INSIGHT

IT services spend in MENA set to reach up to 28% of total tech budgets

Tue, 23 Dec 2025

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is entering a decisive, services-led growth phase in its IT sector, as enterprises and governments accelerate large-scale digital transformation initiatives, says a report.

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COMCAST INOLVED IN THE PROJECT

Universal Studios in early planning stages for theme park in Saudi Arabia, says report

Tue, 23 Dec 2025

Universal ‍Studios ‍is in early planning ​stages to build a new ⁠theme park in Saudi Arabia, the Wall ⁠Street Journal ‌reported on Friday, citing people with knowledge of ⁠the matter. The Comcast unit is doing initial concept work for the park.

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NEW TOURISM INITIATIVE

Dubai launches region’s first integrated recreational vehicle route

Tue, 23 Dec 2025

Dubai Municipality has launched the region’s first integrated recreational vehicle (RV) route, marking a pioneering step in developing a new model of nature-based tourism in Dubai.

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FIRST IN GCC

Bahrain's TRA launches Satellite Direct-to-Device Services

Mon, 22 Dec 2025

Bahrain’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has announced the launch of Satellite Direct-to-Device (D2D) services in the Kingdom, marking a significant milestone in the country’s telecommunications landscape.

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DEALS HIT $53 BILLION

Middle East M&A activity surges 260% despite market volatility

Mon, 22 Dec 2025

Middle Eastern mergers and acquisitions (M&A) have demonstrated remarkable resilience and strategic focus, with deal values surging 260% to $53 billion in the first nine months of 2025 compared to the same period last year, a report said.

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Top This Week

YBA Kanoo Group announces new board of directors

Sun, 21 Dec 2025

Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo Group, one of the region's largest independent family-owned multinational businesses headquartered in Bahrain, has announced the appointment of its new Board of Directors under the chairmanship of Fawzi Ahmed Kanoo.

UAE tourism sector adds $70bn to GDP, sets visitor records in 2025

Sat, 20 Dec 2025

The UAE’s tourism sector continued its strong upward trajectory in 2025, consolidating its position as one of the country’s most dynamic economic sectors, contributing AED257 billion ($70 billion) to GDP and setting new visitor records for the year, said a report.

Global GDP likely to grow 2.8% in 2026, says Goldman Sachs

Sat, 20 Dec 2025

The global GDP is projected to surge 2.8% in 2026, led by stronger momentum in the US and resilient exports from China, while the euro zone benefits from targeted fiscal support despite longer-term challenges, said Goldman Sachs Research in its new report.

ADNOC secures $2bn K-Sure-backed green projects funding

Sat, 20 Dec 2025

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company has signed a $2 billion green financing deal backed by Korea Trade Insurance Corporation (K-Sure) to fund lower carbon projects across its operations. This marks its first green financing facility backed by a Korean agency.

ADNOC secures $11bn financing for Hail & Ghasha gas development

Fri, 19 Dec 2025

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), in partnership with Eni and PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited (PTTEP), has signed a landmark structured financing transaction of up to AED40.4 billion ($11 billion) to monetise Hail and Ghasha’s midstream future gas production.

Saudi Arabia completes world's largest BESS project grid connection

Fri, 19 Dec 2025

Saudi Arabia has officially completed grid connection of its landmark energy storage system (ESS) project with the nameplate capacity of 7.8GWh.

Modon inks $1.36bn contract for 735 Abu Dhabi villas

Fri, 19 Dec 2025

Modon has awarded the main construction contract for two of its residential developments on Hudayriyat Island: Nawayef East and Nawayef West. With a total value of AED5 billion ($1.36 billion), the contract is the largest awarded for residential projects in Abu Dhabi in 2025.

Oman, India sign CEPA to boost trade

Fri, 19 Dec 2025

Oman and India have signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in Muscat, laying the framework for a significant expansion of trade, investment and services cooperation between the two countries.

Kuwait to award $3.9bn EPC contract for Al Kabeer Port Phase I

Thu, 18 Dec 2025

Work will soon start on the Mubarak Al Kabeer Port development in Kuwait following the allocation of KD1.2 billion ($3.9 billion) funds to carry out EPC work for Phase I of the project. On completion, the port will emerge as a key regional transport hub in line with Kuwait Vision 2035.

