Saudi Pro League announces long-term partnership with Maaden

• The partnership will focus on strengthening Maaden’s position as an employer of choice in Saudi Arabia
• The collaboration will also explore joint initiatives across community engagement and national talent development

Syria inks $7 bn energy deal with Qatari, Turkish, US firms

Cross-border deals fuel M&A surge in MENA region in Q1 2025

• 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.

Musk to exit US government role after rare break with Trump

• The South African-born tech tycoon had said Trump's bill would increase the deficit and undermine the work of Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)
• Musk, who was a constant presence at Trump's side before returning to his businesses, complained that DOGE had become "whipping boy" for dissatisfaction with the administration

Dubai Airport tops air connectivity ranking for Asia-Pacific and Middle East

• 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

Saudi Arabia unveils ‘Colour Your Summer’ program, targeting 41 million visitors

• 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.

ADNOC Drilling secures $1.15bn contract

• 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.

World’s longest diamond necklace set to break Guinness record at Sharjah show

• 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.

ADNOC’s listed companies post over $2.3 billion net profit in first quarter

• ADNOC Distribution delivered first quarter net profit of $174 million (AEDAED639 million), up 16 percent year-on-year.
• Borouge reported strong Q1 2025 results with net profit of $281 million, driven by year-on-year increases of 10 percent for sales volumes and 7 percent for production volumes.

Real estate transactions in five UAE emirates reach $65 billion in Q1

• More than 94,719 sales, purchase, and mortgage deals were recorded from January through March in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah.
• Dubai accounted for the largest share, with AED 193 billion in real estate transactions, resulting from 58,039 transactions, a growth of 16.2% in value and 31.5% compared to 2024.