Dubai real estate transactions exceed $117.34 billion in first half of 2025

• According to data issued by the Dubai Land Department, the number of real estate transactions reached 125,538, up from 99,947 during the same period in 2024, an increase of 26%.
• Women played a pivotal role in driving market activity, investing AED73.2 billion during this period with 34,792 transactions made by 30,487 female investors.

ADNOC shifts OMV stake to XRG

• This transfer, which is subject to regulatory approvals, is aligned with ADNOC’s strategy to consolidate its international growth investments under XRG.
• ADNOC is also progressing with preparation for the proposed establishment of Borouge Group International, which is set to be a top-four global polyolefins producer.

Saudi leads MENA in VC funding for H1, surpassing 2024’s full-year total

• Saudi Arabia's H1 VC share is 56 percent of the total capital deployed in the region.
• The report also revealed that Saudi Arabia achieved a record number of 114 VC deals for the first half of 2025.

SIB H1 net profit $189m

Salini awarded $600m contract for 400 retail units in Diriyah Square

• Diriyah Square is located at the heart of Diriyah, the City of Earth, within the unique Najdi-inspired architectural Diriyah Masterplan.
• It is designed to develop a vibrant retail district featuring a mix of 400 iconic retail, leisure, and dining brands.

UAE, Germany launch joint business council to strengthen economic ties

• The event brought together more than 150 prominent business leaders from both countries and formed part of the official visit of Dr. Al Jaber to Germany
• The establishment of the UAE-Germany Business Council reflects the strong and long-standing economic partnership between the two nations

Esports World Cup returns with record-breaking participation, global reach

• Speakers confirmed that this year’s edition will be the biggest and most remarkable to date, featuring over 2,000 players representing 200 teams
• Competitors will vie for a prize pool totaling USD 70 million across 25 tournaments, covering 24 games, including chess, Valorant, and Fatal Fury

Dubai Islamic Bank completes $1bn sovereign financing Pakistan

• The five-year facility is an innovative transaction, partially guaranteed by a Policy-Based Guarantee (PBG) from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
• DIB acted as the Sole Islamic Global Coordinator and alongside Standard Chartered also served as the Joint Mandated Lead Arranger and Bookrunner.

Saudi chocolate industry booms with over 3,500 commercial records

• Riyadh leads the Kingdom in chocolate manufacturing, boasting 1,490 commercial records.
• Saudi Arabia is the region’s biggest market for chocolates and, in 2024, the Kingdom imported a whopping 123 million kg of chocolate.

Iran voices ‘serious doubts’ over Israel’s commitments, including the ceasefire

• According to Iran's health ministry, at least 627 civilians were killed and 4,900 injured during the 12-day war with Israel.
• Retaliatory missile attacks by Iran on Israel killed 28 people, according to Israeli authorities.