Category business

Ras Al Khaimah, Feb 20: Circle Awards 2026 placed long-term partnership at the centre of recognition, honouring the individuals and organisations whose sustained contribution continues to shape the business community at Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ). As a flagship annual celebration, the Circle is rooted in the principles of consistency, credibility, and shared standards, standing as a symbol of enduring collaboration and meaningful growth across the economic zone.

The event recognises partners whose performance, integrity, and long-term commitment directly influence the economic zone’s growth trajectory, going beyond short-term targets to deliver lasting value to investors.

The 2026 edition of the awards reflected on key achievements recorded across the RAKEZ community in 2025, a year that delivered record-breaking results in both company formation and visa issuance, further reinforcing the economic zone’s position as one of the most sought-after business destinations in the UAE. The event also looked ahead to the year to come, signalling priorities and initiatives that will shape the next phase of growth across the RAKEZ ecosystem.

Close to 300 service providers and agents were recognised across a wide range of categories, including Compliance, Growth, Long-Lasting Contribution, Loyalty, Newcomer, Partner of the Year, Service & Renewal, Value Creation, and Volume Performance.

Today, RAKEZ is home to nearly 40,000 active companies and is supported by an international network of more than 1,200 active agents, reflecting the scale and global reach of its business community.

Commenting on the occasion, RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad said: “Circle Awards is designed to recognise partners whose contribution extends beyond short-term results. At RAKEZ, progress is built on consistency and credibility, and on partners who uphold the standards that investors expect. Through their professionalism, integrity, and market relationships, our partners play a vital role in strengthening confidence in the RAKEZ ecosystem. As we look ahead, it is these enduring relationships that will continue to shape our growth and direction.”

Stressing on the significance of the event, RAKEZ Chief Commercial Officer Anas Hijjawi, said, “Circle Awards represent more than recognition; they reflect the strength of the relationships we build and nurture throughout the year. Our partners are instrumental in translating RAKEZ’s value proposition into tangible results in the market. By working closely with our agent network and service providers, we ensure that investors experience consistency, responsiveness, and clarity at every touchpoint. This success is a shared achievement.”

The event also underscored RAKEZ’s focus on enabling sustainable commercial outcomes, with shared insights on strengthening investor engagement, improving cash flow performance, accelerating sales cycles, and introducing enhanced rewards aimed at supporting long-term business growth. Looking ahead to 2026, the economic zone’s objective is to further empower its partners by helping them maximise revenue opportunities, increase transaction volumes, and deliver higher levels of customer satisfaction across every stage of the investor journey.

Circle Awards reflect RAKEZ’s commitment to recognising partners who contribute to the ecosystem’s long-term resilience, credibility, and continued growth.

Feb 20: Tourism Western Australia unveiled the second iteration of ‘Walking On A Dream’, its immersive global tourism brand that celebrates the state’s spellbinding landscapes, vibrant culture and creative talent.

 The campaign captures WA as a place where vast deserts glow beneath endless skies, coral reefs shimmer in turquoise seas, and ancient landscapes tell stories that stretch back millennia.

 Filmed across iconic locations, including Ningaloo Reef, Margaret River, Rottnest Island, Perth, and the ancient beauty of Mirima National Park in the Kimberley, the cinematic series brings WA’s dreamlike spirit to life through five 30-second destination vignettes and a 60-second film.

 \At its heart is the reimagining of Empire of The Sun’s hit song Walking On A Dream, overseen by WA–raised frontman Luke Steele, and performed by the West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO) Aboriginal artist and Karajarri man Billy-Jo Shoveller.

 “Walking On A Dream has always been about a sense of wonder and escape,” said Steele. Working with Billy-Jo and WASO to create this new version was magical—it feels like WA itself, magical and otherworldly.”

Billy-Jo Shoveller said the collaboration was deeply personal and reflects his passion for sharing the Kimberley’s spirit with the world.

