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The ADNOC Umm Shaif Gas Cap has moved from a plan to a funded project, with a $6.2 billion final investment decision

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AD Ports integrated logistics services

AD Ports’ integrated logistics services now link Khalifa Port with Umm Qasr Port in Iraq. The new route carries growing container and Ro-Ro cargo between these two busy ports. You now gain a direct weekly shipping service connecting the UAE with key Iraqi markets. AD Ports Group built this route to support trade across the wider Gulf region. The service moves cargo through the growing UAE-Iraq trade corridor every single week. Trade flows reach Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and the wider GCC markets through this link. The route also strengthens trade ties with Türkiye and Europe for many regional businesses.

You can move goods faster because the two ports work under one clear system. AD Ports Group set up storage and handling tools at both ports for this work. These tools let teams store, handle, and move cargo with less delay and waste. Strong handling capacity helps shippers plan routes and protect their goods during long sea voyages. The Group views the link as part of a wider growth plan for trade. Officials want steady routes because reliable trade builds lasting trust among shippers and buyers. As I see it, this move gives smaller traders a real chance to grow.

AD Ports’ integrated logistics services widen the UAE-Iraq trade corridor

AD Ports integrated logistics services to give the region a stronger and steadier trade link. The weekly shipping service runs on a fixed plan, so you can schedule shipments early. Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi leads AD Ports Group as Managing Director and Group CEO. He said, “We remain committed to expanding our integrated logistics ecosystem to better serve customers.” His words point to a clear plan for stronger regional connectivity logistics across markets. The CEO added that the route gives firms access to diversified and resilient trade corridors.

Diversified corridors help your business stay strong when one route faces delays or risk. The Khalifa Port Umm Qasr route now offers shippers one clear and steady channel. Reliable channels lower costs because firms plan loads early and avoid sudden route changes. AD Ports Group also wants the route to open fresh chances for local firms. New chances mean more jobs, more trade, and more growth across the GCC market. You see how one route can lift trade for an entire group of nations. The link also supports stronger regional connectivity logistics for ports along the trade path. Stronger ports handle more ships, cut wait times, and keep cargo moving without stops. These services now give the region a strong base for future trade and growth.

Why the new route matters for you

You gain faster delivery, clearer costs, and steadier supply chains through this single route. AD Ports’ integrated logistics services keep goods on the move between the UAE and Iraq. Businesses across the UAE-Iraq trade corridor now plan with far greater future certainty. The new path shows how strong ports lift trade for whole regions over time. This approach reflects a regional connectivity logistics strategy built for steady, lasting trade growth. You can expect this corridor to carry more trade as demand keeps rising steadily. AD Ports Group plans to keep building links across the Gulf and beyond it.

Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy

Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy supported the launch of 32 new mobile applications this year. The achievement came through the Create Apps Accelerator Programme, a focused support track for founders. This programme sits within the wider Create Apps in Dubai initiative led by the chamber. If you follow regional tech news, you know Dubai keeps pushing app innovation forward. The accelerator ran as a 45-day sprint built for high-potential startup teams and founders. Participants came from 22 countries and worked across 13 different business and technology sectors.

Artificial intelligence powered 60 percent of the applications launched through this accelerator programme this year. These AI tools help founders build faster and smarter products for real market needs today. Your favourite apps often start with this kind of structured mentorship and hands-on guidance. Many founders used AI to speed up testing, design choices, and early product decisions.

How Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy backs new founders

The programme delivered more than 170 hours of one-on-one mentoring and practical guidance overall. Experts also led six specialized workshops covering design, market positioning, compliance, and app scaling. Workshops gave teams direct feedback on real products and growth problems they often faced. Last year, the same programme gave 140 mentoring hours to a group of 24 teams. Teams built working app prototypes for iOS and Android before their public store launches. Such hands-on work helps founders avoid many common mistakes before a busy launch week. Growing mobile app development in Dubai talent helped founders reach App Store and Google Play listings.

