ANOTHER AIRCRAFT CARRIER HEADS TO MIDEAST

US military gearing up for 'weeks-long Iran operations'

Sat, 14 Feb 2026

The US military is preparing for sustained, weeks-long operations against Iran if President Donald Trump orders an attack, reported Reuters, citing two US officials. The Pentagon is sending an additional aircraft carrier to the Middle East adding thousands more troops along with fighter aircraft.

Read more
TOP FIRMS COME TOGETHER

IHC launches Judan Financial platform with $237bn in AuM

Fri, 13 Feb 2026

IHC, the global investment company focused on building dynamic value networks, on Friday announced the plan to launch Judan Financial Holding, a new international financial services holding company that will serve as the dedicated platform for IHC’s rapidly expanding financial services portfolio.

Read more
NEW HEADS NAMED

DP World, PCFZ chairman removed after alleged Epstein ties

Fri, 13 Feb 2026

In a surprise leadership overhaul, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, long the face of Dubai’s global trade empire, has been removed from his positions as Group Chairman and CEO of DP World — and divested of his chairmanship of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation.

Read more
ANALYSIS

UAE and Saudi Arabia set the benchmark for GCC IPO: report

Wed, 11 Feb 2026

The UAE and Saudi Arabia have emerged as the clear leaders of the GCC IPO market, setting the benchmark for scale, sophistication, and investor expectations across the region, according to a new Viewpoint by Arthur D Little.

Read more
SPOTLIGHT

Construction costs set to increase in Saudi Arabia, UAE

Wed, 11 Feb 2026

Construction costs are expected to rise in the Middle East this year, increasing by around 4% in Saudi Arabia and 3% in the UAE. Across key sectors, demand remains strong, but delivery conditions are becoming more complex, says a new report.

Read more

Top This Week

Hassan Allam Holding launches $880m Noor Khuzam residential community

Thu, 12 Feb 2026

Hassan Allam Holding’s development arm, Grova Developments, and Tilal Real Estate in partnership with the National Housing Company (NHC) have launched Noor Khuzam, one of the most prominent new residential communities in the northern part of Riyadh.

Kerno showcases UAE’s first enterprise-class technology manufacturing facility

Thu, 12 Feb 2026

Kerno Enterprises, the UAE’s enterprise-level IT hardware manufacturer, hosted an invite-only tour of its upcoming manufacturing facility in Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) on February 10.

TAQA revenues steady at $14.92bn, profits rise 5.6% to $2bn

Thu, 12 Feb 2026

Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), one of the largest listed integrated utilities companies in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, recorded full-year 2025 revenues of AED54.8 billion ($14.92 billion), broadly in line with the prior year.

UAE Central Bank clears launch of dirham-backed Stablecoin DDSC

Thu, 12 Feb 2026

The UAE has taken a decisive step into regulated digital currency infrastructure after the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) approved the launch of the dirham-backed stablecoin, DDSC, paving the way for institutional-grade blockchain-based payments in the country.

ADNOC Drilling reports record results; revenues top $4.9bn

Thu, 12 Feb 2026

ADNOC Drilling Company today announced record fourth quarter (Q4) and full year (FY) 2025 results, marking a step change in scale, technology-enabled performance and excellence in execution. The company's revenue totalled $4.9 billion, up 22% year-on-year (YoY); EBITDA was $2.2 billion, an increase of 9% YoY; and net profit hit $1.45 billion, a growth of 11% YoY.

Indra wins renewal for Makkah-Madinah High-Speed rail O&M contract

Wed, 11 Feb 2026

Indra, a Spanish aerospace, defence and mobility systems group, has announced that it has secured the renewal of its operation and maintenance contract for the Haramain High-Speed Line project from Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) for another five-year term.

AirAsia X launches Kuala Lumpur–Bahrain–London route

Wed, 11 Feb 2026

AirAsia X (AAX) has announced two international routes linking Kuala Lumpur to Bahrain and onward to London Gatwick (KUL–BAH–LGW), strengthening its global expansion strategy. Starting June 26, 2026, the service makes Bahrain its first global hub and marks the airline’s second Fifth-Freedom route beyond Asia.

Gulf Hotels Group enters Saudi market with three Makkah properties

Wed, 11 Feb 2026

Gulf Hotels Group (GHG) has signed an MoU with Burhan Hotels to enter Saudi Arabia, covering three Makkah hotels with around 1,000 rooms. GHG will operate and manage the properties, oversee renovations and repositioning, and pursue partnerships with international hotel brands as part of its expansion strategy.