“I’m proud to be part of this campaign as a Karajarri man, working with Luke Steele on ‘Walking On A Dream’ gave me a chance to bring some of my culture and connection to Country into the project— WA is a special place, and it feels good to help show that to people everywhere.”

 Starring Nyikina man Nelson Baker and emerging actor Angelica Blazeska, both of whom are Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts alumni, the films blurs the line between reality and reverie, celebrating Western Australia as a place where culture, creativity and nature are deeply connected.

Developed alongside Traditional Owners and WA’s Aboriginal tourism sector, the campaign celebrates culture, Country and connection. The campaign rolls out from February 2026 across key global markets.

 First launched by Tourism WA in 2022, Walking on A Dream has played a key role in driving Western Australia’s tourism recovery, with WA welcoming just over one million international visitors in the year ending October 2025, surpassing the previous record of 996,000 international visitors set in 2019.

HDFC Mutual Fund Encourages Financial Awareness through ‘Barni Se Azadi – An Investor Education and Awareness Initiative’ and Diya Floating Films at Magh Mela

Mumbai, Feb 20: HDFC Mutual Fund, through its Investor Education and Awareness Initiative, has unveiled two investor education films capturing its on-ground participation at the 2026 Magh Mela in Prayagraj. The films, centred around the ‘Barni Se Azadi’ initiative and the culturally resonant Diya Floating activity, reinforce the importance of moving beyond traditional savings practices towards informed, long-term investing.

The first film documents the ‘Barni Se Azadi’ activation at the Magh Mela. Set against the backdrop of one of India’s largest religious gatherings, the film conveys a simple yet powerful message: dreams are not meant to remain locked away in a traditional barni (jar); they grow when they are set free through investing.

At the heart of the activation was a giant Barni installation symbolising conventional household savings practices. Visitors were invited to select a personal aspiration through a digital interface. As each dream was chosen, a visual cloud rose into the sky, representing aspirations being set free and the beginning of a journey towards financial independence. The film captures real interactions and reactions, demonstrating how relatable storytelling can spark conversations around financial awareness.

The second film focuses on the Diya Floating activity organised on the occasion of Maghi Purnima. Deeply rooted in cultural tradition, participants were invited to float dream-inspired diyas carrying personal aspirations such as owning a home, purchasing a vehicle, or securing a child’s education. Upon completing the ritual, the ceremonial plate revealed a simple message: “Nitya Nivesh Karoon. Swapna Satya Karoon.” (Invest regularly. Turn dreams into reality.)

The on-ground campaign ran from January 12 to February 15, 2026, aligning with the peak footfall period of the Magh Mela. Activities included:

• The giant Barni installation
• Nukkad nataks across multiple Mela locations
• An AI-enabled photo booth
• The Diya Floating engagement

Through these films, HDFC Mutual Fund reiterates its commitment to taking investor education beyond conventional platforms, leveraging large community forums and culturally meaningful moments to promote informed financial participation across diverse audiences.

Benefits of SIP (Systematic Investment Plan)

• Freedom from market timing
• Well-suited for long-term wealth accumulation
• Disciplined wealth creation

Feb 20th: The Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad with support from HSBC, organised a mega handloom event under the HandMade in India (HMI) initiative, on 19th February 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, at EDII, Ahmedabad. The event brought together industry leaders, experts, institutional representatives, designers and artisan communities to celebrate India’s rich handloom heritage and discuss pathways for strengthening the sector’s future.

A key highlight of the programme was the Industry Round Table Meet on ‘Quality Assurance and Brand Building in India’s Handloom Sector.’ The roundtable served as a collaborative platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange among stakeholders from industry, academia, government, and grassroots enterprises. Discussions focussed on improving quality standards, strengthening brand positioning, enhancing market competitiveness and creating sustainable value chains to support long-term artisan livelihoods.

