| Etihad to launch its first nonstop flights to Western Canada
United Arab Emirates: UAE national carrier Etihad Airways has announced plans to launch the first-ever nonstop flights between the UAE and Calgary, creating a new strategic air link between the Middle East and Western Canada. |
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| UAE's non-oil foreign trade hits historical milestone, exceeds Dhs3.8 trillion for the first time: Sheikh Mohammed
United Arab Emirates: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has announced a historic milestone as the UAE's non-oil foreign trade exceeded $1 trillion (Dhs3.8 trillion) for the first time |
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| Dubai’s economy records Dhs355b GDP in first nine months of 2025
United Arab Emirates: Dubai’s economy continued its upward trajectory in 2025, delivering strong growth that underscores its resilience and sustained momentum. The emirate recorded a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of approximately Dhs355 billion during the first nine months of 2025, including Dhs113.8 billion in the third quarter alone. |
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| T-Sukuk and T-Bonds attract Dhs5.15 billion in bids, says MoF
United Arab Emirates: The Ministry of Finance (MoF), in its capacity as issuer and in collaboration with the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) as issuing and payment agent, announced the successful completion of the January 2026 auctions of UAE dirham-denominated Treasury Islamic Sukuk (T-Sukuk) |
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| Pakistan, Saudi Arabia reaffirm push for joint energy and mining projects
Saudi Arabia: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to enhance cooperation in energy and mineral sectors, the Pakistani information ministry said on Friday, as the two sides seek to deepen economic ties and promote joint investment. |
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| Lagoon-front living, downtown energy: Tiger Properties introduces a new way of life in Ajman
United Arab Emirates: If there is one thing the last few years have made clear, it is that people in the UAE want more control over how they live. They want access to the city when they need it, but space, nature, and calm when they do not. Tiger Downtown Ajman is very much a response to that shift. |
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| US approves $9bn sale of Patriot missiles to Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia: The US State Department has approved the potential sale of Patriot interceptor missiles and related equipment to Saudi Arabia for an estimated cost of $9 billion, reported Reuters citing the Pentagon. |
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| Leading open banking platform Tarabut acquires Bahrain AI group
Bahrain: Tarabut, the first and largest regulated open banking platform in the Mena region, has announced the acquisition of Servable, a Bahrain-founded full-stack AI engineering company purpose-built for regulated industries. |
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| EtihadWE, Taqa, Saur ink deal to develop largest RAK wastewater plant
United Arab Emirates: A consortium of UAE entities - Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE) and Taqa Water Solutions - and French water management specialist Saur International has secured a major contract to develop the largest wastewater treatment plant in the northern emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. |
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| AI will never replace human creativity, says SRMG CEO
Saudi Arabia: The UAE and Scotland have formalized a new partnership aimed at boosting bilateral investment and economic cooperation |
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| CBUAE unveils region’s first biometric payment solution
United Arab Emirates: In alignment with the UAE Digital Economy Strategy and the Central Bank of the UAE's (CBUAE) commitment to advancing a secure, inclusive, and innovation-driven national payments ecosystem. |
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| Sepco3 starts work on 1.5GW Abu Dhabi solar project
United Arab Emirates: Shandong Electric Power Construction Corporation No. 3 (Sepco3) has announced that work has begun on the 1.5GW Khazna Solar PV Project in Abu Dhabi. |
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| DCT Abu Dhabi to highlight emirate as top culture-led travel destination at ITB Berlin
United Arab Emirates: The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) will exhibit at ITB Berlin 2026 from March 3 to 5, reinforcing Abu Dhabi as a leading global destination for culture-led travel. |
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| Abu Dhabi leads decarbonisation with EAD carbon monitoring programme
United Arab Emirates: Abu Dhabi has marked the completion of the first year of its Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) programme, reinforcing the emirate’s position as a regional leader in climate-focused economic competitiveness and investment readiness. |
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| Dubai International Chamber draws 64 MNCs in 2025
United Arab Emirates: Dubai International Chamber, one of the three chambers operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, attracted 373 companies to Dubai in 2025, including multinational corporations (MNCs) and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). |
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| Al Habtoor Group to exit Lebanon, after announcing legal action over $1.7bn in losses
Saudi Arabia: Al Habtoor Group will permanently close all operations in Lebanon, it has announced, citing prolonged instability, hostile campaigns, and failed negotiations with the Lebanese government. |
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| Saudi Arabia employs more than 500k Sudanese workers: minister
Saudi Arabia: The number of Sudanese workers in Saudi Arabia has exceeded 500,000, employed across key sectors, notably agriculture and animal husbandry, Sudan’s Minister of Human Resources and Social Welfare Mutassim Ahmed Saleh told Al-Eqtisadiah. |
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| ShaikhTech launches new real estate investment platform for global investors
Saudi Arabia: ShaikhTech, a Middle East based technology company involved in proptech, has announced the beta launch of AmanaVest, its global investment access platform, designed to enable individuals and institutional investors from around the world to explore curated real estate and other investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia. |
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| Dubai Ruler launches $27.2bn expansion of DIFC
United Arab Emirates: DIFC Zabeel District, a landmark expansion of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), was launched on Tuesday by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. |
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| Bahrain balances sustainability with economic growth: Minister
Bahrain: Bahrain continues to adopt a balanced approach that integrates environmental sustainability with economic development, said Dr Mohamed bin Mubarak Bin Daina, Minister of Oil and Environment and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs. |
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| More than 45 agreements signed at Global Labor Market Conference
