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Gabon plans to revive its Mabounié niobium and rare-earth project through a proposed $2 billion investment involving Emirati-backed New Energy Metals and Chinese engineering firm ENFI. The initiative aims to develop one of the world's largest niobium deposits and generate over 2,500 direct jobs. Construction is scheduled to commence in 2027.
The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has overhauled the application process for 13 work permit types under the Zero Bureaucracy initiative. Mandatory supporting document submissions have been eliminated, and data input fields were cut by 75 to 97 percent.
Real estate transactions in Abu Dhabi reached Dh171.26 billion in the first nine months of 2026, a 76 percent year-on-year surge. Foreign direct investment from non-resident individual buyers doubled to Dh17.22 billion, with Chinese investors named among the top sources of capital.
Technology leaders and diplomats gathered to evaluate how middle powers like the UAE navigate US-China artificial intelligence developments. Discussions focused on pooled computing resources, cross-border AI safety protocols, and collaboration between China's Greater Bay Area and Gulf hubs. Regional Gulf technology funds are also continuing to pursue commercial ties with Chinese AI hardware and model firms.
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