The event also featured a curated handloom fashion show, ‘Threads of Heritage,’ presented under the HandMade in India initiative. The fashion show celebrated the journey of handloom from tradition to contemporary expression, featuring sustainable collections created by weavers from Bhuj (Gujarat) and Erode (Tamil Nadu). Through two thematic rounds, ‘Heritage Hues: Handloom Revival’ and ‘Handloom: The Original Sustainable Fashion’, the presentation highlighted traditional techniques, natural dyes, eco-friendly materials, and modern design interpretations, demonstrating how heritage crafts continue to evolve for present-day markets and responsible fashion.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Ashish Tripathi, CEO & Head, HSBC IBU, said, “HSBC is glad to be associating with EDII on this highly significant project which directly aimed at addressing the unorganised and dispersed nature of the handloom sector, so that its inherent strengths could be honed and tapped to attain unparalleled growth. Hearteningly, the artisans have learnt best practices and the ways of turning their businesses into profit-making, growth-oriented enterprises.”

Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General said, “We are committed to strengthening artisan livelihoods with entrepreneurship development practices. Through the HandMade in India project, we are working with handloom communities across India to strengthen their skills, sustainability practices and market opportunities. Today’s Fashion show will reflect the outcomes of this effort, bringing out how traditional handlooms can adapt to modern lifestyles while continuing to support sustainable livelihoods. It’s time that the remarkable craftsmanship of our artisan clusters from Bhuj and Erode caught the attention of the people at large.”

Expressing his opinion, Dr. Raman Gujral, Project Director, HandMade in India & Director, Dept. of CSR partnerships, EDII said, “India’s handloom is not just about textiles — it represents our heritage, our identity, and the livelihoods of millions of artisan families. At the same time, we know that today’s markets are changing rapidly, and expectations around quality, consistency, and branding are higher than ever before. The project Handmade in India, addressed these factors and bridged the gap between the markets, products and the artisans.” 

The initiative aimed to promote sustainable livelihoods, preserve traditional knowledge and strengthen market linkages for artisan communities while reinforcing the relevance of handloom in today’s economy.

The board of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) is delighted to announce that three Honorary Fellowships have been awarded to:

• Paul Stockton
• Debbie Clarke CF Chartered FCSI
• Danny Corrigan MCSI

Honorary Fellowships are awarded annually by the CISI’s Board of Trustees to individuals who have made an outstanding positive contribution, both to the financial services profession and to the CISI. Honorary Fellowship carries the designatory letters FCSI(Hon).

 CISI Chair, Michael Cole-Fontayn MCSI, said: “The CISI Board and I are delighted to announce our highest accolade this year is awarded to three accomplished and outstanding financial services professionals. They are consummate role models for our next generation of sector talent with their commitment to lifelong learning and the CISI community. We look forward to their inspiration and leadership over the years ahead.”

Paul Stockton (left) began his career as a chartered accountant in 1988 with Price Waterhouse (PW) in Windsor specialising in financial services. After four years Paul accepted a position with PW in New York where he worked closely with insurance and asset management companies before returning to London in 1996. In 1999 he joined Old Mutual Plc as group financial controller, becoming finance director of wealth manager Gerrard Limited in 2001. In 2005, two years after the sale of Gerrard to Barclays, he left to work initially for Euroclear and then subsequently, as a divisional finance director of the Phoenix Group. Paul joined Rathbones Group Plc as Group Finance Director in 2008, serving until becoming Managing Director of Rathbones Investment Management in May 2018. In May 2019 Paul was appointed as Group Chief Executive at Rathbones, a role he enjoyed until his retirement in September 2025, two years after completing Rathbones’ merger with Investec Wealth UK. 

Alongside his executive career Paul has served as a non-executive director of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, as a board member of the Personal Investment Management and Financial Advice Association (PIMFA), and as a member of the FCA Practitioner Panel. Paul is a Freeman of the City of London.

Prior to taking on a NED portfolio career Debbie Clarke CF Chartered FCSI (right) was working within financial services, corporate finance and M&A since 1996 and held a number of leadership roles within the accountancy practices where she was an equity partner. During this time she directed M&A and refinancing projects for a wide range of clients. As an adviser she worked with a wide range of investors and organisations both public and private, within the UK and internationally and has a strong regulated background. She regularly presented at industry conferences and training sessions and assisted student training and mentoring as part of her portfolio.

