The UAE’s Bitcoin Holdings Surpass $700 Million

 

London, August 26, 2025 – New data compiled by Finbold research has revealed that the United Arab Emirates has accumulated more than $719 million worth of Bitcoin, making it the fourth largest government-linked BTC holder in the world.

The holdings, identified on blockchain intelligence platform Arkham, are tied to Citadel Mining, a public mining company majority owned by Abu Dhabi’s Royal Group through International Holding Company (IHC). Unlike the United States and United Kingdom, whose Bitcoin holdings derive largely from law enforcement seizures, the UAE’s reserves originate directly from large-scale mining operations.

As of August 26, 2025, Citadel Mining holds approximately 6,340 BTC, up from 5,930 BTC at the start of the year. In dollar terms, this represents a jump from $549.5 million on January 1 to $719.6 million, an increase of $170.05 million (+31%) in less than eight months.

“This marks a fundamental shift in the nature of sovereign Bitcoin ownership,” said Jordan Major, Chief Editor at Finbold. “Where Western governments have passively accumulated through seizures, the UAE is proactively mining Bitcoin as part of its economic diversification strategy. This sends a clear signal of intent: Bitcoin is no longer just a speculative asset, it’s becoming an instrument of state-backed wealth accumulation.”

The UAE’s mining footprint has expanded rapidly since 2022, when Citadel, alongside UAE-listed Phoenix Group, built an 80,000 square meter mining facility on Abu Dhabi’s Al Reem Island in just six months. Arkham’s on-chain records corroborate the reported timeline, with transfers between Phoenix and Citadel matching amounts disclosed in official reports. Phoenix itself holds around $3.2 million in BTC, according to Arkham.

“Institutional and sovereign adoption of Bitcoin mining is one of the most overlooked forces driving supply shocks today,” added Diana Paluteder, Finbold Head of Content. “Unlike exchange reserves, mined BTC is often held in deep custody, effectively removing liquidity from the market. The UAE’s $719 million position underscores how nation-states are beginning to shape Bitcoin’s long-term distribution.”

With nearly $720 million in BTC reserves and continued mining expansion, the UAE has established itself as one of the most significant state players in the Bitcoin ecosystem, trailing only the U.S., Bhutan, and U.K.

The Internet Has Spoken: Reddit Data Reveals the World’s Biggest Airport Annoyances

 

A new analysis of Reddit discussions has revealed the most frustrating aspects of air travel — and it’s not just the long security lines. Jessie Chambers, travel expert at Global Work & Travel, reviewed over 5,000 comments across high-engagement Reddit threads in r/travel, r/flights, r/Airports and r/flightattendants. By coding and categorising recurring themes, the most mentioned airport and inflight irritations were ranked by frequency. Ranking: The Most Common Airport & Flight Annoyances on Reddit Rank Annoyance Share of Mentions (%) Reddit Insight 1 Rude / entitled passengers 22% “They literally treat crew as servants.” 2 Security & screening frustrations 18% “Nothing like an a-hole tearing apart all my stuff on the floor.” 3 Overcrowded airports (LAX, JFK) 15% “Absolute chaos – gates way too small for the crowds.” 4 Children disrupting flights 12% “WAAAAAAY too many kids hyped up about the House of Mouse.” 5 Drunk / rowdy groups (esp. Ibiza) 9% “Ibiza passengers are the worst – stag parties gone wild.” 6 Outdated facilities (Dulles) 8% “Dingy corridors, 70s shuttles – it hasn’t changed in decades.” 7 Decline in airline service 7% “Every airline feels worse post-pandemic.” 8 Delays & cancellations 6% “Delay rates of 25–35% are killing travel.” 9 Inconsistent policies 3% “Rules change every time depending on airline/airport.” Base: ~5,000 Reddit comments across top-ranked travel etiquette threads (2024–2025). Mentions categorised by theme; percentages reflect share of coded complaints. Methodology Analysed posts and comment threads from r/travel, r/flights, r/Airports and r/flightattendants. Timeframe: Jan 2024 – Aug 2025. Only threads with >500 upvotes or >100 comments were included, ensuring discussion was “viral” enough to reflect broad opinion. Comments were coded thematically into categories (e.g. “children,” “security,” “service quality”). Share of mentions calculated by relative frequency of categories across all coded data. Expert Commentary Jessie Chambers, Global Work & Travel: “Reddit isn’t a scientific survey, but it is one of the clearest windows into traveller frustrations because people speak freely and anonymously. Looking at the data, entitlement and rudeness top the list globally — more than queues, more than delays. It’s a reminder that for many passengers, other people are the hardest part of travel.” About Global Work & Travel Global Work & Travel is one of the world’s leading youth and student travel brands, helping travellers explore the globe through working holidays, internships, volunteer projects and cultural experiences across more than 100 destinations. ENDS

