US, Iran resume indirect talks as Trump denies concessions
Meanwhile, Brent crude rose 0.6 percent to $105.91 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate gained 0.8 percent to $93.32, as supply disruption concerns persisted.
Geostrategy
OpenAI halts GPT-6.1 Astra release over safety concerns
The decision comes before OpenAI’s annual developer conference, where the company is expected to face scrutiny over AI safety.
Business
Putting people at the center of justice
“People remain the true measure of the success of any justice system,” says Counsellor Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, Attorney-General of the UAE, who participated today in two High-Level Segment Thematic Meetings at the 15th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice - Abu Dhabi 2026. He noted that the UAE’s digital transformation of justice services focuses on simplifying and re-engineering procedures, reducing bureaucracy and improving access while preserving legal safeguards.
Al Shamsi said technology could support analysis, accelerate access to information and improve efficiency, but stressed that “AI cannot replace legal judgement or human responsibility for decisions."
UAE hiring rebound gains momentum as talent flows recover, report says
The the UAE Economic Graph Report 2026 by LinkedIn and the Ministry of Foreign Trade says real estate led hiring growth, while the UAE ranked highly for FinTech skills, AI talent attraction and net migration.
Economy
Foreign buyers, expats account for bulk of Abu Dhabi’s $19.2bn H1 home sales
Off-plan deals dominated residential activity, while rising prices, strong rental demand and significant future deliveries pointed to continued momentum across Abu Dhabi’s property market.
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
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
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
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
US, Iran resume indirect talks as Trump denies concessions
Meanwhile, Brent crude rose 0.6 percent to $105.91 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate gained 0.8 percent to $93.32,...
Geostrategy
Company News
OpenAI halts GPT-6.1 Astra release over safety concerns
The decision comes before OpenAI’s annual developer conference, where the company is expected to face scrutiny over AI safety.
Business
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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...
UAE central bank bars Bank Melli Iran branches from Iran transactions
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Maldives and Eagle Hills sign terms for $12 billion waterfront destination
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Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum passes away, 10-day mourning declared
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Qatar launches platform to manage wealth fund domestic portfolio
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Putting people at the center of justice
Al Shamsi said technology could support analysis, accelerate access to information and improve efficiency, but stressed that “AI cannot replace legal judgement or human responsibility for decisions."
UAE hiring rebound gains momentum as talent flows recover, report says
The the UAE Economic Graph Report 2026 by LinkedIn and the Ministry of Foreign Trade says real estate led hiring...
Economy
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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
Qatar launches platform to manage wealth fund domestic portfolio
Qatar’s new investment platform will manage the wealth fund’s domestic portfolio as Doha targets $60 billion in infrastructure and private...
Gaza death toll since ceasefire rises to 1,375 as settler violence surges
The ministry said three Palestinians were killed and at least 27 injured during the 24 hours covered by its latest...
Space42, Viasat sign binding agreement to co-found ‘Equatys’
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93% GCC frontline employees use AI weekly, BCG report finds
The report, titled “Strategy Matters More than Tools,” draws on data from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar and...
Company News
Foreign buyers, expats account for bulk of Abu Dhabi’s $19.2bn H1 home sales
Off-plan deals dominated residential activity, while rising prices, strong rental demand and significant future deliveries pointed to continued momentum across...
Business
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
Geostrategy
Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan plan emergency military talks over Houthi attacks
UAE suspends Iranian airline flights, joining regional countries restricting carriers as US sanctions intensify pressure on Tehran’s aviation sector and...
- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has told US media that Tehran remains willing to pursue an agreement with Washington through negotiations.
- British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband also met Araghchi on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
Business
UAE central bank bars Bank Melli Iran branches from Iran transactions
The violations included non-compliance with requirements and obligations under UAE legislation relating to combating money laundering, the financing of terrorism...
- The prohibition covers trade finance and fund transfers involving all Bank Melli Iran branches operating in the UAE.
- The CBUAE said it would continue to strengthen its supervisory framework and take measures to safeguard the soundness and integrity of the UAE financial system.
Business
SoftBank raises $11.1 billion through bonds for OpenAI
SoftBank Group has issued dollar- and euro-denominated bonds worth a combined $11.1 billion as it seeks funding to support its...
- An offering document showed on Thursday that SoftBank issued $1 billion of 3.5-year senior dollar notes, $4.5 billion of 5.5-year notes and $4.5 billion of 7.5-year notes.
- SoftBank also issued two €500 million tranches with maturities of four and six years, yielding 7.125% and 8%, respectively.
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