 Her experience has been across a variety of industries from education, sports, technology, real estate, manufacturing and support services where she has provided a range of strategic advice to her clients. Across her NED portfolio she has been chairing and vice chairing various board and committees and continues to advise private companies and their boards on their strategic plans.

 Debbie became a member of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (‘CISI’) in 1999 and started volunteering with CISI in 2007 when she was asked by a fellow Corporate Financier, Frank Moxon to help set up what has become the Corporate Finance & Capital Markets Forum. Working together with Frank and others for many years in relaunching the Diploma in Corporate Finance and championing professionalism in wholesale markets has been a passion during her career. She became a non-executive Director of the CISI in 2017 a post she held for six years before stepping down to focus on her Trustee role on the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment Future Foundation (‘Future Foundation ‘) which the CISI set up in 2022. In 2022 Debbie was awarded the Freedom of the City of London. Debbie has been and continues to be a mentor and supporter of many people throughout their careers in financial services.

Danny Corrigan MCSI (left) is a senior manager with 40 years’ experience of the wholesale financial markets as a London based Director, Managing Director, and CEO leading teams across a range of asset classes including fixed income and derivatives. He also has extensive international experience having worked locally in the markets of Moscow, Sydney, Tokyo, and others.

 He has worked as a banker, trader, and broker, for a dozen firms, has written five books on the markets and has an extensive network in the city. He has sat on various central bank committees and was seconded to London Clearing House, a crucial part of the global market infrastructure, as part of an industry wide response to the default of Lehman Brothers to lead the closure of its trading books.

 Danny and his co-founders launched London Reporting House, a fin-tech start-up in April 2023, has funding, wonderful employees, and a perfect little office in the alleyways of Bow Lane. He was also a Trustee and Board member of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment and chaired its International Committee. He spent years promoting the City of London with non-for-profit promotional bodies including the Lord Mayor / Mansion House and was formerly Chair of the Eurasia Group at TheCityUK.

 He graduated in Economics from the University of Liverpool in 1981 and has an MBA (Finance) from City University. He is married to Kerrie, and they are proud parents of three sons; an actor James, Ben a co-founder of London Reporting House and an earlier survivor of ‘Dragon’s Den’, Luke an accomplished professional and are grandparents to Wren.

 Danny is a retired Football Association coach having led Hampstead FC youth teams to glory in the 2000s and he was an occasional referee. He stood for the Brexit Party in the unwinnable seat of Hornsey & Wood Green in 2019 and came 5th.

New Delhi, India, Feb 20th: Some brands are created in a moment, some evolve with changing times. And a rare few transcend time altogether. For over a century, Rooh Afza has stood apart as one such brand—deeply embedded in India’s cultural memory, flowing seamlessly through generations, traditions, and everyday life.

More than just a drink, Rooh Afza has long been a witness, a companion, and a constant. It has been present in celebrations big and small, in moments of pride, joy, and togetherness, as well as in the quieter, everyday experiences that shape Indian lives. Across homes, regions, and rituals, Rooh Afza has continued to be part of India’s most memorable moments—always familiar and welcoming.

Building on this enduring legacy, Rooh Afza’s latest campaign brings together some of India’s most cherished celebratory moments, drawing from the country’s rich past while remaining firmly rooted in the present. The campaign captures moments of achievement, unity, and shared emotion as experienced by the people who lived them, passed them on, and continue to carry them forward.

Through evocative storytelling, the campaign reflects India’s cultural richness in its most authentic form. Spanning different eras and regions, it highlights how times may change, but a shared warmth and emotional connect runs through them all, binding generations together.

True to its legacy, Rooh Afza does not chase moments or trends. It belongs to them. For over a hundred years, it has flowed through personal joys and shared celebrations, everyday rituals and defining milestones—not as a novelty of its time, but as a constant presence in Indian lives.