Range-bound Gold looks to Fed and US data for next steps

 

Range-bound Gold looks to Fed and US data for next steps

By Daniela Sabin Hathorn, senior market analyst at Capital.com

Gold continues to capture investor attention, particularly after Friday’s price movement that underscored the metal’s ongoing consolidation phase. While long-term fundamentals remain supportive, short-term uncertainty in economic data and market direction is keeping gold in a tight range, leaving traders waiting for a decisive breakout.

From a big-picture perspective, gold remains well supported. The fundamental drivers—such as demand for diversification, central bank buying, and de-dollarization—still make it an attractive long-term asset. There is little incentive for long-term investors to be net sellers, as gold retains its role as a portfolio stabilizer.

However, in the short term, the market appears crowded. Recent moves have largely been reactionary to individual events or data releases, such as Friday’s dovish commentary from the Federal Reserve, which briefly lifted prices. Yet these gains tend to fade as the market resets, underscoring the lack of sustained momentum.

Part of the challenge lies in the mixed signals from U.S. economic data. On one hand, inflation readings and indicators such as certain business activity readings highlight resilience. On the other, the labour market has shown signs of softening in recent reports, raising questions about future growth.

This split picture leaves investors uncertain about whether to lean toward risk assets like equities, which continue to rally, or to seek safety in gold. It’s not a question of imminent recession risk, but rather whether the balance of data tilts more toward optimism or caution. This indecision has left gold range bound.

Key Levels and Potential Catalysts

Without a clear catalyst, prices are struggling to push higher despite supportive fundamentals. Gold remains capped below the $3,400 resistance level, which has proven difficult to break in recent attempts. Meanwhile, the $3,300 level and the 100-day SMA are acting as immediate levels of support.

Potential triggers for an upside breakout include:

• A September Fed rate cut: Markets currently see this as the most likely event to drive gold higher.
• Soft inflation data (PCE): A weaker-than-expected reading could weaken the dollar and boost gold.
• Labor market weakness: Another disappointing jobs report could reinforce demand for safe-haven assets.

Until such a catalyst materializes, gold is likely to remain in consolidation, with traders watching closely for signs of a renewed uptrend.

Gold (XAU/USD) daily chart

Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

For now, gold remains a constructive long-term investment, supported by fundamentals and demand for portfolio diversification. But in the near term, uncertainty over economic direction and a lack of clear catalysts are keeping prices locked in a range below $3,400. All eyes are on upcoming U.S. data and the Fed’s September meeting as potential turning points for the next leg higher.

 

تماسك الذهب يجذب المزيد من المستثمرين وسط ترقب للبيانات الاقتصادية في المدى القصير

بقلم دانييلا سابين هاثورن ، محلل سوق أول في Capital.com

يواصل الذهب جذب انتباه المستثمرين، لا سيما بعد حركة الأسعار يوم الجمعة التي أكدت على مرحلة التماسك المستمرة للمعدن الأصفر. في حين أن الأساسيات طويلة الأجل لا تزال داعمة، فإن عدم اليقين قصير المدى في البيانات الاقتصادية واتجاه السوق يبقي الذهب في نطاق ضيق، مما يجعل المتداولين ينتظرون اختراقا حاسما.

