World merchandise trade growth exceeded expectations in the first quarter of 2026 as surging trade in electronic components related to artificial intelligence (AI) offset the negative impact of the conflict in the Middle East, which began in the final month of the quarter.
Oman's Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn) has announced that its Ibri Industrial City has secured RO25 million ($65 million) in investments during the first half through 17 agreements spanning over 250,000 sq m for projects in oil and gas, manufacturing and light industry.
The Kingdom of Bahrain has acceded to Annex VI of 1973 International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), thus reflecting the kingdom's commitment to protecting marine environment, preserving air quality and cutting emissions from the maritime transport sector.
Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are strengthening economic and logistical integration through a digital customs data exchange system and expanded co-operation on railway development, aimed at improving cross-border trade and transport links.
The global energy sector is becoming increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks as the convergence of operational and information technology, coupled with geopolitical uncertainty and reliance on third-party vendors expose critical infrastructure to greater risk, according to an industry expert.
Spanish engineering company Técnicas Reunidas has announced that it has secured two major contracts worth a total of more than $5.75 billion from Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) to provide engineering, procurement, construction and installation services for its Upper Zakum megaproject.
EMSTEEL, one of the largest publicly traded steel and building materials manufacturers in the region, reported revenues of AED2.4 billion ($653.51 million) for the second quarter of 2026 (Q2), an increase of 11% compared to the corresponding period in the prior year.
Saudi Arabia has launched a major international initiative to safeguard global shipping lanes, securing the backing of 14 countries for a proposed Maritime Defense Alliance as escalating conflict between the US and Iran raises fresh concerns over the security of two of the world's most important maritime trade corridors — the Strait of Hormuz and the Suez Canal.
BYD Energy Storage has announced that it has secured a major contract from Masdar, a global clean energy leader, for a gigascale round-the-clock renewable energy project in Abu Dhabi. The project has a single-station scale of 1,644 MW with 11.275 GWh of BYD Haohan deployed.
Bahrain has reinforced its economic and investment partnerships with France and the Principality of Monaco following a high-level four-day mission led by Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development and Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB).
