Middle East conflict: Trade tensions rise as oil jumps and tariffs shake markets 

• DP World said operations at Jebel Ali port in Dubai, one of the world's busiest container ports, had been suspended due to a fire after "aerial interception"
• The direct impact is most acute for energy‑importing economies in Europe and Asia, and a prolonged closure could feed through into higher inflation

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

MEA market decision-making cycle is fast but risk-averse: Ralph Melis 

• The real shift is that AI becomes the interface. Users no longer need technical knowledge or experience navigating complex systems.
• They simply prompt their way forward—asking natural-language questions and receiving accurate comparisons, recommendations, and insights instantly.

Dubai moves from importing innovation to exporting it, says Future Solutions Head

• Dubai Future Solutions connects student innovators with government, industry and investors, offering year-round support until technologies are validated and ready for funding.
• The program evaluates submissions based on global impact, depth of academic research, and effective use of technology to address social or environmental challenges.

Wealthy Asians consider shifting assets from Dubai amid Iran war fears: report

• Dubai has in recent years become a preferred wealth hub for entrepreneurs and affluent families in Asia, particularly from China
• The total assets of the UAE’s banking and financial sector exceeded 5.42 trillion dirhams ($1.48 trillion), according to the country’s central bank

Meta, YouTube face trial over children harm

• The case may influence thousands of lawsuits alleging social media features harmed young users’ mental health and wellbeing.
• Meta and YouTube have denied the allegations, saying they have implemented tools and policies aimed at improving safety for younger users.

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.

Gulf sovereign wealth funds face a strategic test amid escalating conflict

• The United Arab Emirates is expected to maintain a fiscal surplus over the next two years
• Saudi Arabia has already been running significant deficits tied to its economic transformation agenda

GCC agriculture sectors post strong 2024 performance

• Agricultural and fisheries exports rose to $7.8 billion, up 7.5 percent, while imports reached $38.7 billion, an increase of 10.1 percent.
• Vegetables accounted for 45.8 percent of total crop production, the largest share among plant products.

MENA’s next tech breakthrough depends on infrastructure, not hype

• In MENA, scalable startups must prioritise execution, defensibility and real traction over hype, Jamil Shinawi told TRENDS
• The real opportunity lies in AI-driven systems that turn data into instant, cross-sector impact, he adds