من منظور الصورة الكبيرة، لا يزال الذهب مدعوما بشكل جيد. لا تزال الدوافع الأساسية - مثل الطلب على التنويع وشراء البنوك المركزية والابتعاد عن الدولرة - تجعله أصلا جذابا طويل الأجل. هناك حافز ضئيل للمستثمرين على المدى الطويل ليكونوا بائعين صافيين، حيث يحتفظ الذهب بدوره كمثبت للمحفظة.

ومع ذلك، على المدى القصير ، يبدو السوق مزدحما. كانت التحركات الأخيرة إلى حد كبير رد فعل على الأحداث الفردية أو إصدارات البيانات، مثل التعليقات المتشائمة يوم الجمعة من الاحتياطي الفيدرالي، والتي رفعت الأسعار لفترة وجيزة. ومع ذلك، تميل هذه المكاسب إلى التلاشي مع إعادة ضبط السوق، مما يؤكد عدم وجود زخم مستدام.

يكمن جزء من التحدي في الإشارات المختلطة من البيانات الاقتصادية الأمريكية. من ناحية، تسلط قراءات التضخم والمؤشرات مثل بعض قراءات نشاط الأعمال الضوء على المرونة. من ناحية أخرى ، أظهر سوق العمل علامات على التراجع في التقارير الأخيرة ، مما أثار تساؤلات حول النمو المستقبلي.

هذه الصورة المنقسمة تترك المستثمرين غير متأكدين بشأن ما إذا كانوا سيميلون نحو الأصول الخطرة مثل الأسهم ، التي تستمر في الارتفاع ، أو البحث عن الأمان في الذهب. إنها ليست مسألة مخاطر الركود الوشيكة ، بل ما إذا كان ميزان البيانات يميل أكثر نحو التفاؤل أو الحذر. هذا التردد ترك نطاق الذهب مقيدا.

المستويات الرئيسية والمحفزات المحتملة

بدون محفز واضح ، تكافح الأسعار للارتفاع على الرغم من الأساسيات الداعمة. لا يزال الذهب دون مستوى المقاومة 3,400 دولار، والذي ثبت أنه من الصعب اختراقه في المحاولات الأخيرة. وفي الوقت نفسه، يعمل مستوى 3,300 دولار والمتوسط المتحرك البسيط لـ 100 يوم كمستويات فورية للدعم.

تشمل المحفزات المحتملة للاختراق الصعودي ما يلي:

• خفض سعر الفائدة الفيدرالي في سبتمبر: ترى الأسواق حاليا أن هذا هو الحدث الأكثر ترجيحا لدفع الذهب إلى الارتفاع.
• بيانات التضخم الضعيفة (PCE): يمكن أن تؤدي القراءة الأضعف من المتوقع إلى إضعاف الدولار وتعزيز الذهب.
• ضعف سوق العمل: تقرير آخر مخيب للآمال عن الوظائف يمكن أن يعزز الطلب على أصول الملاذ الآمن.

حتى يتحقق هذا المحفز ، من المرجح أن يظل الذهب في حالة تماسك ، حيث يراقب المتداولون عن كثب علامات على تجدد الاتجاه الصعودي.

 

 

 

 

 

الرسم البياني اليومي للذهب (XAU / USD)

الأداء السابق ليس مؤشرا موثوقا به للنتائج المستقبلية.

في الوقت الحالي، لا يزال الذهب استثمارا جيداً طويل الأجل ، مدعوما بالأساسيات والطلب على تنويع المحفظة. ولكن على المدى القريب ، يؤدي عدم اليقين بشأن الاتجاه الاقتصادي وعدم وجود محفزات واضحة إلى إبقاء الأسعار ثابتة في نطاق أقل من 3,400 دولار. تتجه كل الأنظار إلى البيانات الأمريكية القادمة واجتماع بنك الاحتياطي الفيدرالي في سبتمبر كنقاط تحول محتملة للمرحلة التالية.

