GCC smart home market set to hit US$1.88bn by 2028

• Government initiatives and rising incomes are driving growth in the market, along with increased demand for indoor temperature control and security systems, says a report
• Rapid advancements in the sector have led to increasing availability of advanced control and connectivity applications that users can integrate into smart homes, it adds

SWFC to boost Canada-UAE investment partnership

• The Canada-UAE Sovereign Wealth Fund Council aims to harness synergies between Canadian Public Pension Funds and UAE Sovereign Wealth Funds in global markets
• Designed to offer an investment collaboration framework with a more dynamic and flexible structure, the SWFC will benefit Canada and the UAE as two key investment allies

Historic indictment: Trump becomes first former US president to face criminal charges

• A New York grand jury has indicted former US President Donald Trump over hush money payments made to porn star Stormy Daniels during his 2016 campaign
• This makes Trump the first former US president to face criminal charges, potentially disrupting his aspirations to regain office in the current presidential race

Emirati, regional leaders wish new UAE VP, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, deputy rulers success in their roles

• Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani was the first among regional leaders to congratulate the UAE President on the move
• The UAE leaders meanwhile, also appreciated the latest decisions of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and congratulated the new appointees

Millions rely on humanitarian assistance for survival

• The Big Heart Foundation introduces the "Enlighten their Future" campaign to support underprivileged communities during Ramadan, says its director
• The campaign seeks to unite the global community, private sector businesses, and government entities in providing crucial support for those in need

UAE replaces Bahrain as most happiest Arab country

DP World’s overseas logistics investments cross $10bn

• Despite global economic slowdown, the firm continues to expand its partnerships and investments, with key focus on Africa and UK. Last year, its investments totalled $320m
• DP World ranks fifth in the world by total value of direct investments allocated to the overseas logistics services sector, while Amazon and AP Moller Maersk lead the pack

Banks face reduced profits as CBDCs gain traction

• The emergence of interoperable central bank digital currencies may lower costs and reduce settlement risks, but may hit bank revenues from cross-border transactions, warns Moody's
• Although CBDCs promise faster, cheaper, and safer services, they could diminish banks' roles in the new economic landscape, affecting revenues from cross-border payments, it adds

Good vegetable crops boost Qatar’s food security

• Vegetable production in the Gulf country increased by 76 percent from 2017 to 2022, according to the Food Security Department Director Dr Masoud Jarallah Al Marri
• Qatar's Ministry of Municipality is preparing a strategic plan for ensuring food security in the agricultural sector until 2030 and implementing digital transformation projects.

Robust customer protection makes UAE market stable

• The UAE's Ministry of Economy collaborates with government partners and stakeholders to develop consumer protection policies and ensure market stability, says an official
• The Ministry conducts inspections to monitor compliance with decisions issued regarding prices and quality products, and to prevent fraud and trademark infringements, he adds