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Dubai property sales soar to record high of $152.32bn, report says 

Dubai property sales soar to record high of $152.32bn, report says 
Apartment sales dominated transactions in October, with 16,238 deals. Shutterstock
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Dubai property sales soar to record high of $152.32bn, report says 

Dubai property sales soar to record high of $152.32bn, report says 

RIYADH: Dubai’s property market hit a new record in 2025, with sales climbing to 559.4 billion dirhams ($152 billion) by October, already surpassing the emirate’s previous full-year high, a new analysis showed. 

According to data from real estate brokerage fam Properties, Dubai registered 19,875 property transactions worth 59.4 billion dirhams in October alone, bringing the total for the first ten months of 2025 to 178,244 deals. 

The continued momentum reflects a broader trend across the Gulf Cooperation Council, where property values and sales are rising across residential, commercial, and hospitality segments, driven by ongoing economic diversification efforts. 

This sustained performance ensures that 2025 will mark another milestone year for Dubai’s real estate sector, following 2024’s record 180,900 transactions worth 522.1 billion dirhams. 

Firas Al-Msaddi, CEO of fam Properties, said: “The market overall is undeniably strong, and on a global scale, Dubai remains one of the best real estate markets to invest in, whether as an end user or investor.” 

He added: “But it doesn’t mean every developer will win just because the market is healthy. Nor does it mean investors can make impulsive or uninformed decisions and expect success. The only consistent way to win is by making well-informed, data-backed decisions, whether you’re an individual investor or an institution.” 

Citing data from DXB Interact, the report noted that apartment sales dominated transactions in October, with 16,238 deals worth 31 billion dirhams — a 3.4 percent year-on-year increase in volume. 

During the same month, villa sales totaled 15.5 billion dirhams, while land acquisitions amounted to 11 billion dirhams. 

The sharpest year-on-year growth was recorded in the commercial sector, with 689 transactions valued at 1.9 billion dirhams — a 61.7 percent rise compared with October 2024. 

The report added that the average property price increased by 6.7 percent year on year to 1,692 dirhams per square foot. 

Off-plan sales from developers dominated activity in October, accounting for 13,926 transactions worth 38.7 billion dirhams, compared with 5,949 resales valued at 20.7 billion dirhams. 

The most expensive property sold during the month was a luxury villa in Jumeirah Second for 220 million dirhams, while the priciest apartment fetched 155 million dirhams at Bulgari Lighthouse Dubai on Island 2. 


OPEC+ members reaffirm commitment to market stability, adjust output by 137k bpd 

OPEC+ members reaffirm commitment to market stability, adjust output by 137k bpd 
Updated 03 November 2025

OPEC+ members reaffirm commitment to market stability, adjust output by 137k bpd 

OPEC+ members reaffirm commitment to market stability, adjust output by 137k bpd 

RIYADH: The eight OPEC+ countries that previously announced additional voluntary adjustments in April and November 2023 — namely ֱ, Russia, Iraq, the UAE, as well as Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman — met virtually on Nov. 2 to review global market conditions and the outlook. 

In view of a steady global economic outlook and current healthy market fundamentals, as reflected in low oil inventories, the eight participating countries decided to implement a production adjustment of 137,000 barrels per day from the 1.65 million barrels per day of additional voluntary adjustments announced in April 2023. This adjustment will be implemented in December 2025. 

Beyond December, due to seasonality, the eight countries also decided to pause production increments in January, February, and March 2026, as detailed in the table below. 

The participating countries reiterated that the 1.65 million barrels per day may be returned in part or in full, subject to evolving market conditions and in a gradual manner.  

The countries will continue to closely monitor and assess market conditions, and in their ongoing efforts to support market stability, reaffirmed the importance of adopting a cautious approach and maintaining full flexibility to pause or reverse the additional voluntary production adjustments, including the previously implemented voluntary adjustments of 2.2 million barrels per day announced in November 2023. 

The eight OPEC+ countries also noted that this measure will provide an opportunity for the participating members to accelerate their compensation. They reiterated their collective commitment to achieving full conformity with the Declaration of Cooperation, including the additional voluntary production adjustments monitored by the Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee. 

They also confirmed their intention to fully compensate for any overproduced volumes since January 2024. The eight OPEC+ countries will hold monthly meetings to review market conditions, conformity, and compensation, with the next meeting scheduled for Nov. 30, 2025.   


Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 11,536 

Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 11,536 
Updated 02 November 2025

Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 11,536 

Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 11,536 

RIYADH: ֱ’s Tadawul All Share Index fell on Sunday, losing 119.56 points, or 1.03 percent, to close at 11,536.29. 

