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.
Mena is emerging as a major global hub for clean industrial investment, with 84 projects worth about $642 billion across clean fuels, fertilisers, steel and aluminium, according to a report by Mission Possible Partnership and the Industrial Transition Accelerator.
Air Arabia reported Q1 2026 net profit of AED278 million ($76 million), down 22% due to regional conflict, airspace closures and restrictions. Turnover rose 1% to AED1.8 billion, while passenger numbers fell 5% to 4.7 million despite an 86% seat load factor.
Byrne Group received nine awards at the 2026 Stevie Awards Mena, including three Gold, four Silver, and two Bronze.
A significant workforce shortage threatens the MENA region's ability to deliver critical infrastructure projects by 2035, says a new report.
Tumodo reports Mena business travel trends in Q1 2026, with January up 5%, February surging 20%, and March slightly lower but above January. Overall bookings matched Q4 2025, with potential 25% growth absent disruptions conflict.
Saudi Energy and Kraken signed agreements to form a Riyadh-based joint venture, accelerating digital transformation across energy and utilities in Mena, leveraging Kraken’s AI-powered operating system for utilities.
Bernstein initiated Mena energy coverage, praising UAE governance, sovereign-backed ownership and strong cashflows. It said these enable rapid transformation of state assets into investable platforms, naming Adnoc Gas and Fertiglobe discounted, high-quality “best pick” opportunities.
The Captains Club, the MENA's first and largest premium boat club with an operational presence across 24 locations in the UAE and the GCC, has made a landmark investment of AED25 million ($6.81 million) to expand its fleet by 70 boats, bringing its total fleet to over 300 vessels.
Global air cargo rates have continued to rise strongly as stakeholders adjust to the dynamic and highly challenging conditions following the military attacks on Iran by the US and Israel, and Iran’s retaliatory strikes on targets in the region, said a report.
