Global economic output is forecast to grow by 2.7 per cent in 2026, slightly below the 2.8 per cent estimated for 2025 and well below the pre-pandemic average of 3.2 per cent, according to the World Economic Situation and Prospects 2026, released by the United Nations on Thursday.
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Middle Eastern carriers saw a 9.6% year-on-year increase in passenger demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), in November 2025, compared to November 2024, according to International Air Transport Association (IATA) data. Capacity increased 9.2% year-on-year, and the load factor was 81.4% (+0.3 ppt compared to November 2024). The total global passenger demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was up 5.7% in November 2025, compared to November 2024, according to International Air Transport Association (IATA) data.
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The UAE’s full passenger railway network will connect 11 cities and regions through strategically located stations, forming the UAE’s first fully integrated national passenger railway system, Etihad Rail announced on Thursday.
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A practical blueprint for governments and innovators on what comes next and how nations are re-architecting governance for the digital age has been launched.
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As the GCC enters 2026, economic policy is being shaped by tighter external conditions, accelerating technological change and a more fragmented global trading system, says an expert.
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EDF International Regional Headquarters (EDF RHQ) has announced a strategic agreement with droppRWA, a technology leader at the forefront of the Real-World Asset, that will see the duo explore pioneering blockchain-based solutions for the energy sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Abu Dhabi-based Ethmar International Holding (EIH) said it has joined forces with Guggenheim Brothers Media (GB Media), a private investment firm, to launch a multi-million-dollar investment fund with a global focus on media, entertainment, and the digital creative economy.
Diriyah Company has announced a new joint venture with Midad Development and Real Estate to build the $827 million Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences within its mega development. It will boast a 159-key luxury hotel as well as Four Seasons Private Residences.
The United States has taken control of a Russian-flagged oil tanker with links to Venezuela after tracking the vessel across the Atlantic, according to a statement posted on social media by US European Command.
Saudi Arabia’s landmark mega tall mixed-use skyscraper, Jeddah Tower, achieved a major construction milestone last year, surpassing 80 floors in December. When completed, it will exceed 1,000 metres, becoming the first human-made structure to reach a full kilometer.
The UAE tourism sector delivered a robust performance last year, with its contribution to the national GDP rising to 15 per cent, compared to six per cent in 2021, said Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has ranked first worldwide in the Road Network Connectivity Index, and also ranked fourth among G20 countries in the Road Infrastructure Quality Index, thus reflecting the continuous development of the road sector, said a report.
The new amendments to the UAE Commercial Companies Law marks a pivotal milestone that underscores the UAE’s commitment to enhancing the flexibility and sustainability of companies and supporting their ability to keep pace with future trends, said Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism.
Saudi Arabia has taken a major step in accelerating the global integration of its financial markets, announcing that its capital market will be fully opened to all categories of foreign investors from February 1, 2026.
Union Properties has announced the launch of Mirdad Tower 2, a signature residential tower within its AED2 billion ($544.6 million) Mirdad master-planned development in Dubai’s Motor City.
Fluor Corporation announced on Thursday that it has achieved mechanical completion on BASF’s Zhanjiang Verbund project in China – BASF’s largest investment to date.
Central Hotels & Resorts has unveiled its 2026 growth strategy, prioritising high-yield demand from the CIS and key European markets, alongside a dedicated plan to accelerate growth from France.
Milestone Systems, a world leader in data-driven video technology, is accelerating efforts to provide intelligent safety and resilience in the region, at Intersec 2026.
A practical blueprint for governments and innovators on what comes next and how nations are re-architecting governance for the digital age has been launched.
Work is nearing completion on Jumeirah Beach 1 project, a fully integrated coastal destination in Dubai featuring modern recreational and sports facilities including dedicated pedestrian, cycling and jogging paths. It is set to reopen to the public next month following revamp.
Seequent, the Bentley Subsurface Company, has announced that it is partnering with some of the leading universities and research institutions across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to launch qualified degree courses to help boost students' geotechnical modelling skills.
Dubai master-developer Nakheel has partnered with Bildits, the creator of realistic construction learning kits, to launch Blueprint for the Future, a hands-on sustainability and construction initiative designed to equip students with practical skills in sustainable development and responsible design.
Deliverect, a global ecosystem of on and off-premise solutions that empowers restaurants and retailers to sell anywhere and deliver everywhere, has launched Deliverect Kiosk in the MENA region.
Ras Al Khaimah Chamber of Commerce and Industry has approved the chamber’s strategy for the next five years (2026–2030), which includes improving the business environment and enhancing the emirate’s position as a distinguished destination for tourism, industry, and trade at the regional level.
Aramco Digital, the technology subsidiary of Saudi oil giant Aramco, is set to launch the kingdom’s national industrial communications network operating in the 450 MHz band. It will support sectors that need continuous operations and dependable communications for critical assets and facilities.
A Bahrain entrepreneur has launched a company specialising in smart cities solutions that will operate across Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) has announced this year’s Ithra Cultural Days featuring Spain, taking place from January 12 to 31, 2026.
Global cooperation is proving resilient even as multilateralism continues to face strong headwinds, according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Cooperation Barometer 2026.
