Author: Neel Achary

SAFEEN Drydocks Expands Ship Repair Capacity with UAE’s Largest Floating Dock

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 07 September 2026: SAFEEN Drydocks, the shipbuilding and repair subsidiary of Noatum Maritime, has expanded its drydocking operations with the addition of a 230-metre floating dock at Zayed Port in Abu Dhabi. Designed to accommodate ocean-going commercial vessels and rig repair projects, the new dock strengthens SAFEEN Drydocks’ ship repair, maintenance and refurbishment offering, while improving turnaround flexibility for customers.

SAFEEN Drydocks, a joint venture between AD Ports Group and Premier Marine Engineering Services LLC, currently operates over 170,000m² of shipyard facilities at Khalifa Port and Zayed Port in Abu Dhabi.

Located at Zayed Port, the new 230-metre floating dock is the largest in the UAE, with a lifting capacity of 21,000 tonnes, and is positioned alongside 1,000 metres of quayside. The addition broadens the range of vessel repair and maintenance projects SAFEEN Drydocks can accommodate, while providing greater scheduling flexibility.

The expanded drydocking infrastructure will also support the maintenance of Noatum Maritime’s extensive deep-sea fleet, boosting operational efficiency and reducing downtime.

Captain Ammar Al Shaiba, CEO – Maritime & Shipping Cluster, AD Ports Group, said: “The addition of the floating dock marks an important step in the continued expansion of SAFEEN Drydocks’ capabilities. By increasing our capacity to serve larger vessels and maintenance projects, we are strengthening our ability to support customers with faster, more flexible maintenance solutions, while also enhancing the efficiency of our own fleet operations.”

The new floating dock complements the recently acquired Balenciaga Shipyard in Spain, which includes drydocks, a 105-metre slipway, and a 22,385m² factory equipped with advanced automation technologies.

The continued expansion reinforces Noatum Maritime’s commitment to investing in high-value maritime infrastructure and expanding integrated marine services across the UAE and beyond. It also enhances SAFEEN Drydocks’ role in supporting vessel owners and operators with comprehensive ship repair, maintenance and refurbishment solutions from Abu Dhabi.

Samsung Announces Exciting Festive Offers on Galaxy Tab S10+ in India

Gurugram, Sep 07: Samsung today announced exciting offers on its flagship Galaxy Tab S10+ tablet ahead of the festive season in India. Galaxy Tab S10+ combines cutting-edge hardware with AI-powered features, making it the ideal choice for professionals, creative individuals, and tech enthusiasts seeking a versatile device for work, play, and smart home management.

Galaxy Tab S10+ comes with a 31.47 cm Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with anti-reflective technology to deliver vibrant visuals while minimizing glare. Whether you are working on documents, reviewing presentations, or streaming content, the display ensures an immersive experience. Galaxy Tab S10+’s quad-speaker setup, enhanced with AI-powered Dialogue Boost, delivers crisp audio, while its IP68 rating and Armor Aluminium construction ensure durability for everyday use.

The intuitive S Pen, included with Galaxy Tab S10+, unlocks new possibilities for productivity and creativity. From jotting down ideas during meetings to annotating documents or sketching concepts, the S Pen offers a natural way to interact with the tablet. Note Assist leverages AI to automate transcription and summaries, transforming lengthy discussions or lectures into organised notes. PDF Overlay Translation allows users to translate PDFs seamlessly through an on-screen overlay, making multilingual document handling effortless. Handwriting Help further enhances usability by cleaning up handwritten notes for better organisation and readability.

Galaxy Tab S10+ simplifies everyday interactions, with Google’s Circle to Search, enabling users to search or translate content directly on the screen without switching apps. This feature assists with researching topics, looking up information while reading or translating text on the fly. Air Command with AI provides quick access to Galaxy AI Assistant features, while the Galaxy AI ecosystem lets users choose between Samsung’s Bixby and Google’s Gemini for compatible experiences.

Beyond productivity and creativity, Galaxy Tab S10+ doubles as a smart home hub. With 3D Map View and SmartThings integration, users can monitor their connected home devices from a single screen, eliminating the need to switch between apps. SmartThings Energy and AI Energy Mode offer insights into energy consumption across connected devices, empowering users to manage their home’s energy usage effectively.

Galaxy Tab S10+ is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ processor, with a slim & portable design. It packs 12GB RAM with 256GB storage, a 10090 mAh battery, and 45W charging for all-day productivity and flexibility for users on the go.

