Oil prices edged higher on Tuesday as investors took stock of positive demand indicators, while also treading cautiously ahead of an OPEC+ meeting to decide the group‘s August output policy.

Brent crude LCOc1 settled up 37 cents, or 0.6 per cent, at $67.11 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude CLc1 settled 34 cents higher, or up around 0.5 per cent, at $65.45 a barrel.

The gains were likely due to supportive data from a private-sector survey in China, which showed factory activity returned to expansion in June, said Randall Rothenberg, a risk intelligence expert at US oil brokerage Liquidity Energy.

Expectations that Saudi Arabia will raise its August crude oil prices for buyers in Asia to a four-month high as well as firm premiums for Russian ESPO Blend crude oil were also supporting the notion of robust demand, Rothenberg said.

Oil‘s gains were kept in check by expectations that the OPEC+ group will boost its August crude oil output by an amount similar to the outsized hikes agreed in May, June, and July. Four OPEC+ sources told Reuters last week the group plans to raise output by 411,000 barrels per day next month when it meets on July 6.

“All eyes will be on OPEC+’s decision over the weekend, when the group is expected to add another 411,000 bpd of production in an effort to gain more market share, primarily over the US shale producers,” StoneX energy analyst Alex Hodes told clients.

Besides gaining market share from US shale producers, which pumped oil at a record pace in April, according to official data released on Monday, the group has also been trying to punish overproducing members.

OPEC+ member Kazakhstan, one of the world’s 10 largest oil producers, raised oil production last month to match an all-time high, a source familiar with the data told Reuters on Tuesday.

Saudi Arabia, the de facto leader of the OPEC+ group, raised its June crude oil exports to the fastest rate in a year, data from Kpler showed.

“These exports are flooding out even faster than the OPEC+ deal implies during the summer, when peak domestic demand typically keeps oil supplies closer to home,” Hodes said.

In the US, crude oil inventories rose by 680,000 barrels in the past week, according to sources citing figures from the American Petroleum Institute. Official data from the Energy Information Administration is due Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. ET. API/S

Trump and tariffs

Investors are also watching trade negotiations ahead of US President Donald Trump’s tariff deadline of July 9. Trump on Tuesday said he is not thinking of extending the deadline.

A trade deal with India was very close, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Tuesday. Trump also said the US will possibly have a deal with India, but he added that he doubts there will be a deal with Japan.

Bessent also warned countries could be notified of sharply higher tariffs despite good-faith negotiations as the July 9 deadline approaches, when tariff rates are scheduled to revert from a temporary 10 per cent level to the ones Trump announced on April 2 and then suspended.

The European Union wants immediate relief from tariffs in key sectors as part of any trade deal with the US, EU diplomats told Reuters.

In a world-first fusion of audio and utility, Human Mobile Devices (HMD) has unveiled the Amped Buds, wireless earbuds that don’t just deliver crystal-clear sound — they can also wirelessly charge your smartphone on the go.

Launching across the GCC this month, the Amped Buds are equipped with a 1600mAh reverse wireless charging case, the Amped Buds can give your iPhone 16 Pro a 20 per cent boost without a cable, or more via wired charging — making them an everyday lifesaver for battery-conscious users across Dubai, Riyadh, Doha, and beyond.

“Battery anxiety is real — and sound quality matters just as much,” says Sanmeet Singh Kochhar, SVP of HMD Global for Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. “We created the Amped Buds to address both, blending practical innovation with everyday usability.”

HMD Amped Buds: key details

And the buds don’t skimp on sound. Featuring 10mm precision-tuned drivers, hybrid ANC and ENC, and up to 95 hours of playback, the HMD Amped Buds are designed for deep listening, clear calls, and enduring performance.

They also feature IPX4 splash resistance and come in three colours — Black, Cyan, and Pink — ready for desert treks, workouts, or daily commutes.

Tech meets practicality

• Reverse charging case: 300 per cent larger battery than most buds on the market

• Custom EQ controls via app on Android and iOS

• Google Fast Pair and multipoint pairing for seamless connectivity

• Qi2 compatibility with devices like HMD Skyline, and select iPhone and Samsung models

Retailing at Dhs/SAR/QAR 599, the HMD Amped Buds will be available across UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and other GCC markets.

