Syria, with support from the EU and the US Murtaza Ata, Kalyon Energy chief executive However, he did not elaborate on the extent to which the lender's balance sheet would be strengthened due to opportunities in Syria. Emirates NBD bought Deniz Bank from Russia's Sberbank for $3.2 billion to expand its footprint in Turkey in 2018. Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump made a surprise announcement about lifting economic sanctions on Syria as he visited Saudi Arabia to pave the way for investments in the country. Following the decision, the European Union also said that it would begin lifting sanctions to help Syrian people rebuild the country. Last week, Syria signed a separate agreement with Turkey for the supply of two billion cubic metres of natural gas to help the country overcome power shortages. Infrastructure devastated by war The Syrian economy has been devastated by the civil war, with the UN's Development Programme estimating cumulative losses – including physical damage and economic deprivation – at more than $923 billion at the end of last year. The estimated cost of reconstruction has varied from $250 billion and $500 billion, according to experts. Kris Adams, DP World's executive vice president for East Europe, said the reopening of the Syrian economy provides new opportunities for ports in neighbouring countries for shipment of cargo. 'A country that has been war-torn for many, many years is finally looking at some positives and will require a lot of rebuild,' Mr Adams said in Istanbul. 'The ports in the country itself will be relevant, but also ports in neighbouring countries like Turkey, which has a border with Syria, will see more cargo flowing through in order to assist with that rebuild.' Earlier this month, Dubai-based DP World signed an initial agreement with the Syrian government to develop the port of Tartus in an $800 million deal. Opportunity for many nations Syria reopening is 'not just an opportunity for Turkey but also for many other nations', according to Burak Daglioglu, president of the Investment Office of the Presidency of Turkey. 'After the lifting of sanctions, the opportunities will be for all countries, but the biggest opportunity will be for civilians themselves' in rebuilding the country, he said.
