Artificial intelligence lab Anthropic, which is currently locked in a dispute with the Pentagon, unveiled its Claude Partner Network on Thursday, a programme designed for partner firms to help enterprises adopt its Claude AI model.

Anthropic is committing an initial $100m to this network for 2026 to provide training, technical support and joint market development for partner organisations.

The company expects to invest even more over time.

Partners joining the network from Thursday will receive immediate access to a new technical certification and be eligible for investment under the programme.

Membership in the Claude Partner Network is free

The company plans to expand its partner-facing team fivefold, adding dedicated applied AI engineers, technical architects and localised go-to-market support in international markets.

Membership in the Claude Partner Network is free and open to any organisation involved in bringing Claude to market.

The AI firm is seeking a stay from a US appeals court after the Pentagon said the company was a supply-chain risk, pending a judicial review of the case, adding that the designation could cost it billions of dollars in lost revenue.

The Dubai PropTech Hub, an initiative of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), in partnership with Dubai Land Department, has released a new white paper titled PropTech 2033, outlining the future growth trajectory of the emirate’s PropTech sector.

The report analyses 18 strategic agendas from the UAE and the United Nations to map the next phase of PropTech development in Dubai. These include the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033 and the Dubai Urban Master Plan 2040.

Taking into account economic, social and environmental sustainability considerations, the analysis identified 833 global PropTech business models focused on improving quality of life and driving economic growth in the real estate sector. The study also found that just two of these business models alone could generate more than AED53bn annually for Dubai’s economy.

The white paper highlights a structural shift in the global built environment, noting that PropTech is evolving beyond digital tools toward AI-native, system-level urban infrastructure that integrates planning, operations, sustainability and user experience. According to the report, this transformation is redefining how value is created across the real estate ecosystem.

The research concludes that Dubai is well positioned to lead this next phase of urban innovation, supported by its strategic policy frameworks, regulatory environment, technological ambition and global economic vision.

As part of the initiative, the Dubai PropTech Hub has opened applications for its inaugural “Global Landing Pad” programme, designed to help international PropTech scale-ups expand into Dubai and the wider Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region. The programme will connect participants with mentors and industry experts, including leading developers and operators such as Binghatti, Majid Al Futtaim, Union Properties, Sobha and Transguard Group.

Mohammad AlBlooshi, chief executive officer of DIFC Innovation Hub commented: “DIFC’s PropTech 2033 whitepaper demonstrates that PropTech is no longer a peripheral enabler of real estate, but an engine of economic growth, productivity, and urban resilience. This whitepaper reinforces DIFC’s commitment to positioning Dubai as the global epicentre for PropTech innovation and sustainable urban growth, whilst accelerating the Emirate’s ambitions of doubling the economic contribution of the sector by 2033.”

Majid Al Marri, CEO of the Real Estate Registration Sector at Dubai Land Department, said: “The PropTech 2033 white paper reaffirms Dubai’s commitment to future-proofing its real estate sector through innovation, data, and advanced technologies that strengthen transparency and investor confidence. This direction is reflected in the Dubai PropTech Hub, established in partnership between Dubai International Financial Centre and Dubai Land Department, and reinforced by hosting PropTech Connect Middle East. Together, these initiatives advance the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033, enhancing global competitiveness and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Dubai’s real estate ecosystem.”

Based at the DIFC Innovation Hub, the Dubai PropTech Hub currently tracks 231 UAE-based PropTech companies, with strong activity in listings, investment and marketing platforms. The report highlights significant opportunities to expand into areas such as climate resilience, productivity enhancement and AI-driven property operations.

Dubai’s PropTech ambitions are also aligned with the expansion of DIFC into the Zabeel District, which will include more than one million square feet dedicated to innovation, including what is expected to become the world’s largest innovation hub and the first purpose-built AI Campus. The expansion forms part of Dubai’s strategy to position itself among the world’s top four global financial centres under the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), while incorporating sustainable infrastructure, energy-efficient design and smart mobility systems.

Gold prices fell on Thursday, weighed down by a firmer US dollar and waning hopes for near‑term US interest‑rate cuts as higher energy prices stoked inflation concerns.

