Oil prices fall to lowest levels since March on Hormuz opening expactations
Questions over shipping fees, sanctions relief and regional security persisted even as negotiators prepared for a formal signing ceremony in Switzerland.
Geostrategy
Dubai property market cools speculation but retains underlying strength
After a record-breaking 2025, the Emirate’s real estate market is trading at a higher, but steadier level —and the smart money is rewarding discipline over speed, writes Charles Philion, founder Pure Value.
Analysis
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...
Middle East conflict slows global growth outlook, World Bank says
Most economies saw forecasts downgraded as rising energy costs, inflation and borrowing expenses create fresh challenges for growth and development worldwide.
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
UAE executives face growing accountability over AI strategies
A new Dataiku study shows UAE CEOs increasingly view AI performance, governance and accountability as defining measures of leadership success.
Business
Why the GCC should stop trying to build Silicon Valley and focus on owning it
Fahad AlSharekh says the GCC’s edge isn’t startup mimicry but global investment power — backing AI, infrastructure and category leaders early, not chasing hype.
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
Oil prices fall to lowest levels since March on Hormuz opening expactations
Questions over shipping fees, sanctions relief and regional security persisted even as negotiators prepared for a formal signing ceremony in...
Geostrategy
Company News
Dubai property market cools speculation but retains underlying strength
After a record-breaking 2025, the Emirate’s real estate market is trading at a higher, but steadier level —and the smart...
Analysis
Latest News
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...
OpenAI files confidentially for IPO as AI boom accelerates
The company did not disclose the size or timing of the offering, saying only that preparations remained at an early...
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...
Middle East conflict slows global growth outlook, World Bank says
Most economies saw forecasts downgraded as rising energy costs, inflation and borrowing expenses create fresh challenges for growth and development...
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...
Why the GCC should stop trying to build Silicon Valley and focus on owning it
Fahad AlSharekh says the GCC’s edge isn’t startup mimicry but global investment power — backing AI, infrastructure and category leaders...
Latest News
OpenAI files confidentially for IPO as AI boom accelerates
The company did not disclose the size or timing of the offering, saying only that preparations remained at an early...
Oil steadies while gold and bitcoin extend weekly losses
Oil markets were supported by expectations that ongoing talks between the United States and Iran could help secure energy flows...
UAE property market draws global investors despite regional conflict
The UAE Property Investment Index, conducted by U.S.-based Penta Group, found that 56% of global property investors expressed serious interest...
Trump signs order allowing US Govt access to AI models before public release
The measure establishes a new cybersecurity clearinghouse involving federal agencies and industry partners, reflecting growing concerns about advanced AI systems'...
Middle East conflict drags global air travel demand lower
Revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), the industry's measure of demand, declined 3.4% year-on-year, while available seat kilometers (ASK), a measure of...
Khalifa Education Award begins judging stage
Geostrategy
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
UAE executives face growing accountability over AI strategies
A new Dataiku study shows UAE CEOs increasingly view AI performance, governance and accountability as defining measures of leadership success.
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...
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
GCC youth population tops 23.5m as workforce presence expands
Dubai, UAE -- More than 23.5 million people aged between 15 and 34 lived across the Gulf Cooperation Council countries...
- Employed youth represented more than one-third of the GCC workforce in 2025, reflecting continued labour-market expansion.
- Share of young people outside education, employment or training fell steadily, indicating stronger social and economic participation.
Geostrategy
US and Iran agree to ‘immediate’ end to military operations, will sign MoU in Switzerland
The content of the agreement, which follows weeks of fraught negotiations and periodic threats from Trump of fresh hostilities unless...
- The agreement, brokered with the help of Pakistan, was announced after weeks of conflict between the United States and Iran.
- Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi confirmed that a ceasefire would take effect immediately and said negotiations on a final agreement would continue for 60 days.
Analysis
Dubai property market cools speculation but retains underlying strength
After a record-breaking 2025, the Emirate’s real estate market is trading at a higher, but steadier level —and the smart...
- Secondary market activity shrank as purchasers pursued genuine discounts, signalling greater selectivity and tougher negotiations across communities.
- Rising construction costs are emerging as the key risk, potentially affecting project timelines and developer profitability.
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