As global commodity markets absorbed a quarter-point increase in interest rates by the U.S. Federal Reserve, bullion encountered renewed downward pressure across international trading platforms. Spot gold fell by 1 percent to $4,249 per ounce, reaching multi-session lows under the influence of rising sovereign yields and restrictive monetary policies. Elevated interest rates have raised the opportunity cost associated with holding physical gold, prompting institutional portfolios to shift their allocations toward fixed-income assets.

UAE and India deepen trade, investment and strategic cooperation through high-level talks. The leaders evaluated ongoing cooperation under the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, or CEPA, while also exploring the extensive political, commercial, cultural, energy, and people-to-people connections that have historically defined their relationship. Both sides considered expanding collaboration in areas that have become increasingly critical to their bilateral engagement, emphasizing the continued regular dialogue between the governments across both economic and strategic fields. Representing the UAE at the BRICS Summit, Sheikh Khaled led the delegation on behalf of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Modi welcomed the UAE’s involvement amid India’s upcoming 2026 BRICS chairmanship, and both leaders committed to ongoing cooperation within the group on shared priorities. They also recalled Sheikh Mohamed’s visit to India in January 2026 and Modi’s visit to the UAE in May 2026, reinforcing their mutual commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. Growth in Investment and Strategic Sectors Marks Expanded Agenda The discussions underscored the emergence of new investment initiatives between the UAE and India, notably the announcement by International Holding Company of a plan to develop an $11.5 billion integrated greenfield aluminium project in Odisha, which India has described as the country’s largest integrated aluminium investment. Furthermore, the leaders addressed L’Imad, the UAE’s newest sovereign investment fund, and its role in bolstering bilateral investments and fostering economic cooperation across sectors identified by both nations. The dialogue extended to opportunities in defense

Oman inflation reached 3.4% in August 2026 as transport and food prices increased. Transport experienced the most significant year-over-year increase among the main consumer groups, climbing 8.5% from August 2025. Food and non-alcoholic beverages also saw a notable rise of 7%, while miscellaneous personal goods and services increased by 6.1%. Prices in restaurants and hotels went up by 3.6%, and furniture, household equipment, along with routine household maintenance, increased by 3.1%. Costs for education rose 2.2%, health-related expenses grew 1.7%, and culture and recreation prices increased marginally by 0.4% over the same period. In contrast, clothing and footwear prices saw only a modest increase of 0.1%, whereas communications and tobacco prices remained unchanged. The housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels sector declined by 0.6%, making it the only major group to experience a decrease. The August figures reveal diverse price movements across the consumer basket, with transportation and food recording the largest gains. Inflation rates also varied across Oman’s governorates, ranging from 2.1% to 4.8% annually. Transport and Food Drive Notable Yearly Price Hikes Al Dhahirah registered the highest governorate inflation rate in August at 4.8%, followed by Muscat at 3.9%, with Al Dakhiliyah at 3.8

During a high-level meeting in Berlin, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan engaged in discussions with leading German business executives to promote enhanced cross-border investment and strengthen trade links between the two nations. Emphasizing the UAE’s strategic role as a global logistics hub and its investor-friendly regulatory climate, Sheikh Mohamed encouraged German industrial leaders to deepen their expansion into Middle Eastern and international markets. The gathering highlighted emerging commercial prospects driven by recent bilateral agreements across sectors such as manufacturing, renewable energy, and digital technology.

India and Russia agreed to accelerate bilateral economic cooperation to achieve a target of $100 billion in two-way trade by 2030. Following high-level plenary sessions at the INNOPROM India 2026 industrial technology exhibition in New Delhi, officials from both governments established a shared framework to expand trade from its current baseline of approximately $60 billion. India Russia bilateral trade target set at $100 billion by 2030 as diplomatic delegations and industrial leaders move to rebalance commercial flows through non-energy sector expansion.

UAE commits €40 billion to strategic investment plan in Germany across multiple sectors. UAE and Germany expand economic ties with a €40 billion cross-sector investment plan. The proposed investment package emphasizes substantial expenditure on enhancing digital infrastructure within Germany. This initiative is part of a broader set of economic accords announced during the state visit, with both nations also affirming their cooperation across areas such as technology, energy, trade, and investment as part of their bilateral partnership. UAE’s €40 billion investment plan emphasizes industrial growth and digital development.