IMF forecasts Middle East and Central Asia contraction as war disrupts growth
The forecast of 0.3% contraction marks a steep reversal from the IMF’s projection of 1.9% growth made six months earlier in its April World Economic Outlook report.
Economy
UAE Cabinet approves $79.6 billion three-year budget, setting $24.5 billion for 2027
Social development and pensions take the largest share at 38.4 percent, followed by government affairs at 32.3 percent, as the federal plan targets fiscal sustainability.
Economy
UAE media needs to turn dialogue into action
Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Authority, says media institutions must continuously learn, strengthen their capabilities and adapt to changes across the media landscape. Speaking at an Open Majlis in Dubai, he called for engagement between the Authority and media professionals, arguing that policies should reflect industry experience. He said public trust, responsible communication and credibility remain central to media’s role in raising awareness, supporting development and representing the UAE. Al Hamed urged investment in talent, solutions to sector challenges and responsible social media conduct.
Media professionals should continue helping shape the sector's future, uphold professionalism and credibility, and place the national interest at the heart of their work. He emphasized that media serving its country earns the respect of its audience and creates an impact extending beyond the moment of publication.
UAE ranks first in MENA, sixth globally in AI-human skills readiness
Coursera’s new AI-Human Skills Synergy Index says AI course enrollments in the UAE increased 75% year over year, with AI and machine learning foundations, data and analytics among the leading themes.
Geostrategy
WEF to bring 500 global leaders to Dubai for inaugural meeting
Discussions will span artificial intelligence, jobs, geopolitical uncertainty, climate change and economic resilience, with UAE Minister Mohammad Al Gergawi and Montenegro’s Prime Minister Milojko Spajić among key participants.
Geostrategy
Saudi mega-projects could generate 35% of power needs through on-site renewables
A BCG report says rooftop solar and decentralized renewable systems can lower electricity costs, reduce emissions and help developers meet...
Research
GCC banks need stronger safeguards amid geopolitical uncertainty, KPMG says
KPMG says banks can strengthen portfolios through scenario analysis, stronger governance and monitoring as geopolitical tensions threaten borrowers, funding conditions and asset quality across region.
Analysis
Middle East conflict: Trade tensions rise as oil jumps and tariffs shake markets
Several ports suspended operations in the Middle East after drone strikes. DP World said operations at Jebel Ali port in Dubai, one of the world's busiest container ports, had been suspended due to a fire after "aerial interception," he adds.
Economy
Abu Dhabi residential property sales hit record $19.9bn in 2025
Apartments dominated the sales market, accounting for 66% of transactions, reflecting strong developer activity in the segment
Economy
UAE archaeological finds reveal new human history insights
Discoveries spanning prehistoric settlements, Bronze Age tombs and heritage sites are deepening understanding of ancient communities and their regional connections.
Arts & Culture
Supply chain attacks emerge as top cyber threat to businesses: Study
The study found that large enterprises are particularly vulnerable because of their extensive vendor networks.
Business
IMF forecasts Middle East and Central Asia contraction as war disrupts growth
The forecast of 0.3% contraction marks a steep reversal from the IMF’s projection of 1.9% growth made six months earlier...
Economy
Company News
UAE Cabinet approves $79.6 billion three-year budget, setting $24.5 billion for 2027
Social development and pensions take the largest share at 38.4 percent, followed by government affairs at 32.3 percent, as the...
Economy
Latest News
Trump says Houthis ‘misbehaving very badly’ as Saudi airport shutdown disrupts flights
Etihad Airways cancelled flights between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh until October 19, while services to Dammam were heavily disrupted. Qatar...
BP pulls out of Riyadh energy congress after airport attack
Saudi Arabia pressed ahead with its five-day energy gathering, signing cooperation agreements with Kuwait, Qatar and Egypt despite travel disruption...
UAE economy grows 0.4% in first half as non-oil sectors expand
Non-oil activities accounted for 79.2% of the economy, led by trade, finance, construction and manufacturing, despite a second-quarter contraction amid...
UAE, Tanzania launch Green Silk Road food corridor
The Tanzania-UAE Green Silk Road will link farming, processing, storage, logistics, trade and markets in an integrated food security corridor...
