Iran begins funeral ceremonies for Khamenei as Tehran prepares for massive show of unity
Millions are expected to gather in the Iranian capital over the coming days, with senior regional leaders attending ceremonies that...
Geostrategy
US, Iran continue indirect contact in Doha as officials trade barbs over talks
The envoys' presence follows US President Donald Trump's announcement on Monday that Iran had requested a meeting in the Qatari...
Geostrategy
Business
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...
- The gains followed a selloff of more than 3% on Monday, when oil prices fell after signs of progress in negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
- Spot gold was down 1.1% at $4,142.61 an ounce as of 0414 GMT, while U.S. gold futures for August delivery fell 1% to $4,160.20.
Geostrategy
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...
- Advances in healthcare, energy and manufacturing increasingly depend on infrastructure, deployment capacity, regulation and public adoption.
- Among the technologies identified are everything-to-grid energy systems, direct lithium extraction and precision fermentation.
Business
Abu Dhabi new business licenses rise 21% in first quarter, ADRA says
New economic licences issued in Abu Dhabi rose 21% in the first quarter of 2026 from a year earlier, reflecting...
- New licences rose 58% in Al Ain and 28% in Al Dhafra, outpacing growth in Abu Dhabi city.
- Thirty-four industrial facilities entered production during the quarter, supporting local manufacturing capacity and supply-chain development goals.
Geostrategy
Iran says it will administer Hormuz as talks make progress on Lebanon security
Mediators Qatar and Pakistan announced the creation of a direct communication channel designed to reduce the risk of misunderstandings and...
- Tehran says Swiss negotiations produced progress on Lebanon, oil sanctions and access to frozen Iranian funds.
- U.S. and Iran establish direct channels aimed at reducing risks around Hormuz and enforcing Lebanon truce.
Economy
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...
- Top 10 sovereign wealth funds hold more than 75% of global assets.
- Sovereign wealth funds reached about $15 trillion in assets under management in 2025.
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.
Geostrategy
Dubai completes 30% of dedicated bus and taxi lanes expansion project
Dubai, UAE -- Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed 30% of a project to build 14.5 km of...
- The project will add 14.5 km of dedicated lanes across six major roads, lifting Dubai's total network to 20.6 km.
- RTA expects shorter travel times, improved service reliability and higher public transport ridership following completion.
Geostrategy
Vance hails ‘historic’ US-Iran talks as Trump warns Tehran over Lebanon ‘proxies’
US and Iranian negotiators opened talks in Switzerland amid renewed tensions over Lebanon, with both sides linking progress to regional...
- Trump threatens fresh strikes on Iran if Hezbollah attacks continue, raising pressure as negotiations enter a critical phase.
- Tehran says no final agreement is possible without a lasting Lebanon ceasefire and keeps Hormuz Strait closed.
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Iran begins funeral ceremonies for Khamenei as Tehran prepares for massive show of unity
Millions are expected to gather in the Iranian capital over the coming days, with senior regional leaders attending ceremonies that...
Geostrategy
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US and Iran trade strikes again, threatening fragile ceasefire
US Central Command said American fighter jets struck 10 Iranian military sites in and near the Strait of Hormuz, while...
Geostrategy
Iran claims retaliation against US as Hezbollah protests Israel-Lebanon agreement
Tehran warned of broader retaliation if attacked again as Washington defended its military action, while unrest spread to Beirut after...
Geostrategy
Nasdaq Dubai lists $500 million Arab Energy Fund sukuk
Dubai, UAE -- Nasdaq Dubai has listed a $500 million sukuk issued by The Arab Energy Fund (TAEF), adding to...
Business
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Geostrategy
IAEA prepares to inspect Iran nuclear sites as US, Gulf states back Tehran accord
In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israeli forces would remain indefinitely in what they...
- Wall Street Journal reported that the Pentagon is reviewing its military posture in the Middle East following recent Iranian strikes on U.S. facilities in the Gulf.
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Gulf Cooperation Council foreign ministers reaffirmed their backing for the U.S.-Iran agreement following a meeting on Thursday.
Business
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...
- Bank forecasts S&P 500 reaching 7,950 and gold rising to $5,100 by mid-2027.
- Global equities have gained more than 12% this year, supported by earnings and AI optimism.
Geostrategy
Summer Davos: WEF urges scaling innovation into growth and jobs
Dubai, UAE -- Global political and business leaders called for faster adoption of emerging technologies and closer international cooperation to...
- More than 1,800 leaders from over 90 countries attended the World Economic Forum gathering in Dalian.
- Discussions centred on AI adoption, industrial transformation and translating innovation into measurable economic outcomes.