Latest News from Gulf News
Gulf News
06-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf News
Gulf News Edufair Dubai 2025 spotlights Ras Al Khaimah's academic appeal
The eighth edition of Gulf News Edufair, set to take place from May 9 to 11 at the H Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai, will spotlight higher education opportunities in Ras Al Khaimah. As a platform that consistently promotes the UAE as a leading destination for higher education, Edufair brings together top universities across the country to help students explore academic pathways within the UAE. This year, the spotlight is on Ras Al Khaimah, which has emerged as a key hub for higher education for students in the UAE and neighboring countries. With seamless connectivity to Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi and a growing range of residential and lifestyle options, the emirate offers a compelling environment for academic and personal growth. Several higher education institutions from Ras Al Khaimah will participate as exhibitors, presenting a wide array of accredited programmes across disciplines. University representatives will be available to provide insights into admission processes, tuition structures, scholarships, and internship opportunities. The focus remains on future-ready degrees aligned with industry needs and global standards. Among the institutions showcasing their programmes at the event is RAK Medical and Health Sciences University (RAKMHSU), which offers a comprehensive portfolio of career-focused medical and healthcare degrees. Explore healthcare degrees at RAKMHSU RAKMHSU offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes including the Doctor of Medicine (MD), Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), Bachelor of Pharmacy, and Bachelor of Science degrees in Nursing and Midwifery. RAKMHSU's programmes are fully accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education's CAA and several international bodies. The university was also recently awarded a five-star rating in the QS Stars international rating system, making it the first medical university in the UAE to receive such recognition. Industry-relevant degrees at AURAK Also participating at Edufair is the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK), a sought-after institution for higher studies offering degrees across disciplines such as engineering, business, media, computer science, biotechnology and social science. 'In the next five years, fields like Artificial Intelligence, Renewable Energy, Psychology, and Business Analytics will dominate the job market,' says Dr. Stephen Wilhite, Provost of AURAK. 'At the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK), we continuously adapt our curricula to meet these evolving demands. This adaptation of curricula is achieved through multiple initiatives such as partnering with industry experts and aligning our programmes with global trends.' He adds, 'Choosing a programme isn't just about what's trending, it's about finding your purpose and gaining the tools to thrive in a fast-changing world.' New to Edufair, Jaipur National University Ras Al Khaimah Campus will showcase a suite of new-age, career-oriented programmes in fields aligned with the UAE's future workforce needs. Find out about the newly opened Jaipur National University Ras Al Khaimah Campus 'At Edufair, we're excited to showcase new-age programmes built for tomorrow's careers,' says Aishwarya Bakshi, CEO, Jaipur National University Ras Al Khaimah Campus. 'Our degrees in FinTech & Digital Banking, Digital Marketing, AI & Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, and Hospitality Management are designed to match the growing job opportunities in the UAE and beyond.' 'These aren't just courses – they're career launchpads,' she adds. 'The UAE is becoming a global hub for tech, innovation, and tourism – our graduates will be ready to lead in all three.' Career-focused courses at University of West London, RAK Branch Campus Another prominent exhibitor, the University of West London, RAK Branch Campus, strategically located in the RAKEZ Academic Zone, will showcase a wide array of career-focused undergraduate and postgraduate programmes designed to reflect the latest trends in business, finance, and computing. Some of its top courses include BA (Hons) in accounting and finance and business studies; BSc (Hons) in computer science and cybersecurity and postgraduate courses in business administration, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. "Edufair provides a unique platform for students and parents to engage directly with thought leaders in education. At UWL RAK, we've seen firsthand how informed decision-making can shape student success," says Sajesh Nambiar, Head of Student Recruitment & Admissions, University of West London – RAK Branch Campus. "Our presence at Edufair allows us to share our strong UK academic foundation, industry-focused programmes, and global career pathways. We welcome prospective students and parents to visit our stand, attend our sessions, and discover how UWL RAK supports ambitious learners in becoming future-ready professionals." The current edition of Edufair features over 40 universities and higher education services providers from the UAE and abroad.
