Qatar Duty Free Lands First Labubu Middle East Store At Hamad Airport

The Horizons Middle East & Africa event scheduled for September 27, 2025, is set to showcase significant developments and innovations in the region. This event matters as it brings together key stakeholders to discuss pressing issues and opportunities, fostering collaboration and growth in the Middle East and Africa.

BP's latest forecast indicates a rise in oil and gas demand, raising concerns that the world may not achieve its 2050 net zero emissions target. This shift is largely attributed to ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as trade tariffs that are prompting countries to prioritize energy security. This news is significant as it highlights the challenges in transitioning to cleaner energy sources and the potential setbacks in global climate goals.

Chery, China's leading car exporter since 2003, has made a successful debut in Hong Kong, showcasing its strong position in the global automotive market. This is significant as it highlights Chery's continued growth and expansion into key overseas markets like Russia, the Middle East, and South America, reflecting the brand's resilience and competitiveness in the industry.

This year, a staggering 90% of counterfeit toys seized at the UK border were fake Labubu dolls, raising serious concerns about safety. With 236,000 imitations intercepted, many of these toys contain banned chemicals or pose choking hazards, highlighting the risks to children. The total value of counterfeit toys seized exceeded £3.5 million, emphasizing the scale of the issue and the need for stricter regulations to protect consumers and ensure child safety.

This year, the UK has seen a staggering 90% of counterfeit toys seized at its borders being Labubu dolls, with a total of 236,000 out of 259,000 fake toys confiscated. This alarming trend highlights the ongoing issue of counterfeit products in the toy industry, which not only affects legitimate businesses but also poses safety risks to children. The Home Office's findings serve as a reminder for parents to be vigilant when purchasing toys, ensuring they are buying authentic products.

PayPal has announced a significant investment of $100 million aimed at fostering innovation in startups across the Middle East and North Africa. This move is crucial as it not only supports local entrepreneurs but also enhances the region's digital economy, creating more job opportunities and driving technological advancement. By investing in these startups, PayPal is positioning itself as a key player in the growing tech landscape of the region.

Electronic Arts, a major player in the gaming industry, is reportedly close to a monumental deal that could see it go private for around $50 billion. This potential acquisition, backed by investors like Silver Lake, is poised to be one of the largest leveraged buyouts in history. Such a move could reshape the future of the company and the gaming landscape, highlighting the growing interest in private equity investments in the tech sector.

Flowers Foods chairman McMullian has sold $4.48 million worth of stock, a move that raises questions about the company's future direction. While stock sales by executives can sometimes signal a lack of confidence in the company's performance, they can also be part of personal financial planning. This sale is significant as it reflects the current state of the market and investor sentiment towards the company.

Fannie Mae has announced the resignation of one of its board members, a move that could impact the company's governance and strategic direction. This change is significant as it reflects the ongoing evolution within the organization and may influence investor confidence and operational decisions moving forward.

September has been a remarkable month for corporate credit issuance, with both Europe and the US witnessing record highs. High-grade sales are approaching $200 billion, a milestone reached only a few times in history. This surge in credit supply is significant as it reflects strong market confidence and provides companies with the necessary capital to grow and invest. Experts like Lotfi Karoui from Goldman Sachs and Sonali Pier from PIMCO discussed these trends on Bloomberg, highlighting the implications for investors and the economy.

Coherent Corp. has successfully amended its credit agreement, securing $1.25 billion in new term loans. This financial maneuver not only strengthens the company's liquidity but also positions it for future growth and investment opportunities. Such a significant influx of capital can enhance Coherent's ability to innovate and expand its operations, which is great news for stakeholders and the market.

Autozone's Vice President, Murphy, has sold $11.9 million worth of stock, a move that raises questions about the company's future direction. While stock sales by executives can sometimes signal a lack of confidence in the company's performance, they can also be part of personal financial planning. This sale is significant as it highlights the ongoing activities of corporate leaders and their potential impact on investor sentiment.