Why flexible work could be hospitality’s most valuable asset

 

In an industry that’s built 

on 24/7 service, giving frontline hotel staff two extra off days and two work-from-home days per month sounds radical. Now, a Dubai hotel is challenging that norm with a bold experiment it believes could change how the sector retains talent, boosts guest satisfaction and stays competitive in the Future of Work.

 

Challenging a centuries-old model

Hospitality has long been an industry of unyielding schedules. Rota systems, long shifts, and “always-on” expectations have been the standard for decades, particularly for guest-facing teams. Hybrid work policies, when they appear at all, are almost exclusively reserved for corporate or back-of-house staff.

 

But this August, Radisson RED Dubai Silicon Oasis is breaking the mould with a month-long wellness trial, giving all managers and supervisors - both operational and administrative - two extra days off and two work-from-home days.

 

The move is unprecedented in the regional hospitality sector, not only for its inclusivity but also for its operational boldness. “Hospitality is a people business,” says the hotel’s General Manager Nina Petridis. “If we want our guests to feel cared for, our team has to feel cared for first,” she adds.

 

The business case for wellness

This isn’t just goodwill; it’s about competing in a high-stakes market. Tourism makes up 12% of Dubai’s workforce, with hospitality’s GDP contribution projected to hit AED 195 billion in 2025. By 2030, Dubai is set to add 20,000 hotel rooms as part of the UAE’s drive to attract 40 million annual guests, boosting tourism’s GDP share to AED 450 billion.

 

Meeting that growth will require 30,000 - 40,000 more staff in five years, yet the region faces a talent crisis. Turnover nears one-third annually, driven by low motivation, poor benefits, work-life imbalance, and delayed pay rises as cited by 68% of employers.

 

“Retaining skilled people is no longer an HR challenge. It’s a business imperative,” says Petridis. “Wellness initiatives aren’t an expense, they’re an investment in service quality, reputation, and retention.”

 

The economics back her up. Corporate Wellness Magazine links healthier employees to lower healthcare costs and fewer sick days, while the World Economic Forum finds every $1 invested in mental health delivers a $4 return. This makes a compelling case in a region where productivity gains are critical.

 

Evidence from around the world

Data from the UAE and global markets shows structured flexibility can deliver measurable business value.

 

In Sharjah’s government sector, a shift to a 4-day work week saw 90% of employees report satisfaction, with 86% noting increased productivity and 89.9% citing improved work performance.

 

Internationally, 4 Day Week Global, piloted reduced hours in 200+ companies across Ireland, the US, Europe, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, with consistently positive results including: better mental and physical health, higher life satisfaction, and less stress, burnout, and fatigue. A year later, these gains held. Notably, 10 - 15% of employees said no amount of money would bring them back to a five-day work week. Leaders also saw stronger retention, improved recruitment, reduced sick leave, and in some cases, revenue gains, rating the trial an average 9/10 after six months.

 

The future of work in hospitality

If flexible work can succeed in industries like finance and government, why not hospitality? The operational challenge lies in rethinking staffing models, optimising rotas, and using technology to manage coverage without compromising service standards.

 

While the trial is in its early stages, Petridis and her team anticipate outcomes aligned with global findings: stronger engagement, enhanced wellbeing, improved productivity and a natural flow-on to business efficiency.

 

“This trial strives to prove that flexibility is possible, even in guest-facing roles,” says Petridis. “The Future of Work conversation shouldn’t leave hospitality behind,” she adds.

 

The implications go far beyond employee morale. In a sector where service quality is directly tied to customer loyalty, rested, engaged, and motivated staff can deliver experiences that justify premium pricing and build repeat business. As tourism competition intensifies in the UAE and globally, that edge will only grow in value.

 

A call to rethink the status quo

For Petridis, the goal isn’t to prove that one model fits all, but to spark a conversation: What if the hospitality industry could retain more talent, improve service, and boost profitability simply by giving its people more time to rest and recharge?

