Happy Wednesday everyone!

Sheikh Hamdan’s visit to India spotlights the deepening UAE-India trade ties under CEPA, as both nations push for greater economic synergy. Syria’s appointment of a new central bank governor, a seasoned EY veteran, signals a fresh chapter in its economic rebuilding journey. Meanwhile, Gulf stock markets staged a solid recovery on Tuesday, clawing back some of the sharp losses seen earlier in the week as oil prices stabilize.

Let’s dive in!

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Sheikh Hamdan Visits India As UAE-India Trade Booms Under CEPA

📰 What is it about?

• HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, is currently visiting India amid a period of strong economic ties between the two nations.

• The visit comes as the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) continues to deepen trade relations since its implementation on May 1, 2022.

• Trade between India and the UAE reached $84.5 billion in FY 2022–23, marking a 16% year-on-year increase.

• Key sectors driving this growth include energy, electronics, gems and jewelry, automobiles, and beauty products.

💡 Why it matters?

• Sheikh Hamdan’s presence in India underscores the strategic importance of the UAE-India partnership, both economically and diplomatically.

• India’s exports to the UAE grew by 11.8%, while UAE imports surged even higher, showing mutual economic benefit.

• In FY 2023–24 (April to Dec 2024), bilateral trade hit $71.8 billion, with non-oil trade making up $57.8 billion—a key target under CEPA.

• By January 2025, trade grew 21.35% to $80.51 billion, reflecting CEPA's sustained momentum.

🔜 What’s next?

• The nations are on track to achieve $100 billion in non-oil trade by 2030, reinforcing CEPA’s long-term goals.

• Sheikh Hamdan’s visit could pave the way for new investment deals, tech partnerships, and expanded collaboration in emerging industries.

• As both countries seek to diversify their economies, this visit may further accelerate bilateral projects and joint ventures in finance, infrastructure, and innovation.

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📰 What is it about?

• Odeum, the content studio built for modern media consumption, partnering with brands to deliver tailored content services while also creating original productions under the Augustus Media network.

💡 Why Choose ODEUM?

At ODEUM, we provide end-to-end media solutions to elevate your brand across multiple platforms.

• Video Production: From AI-powered videos to immersive live streaming and CGI storytelling.

• Animation Services: Dynamic 2D & 3D animation, motion graphics, and visually striking CGI. 

• Audio Production: Podcasting, sound design, and professional voiceovers that elevate content with immersive audio experiences.

• Original Content Development: Conceptualizing and producing shows, short films, and series that engage and inspire.

• Studio Rental: Fully equipped production spaces designed for seamless content creation, offering state-of-the-art filming, podcasting, and photography setups to bring creative visions to life.

🔜 What’s next?

• Have a project in mind? Let's make it happen!

• Book a studio or discuss your next big idea with us today.

Follow ODEUM on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X.

Markets

Syria Appoints EY Veteran As New Central Bank Governor Amid Economic Rebuild Efforts

📰 What is it about?

• Syria has appointed Abdulkader Husrieh, a seasoned financial consultant and long-time EY partner, as the new governor of its central bank.

• Husrieh was officially sworn in on Monday in a ceremony attended by interim President Ahmed Al-Sharaa.

• The appointment follows the exit of Maysaa Sabreen, who had briefly served as caretaker governor after the fall of former President Bashar Al-Assad in December.

• Husrieh brings extensive experience in finance and tax advisory, having worked nearly two decades with EY and participated in drafting Syria’s financial and banking laws.

💡 Why it matters?

• The appointment signals Syria’s efforts to stabilize and rebuild its war-shattered economy after nearly 14 years of civil war.

• Husrieh's global academic background — with degrees from Durham University and Osgoode Hall Law School — adds credibility to the country's push for institutional reform.

• With Al-Sharaa’s new government in place, the leadership is striving to gain international legitimacy and end the economic isolation caused by years of sanctions.

🔜 What’s next?

• The new administration, including Husrieh, is expected to lead key reforms in Syria’s monetary policy and financial sector.

• Al-Sharaa’s next steps will likely focus on lifting international sanctions and restoring investor confidence.

• The international community will be closely watching how the new leadership navigates economic recovery and political transition.

Gulf Markets Bounce Back After Sharp Losses Triggered By Oil Slump And Global Jitters

What is happening?

• Gulf and regional markets rebounded on Tuesday, showing signs of recovery after steep sell-offs earlier in the week.

• The Dubai Financial Market General Index (DFMGI) rose 1.9%, Abu Dhabi’s ADX climbed 0.45%, and Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul edged up 0.97%.

• Egypt’s EGX30 also reversed course, adding 0.64% following two consecutive days of declines.

• The bounce comes after a Sunday rout that saw Middle East stock benchmarks log their worst drops since 2020, followed by further losses across Gulf exchanges on Monday.

Why it matters:

• The early-week plunge was driven by fears of a global trade war, falling oil prices, and broader economic uncertainty.

• Saudi Aramco, one of the biggest regional players, lost over $90 billion in market cap at one point, fueling panic.

• Markets like Qatar, Kuwait, and Egypt were especially hard-hit, shedding more than 5% in Sunday trading.

• Investors scrambled to reassess exposure to energy-reliant stocks as oil dipped below the critical $60 level.

What’s next?

• Volatility is likely to persist as investors monitor oil market dynamics, OPEC+ policy responses, and macroeconomic signals like U.S. tariffs and inflation data.

• Gulf economies, heavily reliant on oil revenues, will remain sensitive to price swings and global demand signals.

• Defensive sectors and safe-haven assets may attract attention if instability continues across global markets.

• Market watchers are keeping a close eye on earnings season and any fiscal announcements that could stabilize investor sentiment.

🔍In other news…

• GCC markets provide strong hedge against global economic chaos.

• Saudi's Ma'aden weighs foreign partner for minerals processing pact.

• Emirates, Mubadala among best UAE workplaces, while stc, Aramco tops in Saudi Arabia: LinkedIn.

• $50 million Jumeira Bay plot sale in Dubai sets new record for island destination.

• In Abu Dhabi, a $20m 'Mediterranean Blue' diamond is all sparkle.

• UN says Middle East 'most important region for tourism performance'.

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