DIVERSIFICATION DIVIDEND

Abu Dhabi non-oil trade jumps 36% to $113bn in 2025; exports rise 63%

Wed, 29 Apr 2026

Abu Dhabi's non-oil foreign trade rose 36 per cent in 2025, exceeding AED415.4 billion ($113.11 billion) compared with approximately AED306 billion in 2024, Abu Dhabi Customs said.

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MOVE TO WEAKEN GROUP

UAE exit from OPEC 'will have limited immediate impact on oil market'

Wed, 29 Apr 2026

The United Arab Emirates’ planned exit from OPEC and OPEC+ from May 2026 is expected to have limited immediate impact on oil markets in the near term but could weaken the group’s supply management over time, HSBC said, while OPEC+ sources signalled the alliance would remain broadly intact.

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MOVE BASED ON NATIONAL INTEREST

SHOCK MOVE: UAE to exit Opec, signals independent policy

Tue, 28 Apr 2026

In a shock move poised to rattle global oil markets, the UAE has announced it will exit the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its wider Opec+ grouping, effective May 1, 2026.

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123m TOURISTS IN 2025

Vision 2030 turns Saudi Arabia into tourism hotspot

Tue, 28 Apr 2026

Saudi Arabia’s tourism, hospitality, and events sectors have transformed under Vision 2030. By 2025, tourism contributed 5% of GDP, attracted 123 million visitors, generated SAR300 billion ($80 billion), and supported strong non-oil economic growth.

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INSIGHT

Saudi, UAE firms prioritise AI and supply chain redesign: HSBC Survey

Tue, 14 Apr 2026

Businesses and investors in Saudi Arabia and the UAE are holding firm on their medium-term strategies despite the current situation in the Middle East, supported by intraregional supply chain redesign and increased use of AI, says an HSBC study.

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Top This Week

Adnoc LNG tanker crosses Strait, headed to India, says report

Tue, 28 Apr 2026

A liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker managed ‌by UAE's ADNOC has crossed the Strait of Hormuz and appears to be near India, Reuters said quoting ship-tracking data.

Trump unlikely to accept latest Iran proposal, say sources

Tue, 28 Apr 2026

The latest proposal by Iran to end the war is unlikely to be accepted by US President Donald Trump, a CNN report said quoting sources.

Vision 2030's two phases deliver qualitative leap; Saudi GDP tops $1.3 trillion

Mon, 27 Apr 2026

The first and second phases of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 have delivered a qualitative leap in the Kingdom’s development, achieving a comprehensive transformation across economic and social sectors, said His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs.

Steel, construction projects lead $519m industrial push in Oman

Mon, 27 Apr 2026

Oman's Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones has signed RO200 million ($519 million) agreements to establish a portfolio of industrial projects across its free zones, supporting its push to build an export-oriented industrial base spanning steel, construction and industrial products, said a report.

Rawasi, Saudi Energy ink power network upgrade deal

Mon, 27 Apr 2026

Saudi-based Rawasi Al Bina Investment Company has signed a framework agreement with Saudi Energy Company for the execution of installation, replacement and maintenance works related to low- and medium-voltage overhead and underground distribution networks in the Qassim region.

Wabag-Heisco consortium wins $370m Kuwait desal plant contract

Mon, 27 Apr 2026

A consortium of India-based VA Tech Wabag, a global leader in water and wastewater treatment solutions, and Heavy Engineering Industries and Shipbuilding Company (Heisco) has been awarded a KD114.2 million ($370 million) contract for a major seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination plant in Kuwait.

MENA could face major shortfall in construction professionals: report

Mon, 27 Apr 2026

A significant workforce shortage threatens the MENA region's ability to deliver critical infrastructure projects by 2035, says a new report.

UAE to set up $272m industrial fund, new rule on In-country Value Programme

Mon, 27 Apr 2026

The UAE will establish a National Industrial Resilience Fund with a capital of AED1 billion ($272.3 million) to support the localisation of critical industries and strengthen supply chain resilience in the country.

Nakheel awards $953m contracts for 544 villas on Palm Jebel Ali

Mon, 27 Apr 2026

Nakheel, a member of Dubai Holding Real Estate, has awarded contracts worth over AED3.5 billion ($953 million) to Ginco General Contracting and United Engineering Construction (UNEC) for the construction of 544 villas on Palm Jebel Ali, marking a key milestone in the delivery of one of Dubai’s most significant waterfront developments.