Abu Dhabi and Dubai have been ranked as the world’s top two emerging data center markets, according to Cushman & Wakefield’s 2025 Global Data Center Market Comparison report, reflecting the UAE’s growing role in global digital infrastructure investment.

Among 97 markets surveyed, Abu Dhabi and Dubai placed first and second respectively, assessed across 20 key variables including power availability, fiber connectivity, development pipeline, and land pricing.

“There’s a clear link between long-term infrastructure planning and current market performance,” said Edward Macura, country head at Cushman & Wakefield Core. “Abu Dhabi and Dubai have created the conditions for scale, and global operators are responding.”

UAE’s data centre capacity to rise

The UAE currently hosts over 250MW of live data centre capacity, with an additional 500MW in active development. The Stargate UAE project in Abu Dhabi — backed by OpenAI, Oracle, and Nvidia — is expected to deliver 5GW at full capacity. In Dubai, telecom operator du and Microsoft are advancing a $540m hyperscale facility.

Read: Stargate UAE: G42, OpenAI, Oracle, NVIDIA, SoftBank, Cisco to build AI cluster

Cloud service providers increasing operations in the UAE

Cloud service providers including AWS, Alibaba, and Equinix are expanding operations in both emirates. Khazna Data Centers leads the UAE market with more than 59 per cent share, while enterprise players like Emirates Group are also expanding into solar-powered facilities such as the one at Mohammed bin Rashid Solar Park.

The UAE data centre market was valued at $1.26bn in 2024 and is forecast to grow to $3.33bn by 2030. Backing this growth are major capital commitments: Abu Dhabi’s ADQ and Energy Capital Partners are investing $25 billion into power infrastructure, while MGX, Microsoft, and BlackRock are supporting a $30bn AI-driven initiative.

Macura noted that institutional capital is responding to the market’s track record. “Developers are meeting deadlines, occupiers are pre-leasing, and supporting infrastructure is being delivered in parallel,” he said.

The Stargate UAE campus is expected to deliver its first 1GW by 2026. Khazna’s 100MW AI facility in Ajman is also on track for phased delivery within 24 months.

As demand for AI and cloud infrastructure intensifies, the UAE is positioning itself as a resilient and scalable digital hub. “The level of interest we’re seeing isn’t temporary,” Macura added. “The UAE has reached the point where it offers both operational reliability and future capacity — those are the markets that will outperform over time.”

Registration is now open for the 19th edition of the Dubai Airshow, set to take place from 17 to 21 November 2025 at Dubai World Central. The landmark event returns with a focus on advancing innovation, enhancing connectivity, and shaping the future of the global aviation and defence sectors.

Read-Dubai’s aerial taxi services: RTA tests region’s first flight

Building on its reputation as one of the world’s most influential aerospace events, Dubai Airshow 2025 will serve as a critical platform for accelerating cutting-edge technologies and fostering cross-sector collaboration.

The show will reflect the UAE’s bold vision for aviation, aligning with the sector’s rapid growth trajectory, a WAM report said.

According to recent data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the aviation industry contributes approximately $92bn to the UAE’s GDP, accounting for 18.2 per cent of the total. The Middle East’s commercial aircraft fleet is projected to grow by 5.1 per cent annually over the next decade, underlining the region’s expanding role in global aviation.

Global platform for transformation

Dubai Airshow continues to attract key global players, government representatives, innovators, and thought leaders. The 2025 edition is expected to facilitate high-level dialogue and showcase pioneering technologies across civil aviation, aerospace, defence, and space sectors.

Major General Dr Mubarak Saeed bin Ghafan Al Jabri, Executive Director of the Military Committee organizing Dubai Airshow, emphasised the event’s importance in spotlighting the UAE’s leadership in both aviation and defence.

“As the industry evolves rapidly, the Ministry of Defence remains committed to building future-ready capabilities and fostering innovation,” he said. “Empowering the next generation of talent is central to this vision, ensuring the UAE stays at the forefront of global development.”

