boAt, India’s No 1 and World’s No 3 audio wearables brand (Source: IDC report), has debuted in the UAE, marking a milestone in its international expansion journey.

The brand will offer its portfolio of audio products and smart wearables, including TWS (true wireless stereo) earbuds, headphones, portable speakers, large audio, and smartwatches to customers in the UAE.

These products will be available through an omnichannel retail presence, across both online platforms and offline stores.

boAt launch aligns with the brand’s expansion strategy

This expansion is aligned with boAt’s strategic vision to expand in a focused manner in select countries in the Middle East, that have a large Indian diaspora or population with similar tastes and preferences as India.

The focus remains on young, digitally enabled consumers in such target international markets.

Aman Gupta, co-founder and CMO of the brand, said: “The UAE is a natural next step for boAt’s international journey. With a large Indian diaspora, strong demand for wearable tech, and a digitally connected, youth-driven population, the market mirrors many of the conditions where we’ve seen success in India. Add to that the UAE’s strategic location and pro-business environment, and it becomes an ideal springboard for our broader expansion across the GCC and MENA region.”

Signalling its intent to disrupt, boAt kicked off its UAE presence with the ‘Don’t be a Fanboy’ campaign, shot and conceptualised by Moonshot UAE.

“Our expansion into the UAE represents a defining step in boAt’s mission to expand our distribution in select countries in the Middle East,” said Sameer Mehta, co-founder and CEO of boAt. “These are dynamic markets with a large base of young, digitally enabled consumers who align with boAt’s DNA of innovation. We are excited to introduce the boAt experience to the UAE.”

Gupta adds: “We’re not trying to be another legacy electronics brand — boAt is built around community, culture, and design. We see a gap between ultra-premium global players and low-cost generic products. That’s where boAt comes in, delivering premium experiences at accessible price points. In the UAE, our edge will be creating relevance through localised storytelling, influencer partnerships, and products that speak to the lifestyles of Gen Z and millennial consumers.”

Abu Dhabi Airports reported its 17th straight quarter of double-digit passenger growth in H1 2025.

From January to June, the operator of the emirate’s five commercial airports handled over 15.8 million passengers, marking a 13.1 per cent increase over the same period in 2024.

Zayed International Airport (AUH) was the primary driver of growth, welcoming 15.5 million passengers, up 13.2 per cent year-on-year.

Flight movements also saw an uptick, with a total of 133,533 flights across the network during H1 2025, a 9.2 per cent rise over the previous year.

AUH alone recorded 93,858 aircraft movements, an 11.4 per cent increase from the 84,286 flights registered in H1 2024.

“The first six months of this year have posed some operational challenges, yet our exceptional mid-year results demonstrate the resilience of our network and the collaborative partnerships that underpin our growth,” said Elena Sorlini, MD and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports.

“Consistently delivering positive growth for the past 17 quarters is testament to the dedication and collective effort of the entire Abu Dhabi Airports team,” she added.

Abu Dhabi Airports expands global connectivity

The group also expanded its global connectivity by adding 16 new destinations and welcoming new airline partners.

Key developments include China Eastern Airlines’ Shanghai route (set to go daily in September), Air Seychelles’ six weekly flights, Fly Cham’s service to Damascus, and IndiGo’s new routes to Madurai, Bhubaneswar, and Vishakhapatnam, cementing AUH as the Indian carrier’s most connected hub in the UAE.

Cargo operations registered strong growth as well. 344,795 tonnes of cargo were handled in H1 2025, supported by strategic infrastructure upgrades.

A key development was a joint venture agreement with JD Property, the infrastructure arm of China’s JD.com, to build a 70,00sqm advanced logistics facility targeting rising east-west e-commerce demand in the GCC and MENA regions.

Other strategic milestones

• Completion of rehabilitation works at Sir Bani Yas Airport, supporting Al Dhafra’s eco-tourism goals.
• AUH receiving the 3 Pearl Estidama rating for construction and being named ‘Best Airport at Arrivals Globally’ at the ACI ASQ Awards for the third year running.
• Advancement of MRO capabilities at Al Bateen Executive Airport through a collaboration with Bombardier.
• Signing of an MoU with TAQA Distribution to explore next-generation utility technologies across airport operations.

