Aramco 2025 net profit $104bn, to pay $85.4 bn in dividends

• Earlier in the year, Aramco’s board declared quarterly dividends, including a base dividend of around $21.1 billion for the second quarter of 2025.
• Aramco’s dividend policy combines a base dividend with a performance-linked component tied to financial results and cash flow.

Strait of Hormuz disruption threatens trade flows: UNCTAD

• Based on shipping flows during the week preceding the military escalation that began on February 28, crude oil accounted for about 38% of trade moving through the strait.
• Liquefied petroleum gas represented 29%, while liquefied natural gas and refined oil products each accounted for around 19%.

Saudi, Qatar airlines adjust flights as regional tensions disrupt travel

• Saudi Airlines extends flight suspensions to several Gulf destinations while monitoring developments and evaluating gradual service resumption.
• Qatar Airways launches limited schedule from Doha to reconnect passengers following temporary authorization from civil aviation authorities.

G7 ministers consider oil reserves as markets face volatility

• 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.

The shift from innovative to native: Unlocking where real AI value lies

Empower distributes $701 million dividends since listing

• 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.

Iran escalation sharpens oil, inflation concerns

• 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.

Traditional coffee roaster reflects Saudi heritage

• 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.

Six Ramadan initiatives launched in Asir region

• The initiatives cover religious education, heritage preservation, archaeological documentation and traditional arts.
• A workshop titled “Color Your Heritage” explored Al-Qatt Al-Asiri art and integrated it with Tihami heritage motifs.

Bapco Energies declares force majeure on operations

• 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.