3,500 HOMES, PREMIUM RETAIL UNITS

Arada enters Saudi Arabia with $3.8bn residential masterplan

Tue, 20 Oct 2026

UAE developer Arada has launched Arada KSA, marking its entry into Saudi Arabia with a AED14 billion ($3.8 billion) residential development in Riyadh. Spanning 2.5 million sq m, it will boast 3,500 villas and townhouses surrounded by 100,000 trees, with top-class amenities including a school, retail and sporting facilities.

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'DAVOS IN THE DESERT'

Saudi Arabia postpones Future Investment Initiative conference to 2027

Tue, 20 Oct 2026

The Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute has postponed the 10th edition of its flagship conference, themed "The Power of Legacy," which was scheduled to take place in Riyadh from October 26 to 29, 2026, to next year.

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20,000-CAPACITY VENUE

Blue Rhine Industries lands LED screens contract for $1.7bn Sphere Abu Dhabi

Mon, 19 Oct 2026

UAE-based Blue Rhine Industries has announced that it has secured the contract from ALEC Engineering and Contracting for the installation and commissioning of LED screens that make up the immense Exosphere, a fully programmable exterior display at the $1.7 billion Sphere Abu Dhabi development.

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CHINA TOP TRADING PARTNER

Dubai Integrated Economic Zones achieve $67bn trade in H1, up 17%

Mon, 19 Oct 2026

Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) achieved another record trade performance in the first half of 2026, with the total value of trade across its three economic zones reaching AED246 billion ($66.98 billion), an increase of 17% compared to the same period last year.

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ANALYSIS

GCC capital markets enter new phase as funding sources diversify: Fitch

Wed, 30 Sep 2026

GCC capital markets have witnessed significant development in recent years, driven by governments’ efforts to diversify funding sources and deepen capital markets, said top rating agency Fitch, adding the combined market capitalisation of listed equity markets across the Gulf region stands at around $4 trillion.

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Top This Week

Azizi kicks off workforce residential projects in Dubai, Sharjah

Sat, 17 Oct 2026

UAE-based Azizi Developments has begun work on master-planned workforce communities in Dubai and Sharjah designed to accommodate more than 31,000 people, with its flagship Al Sajaa project in the northern emirate comprising 36 residential buildings and integrated medical, retail, wellness and dining facilities for over 20,000 residents.

Global economy weathered latest shocks better than expected: IMF

Sat, 17 Oct 2026

The global economy has weathered the latest in a series of shocks better than expected, but outcomes have diverged across countries and resilience should not be taken for granted - there is no room for complacency in a rapidly changing world marked by heightened uncertainty, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Trump waives new Russia-linked sanctions amid Ukraine tensions

Sat, 17 Oct 2026

US President Donald ​Trump has waived key Russia-related sanctions and tariffs days before they were to take effect under a law he ‌signed last month, including duties on the country's goods and penalties for buying its oil and gas.

Etihad Rail opens 375m pedestrian bridge linking Dubai Al Yalayis Station with metro

Fri, 16 Oct 2026

Etihad Rail has opened a purpose-built 375-metre pedestrian bridge directly connecting Dubai Al Yalayis Station with Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station, providing passengers with convenient access to the Dubai Metro Red Line.

Sharjah police bust $2.4bn global crime ring, protect $17.7bn in assets

Fri, 16 Oct 2026

Sharjah Police have dismantled four international criminal networks involved in an elaborate AED8.8 billion ($2.4 billion) cyber fraud and money laundering operation, arresting 33 suspects and securing more than AED65 billion in corporate assets in one of the UAE's major crackdowns on organised cross-border financial crime.

GCC-EU Summit rescheduled

Fri, 16 Oct 2026

The GCC-EU Summit, which was scheduled to be held in Riyadh on October 24, has been rescheduled to a later date to be agreed upon by the GCC and European sides, said Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, GCC Secretary-General.

Bahrain stresses on international cooperation, economic diversification

Fri, 16 Oct 2026

International co-operation and economic resilience remain key to overcoming global geopolitical and trade challenges, Finance and National Economy Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa has said.

Emaar’s sales backlog at $49bn, collection rate at 98%, says Alabbar

Fri, 16 Oct 2026

Emaar Properties' sales backlog - the value of property sales yet to be recognised as revenue - stood at around AED180 billion ($49 billion), while indicating its collection rate reached 98% last year, recovering from a temporary decline during the regional tension, said Emaar Properties Founder and Managing Director Mohamed Alabbar.

Middle East economy set for strong 6.6pc rebound in 2027: IMF

Fri, 16 Oct 2026

The Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan are poised for a sharp economic recovery in 2027, with growth projected to reach 6.6 per cent after a war-induced contraction this year, although the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that the rebound will be uneven and depend heavily on the restoration of energy production and trade.