Galaxy Tab S10+ is designed for professionals, creatives, and tech-savvy individuals who demand a larger-screen device for work, creativity and entertainment.

Consumers can also avail No-Cost EMI options through banks and NBFCs. For Galaxy Tab S10+ Wi-Fi variant, monthly EMI options include INR 14833 through banks, INR 7417 through NBFCs and INR 6877 through Samsung Finance+ with a 15% down payment. For the 5G variant, monthly EMI options include INR 17333 through banks, INR 8667 through NBFCs and INR 8036 through Samsung Finance+ with a 15% down payment.

The festive offers make it easier for Indian consumers to own the Galaxy Tab S10+ — a device that redefines productivity, creativity, and smart living in one sleek package.

RAKEZ showcases Ras Al Khaimah’s investment proposition at AIM Congress 2026

Ras Al Khaimah, Sept 07: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) is participating in AIM Congress 2026, which opened today at Dubai World Trade Centre and runs until 9 September, showcasing Ras Al Khaimah’s growing proposition as a competitive destination for investment and business expansion.

RAKEZ is participating as a co-exhibitor within the Ras Al Khaimah Pavilion, alongside Marjan, RAK Chamber, RAKBANK, RAK Properties, RAK Innovation City and other participating entities, collectively presenting the breadth of the emirate’s business and investment ecosystem to global investors, entrepreneurs and decision-makers.

Commenting on the significance of AIM Congress, RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad said, “The UAE’s investment momentum speaks for itself. In 2025, the country attracted a record AED 177.3 billion in foreign direct investment, marking its fourth consecutive year of record inflows and placing it ninth globally for inbound FDI. This reflects the confidence international investors have in the UAE as a place to establish, expand and compete.”

“At Ras Al Khaimah, we are building on that momentum by offering businesses a competitive operating environment, strong infrastructure and connectivity, access to regional and international markets, and an ecosystem designed to support growth. AIM Congress gives us an important platform to engage directly with investors and demonstrate how RAKEZ can support them at every stage, from market entry to long-term expansion,” he added.

During the three-day event, the RAKEZ team is engaging with prospective investors, business leaders and strategic partners from international markets, highlighting its comprehensive range of business set-up solutions and facilities, spanning from flexible workspaces and offices to warehouses, industrial facilities and land, complemented by a range of support services designed to simplify establishment and ongoing operations.

This offering supports a diverse business community that today comprises more than 50,000 active companies from close to 200 across more than 50 sectors. The scale and diversity of this community reflect Ras Al Khaimah’s growing appeal to businesses at different stages of growth, and from a wide range of industries and markets.

AIM Congress provides a timely platform to take this proposition to a global audience, bringing together leaders, policymakers, investors and innovators to explore new investment pathways, sustainable economic growth, digital transformation and international partnerships. Through its presence within the Ras Al Khaimah Pavilion, RAKEZ is contributing to the emirate’s wider investment story and strengthening its visibility among businesses seeking opportunities to establish, expand and grow across the UAE and wider region.

India’s Cold Chain Takes Centre Stage as RX India Unveils India Cold Chain Show 2026 Conference Programme

Mumbai, Sep 07 : RX India today announced the conference programme for the India Cold Chain Show 2026, taking place from 22 to 24 October 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon, Mumbai. 

The one-day conference, taking place on 22 October will centre on the theme “India’s Cold Chain Opportunity – Capital, Infrastructure and Growth. It will bring together policymakers and industry leaders toexamine how investment, infrastructure expansion and digital innovation can build a more efficient and resilient cold chain ecosystem in India.

India’s cold chain sector is fast emerging as a critical growth engine, fuelled by rising demand across food, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and e-commerce. Growing investment in cold storage, refrigerated transportation and digital technologies is guiding the shift toward a more capable and dependable value chain. The conference will explore how capital deployment, infrastructure expansion and technology led innovation can unlock new opportunities, reduce supply chain losses and support India’s long-term economic growth.

The programme will open with a keynote address, followed by a note on “The Cold Chain Imperative: Building a Future-Ready India”. The session will bring together policymakers and industry leaders to discuss the sector’s shift from a supporting logistics function to a critical national infrastructure for food security, healthcare, exports and modern retail. 

