Happy Wednesday everyone!

US President Donald Trump’s itinerary has finally been revealed for his trillion-dollar trips to Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Saudi Arabia to elevate India’s ties with the Kingdom, with bold plans across energy, defense, and trade. From green hydrogen to Gulf-wide connectivity, the visit signals a deeper, future-focused partnership. Meanwhile, Dubai Investments is eyeing a listing for its real estate arm, highlighting growing IPO momentum in the region. And in the luxury property space, Dubai’s $10 million-plus home sales jumped 6% in Q1, fueled by global ultra-rich demand.

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Trump to Visit Saudi, UAE, Qatar in May to Secure Investment Pledges

📰 What is it about?

• President Donald Trump will visit Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar from May 13 to 16.

• The trip aims to secure and spotlight major investment pledges from Gulf nations into the U.S. economy.

• Originally planned as Trump’s first foreign trip of his second term — now preceded by Pope Francis’ funeral this weekend.

💡 Why it matters?

• Saudi Arabia has pledged $1 trillion in U.S. investments.

• UAE has signaled up to $1.4 trillion over 10 years — contingent on access to advanced U.S. semiconductors.

• The visit ties into Trump’s tariff-driven economic strategy and U.S. AI infrastructure ambitions.

🔜 What’s next?

• Trump will use the trip to underscore economic diplomacy wins.

• No additional stops expected, despite earlier suggestions.

• Comes after Trump’s call with Israeli PM Netanyahu on regional security.

Dubai Luxury Property Sales Set New Record Ahead Of Global Tariff Shock

📰 What is it about?

• Dubai’s luxury real estate market hit a new high in Q1 2025, with 111 homes sold above $10 million, totaling $1.9 billion in value — up 5.7% from the same period last year.

• 12 homes were sold for $25 million or more, reflecting strong demand at the ultra-prime end.

• The Palm Jumeirah led activity, with 34 luxury transactions totaling over $562 million.

• The data was released by Knight Frank, which tracks ultra-luxury property trends globally.

💡 Why it matters?

• The surge came just before global market uncertainty triggered by President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariff announcements in April.

• Analysts warn Dubai’s property market could face future risks from global financial sentiment and falling oil prices.

• Supply of ultra-luxury homes is shrinking — listings for properties above AED 50 million dropped 48% in 2024.

• Wealthy foreign buyers continue to view Dubai as a safe haven, thanks to liberal visa rules and pandemic-era credibility.

🔜 What’s next?

• Experts like Knight Frank’s Faisal Durrani caution that negative global sentiment could eventually spill into Dubai’s market.

• There’s growing concern about how tariff-driven supply chain disruptions could delay construction timelines, affecting the market’s ability to meet luxury demand.

• With rising uncertainty, all eyes are on how the global economic mood and local developer response will shape the next phase of Dubai’s luxury boom.

ODEUM – A Cutting-Edge Content Studio for All Your Production and Social Media Management Needs

📰 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: Distribution, post-production, production, live streaming, series and show creation, animation, branded content, AI-powered video creation, CGI video creation.

• Social Media: Account takeovers, strategic posts, tactical competitions.

• Copywriting: Branded content hubs, sponsored articles.

• Events: Media partnerships, co-branding, guest list curation, ticket commerce.

• Audio: Podcast production, hosting, voiceovers, audio ads.

• Online Advertising: Programmatic, display, paid social, affiliate marketing.

🔜 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 and X.

Markets

Dubai Investments Eyes IPO Of Subsidiaries By Year-End Amid Rising Valuations: CEO Tells AGBI

📰 What is it about?

• Dubai Investments plans to list one of four subsidiaries on the Dubai Financial Market before the end of 2025, according to CEO Khalid bin Kalban.

• The company manages AED22.1 billion ($6 billion) in assets across sectors including real estate, construction, manufacturing, education, and pharma.

• The IPO pipeline was delayed, not due to uncertainty, but because of emerging opportunities that made the subsidiaries more attractive to investors.

• Al Mal Capital, a subsidiary, is acting as financial advisor.

• One of the subsidiaries, Globalpharma, could list for up to $500 million, following a tech partnership with India’s ZIM Laboratories.

