The Abu Dhabi T10 is set to welcome an exciting new entrant this season, Royal Champs, a team built on talent, tenacity and international flair. Led by cricketing legends and rising stars, the Royal Champs promise to bring a bold new energy to the fastest format of cricket.

The squad boasts a powerhouse lineup that blends global experience with emerging brilliance.

From England’s dynamic opener Jason Roy to Sri Lanka’s stalwart Angelo Mathews, Bangladesh’s talismanic all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, and Australia’s explosive Daniel Sams — the Royal Champs are primed to make an immediate impact.

The team’s complete roster includes: Jason Roy, Angelo Mathews, Shakib Al Hasan, Chris Jordan, Daniel Sams, Mohammad Shehzad, Niroshan Dickwella, Rishi Dhawan, Liam Dawson, Brandon McMullen, Isuru Udana, Quentin Sampson, Rahul Chopra, Haider Razzaq, Zahid Ali, Kelvin Pitman, Vishen Halambage, Ziaur Rahman Sharifi, and Aaron Jones.

At the helm is Head Coach Sir Courtney Walsh, one of the most respected figures in world cricket, who brings decades of international experience, leadership and an unwavering belief in the game’s evolving dynamics. Head Coach Sir Courtney Walsh share, “The Royal Champs are more than just a new team, we are a statement of intent. This squad has the right mix of skill, fearlessness and adaptability to thrive in the high-octane T10 format. Our goal is simple — to play bold, entertain fans and compete with heart and integrity”

“T10 is redefining modern cricket, and the Royal Champs are here to be part of that evolution. Every player in this line-up brings something unique, and I believe our balance of experience and flair will make us a formidable force.” Head Coach Courtney Walsh added

Good news for UAE residents and businesses. The UAE Central Bank has just lowered its Base Rate by 25 basis points, from 4.15% to 3.90%, effective this Thursday. This move follows the US Federal Reserve’s recent decision to cut its interest rates, keeping things in sync because of the UAE’s currency peg to the US dollar.

What does this mean for you? Expect borrowing to get a bit cheaper. Whether you’re eyeing a new mortgage, a personal loan, or business credit, the rates should ease up. In simple terms, monthly payments could get friendlier, especially for those with variable-rate loans.

This comes after the US Fed trimmed its federal funds rate to a range of 3.75% to 4%, hoping to support the job market and tackle stubborn inflation. The ripple effects are clear, softening employment numbers, and ongoing economic headwinds are pushing for these cuts.

Which sectors will benefit

For the UAE, lower interest rates could give a boost to sectors like real estate, tourism, and small businesses by making funding easier. But keep in mind, analysts say the impact might be modest unless the Fed decides to cut rates more aggressively in the future.

Why is the Fed making these rate cuts? Their goal is a tricky balance: tame inflation while keeping employment strong. With big companies cutting jobs and inflation still slightly above target, the Fed is playing it safe, using these rate cuts as insurance against a potential economic slowdown.

Future interest rates

Looking ahead, another cut might come in December, possibly bringing rates closer to 3% in 2026, but things could shift depending on economic data and new Fed leadership.

Stay tuned for more updates and how these changes could affect your wallet!

The UAE’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) market is on track to reach a record Dh170 billion ($46.3 billion) by 2030, according to new research from global consultancy Grand View Research (GVR), solidifying the nation’s position as a key driver of the region’s AI revolution.

The study projects that the MENA AI market, valued at Dh43.7 billion ($11.9 billion) in 2023, will surge nearly 15-fold to Dh610 billion ($166.3 billion) by 2030, growing at an annual rate of 44.8%.

“The Middle East, and especially the UAE, is no longer just an adopter of global AI technologies – it’s shaping its own playbook,” said Swayam Dash, Managing Director at Grand View Research. 

“Sovereign funds, innovation hubs, and forward-thinking policies like the UAE’s Strategic Plan 2031 are turning the region into a global testbed for AI-driven growth.”

Nearly three in four UAE companies have maintained or increased AI investments this year, particularly in healthcare, logistics, and finance. The report highlights that AI in Healthcare is expected to grow from Dh709 million in 2023 to Dh5.39 billion by 2030, while legal AI is forecast to triple to Dh446 million in the same period.

GVR’s findings underline that the UAE is now leading real-world AI integration across smart cities, urban mobility, and public services, supported by advancements in 5G, cloud, and IoT technologies.

The full Grand View Research MENA AI Market Report details how policy, data, and innovation are converging to shape one of the world’s most dynamic digital economies.