Category Archives: Business

Emaar leads the way as developers show Dubai real estate strength in depth

fäm Properties report reveals Azizi dominating the affordable market in 2026 and topping overall sales transactions

Dubai, UAE, July 23: Emaar’s position as Dubai’s leading developer is underlined today by a new market analysis revealing the depth of residential real estate activity across the luxury and affordable sectors so far this year.

The report from fäm Properties today shows that Emaar has recorded the highest value in sales transactions to date this year at AED30.6 billion – 83.2% higher than DAMAC in second place at AED16.7 billion.

Emaar also sold the highest volume of properties in the AED 15 million and above luxury sector, with 387 transactions worth AED8.4 billion, ahead of Omniyat with 212 deals amounting to AED 6.5 billion.

In addition, the developer behind some of Dubai’s most famous landmarks has so far this year delivered the most projects (9) and units (3,819), and currently has the biggest number of active projects under construction (150).

Data from DXBinteract shows that Azizi, which dominates the market for affordable properties below AED2 million, has also been the most prolific developer in terms of overall residential sales transactions so far this year.

To date, the top ten developers in overall sales volume have recorded a combined 36,808 transactions valued at AED 86.8 billion.

“The fact that Dubai’s leading developers have been driving sales across both the luxury and affordable segments throughout the year is clear sign of market strength,” said Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fäm Properties.

“This shows that demand is not concentrated in one area, and points to a healthy, diversified market with steady demand from both investors and end-users.”

In overall sales, Azizi led with 8,411 transactions ahead of DAMAC (6,387) and Emaar (5,550). The vast majority of Azizi’s sales – 8,053 worth AED6.6 billion – were in the affordable sector, ahead of Binghatti (4,268 – AED4.5 billion) and DAMAC (2,243 – AED2.5 billion).

DAMAC’s continued high level of activity this year places the company second in terms of projects (7) and units (2,591) delivered, and in the number of active projects under construction (113). Meanwhile, Reportage has launched 16 projects, the most to date in 2026, and is also among the top ten developers in sales of properties below AED2 million (1,322) and overall sales (1,544).

TOP DEVELOPERS – TOTAL SALES VOLUME & VALUE IN 2026 (As of 22nd July)

 Volume Value (AED)

Azizi 8,411 7.5B

DAMAC 6,387 16.7B

Emaar 5,550 30.6B

Binghatti 5,188 7.9B

Ellington 2,768 8.0B

Samana 1,839 2.1B

Sobha 1,731 5.5B

Danube 1,695 3.6B

Imtiaz 1,695 3.0B

Reportage 1,544 1.9B

Totals 36,808 86.8B

PROPERTIES ABOVE 15M

 Volume Value (AED)

Emaar 387 8.4B

Omniyat 212 6.5B

H&H 178 6.9B

Meraas 135 3.4B

Nakheel 80 2.4B

Wasl 66 1.4B

AHS Properties 64 1.8B

Shamal Holding 47 1.4B

Zaya 43 2.1B

Jumeirah Golf Est’ 36 956.9M

Totals 1,248 35.16B

PROPERTIES BELOW 2M

Volume Value (AED)

Azizi 8,095 6.6B

Binghatti 4,268 4.5B

DAMAC 2,247 2.5B

Samana 1,716 1.7B

Emaar 1,437 2.3B

Reportage 1,322 1.3B

Imtiaz 1,153 1.3B

Ellington 1,039 1.6B

Danube 1,004 1.3B

Vision Dev’ 649 717.4M

Totals 22,930 23.82B

Top developers by delivered projects – 2026: Emaar 9; DAMAC 7; Nakheel 4; Deyaar 3; Dubai Properties 3; Azizi 3; Continental Investments 2; Esnaad 2; Ellington 2; Segrex 2.

Top developers by delivered units – 2026: Emaar 3,819; DAMAC 2,591; Select Group 1,502; Deyaar 1,435; Continental Invest’ 1,294; The Cayan Group 1,164; Sobha 985; Nakheel 898; MAG 654; Dubai Properties 558.

Top developers by launched projects – 2026: Reportage 16; Emaar 11; Binghatti 9; DAMAC 6; Azizi 5; Ellington 5; Imtiaz 5; GFS 5; Sobha 3; Dubai South 3.

