Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, arrived in Moscow on an official visit to the Russian Federation.

As His Highness’ aircraft entered Russian airspace, it was escorted by a formation of military jets in a ceremonial gesture of welcome.

Accompanying the UAE President is a high-level delegation that includes H.H. Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; and Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Advisor to the UAE President, alongside several Sheikhs, ministers, and senior officials.

The visit comes against the backdrop of heightened diplomatic engagement in the region. Last week, Abu Dhabi hosted peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, brokered by the United States, underscoring the UAE’s growing role as a platform for international dialogue and conflict mediation.

Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest mountain and one of its premier outdoor destinations, is set to reopen this Saturday, January 31, following the completion of essential maintenance works and comprehensive safety assessments.

The reopening comes just in time for the height of the winter season, inviting residents and visitors to return to the mountains and enjoy cooler temperatures, clear skies, and a wide range of outdoor experiences.

The destination had temporarily suspended all operations to carry out safety inspections after the region experienced significant weather conditions between December 17 and 19, 2025. During that period, visitors were advised against camping in wadis due to unsettled weather, standing water, and the increased risk of shifting rocks and slippery surfaces. While hiking and climbing areas were not formally closed, specialist teams actively assessed conditions, urging caution across affected routes.

With safety measures now complete, Jebel Jais is reopening gradually, marking a return to one of the most popular times of the year for the mountain destination.

Winter season brings outdoor experiences back online

As part of the 2025/26 season, titled Where Life Comes Together, Jebel Jais once again positions itself as a shared space for discovery, adventure, and wellbeing. With ideal temperatures and favourable conditions, visitors can enjoy hiking, cycling, scenic viewpoints, restaurant dining, and leisure activities across the mountain’s network of routes.

Several key attractions are reopening in phases. Jais Flight, the world’s longest zipline, will resume operations on Saturday, January 31. The Jais Sky Tour, a two-hour, five-kilometre experience featuring six ziplines, will follow on February 7. Dining options are also returning, with 1484 by Puro, the UAE’s highest restaurant, reopening on January 31 and operating daily from 8:00am to 8:00pm. Puro Express at Jais Viewing Deck Park is set to reopen on February 7 from 11:00am to 8:00pm.

Visitor access and safety remain a priority

To access the mountain, visitors are required to have a confirmed booking for one of the available experiences or purchase a Jais Viewing Deck Park ticket for Dhs10 at the security entrance. Authorities continue to encourage guests to plan ahead and stay connected through official channels, as experiences resume operations in stages throughout the season.

Donald Bremner, CEO of Marjan Lifestyle, said the reopening reflects Jebel Jais’s commitment to both community engagement and safety. “At Jebel Jais, we create spaces that invite communities to reconnect with nature, with one another, and with themselves. As the mountain reopens, we look forward to welcoming visitors back to experience its energy, movement, and powerful sense of connection, while maintaining the highest standards of safety and care,” he said.

As winter continues, Jebel Jais looks to welcome visitors back to the mountains with safe, memorable experiences that bring together nature, adventure, and wellbeing at one of the UAE’s most iconic destinations.

Gold has emerged as one of the strongest-performing assets heading into 2026, confounding expectations that its appeal would fade as markets stabilised. Rather than responding to short-term fear or isolated geopolitical shocks, the metal’s rally is increasingly being driven by deeper structural forces reshaping how investors think about currency risk, diversification, and portfolio resilience.

According to Thiago Duarte, market analyst at Axi, the current bull run is less about panic buying and more about eroding confidence in fiat systems.

“Gold’s strength is less about fear and more about trust or the lack of it,” Duarte said. “The rally reflects a structural repricing of currency risk rather than a simple reaction to inflation or geopolitics.”

With gold trading near $5,310, up almost 23 per cent year to date, and the US Dollar Index sliding toward 95.50, markets are sending a clear signal. “Investors are increasingly treating gold as a neutral reserve asset in a world where fiscal expansion, political uncertainty, and policy credibility are all being questioned simultaneously,” Duarte said.

Flows, volatility and positioning

While macro narratives often dominate headlines, Duarte noted that a significant portion of gold’s recent price acceleration has been driven by market structure and positioning.