Gulf News
06-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf News
New daily flight revealed: Emirates to launch operations to one more Chinese city
Dubai: Emirates is boosting its operations in China by launching daily flights to the Eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou. Dubai's flagship carrier announced Tuesday that it will launch a daily non-stop service between Dubai and Hangzhou starting July 30, subject to government approval. The airline's latest expansion into Hangzhou makes the city its fifth gateway into the Chinese mainland after Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. The new flights are timed to connect travellers to 38 destinations in Europe, 22 in Africa, 11 in the Middle East, Brazil, and Argentina, offering convenient two-way connections to key cities including Istanbul, Barcelona, Cairo and Johannesburg. Industry experts have long maintained that Chinese outbound travel has yet to recover to pre-pandemic levels fully. However, Emirates and other regional carriers have been keen to expand their operations in the Chinese market these past few years. Earlier this year, the carrier announced flights to Shenzen, making Emirates the first Middle East carrier to operate to this destination. Emirates SkyCargo reported strong demand for their China operations, transporting approximately 2,000 tons of cargo weekly from mainland China. The airline has said it operates at full capacity across all routes with strong cargo demand on freighter and passenger flights. From July 30, Emirates will operate 49 weekly flights to the Chinese mainland, including double daily services to Beijing and Shanghai, daily flights to Guangzhou and Shenzhen, and the new daily service to Hangzhou. In an earlier interview with Gulf News, Adnan Kazim, Emirates' Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, said travel demand to China has not seen a noticeable dip despite the ongoing trade war with the US. Global hub for innovation Kazim said, 'Launching a new Dubai-Hangzhou route marks a pivotal moment in our operations in the Chinese mainland and broader East Asia region.' 'As an emerging global hub for innovation, e-commerce and advanced manufacturing, Hangzhou will open doors to new opportunities for our passenger and cargo operations, further strengthening the vital economic and technological exchanges between the Middle East and China.' He added, "The fifth gateway in our Chinese mainland network will not only enhance connectivity for travellers but also offer businesses efficient access to and from key East Asian markets.' 'This expansion is part of our global growth strategy and positions Emirates as the preferred airline when linking the world to the Chinese mainland's thriving economic corridors and beyond.' The capital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, is rapidly growing to become a global hub for innovation, e-commerce, and technological advancements. Home to Alibaba Group, the city is a driving force in China's digital economy, with cross-border e-commerce exports projected to exceed Dh70 billion (140 billion Chinese yuan) by 2026. UAE-China relations The airline's expansion into mainland China highlights the growing UAE-China relations and Emirates' support for the Belt and Road Initiative, the airline said. Positioned as a crucial link through Dubai, Emirates connects tech professionals and investors from Africa, the Middle East, and South America to Hangzhou, a hub of technology and innovation. Emirates SkyCargo plans to leverage the new Hangzhou route to enhance its cargo footprint across East Asia, meeting rising demand for reliable air freight solutions. The service will also reduce transit times, enabling faster, more efficient movement of high-value and time-sensitive goods, including electronics, e-commerce products, pharmaceuticals, and perishables, between the Chinese market and key regions, including Africa, Latin America, and the GCC.
Gulf News
06-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf News
UAE gold price 'still' lower than in India despite April events
Dubai: The price difference between UAE and India's gold rates dropping below 6% was only a temporary phenomenon, according to a leading jeweler. 'Yes, there was a phase in April when UAE-India gold price gap was 4% - but that happened because of some issues in the Indian market temporarily,' said Shamlal Ahmed, Managing Director of Malabar Gold & Diamonds. 'It had nothing to do with the Indian rupee firming up in any way and reducing the price difference. 'After about those two weeks in April, the price between UAE and India gold has gone back to 6%.' April's events had set off a lot of chatter among Indian visitors to the UAE on whether there is any price advantages to buying here rather than back in their home country. A 'rare' occurence For instance on April 22, the Indian Board Rate for a gram of 22K gold was Rs9,290. At that day's exchange rate for AED-INR of 23.05 rupees for one dirham, the Indian gold price would be equivalent to Dh403. That same day, the Dubai Gold Rate was Dh388.75 for a brief period. It meant that the price difference was just 4% compared to the usual 6%. It was in July 2024 that India slashed duty on gold from 15% to 6%, primarily done with an eye to drastically reduce gold smuggling into the country. But for UAE and GCC gold jewelers, it meant the sizable 15% price difference of the past. But that did not in any way lead to a drop off in gold buying from Indian visitors/tourists to the UAE. 'There would be guided tours from India who would come directly to the Dubai Gold Souq,' said Ahmed. 'Even though the price difference was cut from 15% to 6%, what changed was that Indian tourists ended up buying more here.' But gold trade sources say that anything less than 5% price difference could alter buying habits among Indian visitors. Which is why what happened last month when the price difference slipped to 4% came as a bit of a jolt. What happened in April? The main cause for the sudden change in India-UAE gold price differential was because of the cut in the premiums on gold deliveries charged to jewelery retailers in India. 'Where jewelers were used to paying premiums, they suddenly were seeing big cuts,' said Ahmed. 'It was mainly because many jewellery retailers who were not hedging their gold buys were hit by margin calls. It meant there was a lot of gold availability in the Indian market at the same time. 'That explains the price difference between UAE and India narrowing rather than anything fundamental. This was a short-term change, nothing more.' Indian tourists to the UAE remain one of the biggest buyer categories for gold in this market. Which is why price changes in India are watched with intense interest here. "In some months, Indian tourist buying makes up 30%-40% of our sales," said a jeweller. "The biggest reason continues to be the price difference - there was no issue when India slashed duty from 15% to 6%.
