The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) has issued a weather alert for dusty conditions across parts of the UAE, warning that southeasterly winds are carrying dust over some coastal and inland areas.

According to the official statement, “Suspended dust with southeasterly winds over some coastal and internal areas [is] reducing the horizontal visibility to less than 2000 m from 08:45 until 17:00 Wednesday 16/07/2025.”

The conditions are expected to affect visibility and outdoor operations, particularly in sectors such as logistics, construction, and facilities management. Businesses are advised to take necessary precautions to protect outdoor workers, adjust schedules where needed, and monitor further updates from the NCM.

Emirates has expanded its Emirates Courier Express service into Australia, reinforcing its commitment to transforming the cross-border delivery landscape. The move comes just months after the service was first launched and is designed to provide businesses and consumers with a faster, more reliable, and flexible logistics solution.

Emirates Courier Express shipments will now be delivered directly into four major Australian cities: Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. With 70 weekly passenger flights already operating to and from these locations, the service offers exceptional connectivity to Europe and the Middle East. Emirates aims to provide one of the fastest door-to-door delivery timelines in the market. In partnership with an integrated first- and last-mile logistics provider, the service will cover the entire country from the start.

“Since the early test phase of Emirates Courier Express, we knew Australia would be a key market,” said Dennis Lister, senior vice president of product and innovation at Emirates SkyCargo.
“Logistically challenging and historically underserved, businesses and end consumers will feel the benefits of our direct connectivity, high frequency flight schedules and flexible, scalable solution. Emirates has proudly served Australia for over 30 years, bringing the latest and greatest of our offering to the market, across both cargo and passenger operations. Emirates Courier Express is the evolution of this journey, and we look forward to supporting local businesses, and local shoppers, with their cross-border deliveries.”

Read: Emirates launches A350 flights to Dammam, its first in Saudi Arabia

Despite growing consumer trust in cross-border eCommerce, only 6 per cent of international shoppers currently purchase from Australian retailers. According to the International Trade Administration, logistics challenges such as unpredictable costs and lengthy delivery times are key deterrents. On the other hand, inbound small parcel volumes to Australia have increased by 45 per cent over the past two years, and a record number of households now shop online.

Adressing challenges

Emirates Courier Express is positioned to address these challenges. By leveraging Emirates’ passenger network and SkyCargo’s logistics expertise, the service bypasses the traditional hub-and-spoke model. Shipments are routed directly through Dubai, which reduces transit time, limits package handling, and enables faster deliveries.

The solution supports a variety of shipment types, including high-value and sensitive goods such as medical equipment. It also offers a fully digital experience that can be integrated with customers’ existing systems. Real-time tracking and automatic updates give both businesses and their customers full visibility throughout the shipping process.

With this expansion into Australia, Emirates Courier Express is creating new growth opportunities for local businesses and improving access for international brands seeking to serve Australian consumers more efficiently.

Gold surged 26 per cent in the first half of 2025, notching 26 all-time highs and outperforming major asset classes as investors flocked to the safe-haven metal amid a weaker US dollar, stagnant bond yields, and mounting geopolitical tensions, according to the World Gold Council’s (WGC) mid-year outlook released Tuesday.

The WGC report, titled “Downhill or Second Wind?”, explores whether gold has peaked or still has room to run in the second half of the year. It projects that gold could rise a further 0 per cent to 5 per cent under current consensus expectations.

However, deteriorating macroeconomic conditions, including stagflation or recession, could drive gold prices up another 10 per cent to 15 per cent, while widespread conflict resolution may lead to a 12 per cent to 17 per cent decline.

“Gold has continued its record-setting pace, rising across all major currencies, and showing remarkable strength in the face of a volatile global backdrop,” the WGC report stated.