 

“A hotel where staff thrive will always be a hotel where guests return,” she says. And in the race to redefine hospitality for the next decade, that may be the most competitive advantage of all.

St. James’s Place Releases Latest CIO Quarterly Insights, Highlighting Diversification and Long-Term Strategies for Investors in the Middle East

 

CIO Angelina Lai: “For Investors Across the Middle East, Navigating Global Uncertainty Demands Resilience and Precision”

Dubai, UAE – 11 August 2025 – St. James’s Place (SJP), a FTSE-listed global financial advisory firm with over one million customers and $245 billion in assets under management, released the latest edition of its CIO Quarterly Insights, titled “Red Caps and the US Concentration Conundrum”. The latest insights, authored by Angelina Lai, Chief Investment Officer for Asia & Middle East, examine the growing turbulence in US markets and its implications for global investors.

The report is particularly relevant for investors across the UAE, GCC, and broader Middle East, where global diversification and capital preservation remain top of mind amid increasing exposure to international markets. It offers a timely perspective on how to balance regional opportunities with global risks and reinforces the importance of resilience and discipline in long-term portfolio strategy.

“For investors across the Middle East, navigating global uncertainty requires both perspective and precision,” said Angelina Lai, Chief Investment Officer, Asia & Middle East at St. James’s Place. “As international exposure increases, so too does the need for thoughtful diversification and a disciplined, long-term strategy that aligns with regional ambitions and global realities.”

This edition covers the impact of US political volatility, rising market concentration in US equities, emerging opportunities in undervalued regions like Asia, and the behavioural pitfalls investors should avoid during periods of uncertainty.

US Political Volatility Driving Market Uncertainty

Recent geopolitical developments and policy swings under the Trump administration, including tariff changes and Truth Social announcements, are contributing to increased market instability. 

The US Concentration Conundrum:

The report highlights a critical trend - two-thirds of global equities are now in the US, with just 10 mega-cap stocks making up over a third of the US index. This is the highest market concentration seen in 60 years, raising concerns about overexposure and systemic risk. Against this backdrop, the report underscores the importance of maintaining a disciplined approach to overall risk. If an investor’s risk appetite has not fundamentally changed, it is difficult to justify holding more of a concentrated market at higher valuations.

Shift Toward Diversification:

Despite the US remaining SJP’s largest equity position, the firm is currently underweight in US equities (15% below market weight in core portfolios) and sees more attractive opportunities in Europe, Japan, and Emerging Markets.

Geopolitical Pressures Beyond the US:

Tensions in the Middle East and the ongoing war in Ukraine continue to threaten global supply chains and drive oil prices. 

Investor Sentiment Turns Cautiously Optimistic:

The latest US consumer sentiment data shows a slight uptick in economic confidence, the first in six months, suggesting a tentative shift in perception amid persistent volatility.

“In times of heightened market uncertainty, it’s more important than ever to stay focused on your long-term goals and ensure your portfolio remains resilient. At St. James’s Place, we don’t chase headlines - we ground our investment approach in fundamentals, diversification, and discipline” added Lai. “Valuations alone don’t tell the full story; something that looks attractively priced isn’t always a good investment. That’s why we tailor our asset allocation to each client’s objectives and risk tolerance, constantly reviewing global markets, macro trends, and valuation dynamics to make informed, forward-looking decisions.”

-ENDS-

Beyond the Boom: The Enduring Strength of Dubai Real Estate

 

By: Munir Al Deraawi, Founder and CEO, Orla Properties

 

Dubai's real estate market has seen exceptional growth in recent years, driven by economic momentum, global appeal, and long-term urban planning. Amid rising demand and expanding developments, concerns about market correction are natural. Yet, Dubai's strategic foundations and regulatory foresight position it to navigate fluctuations with resilience.

 

Market corrections are a natural phase in any maturing economy, often triggered by excess supply or a drop in demand following rapid price increases. Yet, in Dubai's case, even with rising prices in certain areas, the market remains relatively balanced. One clear indicator of Dubai’s market balance is that average property prices remain lower than those in global cities such as London, New York, and Hong Kong. This points to potential for sustainable growth, rather than a temporary bubble.