Abu Dhabi Airports stated it will continue advancing its long-term growth strategy, focusing on expanding international partnerships, upgrading infrastructure, and driving sustainable innovation.

As we step into the second half of 2025, the global investment landscape presents a complex mix of opportunity and uncertainty. Growth is slowing. Inflation refuses to fade. Interest rate cuts are still being postponed.

Meanwhile, geopolitical tension is spreading across regions and asset classes. These are not market conditions that reward broad optimism or reckless positioning.

My view is simple: H2 2025 will reward clarity, selectivity, and discipline. This is not a time for grand, one-directional bets. It is a time to build thoughtful, well-structured portfolios that can weather a slower, choppier world.

A Slower but Still Resilient Economy

The global economy is losing momentum, but it is not in freefall. The OECD now expects global GDP to grow just under 3 percent this year, while US growth is projected at 1.6 per cent. Inflation, particularly in services, remains above target in most developed economies.

Central banks, especially the Federal Reserve, are signalling that rate cuts may be limited to one or two this year, if at all. The recent conflict in the Middle East has only complicated matters further. A spike in oil prices is feeding into energy inflation, adding pressure on central banks to stay hawkish for longer.

That reality is pushing investors to reset expectations. We are no longer in a world where monetary policy will do the heavy lifting. Instead, investors must rely on fundamental analysis, diversified positioning, and tactical execution.

In equities, quality still leads

Despite the noise, parts of the equity market are still working. Large-cap US stocks with strong balance sheets and pricing power continue to outperform. The S&P 500’s strength is being driven by a narrow group of sectors including defense, financials, and selected technology names. Beneath the surface, however, dispersion is rising.

We are focused on companies that offer real cash flow, global exposure, and resilience. Aerospace, payment networks, and energy infrastructure are showing stable earnings and investor support. AI-linked semiconductors and sovereign data infrastructure are also attracting structural capital.

Fixed income Is back in play

For the first time in over a decade, bonds are doing more than just cushioning risk. High-grade corporate debt is yielding 4 to 5 per cent, creating genuine opportunities for risk-adjusted income. At the same time, private credit continues to benefit from tight bank lending standards and investor demand for yield.

We are rotating into shorter-duration, investment-grade credit, and allocating capital to private lending strategies that offer a clear edge over traditional fixed income.

Private markets: A shift in mindset

Private equity markets are showing renewed discipline. Buyers are being more selective, focusing on operationally sound businesses rather than growth at any price. Sectors such as digital infrastructure and decarbonization are generating strong interest, particularly as sovereign investors move into long-duration assets.

Private credit is also coming into its own. With traditional lenders still cautious, asset managers are stepping in to fill the gap, especially in infrastructure, logistics, and middle-market lending.

Thematic investing: Where capital is flowing

We are watching three key secular themes:

AI infrastructure remains one of the most underappreciated investment opportunities. Beyond the software and chipmakers, real capital is moving into data centers, cloud platforms, and edge computing.

Energy transition is now investable, not just aspirational. Hydrogen, grid-scale batteries, and carbon capture projects are beginning to scale, supported by long-term policy incentives and private capital.

Geopolitical hedging is becoming mainstream. Gold is up over 20 percent this year, defense stocks continue to see inflows, and utilities are outperforming broader benchmarks as investors seek protection from political risk and inflation shocks.

The oil price rally is also pulling capital back toward traditional safe havens. Investors are increasing exposure to gold, US dollar assets, and energy-linked equities as a hedge against geopolitical volatility and commodity-driven inflation.

How investment portfolios should be positioned

We recommend second-half portfolio strategy to be grounded in five guiding principles:

1. Focus on quality equities with strong balance sheets, global demand, and pricing power.
2. Use fixed income actively, not passively, to drive consistent income.
3. Allocate to private credit and infrastructure for long-term growth and yield.
4. Include gold, defence, and utilities as volatility buffers.
5. Maintain liquidity and flexibility to respond to political shifts, macro surprises, or market dislocations.