Gulf News
06-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf News
Will Dubai Residential REIT's IPO be the next big draw for new investors to DFM?
Dubai: As the first Dubai IPO of 2025 gets rolling, more investors – and especially non-UAE ones – are ready to sign up to trade on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM). Dubai Holding is putting up its substantial residential portfolio through the REIT (real estate investment trust) IPO, it is a chance for newer investors – and for existing investors to keep cashing in. Because the Dubai Residential REIT IPO offers the best of both worlds: * Access to another of Dubai's bluest of blue-chip entities; and * Another chance for investors to ride the Dubai property market wave. (Even one that's showing signs of growth rates stabilizing at elevated levels.) 'Investors are getting a win-win with the latest pure-play real estate IPO,' said an analyst. 'In much the same way the previous such one – from Tecom Group – did.' According to Samer Deghaili, Co-head of Investment Banking for MENAT markets at HSBC, "IPOs have been enjoying strong, often record-breaking demand bringing in local, regional and international investors. "Structural developments, such as the introduction of stabilisation mechanisms and an increasing awareness from issuers of the dynamics between IPO valuations and aftermarket performance are key to continued success.' DFM keeps pulling in more Going by the sign ups during the first three months of 2025, a lot of them have already done so. In Q1-2025, there were 19,366 new investors, of whom a staggering 86% were foreign nationals. 'Over the past three years, Dubai has witnessed an influx of foreign investors from across the investment spectrum opening offices in the emirate,' says a new report issued by HSBC on Dubai's capital markets growth. Foreign investors, in fact, accounted for half of all trading on the DFM at the end of 2024. 'The number of total market investors registered on DFM has now surpassed 1.2 million,' says the HSBC report. 'Some 138,262 investors registered with the exchange in 2024 and more remarkably, 85% of these were foreign, demonstrating the appetite and focus Dubai has from the global investor community. This followed an inflow of 62,676 the previous year when 73% of registrants were foreign. 'In 2022, the equivalent number was 167,332.' To keep investors coming in for more, this is where offerings such as the Dubai Residential REIT's come in handy. Because as has been clear from the listings made since April 2022, starting with DEWA, Dubai Government backed privatization moves have clicked big-time with investors. 'We believe the combination of a healthy IPO pipeline with growth in secondary market offerings will help to continue enhancing DFM's liquidity,' said Nabeel AlBloushi, Head of Markets and Securities Services for the MENAT markets at HSBC. 'A strong share price performance in the months and years post-IPO opens the door for selling shareholders to monetise additional shares, boosting liquidity and free float.'
Gulf News
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf News
Chitrangda Singh on partying in Dubai, her dream guest list and which Housefull 5 co-star is most fun at such epic bashes
'Dubai's often called the maximum city. Do you agree?' I ask Bollywood stunner Chitrangda Singh. She doesn't miss a beat. 'Absolutely! It has everything—world-class sports events, incredible music, fine dining, shopping, nightlife. It's one of the most complete cities in the world,' she declares with a grin that matches the city's dazzle. In town last weekend to sprinkle her signature glam at the opening of Ovo nightclub, Chitrangda sat down for a rapid-fire chat on all things parties, guilty pleasures, and why lemon shots are her secret weapon after a wild night out. You're known for rocking a saree like no one else. But tell me, what kind of party animal are you? Honestly, I'm not much of a party animal. I prefer house parties over clubbing. But if my friends are heading out, I love finding a cozy corner in a lounge like Ovo. It's not too loud—perfect for conversation. I feel you. After 40, don't we all just want to hear our friends talk? Exactly! There was a time for clubbing and bar hopping, but now it's all about meaningful conversations with your tribe. What's your go-to cure after a heavy night out? A good steam and sauna session, for sure. And lots of lemon shots—they really help! If you were to throw a party, who would be on your dream guest list—dead or alive? Oh wow… let's start with Marilyn Monroe—because then the men will follow! I'd love to have Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise too. Not ambitious at all, are we. But honestly, that's one party I'd love to crash! When you land in Dubai, what's the first thing you do? I usually hit the malls first, not going to lie. But I also love trying out the amazing restaurants here. Sometimes I've headed to Jebel Ali for the beach or the shooting range—it's a great mix of luxury and adventure. Let's talk about Housefull 5. I can't believe the franchise is back! Yes! It's bigger, crazier, and funnier. Everyone who's ever been in a Housefull movie is back, so expect madness. It's not just a comedy—it's a full-blown dhamaka [explosion]. Last one—who's the wildest party animal on the Housefull 5 set? Nargis is super fun—mad and full of energy. Among the guys, Akshay (Akki) is the life of the set. He's hilarious and always pulling pranks!
