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Nadal Bids Farewell, Thanks Djokovic for Legendary Rivalry

Rafael Nadal expressed heartfelt gratitude to Novak Djokovic as the two tennis legends clashed for the final time at the Six Kings Slam exhibition event in Saudi Arabia. The emotional match, which saw Djokovic win 6-2, 7-6(5), marked the end of one of the sport’s greatest rivalries ahead of Nadal’s retirement.

Nadal, who will retire after the Davis Cup Finals next month, praised Djokovic for pushing him to exceed his limits throughout their 15-year rivalry. Nadal, who won 22 Grand Slam titles before Djokovic surpassed him, said, “Without Novak, I wouldn’t have become the player I am today.”

Djokovic, in turn, reflected on their fierce but respectful competition, calling it an “incredible honor” and paying tribute to Nadal’s lasting legacy in tennis. The two have met a record 60 times, with Djokovic holding a slight 31-29 edge in their head-to-head matches.

Nadal will play his final professional matches at the Davis Cup Final 8 in Malaga, bringing a close to his storied career.

UAE’s Foreign Trade Hits Record $820 Billion In 2024, Fueled By Strategic Deals

In 2024, the UAE’s foreign trade reached a historic $820 billion (AED 3 trillion), marking a significant achievement for the nation. This milestone was driven by a rise in international trade agreements, with Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, highlighting the pivotal role these partnerships played in the country’s economic growth.

Strong Trade Growth

The UAE’s foreign trade saw a robust 14.6% year-on-year growth in 2024, a stark contrast to global trade growth of just 2%. Sheikh Mohammed credited the nation’s ongoing efforts to strengthen economic ties globally, with a particular emphasis on the role of UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who has worked tirelessly to cultivate stronger international relationships.

The Impact Of CEPAs

A key contributor to the UAE’s foreign trade success is the implementation of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs). These agreements, spearheaded by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, added an impressive $36.8 billion (AED 135 billion) to the UAE’s non-oil trade in 2024, marking a 42% increase from the previous year. These agreements are helping to cement the UAE’s position as a global trade hub.

Achieving Ambitious Goals Early

In 2021, the UAE set an ambitious target of reaching $1.1 trillion (AED 4 trillion) in foreign trade by 2031. By the end of 2024, the country had already achieved 75% of this goal, putting it on track to surpass this target well ahead of schedule. This rapid progress reflects the UAE’s strong economic vision and strategic focus on progress over politics.

Exports Surge

The UAE’s exports also saw a significant jump in 2024, rising 32% between January and October compared to the same period in 2023. This performance highlights the strength of the country’s industrial strategy and its growing global market access.

Outlook for 2025

The UAE’s economic outlook remains strong, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasting 4% growth in 2025, driven by non-oil sectors such as tourism, construction, and financial services.

In conclusion, the UAE’s record-breaking trade figures are a testament to its effective economic strategies and its growing influence in global markets.

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