Commenting on the campaign, Mr Hamid Ahmed, CEO of Hamdard Foods India said, “Rooh Afza has always been deeply intertwined with India’s journey. This campaign is our way of honouring the country’s past while celebrating its present—through the moments, memories, and emotions that connect generations. Timeless by nature, Rooh Afza continues to be a part of India’s everyday life, carrying forward a legacy that has endured for over a century.”

With this campaign, Rooh Afza reinforces its place as not just as an iconic beverage, but as a timeless symbol of shared experiences—one that continues to reflect India’s evolving story while remaining rooted in its soul.

Chandigarh, Feb 20: The two-day Regional Community Radio Sammelan (North) was inaugurated in Chandigarh. Organised by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), New Delhi, the theme of the Sammelan is “Celebrating 20 Years of Community Radio in India.” More than 75 Community Radio Stations from the Northeastern region are participating in the event.

Addressing the gathering, Ms. Shilpa Rao, Director (CRS), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, emphasized that while the Ministry is actively expanding the community radio network, stakeholders must come forward to share their experiences and success stories to further consolidate the sector. She also highlighted that several new innovations are being introduced to support the sustained growth of community radio.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri L. Madhu Nag, Registrar, Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), noted that although content continues to be the backbone of community radio, the sector faces challenges in terms of trained manpower. He stressed the importance of developing sustainable operational models and prioritizing the adoption of technology to address these challenges effectively.

During a technical session, Shri Manish Sheelwant, Deputy Director, Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing, simplified the Saral Sanchar Portal process for participants by clearly explaining procedures related to approvals, auto-renewals, and spectrum charges, thereby making regulatory requirements easier to understand and comply with.

Another key session was conducted by Shri Sri Sai Vempati, Deputy Director (AV), Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), MIB, who provided detailed insights into the empanelment process and highlighted the role of government advertising in enhancing the outreach and sustainability of community radio stations.

An experience-sharing session featured representatives from Radio Salam Namaste, Sanjha Radio, and Radio Hewalvani, who shared practical insights on content creation, sustaining community radio stations and engaging effectively with district and state administrations.

Concluding the series of sessions, Shri Ashwini Kumar from Akashvani delivered an informative presentation on content creation and the AIR Code of Ethics, emphasizing responsible broadcasting and adherence to ethical standards in community radio operations.

On the second day, the Sammelan will feature sessions on the NaVigate Bharat portal, a presentation by the Ministry on documentation, and discussions on participation, including the sharing of studies, reports on CRS and stakeholder experiences.

The Sammelan provides Community Radio practitioners a platform to share experiences, raise concerns, explore innovative approaches and collectively strengthen the future of grassroots broadcasting across the northeastern region.

~From sold-out collagen masks to internet-famous PDRN glow, the K-beauty powerhouse makes its omnichannel debut in India,  on Nykaa~

Mumbai, 19th February 2026: Nykaa, India’s leading beauty and lifestyle company, announces the arrival of medicube, a brand that has redefined results-led skincare globally. Celebrated for its clinically proven formulations, medicube has set new standards in innovation while creating some of the most talked-about, viral skincare heroes across markets. Through a strategic partnership with APR Group, medicube now makes its much-awaited omnichannel debut in India on Nykaa and will be available to shop starting 20th February across Nykaa’s online platforms and select retail stores.

Driven by a results-first philosophy, medicube combines dermatologist-tested formulations with advanced skincare technology, delivering targeted solutions for real skin concerns from pores and pigmentation to elasticity, hydration, and glow. Its high-performance formulas and dramatic before-and-after results have earned it a loyal global following, with multiple ranges consistently going viral and selling out across platforms.

Nykaa continues to lead the charge in curating the most sought-after Korean innovations with the launch of medicube. Over the last decade, Nykaa has shaped India’s K-beauty revolution, building the country’s largest and most thoughtfully curated Korean beauty ecosystem across skincare, derma-cosmetics, and haircare. Through its dedicated Korean Beauty Store online and an expansive network of 280+ retail stores pan-India, Nykaa has cemented its position as the exclusive launchpad for breakthrough disruptors. The arrival of medicube strengthens a category Nykaa has already scaled and mainstreamed, further expanding access to globally trending, performance-driven Korean beauty for Indian consumers across markets.

