Business
UAE and India deepen trade, investment and strategic cooperation through high-level talks. During the talks, the leaders reviewed their cooperation under the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, known as CEPA. They also examined the longstanding political, commercial, cultural, energy, and people-to-people connections that link the two nations. Both sides explored opportunities to expand cooperation in areas increasingly central to their bilateral relationship. The discussion also included mutual interests as the two governments maintained ongoing engagement across strategic and economic fields. Sheikh Khaled represented the UAE as part of the delegation at the BRICS Summit on behalf of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Modi expressed appreciation for the UAE’s participation during India’s 2026 BRICS chairmanship. The leaders agreed to continue working through the group on shared priorities and collaborative efforts, recalling Sheikh Mohamed’s visit to India in January 2026 and Modi’s visit to the UAE in May 2026. Focus on Investment Growth and Strategic Industries Highlighting new avenues for investment, the meeting celebrated International Holding Company’s announced plan for an $11.5 billion integrated greenfield aluminium project in Odisha, described by India as the country’s largest integrated aluminium investment. Discussions also covered the role of L’Imad, the UAE’s newest sovereign investment fund, in supporting bilateral investments and economic cooperation across sectors identified by both governments. Participants evaluated potential collaborations in defence, space exploration, nuclear energy, technology, and innovation. These areas complement the existing economic ties that
Travel
Emirates enters winter season with strong booking demand as fleet retrofit initiatives increase premium seat availability on key intercontinental corridors. Emirates Reports Robust International Booking Trends as Winter Season Begins Alongside cabin upgrades, the airline is expanding its flight schedules and introducing new international routes before the winter timetable. Expansion of destinations is complemented by increased interline and codeshare agreements, enabling passengers to enjoy seamless connections at secondary and regional airports worldwide. Company officials highlighted that strategic alliances with partners allow the airline to tap into feeder traffic from emerging regional markets. The airline’s broad operational scope continues to bolster trade, tourism, and business travel through Dubai International Airport. Elevated flight frequencies on high-demand routes are designed to accommodate expected passenger increases linked to major global conventions, trade exhibitions, and winter holiday travel across the region. The strategic location of the hub also supports efficient transit links between the East and West economic centers. Major Fleet Upgrades and Cabin Modernization Enhance Inflight Experience.
Etihad adds Red Sea International Airport to its growing Saudi Arabia flight network. Operating this route with an Airbus A320 configured with eight Business Class seats and 150 Economy Class seats, Etihad emphasizes that travelers across its network can now reach the Red Sea via a single connection at Abu Dhabi. This convenience extends to passengers arriving from Gulf countries and the Indian subcontinent. Tickets for travel from the launch date are already available on Etihad’s booking platform. The new route joins the airline’s existing Saudi destinations of Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Medina, and Al Qassim.
Indonesia resumed operations at Jakarta’s main airport and several regional airports on Tuesday following a volcanic ash cloud from Anak Krakatau that caused widespread air travel disruptions. Over 340,000 travelers encountered delays, cancellations, or diversions amid the incident. Almost 3,000 flights across the country were affected. Authorities reopened Soekarno-Hatta International Airport after winds cleared ash from critical aviation zones. Anak Krakatau remained active on Tuesday, with sensors recording three smaller eruptions during the morning hours.
Air Arabia Debuts Its First Four-Flight Daily Service to Bangkok SHARJAH / RankWire.AI / – On Friday, budget airline Air Arabia revealed a strategic enhancement to its Southeast Asian routes, boosting the number of flights connecting the United Arab Emirates and Thailand. Beginning October 25, 2026, the airline will launch a fourth daily nonstop flight linking Sharjah International Airport with Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. This addition elevates the airline’s weekly non-stop services on the Sharjah-Bangkok route to 28, providing more flexible options for both leisure and business travelers. Air Arabia increases Bangkok frequency with four daily flights from Sharjah to meet rising regional travel demand across commercial corridors.
As of July 2026, South Korea experienced a significant surge in inbound tourism, with foreign visitor numbers surpassing 2 million for the first time since the pandemic. The country welcomed a total of 2,093,223 international travelers during the month, according to the Korea Tourism Organization. This figure represents a 20.8% increase compared to 1,733,199 visitors in July 2025 and amounts to 144.6% of the count recorded in July 2019, before COVID-19 disrupted global travel patterns.
Automotive
Porsche to cut 5000 more jobs under restructuring plan after reaching agreement with German labor unions, data confirms.
Japan’s new car sales rose 1.8% in the first half of 2026, reaching 2.39 million units as registered vehicles and kei cars grew overall.
FIA expands Safe Mobility 4 All & 4 Life into the Middle East and Africa, extending road safety training, mentoring and local support.
Mercedes-Benz unveiled the electric C-Class in Seoul, bringing its first battery-powered C-Class sedan with up to 762 km of WLTP range.
The 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class adds an illuminated grille, optional lit hood star, and DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps, pairing new styling cues with flagship cabin tech and comfort features.
Tesla’s China-made EV sales rose 9.9% in November 2025, reaching 86,700 units, signaling a strong recovery for the automaker in the world’s largest EV market.