Iran war cost Arab economies $150bn in the first month alone, UN official says
Meanwhile, Trump says: “Do I want to go in and annihilate them, or do I not? It’s a big decision....
Geostrategy
Saudi Arabia calls Makkah security ‘Red Line’ after Houthi drone intercepted
Hormuz shipping traffic meanwhile fell to four, while US lawmakers again seek to curb military action as Iran war costs...
Geostrategy
Business
UAE foodservice sector set for continued growth through 2030: Deloitte preview
The UAE’s foodservice sector continued to grow in 2025 and is expected to expand further through 2030, even as the...
- The report said the global foodservice market is projected to reach €2.98 trillion in 2025, marking growth of 2.2% compared with 2024
- The UAE foodservice market, valued at €16 billion in 2025, grew by 1.6% compared with 2024 and is forecast to rise by a further 4.2% through 2030
Geostrategy
Lebanon ceasefire begins, violations test fragile truce
The truce, brokered by the United States, is intended to halt cross-border fighting between Israeli forces and Hezbollah. Scenes of...
- However, the calm was quickly tested. Lebanon’s army accused Israel of violating the ceasefire, while medics accused it of killing one person one person in the town of Kunin.
- U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington had “prohibited” Israel from carrying out further strikes in Lebanon.
Business
Sharjah Islamic Bank Q1 profit rises 19.4 percent
Sharjah Islamic Bank (SIB) reported a 19.4 percent rise in first-quarter net profit, supported by higher income from Islamic financing...
- Income from Islamic financing and sukuk rose 14.4 percent, supporting operating income growth and profitability levels.
- Customer deposits increased 10.3 percent, improving financing-to-deposit ratio while maintaining stable liquidity and asset quality metrics.
Geostrategy
Middle East conflict may push 30 million into poverty: UNDP
According to a new UNDP policy brief, the impact is most severe in countries directly affected by the fighting and...
- Recommends targeted cash transfers and energy support, warning against costly blanket subsidies in developing economies.
- It is estimated that up to $6 billion may be required, depending on the severity of the crisis.
Geostrategy
Saudi Arabia Railways launches 5 new logistics routes
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) has launched five new logistics routes designed to enhance supply chain efficiency...
- These routes link Arabian Gulf ports with the Kingdom’s central and northern regions, extending to the Red Sea and northern neighboring countries.
- The initiative supports the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030 goals to establish the Kingdom as a global logistics hub.
Business
Dubai property market rises 31% to $68 billion in first quarter
Dubai, UAE -- Dubai’s real estate transactions rose 31 percent year-on-year to 252 billion dirhams ($68.6 billion) in the first...
- Figures from the Dubai Land Department showed 718,160 real estate procedures were recorded during the quarter.
- Luxury real estate transactions totaled 87.71 billion dirhams, up 26 percent, highlighting strong demand for high-end developments.
Geostrategy
Israeli strikes on Lebanon kill dozens
The strikes hit multiple areas, including parts of Beirut, with emergency teams struggling to reach casualties amid heavy congestion. The...
- Israel said the strikes targeted members of Hezbollah in what it described as a “surprise” attack.
- The escalation came hours after a ceasefire was announced between Israel, Iran and the United States.
Business
Masdar, TotalEnergies $2.2bn venture to push renewable energy growth in Asia
Dubai, UAE -- Masdar and TotalEnergies have signed a binding agreement to establish a $2.2 billion 50/50 joint venture aimed...
- As electricity demand accelerates across Asia, this partnership brings together capital and expertise to deliver renewable
- The JV will have a portfolio capacity of 3 GW of operational assets and 6 GW
Opinion
Geopolitics, risk aversion and crypto: Why this time may be different
Bitcoin has already endured five consecutive months of declines since reaching an all-time high of $126,500 in October 2025. February...
- The Crypto Fear and Greed Index recently fell to record lows, highlighting just how fragile investor confidence had become even before geopolitical tensions intensified.
- Progress around the proposed CLARITY Act in the United States could mark a structural milestone for the industry.
Geostrategy
Iran offers US new proposal to reopen Strait of Hormuz, end war: report
Iran has conveyed a fresh proposal to the United States through Pakistani intermediaries, seeking an agreement to reopen the Strait...
- The development follows remarks by US President Donald Trump on Sunday suggesting Iran could directly approach Washington
- He also expressed confidence that the war would conclude soon and that Washington would emerge stronger from the conflict
Iran war cost Arab economies $150bn in the first month alone, UN official says
Meanwhile, Trump says: “Do I want to go in and annihilate them, or do I not? It’s a big decision....
Geostrategy
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Saudi, Turkey, Pakistan forge defence pact as regional tensions deepen
The agreement comes as Gulf states seek closer defence coordination following months of conflict with Iran that disrupted shipping through...
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Business
Aramco profit jumps as oil prices surge despite Hormuz disruption
Saudi oil giant Aramco reported a 44 percent jump in second-quarter net profit on Wednesday, helped by higher crude oil...
- Second-quarter net income climbed 44 percent to $32.7 billion as higher oil prices outweighed lower crude sales volumes.
- Aramco maintained exports despite Hormuz disruption, declaring a $21.9 billion dividend while advancing major oil and gas projects.
Geostrategy
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...
- OCHA stressed that under international humanitarian law, civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected and should not be targeted. Learning spaces must remain safe.
- Israeli authorities demolished parts of a school in the Masafer Yatta area of southern Hebron, where more than 1,000 Palestinian residents are under pressure to leave.
Geostrategy
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...
- Brent crude dropped more than six percent below $79 a barrel as markets anticipated increased energy flows through Hormuz reopening.
- Fresh attacks in the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea highlighted continued threats to commercial shipping despite diplomatic momentum toward de-escalation.