Fed Wipes $2 Trillion With Secretive Move

$2 trillion has disappeared from the US government's books. The reason why is a new, secretive move being carried out by the Fed that has nothing to do with lowering or raising interest rates. According to Dan Ferris, you should consider moving money to a unique "escape" investment right away.

Dubai's ceaseless boom is putting strains on its residents

JON GAMBRELL
January 27, 2025

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) -- Skyscraper-studded Dubai has been on a hot streak for the last five years -- and some residents are starting to feel burned.

The city-state has seen record-breaking real estate transactions and as more and more people come to live there, and its state-owned airline Emirates is booking record earnings. But all that growth comes with strains for the city's population.

Traffic feels worse than ever on Dubai's roads. The price of housing continues to spike even with new real estate projects being announced almost daily. Caught in the middle are both its Emirati citizens and the vast population of foreigners who power its economy -- sparking rare public expressions of concern.

"Dubai is on steroids but affordability risks are increasing," warned Hasnain Malik in a starkly titled report he wrote for the global data firm Tellimer, where he's a managing director.

Skyrocketing housing prices

Under Dubai's current plans, the city aims to have 5.8 million residents by 2040, adding more than half its current estimated population in just 15 years. Since 1980, its population has already soared from around 255,000 to around 3.8 million.

Real estate lit the fire in Dubai's growth in 2002, when the desert sheikdom began allowing foreigners to own property. After sharp falls during both the 2008-2009 financial crisis and Dubai's brief coronavirus lockdown, prices have been soaring.

Today, average prices per square foot are at all-time highs, according to Property Monitor. Rental prices increased as much as 20% in key neighborhoods last year, with further rises likely this year, with some residents moving to communities further out in the desert, the real estate firm Engel & Völkers said.

Jammed roads

Even before the boom, some people who worked in Dubai chose to live in the neighboring emirate of Sharjah, some 20 kilometers (12 miles) north of the city's downtown, or further away. Some 1 million commuters from other emirates jam the 12-lane Sheikh Zayed Road that runs through the center of the city and other highways every day, as studies suggest that as many as four out of five employees drive to work alone.

That traffic has only intensified with Dubai's new arrivals.

While the rest of the world saw as much as a 4% increase in the number of registered vehicles in the last two years, the city's Road and Transportation Authority says there's been a 10% increase in the number of vehicles.

So many vehicles have been registered that the city has had to make license plates longer.

And while the city keeps building new flyovers and other road improvements, more cars are coming from more directions than ever before.

"Dubai is very attractive, more and more people are coming," said Thomas Edelmann, the founder and managing director of RoadSafetyUAE, which advocates about traffic issues. "I think it's easier to get people quickly to come to Dubai and to convince them about Dubai, then to build a new intersection or a new highway."

Boom concerns also raised by Emiratis

Congestion has got so bad that it's driving even prominent Emiratis to break their customary silence on public affairs.

Habib Al Mulla, a prominent Emirati lawyer, wrote on the social platform X in December that while authorities were working on congestion, the problem demanded "a set of immediate and long-term mechanisms." He followed up by publishing an opinion piece twice mentioning "congestion" as being among "pressing issues" for global cities like Dubai.

While phrased in mild language, Al Mulla's comments represented rare public criticism in the United Arab Emirates, where speech is tightly controlled by criminal law and social norms favor raising issues at a "majlis" -- a semiprivate setting convened by a traditional ruler.

"The concentration of wealth and opportunities created in global cities may cause income inequality that pushes out lower-income residents," Al Mulla warned in the English-language Khaleej Times newspaper on Jan. 15.

"The problem becomes acute when the wealth and opportunities remain inaccessible to segments of the national population who witness the city's allure being seized by outsiders. This may carry significant social risks, if not mitigated."

Then there's demographic concerns as the Emirati share of the population dwindles. While the number of citizens isn't public, a back-of-the-envelope, informal calculation shared for years by experts suggests Emirati citizens represent around 10% of the country's overall population of more than 9 million people, a number that's likely falling as foreigners rush in.

