UAE Launches ‘Markets of Tomorrow’ Initiative

The UAE government announced the signing of an agreement with WEF in the development of applications of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The UAE government announced the signing of an agreement with WEF in the development of applications of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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UAE Launches ‘Markets of Tomorrow’ Initiative

The UAE government announced the signing of an agreement with WEF in the development of applications of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The UAE government announced the signing of an agreement with WEF in the development of applications of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The UAE government has launched the "Markets of Tomorrow" initiative, in partnership with the World Economic Forum (WEF).

The initiative aims to develop new business accelerators that will prepare the UAE's national economy to embrace business activities focused on the new economy and boost its readiness to enter tomorrow's markets, utilizing the latest technological means.

The launch of the initiative is part of a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between the UAE Ministry of Economy and WEF's New Economy and Society Center.

The UAE government also announced the signing of an agreement with WEF in the development of applications of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The deal was signed in the presence of Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, Deputy Managing Director of Dubai Future Foundation, Jeremy Jurgens, Managing Director & Head of the Forum's Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and Sebastian Buckup, Head of Network and Partnerships, Member of the Executive Committee, WEF.

Al Olama stressed that the strategic partnership between the UAE government and WEF aims to serve communities by employing artificial intelligence, blockchain and various technologies of the future, and sharing innovative experiences and practices to provide supportive environments for the development of new ideas and projects that accelerate the process of scientific, technological, and cognitive progress.

Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation, said that the Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution shapes new policies and strategies in areas such as artificial intelligence, blockchain and digital assets, among others.



Gold Steady as Focus Shifts to US Data for Economic Cues

Gold bullion displayed in a store in the German city of Pforzheim (dpa)
Gold bullion displayed in a store in the German city of Pforzheim (dpa)
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Gold Steady as Focus Shifts to US Data for Economic Cues

Gold bullion displayed in a store in the German city of Pforzheim (dpa)
Gold bullion displayed in a store in the German city of Pforzheim (dpa)

Gold prices were little changed on Monday, while investors awaited a slew of US economic data including the December nonfarm payrolls report for further guidance on the Federal Reserve's stance on interest rates.
Spot gold held its ground at $2,635.39 per ounce by 0510 GMT. US gold futures dropped 0.2% to $2,646.80.
How the US jobs data fares this week could hold the key to whether gold breaks out of its recent range, said Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM Trade.
"There is a plethora of US data due for release this week (including ISM Services PMI data), and any downside misses could hurt the USD and help gold."
The US jobs report, due on Friday, is expected to provide more clues to the Fed's rate outlook after the US central bank rattled markets last month by reducing its projected cuts for 2025.
Investors are also awaiting ADP hiring and job openings data, as well as minutes of the Fed's last policy meeting for further direction.
Gold flourishes in a low-interest-rate environment and serves as a hedge against geopolitical uncertainties and inflation.
US President-elect Donald Trump is set to return to office on Jan. 20 and his proposed tariffs and protectionist policies are expected to fuel inflation.
This could prompt the Fed to go slow on rate cuts, limiting gold's upside. After three rate cuts in 2024, the Fed has projected only two reductions for 2025 due to persistent inflation.
The US central bank's benchmark policy rate should stay restrictive until it is more certain that inflation is returning to its 2% target, Richmond Federal Reserve President Thomas Barkin said on Friday.
Spot silver was down 0.2% at $29.57 per ounce, platinum dipped 0.7% to $931.30 and palladium fell 0.4% to $918.22.