 

Learning from its past, Dubai has meticulously crafted a robust and shock-resistant real estate system. A key factor is the diversification of demand sources. Dubai's market is no longer reliant on buyers from a single region; it now draws investment from all corners of the world—the GCC, Europe, Asia, Russia, and Africa. This broad base of demand provides a stable platform, insulating the market from fluctuations in any single source and boosting its overall resilience.

 

Furthermore, regulatory authorities, spearheaded by the Dubai Land Department (DLD), have been instrumental in disciplining real estate financing. They have mitigated financial risks through stringent down payment requirements and clearly defined lending regulations. This proactive approach has minimized excessive speculation and the potential for financial bubbles.

 

Dubai's real estate market has also strengthened through stringent control over project licensing. Project licenses are now governed by strict oversight and financial safeguards that ensure adherence to construction and delivery timelines. This approach significantly reduces the risk of unplanned oversupply in the market. The Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan forms the bedrock of sustainable growth, focusing on enhancing quality of life, improving infrastructure, and promoting balanced urban development rather than unchecked, rapid expansion. This long-term vision is key to the market's stability. A growing number of investors are shifting away from short-term speculation toward long-term real estate portfolios, boosting market stability. With annual returns of 7% to 11%—among the highest globally—Dubai has become a prime destination for secure, profitable investment.

 

Dubai has become a magnet for high-net-worth individuals seeking a secure, long-term investment environment. Their capital flows into luxury developments and prime properties, adding resilience and depth to the market while reinforcing the city’s global appeal.

 

Dubai is also the top choice for families pursuing long-term stability. With world-class education, safety, and cultural diversity, it offers a high quality of life. This lifestyle-driven demand adds a stable, human dimension to the real estate market.

 

What truly sets Dubai apart is its remarkable capacity to host over 200 nationalities in a single, well-regulated environment, where clear laws and shared values of discipline and cooperation prevail. This rich cultural tapestry cultivates a profound sense of loyalty and belonging. A significant number of Dubai's residents feel a strong connection to this "home," actively contributing to its well-being and success, particularly as they discover opportunities and services unavailable in their native countries. This collective sense of ownership fosters a stable and thriving community, directly underpinning the long-term sustainability of the real estate market.

 

Dubai’s real estate success is no accident—it is the result of deliberate planning, smart regulation, and inclusive growth. As global cities wrestle with volatility and oversupply, Dubai stands out as a model of long-term market sustainability. Its foundation is not a fleeting boom, but a blueprint for resilience.

سوق العقارات في دبي: نمو متوازن واستقرار محصّن بالتنوع والتشريعات

 

بقلم: منير الذرعاوي، المؤسس والرئيس التنفيذي لشركة أورلا للوساطة العقارية

 

 

شهد سوق العقارات في دبي خلال السنوات الأخيرة انتعاشاً غير مسبوق، مدفوعاً بعوامل متعددة جمعت بين النمو الاقتصادي، والانفتاح العالمي، والرؤية الاستراتيجية طويلة الأمد. ومع استمرار ارتفاع الطلب وتوسع المشاريع، برزت تساؤلات حول احتمال حدوث تصحيح سعري، ومدى استعداد السوق لمواجهة مثل هذه التحديات. إلا أن دبي تتمتع  بتوازنها الفريد واستراتيجيتها الحصيفة، مما يجعلها قادرة على مواجهة أي تقلبات بثبات.

 

إن إعادة التصحيح هي مرحلة طبيعية تمر بها الأسواق بعد موجات ارتفاع سريعة، وغالباً ما تحدث نتيجة تشبع في العرض أو انخفاض في الطلب. ولكن في حالة دبي، ورغم ارتفاع الأسعار في بعض المناطق، فإن السوق ما زال يتمتع بتوازن نسبي. ولعل أهم ما يؤكد ذلك هو أن متوسط الأسعار لا يزال أدنى من نظيراتها في المدن العالمية الكبرى مثل لندن ونيويورك وهونغ كونغ، مما يشير إلى وجود مساحة للنمو المستدام، وليس مجرد فقاعة مؤقتة.