Dubai posts highest single-day real estate transaction value of $4.25bn

Wed, 11 Feb 2026

The Dubai real estate market recorded the highest single-day real estate transaction value in its history on January 26 of AED15.6 billion ($4.25 billion), data released by the Dubai Land Department said.

Modon, Medlog in deal to set up integrated logistics zone in Jeddah

Sun, 15 Feb 2026

The Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (Modon) has sealed an agreement with Medlog, the logistics arm of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), for the establishment of an integrated logistics zone over a 100,000 sq m area in Jeddah city.

New Terra Academia Bahrain to drive ecological transformation

Sun, 15 Feb 2026

Veolia, Terra Academia International (TAI) and the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) have launched Terra Academia Bahrain, dedicated to ecological transformation, industrial innovation and sustainability. The initiative aims to establish the Middle East’s first university in this field, featuring a campus and online platform, and training 5,000 learners by 2030.

DCT Abu Dhabi lists 40+ new sites under Modern Heritage Register

Sun, 15 Feb 2026

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has listed more than 40 new sites under its Modern Heritage Register. These additions expand upon the first set of buildings and sites identified in 2022, with the newly confirmed list reflecting dedicated efforts undertaken over the past three years (2023–2025) to document and safeguard Abu Dhabi’s modern heritage.

Saudi Eram signs strategic defence tech deal with India's BEL

Sun, 15 Feb 2026

Saudi Arabia's Eram Holdings and top Indian defence electronics company Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) have officially sealed a strategic collaboration deal aimed at advancing the localisation and co-development of defence and aerospace technologies within the kingdom.

MENA M&A activity value tops $106bn with 884 deals

Wed, 11 Feb 2026

The MENA region recorded a robust 26% rise in merger and acquisition (M&A) activity with 884 deals, compared to 701 in 2024 with the total deal value reaching $106.1 billion, according to the EY MENA M&A Insights 2025 report.

UAE announces opening of landmark mountain destination in Ajman

Sun, 15 Feb 2026

UAE authorities have announced the opening of a landmark mountain destination, Masfout Gate, in the northern emirate of Ajman built over a 500 sq m area. Standing at 16m high, the project features a 40m architectural walkway, forming an integrated urban edifice.

ROSHN Group sets sustainability standard as first firm in KSA to achieve BSI carbon certification

Thu, 12 Feb 2026

ROSHN Group, Saudi Arabia’s leading multi-asset class developer and a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company, has been announced as the first organisation in Saudi Arabia and the GCC region to secure certification for carbon management in buildings and infrastructure from BSI, the business standards and improvement company.

Al Tamimi & Company names senior counsel for Mena region

Sat, 14 Feb 2026

Al Tamimi & Company has appointed Dr Bashayer Al Majed as its senior counsel, reinforcing the top law firm’s commitment to combining regional strength with deep national insight. In this role, she will support the firm on policy-making initiatives, FDI and strategic advisory work.

Talabat posts 28% GMV growth in 2025; sets $100m for expansion

Sun, 15 Feb 2026

Talabat Holding, a major online food and grocery delivery company in Mena region, has reported solid growth for FY 2025 with a 28% rise in gross merchandise value (GMV) and a 33% jump in its revenue hitting $3.9 billion. The company is also set to invest over $100 million this year to support long-term growth.

KIB seals co-op agreement with Kuwaiti construction major ACICO

Sat, 14 Feb 2026

Kuwait International Bank (KIB) has announced the signing of a strategic co-operation agreement with ACICO Group, a leader in the construction and industrial sectors, to provide affordable financing solutions for citizens to build their residential plot.

Ericsson and specialized by stc sign MoU to advance mission critical connectivity

Fri, 13 Feb 2026

Ericsson and specialized by stc have announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to accelerate the development of advanced mission critical communication capabilities that support Saudi Arabia’s national public safety ecosystem.

Uber, Baidu to launch driverless ride-hailing service in Dubai next month

Wed, 11 Feb 2026

Baidu and Uber Technologies will roll out the Apollo Go autonomous ride-hailing service in Dubai as early as next month, as part of their partnership with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

Saudi Arabia to host major AERO Middle East airshow in November

Thu, 12 Feb 2026

Messe Frankfurt Saudi Arabia and the Saudi Aviation Club have announced the launch of AERO Middle East x Sand & Fun 2026, a landmark aviation platform.

EU may ease travel visas for certain professionals

Fri, 06 Feb 2026

The European Commission has announced it will look into allowing certain non-EU professionals to stay in the EU beyond the current 90/180-day rule, as part of a future overhaul of its visa system, a report said.

Gulf Construction

Calendar of Events

Weather

Weather Data Source: wetterlang.de