Spot gold was down 0.4 per cent at $5,153.79 per ounce as of 0545 GMT. US gold futures for April delivery fell 0.4 per cent to $5,159.20.

The US dollar firmed 0.2 per cent, making dollar-priced bullion more expensive for holders of other currencies.

“I think the USD strength and interrelated rates story is a slight headwind for gold despite the actual violence that’s taking place, which is otherwise supportive of gold,” said Nicholas Frappell, global head of institutional markets at ABC Refinery.

Iran said the world should brace for $200-a-barrel oil after its forces struck merchant ships on Wednesday, while the International Energy Agency urged a massive release of strategic reserves to blunt one of the worst oil shocks since the 1970s.

Oil prices rose over $100 a barrel, adding to inflation pressures, as Iran stepped up attacks on oil and transport facilities across the Middle East.

Iran has deployed about a dozen mines in the strait, according to sources, a move that could complicate efforts to reopen the narrow waterway, a key route for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.

Tankers in the strait have been stranded for more than a week, and producers have suspended output as storage nears capacity.

Goldman Sachs has delayed its forecast for US Federal Reserve rate cuts, and now expects quarter-point reductions in September and December, citing rising inflation risks linked to the Middle East conflict.

In economic data, the US consumer price index rose 0.3 per cent in February, matching forecasts and accelerating from January’s 0.2 per cent increase. CPI rose 2.4 per cent in the year to February, also in line with expectations.

Investors are now awaiting the release of January’s delayed Personal Consumption Expenditures index on Friday.

Spot silver fell 0.5 per cent to $85.33 per ounce. Spot platinum lost 0.3 per cent to $2,162.24, while palladium rose 0.3 per cent to $1,642.05.

For most people, conflict feels distant. It appears in headlines but rarely seems connected to daily life. But nowadays, geopolitical tensions rarely remain confined to the battlefield. Their consequences can quickly affect travel, supply chains, financial transactions, and commercial relationships worldwide.

Beyond the immediate disruptions to travel and shipping, legal implications tend to be forgotten. During stable periods, contracts and legal provisions may appear as routine formalities. But in times of geopolitical disruption, contracts become part of global infrastructure.

They determine responsibility, financial exposure, and legal certainty across borders. Therefore, understanding this legal dimension is increasingly relevant for residents, travellers, and businesses operating in the UAE.

What travellers need to know if airspace closes

When geopolitical tensions escalate, one of the first effects is airspace closures and flight restrictions. Practical questions quickly follow. Who arranges alternative routes? Can airline tickets be refunded? Does travel insurance cover disruptions linked to geopolitical events? What happens if someone cannot return home on schedule?

In most cases, the first point of contact is the airline or travel operator.

Major international carriers typically rebook passengers or offer alternative routes during major disruptions. However, when cancellations result from extraordinary circumstances beyond the airline’s control, such as armed conflict or government restrictions, compensation obligations may be limited.

Embassies and consulates can assist citizens who face travel difficulties abroad. Their role is generally to provide information, documentation, or guidance rather than financial support.

What about insurance?

Many travel insurance policies exclude war, civil unrest, or geopolitical events. Lower-cost policies often provide the least protection during crises. Travellers can reduce risk by reviewing coverage before departure, keeping digital copies of passports and visas.

What businesses must know?

Geopolitical crises can disrupt transport routes, delay logistics, complicate financial transactions, and trigger sanctions or export restrictions with little warning.

When this happens, the legal structure of contracts becomes crucial. Companies operating internationally rely on agreements governing supply chains, financing arrangements, logistics, and partnerships across multiple jurisdictions.

While these contracts function quietly during normal conditions, geopolitical disruptions can quickly challenge the assumptions on which they were built. When disruption occurs, the resilience of these agreements becomes a key factor determining how quickly businesses can adapt.

The application of force majeure in a crisis

During instability, the force majeure clause addresses extraordinary events beyond the control of the parties, such as natural disasters, government actions, or armed conflict. Its effectiveness depends on how the clause is drafted. Some contracts clearly define qualifying events and the consequences if they occur.

Others contain vague language that requires interpretation or negotiation. Well-structured clauses specify which events qualify, how quickly notice must be given, how long obligations may be suspended, and what happens if the contract cannot be fulfilled. Without such clarity, companies may face significant legal uncertainty.