Top developers by projects under construction – 2026: Emaar 150; DAMAC 113; Azizi 55; Samana; 44; Binghatti 37; Nakheel 36; Meraas 35; Imtiaz 33; Ellington 33; Nshama 25.

India Emerges as a Preferred Investment Destination for European Companies: Report

New Delhi, July 23: India is increasingly being viewed as a favourable investment destination by European companies, supported by its strong economic growth, expanding market opportunities, and improving business environment, according to a recent report.

The report highlighted that India’s large consumer base, skilled workforce, growing digital ecosystem, and ongoing infrastructure development are among the key factors attracting European businesses to invest in the country.

European companies are showing greater interest in sectors such as manufacturing, technology, renewable energy, healthcare, automobiles, and financial services, driven by India’s growth potential and policy initiatives aimed at encouraging foreign investment.

The report noted that India’s focus on strengthening supply chains, promoting innovation, and enhancing ease of doing business has further improved its appeal among global investors.

Industry experts said that deeper economic cooperation between India and Europe could create new opportunities for trade, investment, and technology partnerships.

With its expanding economy and strategic position in global markets, India continues to strengthen its role as a major destination for international businesses seeking long-term growth opportunities.

72 percent in South India Prioritise Balanced Diet, Bengaluru, Hyderabad Touch 75 percent, Finds ManipalCigna India Health Quotient 2026

Bangalore, July 23: ManipalCigna Health Insurance, one of India’s leading health insurers, has released insights specific to South India from India Health Quotient (IHQ) 2026. The IHQ is a proprietary multi-dimensional index measuring self-assessed health across five dimensions: Physical, Mental, Financial, Occupational, and Social. The study covered urban Indians across 16 cities, including Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi and Coimbatore from the southern region. 

India‘s overall health score stands at 65 out of 100, while South India recorded an overall score of 63 out of 100. Across urban Indians, physical health is leading at 68, while financial health trails at 62, the lowest score across all dimensions and a critical aspect requiring greater attention.

Interestingly, 72% of respondents from South India prioritize eating a healthy, balanced diet in their top 5 aspects of physical health vs 65% in rest of India. This is most notable in the new age tech metros of Bengaluru, Hyderabad (75%). It reflects a larger shift across urban India, where people are consciously moving towards healthier lifestyles and making food choices a part of how they manage their overall wellbeing. On the other hand, the findings also highlight opportunities to strengthen mental well-being, with only 49% reporting strong focus and clarity of mind and 47% feeling confident in their ability to adapt to sudden change.

The study also reveals that health insurance ownership is one of the most promising predictors of overall wellbeing in India. Indians with health insurance score 68/100 on the India Health Quotient, compared to 62/100 for uninsured urban Indians, a 6-point gap that remains consistent across every cohort, region, age group, gender, and stress level. Across the cohorts and stress level tested in the study, insured Indians reported higher wellbeing scores than their uninsured counterparts on physical, mental and financial dimensions alike.

This “Wellbeing Premium” is notably larger than the gender gap (men and women both score 65/100) and exceeds regional differences between major metros like Mumbai (62/100) and Bengaluru (63/100) and surpasses the gap between India‘s youngest and oldest age groups (63/100 vs 65/100). The gap does not diminish even when controlling for stress levels, suggesting that health insurance ownership is associated with meaningfully better wellbeing outcomes across all population segments.

Sapna Desai, Chief Marketing Officer, ManipalCigna Health Insurance, said, “The India Health Quotient asks a simple question: how does India actually feel? It shows that health is multi-dimensional, with people balancing physical, mental, financial, and work and social wellbeing, and gaps in one area often affecting the others. South India stands out for its focus on healthy eating, with 72% prioritizing a balanced diet, rising to 75% in Bengaluru and Hyderabad. However, this physical discipline does not fully offset everyday pressures. Across regions, we also see that health insurance ownership helps narrow wellbeing gaps, reinforcing that protection is an important part of overall wellbeing.” 

As Karnataka continues its growth journey, the need for greater awareness around healthcare financing and financial protection remains important. With changing healthcare needs and rising medical costs, health insurance can play a critical role in helping individuals and families manage healthcare expenses while ensuring access to quality care when needed.

