Economy
Key MENA trends: M&A surge to five-year high, Saudi port activity rises in May
Qatar's foreign reserves rise 3.6 percent year-on-year despite a dip in bonds and treasury holdings, Iraq releases Australian and Egyptian...
- Egypt and Turkey continue their coordination on ceasefire efforts and humanitarian aid, as diplomatic momentum struggles against on-ground escalation.
- The ICRC has warned that the healthcare system is on the brink of collapse, with medical infrastructure under increasing strain from ongoing hostilities.
Economy
MENA Outlook: Diversification, AI, and economic integration take centre stage
As the region pivots toward a post-oil future, recent developments across the Middle East and North Africa suggest an accelerating...
- Saudi government announced a $5.6 billion fertilizer JV between SABIC and Aramco, while also adopting new green building codes to reduce emissions
- From launching the world’s first AI-powered media council to streamlining family business, Abu Dhabi and Dubai are reinventing the regulatory ecosystem to attract global capital
Economy
IMF upgrades Saudi real GDP growth forecast to 6% in 2025, up from
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised upwards its forecast for Saudi Arabia's economic growth to...
- This adjustment from earlier estimates reflects the impact of extended oil production cuts and a slower-than-expected rebound in oil output.
- The IMF anticipates that inflation will remain contained, with an average annual rate holding steady at 2.1 percent in 2025 and easing slightly to 2 percent the following year.
Geostrategy
New WEF report reveals how tech convergence will reshape industries
Geneva, Switzerland – The World Economic Forum today released a new report examining how emerging technology combinations are reshaping industries...
- AI is a key enabler, making many emerging tech synergies commercially viable across industries.
- Digital twins, enhanced by AI and sensors, are expanding efficiency in sectors from aerospace to healthcare.
Business
Cross-border deals fuel M&A surge in MENA region in Q1 2025
Dubai, UAE -- The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has kicked off 2025 with a remarkable surge in...
- Cross-border deals were the primary engine behind this growth, accounting for 52 percent of the total deal volume (117 deals) and 81% of the total deal value ($37.3bn).
- The UAE cemented its position as the top target country for M&A activity in Q1 2025, attracting 63 deals totaling a substantial $20.3 billion.
Geostrategy
With AI and more shade, Saudi Arabia set for a searing hajj
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- With artificial intelligence, more shade and misting machines, Saudi authorities are preparing to welcome more than...
- Saudi Arabia's hajj minister Tawfiq al-Rabiah told AFP on Thursday that efforts to mitigate the searing desert heat remained a top focus among authorities.
- This year, Rabiah said authorities have mobilized more than 40 government agencies and 250,000 officials and doubled their efforts to mitigate heat-related risks.
Business
Dubai Airport tops air connectivity ranking for Asia-Pacific and Middle East
Dubai, UAE - Dubai International Airport (DXB) has once again secured the top spot in the Airports Council International’s (ACI)...
- Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, hailed the recognition as a testament to the airport’s strategic importance in global aviation
- Griffiths highlighted that DXB’s strength lies not only in the scale of its operations but also in the reliability and quality of its services
Business
Saudi Arabia unveils ‘Colour Your Summer’ program, targeting 41 million visitors
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia's tourism sector is poised for an unprecedented summer season, with the official launch of...
- It brings together over 120 partners from across Saudi Arabia's tourism ecosystem, including both public and private sectors, to offer an unparalleled array of experiences.
- Major events include the highly anticipated Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh from July to August, alongside dynamic Jeddah and Aseer Seasons.
Business
ADNOC Drilling secures $1.15bn contract
The contract for two jack-up rigs begins in the second quarter.
- The rigs are expected to commence operations around the end of 2Q 2025, delivering revenue in the second half of 2025 onwards.
- This award further de-risks and reaffirms ADNOC Drilling’s current 2025 and medium-term guidance, the company said.
Business
World’s longest diamond necklace set to break Guinness record at Sharjah show
Sharjah, UAE – Exhibitors at the 55th Watch and Jewelry Middle East Show, scheduled from May 28 to June 1,...
- The piece incorporates more than 600 lab-grown diamonds, precisely set in 18-karat rose gold, representing a fusion of luxury aesthetics and cutting-edge production techniques.
- The official Guinness assessment is set to take place on the first day of the 55th Watch and Jewelry Middle East Show.
Company News
ADNOC shifts OMV stake to XRG
Business
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SIB H1 net profit $189m
Business
UAE, Germany launch joint business council to strengthen economic ties
Berlin, Germany - Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Special Envoy to the...
Economy
Esports World Cup returns with record-breaking participation, global reach
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia continues to cement its position as a global hub for gaming, esports, and entertainment...
Economy
Dubai Islamic Bank completes $1bn sovereign financing Pakistan
Dubai, UAE -- Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) has announced the successful completion of a landmark US$1 billion syndicated term-finance facility...
Geostrategy
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Geostrategy
Iran voices ‘serious doubts’ over Israel’s commitments, including the ceasefire
Iran also writes to the UN chief to recognize the Israeli regime and the United States as the "initiators of...
- 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.
Geostrategy
Airlines suspend or reduce flights in Middle East after Iran strikes
British Airways cancelled flights between London's Heathrow Airport and Dubai and Doha on Sunday following the US strikes on Iran....
- Germany's Lufthansa group, whose other airlines include Swiss, Austrian and ITA, has suspended flights to the Middle East until June 30.
- Turkish airline Pegasus has scrapped flights to Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon until June 30, and Iran until July 30.
Geostrategy
MENA Brief | June 19: GCC central banks hold interest rates steady, Diriyah House launched in London
As most currencies in the region are pegged to the US dollar, monetary policy follows the decisions taken in Washington,...
- Saudi-based Cluster2 Airports Company signed a strategic MoU with Airbus. The agreement will see the deployment of the Agnet Turnaround platform across Cluster2’s 22 airports.
- Saudi National Bank (SNB) has issued $1.25 billion in Tier 2 bonds at a 6% profit rate under its $10 billion Euro Medium Term Note program.