UAE outward investment reaches $63.4 billion as global footprint expands
The country's sovereign funds and companies expanded investments across six continents in energy, logistics, technology, healthcare and other sectors, as...
UAE ranks first in MENA, sixth globally in AI-human skills readiness
Coursera’s new AI-Human Skills Synergy Index says AI course enrollments in the UAE increased 75% year over year, with AI...
Geostrategy
EDITOR'S PICK
3 ways travel drives economic growth while enhancing global connections and sustainability
WTTC research shows that, having endured estimated losses of $4.5 trillion and 62 million jobs...
EVs just the start, urban mobility needs a holistic approach
Cities must adopt EVs alongside shared transport, robust infrastructure, clean energy, and inclusivity, says Jamie...
Exclusive: Private military companies look at $366.8bn market as their demand, role in global conflicts rise
Rising security concerns, confrontational geopolitics, and chaotic global changes have fueled the demand for private...
TikTok under fire: Espionage claims, election influence campaigns and controversies
The platform faces accusations of espionage in the United States, while the European Union has...
GCC banks need stronger safeguards amid geopolitical uncertainty, KPMG says
KPMG says banks can strengthen portfolios through scenario analysis, stronger governance and monitoring as geopolitical tensions threaten borrowers, funding conditions...
Analysis
Latest News
UAE outward investment reaches $63.4 billion as global footprint expands
The country's sovereign funds and companies expanded investments across six continents in energy, logistics, technology, healthcare and other sectors, as...
UAE deploys AI agents at scale, Dataiku study finds
the research shows that 62% of UAE CIOs estimate that more than 50 AI agents are actively running in production...
Flydubai suspends Israel flights after emergency landing
Flight FZ1073 was carrying 174 people, most of them Israeli nationals, when a violent confrontation reportedly broke out in the...
Fatima El Mansouri appointed Morocco’s first woman prime minister
Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri is the second woman to serve as prime minister in the Arab world after Najla Bouden’s...
UN says Gaza faces worst economic crisis, needs $71.5 billion for recovery
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) 92% of its economic establishments damaged or destroyed and more than...
Company News
WEF to bring 500 global leaders to Dubai for inaugural meeting
Discussions will span artificial intelligence, jobs, geopolitical uncertainty, climate change and economic resilience, with UAE Minister Mohammad Al Gergawi and...
Geostrategy
UAE archaeological finds reveal new human history insights
Discoveries spanning prehistoric settlements, Bronze Age tombs and heritage sites are deepening understanding of ancient communities and their regional connections.
Arts & Culture
Saudi mega-projects could generate 35% of power needs through on-site renewables
A BCG report says rooftop solar and decentralized renewable systems can lower electricity costs, reduce emissions and help developers meet...
Research
Middle East conflict: Trade tensions rise as oil jumps and tariffs shake markets
Several ports suspended operations in the Middle East after drone strikes. DP World said operations at Jebel Ali port in...
Economy
Abu Dhabi residential property sales hit record $19.9bn in 2025
Apartments dominated the sales market, accounting for 66% of transactions, reflecting strong developer activity in the segment
Economy
Supply chain attacks emerge as top cyber threat to businesses: Study
The study found that large enterprises are particularly vulnerable because of their extensive vendor networks.
Business
Research
94.8% Arab youth see mental health as shared responsibility, study shows
- Nearly 97.4% said psychological safety encourages innovation, while 95.7% linked good mental health with achievement and decision-making.
- Career uncertainty, family expectations and digital pressures were identified as key factors affecting the mental well-being of Arab youth.
Business
Almarai plans more than $4 billion investment through 2031
- Almarai will focus on foodservice, e-commerce and selected new product categories to capture opportunities in changing consumer markets.
- - CEO Fawaz Aljasser said the investment would strengthen local manufacturing, broaden consumer choice and improve supply chain resilience.
Economy
UAE economy grows 0.4% in first half as non-oil sectors expand
- Financial and insurance activities grew 14.8%, followed by information and communication at 7.3% and health and social work at 6%.
- - Second-quarter GDP fell 2.1% year on year as regional developments and travel disruptions affected tourism, transport and trade.







