Rubio meets UAE president as US-Iran technical talks set to resume next week
Rubio and Sheikh Mohamed reviewed strategic cooperation between the UAE and the US and discussed regional developments, with particular focus on security, stability and peace in the Middle East, WAM reported.
Geostrategy
Bain identifies four priorities for sovereign wealth funds as assets approach $30 trillion
State-backed investors are expanding beyond traditional investment models, increasing exposure to alternatives, AI and direct deals while balancing returns with national development goals.
Economy
Eight Arab nations, $40.9bn impact: The World Cup’s economic power play
The 2026 World Cup will feature an unprecedented eight Arab nations — Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria and Iraq — marking the strongest Arab presence in the tournament's history. The tally doubles the previous record of four teams set in 2018, with Jordan securing a maiden World Cup berth and Iraq returning to football’s biggest stage for the first time in four decades.
Beyond setting a participation record, the unprecedented Arab presence at the 2026 World Cup highlights the growing economic influence of sport across the Middle East and North Africa. Analysts estimate the tournament could contribute up to $40.9 billion to global GDP, while offering participating nations a powerful platform to boost tourism, attract investment and enhance...
AI to cancer vaccines: Emerging technologies edge closer to large-scale adoption
World Economic Forum's Top 10 Emerging Technologies Report 2026, developed alongside the Dubai Future Foundation, has identified 10 technologies that it says are likely to achieve significant real-world impact within the next three to five years.
Geostrategy
AI success in life sciences depends on people as much as technology: Bain
Organizations creating the most value from AI are not necessarily those deploying the most technology. Instead, they are redesigning workflows, modernizing operating models and preparing employees for new ways of working.
Business
Dubai property market cools speculation but retains underlying strength
After a record-breaking 2025, the Emirate’s market has found a new level and a new temperament., writes Charles Philion, founder...
Analysis
Saudi tourist spending rises to $22 billion in Q1 despite drop in foreign arrivals
Domestic travel helped sustain Saudi Arabia's tourism sector in the first quarter, with total visitor numbers rising to 37.2 million and hotel performance strengthening in key religious destinations.
Business
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
Achille Staiano
Chief Commercial Officer, Explora Journeys
Industry: Luxury Ocean Travel
Liliana Paraipan
Wellness Director at ZEM Wellness Clinic Altea
Industry: Hospitality Industry
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
Neil George
Partner & Co-CEO, Aleph Hospitality
Industry: Hospitality
China’s LNG ambitions take shape
The 344-meters-long QC-Max vessel, being built by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding, is designed for a major Qatari LNG expansion project.
Business
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
Rubio meets UAE president as US-Iran technical talks set to resume next week
Rubio and Sheikh Mohamed reviewed strategic cooperation between the UAE and the US and discussed regional developments, with particular focus...
Geostrategy
Company News
Bain identifies four priorities for sovereign wealth funds as assets approach $30 trillion
State-backed investors are expanding beyond traditional investment models, increasing exposure to alternatives, AI and direct deals while balancing returns with...
Economy
Latest News
UN inquiry says Israeli targeting of Palestinian children points to ‘genocidal intent’ in Gaza
The findings were published by the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry, which said it had found evidence that Palestinian...
Gold prices fall 1 percent on Fed rate rise expectations, gold edges higher
Brent crude futures rose 24 cents, or 0.38%, to $78.15 a barrel by 0026 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate...
Vance rebukes Israeli critics of Trump-Iran deal, says US remains Israel’s only ally
Vance said that if he were serving in Israel's cabinet, he would not be "attacking the only powerful ally that...
Saudi Arabia rises to 13th in global competitiveness rankings
The Kingdom ranked 13th out of 70 economies assessed in the annual report, improving from 17th place a year earlier...
Gold extends winning streak as oil and dollar weaken
The U.S. Dollar Index fell to 99.53, giving back part of the gains it had recently recorded on safe-haven demand....
Eight Arab nations, $40.9bn impact: The World Cup’s economic power play
Beyond setting a participation record, the unprecedented Arab presence at the 2026 World Cup highlights the growing economic influence of sport across the Middle East and North...
AI to cancer vaccines: Emerging technologies edge closer to large-scale adoption
World Economic Forum's Top 10 Emerging Technologies Report 2026, developed alongside the Dubai Future Foundation, has identified 10 technologies that...
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...
Saudi tourist spending rises to $22 billion in Q1 despite drop in foreign arrivals
Domestic travel helped sustain Saudi Arabia's tourism sector in the first quarter, with total visitor numbers rising to 37.2 million...
Business
Latest News
Gold extends winning streak as oil and dollar weaken
The U.S. Dollar Index fell to 99.53, giving back part of the gains it had recently recorded on safe-haven demand....
Saudi Arabia’s residential market weakens in Q1 despite price gains
The slowdown was most pronounced in Riyadh, where transaction volumes and values dropped 82% from a year earlier. Activity also...
Gulf sovereign funds line up for landmark SpaceX listing
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and Kuwait Investment Authority have each submitted orders worth between $1 billion and $5 billion....
PIF assets reach $910 billion by 2025 end, below Vision 2030 target
According to the latest Vision 2030 annual report, the real non-oil GDP reached $892 billion against a target of $904...
Saudi Arabia’s economy expands as oil and non-oil sectors grow
According to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), all major economic sectors recorded positive annual growth during the quarter, reflecting...
Company News
AI success in life sciences depends on people as much as technology: Bain
Organizations creating the most value from AI are not necessarily those deploying the most technology. Instead, they are redesigning workflows,...
Business
China’s LNG ambitions take shape
The 344-meters-long QC-Max vessel, being built by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding, is designed for a major Qatari LNG expansion project.
Business
Dubai property market cools speculation but retains underlying strength
After a record-breaking 2025, the Emirate’s market has found a new level and a new temperament., writes Charles Philion, founder...
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...
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
Geostrategy
Iran talks: Washington, Tehran agree mechanisms for Lebanon ceasefire, Hormuz security
Qatar and Pakistan, which mediated the negotiations at a lakeside resort in Switzerland, said in a joint statement that Washington...
- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on social media that "major progress" had been achieved toward ending the conflict in Lebanon.
- Iranian state media reported that sanctions relief, particularly measures affecting the country's oil industry, was also discussed during the Swiss meetings.
Geostrategy
Digital Dubai’s contribution lifts Dubai in global city brand rankings
DUBAI, June 22 — Digital Dubai contributed an estimated AED31 billion ($8.5 billion) to Dubai’s overall brand value, helping the...
- The study said Digital Dubai accounted for a significant share of Dubai’s nearly AED1 trillion place-brand value.
- It also played a key role in boosting the emirate’s standing in the City Brand Strength Index, where Dubai scored 86 out of 100.
Business
Saudi Arabia cuts US Treasury holdings by $9.5 billion in April
Dubai, UAE -- Saudi Arabia reduced its holdings of U.S. Treasury securities by $9.5 billion in April to $140.1 billion,...
- The decline followed a sharp increase earlier this year that had lifted Saudi holdings to a six-year high of $160.4 billion in February.
- Since then, the kingdom has pared back its exposure, largely through reductions in Treasury bills and other short-dated securities.
Achille Staiano
Chief Commercial Officer, Explora Journeys
Industry: Luxury Ocean Travel
Liliana Paraipan
Wellness Director at ZEM Wellness Clinic Altea
Industry: Hospitality Industry
Neil George
Partner & Co-CEO, Aleph Hospitality
Industry: Hospitality