In December, sermon scripts issued for the Dec. 13 Friday's prayers directly touched on the duty of having more children.

"Increasing offspring is both a religious obligation and a national responsibility, as it contributes to the protection and sustainability of nations," the sermon read, according to a transcript issued by the federal government's General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments.

A search for high-tech solutions

For Dubai's autocratic government, overseen by ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, possible solutions to the grinding traffic have ranged from the practical to the fanciful. The government in recent months has repeatedly encouraged companies to allow more remote work options, including in a report released in November that also suggested staggered and flexible working hours.

Adding as many as five remote workdays a month, along with the other steps, "can reduce morning peak travel time across Dubai by 30%," the study stated.

Dubai's road toll system, known as Salik, has added gates to charge drivers more and will institute surge pricing at the end of the month. Dubai's Metro, which boasts the world's longest self-driving rail line, will also grow beyond its broadly north-south routes in a nearly $5 billion expansion.

Then there's the flying taxi project. Since 2017, Dubai has been announcing plans for airborne cabs in the city. A first "vertiport" is being built by Dubai International Airport with the aim of offering the service from next year.

Dubai also plans 3,300 kilometers (2,050 miles) of new pedestrian paths, although during Dubai's summer months pedestrians have to contend with high humidity and heat of around 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit).

"In the coming years, residents of Dubai will be able to move around by walking, cycling, its extensive network of roads and bridges, the Metro and its new lines, water taxis, or flying taxis on specific air routes," Sheikh Mohammed said on X in December.

But for now, Dubai keeps attracting more people and more cars -- and the traffic jams only get longer.

Continue Reading...

Popular

Trump's Crypto Reserve Plan Sparks Controversy, Schiff Questions XRP Inclusion, Polymarket CEO Invited To White House: This Week In Crypto

The crypto world was shaken as Trump's announcement of a U.S. cryptocurrency reserve sparked backlash from tech allies, criticism from economist Peter Schiff, and calls for a Congressional investigation into potential insider trading and market manipulation.

China learned from Trump's first trade war and changed its tactics when tariffs came again

WASHINGTON (AP) — The leaders of both Canada and Mexico got on the phone with President Donald Trump this past week to on their countries, but China’s president appears unlikely to make a similar call soon.

The $240M AI Disruptor - Ad

This Nasdaq-listed company is redefining AI in the $124 billion smart glass market. From cockpit shading systems to energy-efficient building glass, their technology powers global leaders like Boeing, Mercedes-Benz, and National Geographic. Their projected $240M revenue from aerospace positions them as an AI-driven market disruptor you can't ignore.

China strikes back at Trump tariffs with 15% levies targeting US farmers

WASHINGTON (AP) — China retaliated against President Donald Trump's tariffs with an on key American farm products, including chicken, pork, soybeans and beef.

The Fort Knox Cover-up? What It Means for Gold - Ad

Trump and Musk are demanding answers: Is Fort Knox empty? If the gold is gone, supply collapses, and prices could skyrocket instantly. Right now, I've uncovered 5 major gold predictions that could make this Fort Knox moment even bigger than people realize. One of them is already unfolding--and the window to act is closing fast.

Sam Bankman-Fried Says 'When Rubber Meets The Road' On Crypto's Fate Under Trump, Slams Biden's Policies

Disgraced cryptocurrency mogul Sam Bankman-Fried weighed in on the future of digital assets under President Donald Trump’s administration, according to an interview from his prison released Thursday.

Cathie Wood-Led Ark Invest Roblox, Roku, UiPath As Markets Take A Dip

Ark Invest made significant trades on Friday, selling shares of RBLX, ROKU, PATH and buying shares of IBTA, PSNL, ABSI, and RXRX.

"Breakout Trigger" Detected on Tiny AI Stock - Ad

Don't invest another dime in NVIDIA, Microsoft, Google, or any of the other big boys. This one has the potential to be 100x bigger than all those. We have reason to believe its share price could go ballistic in the coming days and weeks. Get our No 1 AI investment recommendation of the decade.