Strong demand, ETF flows

H1 2025 saw average daily gold trading volumes reach a record $329bn, bolstered by robust over-the-counter activity, exchange-based trading, and renewed inflows into gold-backed ETFs. Global ETF assets under management surged 41 per cent to $383bn, with holdings rising by 397 tonnes to 3,616 tonnes – the highest since August 2022.

Central banks maintained strong buying momentum, though slightly below record levels, continuing the trend of diversification away from U.S. dollar holdings. The WGC’s attribution model indicates that opportunity cost factors, such as a weakening dollar and stagnant yields, contributed 7 per cent to gold’s return, while risk and uncertainty added 4 per cent.

Dollar falters, gold gains

The US dollar posted its worst start to a year since 1973, reflecting global concerns over US trade policies and political leadership. US Treasuries, long considered safe-haven assets, saw declining demand in April as volatility drove investors toward gold.

“Trade-related geopolitical risks played a large role, not just directly, but by fuelling moves in the dollar, interest rates, and broader market volatility – all of which fed into gold’s appeal,” the report noted.

H2 scenarios: range-bound or breakout?

Consensus forecasts suggest below-trend global growth and persistently high inflation in the second half, with US CPI expected to reach 2.9 per cent.

The Federal Reserve is anticipated to cut interest rates by 50 basis points by year-end. Under this base case, gold is expected to consolidate with potential modest gains.

The WGC warns that more severe scenarios – such as intensified stagflation, recession fears, or escalated geopolitical tensions – could prompt a stronger rally. Conversely, a return to economic stability and easing geopolitical risks could lead to reduced investment flows into gold and a steeper pullback.

Even in a bearish scenario, however, the WGC sees $3,000/oz as a natural support level, noting that lower prices could revive consumer demand and discourage recycling.

Outlook: Structurally resilient

While the report acknowledges the unpredictable nature of the global macro environment, it concludes that gold remains well-positioned as a strategic asset.

“Given the intrinsic limitations of forecasting the global economy, we believe gold – through its fundamentals – remains well positioned to support tactical and strategic investment decisions in the current macro landscape,” it said.

At the end of June, gold stood at $3,287/oz, with a record high of $3,434 reached on June 13.

Apple is reportedly preparing to announce its iPhone 17 lineup in early September, continuing its tradition of fall hardware events. While the standard model appears to be an evolution rather than a revolution, significant design and performance upgrades are expected in the Pro variants—and the timing aligns closely with the company’s annual release pattern.

Read-Apple just leveled up AirPods: Here’s what’s new

According to industry sources, including Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is targeting the week of Monday, September 8 for its keynote presentation—a date that coincides with the period immediately following Labor Day in the United States. Apple typically avoids Friday announcements, making Tuesday, September 9 or Wednesday, September 10 the most likely launch dates. Pre-orders could begin on Friday, September 12, with the official release following on Friday, September 19, according to a report from The Independent.

The tentative timetable aligns with Apple’s historical pattern of unveiling new iPhones in September, often on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Though launch-day preferences have varied in recent years, the predictable annual release schedule remains firmly in place.

Design overhaul for pro models

Rumors indicate that Apple plans to distinguish the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max with a bold, redesigned camera array. Instead of the traditional vertical camera module, these models are expected to feature a horizontal camera bar stretching across the rear of the device. The new layout is intended to convey a cleaner, more refined aesthetic, according to design leaks.

The standard iPhone 17 (non‑Pro) will reportedly retain much of the same exterior look as the iPhone 16. However, the newly branded iPhone 17 Air is rumored to be significantly slimmer—around 2 mm thinner than the iPhone 16 Pro—offering a sleeker and lighter build, per India Today.

Display upgrades across lineup

The display on the standard iPhone 17 may also see enhancements. Apple appears to be nudging the screen size up from the current 6.1 inches to 6.3 inches, bringing it closer to the dimensions of the Pro models. More notably, there’s speculation that the non‑Pro versions will finally receive 120 Hz refresh rate support, up from the standard 60 Hz. While this feature would typically fall under Apple’s “ProMotion” branding and remain exclusive to Pro variants, the rumor suggests at least basic high-refresh support could filter down.