The benchmark index recorded a total trading turnover of SR4.44 billion ($1.18 billion), with 66 stocks advancing and 191 declining. 

The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu also slipped 73.34 points, or 0.29 percent, to close at 24,943.63, as 26 stocks gained while 43 retreated. 

Meanwhile, the MSCI Tadawul Index dropped 18.74 points, or 1.24 percent, to finish at 1,489.32. 

Advanced Building Industries Co. was the day’s top performer, with its share price jumping 9.99 percent to SR39.18. Other notable gainers included Allied Cooperative Insurance Group, which rose 6 percent to SR11.83, and United Carton Industries Co., which advanced 5.14 percent to SR31.52. 

On the other hand, Naseej International Trading Co. posted the steepest loss, dropping 7.56 percent to SR54.40. Americana Restaurants International PLC declined 6.76 percent to SR2.07, while Saudi Co. for Hardware fell 6.02 percent to SR31.20. 

In corporate announcements, Nayifat Finance Co. reported a net profit of SR59.4 million for the first nine months of 2025, down 37 percent year on year, according to a Tadawul filing. The company attributed the decline to lower operating revenues and higher credit impairment charges aimed at improving its coverage ratio.  

Nayifat’s shares closed 1.13 percent lower at SR13.19. 

Arabian Drilling Co. said its net profit for the first nine months of 2025 dropped 70.8 percent to SR73.3 million, mainly due to a shift in its activity mix, with reduced offshore contributions partly offset by improvements in the land segment.  

The company’s shares rose 2.99 percent to SR88.55. 

Meanwhile, National Medical Care Co. posted a net profit of SR247.5 million for the first nine months of the year, up 17.3 percent from a year earlier. The increase was attributed to higher revenue and cost-optimization measures that improved margins at the gross, operating, and EBITDA levels.  

The stock ended 0.45 percent higher at SR177.80. 


Kuwait launches digital skills drive with Microsoft to boost AI and cloud capabilities 

Kuwait launches digital skills drive with Microsoft to boost AI and cloud capabilities 
Updated 02 November 2025

Kuwait launches digital skills drive with Microsoft to boost AI and cloud capabilities 

Kuwait launches digital skills drive with Microsoft to boost AI and cloud capabilities 

JEDDAH: Kuwait has launched a national training initiative to equip citizens with skills in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and Microsoft Copilot tools, as part of efforts to build a digitally empowered workforce.  

The “Kuwait Skills” program — launched in partnership with Microsoft and the Central Agency for Information Technology — seeks to strengthen the country’s human capital and align with the state’s “New Kuwait 2035” vision, according to the Kuwait News Agency, or KUNA. 

The collaboration expands on Microsoft’s earlier announcement in March of plans to establish an AI-powered Azure cloud region in Kuwait, a move expected to bolster national infrastructure and support the country’s ambitions to become a regional technology hub. 

Minister of State for Communications Affairs Omar Al-Omar said the initiative reflects the government’s goal of building an integrated digital ecosystem that enhances public-sector efficiency and supports sustainable, innovation-led development. 

“He emphasized that empowering Kuwaiti professionals with advanced technical skills has become a key pillar in positioning the country as a leader in the digital and knowledge economy,” KUNA reported. 

The program, the minister added, embodies a national vision to prepare a capable generation that contributes to a modern, innovation-led economy by developing future-ready skills that foster creativity and productivity. 

“He urged all government entities to seize this opportunity to refine talents and build professional capacities, reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to supporting initiatives that empower a generation capable of leading Kuwait’s digital transformation,” the KUNA report added. 

Microsoft’s Charles Nahas, regional general manager for the Middle East, said the program aims to train more than 30,000 employees, 4,000 technical experts, and 350 leaders on AI and cloud technologies, while enabling over 100,000 users to utilize Copilot tools through a new Center of Excellence developed with CAIT. 

He noted that the initiative represents not only training but a holistic transformation, providing access to global education, recognized certifications, and career development opportunities. 

Nahas added that the partnership is part of a shared vision to accelerate innovation, enhance cybersecurity, and expand Kuwait’s digital economy to benefit both public institutions and private enterprises. 

The program’s progress will be tracked through quarterly reports assessing training outcomes and measurable gains in digital capacity, according to KUNA. 


