The UAE announced the retail fuel prices for February 2025 on Friday, raising the rates by as much as 0.13 fils per litre compared to the previous month.

From February 1, 2025, Super 98 petrol will cost Dhs2.74 a litre, up from Dhs2.61 a litre in January, while Special 95 will cost Dhs2.63 a litre, compared to Dhs2.50 a litre a month earlier. Petrol prices in January 2025 remained unchanged from December 2024 and were the lowest in the past year.

Meanwhile, global oil prices surged at the beginning of 2025 due to US sanctions on Russia. However, concerns about trade wars and weak economic data from China largely offset these initial gains. Market volatility is anticipated as policies are implemented, with President Donald Trump urging OPEC+ to contribute to lower crude prices.

Saudi Arabia’s energy minister and several of his OPEC+ counterparts have held talks following the US President’s call for lower oil prices and ahead of a meeting next week of OPEC+ oil-producing countries.

OPEC+ has yet to respond, but five OPEC+ delegates said a meeting of the group’s top ministers on February 3 is unlikely to adjust its current plan to start raising output from April. OPEC+ groups members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and allies including Russia.

Brent crude futures for March, which expires on Friday, gained 4 cents at $76.91 a barrel by 12:32 p.m. GST on January 31. The more active April contract was at $76.19 a barrel, up 30 cents, while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose by $0.13 or 0.22 per cent to $72.91 a barrel.

Read: UAE petrol, diesel prices remain unchanged for January 2025

The first half of 2024 saw more than 220,000 people relocating to Dubai.

This reinforced the ongoing increase in the demand for residential units, Amira Sajwani, Managing Director of DAMAC Properties.

Important: Everything you need to know about Dubai’s population registry

“The real estate market in Dubai is experiencing exceptional momentum, with strong demand continuing from both investors and end-users,” she reitarated on the sidelines of the launch of “Riverside Views,” the company’s first project for 2025.

According to a Wam report, Amira Sajwani emphasised that Dubai has positioned itself as a global attraction, due to its strategic location between Asia and Europe.

Read: DAMAC Properties unveils its Riverside Views project

It has also attained that position because of its investor-friendly policies.

The real estate demand in Dubai is unlike any other market and DAMAC has received billions of dollars in sales within a few hours of it’s launching certain projects, Amira Sajwani revealed.

She also shed light on the fact that the investment value of DAMAC’s new project in Miami exceeds $1bn and is being designed by the Zaha Hadid Architects.

With enterprises in Saudi Arabia increasingly relying on cloud services, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and remote workforces, traditional approaches to networking are no longer sufficient, particularly in the face of growing cyber security threats.

As more sophisticated and secure networks are required to cope with the tremendous levels of data traffic enterprises are faced with, artificial intelligence (AI) is helping to automate network management, improve security, and deliver previously out-of-reach insights.

AI has rapidly evolved from a futuristic concept to an essential tool for managing today’s complex, large-scale networks, especially as companies across the Middle East accelerate their digital transformation in the post-Covid era.

On one hand, ‘Networking for AI’ can build the infrastructure required to support the heavy data demands of AI, ensuring speed, scalability, and reliability. On the other, it leverages AI to enhance network operations, automating processes and predicting issues before they happen.

AI – powering networks

The integration of AI into networking solutions has made networks more intelligent and proactive. AI automates network management, which can be overwhelming for human teams, especially in environments with numerous connected devices. AI ensures optimal security and performance without constant manual intervention, improving efficiency and minimising human error.

In Saudi Arabia, in line with Vision 2030 and the leadership’s digital transformation strategy, the scale of IoT deployments is rapidly increasing, with growing adoption across sectors from manufacturing to healthcare. Yet rapid adoption comes with its challenges.

In 2023, statistics suggest that 40 per cent of the total cyberattacks sustained by Saudi Arabian organisations in recent years were successful, with cyber-attacks targeting retail, military, government, telecommunications, and financial services sectors.

As cyber-attacks grow in complexity, traditional security models like zero trust and centralised firewalls remain crucial. However, relying solely on these methods may not suffice against the ever-evolving and persistent threats.

The company’s AI-driven, security-first networks offer a robust solution. They integrate on-network traffic inspection without sacrificing performance, adaptive security protocols, and AI-powered visibility for enhanced protection, providing a more resilient defence than conventional security methods.

HPE Aruba Networking expanded its capabilities through several strategic acquisitions, including SD-WAN and Zero Trust Network Access solutions, and has developed a management control plane called HPE Aruba Networking Central that allows administrators to monitor and manage their entire network.

These initiatives offer comprehensive, AI-powered security solutions designed to meet the demands of modern networking.

Expanding regional and global impacts

HPE Aruba Networking has a clear vision to lead the industry in AI-powered networking and secure solutions for enterprises of all sizes.

With the kingdom preparing to welcome the world for major global events such as World Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup, there is a tremendous opportunity to be involved in the kingdom’s journey as it undergoes a transformation to host these prestigious events.

LEAP 2025: A showcase of sustainable and AI-driven connectivity

This year at LEAP in Saudi Arabia, one of the most important technology events in the region, HPE Aruba Networking will be taking centre stage with a unique approach to its solutions and offerings that highlight ambitious plans to revolutionise sustainability and AI-driven, security-first networking solutions.

As AI continues to transform how enterprises operate, with the company’s commitment to providing secure, scalable solutions, there’s no doubt that the company’s next chapter will be an exciting one.

