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Editorial
Trump’s Comeback Stirs Middle Eastern Markets and Policy Concerns
By Srijith K N
With former President Donald Trump’s 2024 victory over Kamala Harris, markets globally have already begun to react to the anticipation of “Trump 2.0” policies. Trump’s expected return to familiar strategies—emphasizing tax cuts, deregulation, and protectionist trade—promises to reshape U.S. economic policies and spark complex reactions across Middle Eastern markets. The region, heavily influenced by U.S. financial and trade policies, now faces a mix of challenges and opportunities, especially in energy, defence, and investment landscapes.
Gold Drops as Dollar Rallies Post-Trump Victory
Gold prices (XAU/USD) have taken a hit following Donald Trump’s self-announced victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential race, largely due to the U.S. dollar’s rally. According to Mohamed Hashad, Chief Market Strategist, Noor Capital “the dollar index surged to 105.22 from 103.42,” as financial markets responded positively to Trump’s business-friendly policies, which include “increased tariffs and tax breaks.” These policies have traditionally bolstered the dollar, creating an inverse relationship with gold. Hashad explained that “a stronger dollar reduces demand for gold as a safe-haven asset,” which led to a decline in gold futures from $2,753 to $2,675 per ounce. The Republican victory in the Senate, alongside expectations of an investment-friendly economic approach, has only strengthened the dollar further, continuing to apply downward pressure on gold prices.
The “Trump Trade” and Sector-Specific Reactions
U.S. stock futures have rallied, reflecting investor confidence in Trump’s expected economic agenda. John Hardy, Chief Macro Strategist at Saxo Bank, explains, “The markets were already positioning for a ‘Trump trade,’ with U.S. equities, especially small-cap stocks, gaining in anticipation of tax cuts.” Hardy adds that small-cap stocks are particularly sensitive to fiscal stimulus, which investors expect to see more of if Trump enacts a robust pro-business platform.
The response in Treasury yields, however, signals concern over inflationary pressures tied to Trump’s anticipated fiscal spending. “Rising U.S. Treasury yields highlight worries about inflation, especially if Republicans gain legislative control,” Hardy says. “This could push yields even higher, which would have ripple effects on borrowing costs in emerging markets, including the Middle East.”
Oil Continues to Rise Following Trump’s Win
Oil prices continue their upward trajectory following Donald Trump’s 2024 victory, driven by shifts in the U.S. political landscape, tightening American oil inventories, and heightened risk appetite in global markets. According to Mohamed Hashad from Noor Capital, “a boost in risk appetite” and “a drop in U.S. crude and gasoline inventories” are contributing to oil’s strong rally, indicating a potential supply squeeze. U.S. government data shows oil inventories rose by just 515,000 barrels for the week ending October 25, significantly lower than forecasts, while the American Petroleum Institute reported crude stockpiles down by 573,000 barrels. Hashad adds that Trump’s economic policies, focusing on “increased tariffs and more tax breaks,” are pro-business, generating optimism that lifts demand for risk assets like oil.
The U.S. economy’s positive indicators, including progress toward a “soft landing” and a stabilized inflation rate, have further boosted market confidence. Consequently, oil futures climbed to $72.20 per barrel, from the previous close of $71.81. This rally, amid Middle Eastern tensions and steady demand, underscores oil’s key position among risk assets in global financial markets.
Defense Spending and Regional Trade Impacts
Defense stocks have already risen, and Hardy notes that Middle Eastern countries may face increased pressure to bolster their own defense spending. “European defense firms are seeing strong gains, and any reassessment of U.S. commitments to NATO could result in Gulf countries ramping up defense investments,” he says. This trend would particularly favor U.S. defense contractors with established relationships in the region.
On trade, Hashad highlights that a new wave of tariffs, especially those targeting China, could have a significant effect on Middle Eastern economies with close ties to Asia. “The Trump administration’s trade policies, if as aggressive as before, could disrupt supply chains and impact prices for electronics, machinery, and other imports here in the Middle East,” he says.