H2 2025 will not be driven by narrative. It will be shaped by execution. This is not a momentum market, and it is not yet a pivot market. It is a market for professionals — those who can cut through the noise, assess risk with discipline, and allocate capital with precision.

For investors willing to do the work, the opportunities are real. But they will not come easy. In a slower, more fragmented world, success will belong to those who stay grounded, stay agile, and stay committed to long-term value creation.

The writer is the CEO at STP Partners.

The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) has issued a fresh weather warning for Monday, July 21, 2025, cautioning of possible convective cloud formation associated with rainfall and strong winds in parts of the UAE.

According to the NCM, “A chance of convective cloud formation associated with rainfall and fresh to strong winds at times causing blowing dust with a speed of 45 km/hr over some Eastern and Southern areas from 13:30 until 19:30 Monday 21/07/2025.”

The weather conditions may reduce visibility and affect outdoor operations across key sectors, including construction, transportation, and facilities management. Companies operating in the eastern and southern regions are urged to take preventive measures to ensure worker safety and avoid disruption.

Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) 2025 has officially launched, transforming the city into a hub of excitement, unbeatable retail offers, family entertainment, and mega prize opportunities for residents and visitors over the next nine weeks, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading global summer destination.

Read-Dubai Summer Surprises 2025: A look inside the 66-day shopping experience

For the first time in its history, DSS introduces three specially curated retail seasons aligned with the summer rhythm, ensuring continuous activity across Dubai’s malls, attractions, hotels, and dining destinations while supporting the city’s vision under the D33 economic agenda.

Three retail seasons, one unmissable summer

Shoppers can explore three consecutive retail windows under DSS 2025:

• Summer Holiday Offers (27 June–17 July): Kicking off the season with early promotions, citywide raffles, and savings of up to 75 per cent across leading brands.
• Great Dubai Summer Sale (18 July–10 August): Bringing the season’s deepest citywide discounts of up to 90 per cent off, alongside exclusive flash sales and grand raffles.
• Back to School (11–31 August): Focused on school essentials, family needs, and promotions with opportunities to win scholarships towards school fees.

“Dubai Summer Surprises 2025 has been designed to bring unmatched value to our residents and visitors while ensuring every part of the summer has something new to offer,” said Mohamad Feras, AVP Retail & Strategic Alliances at Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE).

“Each season within DSS has been curated with a clear purpose, ensuring that as families, residents, and tourists move through the summer, there is always something to look forward to in Dubai.”

Back to School: Supporting families across the city

The final phase of DSS 2025, Back to School (11–31 August), focuses on easing the financial and logistical pressures of the new school year, with promotions on school supplies, technology, clothing, and essentials, alongside scholarship raffles for families.

“Back to School season is a critical time for families, and we want to ensure that DSS plays a role in making it smoother, more affordable, and even joyful,” Feras explained. “We are not just supporting shopping; we are supporting families as they prepare for a new academic year.”

Aligning with Dubai’s vision and economic agenda

DSS 2025 aligns with Dubai’s D33 Economic Agenda, reinforcing the city’s position as one of the world’s best places to live, work, and visit through vibrant retail, tourism, and entertainment offerings.

“DSS plays an important role in driving Dubai’s retail economy while ensuring residents and visitors experience the city in its full vibrancy,” Feras emphasized. “It showcases how Dubai can be a world-class summer destination, providing value while creating joy.”

Strategic partnerships powering DSS 2025

Dubai Summer Surprises 2025 is supported by Key Sponsor Commercial Bank of Dubai and Strategic Partners, including Al Futtaim Malls (Dubai Festival City Mall & Festival Plaza), Al Zarooni Group (Mercato Shopping Mall), AW Rostamani Group, DHAM (Al Seef, Bluewaters, Ibn Battuta Mall, Nakheel Mall, and The Outlet Village), Emirates Airline, ENOC, e&, Majid Al Futtaim (City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, Mall of the Emirates), Merex Investment (City Walk and The Beach, JBR), and talabat.