Debuting with its most in-demand ranges – Zero, PDRN, Collagen and Deep Vita C—medicube introduces a comprehensive, results-focused routine designed to address multiple skin concerns while elevating overall skin health and radiance.

Shop the bestsellers now-

Collagen Night Wrapping Mask, Priced at INR 2600:  The internet’s favourite overnight treatment, this easy-peel sleeping mask wraps the skin in a firming, glow-boosting layer. Infused with Collagen Extract, Niacinamide, and Ceramide NP, it works overnight to improve elasticity, deeply moisturise, and reveal plump, luminous skin by morning.

Collagen Niacinamide Jelly Cream, Priced at INR 1600: A bouncy, lightweight gel-cream that hydrates, firms, and boosts glow in one step. Powered by soluble and hydrolyzed collagen, it delivers long-lasting moisture while improving skin elasticity and smoothness.

PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask, Priced at INR 2500 : One of the brand’s most viral products globally, this glow-enhancing mask is enriched with Salmon PDRN, Hydrolyzed Collagen, and Niacinamide to visibly brighten, balance skin tone, and restore radiance.

PDRN Pink Peptide Serum, Priced at INR 2300: A high-performance treatment formulated with Salmon PDRN and a 5-type peptide complex, designed to improve elasticity, refine uneven skin tone, and support skin regeneration for a firmer, clearer complexion.

Zero Blackhead Deep Cleansing Oil, Priced at INR 1900: A brand favourite, the 3-in-1 pore-clearing cleansing oil with 90% plant-based oils that melts away makeup, sunscreen, and impurities while targeting blackheads and excess sebum without stripping the skin.

PDRN Hydrating Gel Cleanser, Priced at INR 1900: A refreshing daily cleanser that removes excess sebum and impurities while helping improve overall skin tone and texture for a brighter, more balanced complexion.

PDRN Pink Niacinamide Milky Toner, Priced at INR 2300: A multi-layer hydration for plump, dewy skin with a soft pink glow, while helping strengthen the skin barrier even for acne- prone skin. Its lightweight, milky texture absorbs instantly without any stickiness, leaving the complexion smooth, calm, and radiant.

medicube is now available on Nykaa.com, the Nykaa app, and select Nykaa stores across India.

Metal Park Forms Strategic National Alliance with World Steel Association and Steel University to Build the Middle East’s First Integrated Metals Education Ecosystem (MEEEM)

Abu Dhabi, UAE — Feb 19: Metal Park has signed a strategic agreement with the World Steel Association and

Steel University, establishing a national-level alliance to develop a fully integrated metals education and capability ecosystem for the Middle East.

Witnessed by H.E. Dr. Sultan Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group; and Mr. Vahid Fouladkar, CEO of Metal Park and signed by Navid Fouladkar, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Metal Park, and Jorge Muract, Director of Steel University.

This milestone partnership directly supports the UAE’s industrial vision under Make it inthe Emirates and Operation 300bn, reinforcing the country’s ambition to build globally competitive, value-added metal production capabilities from within the UAE.

The alliance positions Metal Park not only as industrial infrastructure, but as the execution layer where education, standards, talent, and production converge into a single operating ecosystem.

Vahid Fouladkar, CEO of Metal Park, said: “This alliance marks a defining step in how industrial growth is built and sustained in the region. Metal Park was conceived as more than physical infrastructure—it is an operating

ecosystem where standards, talent, capability, and production are developed together. By partnering with the World Steel Association and Steel University, we are embedding global best practices directly into the industrial environment, ensuring that education translates into measurable performance, competitiveness, and long-term national value for the UAE.”