Modon announces sell-out of 834-unit Reem Island development

Wed, 29 Apr 2026

Leading Abu Dhabi developer Modon has announced the complete sell-out of Tara Park, a residential development on Reem Island, with the project generating AED2 billion ($544 million) in sales. It comprises six residential towers with 834 apartments across one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts.

GPCA, IRU join forces to drive safety in dangerous goods transport

Wed, 29 Apr 2026

Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) signed an MoU with IRU, the world road transport organisation, to improve cross-border transport of dangerous goods. The partnership focuses on safety, efficiency, sustainability, training, and fuel efficiency.

Saudi GACA logs 2,033 airline complaints in March 2026

Wed, 29 Apr 2026

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) released its March 2026 classification index for airlines and airports based on passenger complaints, reporting a total of 2,033 complaints filed against airlines during the month.

GPCA, IRU join forces to drive safety in dangerous goods transport

Wed, 29 Apr 2026

Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) signed an MoU with IRU, the world road transport organisation, to improve cross-border transport of dangerous goods. The partnership focuses on safety, efficiency, sustainability, training, and fuel efficiency.

Saudi, UAE firms prioritise AI and supply chain redesign: HSBC Survey

Tue, 14 Apr 2026

Businesses and investors in Saudi Arabia and the UAE are holding firm on their medium-term strategies despite the current situation in the Middle East, supported by intraregional supply chain redesign and increased use of AI, says an HSBC study.

Durar Group awards main contract for Missoni-branded homes in RAK

Tue, 28 Apr 2026

UAE-based Durar Group has appointed Ali & Sons as the main contractor for its flagship branded residential development - Moonstone Interiors by Missoni - on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah. A premium development, it features 226 sea-facing residences along with key amenities.

Ewec renews clean energy partnership with Mediclinic Middle East

Mon, 27 Apr 2026

Emirates Water and Electricity Company (Ewec) has announced the extension of its clean energy partnership with Mediclinic, the first healthcare institution in Abu Dhabi to decarbonise their operations. The deal ensures all Mediclinic’s hospitals will be powered by clean electricity, verified using CECs issued by Abu Dhabi.

Qatar Academy - Sidra project on track for H2 completion

Thu, 23 Apr 2026

Qatar's Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has announced that over 90% work is now complete at Sidra - Education City project and is on track for opening by year-end. Spanning 74,000 sq m, the key educational facility features a main two-storey building with classrooms and multi-purpose halls.

Strong demand drives Dubai's retail, warehouse growth in 2025, says report

Tue, 14 Apr 2026

Dubai’s retail and warehouse sectors demonstrated resilience and growth in 2025, backed by strong fundamentals including record tourism, population boom and e-commerce activity. Both sectors, however, faced tightening supply conditions that shaped market dynamics throughout the year, said a report.

Bahrain Bourse, BHC announces key promotions

Wed, 29 Apr 2026

Bahrain Bourse (BHB) and its fully-owned subsidiary, Bahrain Clear (BHC) have announced the promotion of several team members in recognition of their strong performance, dedication, and ongoing contributions to the organization.

Cloudsdcs enters Saudi market with strategic AstroLabs tieup

Wed, 29 Apr 2026

Cloudsdcs, a global enterprise cloud and cybersecurity specialist with over 20 years of experience, has announced its expansion into Saudi Arabia with support from AstroLabs, the Gulf’s premier business setup and growth platform.

BlueFive Capital acquires strategic Porsche stake in iconic JV Bugatti Rimac

Sat, 25 Apr 2026

BlueFive Capital, a global investment platform based in Abu Dhabi, has announced that its consortium has entered into a deal with luxury auto brand Porsche to acquire its entire stake in Bugatti Rimac, a joint venture set up in 2021 to serve as home to the iconic Bugatti brand.

Design platform FROMM. seals partnership with Sharjah innovation hub

Tue, 28 Apr 2026

FROMM., a luxury contemporary furniture and home accessories design brand operating from Doha (Qatar) and Milan (Italy), has announced that it has signed a new partnership agreement with Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park at the recent Milan Design Week event.

Trump says Iran told him it is in a 'state of collapse', wants Strait opening

Tue, 28 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump said Iran had indicated it was in a “state of collapse” and was seeking the urgent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, even as efforts to end the two-month conflict remained deadlocked.

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