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Eni profit falls due to dip in oil prices

Q2 net profit fell by 18% to $637 million.

Emirates NBD H1 profit $3.40bn

Total income rose by 12 percent in the same period.

ADIB H1 pre-tax profit $1.08bn

Q2 pre-tax net profit increases by 14 percent.

AstraZeneca to invest $50bn in US

Bulk of funds to go into a Virginia manufacturing center.

UAB net profit up by 50% for H1

Total assets increase by 11 percent.

MENA Brief June 14: Iran-Israel War, Abu Dhabi Summit, Saudi Football Rise, & More

This picture taken from Nuseirat, in the central Gaza Strip, shows rocket trails in the sky late on June 13, 2025, after Iran struck Israel with barrages of missiles after a massive onslaught targeted the Islamic republic's nuclear and military facilities. AFP
  • Tensions spiked as Iran fired ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for Israeli air raids that killed senior Iranian military leaders and hit nuclear sites
  • French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that the planned UN conference on a two-state solution in New York has been delayed due to security and logistical concerns

Here’s your MENA Brief for June 14, capturing the top developments shaping infrastructure, geopolitics, trade, and tourism

Iran launches missiles at Israel after nuclear facility strikes
Tensions spiked as Iran fired ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for Israeli air raids that killed senior Iranian military leaders and hit nuclear sites. Both nations reported casualties and damage amid calls from the US and UK to pursue dialogue and de-escalation.

UN Palestinian statehood conference postponed
French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that the planned UN conference on a two-state solution in New York has been delayed due to security and logistical concerns. Macron reiterated France’s determination to recognise a Palestinian state “under any circumstances.”

Abu Dhabi to host inaugural Infrastructure Summit
The Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre announced the first Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit (ADIS) for June 17–18, themed “Future Cities: Rethinking Infrastructure for Better Lifestyles.” Over 2,000 attendees, 70+ speakers, and 25 exhibitors will discuss sustainable, human-centric urban development across key sectors like mobility, energy, healthcare, and smart cities.

Saudi Arabia emerges as a global football powerhouse
Middle East expert Dr. Kristian Coates Ulrichsen highlights Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role in reshaping world football, backed by Vision 2030 investments and the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2034. In his new book “Kingdom of Football”, he notes the Kingdom’s deep sports heritage and growing influence in multiple sports arenas.

US judge extends detention of pro-Palestinian student leader
Despite a court order for release, Mahmoud Khalil — a prominent pro-Palestinian protest figure — remains in US detention on fresh charges related to alleged inaccuracies in his residency paperwork. His lawyer condemned the move as political retaliation for campus activism.

Pro-Palestinian march to Gaza blocked in Egypt and Libya
Activists trying to march to Gaza to break the Israeli blockade were stopped in both Libya and Egypt. Egyptian authorities confiscated passports and detained dozens, while Tunisia’s “Soumoud” convoy was halted at the Libyan city of Sirte, highlighting the logistical and political hurdles faced by solidarity movements.

Saudi EXIM Bank and Credit Oman sign MoU
Saudi EXIM Bank signed an MoU with Credit Oman during the TXF Global conference in Copenhagen to boost joint projects, support exports, and share expertise. Saudi EXIM has extended $22 billion in credit facilities to strengthen non-oil exports under Vision 2030.

Qatar relaunches Whale Shark Tours to promote ecotourism
Qatar Tourism, in collaboration with Discover Qatar, has reopened its seasonal Whale Shark Tours for 2025. These tours showcase one of the world’s largest whale shark gatherings while promoting marine conservation and sustainable tourism.