 

 

 

لقد تعلمت دبي من التجارب السابقة، وعملت بجد لتبني منظومة عقارية متينة ومحصّنة ضد الصدمات، وذلك عبر عدة ركائز أساسية، كتنويع مصادر الطلب، حيث لم يعد سوق دبي يعتمد على مشترين من منطقة واحدة، بل أصبح يستقطب رؤوس أموال من شتى بقاع الأرض؛ من دول الخليج، وأوروبا، وآسيا، وروسيا، وأفريقيا. لقد أسس هذا التنوع الهائل في مصادر الطلب قاعدة مستقرة لا تتأثر بتقلص الطلب من جهة واحدة، مما يعزز من مرونة السوق وقدرته على امتصاص الصدمات. كما عملت الجهات التنظيمية، وعلى رأسها دائرة الأراضي والأملاك في دبي، على ضبط التمويل العقاري والحد من المخاطر بشكل كبير من خلال فرض دفعات مقدمة ومعايير واضحة للتمويل، مما خفّض من فرص المضاربة المفرطة أو تكون الفقاعات المالية.

 

 

 

كما أن ضبط منح التراخيص للمشاريع لم تعد تمنح عشوائياً، بل أصبحت تخضع لرقابة صارمة وربط مالي يضمن الالتزام بمواعيد الإنشاء والتسليم، ما يقلل من العرض المفرط غير المدروس. وتشكل الرؤية طويلة الأجل المتمثلة في خطة دبي الحضرية 2040 أساساً للنمو المستدام، حيث تركز على تحسين جودة الحياة، البنية التحتية، والتنمية الحضرية المتوازنة، بدلاً من تحقيق نمو سريع غير منضبط. كما تحول جزء كبير من المستثمرين نحو بناء محافظ عقارية طويلة الأجل بدلاً من عمليات البيع السريع والمضاربة قصيرة الأجل. لقد ساهم هذا التحول في استقرار السوق وتحقيق عوائد سنوية تتراوح بين 7% إلى 11%، وهي من النسب الأعلى عالمياً، مما يجعل من دبي وجهة جاذبة للمستثمرين الذين يبحثون عن استثمار آمن ومربح على المدى الطويل.

 

 

 

لا شك أن دبي أصبحت وجهة رئيسية لأصحاب الثروات العالية والمليونيرات من حول العالم، الذين يرون فيها ملاذاً آمناً لأصولهم واستثماراتهم. يتعامل هؤلاء المستثمرون مع السوق بنظرة استراتيجية طويلة الأمد، ويضخون رؤوس أموال كبيرة في المشاريع الفاخرة والعقارات المتميزة. تسهم هذه الفئة بشكل مباشر في استقرار السوق وتعزز من مكانته كمركز عالمي آمن ومستدام، مما يضيف عمقاً وثباتاً لسوق العقارات. وبعيداً عن لغة الأرقام، أصبحت دبي الوجهة الأولى للعائلات التي تبحث عن الاستقرار طويل الأجل ومستقبل أفضل لأبنائها. فالبنية التحتية التعليمية المتطورة، وتوفر المدارس والجامعات عالمية، إلى جانب الأمن المجتمعي والتنوع الثقافي، جعلوا من دبي بيئة مثالية للحياة والتربية. يضيف هذا النوع من الطلب المستقر الذي يعتمد على عوامل حياتية واجتماعية بعداً إنسانياً واستثمارياً قوياً للسوق العقاري، ويقلل من تأثير التقلبات الاقتصادية.

