India and the United Kingdom inked a comprehensive free trade deal during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit to the UK. The accord aims to increase bilateral trade to USD 120 billion by 2030, from around USD 60 billion currently. FIEO, the exporters' body, confirmed that 99 per cent of Indian tariff lines will have zero import duty in the UK. This will benefit labour-intensive sectors like textiles, leather, footwear, gems and jewellery, pharmaceuticals, marine products, engineering goods, auto components, processed foods, and spices. The new deal eliminates tariffs on garmen
The Abu Dhabi property market witnessed steady growth in the first half of 2025, driven by infrastructure upgrades, international investment, and supporting policies. According to data from the Department of Municipalities and Transport, real estate sales totalled AED 45 billion, a 15% increase year on year. This includes both sales and mortgage transactions, indicating active participation from end users and investor participation. Government efforts such as the Ghadan 21 program and infrastructure projects such as the Etihad Rail extension and Abu Dhabi Airport's Midfield Terminal improv
Dubai’s real estate market recorded a significant performance in the first half of 2025, with total transactions reaching AED431 billion. This represents a 25% increase over the same period last year, demonstrating Dubai's continued appeal to local and international investors. The Dubai Land Department said that approximately 125,000 real estate transactions were made between January and June 2025. The total number of procedures, including sales, leases, and other associated transactions, surpassed 1.3 million, suggesting continued activity in the real estate sector. Nearly 95,000 inv
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make an official visit to the United Kingdom and the Maldives this week. The visit to the UK is at the invitation of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. This is Prime Minister Modi's fourth visit to the United Kingdom. During his visit, he would meet with Prime Minister Starmer and discuss all aspects of India-UK bilateral relations. The leaders will exchange perspectives on regional and global developments. During his visit, Prime Minister Modi will also meet with King Charles III. The two sides will examine the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with an e
According to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, the United Arab Emirates has surpassed the United States to claim the world's second rank in supertall structures. This is a significant milestone for the UAE in the global skyscraper race, confirming Dubai's status as a pioneer in architectural ambition. The UAE already boasts more than 30 towers taller than 300 meters. Structures such as the 828-meter Burj Khalifa in Dubai and the Adnoc Headquarters in Abu Dhabi are engineering marvels and symbols of the country's fast development. Dubai has emerged as a key player in this ver
Bangkok has been named the world's number one destination for digital nomads in 2025, according to a survey conducted by HotelWithTub. The announcement was made by Aekvarunyoo Amrapala, spokesperson for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. The ranking evaluated over 1,300 cities worldwide, assessing factors such as cost of living, quality of life, safety, and social media popularity. Bangkok achieved a score of 91 out of 100 and a satisfaction rating of 4.55 out of 5 from digital nomads, ranking it first among 100 global destinations. Nakhon Ratchasima, popularly known as Korat, ran
Saudi Arabia has announced ambitions to considerably expand its transport and logistics network to double its contribution to the Kingdom's GDP. Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser made the statement during a ministerial session titled "Shaping the Future of Transport: People, Technology, and Policy" at the Global Aviation and Maritime Transport Summit. The Kingdom intends to expand its railway network by more than 50% and more than double the present passenger capacity at its airports. Al-Jasser highlighted Saudi Arabia's commitment to developing an integrated tra
According to official data, India's overall exports, including merchandise and services, rose to an estimated USD 210.31 billion between April and June 2025, up 5.94% from USD 198.52 billion in the same period last year. Merchandise exports were USD 112.17 billion, up 1.92% from USD 110.06 billion a year earlier. Non-petroleum exports grew by nearly 6% to USD 94.77 billion during the quarter. The electronic goods sector led sectoral growth, with exports rising 46.93% to USD 4.15 billion in June 2025, from USD 2.82 billion the previous year. Exports of drugs and pharmaceuticals increased by
Germany has announced plans to create 10% of its economic output from artificial intelligence by 2030. The draft policy is part of the country's larger ambitions to establish a strong presence in the global AI race. It seeks to position Germany alongside AI leaders such as China, the United States, and India. The strategy is expected to be approved by the German cabinet later this month. It advocates employing AI as a fundamental tool in research and across industries. While current numbers for AI's impact on Germany's economy are unknown, the plan calls for the establishment of high-perfo
The Centre will allocate Rs 1 lakh crore from the Urban Challenge Fund to redevelop cities across India. Union Minister for Power, Housing, and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar, announced the initiative at the National ULB Conference in Manesar. He stated that the funds would be used to improve urban infrastructure and living conditions. The minister emphasised the necessity of urban local bodies becoming self-sufficient while maintaining transparency and accountability in their operations. Khattar noted that India's urbanisation rate has climbed from 20% in 1970 to 36% today. It is expe