WETEX explores key solutions to boost water security, resource sustainability

Tue, 20 Oct 2026

The global water equation is evolving, driven by climate change, urban growth and rising demand, said industry experts at the 28th edition of WETEX expo in Dubai. Water security is no longer solely about increasing supply; it also depends on cities’ ability to diversify water sources, recover and reuse water and reduce losses.

Qatar Gas Transport net profit down 1.5pc in Q3

Tue, 20 Oct 2026

Qatar Gas Transport Company (Nakilat) has announced that it has registered a slight decline in its net profit for the third quarter of 2026 which fell by 1.5% to QAR1.29 billion ($347 million) over last year's figure of QAR1.3 billion ($352 million) owing to the ongoing regional situation.

Authenticity overtakes price as trust reshapes UAE wellness market

Tue, 20 Oct 2026

Authenticity is emerging as a stronger purchasing consideration than price among wellness-focused consumers, as brands face growing pressure to prove their claims and deliver meaningful experiences, according to new research by Strategy& Middle East.

WETEX explores key solutions to boost water security, resource sustainability

Tue, 20 Oct 2026

The global water equation is evolving, driven by climate change, urban growth and rising demand, said industry experts at the 28th edition of WETEX expo in Dubai. Water security is no longer solely about increasing supply; it also depends on cities’ ability to diversify water sources, recover and reuse water and reduce losses.

VAST Data, Hyperfusion hasten AI infrastructure deployment

Tue, 20 Oct 2026

VAST Data and Hyperfusion have announced plans to integrate the VAST AI Operating System into Hyperfusion’s Sentinel modular AI infrastructure as its preferred data platform.

Deploying capital in the Gulf: the pitfalls that slow deals down

Wed, 14 Oct 2026

The Gulf is one of the most active investment regions in the world. Diversification efforts have opened sectors from logistics and healthcare to technology, energy and financial services, and international capital has followed. But deals in the region rarely stall over price – they stall over process, timing and people. Investors who understand this early tend to close faster and build stronger partnerships.

Ellington unveils $762m commercial tower in Business Bay

Tue, 20 Oct 2026

Dubai-based Ellington Properties has unveiled Berkeley Tower, its largest and tallest commercial project to date rising above 60 floors in the heart of Business Bay. The AED2.8 billion ($762 million) development brings together office spaces, an extensive workplace and lifestyle offering.

IDWS 2026 aims to boost deployment of water solutions

Tue, 20 Oct 2026

Jeddah is preparing to host the fifth edition of the Innovation-Driven Water Sustainability Conference (IDWS 2026) which aims to accelerate the transition of water solutions from research and development to real-world deployment.

Najah 2026 to have its largest footprint to date

Sun, 18 Oct 2026

Najah, the Middle East’s premier higher education fair, is set to open its 20th edition in Abu Dhabi, marking a major milestone in a journey spanning two decades.

AW Rostamani unveils VerraPak as new identity for packaging business

Tue, 20 Oct 2026

AW Rostamani Group has announced the launch of VerraPak, marking the next phase in the development of its packaging business, formerly Sineo Packaging. Operating from a 50,000 sq ft facility in Dubai Industrial City, VerraPak has 15 high-speed production lines with over 400 million units annual capacity.

Ebdaa, Key Link join forces to back entrepreneurs, SMEs in Bahrain

Tue, 20 Oct 2026

Ebdaa Microfinance has joined hands with Key Link Corp, a Bahrain-based provider of company formation and business services, to deliver greater value to entrepreneurs and SMEs by improving their access to financial solutions, professional expertise and specialised business support.

Dubai launches trial operation of Glydways automated transit system

Sun, 11 Oct 2026

Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched the trial operation of the Dubai Glydways automated transit system at a premium retail destination in the emirate - Bluewaters. The system uses autonomous electric vehicles supported by artificial intelligence technologies, operating on dedicated guideways.

Grammy winner Eric Gales leads all-star line-up at Bahrain Jazz Fest

Tue, 20 Oct 2026

Two-time Grammy-winning blues guitarist Eric Gales and acclaimed steel pan musician Leon Foster Thomas will headline the 10th anniversary edition of the Bahrain Jazz Fest, which kicks off on December 4, bringing an international mix of blues, jazz, soul and world music to the kingdom.

China-Saudi JV clinches $306m Qiddiya stadium curtain-wall deal

Tue, 20 Oct 2026

Chinese contractor Fangda said its joint venture with Saudi Arabia’s IKK Group, has secured a SAR1.15 billion ($306 million) contract to design, supply and install curtain-walls for two sections of Saudi Arabia’s Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium project in capital Riyadh.

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