The UAE plans to invest an additional $15 billion in Greece over the next five to eight years, targeting energy, hospitality, artificial intelligence, technology, industry and infrastructure, according to Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has forecast a 1.3 per cent contraction in the economies of the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan (MENAP) in 2026, followed by a strong rebound of 6.6 per cent next year, as the regional conflict continues to weigh heavily on energy production, trade and economic activity.
ADCB, one of the top UAE banks, reported record profit before tax of AED11.67 billion ($3.18 billion) for the first nine months of 2026 and AED4.063 billion in Q3, both up 28% YoY, marking 21 consecutive quarters of profit growth.
Saudi Arabia’s crude oil production rose to 8 million barrels per day (mbpd) in September 2026, an increase of 12.2% month-on-month, while Brent crude prices settled at $103.5 per barrel at the end of the month, according to Al Rajhi Capital Research.
etisalat money, the fintech arm of etisalat, has partnered with Visa to expand international money transfer options for consumers and businesses in the UAE through Visa Direct.
The global Islamic finance industry maintained a strong growth trajectory in 2025, with total assets reaching $6.5 trillion, up 9% year-on-year. Growth was supported by the continued expansion in Islamic banking, record sukuk issuance, strong Islamic fund performance, and new regulatory frameworks.
Leading UAE bank Emirates NBD has reported a 4% jump in its profit before tax for the first nine months which hit AED24.3 billion ($6.6 billion), while its income soared to hit a record AED42.2 billion ($11.4 billion), up 15% year-on-year despite higher impairment and hyperinflation charges.
The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has launched the Financial Health Innovation Challenge, with applications open until November 30, 2026.
The UAE Federal Tax Authority has launched an AI-powered, fully digital VAT refund platform for tourists, offering faster, paperless processing through facial recognition and smart technology. The service is now operational at Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah international airports.
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.
