The GDP of GCC states is forecast to grow by 8.1% in 2027 as energy trade routes normalise, travel demand returns, and business confidence rebuilds, says a report.
Resilience, rather than size or legacy, will define long-term success for banks navigating disruption and digital native challenger banks, says a new report by Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial centre in the Middle East.
Bahrain has achieved solid rankings across several key indicators in the Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2026, with its startup ecosystem generating $1.6 billion in value, thanks to its agile startup ecosystem, which enables entrepreneurs to develop and test their ideas within a supportive environment.
The proposed $300 billion fund being discussed as part of the US-Iran interim peace agreement is intended to serve as a private investment vehicle to help drive economic development and reconstruction in Iran, according to a Reuters report.
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.