Warren Buffett on Debt and Donald Trump's Money Moves: Trump 'Never Went Right'

In a piece of advice that continues to hold relevance, investor Warren Buffett once warned students about the perils of excessive borrowing, citing Donald Trump as a case in point.

Tesla tumbles again as investors bail on Elon Musk's suddenly struggling electric vehicle company

Shares of Tesla are sliding again Monday as confidence in Elon Musk's electric car company continues to disintegrate following a post-election “Trump bump.”

Wall Street Legend: Why Stocks Are Very Likely to Crash in Trump's 2nd Year - Ad

Legendary investor Marc Chaikin says stocks could crash in 2026--he's even calling the exact month and most likely day it will start. No one on or off Wall Street has been more accurate calling the bull and bear turns of the past 7 years. And now, Chaikin is calling the crash of 2026.

NBA Legend Shaq's Walmart Shopping Spree Ends In Credit Card Decline—Here's How Much He Tried To Spend

Basketball superstar Shaquille O'Neal's impact goes beyond basketball, with his larger-than-life personality and smart investments. Yet, one of his most unforgettable moments happened at Walmart.

Buffett, Bezos, and Congress Are Betting Big on This One Sector - Ad

This corner of the market is NOT artificial intelligence... Crypto... or any other familiar sector or strategy. Instead...It's a sector that the U.S. Gov't spends 6-TIMES more on, than our own ENTIRE military defense budget. Don't let recent market uncertainty keep you in the dark on this massive opportunity.

Broadcom Shares Jump 13% In After-Hours Trading On Strong AI Results - Gary Black Says, 'This Should Help AI Stocks Tomorrow

Broadcom Inc. shares jumped 12.82% in after-hours trading Thursday after reporting better-than-expected first-quarter results, recovering from a 6.33% drop during regular trading hours amid a broader artificial intelligence chip selloff.

Mexican finance minister, a holdover from previous administration, resigns and is replaced by deputy

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexican Finance Secretary Rogelio Ramírez de la O, a holdover from the previous administration, resigned Friday for personal reasons and will be replaced by his deputy, President Claudia Sheinbaum said.

Big Tech Is Barreling Toward a $17 Trillion Reckoning - Ad

While everyday investors keep piling into names like Nvidia, Apple, and Amazon... the owners of those very companies are dumping their OWN shares at a record pace. Now, "America's top trader" is warning that big tech could be barreling right toward another dot-com style implosion. 

Google Co-Founder Larry Page's New AI Startup Could Change How Humans Make Things Forever: Report

Larry Page is reportedly launching Dynatomics, a stealth AI startup focused on revolutionizing product manufacturing by automating highly optimized design processes for factories.

Musk's Chainsaw Could Fuel These 7 Stocks Higher (Buy Before April 30th) - Ad

Elon Musk slashed Twitter's staff by 80%--now Trump's putting him in charge of cutting government bloat! The impact? MASSIVE. My insider network has pinpointed 7 stocks set to soar--but you must act before April 30th. Don't miss this historic shift!

Who is Mark Carney, the next prime minister of Canada?

TORONTO (AP) — Former central banker Mark Carney will become Canada’s next prime minister after a Liberal Party leadership vote in a landslide.

Mortgage lender Rocket Cos. to acquire real estate brokerage Redfin in deal valued at $1.75 billion

Mortgage lender Rocket Cos. has agreed to acquire online real estate brokerage Redfin in an all-stock deal valued at $1.75 billion.

Are you owed an extra $2,105 a month in extra cash? - Ad

A little-known "loophole" has allowed a handful of regular Americans to legally collect over $109,200,000 in bonus cash. And today's your chance to join them. It doesn't matter how old you are or even how much money you make. And my research shows there's no way you can be denied from taking part in this opportunity.

Canada to name a new leader while dealing with Trump trade war

TORONTO (AP) — looks set to pick a measured former central banker to deal with the threats tariffs pose against a pillar of Western free trade.

Mark Zuckerberg Offered China Full Censorship Control And User Data Access, Says Meta Whistleblower: 'Working Hand In Glove With The Chinese Communist Party'

A former Meta executive has alleged that the company, under Mark Zuckerberg, was willing to grant China censorship powers and access to user data in a failed attempt to enter the market—a move now under SEC scrutiny.