Business insurance

Insurance is another area businesses often overlook. Standard property or cargo policies frequently exclude conflict-related risks unless additional coverage is purchased. Companies involved in international logistics or operating near regions of geopolitical instability should review whether their policies include these protections.

Sanctions and regulatory compliance

Rising geopolitical tensions can also trigger sanctions on specific individuals, companies, or sectors. Businesses may unintentionally become involved in transactions linked to sanctioned entities.

Financial institutions, which must comply with strict international regulations, often increase compliance checks.

Payments may be delayed while banks request additional documentation. Simple compliance measures, such as screening counterparties against publicly available sanctions lists, can significantly reduce these risks.

Legal infrastructure

Over the past decade, the UAE has invested heavily in building a modern legal and regulatory framework. The country has strengthened corporate legislation, developed international arbitration centres, and established transparent systems that support global commerce.

This legal stability becomes particularly valuable during periods of geopolitical tension. Investors and entrepreneurs naturally seek jurisdictions where contracts are respected, dispute resolution mechanisms function efficiently, and legal systems remain predictable even during global disruptions.

The UAE has also demonstrated strong institutional coordination during past crises. During the pandemic and other disruptions to international travel, airlines, hotels, and government authorities worked together to assist stranded travellers. Hotels provided temporary accommodation, while authorities coordinated with diplomatic missions to facilitate safe travel when possible.

While conflicts cannot always be predicted, their legal consequences can often be anticipated. To ensure individuals and businesses alike benefit from the utmost protection in the event of an incident, they must understand that legal documents are tools designed to manage uncertainty. In a world where geopolitical shocks increasingly affect commerce, legal infrastructure becomes as important as financial or technological infrastructure.

Contracts, regulatory systems, and dispute resolution mechanisms are now part of the architecture that allows global trade and investment to function even during periods of instability.

The writer is the founder and CEO of Legaline.

UPDATE: The company announced opening up a further 50,000 complimentary memberships, bringing the total to 100,000.

Dubai-founded lifestyle platform the ENTERTAINER has launched a new community initiative aimed at supporting residents and local hospitality businesses across the UAE.

The campaign, titled “Our Home. Our Heart.”, will see the company make up to 100,000 complimentary ENTERTAINER One Heart memberships available through its official channels. The memberships will give residents access to a wide range of “buy one, get one free” offers across participating merchants in dining, leisure, wellness, hotel stays and services.

The initiative comes as communities across the UAE continue to navigate a dynamic environment, with the programme designed to encourage engagement with local businesses while supporting the wider hospitality ecosystem.

For more than 25 years, the ENTERTAINER has operated alongside the UAE’s hospitality sector, partnering with restaurants, leisure venues and service providers across the country.

“At times like these, the strength of the UAE community becomes particularly evident,” said Donna Benton, founder and CEO of the ENTERTAINER. “For 25 years the UAE has been our home, and this initiative reflects our continued commitment to the people and businesses that have been part of our journey.”

Through the programme, residents will be able to explore and support venues across the UAE using the complimentary membership offers. The company emphasised that participation should always follow official UAE government guidance and any applicable safety measures.

“Supporting local businesses ultimately means supporting the people behind them – the entrepreneurs, hospitality professionals, and the teams who make this country come alive every day,” Benton added. “In moments like these, community matters more than ever.”

Emirates Skywards joins the initiative

The initiative is also supported by Emirates Skywards, which is offering participants the chance to win a share of up to 2.5 million Skywards Miles.

Residents who claim the complimentary ENTERTAINER One Heart membership and are Emirates Skywards members during the campaign period will be eligible to enter a prize draw scheduled for 30 April 2026. Twenty-five winners will each receive 100,000 Skywards Miles.

Dr Nejib Ben Khedher, divisional senior vice president Skywards, said: “With 25 years of rewarding our communities, Emirates Skywards is delighted to collaborate with the ENTERTAINER – as two homegrown UAE brands that share a deep appreciation for this city. At times like these, it is more important than ever to come together with our partners, members and the wider UAE community, supporting the businesses and experiences that make this country so vibrant.”

Further details about the initiative, including the terms and conditions for the prize draw, will be available through the ENTERTAINER’s official channels.