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.”

Drydocks World, the DP World-owned shipyard that has played a central role in Dubai’s maritime rise since 1979, has announced the launch of a nationwide competition inviting residents to name its newest engineering innovation: a 5,000-tonne floating sheerleg crane.

Set to become the largest floating crane in the Middle East and Africa, the project is part of the company’s ongoing push to expand its engineering capabilities and support mega maritime and energy developments. The crane, currently under construction by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. (ZPMC), will be delivered in summer 2026. However, its name must be finalised in advance, as it will be permanently engraved during the fabrication process.

“This crane is more than machinery. It’s a symbol of Dubai’s ambition, resilience and engineering excellence. We are building something extraordinary. Now we invite the people of Dubai to help give it a name that reflects our shared values, heritage, and vision for the future,” said H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, group chairman and CEO of DP World.

With the ability to lift up to 5,000 tonnes to a height of 120 metres above water, the crane matches the height of the Burj Al Arab and can lift the equivalent of 400 double-decker buses or 25 wide-body aircraft. It will significantly enhance Drydocks World’s operational capabilities, supporting complex offshore construction and heavy lift requirements.

Read: AD Ports awards crane contracts worth Dhs420m for Africa operations

“For over 40 years, Drydocks World has supported the UAE’s rise as a global maritime hub. This new crane represents the next leap forward in scale, capability, and innovation,” said Captain Rado Antolovic, PhD, CEO of Drydocks World.

The competition is open to all UAE residents. Participants can submit name suggestions in Arabic or English, along with a short explanation of their meaning and inspiration. The name should reflect themes such as strength, maritime heritage, innovation, and the UAE’s future.

Entries will be reviewed by a panel of experts, including Drydocks World leadership, Emirati cultural figures, and branding professionals. The winning participant will receive a signed full-size 2025 McLaren Racing helmet, with the prize being timed to coincide with the Formula 1 finale at Yas Marina Circuit in December.

Submissions close on 4 August 2025. Entries can be submitted via https://www.dpworld.com/nameourcrane

The National Center of Meteorology has issued its five-day weather forecast, indicating continued summer heat across the UAE with intervals of humidity, occasional clouds, and a chance of light rainfall in some areas.

Today: Hot with possible rain clouds

An extension of a surface low-pressure system from the East, along with a weak upper air low-pressure system, is influencing the region. The weather today will remain fair to partly cloudy, with a chance of convective cloud development in the eastern and southern areas, which may lead to light rainfall. Temperatures will see a slight increase, and the night and early morning hours on Tuesday will be humid in coastal and internal areas, raising the possibility of mist formation.

Read-Dubai weather alert: Dust reduces visibility below 2,000 metres

Winds will remain light to moderate, freshening at times during the day and stirring up blowing dust. The sea will be slight in both the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea.

Temperature snapshot:

Coastal areas: 40–45°C highs, 28–33°C lows

Internal areas: 44–49°C highs, 27–32°C lows

Mountain areas: 33–39°C highs, 25–29°C lows

Looking ahead: Gradual cooling and persistent humidity

Tuesday, 22 July: Expect fair to partly cloudy conditions, with clouds possibly forming eastward and southward by the afternoon. Humidity will increase during the night and into Wednesday morning, with mist likely along the coast. Winds will shift from southeasterly to northwesterly, with speeds of 10–25 km/h, reaching 35 km/hr at times.

Wednesday, 23 July: The day will remain fair to partly cloudy, with low clouds appearing in the east and a slight drop in temperatures, particularly along the coast and western regions. Nighttime and early Thursday will be humid, with the potential for fog or mist across coastal and internal areas. Winds will vary from southwesterly to northwesterly, occasionally freshening and causing blowing dust, with speeds reaching up to 40 km/hr.

Thursday, 24 July: Expect fair to partly cloudy skies with clouds moving in from the east by the afternoon. Humid conditions will continue overnight and into Friday morning, bringing the chance of fog or mist. Winds will be southeasterly, shifting to northwesterly and northeasterly, with speeds of 10–25 km/hr and gusts up to 40 km/hr.

Friday, 25 July: The forecast remains fair to partly cloudy, with afternoon cloud development in the east. Humidity will persist overnight and into Saturday morning, with mist likely in western regions. Winds will be southeasterly, turning northwesterly and northeasterly, with speeds similar to the preceding days.

Throughout the week, the sea conditions will stay slight in the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea, making it safe for marine activities, though caution is advised during periods of freshening winds.