The conference programme will feature a series of focused sessions, including:

• From Perishable to Preserved: temperature-controlled food supply chains, cutting post-harvest losses and reshaping India’s frozen food trade

• Connected, Compliant and Patient-Centric: reimagining pharma cold chain logistics for the “Pharmacy of the World”

• Building Agile Logistics through AI and Automation: a fireside chat on predictive planning, smart warehousing, autonomous operations and real-time visibility

• The Reefer Revamp: transforming India’s temperature-controlled transport through fleet modernisation, infrastructure and sustainable, low-carbon solutions

• Last Mile and Return Logistics: the economics of reverse logistics, product safety, asset recovery and last-mile efficiency

Umang Gupta, Country Head, RX India, said

 “India’s cold chain sector is at an inflection point, driven by rising demand, increasing investment and rapid advances in technology. The opportunity now is to move from fragmented growth to a more integrated, scalable and resilient ecosystem.

The conference at India Cold Chain Show 2026 has been designed to bring industry experts, policymakers and innovators under the same roof and turn that momentum into measurable outcomes to support India’s long-term growth story.

Across food, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and e-commerce, businesses are investing in infrastructure, technology and new operating models to meet the country’s rapidly changing needs. As the sector evolves, the focus must remain on creating measurable value: reducing losses, improving efficiency, strengthening returns and building and a more resilient ecosystem that supports India’s long-term growth story,”.

Through these discussions, the conference aims to prioritize the next phase of India’s cold chain growth, while creating a platform to bring together stakeholders to identify opportunities for collaboration, investment and innovation.

The India Cold Chain Show is co-located with the India Warehousing & Logistics Show, together forming one of the country’s most significant gatherings for the warehousing, logistics, cold chain and supply chain community. Visitors can expect live product demonstrations, new product launches and a high-level conference programme, alongside 200+ exhibitors and more than 10,000 business visitors across the co-located shows.

India’s Demographic Dividend Holds Key to Becoming World’s Largest Economy

New Delhi, Sep 7: India has a significant opportunity to become the world’s largest economy, but achieving this goal will depend on how effectively the country uses its young and growing workforce, former Reserve Bank of India Deputy Governor Dr Michael Debabrata Patra said.

Patra said India’s demographic advantage could remain an important driver of economic growth until around the mid-2050s. This gives the country a crucial window to strengthen its economy, create jobs and raise productivity.

He stressed that a large working-age population alone cannot guarantee faster growth. India will need to focus on quality employment, better education and skill development, stronger infrastructure and higher productivity.

Expanding manufacturing and improving opportunities for young people will also be important to ensure that the growing workforce contributes meaningfully to economic activity.

Greater participation of women in the workforce could further strengthen India’s growth prospects and help the country make better use of its demographic potential.

Patra’s remarks highlight the importance of turning India’s demographic strength into sustained economic growth. With the right policies, investment and reforms, the country’s young population could become one of its biggest advantages in its journey towards global economic leadership.

Jindal Stainless Partners with Japan’s JFE Steel to Strengthen Ferritic Stainless Steel Capabilities

Sep 07: Jindal Stainless, India’s stainless steel manufacturer, has entered into a Technical Assistance Agreement with JFE Steel Corporation, Japan, one of the world’s steelmakers, to strengthen its manufacturing capabilities for selected ferritic stainless steel grades. The collaboration will focus on enhancing product quality, manufacturing practices, and process efficiency through technical assistance.

The agreement comes at a time when global demand for stainless steel is accelerating, driven by increasing adoption across automotive, infrastructure, railways, process industries, and other value-added applications owing to its corrosion resistance, durability, and lower lifecycle costs. Industry estimates indicate that the global stainless steel market, particularly the ferritic stainless steel segment, is expected to witness steady growth over the coming decade, supported by rising demand for cost-efficient and sustainable material solutions. Ferritic stainless steel grades are widely used in automotive components, railway coaches, kitchen equipment, industrial machinery, construction, and several other value-added applications, making them an important growth segment for the future. Under the Technical Assistance Agreement, JFE Steel will support Jindal Stainless’ ongoing efforts to strengthen product quality and manufacturing practices for the grades specified in the Agreement.

