Bitcoin and Ether tumbled to multi-month lows on Tuesday amid a broad cross-market sell-off and lingering fallout from last week’s $1.5 billion ether hack at crypto exchange Bybit. The market’s latest downturn highlights the fragility of even the world’s largest digital assets during periods of heightened uncertainty.

Bitcoin’s Price Slide

The flagship cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, dropped as much as 6% to $88,245—its lowest level since November and the first time it has dipped below $90,000 since mid-January. This breach of a key psychological barrier underscores investor apprehension as market volatility intensifies.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Ether’s Sharp Decline

Not far behind, Ether, the second-largest cryptocurrency by market value, shed up to 11% at one point, falling to $2,333. This marks its steepest drop since October, as traders continue to grapple with the aftershocks of the recent security breach.

In a turbulent environment, these movements serve as a stark reminder that even established cryptocurrencies remain vulnerable to external shocks and systemic market pressures. As the sector navigates this challenging phase, market participants are closely watching for signs of stabilization amid ongoing uncertainty.

Cyta, the leading telecommunications authority in Cyprus, reported revenues of €415 million and an expected pre-tax profit of €59 million for 2024, according to Chairwoman Maria Tsiakka. Speaking at a House finance committee meeting on the 2025 budget, Tsiakka emphasized that Cyta’s financial strength and strategic investments are not just impressive figures—they’re critical to Cyprus’ economic future.

Financial Strength And National Impact

Since 2000, Cyta has funneled over €1.27 billion back to the state—€914 million in dividends and €359 million in taxes. “This contribution is not just numbers, it is an investment for Cyprus and its citizens,” Tsiakka noted. More than a public service, Cyta is a modern telecommunications powerhouse, ensuring that every person, business, and community across the island has equal access to cutting-edge technology.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Leading The Digital Revolution

A standout achievement in 2024 was the completion of transformative infrastructure projects that have vaulted Cyprus to the forefront of digital connectivity. Thanks to significant investments in satellite and undersea infrastructure, Cyprus has soared from 17th to the top spot in Europe for 5G network coverage. Strategic moves, including a deal to extend the BlueMed cable to its Yeroskipou landfall station, have reinforced Cyprus’ reputation as a reliable telecommunications hub in the eastern Mediterranean.

Investing In The Future

Looking ahead, Cyta has earmarked €108 million for its 2025 development budget, focusing on cementing its leadership in digital infrastructure. Its primary goal? Achieving full optical fiber coverage across Cyprus, making it the first EU country to reach 100% connectivity—even in remote mountainous regions, with upgrades set for completion by the end of 2025. In parallel, Cyta is overhauling its data centers, including constructing a groundbreaking, internationally certified green data center poised to attract both local and global clients, all while championing energy independence and reducing environmental impact.

Political Endorsements And Ongoing Debates

Cyta’s performance has garnered robust political support. Akel MP Andreas Kafkalias praised the organization for its vital contributions to public coffers, arguing that its success effectively counters the call for privatization. Dipa MP Alekos Tryfonides echoed this sentiment, lauding the expansion of 5G coverage and enhanced international connectivity. However, concerns persist over the transparency of Cyta’s pension fund investments and the recruitment of 50 private-sector executives, with critics warning that these moves must not compromise the public character of this key institution.

In a rapidly digitalizing world, Cyta stands out as a modern, competitive public entity driving Cyprus’s economic growth and technological advancement.

Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis met with Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni in Athens on 24 February, marking a pivotal step in strengthening regional tourism cooperation. In a focused discussion on enhancing bilateral and multilateral coordination, Kefalogianni secured Cyprus’ support for Greece’s dual bid at the World Tourism Organization—for the roles of Secretary General and Executive Board member.

With the upcoming Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU on the horizon, both sides seized the opportunity to explore synergistic partnerships. They delved into shared priorities, such as sustainable tourism development and innovative approaches to mitigate climate change impacts on the industry. The two countries agreed to establish a bilateral cooperation committee to cement these initiatives.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Highlighting further collaborative potential, Koumis expressed Cyprus’ strong interest in partnering with the Observatory for Coastal and Marine Tourism in the Mediterranean—a forward-thinking initiative spearheaded by Greece. This move underscores a mutual commitment to advancing tourism in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group is gearing up for a seismic shift in technology investment. The company announced plans to pump over $52.4 billion (¥380 billion) into cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure over the next three years—a figure that eclipses its total investment in these areas over the past decade.

