Dubai’s financial heartbeat is thumping louder—and faster—at the start of 2026. The Dubai Financial Market (DFM) has opened the year with a sharp leap in profitability, as trading floors buzzed with activity and fresh money poured in from across the globe. Net profit before tax climbed to AED 193.3 million, a notable jump from AED …
A new chapter in Makkah’s evolving cityscape is taking shape, as Umm Al Qura for Development and Construction moves to introduce its first branded residences in partnership with luxury hospitality operator Kempinski Group. The project, named Kempinski Residences, will rise within the Masar Haram district — a central zone inside the wider Masar development. Plans …
Saudi chemicals heavyweight Saudi Basic Industries Corporation opened the year on a cautiously optimistic note, swinging back into the black after a bruising period—though the recovery comes with visible strains beneath the surface. For the first quarter, the company posted a modest net profit of SAR13.2 million, a sharp turnaround from the hefty loss recorded …
Profit Returns, But Pressure Lingers: SABIC’s Uneven Start to 2026 Read More »
Dubai’s lights are barely flickering anymore—and the numbers prove it. The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority has set a fresh global benchmark, trimming electricity customer minutes lost (CML) down to just 0.82 minutes a year—roughly 49 seconds. It’s not just a record; it’s an improvement on its own previous best, shaving off about 13% from …
49 Seconds of Darkness: Dubai Pushes Power Reliability to a New Extreme Read More »
The UAE’s central bank has opted for continuity over surprise, keeping its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 3.65%—a move that mirrors the steady stance taken by the US Federal Reserve. The decision keeps the Base Rate for the Overnight Deposit Facility right where it is, reinforcing a sense of predictability in the country’s financial environment. …
UAE Holds Its Monetary Nerve as Benchmark Rate Stays Put at 3.65% Read More »
Geopolitical tremors from the Iran war have begun showing up in the Gulf’s construction and infrastructure pipeline, with project awards across the GCC retreating sharply in the opening quarter of 2026, underscoring how regional instability is spilling into investment decisions. New data from Kamco Invest, drawing on MEED figures, shows total contract awards across the …
Conflict Shock Ripples Through Gulf Projects as Contract Awards Slide Nearly 10% Read More »
A prolonged escalation tied to the Iran conflict could begin to test the resilience of Qatar’s banking system, with potential implications for credit strength, liquidity and bank viability, according to Fitch Ratings, which warned that a deeper or extended crisis could pressure operating conditions across the sector. At the center of concern is not just …
Qatar’s Banks Face Stress Test as Iran Conflict Risks Ripple Through Financial System Read More »
The United Arab Emirates’ decision to walk away from OPEC and the broader OPEC+ alliance may rattle long-term assumptions about producer unity, but HSBC believes the immediate effect on oil markets is likely to be muted. In the bank’s assessment, the bigger story is not an instant supply surge, but a gradual reshaping of market …
UAE’s OPEC+ Exit Seen as Slow-Burning Challenge, Not Immediate Oil Shock Read More »
Abu Dhabi’s telecom and technology heavyweight e& began 2026 with momentum, posting a sharp rise in first-quarter revenue as its digital bets and expanding global footprint continued to pay off. The group reported consolidated revenue of AED 19.4 billion in the first quarter, up 15.1 percent from a year earlier, while EBITDA climbed 16.5 percent …
e& Opens 2026 on a High, Revenue Climbs as Subscriber Growth Accelerates Read More »
Saudi Arabia is laying the groundwork for a more agile mergers and acquisitions market, with the Capital Market Authority unveiling proposed reforms aimed at modernizing how listed companies pursue deals. At the heart of the draft framework is a proposed “shelf registration” system — a mechanism that could reshape acquisition financing in the kingdom. Under …
Saudi Regulator Moves to Rewire Dealmaking With New M&A Rulebook Read More »
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