Category: Business

First Dedicated Industrial-Scale Halal Baby Food Purée Facility in the GCC to be Developed within KEZAD Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Feb 25: Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group, one of the largest operators of integrated and purpose-built economic zones in the region, and Barakat Group, the UAE’s leading fresh food and juice producer, today announced the commencement of construction of a dedicated baby food manufacturing facility through Barakat Group’s joint venture with Pure Baby Food Industries, in KEZAD.

 The project marks the development of the Gulf Cooperation Council’s first industrial-scale facility dedicated exclusively to the production of baby food purées. Representing a total investment of approximately AED 150 million by the company, the facility will strengthen local food manufacturing capacity and support growing regional demand for locally produced infant nutrition.

 Once fully operational, the 10,000 sqm facility is expected to achieve an annual production capacity of 90 million units of baby food products, covering fruit and vegetable purées as well as protein-rich meat and fish baby foods. Products will be manufactured using fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, and fish, and supplied in both pouch and glass jar formats. Selected ambient juice products will also be produced as part of the integrated operation.

 The facility is projected to create approximately 200 direct jobs, spanning manufacturing, quality assurance, food safety, logistics, and operational support roles. Additional indirect employment is expected across local supply chains, logistics, and agricultural sourcing.

 The facility is being designed as a fully halal-certified baby food manufacturing plant, applying end-to-end halal certification across the full baby food category, including protein-based meat and fish purées. This addresses a clear gap in the GCC market, where locally produced, halal-compliant protein baby foods remain limited.

 Abdullah Al Hameli, CEO of Economic Cities & Free Zones Cluster – AD Ports Group, said, “This investment reflects the scale and sophistication of food manufacturing projects now choosing KEZAD. The projected production capacity and employment impact underline how specialised manufacturing can deliver both economic value and strategic resilience within the food sector.”

 Kenneth D Costa – Managing Director, Barakat Group, said, “By expanding our production footprint into premium infant nutrition, this facility reinforces Barakat Group’s mission to nourish the ambitions of the nation. Establishing dedicated capacity within KEZAD allows us to meet regional demand efficiently while creating skilled employment and maintaining the highest standards of quality and halal compliance.”

 Designed to meet the highest international standards for food safety, quality, and traceability, the facility will prioritise nutrition, freshness, and clean-label production. It is expected to reduce reliance on imported baby food products while contributing to the development of a domestic, halal baby food manufacturing ecosystem.

 The project supports national objectives related to food security, local manufacturing, and value-added food production, and represents a significant milestone in the continued expansion of Abu Dhabi’s food processing sector within KEZAD.

Mumbai, Feb 25: Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company, and its group company, SOTC Travel, have released the inaugural edition of their Business Travel Report 2026, offering insights into­­ the evolving priorities, patterns and pressures shaping business travel across India.

The survey conducted over a two-month period, is based on responses received from 25+ leading enterprises across sectors including BFSI, manufacturing, hospitality, healthcare, conglomerates and professional services, along with insights from internal booking and transactional data. The report highlights a strong revival in business travel demand, alongside a heightened focus on cost optimization, policy discipline, traveller experience and compliance.

Business Travel Trend Report 2026 key observations:

·        Business travel demand remains resilient: Nearly 65% of corporates expect their business travel volumes to increase over the next 12 months, while 30% expect it to remain stable. Only 5% anticipate a decline. This translates to 95% of respondents projecting stable-to-growth spend, underlining travel’s continued role in driving growth, client engagement and business continuity. Client meetings, sales-related travel and internal business-critical movement continue to dominate business travel demand.

·        Technology and data-led decision-making on the rise: More than 70% of corporates are increasing their reliance on digital tools for booking, approvals, expense management and MIS reporting, enabling improved visibility, policy compliance and data-backed decision-making across business travel programs.

·        Shift towards value-driven travel management: While cost optimization remains critical, over 62% of respondents highlighted a move towards value-led travel decisions — balancing cost efficiency with safety, reliability, compliance and traveller well-being. This has elevated the role of managed travel programs and strategic travel partners.

·        Traveller experience, flexibility and duty of care gain prominence: Alongside business objectives, over 56% of respondents acknowledged the growing importance of traveller experience, flexibility and duty of care — particularly for frequent flyers and senior leadership. The findings point to a clear trade-off between traveller convenience and policy compliance, underscoring the need for smarter, more flexible travel policies supported by technology and data-led controls to reduce friction while maintaining governance.

·        Policy tightening and supplier renegotiations gain momentum: Close to 60% of corporates indicated that they have tightened or are in the process of revisiting their travel policies. Renegotiation of airline and hotel contracts, rationalization of preferred suppliers and stricter approval workflows have emerged as key levers to offset rising costs and tax-related pressures.

