Gulf Cooperation Council, Malaysia agree to launch free trade talks, GCC says
(Reporting by Menna Alaa ElDin and Ahmed Elimam; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
17 hours ago
- The National
UAE influencers say new licence to redefine payments and rates
Influencer marketing in the UAE is set for a significant shake-up as new rules will soon require anyone posting promotional content − paid or unpaid − to hold an advertiser permit. The regulation, announced this week by the UAE Media Council, will take effect in three months and aims to bring the fast-growing digital advertising sector under stricter regulatory oversight. While social media influencers have been required to hold licences for paid collaborations since 2018, the new permit expands the rule to cover unpaid or gifted promotions as well. The move is expected to formalise the sector and could reshape how influencers are compensated and recognised by brands, according to experts. The UAE's influencer advertising market is projected to reach nearly $97 million by 2030, from $69.35 million in 2024, according to Statista. Despite this rapid growth, influencers often face payment delays, with major brand partnerships taking up to 120 days, Deloitte reports. The regulation could alter how brands approach influencer compensation, said Ahmad Daabas, regional director of the Mena region at Bold Management, a global talent agency representing influencers and creators. Once influencers are required to hold a licence, even for unpaid content, 'the expectation is that they are running a business', he told The National. This would likely push brands to 'pay more formally: via contracts, official invoicing, and proper accounting', helping reduce delays and adding structure to negotiations. 'Influencers will also be in a stronger position to request fair compensation now that they're officially recognised as 'advertisers' under the law,' Mr Daabas said. He added that agencies may need to take on more financial responsibility. 'Agencies may need to act as intermediaries, covering influencer payments upfront … something we have been providing and executing as Bold Management since we started in the region. This will increase risk and require stronger financial planning,' said Mr Daabas. Still, it could also open opportunities for agencies to evolve into 'end-to-end solutions providers … more like production houses or talent-led media agencies', he said. PR industry response Rani Ilmi, founder of Dubai-based Frame Publicity, said the permit could streamline relationships between agencies and influencers. 'Hopefully, this new permit means relationships will be more streamlined and formalised, no more chasing posts and deliverables after contracts are signed,' she told The National. The move will narrow the pool of available talent as brands and agencies will have to work only with licensed influencers, according to Ms Ilmi. 'Planning will be massively affected … our pool of talents to select from will be narrowed down considerably if everyone isn't licensed STAT,' she said, adding that the law could help fix long-standing issues with influencer payments. Part of the timely payments issue is the illegitimacy of how their contracts and payments are currently constructed, Ms Ilmi said. "With a more legally recognised framework for influencer revenue, their payment terms should be able to be formalised too." She also expects the new rules to favour full-time professionals over casual influencers. 'It will bring transparency into the influencer economy and focus on higher quality content, so full-time, truly 'influential' talents are able to shine for their professionalism,' Ms Ilmi said. More professional market Calling the regulation 'a major shift" toward formalising the industry, Mr Daabas said the move will 'increase the legitimacy of influencer-led campaigns, raise accountability, and strengthen trust with both brands and regulators'. However, it could also 'add friction in campaign execution if not implemented carefully', particularly for short-term or spontaneous content deals. Agencies must now verify influencers' permits before campaigns. 'This means integrating compliance cheques … operationally, this adds time … but … short-term, there will be adjustments and added overhead,' Mr Daabas said. Influencer reactions Ali Hennaoui, a UAE-based content creator, described the new permit as 'a step forward in regard to regulation in the creator space'. It would 'set forth a fundamental pillar in trust between not just creator and brand but also creator and audience' and 'set clear and transparent guidelines that will facilitate the work between creators and brands', he told The National. 'As content creation is a business, its logistics should be formal and follow a proper set of guidelines and procedures.' Widad Taleb, another Dubai-based influencer, said that having a licence gives her "a stronger footing" with brands. "It shows that influencers are recognised as legitimate advertisers, which makes it easier to justify rates and have transparent pricing conversations,' said Ms Taleb. She told The National that the rules will encourage influencers to invest more in business structures, but 'could feel overwhelming for smaller creators … it might make it harder for part-time or micro-influencers to enter the market'. On displaying licence numbers publicly, she said it 'signals to brands and agencies that I'm a licenced advertiser, which builds trust and gives me more confidence going into negotiations'. Mr Daabas added that a visible licence number serves as 'a verification stamp … assuring brands that the influencer is compliant and professional … and adds a layer of protection and accountability'. It could become 'a filter for brand briefs: only licenced influencers will be eligible to receive work', he noted. Regional ripple effect Saudi Arabia already requires influencers to obtain a licence to operate commercially, costing about $4,000 for three years, as part of efforts to professionalise the sector. Mr Daabas expects other Gulf markets to follow. 'The UAE often leads … we're monitoring Qatar and Kuwait, who … will follow with similar structures,' he said. He added that Bold Management is already preparing by creating standardised compliance procedures … and is in early discussions about regional compliance hubs and shared tools that can streamline this process for cross-border campaigns. Future of influencer marketing Experts say the regulation could transform digital advertising, enhancing transparency and attracting global brands to the Gulf. With a huge rise in market spend projections, agencies and creators alike expect a more structured, professional environment, one that could establish the UAE as a model for influencer regulation across the Middle East.