A Transformative Investment Strategy

This massive commitment underscores Alibaba’s drive to cement its position as a premier cloud computing provider while accelerating its AI-fueled growth. During its December quarterly conference call, CEO Wu Yongming described AI as a “once-in-a-decade” opportunity poised to trigger an industry-wide transformation. He outlined the company’s long-term vision centered on general artificial intelligence (GAI), emphasizing AI’s potential to mimic human intelligence and labor, and to fundamentally reshape global industries.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

As AI models evolve, the volume of AI-generated data will soar, positioning Alibaba Cloud as a critical infrastructure backbone. Yongming noted that the surging demand for AI-related services has already made cloud computing the most distinct revenue driver within the company’s AI strategy.

Robust Financial Performance

Alibaba’s financials reflect this strategic pivot. For the fourth quarter of 2024, the company reported an 8% year-on-year revenue growth, reaching $38.4 billion. Operating income surged by 83% to $5.6 billion, buoyed by lower impairments on intangible assets and improved adjusted EBITA. Most strikingly, net income skyrocketed by 333% year-on-year, totaling $6.4 billion—a testament to the company’s operational efficiency and strategic investment decisions.

Market Recognition And Outlook

Alibaba’s bold strategy is further validated by its impressive standing on global financial rankings. The group currently holds the 41st spot on the Forbes 2024 Global 2000 list, while cofounder Jack Ma remains a formidable presence on Forbes’ The World’s Real-Time Billionaires list, with a net worth of $28.9 billion as of February 24, 2025.

With this transformative investment, Alibaba is not only betting on its own future but also setting the stage for a broader technological revolution in cloud computing and AI. As the digital landscape evolves, Alibaba’s aggressive push is expected to catalyze significant economic and technological shifts across industries worldwide.

Lubna Olayan’s family office, Dara Holdings, is reshaping its investment strategy to champion female-led ventures, targeting a long-overlooked gap in the region’s financing landscape. With a focus on sectors like AI and biotech, Dara Holdings is deploying capital to fuel startups that could redefine innovation in the Middle East.

Since mid-2024, Dara Holdings has made a series of strategic investments in UAE-based startups founded by women. Most notably, the firm joined a $10 million seed funding round for qeen.ai—a Dubai-based AI startup co-founded by former Google executive Dina Alsamhan—following an earlier pre-seed round that raised $2.2 million. “Grateful and proud,” Alsamhan celebrated in a LinkedIn post, marking one of the MENA region’s largest-ever seed rounds.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

In December, Dara also participated in a $5.5 million capital raise for BioSapien, an Abu Dhabi drug delivery platform founded by physician Khatija Ali, recently spotlighted on Tim Draper’s startup competition series, Meet the Drapers. Additionally, Dara Holdings has backed the second fund of Systemiq Capital, a climate-tech venture led by ex-Goldman Sachs banker Irena Spazzapan, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable and innovative investments.

Supporting female entrepreneurship isn’t just about deploying capital—it’s a strategic priority. “If an investment ticks the boxes and supports women in the region, that for us is a big additional plus. It’s a big focus,” said Walid Haram, Chief Investment Officer at Dara Holdings.

These moves bolster Olayan’s stature as one of the most influential business figures in the Middle East, especially in a market where female-founded ventures account for less than 7% of funded startups and capture just 1.2% of total funding, according to Wamda. With a legacy rooted in the multibillion-dollar Olayan Group, founded in 1947, Lubna Olayan has transitioned from her role as CEO of Olayan Financing Co. to now steering strategic investments as chair of the executive committee and board member of Saudi Awwal Bank.