The ManipalCigna India Health Quotient 2026 underscores the company’s commitment to going beyond traditional health insurance by developing a deeper, evidence-based understanding of how Indians experience wellbeing. With this, the company reaffirms its focus on building more responsive, holistic health solutions for a rapidly evolving India

BSE Expands Market Benchmarking with New Index Covering Nearly Entire Equity Landscape

Mumbai, July 23: The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) has introduced a new Total Market Index aimed at providing a wider and more comprehensive view of India’s equity market by representing nearly 98 per cent of the market capitalisation covered under the BSE AllCap Index.

The new benchmark is designed to capture the performance of companies across different segments of the market, giving investors a broader perspective on overall market movements and trends.

BSE said the index will serve as an important tool for investors, fund managers, and market participants seeking a diversified representation of India’s listed companies. It may also support the creation of investment products such as index-based funds and other market-linked instruments.

The launch reflects the exchange’s focus on developing innovative market solutions, improving transparency, and strengthening the investment ecosystem in India.

Financial experts believe that comprehensive market indices help investors better understand market performance and make informed decisions by providing wider sector and company representation.

With the introduction of the Total Market Index, BSE aims to enhance market tracking capabilities and offer a more inclusive benchmark for India’s growing equity market.

Intertek India and Sportz Village Foundation Champion a Collaborative Approach to Strengthening India’s Grassroots Sports Ecosystem

New Delhi, 23 July: As India continues its emergence as a global sporting nation, the conversation is increasingly shifting from celebrating podium finishes to strengthening the systems that make those achievements possible. Recognising that lasting sporting success begins at the grassroots, Intertek India and Sportz Village Foundation hosted a leadership engagement in New Delhi for corporate leaders, sports development experts, elite athletes and young sporting talent to explore how collective action can help build a stronger sporting ecosystem for the country. 

The event brought together Intertek South Asia leaders Ankita Agarwal, Regional HR Director and Ashish Gupta, Regional CFO  with Sportz Village Foundation’s Radhika Yelkur, Head of Delivery and Sandeep Rao, Head of Corporate Partnerships, Arjuna Awardee and Indian sport shooter Anjum Moudgil, along with a group of promising state and national-level athletes supported through Sports For All – a talent identification and athlete nurturance initiative launched this year by Intertek India, and implemented with the help of Sportz Village Foundation. 

Sports For All seeks to identify India’s emerging young sporting talent and provide them with access to the guidance, opportunities and developmental ecosystem needed to progress towards higher levels of competition. While financial support remains important, the initiative reflects a broader philosophy – that athletes thrive when they are backed by an ecosystem that nurtures both sporting excellence and personal growth. 

At the heart of the event was a panel discussion exploring how stronger collaboration between corporates, sports organisations, schools and public institutions can create more meaningful opportunities for aspiring athletes across the country. 

The panel discussed several critical aspects of athlete development, including mental resilience, athlete livelihoods, access to quality coaching, sports science, the role of schools in encouraging participation and the importance of stronger public-private partnerships in expanding access to structured sporting opportunities. The conversation reinforced a shared belief that India‘s sporting ambitions can only be realised through long-term collaboration across sectors, with each stakeholder playing a distinct yet interconnected role in supporting young athletes. 

Delivering the keynote address, Anjum Moudgil reflected on her own journey as an elite athlete, sharing insights into the discipline, perseverance and resilience required to compete at the highest level. She emphasized that behind every successful athlete is an ecosystem of support – families, coaches, mentors, institutions and organizations – that invest consistently in an athlete’s journey, often long before success becomes visible. 

“Every athlete’s journey is shaped by the support they receive long before success arrives. Initiatives like Sport For All create that foundation by giving young athletes the opportunities, guidance and belief they need to pursue their full potential.” 

A significant highlight of the event was the unveiling of the official Sports For All jersey, symbolizing the shared commitment of Intertek India and Sportz Village Foundation towards creating structured development pathways for young athletes. More than a ceremonial moment, the jersey represents a collective promise to invest in potential, create opportunities and accompany athletes through every stage of their sporting journey. 