One of the highlights of this year’s show will be a first-of-its-kind networking event hosted directly on the runway. Held in partnership with SkyDive Dubai, this exclusive gathering will bring together top international aviation figures in a dynamic setting that blends entertainment with informal engagement. Attendees can expect drone light shows, skydiving performances, live DJ sets, and premium hospitality experiences.

First-ever night programming

In a first for the Dubai Airshow, the 2025 edition will introduce night-time programming. Scheduled for the second day of the show, this unique experience will extend activities until 9:00 PM, giving attendees extra time to explore the static aircraft displays, attend evening receptions, and enjoy immersive aerial displays under the stars.

The night programming is designed to deepen engagement while showcasing the sector’s innovation in an entirely new light.

Innovation, sustainability, and future talent

Dubai Airshow 2025 will once again spotlight industry innovation and sustainability. As aviation organizations worldwide prioritize the transition to greener, more efficient technologies, sustainability will be a key theme across exhibits, panels, and features.

The return of VISTA, the leading hub for aerospace start-ups, will highlight the role of emerging companies in transforming aviation and space. Alongside this, the NextGen Leaders Programme and the newly introduced Academy will provide professional development, mentorship, and hands-on training opportunities for aspiring industry professionals.

The Aerospace Executive Club will convene senior leaders to discuss current trends, economic strategies, and global cooperation efforts. Delegates will benefit from curated programming and access to one of the industry’s most comprehensive business matchmaking systems. Powered by AI through the official Dubai Airshow app, the system is designed to connect participants efficiently, fostering meaningful partnerships.

Co-hosted by the UAE Ministry of Defence, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, and the Government of Dubai, the show’s extensive delegation programme will facilitate strategic engagement across civil, military, and commercial domains.

Engaging the public: Skyview returns

Skyview, the only event of its kind in the UAE open to the public, will also return for the 2025 edition. Expected to attract over 15,000 visitors across five days, Skyview will offer attendees exclusive access to live flying displays, interactive exhibits, and a variety of entertainment experiences.

Global leadership and future outlook

Timothy Hawes, Managing Director of Informa Markets, which organizes the event, emphasized the Airshow’s pivotal role in shaping the aviation and defence sectors.

“Dubai Airshow has always focused on progress and connectivity,” said Hawes. “The 2025 edition will be our most future-forward to date—uniting global industry players through meaningful initiatives that support innovation, education, and regional growth strategies.”

He added that the show’s youth engagement efforts are expanding through educational programmes, networking opportunities, and tech showcases aimed at inspiring the next generation of aviation professionals.

With registration now open, stakeholders from across the global aerospace ecosystem are invited to secure their place at the Dubai Airshow 2025—an event poised to influence the next chapter of aviation, defence, and space innovation.

Imtiaz Developments, one of Dubai’s leading luxury real estate developers, has announced the successful handover of Westwood Grande II, a contemporary residential development offering fully furnished studio and one-bedroom apartments.

The handover was attended by senior officials from the Dubai Land Department and prominent figures from the real estate sector, marking another on-schedule delivery in line with the developer’s consistent track record.

Westwood Grande II, located in Jumeirah Village Circle, exemplifies Imtiaz’s design-first philosophy, with every residence offering spacious layouts, premium branded finishes, and integrated smart home systems. The project features a range of upscale amenities including a rooftop swimming pool with skyline views, a modern fitness centre, tranquil landscaped gardens, and an exclusive club room for residents.

“Westwood Grande II highlights our continued drive to deliver projects that go beyond construction—offering thoughtfully designed spaces that elevate everyday living. Every detail reflects our promise to create lasting value for our customers and for the city of Dubai,” Masih Imtiaz, CEO of Imtiaz Developments, stated.

With over 40 projects currently under development and more than Dhs10bn in sales, Imtiaz Developments is actively expanding across key districts including Dubailand, Dubai Islands, and Meydan. The company remains committed to building communities that combine architectural distinction with enduring lifestyle and investment value.