MONEY MATTERS

1970s-style stagflation could hit global economy, warns deVere CEO

Wed, 25 Mar 2026

Households, businesses and investors should prepare for 1970’s-style global stagflation, warned Nigel Green, the CEO of the deVere Group, one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory organisations, after private sector output in the euro zone sank to a 10-month low in March.

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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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Top This Week

Iran attacks wipe out Qatar’s 17pc LNG capacity: QatarEnergy CEO

Thu, 19 Mar 2026

Iranian attacks ‌have knocked out 17% of Qatar's liquefied natural gas (LNG) export capacity, causing an estimated $20 billion in lost annual revenue and threatening supplies to Europe and Asia, QatarEnergy's CEO and state minister for energy affairs told Reuters.

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.

AtkinsRéalis in partnership deal for culture-led urban development

Wed, 25 Mar 2026

AtkinsRéalis has signed a strategic deal with Futurecity, the cultural placemaking agency, to advance culture-led urban development across global markets. The duo will initially focus on Middle East, where major investment in arts, culture and destination development is reshaping cities.

Ketjen, Aramco unit in deal to co-develop FCC catalysts and additives

Wed, 25 Mar 2026

US-based Ketjen Corporation, a leader in catalyst and specialty chemicals innovation, has signed an agreement with a key subsidiary of Saudi oil giant Aramco for the co-development, testing and deployment of next-generation Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) catalysts and additives in the kingdom.

NCL commits to full future cruise credit amidst travel disruptions

Wed, 25 Mar 2026

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) prioritises passenger flexibility amid complex regional travel, ensuring peace of mind, says Kevin Bubolz, VP & Managing Director for Continental Europe and MEA, highlighting the line’s commitment to guests during challenging times.

Mideast conflict to dampen chemicals production, trade activity: Fitch

Wed, 25 Mar 2026

The prolonged closure of Strait of Hormuz, lasting significantly longer than a month, would negatively affect global chemical production, with Mideastern and Asian producers most affected. Chemical production costs may hit a new high and global supply chains could get disrupted, said a report.

1970s-style stagflation could hit global economy, warns deVere CEO

Wed, 25 Mar 2026

Households, businesses and investors should prepare for 1970’s-style global stagflation, warned Nigel Green, the CEO of the deVere Group, one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory organisations, after private sector output in the euro zone sank to a 10-month low in March.

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.

Asry highlights role of youth in long-term growth strategy

Wed, 25 Mar 2026

The Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard Company (Asry) firmly believes in the role of youth as key partners in achieving success and sustainability, said its top official, adding that it had recently launched several impactful initiatives designed to develop their skills and foster their engagement.

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.

GFH to distribute $100m cash dividends for FY 2025

Wed, 25 Mar 2026

GFH, a leading regional financial group based in Bahrain with major interests in asset management and real estate, has announced that the company board has secured approval from its shareholders for the distribution of 10.11% cash dividends worth $100 million for the FY 2025.

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.

Global sukuk, Gulf DCM liquidity show varying effects from Iran war

Wed, 25 Mar 2026

Credit ratings, countries of risk, and sector type are having varying impacts on global sukuk and GCC debt capital market (DCM) liquidity amid the ongoing Iran war, according to Fitch Ratings. In the short term, the impact on liquidity will depend on the scope and duration of the war.

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