Speaking on the occasion,

“At Intertek, our CSR commitment is to create sustainable social impact by empowering communities and expanding opportunities for future generations. Through Sports For All, we are proud to support India’s grassroots talent and contribute to the vision of a stronger, healthier, and more inclusive Viksit Bharat.”
– Ankita Agarwal
Regional HR Director, Intertek 

“Through initiatives like Sport For All we’re working with Intertek India to build meaningful pathways that help young budding athletes access the support they need to grow, compete and succeed.“
– Radhika Yelkur
Head of Delivery, Sportz Village Foundation 

As India strives to become one of the world’s leading sporting nations, the focus must extend beyond celebrating medals to strengthening the systems that identify and nurture talent from an early stage. Through its Sports For All initiative, Intertek India, in partnership with Sportz Village Foundation, is working to build stronger pathways for young athletes by expanding access to structured support, mentorship and development opportunities, while contributing to a more inclusive and resilient grassroots sporting ecosystem.

PM Modi’s Three-Nation Visit Strengthens India’s Indo-Pacific Engagement

New Delhi, July 23: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s three-nation visit marks a significant step towards strengthening India’s strategic partnerships and expanding its engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.

The visit focused on enhancing cooperation with partner countries in areas including trade, defence, maritime security, technology, connectivity, and regional stability. The engagements highlighted India’s growing role in promoting peace, prosperity, and collaboration across the Indo-Pacific.

During the visit, discussions with global partners centred on deepening bilateral relations and exploring new opportunities for economic and strategic cooperation. Leaders exchanged views on regional and global challenges while reaffirming their commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

The outreach reflects India’s broader foreign policy approach of building stronger partnerships with like-minded nations and increasing collaboration in areas critical to regional growth and security.

Experts said the visit underscores India’s expanding diplomatic footprint and its efforts to strengthen strategic ties amid changing geopolitical dynamics. Enhanced cooperation with Indo-Pacific partners is expected to contribute to economic growth, maritime stability, and regional resilience.

The three-nation tour further highlights India’s commitment to active participation in shaping the future of the Indo-Pacific through dialogue, partnerships, and shared interests.

ARHomez Introduces AI-Driven Home Automation Solutions to Build Safer, Smarter and More Sustainable Living Spaces

New Delhi, July 23rd: ARHomez, a leading provider of smart home and office automation solutions, today announced the expansion of its AI-driven home automation ecosystem, designed to deliver seamless living experiences through intelligent automation, advanced security systems, smart lighting and connected infrastructure. The integrated solution enables homeowners and businesses to manage multiple functions through a unified platform, making spaces more secure, energy-efficient and convenient.

As demand for smart infrastructure continues to accelerate across India, ARHomez is focused on enabling customers to adopt intelligent technologies that simplify everyday living while optimizing energy consumption. The company’s AI-driven automation solutions allow users to remotely control lighting, climate, entertainment systems, security devices, curtains, smart locks and other connected appliances through intuitive mobile and voice-enabled interfaces.

Founded in 2018 by Rajesh Kumar Garhwal with an initial investment of ₹5 lakh, ARHomez has steadily evolved into one of Delhi NCR’s trusted smart automation companies, serving homeowners, architects, builders and commercial establishments across Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad. Today, the company has achieved an annual turnover of approximately ₹6 crore by consistently delivering customized automation solutions backed by reliable installation and after-sales support.

Commenting on the announcement, Rajesh Kumar Garhwal, Founder, ARHomez, said: “Smart automation is no longer a luxury reserved for premium homes—it is becoming an essential part of modern living. At ARHomez, our vision is to make intelligent technologies more accessible by creating connected spaces that enhance comfort, improve safety and promote sustainable living. Through AI-driven automation, we are helping homeowners and businesses experience greater convenience while making smarter use of energy and resources.”

ARHomez offers a comprehensive portfolio of intelligent automation solutions, including smart lighting automation, AI-enabled home security systems, CCTV surveillance, video door phones, smart locks, motorized curtain automation, climate control systems, integrated entertainment automation and complete home and office automation. These solutions are designed to provide personalized experiences while improving operational efficiency and reducing unnecessary energy consumption.

With increasing awareness around energy conservation and connected living, ARHomez continues to invest in advanced technologies that enable predictive automation, remote monitoring and intelligent control. By combining innovation with customer-centric service, the company aims to accelerate the adoption of smart infrastructure across residential and commercial developments in India.

Going forward, ARHomez remains committed to expanding its AI-powered automation capabilities while delivering reliable, scalable and future-ready solutions that empower customers to build safer, smarter and more sustainable living environments.