·        B-Leisure travel on the rise: 68% of corporates report that employees are increasingly extending business trips to include personal leisure time — blending work and downtime. This growing shift is prompting organizations to reassess travel policies, clarify cost‑sharing norms and offer greater flexibility to support work‑plus‑leisure travel.

·        Domestic hubs dominate, with growth in international business travel: 72% of corporate travel continues to be domestic, led by key business hubs such as Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and Pune. These cities remain critical for client meetings, internal reviews and project-based travel. On the international front, Singapore, Thailand, Hong-Kong, Maldives, Dubai-Abu Dhabi, UK, Italy, Netherlands, USA, South Africa and Australia remain preferred destinations for leadership meetings, supplier engagements and strategic business expansion —with China and Japan emerging strongly on the radar.

·        ­­Rising airfares and costs driving sharper controls: A sharp 80% of respondents reported an increase in Average Ticket Prices (ATP) over the past year — with over 36% witnessing a significant rise of more than 15%, and 45% reporting a moderate increase of 5–15%, highlighting tighter controls, advance booking mandates and closer monitoring of travel spends.

·        GST and input tax credit challenges add pressure to travel budgets: GST-related complexities continue to weigh on business travel programs. Over 55% of respondents highlighted challenges around GST applicability, compliance and input tax credit (ITC) optimization — particularly for air travel and hotel stays. This has led corporates to increasingly seek structured invoicing, compliant supplier ecosystems and expert support to minimize leakage and improve tax efficiency.

Indiver Rastogi, President & Group Head, Global Business Travel, Thomas Cook (India) and SOTC Travel, said,

 “We are pleased to launch the Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel Business Travel Report 2026, which presents a comprehensive view of how leading Indian corporates are recalibrating travel strategies in an increasingly dynamic environment. The findings highlight a clear shift towards value-driven programs, accelerated technology adoption and tighter governance. At Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel, our sustained engagement with customers and deep market understanding have enabled us to anticipate shifts early and introduce innovations such as Dhruv.ai, our voice-enabled AI advisor, and TravelOne, our integrated booking and management platform — helping create smarter, policy-aligned and technology-enabled travel ecosystems. As business travel continues to evolve amid economic, regulatory and technological changes, we aim to publish this report regularly to equip industry stakeholders with actionable insights that support informed, future-ready decision-making.”

Head of Business Development at RAKEZ, Holly Garforth (L), during the panel at BCCD’s London event

Ras Al Khaimah, Feb 25: A high-level delegation from Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) visited the United Kingdom, engaging British investors and reinforcing its position as a strategic gateway to the UAE and wider regional markets. The economic zone’s representatives met with investors, industry leaders, and business stakeholders across London and Manchester.

In London, RAKEZ sponsored the British Chamber of Commerce Dubai’s (BCCD) business briefing titled ‘Doing Business in Dubai and Northern Emirates’, which brought together British investors exploring opportunities in the Middle East. During the session, Holly Garforth, Head of Business Development at RAKEZ, joined a panel discussion to provide practical insights on setting up and relocating businesses within Ras Al Khaimah’s plug-and-play ecosystem.

The roadshow continued in Manchester, where the RAKEZ delegation took part in discussions on Making the Right Business Setup Choice in the UAE.

Across both cities, the team conducted targeted B2B meetings with stakeholders from the advanced manufacturing, supply chain, and professional services sectors.

Commenting on the roadshow, RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad said, “The UK continues to be a priority market for RAKEZ, with strong interest from British companies seeking scalable, cost-effective bases for regional and global expansion. Our presence in London and Manchester allowed us to engage directly with decision-makers, understand their ambitions, and demonstrate how Ras Al Khaimah offers the infrastructure, regulatory clarity, and connectivity needed to grow with confidence.”

RAKEZ is home to more than 3,600 British investors operating across SME and industrial sectors. Established British companies at RAKEZ include Ahmad Tea, A2C, Spatial Composite, Polar Manufacturing, Green Rock Manufacturing Group, and Waste to Wonder, operating across sectors such as tea production, aircraft cabin crew training simulators, carbon fibre manufacturing, sustainable packaging, circular economy-led remanufacturing, and social enterprise initiatives. Their continued growth highlights Ras Al Khaimah’s appeal as a reliable base for scale, export-oriented operations, and long-term investment.

The UK roadshow forms part of RAKEZ’s ongoing international outreach efforts to deepen commercial ties, attract quality investment, and further strengthen the economic bridge between Ras Al Khaimah and the United Kingdom.