 

 

 

من أبرز ما يميز دبي هو قدرتها على احتضان أكثر من 200 جنسية في بيئة واحدة منظمة، تُحكمها قوانين واضحة، وتجمعهم قيم الانضباط والتعاون. يؤدي هذا التنوع الثقافي إلى خلق نسيج مجتمعي ثري، ويضفي شعوراً حقيقياً بالولاء والانتماء. يشعر  الكثير من المقيمين في دبي أنهم جزء من هذا الوطن، ويحرصون على مصلحته ونجاحه، خصوصاً عندما يجدون فيها فرصاً وخدمات لم يتمكنوا من الحصول عليها في بلدانهم الأم. يساهم هذا الشعور بالانتماء في بناء مجتمع مستقر ومزدهر، مما ينعكس إيجاباً على استدامة السوق العقاري.

 

 

 

إن سوق العقارات في دبي لا يقوم على طفرة مؤقتة، بل مبني على أسس قوية وتخطيط طويل الأجل، يجمع بين التنوع، التشريعات الصارمة، والفرص الواعدة. ومع ما توفره الإمارة من استقرار اقتصادي واجتماعي، وبنية تحتية حديثة، أصبحت دبي وجهة للاستثمار، وللحياة الكريمة وبناء المستقبل. إنها قصة نجاح تتجاوز مجرد الأرقام، لتصبح نموذجاً للمدن العالمية التي تجمع بين النمو والتوازن والاستدامة.

Mainstream stablecoin adoption is around the corner, says BitDelta

Uber’s recent stablecoin interest could be enough to trigger a domino effect

Stablecoin adoption has surged dramatically in recent years, with the global stablecoin market capitalization reaching USD 254 billion, nearly doubling in the last three years. This rapid adoption of stablecoins is due to their ability to increase payment efficiency and lower costs, add stability and reliability, technological advancements, and regulatory clarity and trust.

 

Yet, despite increased adoption, the use of stablecoins to transfer money across borders remains underutilized. However, with Dara Khosrowshahi expressing that Uber is looking toward stablecoins for cross-border payments, stablecoins may soon become mainstream.

 

According to Bilal Khaled, director of trading at BitDelta, “Stablecoins host a range of benefits, eliminating all intermediaries. Unlike volatile cryptocurrencies, stablecoins are pegged to assets like the US dollar, providing a stable store of value and a reliable medium of exchange. This stability has made them attractive for retail and institutional users, supporting their use in everyday transactions and as a haven during market turbulence. Improved blockchain interoperability has also allowed stablecoins to move across networks.

 

“Moreover, governments and regulators are setting clearer guidelines and frameworks for stablecoin issuance and use, increasing trust among businesses and consumers. Enhanced transparency in reserve management and compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) regulations have reassured users about the legitimacy and safety of stablecoins.”

 

Uber’s recent interest in stablecoin use has led many to ponder why the organization would want to use them in the first place and how they could benefit. It is widely believed that cross-border payments using stablecoins are remarkably cheaper compared to traditional means and that they improve working capital cycles.

 

Khaled continued, “Given that intermediaries are effectively removed, and the technology backing stablecoins is far superior to traditional means like wire transfers, the cost of settling cross-border payments can drop from $30 per transfer to less than a dollar per transaction.

 

“Payments can be settled almost instantly, and firms like Uber can benefit vastly given their extensive geographical footprint. Uber, which traditionally relies on banking partners for the repatriation of profits, can have cash available instantly with stablecoins. Furthermore, stablecoins can act as a treasury solution and a hedge against local currency depreciation. This would be particularly useful for a large, global entity like Uber, which operates in 70 countries.

 

“With the current paradigm rushing toward digitalization of finance, stablecoins offer a feasible alternative for global companies like Uber to streamline their payment operations. The low-cost, low-latency approach that stablecoins bring to cross-border payments makes them a reliable alternative to the clunky and often expensive traditional methods. Despite the positives, companies must be aware of the risks that may come with adopting stablecoins in their payment operations. Regulatory, forex, and liquidity risks are all crucial in determining the feasibility of the solution for an organization. In sum, new and streamlined solutions are paving the way for cross-border payments, and stablecoins may lead that race,” concluded Khaled.