HPE Aruba Networking’s leaders say…

“At HPE Aruba Networking, we are committed to redefining the future of connectivity with a security-first, AI-driven approach, blending sustainability and innovation to shape smarter, more secure networks for tomorrow.” — Jamil Ahmad

“With AI continuing to disrupt industries and networks becoming more critical than ever, HPE Aruba Networking’s vision for the future is centred on innovation, security, and scalability.” — Alain Carpentier

“We’re seeing businesses in the Middle East really push the boundaries, and HPE Aruba Networking’s AI-powered networking solutions are perfectly positioned to support their ambitions.” — Jacob Chacko

Tell us about some of the key trends based on the findings of your State of Physical Security 2025 report.

This year’s report, with insights from nearly 6,000 industry professionals, highlighted a significant shift: moving away from the “hype cycle” around emerging technologies like AI and cloud, and toward a more pragmatic, results-driven approach. Businesses are now looking for solutions that integrate seamlessly with their existing infrastructure and deliver tangible value.

While AI and machine learning are buzzwords, the real value comes from using these technologies to augment human decision-making and improve efficiency, particularly in the security industry.

We are also seeing the security industry undergoing a shift towards an IT-centric approach. Businesses are increasingly viewing physical security as a strategic investment, rather than just a cost centre. This shift aligns with the growing integration of security systems with IT infrastructure and cybersecurity practices.

Tell us about the growing strategic importance of security.

It’s a big change. Security is moving from being an afterthought, like a camera to cover insurance liabilities, to being an essential part of the company’s broader strategy. Investing in security is crucial not just for safety, but also for business growth and continuity.

Describe the rising relevance of the physical security sector in the Middle East.

The Middle East is experiencing rapid economic growth and increasing investments in technology and infrastructure. This growth is driving demand for sophisticated security solutions, with Genetec well-positioned to meet the needs of this evolving market.

As businesses and governments invest heavily in infrastructure, there’s a greater focus on ensuring these investments are protected. Genetec’s solutions are designed not to be intrusive, but to work seamlessly in the background, providing effective security without disrupting business operations. However, a key challenge in regions like the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa is the shortage of qualified security personnel.

We’ve developed Security Center, a unified platform that integrates various security systems — like video surveillance, access control, and analytics— into a single, easy-to-manage interface. This integration allows businesses to analyse security data and make more informed decisions. The Security Center is also approved by Dubai’s Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA).

Tell us more about your collaboration with Axis and the new Axis-Powered by Genetec product showcased at Intersec.

We’ve been collaborating with Axis for years, but this product collaboration is particularly exciting. We’ve integrated our software into Axis’ A1610 access control boards, creating a solution that’s pre-configured with cryptographic keys for cybersecurity. It combines Genetec access control software with Axis network door controllers in a single easy-to-deploy all-in-one offering. This solution streamlines larger installations and makes the system more resilient. If you lose internet connectivity or servers go down, the system can still run independently.

What’s unique about this is that you can install these controllers centrally, and they can manage multiple doors remotely, saving time. Also, if you’re upgrading
from an older system, we have an adapter that allows you to integrate the new solution without replacing all your existing hardware.

How do you see the security industry evolving in the next five to 10 years, especially in terms of technology?

We’ll see a continued evolution towards highly scalable, easy-to-deploy software solutions. As AI and machine learning advance, we’ll see greater automation and more intelligent systems that can analyze data in real-time, helping companies anticipate risks and respond faster. Edge computing will also play a big role, allowing us to process more data locally, reducing latency and improving efficiency. Additionally, younger generations — Millennials and Gen Z — are entering the workforce and will demand more intuitive, user-friendly interfaces.

What does the future hold for Genetec in the Middle East?

Infrastructure development, particularly in Saudi Arabia, is a huge opportunity for us. We’re seeing increasing demand for security solutions in sectors like banking, oil and gas, and data centres. Collaboration will continue to be key to our success. As the region grows, the demand for smarter, more scalable security systems will increase. We’re in a great position to help businesses secure their future.

Gold prices hit a record high on Friday, January 31, set for their best month since March 2024, as investors flocked to the safe-haven metal due to heightened US tariff concerns, while awaiting a key inflation report due later in the day for further direction.

Gold price falls: Is US dollar the culprit?

Spot gold was steady at $2,793.84 per ounce, by 0535 GMT, gaining more than 6 per cent this month. Earlier in the day, prices hit an all-time high of $2,799.71.

US gold futures rose 0.1 per cent to $2,824.40.

Trading was thin as Chinese markets were closed for the Lunar New Year holidays.

Trump’s tariff

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday, January 30, the United States would impose a 25 per cent tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada, repeating his warning to the two countries.

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“Repeated tariff threats have fuelled safe-haven flows into gold… any downside surprise in the inflation reading could suggest greater policy flexibility for the Fed, potentially bringing forward rate-cut expectations and providing further support for gold,” IG market strategist Yeap Jun Rong said.

The December US personal consumption expenditures (PCE) report, due at 1330 GMT, will be scanned for further clues on interest rate trajectory. On Wednesday, Fed Chair Jerome Powell said inflation and jobs data would determine when another easing would come.

Gold: A safe investment during geopolitical turmoil

Gold is considered a safe investment during geopolitical turmoil and thrives in a low interest rate environment.

Read: Gold prices soar to 11-week high amid Trump jitters, dollar dip

“We reiterate that long gold remains our highest conviction trading recommendation across commodities, driven by structural (central bank buying) and cyclical (Exchange Traded Funds buying) factors,” Goldman Sachs said.

Further gains could be in store for gold if tariff threats move from being a bargaining concept to an economic reality, said Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM Trade, adding that prices could move north of $2,800 levels.

Silver and platinum were poised for weekly gains as well.