US BUILD-UP GROWS

Trump sets 10-15 days deadline for Iran; warns of 'bad things'

Fri, 20 Feb 2026

US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran must reach a “meaningful” agreement over its nuclear programme within “10 to 15 days” or face unspecified consequences, escalating rhetoric amid a heightened US military presence in the Middle East.

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FDI UP 13% TO $2.23bn

Abu Dhabi’s real estate market delivers record $38.67bn deals

Fri, 20 Feb 2026

Abu Dhabi’s real estate market recorded total transactions worth a record AED142 billion ($38.67 billion) from 42,814 deals in 2025, representing a 44% increase in value and a 52% rise in transaction volume compared to 2024.

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INSIGHT

Non-oil growth: KSA must focus on quality over scale, says PwC

Fri, 20 Feb 2026

Saudi Arabia’s sweeping diversification drive has transformed the structure of its economy, but the next phase must focus on quality and productivity rather than scale, as oil market dynamics continue to shape non-oil performance, according to PwC.

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BOARD OF PEACE MEETING

UAE announces further $1.2 billion support for Gaza

Fri, 20 Feb 2026

The UAE has announced a further $1.2 billion for supporting Gaza through the Board of Peace.

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ANALYSIS

What is the impact of US-Iran tensions escalating?

Tue, 17 Feb 2026

The US has positioned forces in the Gulf region, pressuring Iran to accept a set of US demands. Diplomatic channels remain open, but miscalculation by either party could result in an escalation. CIO Office Viewpoint from Lombard Odier examines the potential implications if US-Iran tensions were to escalate.

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Top This Week

Revealed: MOON Smart City masterplan, UAE among possible locations

Thu, 19 Feb 2026

Moon World Resorts, a Canadian-based design studio, has announced the debut of MOON’s revolutionary Smart City masterplan. The masterplan combines a unique integrated destination resort, luxury living, authentic space tourism, wellness + longevity and environmental innovation.

ilmi Science Discovery and Innovation Centre at Misk topped off

Thu, 19 Feb 2026

The ilmi Science Discovery and Innovation Centre at Misk City in Riyadh has reached a major construction milestone with a topping-off ceremony, signalling steady progress on what is set to become one of Riyadh’s landmark developments.

BENEFIT records nearly $100bn in e-transactions across all transfer services

Thu, 19 Feb 2026

Bahrain has seen a significant growth in online payments processed through the Electronic Funds Transfer System (EFTS) across all channels, including banking platforms and the BenefitPay app, said BENEFIT, Bahrain’s leading fintech and electronic financial transactions service provider.

Modon Holding posts strong growth; net profit tops $1bn

Thu, 19 Feb 2026

Modon Holding, international holding company headquartered in Abu Dhabi, delivered exceptional financial performance for the full year 2025 reporting revenue of AED13.8 billion ($3.76 billion) and net profit of AED3.9 billion ($1.06 billion), reflecting a robust operating model and an accelerated execution of its strategy.

ArcelorMittal to set up third manufacturing plant in Sharjah

Wed, 18 Feb 2026

ArcelorMittal Projects, part of the world-leading steel and mining group ArcelorMittal, has announced plans to establish its third plant at the Hamriyah Free Zone in Sharjah, spanning over a 1.4 million sq ft area. The operations are set to begin at the facility later this year.

Elsewedy consortium achieves key Rabigh 1 expansion milestone with $1.4bn SEC deal

Wed, 18 Feb 2026

A consortium of Elsewedy Electric and Siemens Energy has achieved a major milestone in the expansion of Saudi Arabia’s Rabigh 1 power plant following the signing of a SAR5.3 billion ($1.4 billion) energy conversion agreement by Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) and Saudi Power Procurement Company (Principal Buyer).

Zain Group revenue hits $7.44bn for 2025; net income doubles to $777m

Wed, 18 Feb 2026

Zain Group, a leading provider of innovative ICT and digital lifestyle communications (TechCo) operating in eight markets across the Middle East and Africa, has announced robust consolidated financial results for the full-year 2025 (FY-25), and fourth quarter (Q4-25) ended 31 December 2025.