Sector shifts are also on the horizon. Dara Holdings has recently established branches in the UK and Cyprus, complementing its diverse portfolio, which includes stakes in Italian confectionery brand Venchi and US power-transmission startup Veir. These strategic moves come as Saudi Arabia’s regulatory reforms empower women to launch businesses independently and travel freely—a change that has already boosted the nation’s GDP by about 12%, according to Capital Economics.

“We are very keen on creating an investment climate that focuses on R&D and entrepreneurship,” Haram added, emphasizing the firm’s drive to cultivate opportunities that not only generate returns but also foster social impact. Across the globe, women are increasingly taking on senior roles in family offices, a trend reflected by prominent names like Michael Dell and James Dyson, with new family offices emerging from leaders such as Alannah Weston and Demet Mutlu.

Olayan’s aggressive push into the realm of female-led ventures signals a transformative shift in the region’s investment paradigm—one that could unlock untapped potential and redefine the future of innovation in the Middle East.

Policymakers might not favor the term “stagflation,” but its modern, milder variant—stagflation-lite—could soon dominate their concerns. With U.S. President Donald Trump threatening import tariffs that risk igniting a global trade war, the stage is set for a scenario where below-trend growth meets above-trend inflation.

Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey recently dismissed the term, remarking, “I don’t use the word stagflation. It doesn’t have a particularly, frankly, precise meaning.” Once coined to describe the 1970s mix of economic stagnation and runaway inflation, “stagflation” now often labels any scenario where growth falters while inflation runs hot—even if only moderately so.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Yet, even this diluted form can pose serious challenges. Policymakers’ tools are typically designed either to spur growth or rein in inflation—rarely both simultaneously. As economists warn that tit-for-tat protectionist measures could usher in stagflation-lite, central bankers worldwide might find themselves grappling with an economic conundrum unlike any other.

Across the pond in Britain, data underscores these concerns. Recent figures reveal inflation climbing to 3%—well above the Bank of England’s 2% target—while economic growth shows signs of cooling. Analysts at Morgan Stanley and HSBC have trimmed their 2025 UK GDP growth forecast to 0.9% from 1.4%, and the BoE now projects inflation will peak at 3.7% later this year before subsiding.

The debate extends to Europe as well. At the European Central Bank, contrasting views have emerged: Isabel Schnabel, a noted hawk, is leaning toward pausing rate cuts, while Italian central bank chief Fabio Panetta cautions that growth could be even weaker than anticipated.

As global trade tensions simmer and economic indicators point to a potential stagflation-lite environment, the challenge for policymakers is clear. Balancing the dual mandates of sustaining growth and controlling inflation will require unprecedented finesse—a balancing act that, if mismanaged, could have far-reaching implications for the global economy.

A new study by Bruegel and the Kiel Institute for the World Economy reveals that Europe could secure its defense without relying on U.S. support—but only with a significant financial and strategic overhaul. According to the research, the bloc needs to invest roughly €250 billion ($261.6 billion) annually in defense, representing about 1.5% of its GDP, to mount an effective stand against potential threats like Russia. Such spending could mobilize around 300,000 soldiers, strengthening Europe’s ability to deter aggression.

However, the report also highlights a critical hurdle: while European nations have the economic muscle, their defense strategies remain fragmented. Enhanced coordination and joint procurement efforts are essential if Europe is to unify its national armed forces and optimize resource allocation.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

The study comes at a time when pressure from U.S. political figures has been mounting. U.S. President Donald Trump has openly urged European states to bolster their military capabilities, with his defense minister recently warning against allowing America to shoulder the entire burden of European security. Adding to the debate, German Chancellor frontrunner Friedrich Merz recently questioned Washington’s long-term commitment to NATO, while U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz set a June deadline for NATO members to achieve a 2% GDP defense spending target. In this light, the report even suggests that Europe should consider ramping up its defense expenditure to 4% of GDP. The authors propose that half of this additional investment could be financed through common European debt, dedicated to joint procurement, with the remainder covered by national budgets.

Europe stands at a crossroads: with the right blend of investment and coordination, it can transition to a more self-reliant defense posture. However, achieving this will require not only a financial commitment but also a unified strategy among its diverse member states.