“A significant portion of the recent acceleration has been flow-driven,” he said. “Futures and options positioning show gold has become a volatility instrument, particularly during sharp FX moves.”

Large options expiries around psychologically important levels, such as $5,000, have amplified short-term price behaviour. “That explains the sharp intraday swings without breaking the broader uptrend,” Duarte said.

Importantly, this dynamic does not undermine the longer-term case for gold. “This does not weaken the bull case, it explains why the move has been fast rather than fragile,” he said. “The structural demand remains intact as long as capital continues rotating away from duration-sensitive assets.”

For institutional investors, this distinction matters. A rally driven by flows and volatility can appear unstable on the surface, but when aligned with structural capital rotation, it can prove more durable than traditional macro-driven moves.

Retail participation typically increases during periods of heightened uncertainty, raising concerns about whether gold rallies are becoming crowded or overheated. Duarte believes the most reliable signals lie in behaviour, not sentiment.

“The key signals are behavioural, not emotional,” he said. “In a healthy bull market, gold should remain resilient during equity pullbacks and should not fully retrace during short-term dollar rebounds.”

Another important indicator is how the market digests gains. “When gold pauses at higher levels rather than sharply correcting, it suggests absorption by longer-term holders,” Duarte said.

Volatility patterns also offer insight. “Volatility compression after spikes is also constructive,” he said. “It shows speculative excess is being worked off without damaging the trend.”

These characteristics point to a market that is consolidating strength rather than preparing for reversal — a dynamic more consistent with institutional accumulation than retail-driven spikes.

Read: Gold blasts past $5,000: Is the $6,000 milestone next?

Shifting correlations and portfolio implications

Gold’s inverse relationship with the US dollar remains a cornerstone of its appeal, but Duarte argues that correlations across asset classes are becoming more complex.

“Gold’s inverse relationship with the dollar remains intact, but its relationship with risk assets has become more nuanced,” he said.

In environments where dollar weakness reflects confidence erosion rather than growth optimism, gold and equities can move higher together. “During periods where dollar weakness is driven by credibility concerns rather than growth optimism, gold and equities can rise together,” Duarte said. “This is a powerful diversification dynamic.”

For investors in globally exposed regions such as the Middle East, this evolution is particularly relevant. “Gold is increasingly acting as both a hedge and a portfolio stabiliser rather than a simple crisis asset,” he said.

This shift has implications for asset allocation frameworks that traditionally viewed gold as a binary hedge. Instead, it is increasingly being positioned as a strategic reserve asset with asymmetric risk properties.

Risks on both sides of the trade

Despite gold’s strong momentum, Duarte cautioned that investors should remain mindful of both upside catalysts and downside risks.

“On the upside, a deeper dollar breakdown, renewed geopolitical stress, or a shift toward looser financial conditions could accelerate flows into precious metals,” he said.

He also pointed to broader speculative appetite across the metals complex. “Silver’s 64 per cent year-to-date rise suggests speculative appetite is broadening, not fading,” Duarte said.

The principal risk, however, lies in volatility itself. “The main downside risk is volatility itself,” he said. “Crowded positioning and leverage can trigger sharp pullbacks around major macro events or option expiries.”

Such corrections, while potentially severe, may not alter the underlying trend. “These corrections are likely to be violent but temporary,” Duarte said.

From a structural perspective, gold’s role appears to be evolving rather than peaking. “Structurally, gold’s role in portfolios is strengthening, which means pullbacks are increasingly being treated as opportunities rather than exit signals,” he said.

Taken together, the dynamics underpinning gold’s rally suggest a shift in how the metal is being used by investors. Rather than serving purely as a reflexive hedge against crisis, gold is increasingly functioning as a neutral store of value amid growing scepticism toward fiat stability and policy credibility.

For institutional allocators, the message is clear: gold’s current bull run is not just about fear, it is about structure, flows, and a rethinking of what constitutes safety in a fragmented global financial system.

Dubai Media has launched Dubai+, a new digital media platform designed to deliver a wide range of content for all family members. The platform reflects evolving digital consumption patterns and the continued expansion of Dubai’s media and content ecosystem.

Dubai+ forms part of Dubai Media’s broader strategy to build an integrated digital media environment, offering a diverse catalogue of local, Arab and international films and series, while supporting Dubai’s ambition to become a regional centre for creative content production and distribution.