Qatar announces tendering, awarding of 20 projects worth $3.16bn

Wed, 18 Feb 2026

Qatar's Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has announced progress on 20 new projects with a total estimated value of QR11.5 billion ($3.16 billion).

Tourism sector accounts for 7% of Bahrain economy: Minister

Wed, 18 Feb 2026

Bahrain's Tourism Minister Fatima Al Sairafi said the tourism sector now constitutes seven per cent of the kingdom's total GDP. “The World Tourism Index report issued in January 2026 showed that Bahrain ranked third in the Middle East for visitor growth in 2025 compared with 2024, achieving an 11 per cent increase,” she told a Parliament session.

Aldar issues $1bn hybrid notes to Apollo to support growth momentum

Fri, 20 Feb 2026

Aldar Properties has issued a $1.0 billion in subordinated hybrid notes to Apollo Global Management through a private placement, raising additional capital to support its strong growth momentum.

Airport Show 2026 to showcase best-in-class ATM technology

Fri, 20 Feb 2026

A wide range of cutting-edge Air Traffic Management (ATM) and Air Traffic Control (ATC) solutions for the Air Navigation Services Providers (ANSPs) and airport operators will be showcased at the 25th edition of the Airport Show in Dubai.

Licences must for petroleum, petchem activities: Saudi Ministry of Energy

Fri, 20 Feb 2026

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Energy has reiterated that all activities involving petroleum and petrochemical materials must obtain the necessary licences from the ministry.

Non-oil growth: KSA must focus on quality over scale, says PwC

Fri, 20 Feb 2026

Saudi Arabia’s sweeping diversification drive has transformed the structure of its economy, but the next phase must focus on quality and productivity rather than scale, as oil market dynamics continue to shape non-oil performance, according to PwC.

Aldar unveils 740-unit Wilds Residences in Dubai

Thu, 19 Feb 2026

Leading Abu Dhabi developer Aldar has announced the launch of The Wilds Residences, a prime project featuring six mid-rise apartment buildings nestled within The Wilds, the company’s landmark nature-driven community in Dubai. It boasts 740 apartments with a mix of one- to three-bedroom units.

Emirates Health Services, Boston Health AI launch UAE’s first AI physician assistant

Thu, 19 Feb 2026

Emirates Health Services (EHS) has announced a strategic partnership with Boston Health AI to launch “Amal,” the UAE’s first AI Physician Assistant, across its healthcare network.

Metal Park ties up with key institutions to bring top-quality metals education

Thu, 19 Feb 2026

Metal Park, a dynamic industrial hub in Abu Dhabi, has signed a strategic agreement with the World Steel Association and Steel University, establishing a national-level alliance to develop a fully integrated metals education and capability ecosystem for the Middle East.

Italian furniture brand Miki Ferrari opens first Mideast showroom

Mon, 16 Feb 2026

Italian luxury furniture brand Miki Ferrari has entered the Middle East market with the opening of its first regional showroom in Sharjah. The new store showcases its contemporary Italian furniture in a warm and welcoming space reflective of its innovative approach to design and craftsmanship.

Aldar issues $1bn hybrid notes to Apollo to support growth momentum

Fri, 20 Feb 2026

Aldar Properties has issued a $1.0 billion in subordinated hybrid notes to Apollo Global Management through a private placement, raising additional capital to support its strong growth momentum.

Abu Dhabi deploy 8 exaflop supercomputer in India

Fri, 20 Feb 2026

Abu Dhabi will establish a national-scale AI supercomputer in India with 8 exaflops of compute capacity, marking a new phase in India’s AI infrastructure development.

Al Habtoor Motors hosts test drive for the all-new Mitsubishi Destinator

Tue, 17 Feb 2026

Al Habtoor Motors, the exclusive distributor of Mitsubishi Motors in the UAE, recently hosted an immersive driving experience at the prestigious Dubai Autodrome, inviting leading media representatives and digital influencers to get behind the wheel of the All-New Mitsubishi Destinator.

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