Guwahati, Feb 25: Royaloak Furniture, India’s No. 1 furniture brand, has expanded its retail presence with the launch of its second flagship store in Dharapur, Guwahati, Assam. The new store showcases the brand’s premium international furniture collections and reinforces its commitment to delivering high-quality home furnishing solutions in Northeast India.

The store was inaugurated in the presence of distinguished guests including Nishita Goswami, Actress; Vijai Subramaniam, Chairman, Royaloak Incorporation Pvt. Ltd.; and Mathan Subramaniam, Managing Director.

Spread across 18,500 square feet, the store offers a comprehensive range of furniture for living rooms, bedrooms, dining spaces, study and office areas, outdoor settings, home décor, and mattresses. The expansion is expected to generate employment opportunities and strengthen partnerships with local vendors and stakeholders.

Speaking at the launch, Chairman Vijai Subramaniam said the company remains committed to expanding its footprint and delivering international-quality furniture at affordable prices while enhancing customer experience in emerging markets.

Royaloak Furniture is India’s No. 1 furniture brand, offering modern and luxurious furnishings for every home. Founded in 2010, the company operates over 200 stores across India and the UAE and provides more than 10,000 products sourced from 12 countries. Known for its innovative, multi-functional, and ergonomic designs, Royaloak delivers international-quality furniture using durable and sustainable materials such as Sheesham and engineered wood.

Bengaluru, 25 February 2026: FYERS Assets, the asset management wing of FYERS, today announced the appointment of Sanjeev Sadanand Patkar as its Chief Investment Officer (CIO). The appointment marks a significant milestone as the firm accelerates the expansion of its digital-first, technology-enabled asset management platform across PMS and AIF strategies.

Sanjeev brings nearly three decades of experience spanning investment management, research leadership, risk governance, and corporate strategy. Over his career, he has held senior leadership roles at ENAM Asset Management, SBI Funds Management, GE Capital Asset Management, Jardine Fleming, Kotak Securities, Dolat Capital, Almondz, and CRISIL.

Throughout his career, he has led large research platforms supporting multi-billion-dollar assets, managed alternative and PMS mandates, and advised global investors on India-focused strategies. Beyond markets, Sanjeev has mentored management graduates for over 18 years through his associations with leading management institutes.

Commenting on the appointment, Tejas Khoday, Co-Founder & CEO, FYERS, said:

“Sanjeev brings institutional lineage, scale of experience, and deep industry respect. He has built and led large investment platforms anchored in strong process orientation and governance standards. His credibility and equity within the ecosystem strengthen our ability to attract talent and capital. As we continue Propelling Prosperity, his expertise, combined with our technology-first foundation, positions FYERS Assets to build a differentiated and scalable investment franchise.”

Sanjeev Sadanand Patkar, CIO, FYERS Assets, added:

“FYERS’ tech-driven and AI-forward approach creates a compelling opportunity to build investment solutions that are disciplined, scalable, and accessible to a wider investor base. I look forward to expanding our product offerings across PMS and AIF while embedding robust research, compliance, and risk frameworks. By aligning strong governance with digital efficiency, we aim to contribute meaningfully to long-term wealth creation and responsible capital growth.”

With this appointment, FYERS Assets reinforces its commitment to building a digital-first, research-led, and institutionally governed platform focused on delivering consistent outcomes and advancing its mission of Propelling Prosperity.

New Delhi, Feb 25: Anastasia Beverly Hills expands its iconic complexion portfolio in India with the launch of the NEW Smooth Blur Bronzer, a luxurious gel-powder formulation crafted for effortless application and all-day wear.

Designed for makeup enthusiasts seeking a soft matte, naturally sun-kissed glow, Smooth Blur Bronzer features an innovative blurring gel-powder hybrid formula that seamlessly melts into the skin for a smooth, non-powdery finish. Its buttery, lightweight texture blends and builds beautifully without patchiness, making it ideal for everything from minimal everyday makeup to softly sculpted, polished looks. The result is natural-looking warmth paired with lasting comfort.

Created with versatility in mind, the bronzer works flawlessly on bare skin or layered over foundation, making it perfect for both quick touch-ups and full glam routines. The intuitive formula allows users to customize their bronzed finish with ease.

Thoughtfully formulated, Smooth Blur Bronzer is cruelty-free and vegan, and free from gluten, parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, fragrance, oil, and sulfates — delivering high performance with mindful ingredients.

