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Oil Prices Drop At The Start Of The Week As Trump Pushes OPEC For Price Cuts

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 27, 2025

Oil prices opened the week on a downward trend following a renewed call from US President Donald Trump urging the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to slash crude prices. The request came in the wake of his announcement of extensive measures to ramp up oil and natural gas production in the United States, according to Reuters.

Key Facts

As of 9 a.m. Bulgarian time, Brent crude saw a 49-cent drop, or 0.62%, settling at $78.01 per barrel. Meanwhile, US light crude followed suit, dipping 49 cents, or 0.66%, to $74.17 a barrel.

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What To Watch

Trump reiterated his demand on Friday, emphasizing that OPEC’s move to lower prices could exert financial pressure on Russia, which heavily relies on energy exports to fund its ongoing war in Ukraine. Additionally, Trump warned of further taxes, tariffs, and sanctions targeting Russia—and other nations involved—if the war persists without a resolution.

UAE Embarks On 2031 National Investment Strategy To Boost Annual Foreign Inflows

by News Editor

March 11, 2025

The UAE has set a bold vision with its National Investment Strategy 2031, targeting an elevation in annual foreign investment inflows from AED112 billion ($30.5 billion) in 2023 to AED240 billion ($65.4 billion) by 2031. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum highlighted the strategy’s goal to transform the UAE into a premier global investment hub. Aiming to swell the foreign direct investment stock from AED800 billion to AED2.2 trillion, this strategy focuses on key sectors: industry, financial services, transport and logistics, renewable energy, and telecommunications.

Key Initiatives And Economic Contributions

The approved strategy includes 12 new programs and 30 distinct initiatives, such as the Financial Sector Development and the Investment Offices Promotion Incubator. Currently, foreign direct investment contributes significantly to the GDP, with predictions to increase its share to over 30% of the total investments by 2031.

Dive deeper into the global market shifts in Wall Street Tumbles Amid Trade Tensions.

Technological And Digital Advancements

The strategy outlines the UAE’s vision to become a digital economy powerhouse by 2031, intending to enhance the digital economy’s current contribution to GDP from 9.7% to 19.4%. The Industrial Technology Transformation Index (ITTI) will also play a pivotal role in gauging technological advances and sustainability practices.

The introduction of a remote work system and the launch of the National Green Certificates Program further highlight the UAE’s efforts to harness global talent and promote sustainable development.