ANALYSIS

Gulf economies respond decisively as Mideast tensions test market confidence

Tue, 24 Mar 2026

As heightened tensions continue to inject uncertainty into global markets, businesses across the Gulf are balancing caution with determination. The GCC governments are responding swiftly to preserve stability, support liquidity, and sustain momentum, said an industry expert.

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IRAN DENIES REPORTS OF END TO WAR

Trump announces 5-day pause to US military strikes on Iran power grid

Mon, 23 Mar 2026

US President Donald Trump said on Monday he had given orders to postpone ​any military strikes against Iranian power plants for five days, hours ahead of a deadline that threatened further escalation in the conflict now in its fourth week.

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GCC ENERGY ASSETS KEY TARGETS

Trump sets 48-hour deadline to reopen Hormuz; Iran warns of ‘irreversible damage’

Sun, 22 Mar 2026

President Donald Trump has warned that the US would 'obliterate' Iran’s power plants if Tehran fails to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, prompting Iranian officials to threaten retaliatory strikes against US and Israeli energy and infrastructure assets in the region.

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TRUMP HINTS AT WINDING DOWN OPS

Iran's Natanz nuclear facility hit in US strikes; no leakages seen, says IAEA

Sat, 21 Mar 2026

The US ​and Israel ‌launched an attack ​on ​the Natanz uranium-enrichment ⁠facility ​on ​Saturday morning, Iran's Tasnim ​news ​agency said, as the war in the Middle East entered its fourth week. No radioactive ‌leaks ⁠occurred and residents near ​the ​site ⁠were not ​at ​risk, it added.

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MONEY MATTERS

Dollar index at pivotal point amid Fed tightening, geopolitical risks

Thu, 19 Mar 2026

The US Dollar Index (DXY) is moving at a pivotal moment, reflecting the interplay of three key factors: the Federal Reserve’s monetary tightening, rising US Treasury yields, and escalating geopolitical risks, particularly in the Middle East, said an industry expert.

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Top This Week

Nama set to award new PPAs for 3500MW power projects in Oman

Thu, 19 Mar 2026

Nama Power and Water Procurement Company is set to ink new power purchase agreements (PPAs) with Oman's top listed power generation companies – Al Suwadi, Al Batinah and Phoenix Power - for three gas-fired Independent Power Projects (IPPs) with a combined 3,500 MW capacity in the sultanate.

Trump vows no more attacks by Israel on Iran gas field after 'fiery response'

Thu, 19 Mar 2026

US ​President Donald Trump said Israel had 'violently lashed out' by striking Iran’s South Pars gas field, in an escalation of the conflict, prompting a retaliatory attack by Tehran on Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City. He ruled out further such ‌attacks by Israel unless Iran retaliated.

Bahrain approves package for businesses, citizens amid Mideast tensions

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Bahrain’s Parliament has unanimously approved a package of fast-track measures aimed at shielding businesses and citizens from the fallout of regional tensions and recent attacks, before referring them to the Cabinet for review, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

Saudi, GCC announce Friday as first day of Eid

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Saudi religious leaders have announced that the Eid Al Fitr will be celebrated on Friday in the kingdom and across the Gulf region after the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted on Wednesday (March 18) evening. Muslims in the region will therefore fast for 30 days this year.

Iran warns it will hit Gulf energy facilities after US attacks huge Pars gas field

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

In a major escalation in the Middle East conflict, Iran's huge Pars gas field was hit on Wednesday in the first ​reported strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure in the Gulf during the US-Israeli war, prompting Tehran to warn its neighbours that their energy installations would be targeted "in the coming hours".

Abu Dhabi, Dubai approve $2.59bn housing benefits to citizens

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Abu Dhabi and Dubai have approved major housing benefits totalling AED9.52 billion ($2.59 billion) for their citizens ahead of Eid-Al-Fitr, reflecting the leadership’s ongoing commitment to enhancing Emirati families’ wellbeing.

stc Bahrain grants staff 10-day extended Eid holiday

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

stc Bahrain, a digital enabler, has announced a 10-day extended holiday for all its employees in celebration of Eid Al-Fitr.

Arabian Travel Market (ATM) rescheduled to August

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, originally scheduled to take place from May 4 to 7 at Dubai World Trade Centre, will now take place from August 17 to 20, with the venue remaining unchanged, RX, the organiser, has confirmed.

Acwa Power buys entire 32pc Badeel stake in Shuaibah Water and Electricity Company

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Global utility major Acwa Power has acquired the entire 32% stake of Saudi PIF company Badeel in Shuaibah Water and Electricity Company (developer of Shuaibah IWPP). With this move, Acwa Power has now become the majority stake holder in the Shuaibah company with 62% share.

