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
Geostrategy
G7 ministers consider oil reserves as markets face volatility
In a statement following a virtual meeting with International Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director Fatih Birol, the ministers said they...
- They added that proactive measures—including the possible use of strategic oil reserves—remain under consideration as part of efforts to stabilize global energy markets.
- The ministers said coordination is ongoing among G7 members as well as with IEA member states and other partners.
Opinion
The shift from innovative to native: Unlocking where real AI value lies
There are, of course, technical hurdles to overcome, too, one of which is modernizing legacy systems. Many enterprises still operate...
Business
Empower distributes $701 million dividends since listing
Dubai, UAE -- Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation PJSC (Empower) said it has distributed AED2.575 billion in dividends to shareholders...
- The company recorded AED3.419 billion revenue in 2025, while net profit rose 10.5% year-on-year to AED1.004 billion.
- In 2025, shareholders approved a dividend of AED875 million for 2025, paid in two equal instalments of AED437.5 million in April and October.
Geostrategy
Iran escalation sharpens oil, inflation concerns
Lale Akoner, Global Market Analyst, says while the escalation has introduced new risks, the broader investment case for equities in...
- Iran escalation heightens sensitivity to oil, inflation and interest rates, shaping equity valuations and expectations for monetary policy.
- US markets show resilience as investors favor liquidity and Treasuries, supporting the dollar during periods of geopolitical uncertainty.
Arts & Culture
Traditional coffee roaster reflects Saudi heritage
The mahmas is typically made of thick iron or copper and consists of a hollow cylindrical disc with a long...
- Beans are roasted over fire until they turn golden and their husks fall off, before being transferred to a wooden container known as the “mibradah.”
- Roasting methods varied across the Arabian Peninsula, including the Shaghdaliyah, Hijaziyah, Qatifiyah and Hasawi roasters.
Geostrategy
Bapco Energies declares force majeure on operations
Manama, Bahrain --- Bapco Energies BSC (Closed), Bahrain’s integrated energy company, announced force majeure on its group operations on Monday....
- The company said the move follows the ongoing regional conflict in the Middle East and a recent attack on its refinery complex.
- Bapco Energies said all local market needs remain fully secured through proactive plans to ensure the continuity of supplies and meet domestic demand without disruption.
Economy
GCC agriculture sectors post strong performance
Muscat, Oman -- Gulf Cooperation Council countries recorded strong performance in agriculture, livestock and fisheries during 2024, reflecting the growing...
- Agricultural and fisheries exports rose to $7.8 billion, up 7.5 percent, while imports reached $38.7 billion, an increase of 10.1 percent.
- Vegetables accounted for 45.8 percent of total crop production, the largest share among plant products.
Geostrategy
Khalifa Education Award begins judging stage
Abu Dhabi, UAE — The General Secretariat of the Khalifa Award for Education, one of the institutions of the Zayed...
- This phase will be carried out through interviews conducted by specialized judging committees to review educational projects.
- The General Secretariat said the evaluation and judging phase aims to measure the actual impact of the submitted works.
Business
flydubai 2025 profit $591m
Total revenue increases by 6% to $3.7bn
- The carrier reported EBITDA of 4.0 billion dirhams ($1.1 billion) and closed the year with cash and bank balances of 5.6 billion dirhams ($1.5 billion).
- flydubai carried a record 15.7 million passengers in 2025, supported by strong demand for both leisure and business travel.
Business
Dubai targets $87 trillion wealth pool as investors rethink portfolios
Dubai, UAE -- Dubai is positioning itself as a global hub for private wealth as high-net-worth individuals rethink where and...
- Women, who account for more than one-tenth of ultra-high-net-worth individuals, are expected to receive 95 percent of an estimated $54 trillion in inter-spousal wealth transfers.
- Henley & Partners estimates the United Arab Emirates attracted about 9,800 new millionaires in 2025 — most settling in Dubai.
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
Company News
Netanyahu orders new West Bank settlements
Geostrategy
Latest News
EasyLease H1 profit $12.2m
Business
FAB profit edges higher
Business
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...
Geostrategy
UAE records solid first-quarter growth as non-oil sectors account for nearly 80% of GDP
Real GDP rose to $132.0 billion at constant prices in the January-March period, while non-oil GDP expanded 4.8 percent, increasing...
Economy
Dubai establishes media committee to unify official narrative
Dubai, UAE -- Dubai has established a new committee to oversee and coordinate the emirate's official media narrative across government,...
Geostrategy
Most Read
Geostrategy
Projectile hits cargo vessel in Hormuz as Trump renews warning to Iran
Trump said negotiations with Iran were underway despite Tehran's denials and described the current moment as a "last chance before...
- UKMTO said authorities were investigating after the vessel reported being struck 20 nautical miles northeast of Al Khasab, Oman.
- Trump called negotiations active despite Iran's denial, warning Tehran faced a "last chance before decapitation" over Hormuz and nuclear demands.
Business
Agthia profit, dividend jump
Transformation lifts earnings, cash generation.
- First-half revenue rose 7.4 percent to $708 million, while EBITDA increased 35.8 percent as margins expanded significantly.
- Free cash flow reached $142 million, net debt leverage declined sharply, prompting a 14.4 percent higher interim dividend recommendation.
Analysis
GCC lenders should reassess credit risks continuously
Today's environment calls for continuous reassessment rather than periodic review. Institutions need to challenge assumptions, stress-test portfolios against multiple scenarios,...
- KPMG urges GCC financial institutions to strengthen credit resilience through scenario analysis, governance and dynamic portfolio monitoring amid uncertainty.
- Analysis identifies retail, corporate and commercial real estate portfolios as key pressure points under prolonged geopolitical and economic disruption.