Other expected display upgrades include new anti‑reflective coatings, which should significantly improve visibility in bright outdoor environments—an enhancement that benefits all users.

Performance: A19 chip and beyond

Inside the new hardware, Apple is expected to power the iPhone 17 series with its next-generation A19 chip, marking a clear performance boost over the A18 in last year’s iPhone 16 lineup. According to India Today, the standard model will receive the A19, while the Pro models may enjoy an even more powerful version optimized for enhanced camera and display performance.

The rumored iPhone 17 Air, in particular, is set to combine the A19 chip with its streamlined frame, delivering a lightweight yet powerful option for users seeking a balance between practicality and performance.

2026 product pipeline

Beyond the iPhone 17, Apple is planning an expansive release slate for early 2026, based on a Bloomberg report . The roadmap includes:

• A budget iPhone 17e, expected to succeed the current $599 iPhone 16e model. It will likely inherit the A19 chip and mimic the design of its predecessor.

• New low-end iPads (code‑named J581 and J582), set for launch around March or April 2026, featuring faster chips while retaining the existing design.

• An iPad Air refresh (code‑named J707/J708/J737/J738), upgraded to the M4 chip and scheduled to ship alongside the entry‑level iPads.

• An iPad Pro update (code‑named J817/J818/J820/J821), slated for October 2025, with the new M5 chip; the current iPad Pro starts at $999 and hasn’t been updated since May last year.

• MacBook Pro (14‑ and 16‑inch, code‑named J714/J716) and MacBook Air (code‑named J813/J815) updates, now expected in early 2026 rather than 2025, featuring the M5 chip and possibly new OLED displays for the Pros.

• An all‑new external Apple monitor (code‑named J427), Apple’s first since the Studio Display, planned for early 2026.

• A smart home hub (code‑named J490) with enhanced Siri capabilities, originally planned for March 2025 but delayed to mid‑2026 due to voice‑AI development delays.

These releases are part of Apple’s strategy to revitalise its hardware revenue growth following softening sales in the post‑pandemic era, particularly in the iPad segment.

iPhone 17e: A new entry-level strategy

The Bloomberg report highlights a shift in Apple’s strategy toward annual updates for its entry‑level iPhones. The iPhone 17e, code‑named V159, will reportedly be released in early 2026—less than 12 months after the 16e—marking a departure from Apple’s conventional update schedule. The prior iPhone SE line, for instance, received updates much less frequently, with only two iterations from 2016 to 2020.

The move to an annual cadence underscores Apple’s commitment to providing up-to-date performance even at lower price points, helping to strengthen its position in emerging markets and among budget‑conscious consumers.

Mac and iPad roadmap: OLED, M‑series, and home devices

The upcoming generation of MacBooks and the new external monitor suggest Apple is entering a particularly ambitious phase of hardware refreshes. The Pros, utilizing Apple’s internal M‑series chips, are expected to debut with OLED screens—marking a departure from the current mini‑LED panels. This shift aligns with Apple’s broader trend toward high contrast, high-brightness displays, similar to those on the iPhone since 2017 and iPad Pro since 2024.

MacBook Air models are also set to receive the M5 upgrade, and while design changes may be minimal, the performance boost continues Apple’s push to position its notebooks as highly capable alternatives to Intel- and AMD‑based rivals.

Finally, the company’s smart home hub—delayed from its original 2025 target—is now tipped for a 2026 launch. The device could serve as a central node for home automation and AI‑powered voice control, pending improvements in Siri’s conversational abilities.

What to expect at the September event

At the upcoming September event, Apple is expected to focus on several major themes:

1. Refined aesthetics – especially for the iPhone 17 Pro range, featuring a horizontal camera bar and a slimmer iPhone 17 Air.