NIC-Arkan consortium wins big Kuwait real estate project

Tue, 23 Dec 2025

A consortium led by National Investments Company has emerged the winning bidder for the development and renovation of Al Muthanna Complex, one of Kuwait City’s most iconic landmarks, being implemented on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

Baker Hughes to boost Kuwait oil production with lift solutions

Tue, 23 Dec 2025

Baker Hughes, an energy technology company, announced a major award from Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) to provide advanced artificial lift systems and associated services to enhance production in Kuwait’s oil and gas fields.

Stirling Hospitality in deal to launch St. Regis Residences on Dubai Islands

Tue, 23 Dec 2025

Stirling Hospitality Advisors has partnered with Avenew Development for the launch of the St. Regis Residences on Dubai Islands. A premium project, it will feature 250 ultra-luxury homes with a mix of one- to four-bedroom residences and penthouses.

Seagull expands manufacturing facility in Ras Al Khaimah

Tue, 23 Dec 2025

Seagull, a UAE-born pioneer in HVAC solutions, has expanded its industrial presence with a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone.

IT services spend in MENA set to reach up to 28% of total tech budgets

Tue, 23 Dec 2025

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is entering a decisive, services-led growth phase in its IT sector, as enterprises and governments accelerate large-scale digital transformation initiatives, says a report.

Qatar International Food Festival returns in January

Mon, 22 Dec 2025

The Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) will return from January 14 to January 24, 2026, for its 15th edition, Visit Qatar has announced.

EIH brings world-leading Institut Marquès IVF centre to Abu Dhabi

Mon, 22 Dec 2025

Ethmar International Holding (EIH), a leading investment holding in the UAE, is partnering with FutureLife group to bring the internationally renowned Institut Marquès assisted reproductive technology (ART) centre to Abu Dhabi.

YBA Kanoo Group announces new board of directors

Sun, 21 Dec 2025

Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo Group, one of the region's largest independent family-owned multinational businesses headquartered in Bahrain, has announced the appointment of its new Board of Directors under the chairmanship of Fawzi Ahmed Kanoo.

Chalhoub signs solar lease deal with Yellow Door Energy

Thu, 18 Dec 2025

Chalhoub Group, a premier luxury retailer in the Middle East, said it has signed a solar lease agreement with Yellow Door Energy, a leading provider of sustainable energy solutions, to bring clean electricity to the Group's key fulfilment hub in Riyadh.

Mashreq closes $2bn dual tranche syndicated term loan facilities

Tue, 23 Dec 2025

Mashreq, one of the leading financial institutions in the Mena region, said it has successfully closed its $2 billion syndicated loan with two tranches, a three-year and a five-year tranche. The transaction marks Mashreq’s return to the syndicated loan market after a decade. Its last syndicated loan issuance was in 2014.

Bahrain's TRA launches Satellite Direct-to-Device Services

Mon, 22 Dec 2025

Bahrain’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has announced the launch of Satellite Direct-to-Device (D2D) services in the Kingdom, marking a significant milestone in the country’s telecommunications landscape.

Abu Dhabi to host Gran Turismo World Series 2026 opening event

Mon, 22 Dec 2025

For the first time in the Middle East, Abu Dhabi will host the Gran Turismo World Series 2026 opening event, scheduled for March 28 at the Space42 Arena. The landmark event will bring together the world’s top Gran Turismo drivers to compete in an elite live championship.

Universal Studios in early planning stages for theme park in Saudi Arabia, says report

Tue, 23 Dec 2025

Universal ‍Studios ‍is in early planning ​stages to build a new ⁠theme park in Saudi Arabia, the Wall ⁠Street Journal ‌reported on Friday, citing people with knowledge of ⁠the matter. The Comcast unit is doing initial concept work for the park.

Abu Dhabi to host Gran Turismo World Series 2026 opening event

Mon, 22 Dec 2025

For the first time in the Middle East, Abu Dhabi will host the Gran Turismo World Series 2026 opening event, scheduled for March 28 at the Space42 Arena. The landmark event will bring together the world’s top Gran Turismo drivers to compete in an elite live championship.

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