Zawya
17 hours ago
- Zawya
Government-Private Sector-Civil Society Unite with Global Experts to Accelerate Green Transition Propelling Thailand Toward Low-Carbon Society
Driving Two Key Agendas to Strengthen Global Competitiveness BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 1 August 2025 - SCG organized the ESG Symposium 2025 under the concept "GREEN BREAKTHROUGH AMID THE PERFECT STORM – Accelerate with Green, Survive Together" at SCG Headquarters, Bang Sue. The event drew over 300 participants comprising key stakeholders driving Green Transition from government, private sector, civil society, and world-class experts who gathered to brainstorm and advance crucial collaboration for transitioning Thailand and the ASEAN region toward a fair and sustainable low-carbon society. The symposium facilitated policy and practical exchanges on two fundamental agendas that serve as critical keys to the transition, working together to reach conclusions for driving the low-carbon society forward: 1) Energy Transition aimed at elevating energy systems to align with Net Zero targets, and 2) Just Transition for SMEs creating opportunities for small and medium enterprises to genuinely access ESG mechanisms. The forum was honored by global leaders including Mr. Koji Sato – President and CEO, Toyota Motor Corporation, Mr. David McLachlan-Karr – Regional Director, UN Development Coordination Office (DCO), Asia-Pacific, and researchers from MIT including Dr. Sai Ravela – Principal Research Scientist, Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences (EAPS), MIT and Prof. Miho Mazereeuw – Director of MIT Climate Mission and Director of Urban Risk Lab, MIT, alongside Dr. Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, Governor of the Bank of Thailand, who presented approaches for adaptation, building resilience, and enhancing Thailand's long-term competitiveness. ESG Symposium 2025 represents a collaborative platform where all sectors join forces to accelerate the creation of a sustainable regional future, connecting environmental objectives with economic opportunities and preparing ASEAN to address a rapidly changing world. Hashtag: #esgsymposium2025 #GreenBreakthroughAmidThePerfectStorm The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Siam Cement Group (SCG)
Zawya
17 hours ago
- Zawya
Avoid unnecessary risks: Octa broker on crucial traders' choices
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 1 August 2025 - For those trading in the financial markets, choosing an online broker is the foundation of their future success. So, when seasoned traders emphasise the importance of this choice, they really mean it. Outlined below are key issues that can—and likely will—occur when choosing a broker with questionable regulation and unclear conditions. By its nature, trading encourages a systematic, data-driven approach—not limited to placing orders or planning sessions. To succeed in trading, it is also instrumental to be careful and thorough when choosing a financial broker. The nonchalant approach of some emerging traders who ask, 'What can go wrong?' and start trading with a broker without checking their licences, reviews, and conditions often leads to bitter disappointment and regret. Here is why. Problematic withdrawals One of the most common issues with unregulated brokers is the inefficient fund withdrawal process. More often than not, traders who choose to trade with such a broker are unaware of the risks they expose themselves to. Meanwhile, the unpleasant surprise can lurk around the corner and pounce when they least expect it. While depositing is usually instant, withdrawals can be delayed under various pretexts. In some cases, traders are asked to provide extraneous documentation or are told they must trade a certain volume before they can access their own money. Legitimate brokers process a vast majority of withdrawal requests within a fixed timeframe and do not impose arbitrary conditions once the necessary know-your-customer checks have been successfully completed. As a globally regulated broker, Octa follows the best international practices and partners with the most trusted and popular payments providers. The broker boasts a fast and efficient withdrawal process that many satisfied clients highlight in their reviews. Manipulating trading conditions When traders go for a less regulated or otherwise questionable broker, they can encounter shifting trading conditions. In this case, the broker's clients often find out their profits were significantly eroded by the additional charges not reflected in the terms and conditions. Manipulating conditions can include artificially widening the spread or introducing a price slippage that consistently works against the trader. In more extreme cases, such brokers may use platform-side price manipulation, where the prices on their trading platform do not reflect the real market. These tricks can disrupt traders' ability to open and close trades at fair levels, destroying the effect of even the most sound strategy. On the other hand, trusted and regulated brokers detail all the necessary information in their terms and conditions. Experienced companies like Octa and other globally operating brokers aim for long-term and mutually beneficial client relationships. They value transparency and full disclosure to create a friendly, supportive trading environment for their clients. Unsegregated clients' funds All regulated brokers are required to keep client funds in segregated accounts. This means that the company's operating capital never overlaps with the clients' funds, avoiding any potential risks in case of a market contingency. However, brokers operating without proper licenses are not required to stick to this practice. This means the clients' deposited money could be used to cover the broker's expenses or be at risk if the broker goes bankrupt. Transparency and regulation are not the default qualities of every broker. On the contrary, these crucial attributes distinguish shady companies from trusted, client-oriented brokers who aim to minimise their clients' risks. With this goal in mind, reliable brokers choose their own approaches tailored to their strengths. For example, Octa broker strives to empower traders by providing them with all the most accessible modern tools and thus equipping them for success. This also includes an efficient withdrawal process and a reliable, regulated trading environment, which enables Octa's clients to reach positive long-term outcomes. ___ Disclaimer: This press release does not contain or constitute investment advice or recommendations and does not consider your investment objectives, financial situation, or needs. Any actions taken based on this content are at your sole discretion and risk—Octa does not accept any liability for any resulting losses or consequences. Hashtag: #Octa The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Octa Octa is an international CFD broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools. The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including improving educational infrastructure and funding short-notice relief projects to support local communities. In Southeast Asia, Octa received the 'Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024' and the 'Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023' awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively. Octa
