High-level meeting in Tehran ends with agreement to continue dialogue on regional peace and security, even as Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia intensify and Egypt signals readiness to support the kingdom's defence.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has forecast a 1.3 per cent contraction in the economies of the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan (MENAP) in 2026, followed by a strong rebound of 6.6 per cent next year, as the regional conflict continues to weigh heavily on energy production, trade and economic activity.
The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) concluded its promotional tour across Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and the UAE. The tour was executed in cooperation with a select group of partners from the Saudi tourism private sector.
Security tensions in the Middle East have intensified following the reported sinking of two cargo ships near the Strait of Hormuz, declining oil shipments through the strategic waterway and reports that the US is preparing additional strike options against Iran.
The Gulf is one of the most active investment regions in the world. Diversification efforts have opened sectors from logistics and healthcare to technology, energy and financial services, and international capital has followed. But deals in the region rarely stall over price – they stall over process, timing and people. Investors who understand this early tend to close faster and build stronger partnerships.
The Gulf, Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Turkey region is growing in importance as an integrated economic hub, says a new report.
Middle East CEOs remain among the most confident globally, with 88% expecting economic growth to strengthen in their own territories, and this is even higher at 93% across the GCC, compared with just 55% of CEOs globally, according to a PwC report.
Ditte Jørgensen, EU energy director-general, said at the World Future Energy Summit that expanded EU funding, a strong legal framework and growing opportunities for collaboration with GCC countries make an ambitious trade and investment framework essential for both.
