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
OpenAI limits release of new model after US government request
Dubai, UAE -- ChatGPT developer OpenAI is restricting access to its latest artificial intelligence (AI) model at the request of...
Business
Economy
Saudi Arabia’s economy expands as oil and non-oil sectors grow
According to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), all major economic sectors recorded positive annual growth during the quarter, reflecting...
- Oil and non-oil activities each increased 2.9% from a year earlier, underscoring balanced contributions to economic expansion.
- By regulatory sectors, the oil sector expanded 2.8% YoY in Q1 2026, while the non-oil sector grew 2.6%. The private sector posted growth of 2.8%.
Business
Alef Group launches $1.08 billion waterfront development in Sharjah
Dubai, UAE -- Alef Group has launched Linar, a AED4 billion ($1.08bn) waterfront residential development in Sharjah, marking the company's...
- The project, located in Al Mamzar near the Dubai border, comprises five residential towers and one commercial tower and is expected to deliver 2,620 homes upon completion.
- Alef said expressions of interest for Towers A, B and C had been fully reserved, representing more than AED2 billion in potential sales value.
Business
UAE consumers embrace AI shopping but remain wary of autonomous purchases
Visa's latest Stay Secure study also highlighted the rapid rise of social commerce, with 69% of UAE consumers reporting purchases...
- Forty-six percent of respondents said they had experienced a financial scam during the past 12 months.
- Consumers increasingly see technology as part of the solution, with 85% believing AI will play a critical role in protecting people from fraud in the future.
Geostrategy
Israel and Iran signal restraint after renewed military clashes
Both countries, however, warned that they were ready to launch retaliatory attacks if provoked. The renewed hostilities raised concerns that...
- Diplomats from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan and Qatar reportedly urged Washington to press both sides toward restraint.
- The exchange followed Israeli strikes in Iran and Iranian missile attacks on Israel, with both sides citing earlier actions by the other as justification.
Business
OpenAI files confidentially for IPO as AI boom accelerates
The company did not disclose the size or timing of the offering, saying only that preparations remained at an early...
- Reuters previously reported OpenAI could seek a valuation of up to $1 trillion, potentially making it one of history's largest technology listings.
- The filing follows a restructuring effort and a court victory over Elon Musk, removing a major legal hurdle ahead of any share sale.
Analysis
Why flexibility is non-negotiable in the Middle East’s AI transformation
The region is a mosaic of digital ambitions where distinct national strategies are unfolding simultaneously. While the UAE accelerates its...
- Open source is the ultimate enabler of digital sovereignty, as it gives enterprises greater transparency, flexibility, and control over their IT estate.
- Energy and public sectors require rugged edge capabilities and the ability to process data in remote, high-demand environments.
Business
UAE travel sites improve email fraud protections: Proofpoint
Dubai, UAE -- The UAE's travel sector has strengthened its defences against email fraud ahead of the peak summer booking...
- Proofpoint said 45% of the travel websites surveyed were operating at the reject level, up from previous years, but 55% had yet to implement the strongest protection setting.
- The analysis was conducted in May 2026 and covered the UAE's 20 most-visited travel websites, identified using data from digital marketing platform SEMrush.
Business
Dubai economic zones post highest-ever trade performance in 2025
Dubai, UAE -- Dubai's integrated economic zones recorded their strongest-ever trade performance in 2025, with total trade rising 46% year-on-year...
- Total trade through DIEZ rose 46% to AED491 billion, marking a fifth consecutive year of growth and lifting its share of Dubai's non-oil trade to 16%.
- Trade volumes increased 50% to nearly 668,000 tonnes, signalling growth driven by higher cargo movement and commercial activity rather than price effects.
Geostrategy
Fresh Israel-Iran attacks overshadow ceasefire efforts across the region
Air raid alerts sounded across Israel, explosions were reported over Jerusalem, and Iranian state media reported blasts in Tehran, Tabriz...
- The escalation comes amid continued fighting in Lebanon, deadlocked US-Iran diplomacy and growing warnings over the conflict's economic fallout.
- Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon this week killed at least 12 people, including Lebanese army Brigadier General Wassam Sabra.
Business
Microsoft data highlights Qatar’s rapid Artificial Intelligence growth
The finding place Qatar among the top ten countries globally for practical AI usage. Qatar's AI market reached approximately $59...
- Experts say governance, regulation and workforce skills will determine the long-term success of Qatar's AI ambitions.
- Several institutions have played a leading role in advancing AI adoption, including Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development.
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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
Company News
Latest News
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...
Geostrategy
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...
Economy
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...
Geostrategy
Most Read
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.