Beyond achieves key milestone on its Dubai Maritime City masterplan

Tue, 24 Mar 2026

Beyond Developments has confirmed continued construction momentum across its Dubai Maritime City masterplan, with measurable progress achieved across all active developments and key structural milestones delivered in line with approved schedules.

How Offshore Support Vessels are Powering the Energy Transition

Tue, 24 Mar 2026

Developments in the offshore energy sector are highlighting the important role of offshore support vessels as the industry moves toward innovation, sustainability, and renewable energy.

Jazeera Airways establishes critical supply chain corridor to Kuwait

Tue, 24 Mar 2026

Leading low-cost carrier Jazeera Airways has announced that it has established a vital supply chain corridor into Kuwait via Qaisumah Airport (AQI) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, successfully transporting its first shipment of 4.5 tonne of fresh fruits and vegetables from Chennai, India, into the country.

Metal Park seals lease agreement with top Dubai developer Binghatti

Tue, 24 Mar 2026

Metal Park, the first integrated downstream metals ecosystem based in Kezad, Abu Dhabi, has signed a lease agreement with Dubai developer Binghatti, thus establishing a collaboration focused on optimising its own construction supply chain through improved control, efficiency and material assurance.

Gulf economies respond decisively as Mideast tensions test market confidence

Tue, 24 Mar 2026

As heightened tensions continue to inject uncertainty into global markets, businesses across the Gulf are balancing caution with determination. The GCC governments are responding swiftly to preserve stability, support liquidity, and sustain momentum, said an industry expert.

Arabian Construction Company wins Jubail Island villa project contract

Tue, 17 Mar 2026

Jubail Island Investment Company has awarded a contract to Arabian Construction Company (ACC) to deliver Packages 1 to 5 within its mega development in Abu Dhabi. The scope of work includes construction of premium three- to six-bedroom villas along with other key amenities.

Californian scientists create cancer-fighting cells in body, says study

Sun, 22 Mar 2026

Scientists at the University of California have developed a new method to treat blood cancers by reprogramming immune cells directly inside the patient’s body, rather than extracting and processing them in a laboratory, said a report.

Arada awards contract for K-12 school at mega Sharjah project

Tue, 24 Mar 2026

UAE developer Arada has awarded the main construction contract for a K-12 school at Masaar, its AED9.5 billion ($2.6 billion) forested megaproject in Sharjah. Developed in partnership with Bright Capital Investment, the new Reigate Grammar School is the first branch campus of a UK school in the emirate.

Sanipex launches new architectural hardware, ironmongery category

Tue, 24 Mar 2026

Sanipex Group has expanded its portfolio with the introduction of its architectural hardware and ironmongery category, offering architects, designers, developers and homeowners a comprehensive and aspirational range of hardware solutions that refine the smallest details within a space.

Grant Thornton announces new UAE partner appointments

Mon, 23 Mar 2026

Grant Thornton, a professional services firm providing audit, tax and advisory services, has announced the appointments of 10 new partners as part of its continued UAE expansion, adding senior leadership across multiple service lines at a time of sustained client demand and market change.

Mazad launches three-digit licence plate auction in Bahrain

Tue, 24 Mar 2026

Mazad, a leading digital auctions and marketplace platform in Bahrain, and a Mumtalakat portfolio company, has announced the launch of a special auction for a unique three‑digit vehicle license plate number, 994, in response to the growing demand for distinctive triple‑digit plates.

Mazad launches three-digit licence plate auction in Bahrain

Tue, 24 Mar 2026

Mazad, a leading digital auctions and marketplace platform in Bahrain, and a Mumtalakat portfolio company, has announced the launch of a special auction for a unique three‑digit vehicle license plate number, 994, in response to the growing demand for distinctive triple‑digit plates.

Bahraini families, institutions show unity amid Iranian strikes

Mon, 23 Mar 2026

Amid the Iranian attacks targeting Bahrain and other Gulf countries, Bahraini families, community leaders, business figures and civil society organisations have issued statements emphasising their support for the kingdom, national unity, and loyalty under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad.

Bahraini families, institutions show unity amid Iranian strikes

Mon, 23 Mar 2026

Amid the Iranian attacks targeting Bahrain and other Gulf countries, Bahraini families, community leaders, business figures and civil society organisations have issued statements emphasising their support for the kingdom, national unity, and loyalty under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad.

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