Bond Market Repercussions and Financial Sector Outlook
As U.S. Treasury yields continue to rise, Hardy warns of the possible spillover effects for emerging markets. “Higher U.S. yields often lead to increased borrowing costs for developing economies, which could put fiscal strain on some Middle Eastern countries. However, this also creates investment opportunities for sovereign wealth funds from the Gulf looking to diversify,” he explains.
Hashad adds that inflation risks tied to Trump’s economic policies will be closely watched. “Middle Eastern governments with high exposure to dollar-denominated debt or significant fiscal vulnerabilities will need to brace for possible increases in inflation and borrowing costs,” he says.
Geopolitical Ramifications for the Region
The Middle East has long been influenced by U.S. foreign policy, and Trump’s anticipated alliances and stances, particularly toward Iran, may have direct consequences. Hashad observes, “If Trump’s policies reflect his previous hardline stance on Iran, regional stability could be impacted, which would, in turn, influence oil prices and investment in infrastructure.”
Hardy notes that the strategic relationships built during Trump’s first term might see renewed emphasis. “For Gulf allies, Trump’s return offers both reassurance and risk. Stronger ties may boost investment opportunities, but heightened geopolitical tensions would likely increase oil prices and further military commitments,” he explains.
What Lies Ahead
The Middle East’s economic response will depend largely on whether Republicans secure legislative control, allowing Trump to pursue his fiscal agenda. “If Trump can pass his planned policies, we’ll see intensified market shifts,” Hardy remarks. “In that case, inflationary concerns would push yields higher and lead to capital shifts affecting both U.S. and global markets.”
Hashad concludes that Middle Eastern markets should prepare for a landscape that balances growth with caution. “The Trump administration brings familiar yet unpredictable policy shifts. Regional economies will need to monitor U.S. trade, fiscal, and monetary policies closely to navigate potential volatility,” he advises.
With Trump’s second act on the world stage, Middle Eastern markets are bracing for both opportunities and challenges in a shifting geopolitical landscape. For now, the region watches as “Trump 2.0” prepares to make its mark.
Amalsha VS
Automotive Integrator
Quick, comfortable, glamorous, and graceful. The Genesis Electrified GV70 is a well-rounded package that has more than impressed us.
QUICK TAKE
Shiny Bits
- Bentley-ish aesthetics
- Desirable luxury & comfort
- Peppier than its petrol sibling
Rough edges
- Inconsistent brake pedal feel
- Leaves us longing for a little more range
Genesis has gracefully evolved into a veritable luxury brand that now consistently manages to deliver awe-inspiring products. Over the last decade, the luxury arm of Hyundai has polished and enhanced every aspect of its auto-making prowess, that many of their cars are now easy recommendations. The Genesis Electrified GV70 is one of those admirable products, and us because we were at the right place at the right time, were able to drive one around for a couple of days, just enough to get a taste of what Genesis has cooked up on electricity.
Design and Exterior Styling of the 2025 Genesis Electrified GV70: A Head-Turner Indeed!
In a world of bland-looking electric capsules, the Electrified GV70 stands out for its flashy yet tasteful design language.
The Electrified GV70 looks pretty much identical to its petrol-powered sibling, and one without an eye for it might not be able to spot the difference at a glance. Which is a good thing because EVs don’t necessarily have to be shaped like a computer mouse, just for the sake of achieving superlative aerodynamics. Hence, in a vast modern world with a considerable number of bland-looking electric capsules, the Electrified GV70 stands out for its flashy yet tasteful design language.
2025 Genesis Electrified GV70 Performance: Swift, Sharp & Sure-Footed
The Electrified GV70 is not just fleet-footed on straight lines, but also appreciably stable during high-speed cornering.
Although visually, the Electrified GV70 didn’t emanate the vibe of a performance-oriented SUV, once I slotted it into Sports mode, it didn’t fail to impress me. This electric crossover is powered by two electric motors nestled into the front and rear axles, capable of producing a maximum combined output of 483 horsepower (in Boost mode) and 700 nm of torque. An all-wheel drivetrain transmits all that vigor to all four wheels, enabling the Electrified GV70 to reach 100 kmph speeds in less than four seconds.