The Gold Shift No One's Talking About - Yet - Ad

Massive gold shipments are quietly moving from London to the U.S.--no headlines, no explanations. Could a full-scale audit or a new gold-backed system be coming? Smart money isn't waiting. My gold strategy is already doubling physical gold's returns this year.

TSMC Rides AI Wave: Sales Surge 39% In First 2 Months Of 2025 On Higher Demand

Taiwan Semiconductor Mfg. Co. Ltd. reported a 39.2% jump in its two-month revenue for January and February in 2025 as compared to last year.

Floodwaters still threaten parts of Australia's east coast as tropical storm cleanup begins

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Australia's prime minister cautioned that the fallout from a over the weekend was “far from over” as parts of two states remained inundated with perilous floodwaters on Monday, even as the initial threat from the deluge continued to recede.

Texas Dollar Alternative? - Ad

As you'll see, the political elite in Texas are backing this new currency to the hilt. One law allows businesses to accept this new currency, the same as if you were paying by cash or with a credit card. So, what is Texas' new currency? And what do you need to do immediately to prepare?

Palantir's Head Of Defense Warns Of China's War Preparations: 'We're Not Taking It Seriously'

Palantir Technologies Inc. Head of Defense and former Congressman Mike Gallagher is sounding alarms about China's military intentions, warning that the U.S. is failing to adequately prepare for potential conflict.

Consumer prices fell in China in February and remain flat in a sluggish economy

BEIJING (AP) — Consumer prices fell in China in February for the first time in 13 months, as persistent weak demand was compounded by the early timing of the .

Trump Could Make Surprising Tech Announcement Any Day - Ad

Elon Musk is heavily invested in a cutting-edge new technology. In fact, Musk has turned the new president on to this breakthrough. And President Trump could make an announcement any day that could spike the price of stocks in this sector.

Republican lawmakers look for ways to weaken state judges

TOPEKA, Kansas (AP) — Measures in several state legislatures this year have called for new approaches to weaken the power of judges.

Powell: Federal Reserve to stay on hold amid widespread economic uncertainty

NEW YORK (AP) — The Federal Reserve is likely to keep its unchanged in the coming months as it waits for widespread “uncertainty” stemming from President Donald Trump's policies to resolve, Chair Jerome Powell said in written remarks to be delivered Friday in New York.

Wall St. Legend Shocks With "Next Nvidia" Prediction - Ad

When he recommended Microsoft at 38 cents... Google in 2005... and Nvidia before AI was mainstream, people called him crazy. Now they're calling him crazy again about this overlooked tech stock that's he's says could be "The Next Nvidia".

Massive Losses For Crypto Traders As MELANIA Memecoin Plummets

A crypto trader has reportedly suffered a staggering loss of $15.68 million after trading the official memecoin of First Lady Melania Trump.

Apple's AI Crisis: Falling Behind In The AI Race?

Apple is grappling with an artificial intelligence (AI) crisis, as its rivals, including Amazon, surge ahead in the AI technology race.

New Study: 50 Stocks Will Crash While 7 MAGA Stocks Will Soar - Ad

If you own any of these stocks -- directly or through mutual funds -- I want to encourage you to sell them before April 30th. I've compiled all 50 companies in my "MAGA Blacklist" report. Your retirement could depend on seeing this list.

Trending Now

Information, charts or examples are for illustration and educational purposes only and not for individualized investment management This message contains commercial elements, such as advertising. We only send these offers to those who have opted in to our newsletter. Past performance is not indicative of future results. For these reasons we strongly suggest trading in a DEMO/Simulated account. The information provided by us is for educational and informational purposes only. We make no representations or warranties concerning the products, practices or procedures of any company or entity mentioned or recommended and have not determined if the statements and opinions of the advertiser are accurate, correct or truthful. If you use, act upon or make decisions in reliance on information contained or any external source linked within it, you do so at your own peril and agree to hold us, our officers, directors, shareholders, affiliates and agents without fault.

Copyright activatrade.ca
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service