In a major move, Blackstone, the world’s largest alternative asset manager, is set to open its office in Kuwait during the third quarter of 2026, as it expands its presence in the region. The New York-based group plans to open additional offices across the GCC over the coming year.
GCC states have achieved advanced IMD World Competitiveness global rankings across key indicators including - economic performance, government efficiency, business competitiveness and infrastructure - underscoring the impact of reforms aimed at boosting growth and attracting investment.
The UAE and Canada have announced that the duo has concluded negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in a move aimed at boosting trade and investment in key sectors including aerospace, clean energy, aviation and critical minerals.
The United States has imposed fresh tariffs ranging from 10% to 12.5% on imports from 60 major trading partners, including several Middle Eastern countries, after concluding that they had failed to take sufficient action to prevent goods produced with forced labour from entering their markets.
Oil topping $100 amid Red Sea attacks is rattling markets, affirms the CEO of a top independent financial advisory organisation. Brent crude touched $100.64 a barrel on Thursday, a jump of 7%, while US crude rose to $91.83, up 5.8% after Houthi rebels claimed to have struck two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the UAE’s global bank and one of the world’s largest and safest financial institutions, delivered a strong performance in the first half of 2026.
ADCB, a leading UAE bank, has reported record H1’26 profit before tax of AED7.607 billion ($2.07 billion), up 28% YoY, amid a resilient operating environment in the country.
Saudi Arabia was the region's largest dividend payer, distributing an estimated $24.5 billion during the first quarter and accounting for almost 84% of all Middle East dividends, according to a new report.
Emirates NBD delivered a record financial performance in the first half of 2026, generating AED16.2 billion ($4.41 billion) profit before tax, up 5% year-on-year, fuelled by a 13% increase in net interest income and an impressive 25% growth in non-funded income.
More than half of people getting financial advice will accept AI playing a role in their financial planning, but only if a human being still makes the final decision, according to new research from deVere Group, one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory organisations.