From March 3 to 6, Barcelona will be the epicenter of technological transformation during the much-anticipated MWC25. At this influential event, industry giants, innovative tech entrepreneurs, and policy shapers will converge. Known as a premier platform, MWC is set to shape the future landscape of technology and business.

In the previous year, MWC drew an attendance of 101,000 with 1,100 thought leaders and 2,700 exhibitors. Such momentum continues as GSMA, the orchestrator of MWC, looks to host a diverse array of key figures across 19 thought leadership stages.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Standout Themes at MWC25

This year features agendas across four inspiring themes:

• Iconic Insights: Featuring voices from technology, industry policy, and ethics, offering groundbreaking perspectives.
• Big Ideas: A platform where startups present innovations to top investors.
• Emerging Tech: A crossroad where connectivity meets industry advancements.
• Global Change: Uniting ministerial programs and business leaders to discuss sustainable futures.

Key Takeaways

Connected Industries: Exploring the potential of Industry 4.0, with AI-driven systems and IoT advancements.

Diversity4Tec: Emphasizing diversity and inclusion within technology spaces.

Sports Tomorrow Congress: Highlighting innovations in sports tech at a global scale.

Talent Arena: A gathering for digital talent, fostering collaboration and opportunities.

Attendees will gain insights from influential keynote sessions covering the latest in 5G, AI, and other tech innovations—showcasing the intersection of business leadership and digital transformation. 

The economic alliance between Qatar and the United Kingdom keeps gaining momentum, with Qatar’s commitment to the U.K. now exceeding GBP40 billion (approximately $50.45 billion). This strong partnership has led to substantial mutual benefits, driving growth and job creation.

Qatar’s Economic Vision 2030

Baroness Poppy Gustafsson, the U.K. Minister for Investment, emphasizes the significance of Qatar as a key market. Qatar’s evolving economy and diverse growth sectors, outlined in its National Vision 2030, make it ideal for trade and investment collaborations.

Trade between the two nations reached $7.06 billion within the first three quarters of 2024, and the economic partnership continues to expand across clean energy and technology, amongst other sectors.

Driving Growth with Strategic Investments

The U.K. is committed to fostering growth through these collaborations, focusing on sectors poised for future development—AI, renewable energy, and more. This collaboration could open new doors for infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security investments.

The British government’s ambitious Industrial Strategy aims to leverage the U.K.’s unique strengths, helping businesses overcome trade barriers and expand economic ties exemplified by ongoing negotiations for a free trade agreement with the GCC. This deal could potentially boost bilateral trade by $10.85 billion annually, enhancing mutual economic prosperity.

The prospects are promising, with both nations strategically positioned to benefit from shared markets and investments, further strengthening their ties via targeted innovation and sustainable development initiatives.

The UAE Central Bank’s 500 Dirham banknote has been celebrated as the ‘Best New Banknote Issue for 2025’ in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region. This honor was announced at the prestigious High Security Printing EMEA conference in Basel, Switzerland.

This cutting-edge banknote, part of the UAE’s innovative third polymer series, has been praised for its advanced security features and a design emphasizing sustainability. Building on the technological advancements of the Dh1,000 note issued in 2023, its stunning three-dimensional design includes the largest surface-applied foil stripe in the Middle East.

Manufactured by Oumolat Security Printing, a subsidiary of the UAE Central Bank, the new note entered circulation on November 30, 2023. It highlights landmarks such as the Terra Sustainability Pavilion in Expo City Dubai and the Museum of the Future, reflecting the nation’s architectural prowess and dedication to green initiatives. Notably, it incorporates Braille symbols, showcasing a commitment to inclusivity.

The shift to polymer not only extends durability but also reduces environmental impact, as these materials are fully recyclable, aligning with the UAE’s vision for a sustainable economy. Similar initiatives can be seen with Cyprus’s own efforts in promoting renewable energy, like those detailed in our article on Cyprus’s Renewable Energy Targets for 2030.

Saif Humaid Al Dhaheri, Assistant Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE, noted, “We proudly lead the region in adopting banknotes with advanced security and sustainable materials. Our dedication to accessibility ensures that everyone, including the visually impaired, can easily identify our banknotes.”