During our testing, we found the EV consistently delivering this pace, even after multiple consecutive 0-100 runs. The Electrified GV70 is not just fleet-footed on straight lines, but also appreciably stable during high-speed cornering. Road manners is exceptional for an SUV weighing almost two and a half tonnes (2,285 kgs), except for the brake pedal feel, which was considerably inconsistent across drive modes and different regen settings. Keeping this minor hiccup aside, I would say the Electrified GV70 is one of the best sleeper EVs we have experienced in recent times.
2025 Genesis Electrified GV70 Range: Doesn’t Induce Range Anxiety But Still Leaves Us Wanting More
The Electrified GV70 draws energy from an 84-kWh battery pack, which on a full charge provides a range of around 400 km. Genesis claims that charging up this battery pack from 10 to 80% takes less than 20 minutes. While the charging speed is more than enough, I wish a range of 500+ km would have entirely eliminated range anxiety for me, considering the average long-distance drives we frequently take across the UAE, to and fro neighboring emirates.
2025 Genesis Electrified GV70 Interior: Comfy, High-Class & Tech-Laden
Air conditioning in EVs is considerably superior to traditional ICE vehicles
Every nook and corner of the cabin is made up of desirable elements and sheathed in high-quality, soft-touch materials. The seats are heated, ventilated, and shrouded in natural leather, while the front seats also offer electric adjustability. Another often overlooked comfort factor specific to EVs is the consistency of their air-conditioning. Unlike petrol-powered cars, there isn’t a need for the compressor to be running at a particular speed or the car to be driven at a specified pace; air conditioning in EVs is considerably better compared to traditional ICE vehicles. This was evident in the Electrified GV70, as it kept our heads cool during the three days of testing in the UAE’s harsh summer heat. Overall, this compact luxury electric SUV is one of the best in its class, when it comes to ride comfort, interior quality, and easily ticks all the boxes in the comfort sector.
Tech features are abundant inside the Electrified GV70. The instrument console is a digital unit with a 3D visual effect that displays all the vital information in a legible and appealing format. The central infotainment touchscreen is a massive 14.5-inch OLED unit, which can also be operated via a rotary dial located conveniently in the center console. Although some might consider this a last-generation feature, we found this helpful when we found ourselves too lazy to reach for the touchscreen located above the dashboard. Another exceptional feature is the optional Lexicon-branded 15-speaker audio system in our test unit, which delivered a crisp and professional-grade auditory experience.
Final First-Impressions: Understated Excellence
The GV70 Electrified hides the finesse of a high-performance SUV under the flamboyance of the luxury and comfort it offers.
We found the Genesis Electrified GV70 to be one of the most underrated offerings in the sea of EVs currently on sale in the UAE. It hides the finesse of a high-performance SUV under the flashiness and flamboyance of the luxury and comfort it offers. But we looked beneath it and found a gracefully comfy EV that can switch character to a quick and capable, driver-satisfying (although not ardently enthusiastic) EV. Hence, for us, the Electrified GV70 stands out as one of the finest electric SUVs on sale in the UAE
FAQ
Yes, the GV70 electric variant is now available through official Genesis dealerships across the UAE.
In UAE driving conditions, the range is approximately 400 km per charge.
With Boost mode enabled, it goes from 0 to 100 kmph in under four seconds.
Editorial
Dubai Gears Up for the 26th Edition of the World’s Largest Security, Safety, and Fire Protection Trade Fair
Intersec has firmly established itself as a global powerhouse, renowned for its unparalleled success in bringing together world-class speakers, a cutting-edge conference program, prestigious awards, an innovation zone, and an array of live demonstrations. Since its humble beginnings in 1999, with just 61 exhibitors from 13 countries, Intersec has evolved into the premier international platform for security, safety, and fire protection.
This year, Integrator Media is proud to serve as the official regional media partner for the expo. We’ll be on the ground from Day 1, engaging with suppliers, thought leaders, innovators, manufacturers, and buyers. Through our camera lens and dedicated coverage on our LinkedIn and website pages, we’ll spotlight the latest technologies, products, and solutions driving transformation across various industries.