“Our partners are critical to the success of DSS 2025, ensuring the festival reaches every community and every visitor with a consistent, high-quality experience,” said Feras.

Citywide festival of shopping and entertainment

Running for nine weeks across over 1,000 brands and 3,500 retailers, DSS 2025 promises citywide savings paired with immersive family-friendly activations, exclusive entertainment, and prize-winning opportunities.

“These three shopping seasons anchor DSS 2025, creating a summer that is not only about shopping but about shared experiences, excitement, and community connection,” Feras added. “Dubai has always been a city that thrives on experiences, and DSS is designed to ensure every shopper can feel that.”

The Great Dubai Summer Sale: Mega deals and mega prizes

The Great Dubai Summer Sale (GDSS), from 18 July to 10 August, sits at the heart of DSS 2025, offering the deepest discounts of the summer, with up to 90 per cent off during limited-time flash sales and citywide offers.

Shoppers spending Dhs300 or more at participating outlets can take part in the GDSS Shop, Scan and Win promotion, entering a draw to win Dhs1m in cash or a brand-new Nissan Patrol, ensuring every shopping trip has the potential to transform a customer’s summer.

“This is not just about shopping; it is about making memories and creating life-changing moments for our shoppers,” Feras noted. “The GDSS Shop, Scan and Win campaign gives shoppers the chance to walk away from a day of shopping with their lives changed forever.”

Skywards Everyday members can amplify their DSS experience by earning 25 per cent bonus Miles on all eligible transactions and will also stand a chance to win a share of one million Skywards Miles with spends of Dhs100 or more at participating Skywards Everyday and Skywards Miles Mall partners.

Exciting flash sales and limited-time offers

To maintain high energy throughout DSS, a series of exclusive flash sales and limited-time events will be rolled out, including:

• GDSS 12 Hour Sale
• GDSS Daily Surprises
• GDSS Gold & Jewellery Flash Sale
• GDSS Beat the Clock with Rivoli Group
• GDSS Shop for Free Weekend with Al Jaber Optical
• GDSS Dubai Hills Mall One Day Sale
• GDSS Final Sale

“Flash sales add an element of surprise and anticipation to the shopping experience,” Feras shared. “They create moments that shoppers can plan for, get excited about, and share with family and friends.”

Opportunity to win big across Dubai’s malls

Shoppers across Dubai will also have the chance to win big through citywide raffles and exclusive rewards throughout DSS:

• One million SHARE points at Majid Al Futtaim malls, including instant 5 per cent cashback at City Centre Mirdif and City Centre Deira, and up to 20X SHARE Points at Mall of the Emirates.
• Dhs10,000 in Tickit rewards at participating retail partners.
• A Polestar 4 LRSM at Dubai Festival City Mall.
• A Soueast S06 SUV at Dubai Outlet Mall.
• The DSS Lucky Receipt promotion at participating malls, offering instant rewards until July 17.

“This is truly a summer where shopping goes beyond the transaction,” said Feras. “It becomes about the chance to win, the chance to experience something new, and the chance to walk away with prizes that can redefine your year.”

Record-breaking raffles for DSS 2025

This year’s DSS also features Dubai’s largest summer raffles, ensuring that shoppers have even more reasons to participate:

• The Dubai Shopping Malls Group DSS Raffle will award nine brand-new cars.
• The Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group Raffle will distribute 30 gold bars to 30 winners.
• The Visa Jewellery Programme will grant 50 winners a share of AED 175,000 in jewellery vouchers.

“These raffles are a testament to Dubai’s commitment to rewarding its community and visitors,” Feras commented. “When we say DSS offers one of the world’s most rewarding summer shopping experiences, we mean it.”

Dubai: The ultimate summer destination

As DSS 2025 unfolds, residents and visitors can expect a summer packed with exclusive offers, vibrant entertainment, family activities, and endless opportunities to win, making Dubai the ultimate summer destination for shopping and leisure.

“We invite everyone to join us this summer,” concluded Feras. “Whether you are looking for unbeatable deals, world-class entertainment, family activities, or the chance to win life-changing prizes, DSS 2025 is here to ensure that Dubai remains the best place to be this summer.”