💡 Why it matters?

• The move comes as global IPO activity faces headwinds from Donald Trump’s new tariffs and market volatility.

• Despite this, Dubai’s IPO market remains active, with 40 listings expected this year, building on 53 IPOs in 2024.

• Kalban believes Dubai Investments’ assets are undervalued, positioning the group as a compelling investment amid shaky market sentiment.

• Globalpharma’s innovations, like oral dissolvable film medication certified in the EU, support its global growth potential.

🔜 What’s next?

• Dubai Investments aims to capitalize on rising valuations, potentially unlocking billions in value across its subsidiaries.

• The company forecasts stronger financials in 2025, building on a 21% profit rise in 2024 and a 20% Q1 2025 jump.

• It expects book value per share to rise to nearly AED5, up from AED3.3–3.5, following a AED6 billion valuation uplift.

• Kalban remains confident despite global trade tensions, saying the company’s diverse portfolio makes it resilient.

• On real estate, he sees the UAE’s growth cycle continuing for 2–3 more years, albeit at a slower pace.

India-Saudi Arabia Ties Enter A New Era With Bold Energy, Trade And Defense Plans

What is happening?

• Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia — his third since 2016 — marking a new chapter in bilateral relations.

• In an exclusive interview with Arab News, Modi called Saudi Arabia a “trusted friend and strategic ally,” highlighting the significant growth in ties since the formation of the Strategic Partnership Council in 2019.

• Key announcements include:

  • Joint feasibility studies on electricity grid interconnectivity.

  • Exploration of joint projects in refineries and petrochemicals.

  • Greater collaboration in green hydrogen, clean energy, and technology.

• Modi praised Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as a visionary leader whose reforms under Vision 2030 are transforming the region.

• The two sides are working on a Bilateral Investment Treaty and support for a proposed India-GCC Free Trade Agreement.

Why it matters:

• Strategic Depth: The India-Saudi partnership has grown beyond energy trade to include defense, digital connectivity, and joint manufacturing.

• IMEEC Corridor: Both nations are core players in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, launched at the 2023 G20 Summit, which aims to redefine global trade and supply chains.

• Diaspora Diplomacy: With 2.7 million Indians in Saudi Arabia, Modi emphasized their role as a “living bridge” between the two nations.

• Vision Alignment: India's Viksit Bharat 2047 and Saudi’s Vision 2030 share complementary goals, paving the way for synergistic development.

What’s next?

• Energy Future: Plans for green hydrogen supply chains, circular economy initiatives, and further integration in renewable energy.

• Defense Cooperation: Expanded joint military exercises, counterterrorism operations, and potential Saudi investment in India’s growing defense manufacturing sector.

• Cultural & Educational Exchange: Possibility of Indian institutions like IITs and IIMs establishing campuses in Saudi Arabia.

• Mega Event Collaboration: Indian firms are expected to play a key role in infrastructure development for Saudi Arabia’s World Expo 2030 and FIFA World Cup 2034.

• Diplomatic Momentum: Modi’s visit signals a renewed focus on making the partnership future-ready and globally influential.

🔍In other news…

• Saudi Arabia ‘one of India’s most valued partners, a trusted friend and a strategic ally,’ Indian PM Narendra Modi tells Arab News.

• Dubai inflation eases in March on lower transport and food costs.

• Startups in the MENA region raised $678 million, the strongest quarter since the end of 2023.

• Saudi Arabia to expand VAT base as oil prices fall.

• Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) has launched an investment platform, Smart Sukuk, on which retail investors can buy so-called fractional sukuk for as little as $1,000. 

• Gold edges past $3,500 as Trump piles pressure on Fed chairman Powell.

• 'From 60 to near zero days': Emirates Group cuts down hiring time as AI helps streamline process.

• Saudi Arabia to reserve 41 tourism jobs for nationals.

• Abu Dhabi sees 81 percent rise in EVs with 10,013 registered.

• Dubai AI Week 2025 sees launch of first AI-powered mortgage chatbot.

• Saudi Arabia and China to advance nuclear cooperation.

• Saudi Interior Ministry Warns Expatriates of SAR50,000 Fine for Visa Overstays.

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