Commenting on the cooperation, Managing Director, Jindal Stainless, Abhyuday Jindal, said,

“The future of manufacturing will be shaped by materials that deliver superior performance, sustainability, and value. Stainless steel, as a group of diversified high-performance alloys, is emerging as the material of choice across industries. Ferritic stainless steel, in particular, is becoming an increasingly important solution for industries looking to balance durability, corrosion resistance, and cost efficiency. At Jindal Stainless, we are committed to continuously enhancing our technological capabilities by cooperation with the world’s best. JFE Steel’s decades of expertise in ferritic stainless steel manufacturing will help us further strengthen product quality and operational excellence. More importantly, this association is about building capabilities that create greater value for our customers by strengthening our people, processes, and practices through this agreement.” 

The Agreement will reinforce Jindal Stainless’ commitment to leveraging global expertise, fostering innovation, and building world-class manufacturing capabilities to support the future growth of stainless steel.

From Grocery Bills to Fuel Costs, Inflation Pressure Builds in August

New Delhi, Sep 7: India’s retail inflation is expected to rise to 4.88 per cent in August, up from 4.44 per cent in July, as higher food prices and fuel costs put renewed pressure on household budgets, according to a Union Bank of India report.

The projected increase would mark the second consecutive monthly rise in consumer price inflation and the highest reading in the current CPI series, the report said.

Food inflation is expected to increase to 6.03 per cent in August from 5.24 per cent in July. While vegetable prices are expected to show some moderation, higher prices of sugar, cereals and edible oils could keep overall food inflation elevated.

Sugar is emerging as a key source of pressure. The report estimates that sugar inflation could rise sharply, with prices increasing around 15 per cent during August. This could push sugar inflation to 11.53 per cent on a month-on-month basis.

Cereal and pulses prices are also expected to remain firm due to tighter domestic supplies. Milk prices could see further pressure in the coming months following recent price increases in several states.

For households, higher food inflation means a larger share of monthly income could go towards essentials such as groceries and cooking needs. This can leave consumers with less money for discretionary spending on items such as clothing, entertainment, eating out and other non-essential goods.

The expected rise in inflation also matters for businesses. Higher input and operating costs can increase pressure on manufacturers, retailers and food companies. Some businesses may pass part of these costs on to consumers, while others may see their profit margins squeezed.

The inflation outlook will also remain important for monetary policy. A sustained rise in consumer prices could make it more difficult for the Reserve Bank of India to ease interest rates aggressively, particularly if food and fuel pressures continue.

The latest estimate comes as India’s economy continues to show strong growth, with GDP expanding 7.8 per cent in the April-June quarter. However, keeping inflation under control will remain important to ensure that strong economic growth is supported by healthy consumer demand.

Overall, the expected August inflation rise highlights the continuing impact of food and energy prices on the Indian economy. A moderation in food prices and improved supply conditions will be important for easing pressure on households in the months ahead.

Mayfair Spring Valley Resort, Guwahati Wins Best Luxury Hotel Award at Global Tourism Excellence Awards 2026

New Delhi, Sep 07: Cementing its position in Northeast India’s luxury hospitality sector, Mayfair Spring Valley Resort, Guwahati, has been honoured with the title of “Best Luxury Hotel” at the Global Tourism Excellence Awards 2026. The recognition was conferred at the awards ceremony held on August 29 in Noida. Presented by Mrs. Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, CMD, Pride East Entertainments, the award marks a significant milestone for the resort as it continues to establish a distinctive identity for luxury hospitality in the region.

The recognition comes as Northeast India continues to gain attention among travellers seeking destinations that combine natural beauty, distinctive cultural experiences and high-quality hospitality. Mayfair Spring Valley Resort has positioned itself at the forefront of this evolution, bringing together luxury, thoughtful service and the character of the region to create experiences for travellers from across India and around the world.

Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Pardeep Siwach, General Manager, Mayfair Spring Valley Resort, Guwahati, said

 “This recognition is a proud moment for the entire team at Mayfair Spring Valley Resort. We have always believed that luxury is about more than beautiful spaces; it is about creating thoughtful, personalised experiences that guests remember. This recognition belongs to our entire team, whose passion, commitment and attention to every detail make exceptional guest experiences possible every day. We are grateful to everyone who has been part of our journey and look forward to continuing to raise the bar for luxury hospitality in the region.

The award reflects Mayfair Spring Valley Resort’s larger vision of going beyond conventional luxury hospitality to showcase the extraordinary beauty, culture and warmth of Northeast India on the global tourism map. By creating a luxury destination rooted in its regional identity while maintaining contemporary standards of hospitality, the resort is contributing to the growing visibility of Guwahati and the wider Northeast as a premium travel destination.