2. Display upgrades – including larger, higher‑refresh screens and anti‑reflective treatments across all models.

3. Performance leaps – with the all‑new A19 chip powering the iPhone 17 series, while the 17e carries that performance into a lower price bracket.

4. Ecosystem expansion – leveraging the upcoming wave of MacBooks, iPads, external monitors, and a smart home hub to deepen Apple’s hardware footprint.

If past patterns hold, the September event is likely to be brimming with details on prices, pre‑order logistics, and timing for the release of these new devices. Apple’s spokesperson, when approached by Bloomberg, declined to comment—typical corporate protocol when leak-based rumors arise.

Outlook: Staying competitive in a cooling market

Apple faces increasing pressure to maintain momentum amid slowing sales growth. The post-pandemic environment has resulted in less enthusiastic hardware adoption, prompting Apple to streamline its release cadence and enhance performance across its product portfolio.

By rolling out near‑annual updates—including for entry‑level models—and expanding its reach into smart home devices, Apple aims to reenergize demand and showcase its capacity for innovation across price segments.

As consumers anticipate September’s reveal, all eyes are on whether the iPhone 17 series can deliver meaningful upgrades—especially with rumored features like the horizontal camera bar, slimlined Air version, ProMotion display for non‑pro models, and the powerful A19 chip. Coupled with a broader product strategy through 2026, Apple looks poised to revisit its standing as a market leader.

(With inputs from Bloomberg)

ANAX Capital Financial Markets LLC, is strengthening its position as a player in the regional and global trading space. The firm reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a seamless, secure trading experience backed by advanced technology, regulatory compliance, and a client-first service model. The entity is a First Category license holder regulated by the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA License No. 20200000258),

Founded earlier this year, ANAX Capital has attracted attention from institutional and active investors alike, drawn by its institutional-grade infrastructure and governance standards.

With a paid-up capital of Dhs30m, the firm offers access to a diverse array of asset classes, including Forex, Precious Metals, and Contracts for Difference (CFDs), enabling clients to trade with flexibility and confidence.

“We have seen strong early momentum, driven by investors who recognise the value of working with a regulated, client-first trading provider,” said Tabinda Sanpal, founder and director of ANAX Capital. “Our platform is designed to support a wide range of trading strategies, whether clients are just getting started or managing sophisticated portfolios.”

Tailored product suite for modern traders

ANAX Capital’s product offerings are designed to meet the demands of today’s evolving markets:

• Forex trading: Clients can trade major currency pairs such as EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and USD/JPY with competitive spreads and fast execution.
• Precious metals: Spot contracts, futures, and ETFs in gold and silver offer a hedge against market volatility and inflation.
• CFDs: The firm offers CFDs on indices, equities, and commodities, allowing for both long and short positions, supported by advanced analytics and risk tools.
• Exchange-traded products: Direct market access to trade Futures and Options on major US indices, energy products, and metals gives clients broader global exposure.
• Cash equities: Investors can also trade shares across major global exchanges, adding further diversification potential to their portfolios.

COO Mitul Kapadia emphasised the firm’s client empowerment initiatives, noting that ANAX Capital is preparing to launch educational webinars and seminars to help individuals make informed decisions.

“We’ve built a secure and intuitive platform that gives traders access to a broad range of products,” Kapadia said. “Our upcoming educational initiatives will help people understand not just how to trade, but when—or if—they should be trading. Sometimes, the smartest financial decision is to stay out of certain markets entirely.”

Positioned for long-term growth in the region

Operating from its headquarters at Aspin Commercial Tower on Sheikh Zayed Road, ANAX Capital aims to serve as a long-term financial partner for investors in the UAE and beyond. The firm’s commitment to transparency, strong governance, and regulatory alignment is central to its growth strategy.

With its client-centric approach and robust product offering, ANAX Capital is positioning itself as a forward-thinking leader in the Middle East’s growing financial services sector.