The UAE Ministry of Finance (MoF) announced that the total revenues collected from Value Added Tax (VAT) and Excise Tax and distributed to the federal and local governments exceeded AED46 billion ($12.53 billion) in 2025, up from approximately AED41 billion in 2024, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 15%.
Mubadala Investment Company, an Abu Dhabi sovereign investor, has acquired $200 million worth of Equitix’s stake in Greenlink, a joint venture between Equitix and Baltic Cable which operates a 504 MW subsea electricity interconnector linking Great Britain with Ireland.
King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Company (KAFD DMC), the developer and operator of Riyadh’s premier business and lifestyle destination, has secured a SAR12 billion ($3.2 billion), 15-year, senior-secured Murabaha facility, its first independently secured debt facility.
The Bahrain Association of Banks (BAB) has announced that Singapore Gulf Bank (SGB) has signed up as a member, reinforcing collaboration across the kingdom’s financial sector and further strengthening its position as a growing financial hub connecting Asia and the Gulf.
Bahrain Bourse took part in the HSBC GCC Exchanges Conference 2026 held recently in London, joining regional exchanges, listed companies and international investors to explore the outlook for GCC capital markets, focusing on strengthening listings and boosting liquidity.
Saudi Arabia has an opportunity to strengthen long-term retirement savings as it advances economic reforms under Vision 2030, with expanded defined-contribution retirement schemes potentially improving retirement outcomes while unlocking domestic capital for long-term investment, said a report.
The United Arab Emirates has categorically denied reports published by certain international media outlets alleging the transfer of funds from the UAE to Iran, including allegations concerning $3 billion.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is acting quickly and decisively with $4 billion in financing to help countries withstand the impact of the Middle East conflict, including about $3 billion requested by governments and $1 billion provided as trade finance for energy and food imports.
The US dollar remained on track for a weekly loss as markets monitored global geopolitical and economic developments. The euro held steady at $1.157, near its highest level in a week, backed by the European Central Bank’s decision to raise interest rates for the first time in three years.
Leading Omani bank Nizwa has successfully managed the launch of the 11th series of local sovereign sukuk issued by the sultanate. The total demand of the sukuk reached RO250 million ($648 million), thus reflecting strong investor interest that exceeded the size of the issuance.