India’s Digital Infrastructure Boom Drives Data Centre Growth, Infrastructure Gaps Pose Challenges

July 23: India’s data centre industry is witnessing rapid expansion as demand for digital services, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and data storage continues to rise. However, challenges related to land availability, power access, and supporting infrastructure remain key concerns for the sector’s long-term growth.

According to a report by JM Financial, India has strong potential to emerge as a major global data centre destination, supported by its growing digital economy, increasing internet penetration, and rising adoption of technology-driven solutions across sectors.

The report noted that the availability of suitable land and access to reliable, cost-effective power supply will be crucial for the development of large-scale data centre facilities. Efficient infrastructure planning and faster approvals will play an important role in meeting the sector’s growing requirements.

The expansion of artificial intelligence applications, cloud platforms, and enterprise digital transformation is expected to further increase demand for data processing and storage capacity in India.

Industry stakeholders believe that addressing infrastructure challenges through policy support, investment, and improved connectivity will help unlock the full potential of the country’s data centre market.

With rising digital consumption and increasing technology investments, India’s data centre sector is positioned for significant growth while working to overcome key operational challenges.

iCubesWire Introduces iQ, India’s First Conversational AI Platform for Creator Marketing Intelligence

Gurugram, India, 23 July: iCubesWire today announced the launch of iQ, India’s first Conversational AI Platform for Creator Marketing Intelligence, designed to help brands solve complex creator marketing challenges through the power of artificial intelligence.

Built on iCubesWire’s existing technology ecosystem, iQ adds an intelligent conversational layer that enables marketers to discover creators, build campaign strategies, analyze performance, benchmark competitors, uncover market insights and generate AI-powered recommendations, all through simple, natural language conversations.

The launch marks the next phase of iCubesWire’s technology journey. Over the years, the company has developed proprietary capabilities across creator discovery, campaign management, creator relationship management, content workflows, measurement, analytics and competitive intelligence. iQ brings these capabilities together into a single intelligent interface that transforms data into actionable business decisions.

“Creator marketing has become one of the most powerful growth channels for brands, but marketers are still spending too much time navigating dashboards instead of making decisions,” said Nishant Sharma, Co-Founder & CEO – Influencer Business, iCubesWire. “With iQ, we’ve built an intelligence layer that allows marketers to simply ask questions and receive strategic recommendations backed by data, technology and years of campaign expertise.”

Rather than functioning as another AI chatbot, iQ is designed to solve real business problems, from identifying the right creators and optimizing campaign strategies to measuring impact, analysing competitors and uncovering new growth opportunities.

“This launch represents a significant milestone in our technology vision,” said Sahil Chopra, Chairman, iCubesWire. “We’ve invested for years in building technology across every aspect of creator marketing. iQ is the intelligence layer that sits on top of this ecosystem, enabling brands to move beyond campaign execution and make faster, smarter and more informed marketing decisions. We believe the future of creator marketing will be driven by intelligence, not just automation.”

The launch of iQ further strengthens iCubesWire’s vision of building Creator Growth OS, an integrated platform that combines technology, intelligence and AI to power the next generation of creator marketing.

NSE Faces Shift in Equity Options Landscape as Market Share Drops Over Two Years

July 23: The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has recorded a decline of over 22 per cent in its equity options market share between FY24 and FY26, highlighting changing trends in India’s rapidly evolving derivatives market.

The shift reflects broader changes in trading behaviour, market participation patterns, and competitive dynamics within the equity options segment. Growing investor activity, regulatory measures, and evolving strategies among market participants have contributed to changes in the distribution of market share among exchanges.

India’s equity derivatives market has expanded significantly in recent years, driven by increased participation from retail investors, technological advancements, and wider access to trading platforms. Exchanges have continued to strengthen their infrastructure and introduce measures aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, and investor experience.

Despite the decline in market share, NSE remains a major player in India’s capital markets, supported by its robust trading systems, deep liquidity, and extensive market network across various financial segments.

Experts said the changing market landscape underscores the need for exchanges to continue focusing on innovation, product development, and investor-focused initiatives to remain competitive.

The developments come at a time when India’s financial markets are undergoing rapid transformation, with technology, regulation, and investor preferences shaping the future direction of the derivatives ecosystem.