CONCERN OVER FOOD PRICES

Hormuz closure could ripple across global sectors, economies: UNCTAD

Fri, 13 Mar 2026

Shipping disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors, are sending ripple effects far beyond the Middle East, threatening energy markets, freight costs and global supply chains, a United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) study has warned.

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SINGAPORE RANKS TOP IN TRADE

Globalisation holds firm at record level despite tariffs, tensions: report

Fri, 13 Mar 2026

Globalisation remained at a historically high level at 25% in 2025 – despite escalating geopolitical tensions, rising US tariffs, and uncertainty about future trade policies, says a report.

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CRUDE STAYS ABOVE $100

US waives sanctions on Russian oil at sea as supply disruptions continue

Fri, 13 Mar 2026

The United States has temporarily eased sanctions on Russian oil by allowing countries to purchase cargoes already stranded at sea, as Washington seeks to contain a fresh surge in crude prices triggered by Middle East supply disruptions and fears over restricted energy flows through the Gulf.

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ANALYSIS

'Double whammy' as oil soars to new highs and trade tensions escalate

Thu, 12 Mar 2026

Markets are facing a 'double whammy' of energy volatility and trade tensions flaring up again, says a financial expert amid escalating conflict involving Iran, while the Trump administration simultaneously launches sweeping new trade investigations targeting many of the world’s largest economies.

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ME ACCOUNTS FOR 5% OF ARRIVALS

War is costing region's Travel & Tourism sector $600 million a day

Thu, 12 Mar 2026

The escalating conflict in the Middle East is costing the region’s Travel & Tourism sector about $600 million a day in lost international visitor spending, as disruptions to air travel, declining traveller confidence and weakened regional connectivity begin to hit demand, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

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Top This Week

Oil crosses $100 again after attacks on vessels

Thu, 12 Mar 2026

Oil prices jumped on Thursday as Iran ‌stepped up attacks on oil and transport facilities across the Middle East, raising fears of prolonged disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz.

Six vessels attacked in Gulf, Strait of Hormuz as shipping suffers

Thu, 12 Mar 2026

Shipping across the Gulf and the strategic Strait of Hormuz remained severely disrupted as attacks on commercial vessels intensified amid the conflict between Iran and US–Israeli forces.

Bahrain’s banking sector operating at highest levels of readiness

Thu, 12 Mar 2026

The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) affirmed that the kingdom’s banking and financial sector continues to operate at the highest levels of readiness amid the current regional developments and the repercussions of the Iranian aggression taking place in the region.

Iran’s GPS jamming turns shipping lanes into minefields, says expert

Thu, 12 Mar 2026

In the Strait of Hormuz, hundreds of ships appear on maps where they should not exist. GPS signals that tankers rely on to navigate safely are being scrambled, revealing a new battlefield of invisible electronic warfare. What was once a tool for convenience has become a potential hazard, says an expert.

Rakez expands self-storage offering with additional units in Al Hamra

Wed, 11 Mar 2026

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (Rakez) has expanded its self-storage offering amid growing demand from individuals and businesses seeking secure and flexible storage solutions in the emirate. These units, located at Al Hamra Industrial Zone, are designed to cater to a variety of storage needs.

Madayn unveils $637m Oman industrial cities development plan

Wed, 11 Mar 2026

Oman’s Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn) will invest RO245 million ($637 million) in infrastructure and development projects across its industrial cities between 2026 and 2030 as part of efforts to boost investment and economic diversification, said its top official.

Shipping disruption deepens after tanker attacks in Hormuz

Wed, 11 Mar 2026

Shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz remained severely disrupted on Wednesday as Iran intensified actions aimed at blocking the critical waterway, including attacks on tankers and suspected mine-laying operations

Iranian attacks on Gulf civilian infrastructure continue

Wed, 11 Mar 2026

Iran continued its attacks on civilian and economic infrastructure across the Gulf on Wednesday, showing no respite in the ongoing Middle East conflict as regional air defence systems intercepted waves of drones, ballistic missiles and other aerial threats targeting key cities, airports and energy facilities.

Dubai issues new law to regulate shared housing

Wed, 11 Mar 2026

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, in his capacity as the Ruler of Dubai has issued Law No. (4) of 2026 regulating the management and occupancy of shared housing in Dubai.

Bahrain launches international tender for Bilaj Al Jazayer Solar IPP

Thu, 12 Mar 2026

Bahrain's Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) has announced the launch of an international tender for the development of Bilaj Al Jazayer Solar IPP with a planned capacity of up to 100 MWac. The key solar farm is set for commercial operations in September next year.

TAQA elects new board and chairman

Fri, 13 Mar 2026

Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), one of the largest listed integrated utilities companies in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, on Friday announced that its shareholders have confirmed the composition of its new Board of Directors following the company’s Annual General Assembly.

Bahrain visit visa holders exempted from overstay penalties

Fri, 13 Mar 2026

Bahrain's Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA) has announced that all visit visa holders currently residing in the kingdom whose permitted stay expired on or after February 28, will be exempted from overstay fines for an additional period of one month.

Globalisation holds firm at record level despite tariffs, tensions: report

Fri, 13 Mar 2026

Globalisation remained at a historically high level at 25% in 2025 – despite escalating geopolitical tensions, rising US tariffs, and uncertainty about future trade policies, says a report.

Hormuz closure could ripple across global sectors, economies: UNCTAD

Fri, 13 Mar 2026

Shipping disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors, are sending ripple effects far beyond the Middle East, threatening energy markets, freight costs and global supply chains, a United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) study has warned.

King Salman Park Foundation awards contract for $3bn Metro-linked district

Wed, 11 Mar 2026

The King Salman Park Foundation has awarded a major development contract for a mixed-use district being set up in Riyadh’s King Salman Park to a consortium led by Kolaghassi Development Company. The premium Metro-linked district is being developed at an investment of SAR11 billion ($3 billion).

UNICEF, MBRGI and CIFF launch $300m initiative to save children from malnutrition

Fri, 13 Mar 2026

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in partnership with MBRGI and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), has announced a major new $300 million partnership to help save 3 million children from malnutrition.

Union Properties joins Massachusetts institute's industrial liaison programme

Thu, 05 Mar 2026

Dubai-based Union Properties has sealed a membership agreement with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) through its globally recognised Industrial Liaison Programme in a move aimed at developing future-oriented models to help accelerate technology-led transformation in real estate.

DIFC announces completion, phased handover of DIFC Square

Tue, 10 Mar 2026

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has announced the successful completion and phased handover of DIFC Square ahead of schedule. Spanning over 600,000 sq ft, the development forms an ensemble of three interconnected glass façade buildings with dedicated parking facilities and retail spaces.

Iran’s GPS jamming turns shipping lanes into minefields, says expert

Thu, 12 Mar 2026

In the Strait of Hormuz, hundreds of ships appear on maps where they should not exist. GPS signals that tankers rely on to navigate safely are being scrambled, revealing a new battlefield of invisible electronic warfare. What was once a tool for convenience has become a potential hazard, says an expert.

Abu Dhabi expands autonomous taxis operations on Yas Island

Fri, 13 Mar 2026

Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, has announced the expansion of the commercial operations of autonomous taxi services on Yas Island.

Dubai issues new law on violations, penalties, administrative measures

Fri, 13 Mar 2026

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister, has issued Law No. 6 of 2026 on violations, penalties, and administrative measures in the Emirate of Dubai, in his capacity as the Ruler of Dubai.

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