Jorge Muract, Director of Steel University, stated: The alliance seeks to secure the industry talent pipeline through strong collaboration and alignment among academia, industry, its value chain, and government as a key enabler of this interaction, while also providing agile infrastructure to continuously upskill and reskill the workforce and sustain innovation in production systems. Together, we aim to develop high-quality learning and technology solutions that build a more efficient and dynamic workforce. At the same time, the alliance seeks to join efforts with

similar initiatives in Europe, Saudi Arabia, India and Latin America to create a global education and training ecosystem that enables talent mobility and ensures equal access to education and training, fostering social innovation worldwide.

Abdullah Al Hameli, CEO of Economic Cities & Free Zones, AD Ports Group, said: “This agreement strengthens the foundation of our industrial ecosystem by aligning global standards with local production capability. KEZAD Group not only provides infrastructure, but also enables performance. By embedding internationally recognised expertise from the World Steel Association and Steel University directly into Metal Park’s operating environment, we are

accelerating the development of advanced industrial skills, raising productivity, and enhancing the competitiveness of UAE-based manufacturers.

“This initiative directly supports national industrial priorities under Make it in the Emirates and Operation 300bn, and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a globally competitive hub for value-added metal production, driven by capability, standards, and long-term industrial resilience.”

From Global Standards to Industrial Output

At the core of the agreement is a shared commitment to transforming skills development into measurable industrial performance. Through collaboration with the World Steel Association and Steel University, Metal Park will embed internationally recognised standards, certifications, technical frameworks, and sector intelligence directly into its operating environment—ensuring education is applied at the factory-floor level, not abstract.

This ecosystem-driven model ensures that learning, certification, and best practices translate into higher productivity, improved quality, and enhanced competitiveness across UAE-based metal production.

Advancing National Industrial Priorities and Regional Workforce Capability The partnership directly contributes to the objectives of Make it in the Emirates and Operation 300bn by:

• Strengthening domestic metal and steel industrial capability
•  Developing future-ready technical, engineering, and operational talent
•  Embedding global standards into local production environments
•  Enhancing the long-term competitiveness and resilience of regional manufacturing

By connecting global industry leadership with Metal Park’s integrated infrastructure, the alliance ensures that industrial growth is powered by world-class assets, standards, and people.

Building the Middle East’s Metals Education & Capability Ecosystem

The agreement underpins Metal Park’s long-term vision to establish the region’s most comprehensive metals education and capability ecosystem—spanning foundational skills, advanced metallurgy, engineering, processing, and operational excellence.

This phased, scalable approach ensures that capability building is aligned with real industrial demand, national priorities, and long-term sustainability. Metal Park views this agreement as a foundation for broader collaboration. Delivering a globally recognised industrial talent and standards ecosystem will require continued engagement with government entities, regulators, academic institutions, and industry partners—anchored by Metal Park as the ecosystem platform.

By Dr Mamtamayi Priyadarshini

A balanced reflection from a pro–non-GM advocacy perspective

India’s recent decision to allow concessional imports of dried distillers’ grains with solubles (DDGS) under the interim trade framework with the United States has sparked discussion across agricultural and feed industry circles. The government has capped imports at 500,000 tonnes — approximately 1% of domestic consumption — and positioned the measure as a calibrated step aimed at easing feed costs for poultry, dairy and aquaculture sectors.

At first glance, the policy appears limited in scope. Yet agricultural markets are shaped not only by volumes, but also by signals. Even relatively modest trade concessions can influence price expectations, bargaining power and rural income structures in ways that extend beyond their numerical share.

Understanding DDGS in the Broader Context

DDGS is a protein-rich by-product of maize-based ethanol production. In the United States — where most maize cultivation is genetically modified — DDGS is produced at industrial scale and widely used as animal feed. For India, the question is not merely about substituting one feed ingredient for another. It is about how such imports may interact with domestic maize markets, farmer incomes and India’s precautionary approach toward genetically modified crops.

Policymakers have emphasized the potential for cost relief to livestock industries. That objective is understandable, particularly in sectors that directly influence food prices and nutritional security. At the same time, it is worth examining how the distribution of benefits and risks may unfold across different stakeholders.