As the world stands at the forefront of technological innovation, the critical importance of security in our lives cannot be overstated. Addressing complex challenges requires a global collaboration between security experts, policymakers, and standardization communities. Intersec rises to this occasion with over 25 dynamic sessions, including panels, leadership talks, and fireside chats, featuring renowned speakers and thought leaders from across the globe.
Notable speakers include Brett Taylor, Safety & Security Director at Diriyah; Fawaz AlSumaim, Head of Cyber Crime Division at Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior; Stuart Frost, Head of Enterprise Security & Risk Management for the UK Government; and Mohamed AlMaleki, Head of Information Security Office at the UAE’s Federal Tax Authority. These leaders will tackle pressing challenges in their respective fields, sharing insights, best practices, and transformative strategies.
This year’s event will also feature experts from global powerhouses such as Mastercard, Mubadala, Schneider Electric, MBC Group, and more. High-level plenaries and keynotes will showcase security strategists, policymakers, and innovators from organizations like Interpol, Neom, Aramco, Amazon, and Google, offering an invaluable opportunity to gain insights into the future of security and safety.
The Middle East homeland security market, which includes monitoring and surveillance systems, restricted entry mechanisms, and perimeter security solutions, is projected to reach $23.4 billion by 2028. Additionally, the region’s cybersecurity market is being propelled by rapid digital transformation and increased adoption of cloud technologies. Regulatory efforts aimed at countering evolving threats further amplify the importance of cybersecurity in driving growth.
Intersec’s 26th edition promises to be a transformative event, uniting global visionaries and innovators to shape the future of security, safety, and fire protection. It stands as a testament to Dubai’s pivotal role in fostering collaboration and innovation on the global stage.
As the UAE marks its 53rd National Day, the nation celebrates not only its unity but also its emergence as a global leader in innovation and economic resilience. Central to this story is the automotive industry, a key player in shaping the nation’s economic landscape and mobility solutions. From luxury vehicles adorning its bustling streets to cutting-edge advancements in electric and autonomous technology, the UAE has positioned itself as a hub for automotive innovation in the region.
By Srijith K N
The country’s focus on sustainability and smart mobility has catalyzed investments in infrastructure, including EV charging networks and green mobility corridors, further underscoring its status as a pioneer in future-ready transportation. These advancements also reflect the nation’s commitment to sustainability, a cornerstone of its vision for the future.
Within this thriving ecosystem, the car rental industry has emerged as a dynamic sector, mirroring the UAE’s strategic focus on mobility and economic diversification. Rahul Singh, Managing Director of AA AL Moosa Enterprises – Car Rental Division, highlights how this sector has become a key driver of growth. “The UAE’s economy thrives on its strategic focus on travel and tourism, which contributed 11.7% of GDP in 2023. This success is mirrored in the expanding demand for car rental services, with the market growing 10% year-on-year in 2023 to USD 1.77 billion and projected to reach USD 214.70 million annually by 2029.”
Singh attributes this growth to the UAE’s ability to attract millions of international visitors—17.15 million in Dubai alone in 2023—many of whom rely on rental vehicles to explore the nation’s iconic destinations. “This surge reflects a shift towards flexible and cost-effective mobility solutions, driving direct and indirect economic benefits for the country,” he adds.
The role of car rentals becomes even more significant during National Day, as they facilitate seamless mobility for residents and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the celebrations. Beyond offering convenience, rental services cater to diverse needs—from premium sports cars that embody luxury to family-friendly SUVs and eco-conscious electric vehicles.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are particularly transformative, aligning with the UAE’s ambitious green mobility goals. The car rental industry’s increasing integration of EVs reflects a growing consumer preference for sustainable travel solutions. This trend not only supports the nation’s net-zero aspirations but also positions the UAE as a leader in environmentally responsible tourism and transportation.
As the UAE celebrates its 53rd National Day, the car rental and broader automotive sectors stand as pillars of the country’s vision for growth, sustainability, and global leadership. Together, they drive the narrative of a nation that remains steadfast in its pursuit of innovation, inclusivity, and a brighter, greener future.
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