Accelerating media sector growth

Sheikh Ahmed emphasised the importance of accelerating the development of Dubai’s media sector, with a focus on talent investment, youth empowerment, technology and AI adoption, and attracting specialised investment.

“We believe media is a strategic force that shapes awareness, supports development and builds trust. Our approach is rooted in driving innovation, advancing skills and capabilities, and strengthening partnerships that turn ideas into real impact,” Sheikh Ahmed said.

“The launch of Dubai+, combined with the rapid development of our media ecosystem, and sustained support for film and creative industries, is set to further strengthen Dubai’s position at the forefront of global digital media and the creative economy,” he added.

Built in Dubai, scaled for the region

Speaking to Gulf Business on the sidelines of the platform’s launch, Mohamed Almulla, CEO of Dubai Media, said the initiative reflects a long-term strategy to evolve beyond traditional broadcasting while building on existing strengths.

“This is an initiative by Dubai Media. It translates our vision to transform the organisation into a fully digital-driven company, building on the success of traditional media as well as classic digital media,” Almulla said.

According to Almulla, Dubai’s infrastructure, talent base and regulatory environment give the organisation a structural advantage as it looks to scale digital platforms beyond the UAE.

“The objectives behind the launch are multi-dimensional. To start with, we are well positioned in the city of Dubai, where we have capabilities that give us a competitive advantage — from infrastructure to the availability of local talent and expertise,” he said. “The ease of exporting technologies and platforms beyond the country, into the wider region, is also more effective from Dubai.”

Dubai Media’s platform strategy is closely aligned with Dubai’s creative economy ambitions, particularly through deeper engagement with content creators and production partners.

“We are becoming more active contributors to the creative economy. We are closely linked to the Dubai Film Office, which funds and nurtures content creators,” Almulla said.

He noted that the company has expanded its in-house production capabilities through the launch of Dubai Studios, its dedicated production arm.

“Around a year ago, we launched an extension of our company called Dubai Studios, a dedicated production arm. Last year, we produced 13 productions, and this year we are increasing that to 17 to meet growing demand.”

Technology-led platform design

Dubai+ has been built on a technology-first foundation, supported by a broad ecosystem of global partners.

“Our objective is not only to address what is happening now, but to future-proof the company. We have significantly uplifted our technical capabilities. Going forward, the only limitation is imagination,” Almulla said.

He added: “We work with Comcast, which is a leading technology integrator, as well as AWS for cloud solutions. We also work with companies such as FreeWheel for ad-serving mechanisms, alongside other partners focused on user experience (UX) and consumer engagement.”

These partnerships, he said, enable seamless distribution across formats, from video and audio to podcasts and syndicated content.

“Our technical capabilities allow us to move seamlessly from print to audio, podcasts and syndicated content. There are virtually no limitations on what can be done. The consumer experience will be extremely smooth.”

A key point of differentiation for Dubai+ is its positioning around family-safe programming and continuous availability.

“First, we are committed to family-safe content. Families can be confident that children watching our platforms will be accessing safe and appropriate material,” Almulla said.

“Second, we are committed to continuous upgrades and service delivery. This is not a platform that appears for one season and disappears — it will be available year-round.”

Flexible monetisation model

Dubai+ has launched with a diversified commercial model designed to balance scale, accessibility and revenue generation.

“The business model includes AVOD, which is advertising-funded, as well as SVOD. We also have hybrid models, such as TVOD and others,” Almulla said.

He added that the platform has the technical capability to integrate live and sports content over time, with a phased rollout approach.

“Technically, we are not limited — it comes down to your wish list. Of course, you cannot launch everything at once, so this will be a gradual ramp-up of operations.”

The platform is priced at Dhs21 per month.

The decision to launch Dubai+ ahead of Ramadan was driven by consumption patterns rather than short-term metrics.

“Historically, the month of Ramadan sees a significant increase in TV and content consumption. It carries the highest budgets, reach and impact,” Almulla said. “We felt this was the right moment to showcase our commitment to content delivery and to demonstrate a seamless user experience.”

While subscriber growth remains important, Almulla emphasised that early success will be measured by user value and experience.

