Lebanon violence tests US-Iran accord as Israeli ministers harden rhetoric
Lebanon's Health Ministry said at least 21 people were killed and 39 wounded in overnight strikes across southern Lebanon.
Geostrategy
MENA energy transition slips as Hormuz crisis exposes security gaps: WEF
Hormuz disruption and weakening policy commitment dragged down Middle East transition readiness in 2026. Saudi Arabia bucked the trend with accelerated renewables and battery storage investment, WEF's Energy Transition Index said.
Geostrategy
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
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
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
Lebanon violence tests US-Iran accord as Israeli ministers harden rhetoric
Lebanon's Health Ministry said at least 21 people were killed and 39 wounded in overnight strikes across southern Lebanon.
Geostrategy
Company News
MENA energy transition slips as Hormuz crisis exposes security gaps: WEF
Hormuz disruption and weakening policy commitment dragged down Middle East transition readiness in 2026. Saudi Arabia bucked the trend with...
Geostrategy
Latest News
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....
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....
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
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...
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...
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
Business
Abu Dhabi climbs global startup rankings on AI and tech growth
The emirate was ranked in the #41-50 category globally, improving from the #51-60 range a year earlier and marking one...
- The report highlighted the role of Hub71 in supporting founders and technology companies as Abu Dhabi seeks to strengthen its position as a global innovation hub.
- The report, unveiled at the VivaTech conference in Paris, analyzed data from more than 5.5 million companies across over 350 entrepreneurial ecosystems worldwide.
Geostrategy
US-Iran framework centers on investment fund, sanctions waiver and nuclear talks
At the center of the memorandum of understanding is a proposed $300 billion private investment vehicle, known as the Reconstruction...
- Reuters reports a private $300 billion investment vehicle would activate only after a final settlement is reached.
- Trump says sanctions relief is not immediate and warns military action could resume if negotiations fail.
Business
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....
- Other precious metals also moved higher. Spot silver gained 0.3% to $70.38 an ounce, platinum rose 0.5% to $1,812.80, and palladium added 0.3% to $1,355.65.
- Brent crude futures fell 16 cents, or 0.2%, to $78.80 a barrel by 0340 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude slipped 25 cents, or 0.3%, to $75.80 a barrel.
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