In this episode of Business Extra, recorded as part of Davos on Air at the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders in Dubai, The National’s Rory Reynolds speaks to Fahad Al Gergawi, Undersecretary at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade.

As global trade faces growing uncertainty from geopolitical tension and supply chain disruption, the UAE continues to pursue new avenues to strengthen its position as an international trading hub.

Mr Al Gergawi discusses how the country has responded to disruption caused by the Iran war, including plans to expand alternative trade corridors and reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz.

The conversation also examines the UAE’s expanding network of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements, and how these trade deals are helping businesses access new markets, attract investment and strengthen economic resilience.

Mr Al Gergawi explains how the UAE is navigating an increasingly fragmented global trading environment, including its continuing negotiations with the European Union and efforts to forge new international partnerships. He also shares his outlook for the UAE’s economic recovery, and why long-term planning and adaptability remain central to the country’s trade strategy.

This episode was produced by The National in partnership with LIVEX.

In this episode of Business Extra from LIVEX in Abu Dhabi, guest host David Dunn is joined by Dana Awad, chief commercial officer at ICT Real Estate Development.

As Abu Dhabi continues to grow and attract new residents, businesses and investment, the conversation explores what makes a development truly liveable.

Ms Awad explains why developers need to look beyond individual buildings and consider how people will actually live, work and spend their time within a community. Beautiful architecture alone, she argues, is not enough if a development does not connect with the everyday needs of its residents.

She talks about the importance of factoring in these elements at the earliest stages of master planning, from open spaces and walkability to amenities and community infrastructure.

The discussion also looks at how individual developments fit within the wider evolution of Abu Dhabi. As the capital’s population and economy evolves, Ms Awad explains how changing lifestyles and expectations are influencing the next generation of real estate.

This episode was produced by The National in partnership with Schneider Electric.

In the second episode of a special three-part Business Extra series, guest host Shereen Abdulla is joined by Walid Sheta, Middle East and Africa president at Schneider Electric.

As power grids become increasingly digital and enabled by artificial intelligence, the people responsible for managing them need a very different set of skills. Mr Sheta explains how the traditional role of the power engineer is evolving, requiring more electrical expertise rather than mechanical skills alone.

The conversation looks at the growing demand for skilled power engineers as renewable energy and the expansion of data centres create new opportunities in the sector. It also explores how the industry can attract a new generation of talent, including more women into traditionally male-dominated STEM fields.

Mr Sheta discusses the role of education and training in preparing the next generation for these jobs, as well as how digital technology and AI can be used to create solutions for energy challenges.

The episode also looks at Schneider Electric’s approach to digitalisation and decarbonisation across the Middle East and Africa, and how its partnerships with businesses, governments and other organisations are being used to advance smart grids and access to electricity.