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Ras Al Khaimah, May 04: Hira Industries, a global manufacturer and supplier serving the construction sector since 1980, has expanded its operations at Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) with the addition of a new factory and warehouse facility at Al Ghail Industrial Zone.

Spanning approximately 7,450 m², the new facility will support the increased production of thermal and acoustic insulation solutions under Hira’s Aerofoam and Aerosound divisions, adding a total production capacity of over 500,000 m² per month. The expansion is also expected to create more than 100 jobs, reflecting Hira Industries’ continued contribution to Ras Al Khaimah’s industrial sector.

Hira Industries Operations Director – Middle East & Africa, Umesh Unni, said, “Our expansion in Ras Al Khaimah reflects sustained demand for high-performance insulation solutions and our confidence in the emirate as a strong base for industrial growth. RAKEZ has supported our journey with efficient processes and reliable coordination, enabling us to scale our operations smoothly. With this expansion, we are well-positioned to enhance our production capabilities and serve key markets with greater agility.”

 

RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad said, “Hira Industries’ continued investment reflects the confidence long-term partners place in Ras Al Khaimah as a base for sustainable growth. We are seeing businesses take a long-term view, choosing environments that give them the clarity and consistency needed to scale with confidence.”

Hira Industries has operated from RAKEZ since 2008, and its latest expansion highlights the continued momentum of industrial growth in Ras Al Khaimah, as more manufacturers strengthen their presence and deepen their operations within RAKEZ’s ecosystem.

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New Delhi, May 4 (BNP): The rapid expansion of digital infrastructure and internet access is playing a key role in strengthening small business growth across India, enabling entrepreneurs to reach wider markets and improve operational efficiency.

Increased adoption of smartphones, digital payment systems, and online platforms has helped small and medium enterprises (SMEs) expand their customer base beyond local boundaries. This shift has also improved access to financial services, making it easier for businesses to manage transactions, secure credit, and scale operations.

Industry observers note that digital tools are helping reduce traditional barriers such as high distribution costs and limited market visibility. As a result, small businesses in both urban and rural areas are increasingly able to compete in a more connected economy.

The rise of e-commerce platforms and digital marketplaces has further supported this transition, allowing local sellers, artisans, and service providers to showcase their products to a national audience.

Experts believe that continued investment in digital infrastructure, along with digital literacy initiatives, will further accelerate small business growth and contribute significantly to employment generation and economic development across the country.

Overall, expanding digital access is emerging as a key driver of inclusive growth, empowering small businesses to become a stronger pillar of India’s economy.

New Delhi, May 4 (BNP): Gold prices declined in futures trade on Monday, tracking weak global cues as a stronger US dollar and rising crude oil prices weighed on bullion demand.

 On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures for June delivery fell by ₹1,149, or 0.76 percent, to ₹1,50,203 per 10 grams, with a total trading volume of 9,510 lots.

The decline comes after a similar trend in the previous week, when gold prices dropped by about 1 percent, or ₹1,347, to settle at ₹1.51 lakh per 10 grams.

Market analysts said pressure on gold was largely driven by firmness in the dollar index, which reduces the appeal of the yellow metal, along with elevated crude oil prices that continue to influence global commodity markets.

Overall, bullion prices remain volatile, with investors closely tracking global economic indicators, currency movements, and geopolitical developments for further direction.

Singapore, May 04: Wood Mackenzie has highlighted the emergence of a critical second wave of deepwater gas developments across Southeast Asia, targeting an estimated 28 trillion cubic feet of resources in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.

According to the report, this “Deepwater 2.0” phase is expected to drive over USD 20 billion in new infrastructure and supply by 2030. However, the projects face fragile economics, with most delivering internal rates of return (IRR) of less than 15%, leaving little room for execution errors.

“Southeast Asia’s shallow-water and onshore gas fields are maturing rapidly, necessitating a shift toward deepwater resources,” said Dr. Munish Kumar, Senior Research Analyst at Wood Mackenzie. He noted that while the first wave of deepwater developments between 2008 and 2017 established commercial viability, the current phase faces tighter economic and operational constraints.

The new wave includes six major developments such as North Ganal, Rapak, and Ganal in Indonesia’s Kutei Basin, South Andaman projects in North Sumatra, Kelidang in Brunei, and Rosmari-Majoram in Malaysia. These projects are expected to play a key role in addressing declining production from mature fields and supporting domestic energy needs as well as LNG exports.

The operator landscape includes global majors like Eni and Shell, alongside national oil companies such as PETRONAS and emerging players like Mubadala.

Despite the strategic importance of these developments, Wood Mackenzie warns that even minor cost overruns, delays, or price fluctuations could significantly impact project viability. A 20% increase in capital expenditure or a similar drop in gas prices could erode project value by up to 150%, while delays of three years could reduce value by 50%.

To mitigate risks, operators are adopting accelerated execution strategies. For instance, Eni aims to bring certain projects to production within five years, while phased development approaches are being explored to optimize timelines and costs.

The report also underscores supply chain challenges, with global geopolitical tensions contributing to cost inflation and extended lead times for critical equipment.

As regional energy security concerns intensify, deepwater gas is increasingly being viewed as a strategic necessity rather than a high-risk frontier. The next five years will be crucial in determining whether Southeast Asia can successfully deliver these projects in a timely, cost-effective, and commercially viable manner.

New Delhi, May 4 (BNP): India’s remittance inflows continue to remain strong despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia, although policymakers may need to focus on supporting the reintegration of returning workers into the domestic economy, according to a report by Morgan Stanley.

The report noted that inflows from overseas Indian workers have held up well even amid uncertainty in key Gulf economies, highlighting the resilience of remittance-driven household income in India.

However, it cautioned that if labour market conditions in the West Asia region weaken further, a portion of returning workers may require structured support to transition back into domestic employment opportunities.

Experts suggest that targeted skill development, job placement initiatives, and sector-specific absorption strategies could help ease reintegration challenges and maximise the productive use of returning labour.

Overall, while remittance flows remain stable for now, the report underscores the importance of proactive policy measures to manage potential labour market shifts and sustain income stability for affected households.

New Delhi, May 4 (BNP): India’s real estate sector recorded a strong uptick in investment activity during the January–March period, with total inflows rising 37 percent year-on-year, according to a report by JLL India.

The growth was primarily driven by robust participation from domestic investors, including institutions, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals, highlighting increasing confidence in India’s property market amid global economic uncertainties.

The report noted that domestic capital has emerged as a key pillar of support for the sector, helping offset fluctuations in foreign investment flows and ensuring steady funding across residential, commercial, and industrial real estate segments.

Market experts believe the trend reflects a structural shift in investment behaviour, with local investors taking a more active and long-term view of real estate assets such as office spaces, warehousing, and premium housing projects.

Despite global headwinds, India’s real estate sector continues to attract sustained capital inflows, underscoring strong investor sentiment and long-term growth prospects. The rising share of domestic funding is also seen as a stabilising factor for the industry’s expansion.

Overall, the report highlights a resilient investment environment, with domestic capital playing an increasingly central role in shaping India’s real estate growth story.