EV exhibition in Riyadh showcases world’s fastest car and three-wheeled e-bike 

EV exhibition in Riyadh showcases world’s fastest car and three-wheeled e-bike 
Updated 02 November 2025

EV exhibition in Riyadh showcases world’s fastest car and three-wheeled e-bike 

EV exhibition in Riyadh showcases world’s fastest car and three-wheeled e-bike 

RIYADH: A three-wheeled electric bicycle, an electric car described as the world’s fastest, and electric buses were among the key innovations showcased at the electric vehicle exhibition held in the Saudi capital over three days. 

ֱ has set a clear goal of converting 30 percent of all vehicles in Riyadh to electric by 2030, as part of a broader strategy to halve the city’s emissions, reported. 

The fourth edition of the exhibition was organized within the framework of Vision 2030, which aims to advance clean transportation. It also served as a platform to discuss local manufacturing plans in the emerging EV sector — domestically, regionally, and globally — and to highlight efforts to develop the skills of Saudi nationals working in the industry. 

Visitors to the exhibition were greeted by strong competition among participating companies showcasing their latest transportation innovations. This competition extended beyond speed to include fueling methods and vehicle capabilities, underscoring that the energy source for future transportation has shifted from gasoline and diesel to electricity — Edison’s invention that transformed modern life. 

The exhibition featured the launch of several new vehicles. Bako Motors unveiled the Bako B1, a three-wheeled electric motorcycle designed for last-mile delivery services. The vehicle includes a solar roof that can generate enough energy for up to 50 km of daily driving, along with a 2,000-liter cargo capacity, addressing the needs of logistics firms seeking sustainable fleets. 

Also on display was the ROX ADAMAS, an all-terrain SUV showcased for the first time, while Lucid Motors presented its Gravity SUV, featuring a range exceeding 700 km and equipped with advanced driver-assistance technologies. 

DAN Motors introduced its CG150 motorcycle, featuring a 149cc engine, five-speed transmission, top speed of 95 km/h, an 11.5-liter fuel tank, and a payload capacity of up to 265 kg. 

This shift toward electric mobility is being driven by significant investments in local manufacturing and growing consumer confidence. Market studies suggest that about 40 percent of the population plans to purchase an electric vehicle within the next three years. 

A key theme at the exhibition was progress in infrastructure development. 

Faisal Sultan, regional president of Lucid Motors, said the organizational structure and infrastructure for EV adoption are now in place. He noted that the Public Investment Fund has established a specialized company to develop the national charging network, which has already expanded to more than 200 locations, with plans to exceed 1,000 charging stations by 2030. 


German dairy, honey, and coffee firms plan factories in ֱ 

German dairy, honey, and coffee firms plan factories in ֱ 
Updated 02 November 2025

German dairy, honey, and coffee firms plan factories in ֱ 

German dairy, honey, and coffee firms plan factories in ֱ 

JEDDAH: Six German companies specializing in dairy, honey, and coffee are exploring investment opportunities and commercial partnerships with Saudi investors and suppliers. 

The firms plan to expand into the Saudi market in the coming phases and are working to establish local factories for food production and processing, according to Rawabi Basyouni, head of the German Desk for the Western Province at the German-Saudi Liaison Office for Economic Affairs,  reported. 

Basyouni noted that the companies are targeting key sectors including dairy, cheese, honey, jams, and coffee, adding that they recognize the scale of the Saudi market and the high quality of existing domestic products. 

Her remarks came during a meeting between the German food sector delegation and representatives of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce, attended by a number of investors and stakeholders in the food industry. 

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN, Germany leads the EU in milk production, with an annual output of around 33 million metric tonnes. The country’s total dairy market is projected to grow from about $30 billion in 2024 to around $39 billion by 2029, at a compound annual growth rate of nearly 5 percent. 

Cheese currently represents the largest segment by value in Germany’s dairy market and is expected to remain the fastest-growing in the coming years, driven by rising demand for high-quality and specialty cheeses. 

Fahad Al-Ghamdi, chairman of the Food and Drug Products Committee at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce, told Al-Eqtisadiah that “the committee has been coordinating with several German food companies,” describing the meeting as an important opportunity to strengthen investment prospects between the two countries. 

He confirmed ongoing cooperation to enhance partnerships between Saudi and German firms in the date industry, noting strong European demand for Saudi dates. He added that some date varieties are used in pharmaceuticals, while others are incorporated into dairy and related products. 

Al-Ghamdi added that while the German market is competitive and robust, ֱ offers an attractive environment for foreign investment, expressing optimism that several agreements and deals will be signed between Saudi and German companies in the food sector.