Project awards in the GCC region for the second quarter surged to $59.4 billion, up 30% over last year supported by higher contract activity in Saudi Arabia and Oman, although activity slowed sharply from Q1, according to a report.
The GCC sovereigns’ stable credit quality is backed by strong, hydrocarbon-driven economic recovery in 2027. However, that prolonged geopolitical uncertainty could strain public finances and expose variances in sovereigns' fiscal ability to absorb lengthy disruptions, said S&P Global Rating.
Action Energy Company (AEC) and Kellton have launched a GCC joint venture to deliver AI-powered digital oilfield and IT solutions. The partnership will roll out Kellton’s OPTIMA platform, beginning in Kuwait before expanding to Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Oman.
Armenia has extended its temporary visa-free entry scheme for eligible Gulf travellers until July 1, 2027, allowing qualifying GCC citizens and residents to visit without a visa for up to 180 days, subject to nationality and residency requirements.
Large-scale urban developments across the Gulf could generate up to 35 per cent of their electricity needs through on-site solar power while reducing costs by a similar margin, according to a new report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG).
Liquidity-management instrument availability for Islamic banks has expanded across many core markets over the past decade, supporting funding needs, according to Fitch Ratings. However, gaps remain relative to conventional banks, more so in countries where Islamic banks remain niche.
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.
Affluent GCC travellers are booking private flights later than ever, with XO forecasting August 1–2 as the busiest weekend of the 2026 summer season, as flexibility shapes travel decisions amid evolving family and business commitments.
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.
AIREV, the Abu Dhabi-based creator of the OnDemand autonomous AI platform, has signed an agreement with Redington, a leading technology aggregator and innovation catalyst, to distribute its agentic AI platform, OnDemand, across the GCC and the whole of Africa.
