STRONGER LME PRICES HELP

Alba 2025 profit surges 18.5pc to $582m on higher production, record sales

Tue, 17 Feb 2026

Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), the world’s largest aluminium smelter on one site, has announced solid results for FY 2025, recording a net profit of BD219 million ($582 million), up 18.5% over the previous year, on the back of higher production and record sales volume despite market challenges. strong LME prices and disciplined operational delivery.

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OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY IMPROVES

stc group revenues jump to historic high of $20.75bn; net profit up 12.5%

Tue, 17 Feb 2026

stc group recorded the highest revenues in its history of SAR77.8 billion ($20.75 billion) in 2025, reflecting a 2.5% increase compared to the previous year. Net profit rose by 12.5% after excluding non-recurring items, demonstrating the strength of the group’s business model and the continued execution of its sustainable growth strategy, the company said.

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INDIA TO LEAD IN GLOBAL AI RACE

Adani plans $100bn investment to build green energy-powered AI data centres

Tue, 17 Feb 2026

India's top business conglomerate Adani Group has announced plans to invest $100 billion over the next decade to build renewable energy-powered, artificial intelligence (AI)-ready data centers in a move designed to position India as a global leader in the digital transformation race.

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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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SPOTLIGHT

Income-focused strategies gain ground in changing rate climate

Tue, 17 Feb 2026

Franklin Templeton, one of the world’s largest global asset managers, said investors should expect a prolonged period of more divergent investment outcomes across markets, with increasingly uneven performance across asset classes and strategies, as global markets adapt to structural shifts in interest rates, capital allocation and technology adoption.

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Top This Week

Emsteel, Oldendorff Carriers sign $163m raw material freight deal

Tue, 17 Feb 2026

Emsteel Group, one of the region’s largest publicly traded integrated steel and building materials manufacturers, and Oldendorff Carriers have announced the signing of a new long-term freight agreement covering the import of Emsteel’s key raw materials to the UAE.

Bahrain, UAE launch one-stop air travel system

Tue, 17 Feb 2026

Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will officially activate the first phase of a long-planned one-stop air travel system today (February 17), launching a significant step towards seamless mobility within the GCC.

Qiddiya City starts work on landmark performing arts facility

Mon, 16 Feb 2026

Qiddiya Investment Company has announced that work has begun on the Performing Arts Centre within its mega development, Qiddiya City, thus marking an important milestone in the development of Qiddiya City as a destination for entertainment, sports and culture.

Omniyat Group reports sales of $5.4bn in 2025

Mon, 16 Feb 2026

Omniyat Group, the UAE-based diversified multi-brand real estate group, reported total sales of AED20 billion ($5.4 billion) across the group in 2025.

Bahrain unveils ambitious aviation strategy; targets connection to 100 destinations

Mon, 16 Feb 2026

Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications has launched the National Aviation Strategy (2026–2027), aiming to build an integrated aviation ecosystem aligned with global standards. The plan seeks to position Bahrain International Airport as a leading hub and expand destinations from 66 to 100 by 2030.

Nasdaq Dubai posts strongest year; outstanding Sukuk value tops $100bn

Mon, 16 Feb 2026

Nasdaq Dubai attracted a record number of sukuk listings in 2025, supported by sustained issuance activity from regional and international issuers and continued global investor demand for Sharia-compliant debt instruments.

Terra Academia Bahrain launched; focus on ecological transformation

Mon, 16 Feb 2026

Veolia, Terra Academia International (TAI) and the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) have launched Terra Academia Bahrain, a flagship institution dedicated to ecological transformation, industrial innovation and sustainability.

Rixos Murjana opens as Saudi Arabia’s largest ultra-all-inclusive resort

Mon, 16 Feb 2026

Rixos Murjana, Saudi Arabia’s largest ultra all-inclusive resort, has opened in King Abdullah Economic City. Financed by the Tourism Development Fund and developed in partnership with Emaar Economic City and FTG Company, the resort emerges as a destination for domestic and international tourism.

Ohana unveils $4.1bn Manchester City Yas Residences project

Mon, 16 Feb 2026

UAE-based Ohana Development has announced the official launch of its AED15 billion ($4.1 billion) gated waterfront community - Manchester City Yas Residences by Ohana - in Abu Dhabi. The Manchester City FC’s first branded project will boast over 2,000 residential units with a mix of villas, penthouses and resorts.

RTA completes work on major street near Dubai Silicon Oasis

Tue, 17 Feb 2026

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the completion of work related to Al Rowaiyah Street, extending 3.5 km, directly linking Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road with Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street near Dubai Silicon Oasis and Nadd Hessa.

Emirati GSU launches 5 MWp solar plant in Berbera

Tue, 17 Feb 2026

Abu Dhabi-based Global South Utilities (GSU) inaugurated a 5 MWp solar PV plant in Berbera and launched the Green Berbera Vision, guiding the city’s shift from diesel to renewable energy with battery storage, positioning Berbera as a leading renewable transition hub in the Horn of Africa.

IHG launches premium Noted Collection brand

Tue, 17 Feb 2026

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has introduced Noted Collection, a new premium collection brand aimed primarily at converting upscale and upper-upscale independent hotels into IHG’s global system. Early discussions are already underway with several hotel owners, including multi-property operators.

US cybersecurity firm ExtraHop enters Saudi market

Tue, 17 Feb 2026

ExtraHop, a US-based cybersecurity company and a leader in modern network detection and response (NDR), has announced its expansion into Saudi Arabia following significant international growth, including key expansions and customer wins across Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific.

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.

OMEGA displays 90 years of Olympics timekeeping history at Dubai Mall

Tue, 17 Feb 2026

OMEGA boutique in The Dubai Mall recently hosted a special, immersive experience where customers were given a chance to journey through the history of OMEGA's timekeeping legacy with the Olympics over the last 90 years.

Saudi Arabia launches new fund for environmental, water sustainability

Tue, 17 Feb 2026

Saudi Arabia has announced the launch of Namaa Endowment Fund, aimed at strengthening the sustainability of the non-profit sector within the kingdom’s environmental system. It seeks to boost the non-profit sector’s contribution to GDP and promote environmental and water sustainability.

Saudi PIF unit to build 4,000-bed staff accommodation in Riyadh

Tue, 17 Feb 2026

Smart Accommodation for Residential Complexes Company (sarcc), a unit of Saudi sovereign wealth fund PIF, has signed a Heads of Terms (HoT) agreement with Tamimi Global for the development of a 4,000-bed staff accommodation project in northern Riyadh.

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.

National Bank of Bahrain net profit up 4% to $225.7m in 2025

Tue, 17 Feb 2026

National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) has reported a 4% increase in its net profit attributable to the shareholders for the year ended 31 December 2025, reaching a record BD85.1 million ($225.7 million). The fourth quarter net profit was up 12% to BD18.2 million.

US cybersecurity firm ExtraHop enters Saudi market

Tue, 17 Feb 2026

ExtraHop, a US-based cybersecurity company and a leader in modern network detection and response (NDR), has announced its expansion into Saudi Arabia following significant international growth, including key expansions and customer wins across Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific.

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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