The Subtle Dynamics of Market Signals

On paper, a 1% import quota seems modest. In practice, however, imports can establish a reference price in the market. Large feed manufacturers and integrated poultry companies now have an additional sourcing option. This potentially strengthens their negotiating leverage when purchasing domestic maize or soybean meal.

In commodity markets, perception can influence pricing as much as supply volumes do. If buyers can point to lower-cost imported DDGS, domestic suppliers may feel pressure to align prices accordingly. Even before significant quantities enter the supply chain, the signalling effect alone can shape market sentiment.

For India’s maize farmers — many of whom operate on thin margins — these shifts can matter. Rising input costs for hybrid seeds, fertilizers, irrigation and transportation already weigh heavily. Limited storage infrastructure often compels farmers to sell soon after harvest, reducing their ability to wait for favorable price cycles. In such conditions, even a 5–10% softening in farmgate prices can meaningfully affect annual household income.

Distribution of Gains and Pressures

The potential advantages of DDGS imports are likely to accrue primarily to large feed integrators and industrial processors, who may benefit from diversified sourcing and improved margins. Whether such cost efficiencies translate into lower consumer prices for poultry, dairy or aquaculture products remains uncertain and depends on value-chain dynamics.

Conversely, small and marginal maize farmers could bear a disproportionate share of adjustment pressures if local demand weakens. Domestic traders, regional feed processors and associated rural service providers — transporters, warehouse operators, commission agents and labourers — form part of a broader ecosystem linked to maize cultivation. Gradual shifts in sourcing patterns could affect this interconnected rural economy.

These concerns do not imply that imports will inevitably destabilize markets. Rather, they underscore the importance of monitoring and policy responsiveness.

The Regulatory and Precedent Dimension

India has historically adopted a cautious approach toward commercial genetically modified food crops. While DDGS is a processed residue and not a seed, its origin from predominantly GM maize introduces a regulatory nuance. Some stakeholders view this development as a potential shift in precedent, even if indirect.

Agricultural policy is shaped not only by scientific assessments but also by public trust and consistency. Transparent biosafety evaluation, clear documentation of origin and open public communication can help maintain confidence. Once trade pathways are established, they often evolve, making early safeguards particularly important.

India also occupies a distinct position in certain export markets as a supplier of non-GM agricultural products. Preserving clarity around this identity may carry long-term strategic value. In that sense, the DDGS decision intersects with broader considerations of trade positioning and agricultural branding.

Balancing Feed Efficiency and Farmer Welfare

The needs of the poultry, dairy and aquaculture sectors are legitimate. Feed efficiency contributes to food affordability and nutritional security. However, agricultural policy works best when it carefully balances industrial competitiveness with farmer welfare.

If concessional imports proceed, they could be accompanied by defined safeguards — such as mandatory testing of consignments, full chain-of-custody documentation, disclosure requirements for feed mills and periodic policy reviews involving farmer representation. A clearly defined trial period with transparent evaluation metrics may also enhance accountability.

Parallel investment in domestic capacity offers another constructive pathway. Strengthening India’s ethanol industry and encouraging indigenous production of feed co-products would allow the country to meet rising feed demand while retaining value addition within domestic supply chains. Supporting innovation in non-GM feed alternatives could further reinforce resilience.

A Question of Calibration

The DDGS import decision may appear numerically small, yet its economic and symbolic dimensions are meaningful. Trade engagement is a natural component of a modern economy. The broader question is how such engagement is calibrated to protect those who may face adjustment costs.

Maize farmers are central participants in India’s agricultural landscape. Ensuring that short-term feed cost considerations do not unintentionally weaken long-term farmer resilience is a shared responsibility. Agricultural policy, ultimately, is measured not only in tonnes and percentages, but in the stability of livelihoods and the confidence of rural communities.

About the author: Dr. Mamtamayi Priyadarshini is an environmentalist, social worker and author of Maize Mandate. She has written extensively on agricultural sustainability, seed sovereignty and the intersections of food and fuel policy in India.