“Subscribers are, of course, important. But more important to me is that people see value — that we are genuinely creating value,” he said. “If the product is strong, seamless, and delivers on what it promises, conversion will happen naturally.”

Read more: Film and Gaming in focus: Dubai Media Council rolls out new committees

Gulf governments are stepping up infrastructure deals with foreign investors, with Kuwait set to launch an oil pipeline network stake sale as soon as February in a deal that could raise up to $7bn, three sources with knowledge of the matter said.

The shift comes as oil prices, down more than 25 per cent in two years, sit below levels needed to fund the Gulf’s diversification plans. Governments are now offering investors access to assets once off limits – from pipelines to power plants – to bring in pension funds, private equity firms and infrastructure specialists.

“The national transformation plans underway in the Gulf are bold and ambitious. It can’t be all funded from within,” said Bader Mousa Al-Saif, assistant professor of history at Kuwait University and associate fellow at UK policy institute Chatham House.

“Luring international markets in has been multi-directional and multi-sourced – coming from all parts of the Gulf and using all levers at hand to finance their way through.”

For the Kuwait deal, Kuwait Petroleum Corp has hired HSBC alongside JPMorgan and Centerview Partners as advisers, the sources said. HSBC is also arranging so-called “staple financing” which the buyers can use to back their purchase, four sources said, while advisers have begun sounding out investors, three sources said.

Saudi Aramco is also preparing to sell some gas-fired power plants in the coming weeks in a deal expected to raise around $4bn, according to two sources.

Centerview Partners, JPMorgan and Aramco declined to comment. KPC and HSBC did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

More deals

The region could see several more billion dollars worth of infrastructure deals over the next 12 months, said Rajesh Singhi, Standard Chartered’s global co-head of M&A advisory.

“We could be looking at a fresh wave of transactions — as additional assets are prepared for market,” said Singhi.

The bank advised on Abu Dhabi’s AED3.8bn ($1.03bn) sale of PAL Cooling Holding last year and is preparing more district cooling assets for sale, Singhi said.

The entry of specialised investors has brought more sophisticated deal structures and new capital sources like pension funds and insurance companies not traditionally seen in the region, Singhi said.

Western funds look east

Quebec’s Caisse de dépôt, Canada’s second-largest pension fund with $290 billion in assets, is seeking new Gulf infrastructure investments beyond its Dubai ports operator DP World stake, said its infrastructure head Rana Karadsheh-Haddad.

“Our current focus is on identifying the right partners who share our long-term outlook and asset-management approach,” Karadsheh-Haddad told Reuters.

Investors are increasingly setting up shop locally. Australia’s Macquarie Group is scouting for a Saudi base, while US BlackRock opened a Kuwaiti office last year.

BlackRock’s Global Infrastructure Partners led an $11bn deal last year for Aramco’s midstream assets tied to its Jafurah gas project, potentially the largest shale development outside the US.

Besides the gas-fired plants sale, Aramco could divest other assets such as housing, pipelines and port infrastructure, sources have said.

Pipeline returns attractive

For Gulf state firms, the stake sales allow them to free up capital for expansion and higher‑growth projects while retaining operational control. State oil companies are pursuing these deals despite having access to cheaper debt, partly to diversify funding sources and draw in long‑term institutional investors, sources and analysts have said.

A typical Gulf pipeline transaction gives investors a minority stake in a ring‑fenced entity with long‑term lease payments. Such deals have delivered returns of about 12 per cent to 14 per cent and offer exposure to investment‑grade issuers and stable dollar‑linked cashflows, two sources said.

Kuwait’s deal is expected to follow the model used across the region, three sources said, with the government retaining majority ownership and day-to-day control.

The deals are typically structured as US Treasury yield plus the issuer’s credit spread plus a premium for the transaction, the sources said.

The model has also created a secondary market: In April 2024, BlackRock and KKR sold their 40 per cent stake in ADNOC Oil Pipelines to Abu Dhabi-based Lunate, with KKR returning to invest in ADNOC’s gas assets less than a year later.

“It is the nature of the financial return that is so attractive; it is the sustainable, close to guaranteed income stream in a world where that’s harder to find,” said Ben Powell, BlackRock Investment Institute’s chief APAC and Middle East strategist.

Read: Kuwait seals $4bn port deal with China under Belt and Road push