Available Shades:

• Golden Beach Glow

• Beach Bum Bronze

• Sunset Sizzle

• Tropical Tan

Availability: Tira, Sephora, Tata CliQ, Myntra, SS Beauty

Feb 25: Kiozy+ introduces its new premium air purifier collection, which features film actress Bhagyashree as its brand ambassador, to combat rising pollution through its advanced purification system, which supports healthy living and provide luxurious indoor environments for contemporary residential and commercial spaces. 

Raj Cooling Systems Private Limited, a trusted name in the home appliances industry, proudly announces the launch of its Kiozy+ Air Purifier, a product designed to redefine indoor air quality in modern urban spaces. The company continues its mission to create innovative smart products which enhance people’s lifestyle through healthy and comfortable premium living experiences under the leadership of entrepreneur Mr. Kalpesh Manubhai Ramoliya.

The Kiozy+ air purifier launch will feature Bhagyashree Dassani, a famous film actress, to promote the product. The partnership intends to show how essential clean air is for healthy living, which becomes especially vital during winter when pollution levels rise in Tier 1 cities.

Air pollution has become a serious environmental problem that affects Tier 1 cities because smog and toxic particles create dangerous health risks that damage lung function and disrupt normal daily activities. The Kiozy+ air purifier has been thoughtfully designed to combat these challenges by filtering harmful pollutants, dust, allergens, and toxins from indoor air. Kiozy+ provides homes and workplaces with continuous fresh air, which has been purified to help people achieve better breathing, together with improved health.

Speaking about the launch, Mr. Kalpesh Manubhai Ramoliya shared,

“At Raj Cooling Systems, we believe that clean air is a basic necessity, not a privilege. With Kiozy+, we want to empower families and professionals to take control of their indoor environment and protect their health. Our product demonstrates our dedication to developing new ideas while delivering products of high quality that benefit our customers’ health.

Bhagyashree Dassani expressed her opinion by saying,

 “Clean air has a direct impact on our immunity and overall health. The Kiozy+ system uses an intelligent design that delivers air purification through its comfortable living spaces and attractive design elements, which create a healthy environment. I am delighted to be associated with a brand that truly prioritizes healthier living.

Raj Cooling Systems Private Limited starts its entry into wellness and lifestyle markets through the launch of Kiozy+ product. The product functions as a representation of pure modern luxury, which enables users to experience unbound healthy breathing. Kiozy+ functions as an air purifier, which provides users with clean air and health improvements while creating comfortable spaces for modern indoor environments.

By Linh Tran, Market Analyst at XS.com

EUR/USD has continued its downward trend since peaking around 1.2080 at the end of January, as the divergence in economic prospects between the United States and the Eurozone has become increasingly evident. This movement reflects the current macroeconomic landscape, where the US dollar remains supported by relatively stable growth and inflation that is still above target, while the Eurozone faces slower expansion and lacks sufficient policy momentum to trigger a meaningful shift in expectations.

Recent US economic data suggest that growth has moderated but has not deteriorated significantly. GDP expanded by only 1.4% year-on-year in the fourth quarter, a notable slowdown from the 4.4% recorded in the third quarter, partly reflecting the impact of a prolonged government shutdown that disrupted public spending and investment. Nevertheless, for the full year 2025, the US economy still grew by 2.2%, its lowest pace since 2020 but sufficient to avoid a broad-based recession.

While growth has cooled, inflationary pressures have not fully subsided. Core PCE remained around 3.0% year-on-year, well above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, forcing the central bank to maintain a cautious stance. At the same time, the US trade deficit in goods and services widened to approximately $901.5 billion in 2025, among the highest levels since records began in 1960, highlighting structural imbalances in external trade. However, with inflation still above target, the Fed’s primary policy focus remains price stability rather than growth stimulus.

The combination of slower but still positive growth and persistent inflation makes it difficult for the Fed to signal an early easing cycle. The “higher for longer” narrative continues to gain traction, keeping US Treasury yields relatively attractive compared to Europe. This yield differential remains a key factor supporting the US dollar and weighing on the euro.

On the other hand, the Eurozone has posted modest growth. The region’s GDP rose by 0.3% quarter-on-quarter in Q4 2025 and approximately 1.5% for the full year. Although the February Flash Composite PMI improved to 51.9 from 51.3 the previous month, indicating a mild expansion in overall activity, the pace of improvement remains insufficient to significantly alter expectations for ECB policy. In an environment of fragile growth, the ECB has less room to maintain a hawkish stance compared to the Fed.

In my view, the near-term outlook for EUR/USD will largely revolve around the policy divergence between the Fed and the ECB. With US policy rates still considerably higher than those in the Eurozone and core US inflation hovering around 3%, the Fed is unlikely to ease policy soon. Conversely, Eurozone inflation has eased to around 1.7% while growth remains modest, giving the ECB limited incentive to maintain a restrictive stance.

