TRUMP HINTS AT WINDING DOWN OPS

Iran's Natanz nuclear facility hit in US strikes; no leakages seen, says IAEA

Sat, 21 Mar 2026

The US ​and Israel ‌launched an attack ​on ​the Natanz uranium-enrichment ⁠facility ​on ​Saturday morning, Iran's Tasnim ​news ​agency said, as the war in the Middle East entered its fourth week. No radioactive ‌leaks ⁠occurred and residents near ​the ​site ⁠were not ​at ​risk, it added.

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DEAL INKED FOR B4 PETCHEM PLANT

Adnoc, OMV forge ahead with big Borouge Group International merger

Sat, 21 Mar 2026

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and Austrian group OMV Aktiengesellschaft (OMV) have announced strong progress towards the formation of Borouge Group International, including the signing of an asset usage agreement for the Borouge 4 (B4), an integrated polyolefins production complex in Abu Dhabi.

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HORMUZ OPENING TOP PRIORITY

US sending marines, amphibious assault ship to Middle East, says report

Fri, 20 Mar 2026

The US military is deploying a large amphibious assault ship with thousands of additional Marines and sailors to the Middle East, three US officials told Reuters on Friday, as Iran's new supreme leader hailed Iran's "unity" and "resistance".

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MONEY MATTERS

Dollar index at pivotal point amid Fed tightening, geopolitical risks

Thu, 19 Mar 2026

The US Dollar Index (DXY) is moving at a pivotal moment, reflecting the interplay of three key factors: the Federal Reserve’s monetary tightening, rising US Treasury yields, and escalating geopolitical risks, particularly in the Middle East, said an industry expert.

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Gulf's retail sector rises to the challenge amid war: Choithrams CEO

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Diversified sourcing strategies, alternative shipping routes and stronger coordination between logistics providers and government authorities have helped maintain continuity in the movement of essential goods, says Mark Mortimer-Davies, CEO of Choithrams, in an exclusive interview with TradeArabia's Sree Bhat.

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Top This Week

Saudi, GCC announce Friday as first day of Eid

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Saudi religious leaders have announced that the Eid Al Fitr will be celebrated on Friday in the kingdom and across the Gulf region after the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted on Wednesday (March 18) evening. Muslims in the region will therefore fast for 30 days this year.

Iran warns it will hit Gulf energy facilities after US attacks huge Pars gas field

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

In a major escalation in the Middle East conflict, Iran's huge Pars gas field was hit on Wednesday in the first ​reported strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure in the Gulf during the US-Israeli war, prompting Tehran to warn its neighbours that their energy installations would be targeted "in the coming hours".

Abu Dhabi, Dubai approve $2.59bn housing benefits to citizens

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Abu Dhabi and Dubai have approved major housing benefits totalling AED9.52 billion ($2.59 billion) for their citizens ahead of Eid-Al-Fitr, reflecting the leadership’s ongoing commitment to enhancing Emirati families’ wellbeing.

stc Bahrain grants staff 10-day extended Eid holiday

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

stc Bahrain, a digital enabler, has announced a 10-day extended holiday for all its employees in celebration of Eid Al-Fitr.

Arabian Travel Market (ATM) rescheduled to August

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, originally scheduled to take place from May 4 to 7 at Dubai World Trade Centre, will now take place from August 17 to 20, with the venue remaining unchanged, RX, the organiser, has confirmed.

Acwa Power buys entire 32pc Badeel stake in Shuaibah Water and Electricity Company

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Global utility major Acwa Power has acquired the entire 32% stake of Saudi PIF company Badeel in Shuaibah Water and Electricity Company (developer of Shuaibah IWPP). With this move, Acwa Power has now become the majority stake holder in the Shuaibah company with 62% share.

Dubai Airports CEO says: 'We will not stop, expansion plans stay unchanged'

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Dubai Airports will press ahead with expansion plans despite aviation disruption caused by the regional conflict with Iran, with Chief Executive Paul Griffiths saying the emirate’s long-term strategy to strengthen its position in global aviation remains firmly on track.

Air travel costs increase as jet fuel prices double

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Global airlines are raising ticket prices, cutting some services and reviewing schedules as soaring jet fuel costs linked to the Middle East conflict squeeze margins, while widespread flight disruptions continue to hit passenger traffic and tourism demand worldwide.

Oil prices edge lower, but stay above $100 a barrel

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Oil prices edged lower on Wednesday after surging in the previous session, as traders weighed fresh US inventory data and signs of possible export relief from northern Iraq against continuing concerns over Middle East supply disruptions.