Mentorship turning ideas into market-ready apps

Saeed AlGergawi, Vice President of the chamber, welcomed the strong results from this programme edition. He said, “The launch of the 32 apps reflects the impact of these efforts.” Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy views these launches as proof of strong global appeal. The 32 launched applications cover a wide and diverse range of practical digital solutions. Education led the sectors here, followed closely by healthcare and longevity-focused wellbeing applications overall. Other strong sectors included fintech, AI, social media, plus real estate digital products this round. Founders here represented countries like the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, India, Yemen, and Jordan.

Why Dubai digital economy startups keep growing

Dubai digital economy startups gain real momentum from focused programmes like this accelerator track. The accelerator supports founders who did not reach the final Create Apps Championship stages. These founders still receive training and guidance to launch their projects to the market. Good guidance early on saves founders time, money, and real stress during product launches. The Create Apps in Dubai initiative continues to attract thousands of new applications regularly. This effort supports the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and its goals for digital growth. From my standpoint, this model gives early founders a clear and practical path forward.

You can see how steady support shapes confidence among investors, founders, and digital partners. Investors watch these numbers closely because they signal long-term strength across the digital sector. Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy plans to keep widening this support for future founders. Each new edition shows stronger numbers, deeper mentorship, and wider reach across global markets. The results give you a clear view of where Dubai’s digital ambitions head next.

Emirati Goldsmiths Platform

Emirati Goldsmiths Platform launched the first locally sourced national gemstone at a major Sharjah jewellery exhibition. The stone debuted during the 57th Watch and Jewellery Middle East Show in Sharjah. Expo Centre Sharjah hosted the event with support from the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Designers named the new stone the Spirit of the Emirates gemstone for its national meaning. You can trace its source to red jasper from the Al Siji region of Fujairah. The Fujairah Natural Resources Corporation worked with local designers to supply this raw material. Officials see the first Emirati gemstone as a milestone for the national jewellery industry.

This launch gives Emirati designers a unique stone they can fully call their own. Twenty designers from across the UAE joined the platform at this year’s main show. Seven of them were women showing their work at the event for the first time. You can see how the platform now opens real doors for local female talent.

A local stone with global ambition

The Spirit of the Emirates gemstone carries deep meaning tied to the UAE land and heritage. Designer Fatima Al Muhairi created two signature pieces to mark the new stone’s debut. She now ranks as the first internationally accredited young Emirati specialist in gemology today. Her first design traces the gemstone journey from mountain rock to finished luxury jewellery. The piece shows a palm tree, a mountain, and details inspired by Al Muwaiji Fort. A single natural pearl links the old pearl-diving era with this new gemstone era.

Emirati Goldsmiths Platform builds a full supply chain

Her second piece, named Erth, takes the shape of a small camel’s head brooch. This brooch joins a Ras Al Khaimah pearl with jasper from the Fujairah mountains. Together, the two pieces blend old natural treasures with the country’s new local resources. The Emirati Goldsmiths Platform now reaches beyond design work into gemstone sourcing and supply. One member became the first Emirati gemstone supplier for local jewellery designers this year. Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, the SCCI chairman, praised the platform and its local designers. “This launch shows our designers can lead the full jewellery chain,” Al Owais said.

What the new gemstone means for you

You should note why this matters for the wider UAE luxury jewellery market today. A local gemstone keeps more value inside the country and within its supply chain. Buyers also gain access to authentic stones with a clear and proud national story. The jasper rates 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale for strong everyday hardness. Its deep red color and waxy shine suit fine jewellery and high market demand. The red jasper from Fujairah gives this stone a warm and bold red tone. As I see it, this gemstone gives the UAE jewellery sector a stronger local identity. Mona Al Suwaidi leads the platform and views it as a full innovation ecosystem.

She points to designers from the people of determination community and their strong creativity. The Emirati Goldsmiths Platform has grown from a talent incubator into a market builder. You will likely see more local stones reach regional and global jewellery markets soon. Strong early demand for the first Emirati gemstone shows real promise for local makers. The Emirati Goldsmiths Platform plans to support designers, suppliers, and buyers across the chain. You can expect this national stone to shape UAE luxury jewellery for years ahead.