US says Iran Hormuz deal could come within days as oil prices tumble
Washington said mediation efforts were advancing despite Tehran denying direct negotiations, while fresh maritime attacks underscored persistent security risks across regional shipping lanes.
Geostrategy
UAE records solid first-quarter growth as non-oil sectors account for nearly 80% of GDP
Real GDP rose to $132.0 billion at constant prices in the January-March period, while non-oil GDP expanded 4.8 percent, increasing its share of the economy to 79.4 percent from 78.0 percent a year earlier.
Economy
GCC lenders should reassess credit risks continuously
The GCC financial sector has done the hard work of building strong capital buffers and disciplined provisioning practices. That gives institutions a solid foundation, says Craig Wright, Partner and Head of Enterprise Risk Services at KPMG Middle East.
Today's environment calls for continuous reassessment rather than periodic review. Institutions need to challenge assumptions, stress-test portfolios against multiple scenarios, and ensure credit decisions reflect emerging risks, not just historical conditions, he adds.
UAE’s Wadi Wurayah inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List
The reserve is the country's third World Heritage Site and the first recognized specifically for its outstanding natural value.
Geostrategy
Big Tech faces AI spending test as earnings season gathers pace
The Magnificent Seven’s 5.7% fall last week shows that investors are no longer rewarding headline beats alone, they want proof that AI growth is accelerating faster than the cost of building it, says Josh Gilbert, Lead Market Analyst at eToro.
Analysis
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
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
US says Iran Hormuz deal could come within days as oil prices tumble
Washington said mediation efforts were advancing despite Tehran denying direct negotiations, while fresh maritime attacks underscored persistent security risks across...
Geostrategy
Company News
UAE records solid first-quarter growth as non-oil sectors account for nearly 80% of GDP
Real GDP rose to $132.0 billion at constant prices in the January-March period, while non-oil GDP expanded 4.8 percent, increasing...
Economy
Latest News
UN warns Gaza remains unsafe for civilians
''Humanitarians report that a sixth-grade student was hit by a bullet and injured in a tented classroom. The child was...
Meta ‘ignored’ teen safety warnings to boost Instagram profits
Lawyers for Tennessee said Meta researchers repeatedly warned company executives that some teenagers were using Instagram compulsively, contributing to eating...
Trump imposes tariffs on 60 countries over forced labor concerns
The new tariffs, ranging from 10 percent to 12.5 percent, will take effect as temporary 10 percent worldwide tariffs imposed...
Burnham names new cabinet after replacing Starmer as UK prime minister
Britain's new leader pledged a 10-year plan to ease living costs, re-industrialize the economy and decentralize power while reshaping his...
UAE non-oil trade reaches record $527 billion in H1, says Al Zeyoudi
The milestone reflected the success of the UAE's strategy to build a diversified, competitive and open economy while strengthening its...
GCC lenders should reassess credit risks continuously
Today's environment calls for continuous reassessment rather than periodic review. Institutions need to challenge assumptions, stress-test portfolios against multiple scenarios, and ensure credit decisions reflect emerging risks,...
UAE’s Wadi Wurayah inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List
The reserve is the country's third World Heritage Site and the first recognized specifically for its outstanding natural value.
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
UAE non-oil trade reaches record $527 billion in H1, says Al Zeyoudi
The milestone reflected the success of the UAE's strategy to build a diversified, competitive and open economy while strengthening its...
Abu Dhabi real estate transactions more than double in H1
Data released by the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) showed total real estate transactions reached $31.9 billion in the...
Lamki: ADNOC’s South Africa acquisition accelerates international growth strategy
Chief Executive Officer ADNOC Distribution Bader Saeed Al Lamki said South Africa was attractive because of its scale and regulatory...
OPEC+ agrees fresh August output hike as Gulf oil production slowly recovers
The producer group approved another increase of 188,000 barrels per day for August, signaling confidence that Gulf oil output can...
Global equities, gold may extend gains in H2 2026 despite market risks: Standard Chartered
UAE and Middle East investors remain supported by stable oil markets, easing geopolitical risk premiums and strong liquidity, the bank...
Company News
Big Tech faces AI spending test as earnings season gathers pace
The Magnificent Seven’s 5.7% fall last week shows that investors are no longer rewarding headline beats alone, they want proof...
Analysis
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
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
Business
Emirates NBD to acquire retail banking business of HSBC Egypt
Dubai, UAE -- Emirates NBD Egypt S.A.E., a 100 percent owned subsidiary of Emirates NBD Bank has entered into definitive...
- Emirates NBD Egypt will acquire HSBC Egypt’s retail banking portfolio along with the associated branch and ATM network, customer base and relevant employee base.
- The transaction is expected to enhance Emirates NBD Egypt's market positioning as a leading retail and premium banking franchise in Egypt.
Geostrategy
Trump says fresh negotiations with Iran to begin after calling off strikes
Trump said his decision was shaped by appeals from Gulf allies, particularly Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates,...
- Oil prices tumbled as war fears eased, while shipping disruptions persisted around Hormuz.
- Meanwhile, Israeli strikes killed at least 18 Palestinians in Gaza since Friday despite Trump's Board of Peace announcements.
Business
Aldar records $408 million sales from Yas Point residential launch
Dubai, UAE -- Aldar said it generated AED1.5 billion ($408 million) in sales from the launch of The Canopies, the...
- First-time Aldar buyers accounted for 84 percent of customers, with UAE nationals representing 40 percent of total sales.
- Expatriate residents and overseas buyers contributed 60 percent of sales, while 47 percent of buyers were under 45.
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