Miral announces official opening of Yas Bay East Beach

Sun, 22 Mar 2026

Abu Dhabi developer Miral has announced the opening of Yas Bay East Beach, newest stretch of shoreline on Yas Island. Operated by Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, the beach spans 290 m of waterfront, providing a contemporary coastal escape designed for adults seeking a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere.

Iran's Natanz nuclear facility hit in US strikes; no leakages seen, says IAEA

Sat, 21 Mar 2026

The US ​and Israel ‌launched an attack ​on ​the Natanz uranium-enrichment ⁠facility ​on ​Saturday morning, Iran's Tasnim ​news ​agency said, as the war in the Middle East entered its fourth week. No radioactive ‌leaks ⁠occurred and residents near ​the ​site ⁠were not ​at ​risk, it added.

Miral announces official opening of Yas Bay East Beach

Sun, 22 Mar 2026

Abu Dhabi developer Miral has announced the opening of Yas Bay East Beach, newest stretch of shoreline on Yas Island. Operated by Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, the beach spans 290 m of waterfront, providing a contemporary coastal escape designed for adults seeking a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere.

Adnoc, OMV forge ahead with big Borouge Group International merger

Sat, 21 Mar 2026

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and Austrian group OMV Aktiengesellschaft (OMV) have announced strong progress towards the formation of Borouge Group International, including the signing of an asset usage agreement for the Borouge 4 (B4), an integrated polyolefins production complex in Abu Dhabi.

Dollar index at pivotal point amid Fed tightening, geopolitical risks

Thu, 19 Mar 2026

The US Dollar Index (DXY) is moving at a pivotal moment, reflecting the interplay of three key factors: the Federal Reserve’s monetary tightening, rising US Treasury yields, and escalating geopolitical risks, particularly in the Middle East, said an industry expert.

Arabian Construction Company wins Jubail Island villa project contract

Tue, 17 Mar 2026

Jubail Island Investment Company has awarded a contract to Arabian Construction Company (ACC) to deliver Packages 1 to 5 within its mega development in Abu Dhabi. The scope of work includes construction of premium three- to six-bedroom villas along with other key amenities.

Emirates Drug Establishment sets up task force to support pharma supply chains

Mon, 16 Mar 2026

The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has set up a task force comprising 16 strategic partners involved in pharmaceutical and logistics supply chains across the UAE, including drug manufacturers, medical warehouses, storage facilities and logistics providers.

CBSE cancels all Class 12 board exams in the Gulf countries

Sun, 15 Mar 2026

India's Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Sunday cancelled remaining Class 12 board examinations (scheduled between March 16 and April 10), including papers earlier postponed in several West Asian countries including Bahrain and other GCC countries and Iran amid the ongoing regional conflict.

Gold holds near $4,600 as rate outlook, geopolitical risks clash

Fri, 20 Mar 2026

Gold prices are currently navigating heightened uncertainty trading at around $4,605 per ounce, caught between opposing forces that make it difficult to establish a clear short-term trend. On the one hand, the macroeconomic backdrop in the US has reinforced expectations of higher interest rates for longer.

Bahrain approves package for businesses, citizens amid Mideast tensions

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Bahrain’s Parliament has unanimously approved a package of fast-track measures aimed at shielding businesses and citizens from the fallout of regional tensions and recent attacks, before referring them to the Cabinet for review, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

WIPO launches new AI Infrastructure Interchange to discuss IP issues

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) has announced the launch of a new initiative - AI Infrastructure Interchange - for expert dialogue on IP and AI issues that will focus on technical and operational issues and complement ongoing discussions at its other forums.

FIA, UN Tourism announce inaugural sustainable sports tourism award winners

Sat, 21 Mar 2026

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has announced the winners of the first UN Tourism Awards for Excellence in Sustainable Sports Tourism, powered by the FIA.

FIA, UN Tourism announce inaugural sustainable sports tourism award winners

Sat, 21 Mar 2026

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has announced the winners of the first UN Tourism Awards for Excellence in Sustainable Sports Tourism, powered by the FIA.

Bahrain destroys 129 missiles, 233 drones since start of Iranian attacks

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

The Bahrain Defence Force has announced that its air defence systems have successfully intercepted and destroyed 129 missiles and 233 unmanned aerial vehicles launched as part of an ongoing Iranian terrorist aggression against the kingdom, which commenced on Saturday (February 28).

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