GCC ENERGY ASSETS KEY TARGETS

Trump sets 48-hour deadline to reopen Hormuz; Iran warns of ‘irreversible damage’

Sun, 22 Mar 2026

President Donald Trump has warned that the US would 'obliterate' Iran’s power plants if Tehran fails to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, prompting Iranian officials to threaten retaliatory strikes against US and Israeli energy and infrastructure assets in the region.

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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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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

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.

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.

Synergy plays key advisory role for major RAK sewage plant facility

Mon, 23 Mar 2026

Synergy Consulting, a major financial advisory services company, has announced that it is playing a vital role as financial advisor to a consortium comprising Etihad Water and Electricity, Taqa Water Solutions and Saur International for a key sewage plant in Ras Al Khaimah with a 60,000 cu m/day capacity.

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.

Air India, Air India Express boost Mideast operations with 28 more flights

Mon, 23 Mar 2026

Leading Indian carriers - Air India and Air India Express - are operating 28 scheduled and non-scheduled flights to the Middle East. Of these, Air India will operate a return service each from Delhi and Mumbai, while Air India Express will fly one each from Bengaluru, Kozhikode and Mangalore.

Global air cargo rates on the rise amid partial recovery of Gulf capacity

Sun, 22 Mar 2026

The air cargo spot rates continues to rise sharply amid the highly volatile, unstable and fast-changing situation in the Middle East. As per WorldACD Market Data reports, there has been some recovery in the air cargo markets since the Iran war, with the average spot rates from Gulf countries up 22%.

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.

Californian scientists create cancer-fighting cells in body, says study

Sun, 22 Mar 2026

Scientists at the University of California have developed a new method to treat blood cancers by reprogramming immune cells directly inside the patient’s body, rather than extracting and processing them in a laboratory, said a report.

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.

Emirati superstar Al Jassmi kicks off Eid celebrations with sold-out concert

Sun, 22 Mar 2026

Emirati superstar Hussain Al Jassmi opened the Layali Al Eid celebrations in Abu Dhabi with a sold-out performance at Space42 Arena on Al Raha Beach, drawing strong audience attendance and marking the start of the Eid celebrations. He concluded the concert with a message of unity.

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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