Under the base-case scenario, where US growth continues to slow but avoids a sharp downturn and inflation declines only gradually, the US dollar is likely to retain its relative advantage through yield differentials. The euro may only stage a sustained recovery if US economic data weaken sufficiently to push the Fed toward earlier-than-expected rate cuts. For now, the macro balance continues to tilt slightly in favor of the dollar, leaving EUR/USD more prone to sustained pressure than a decisive reversal.

New Delhi, Feb 25 :TravClan has released the India Outbound Travel Index 2025, a comprehensive analysis of outbound travel patterns based on real booking behaviour across its nationwide travel agent network. The report analyses data from approximately 2,47,000 international passengers, representing over ₹500 crore in booking value across 170+ international destinations, and identifies five structural shifts shaping how Indians travel abroad.

A defining insight from the Index shows that non-metro cities now contribute 63% of India’s outbound travellers, positioning non-metro India as the largest source of international travel demand. This reflects a fundamental shift in market composition, with outbound growth increasingly anchored in emerging cities alongside traditional metro hubs.

Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Kochi, Amritsar, and Pune are now among India’s fastest-growing outbound markets, driven by rising incomes and expanding regional connectivity. This momentum reflects sustained demand formation, supported by rising income levels, expanding passport access, and improving regional air connectivity.

Commenting on the findings, Arun Bagaria, Founder and CEO, TravClan, said,

“The center of gravity for India’s outbound travel has shifted. Travel Businesses cannot build strategies just around Delhi and Mumbai anymore as we see consistent growth from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, driven by travellers who are digitally confident and decisive. Airlines, destinations, and travel brands need to embrace the next phase of outbound growth that will be built around these emerging markets.”

Destination preferences are also evolving. Indian travellers are increasingly selecting markets that combine strong air access, competitive pricing, and diverse experiences. Vietnam has emerged as the fastest-growing destination, gaining 4.01 percentage points in market share, alongside strong hotel booking growth in Egypt, Japan, the Philippines, and Georgia.

Travel planning cycles continue to compress. Over 42% of outbound trips are booked within seven days of departure, while 21.9% are planned over a month in advance, reflecting high digital confidence and predictable, price-responsive behaviour, particularly on short-haul and high-frequency routes.

Affordable air connectivity remains central to outbound expansion. Low-cost carriers account for nearly 70% of bookings on key leisure routes such as the Maldives and Thailand. At the same time, travellers are extending average stays across several destinations, signalling deeper engagement and experience-led travel.

The India Outbound Travel Index 2025 shows that the next phase of outbound growth will be shaped by localised source markets, faster booking cycles, and differentiated travel intent. For industry stakeholders, long-term relevance will depend on how effectively strategies align with these structural shifts.

Chandigarh, Feb 25: Motherson has inaugurated a world-class manufacturing facility in Sanand, Gujarat, India. Established as a strategic joint venture with Marelli, this advanced plant is dedicated exclusively to producing cutting-edge exterior lighting systems, further strengthening the group’s capabilities in automotive component manufacturing.

The new automotive lighting facility spans 8,200 square meters and utilises the latest technologies to serve the rising demand for premium lighting solutions. It is the first facility in India capable of manufacturing edge-to-edge single-piece long lighting parts, powered by high-tonnage multi-colour moulding machines (2,000T to 2,700T).

This plant achieves several milestones for the Indian industry: localising the slimmest headlamp module, enabling the first single-piece, end-to-end Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and Rear Combination Lamps (RCL) in the country. In line with its commitment to sustainability, the plant features rooftop solar power, with plans underway to source open-access green power.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr Laksh Vaaman Sehgal, Vice Chairman, Motherson, said:

“The inauguration of our cutting-edge automotive lighting plant underscores Motherson’s unwavering commitment to innovation, excellence, and customer-centricity. This strategic investment strengthens our ability to deliver advanced, future-ready lighting solutions while meeting the evolving needs of our customers. We deeply appreciate the trust and support of our customers, which has been instrumental in achieving this significant milestone.”

Frank Huber, President of Marelli’s Lighting business, said,

 “Our new facility in Sanand is a key milestone in bringing advanced lighting technologies to our customers in India. Together with our partner Motherson, we are uniting global innovation with strong local manufacturing capabilities to deliver cutting-edge solutions for the Indian market. Our joint venture continues to be a great success—built on Marelli’s global technology leadership, Motherson’s great infrastructure, execution excellence and deep customer relationships on the subcontinent, and the significant autonomy both partners have entrusted to the MMLI team since its establishment in 2008.”