Saudi Arabia: Thousands of training and employment opportunities have been generated by more than 45 agreements signed on the opening day of the third Global Labor Market Conference in Saudi Arabia. |
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| FDI in Saudi Arabia up 10%, hits $280bn: SAMA
Saudi Arabia: Foreign direct investments in Saudi Arabia reached SR1.05 trillion ($280 billion) by the end of the third quarter of 2025 in what was a 10 percent annual increase, official data showed. |
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| Dentistry subject to 55% Saudization target
Saudi Arabia: The Kingdom will apply a 55 percent Saudization requirement for dental professions in the private sector from Jan. 27, as the program’s second phase comes into effect. |
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| OQ Group signs $598m agreements to develop Oman downstream industries
Oman: Oman’s OQ Group has signed strategic agreements worth over RO230 million ($598 million) with two global companies - Germany-based MAK and Indian group Deepak - for the development of advanced downstream manufacturing projects in the cities of Sohar and Salalah in the sultanate. |
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| Private sector dynamism driving labor market growth in Saudi Arabia — landmark report
Saudi Arabia: A “structural shift” in the Saudi economy has led to the share of citizens employed in the private sector reaching 52.8 percent, surpassing the 51.4 percent target, according to a landmark report. |
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| Saudi Arabia surpasses $400bn in investment volume, minister announces
Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia’s total investment volume surpassed SR1.5 trillion ($400 billion) for the first time in 2025, the Kingdom’s minister of investment has announced. |
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| Saudi Arabia’s debt capital market to hit $600bn by end-2026, up 15% — Fitch
Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia’s debt capital market is expected to reach $600 billion in outstanding issuance by the end of 2026, cementing its position as the largest US dollar debt and sukuk issuer among emerging markets. |
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| Kuwait awards $3.3bn construction contract for key sewage plant
Kuwait: Kuwait has awarded a major contract worth KD999.8 million ($3.3 billion) to state-owned China State Construction Engineering Corporation for the construction of North Kabd sewage plant, the largest such facility in the country, reported Reuters. |
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| XRG to acquire additional 7.6pc in Rio Grande LNG project
United Arab Emirates: XRG, an energy investment company, has announced that it will increase its stake in Rio Grande LNG, deepening its exposure to one of the world’s largest LNG export facilities, located in the Port of Brownsville, Texas. |
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| Al Habtoor Group to take legal measures against Lebanon over $1.7bn investment losses
Saudi Arabia: Al Habtoor Group said it will move forward with legal action against Lebanon after years of unresolved investment disputes and mounting losses of $1.7 billon linked to banking restrictions and state inaction, according to an official statement. |
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| Savvy Games, Neom team up to boost Saudi gaming startups
Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia's Savvy Games Group and Neom have signed a memorandum of understanding to support the Kingdom's gaming startups throughout their journey from incubation to acceleration. |
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| Dubai Harbour bridge project work 65pc complete
United Arab Emirates: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that it has completed 65% of the construction works on a 1,500-m bridge project featuring two lanes in each direction, providing direct access to and from Sheikh Zayed Road to Dubai Harbour. |
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| DAE announces long term lease of 2 Boeing 737-8 to Somon Air
United Arab Emirates: Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) has reached an agreement with Somon Air for the lease of 2 new Boeing 737-8 aircraft. |
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| Oman money supply rises 6.4% to $68.6bn in November
Oman: Oman’s money supply climbed 6.4 percent to 26.4 billion Omani rials ($68.6 billion) in November, signaling solid liquidity conditions and continued growth in bank deposits, official data showed. |
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| Urban planning, data centres boost UAE future cities portfolio
United Arab Emirates: The UAE continues to consolidate its advanced model for building smart cities, underpinned by wide-ranging strategic investments, most notably in data centres, which form the operational backbone of smart urban systems and the knowledge- and innovation-based digital economy. |
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| AlMeer Saudi lands KJO offshore general services contract
Saudi Arabia: AlMeer Saudi Technical Services Company has announced that it has secured a long-term offshore general services contract from Al Khafji Joint Operations (KJO), a joint venture between Kuwait Gulf Oil Company and Aramco Gulf Operations Company (AGOC) |
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| Dana Gas, Crescent Petroleum secure Chemchemal gas sales deal
United Arab Emirates: Dana Gas, the Middle East’s publicly listed regional natural gas company, and Crescent Petroleum, a private oil & gas company in the Middle East, together with their partners in the Pearl Petroleum Consortium have announced a series of long-term Gas Sales Agreements (GSAs) |
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| flyadeal sees 33pc rise in 2025 passengers
Saudi Arabia: flyadeal, Saudi Arabia’s low-cost airline, wrapped up 2025 with record-breaking achievements that marked 12 months of continuous growth. |
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| Sharjah's industrial real estate market reaches Dhs9.24 billion in 2025
United Arab Emirates: Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department revealed that Sharjah industrial real estate market has achieved unprecedented growth, with transaction values rising from approximately Dhs4.9 billion in 2024 to over Dhs9.24 billion in 2025 |
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| Etihad Water and Electricity plays key role in $2.6bn Oman CCGT projects
United Arab Emirates: UAE utility Etihad Water and Electricity has announced that it is part of two consortiums - Misfah and Duqm - that have been awarded the contracts to develop gas-fired power plants in Oman with a total 2.6GW capacity. |
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| Saudi Arabia becoming ‘a connector economy’ as world trade evolves
Saudi Arabia: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia stands to benefit from the ongoing shifts in global supply chains - from fair trade to a managed and rule-driven trade model - as it can play a vital role as a connector economy linking Africa with Europe and Asia, said Majid A. Alkassabi, the Minister of Commerce. |
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| UAE's hotel revenues surge 8.8pc to $12bn in 2025
United Arab Emirates: UAE's hotel revenues for the 11-month period from January to November 2025 rose to AED44.4 billion ($12 billion), up 8.8% over the previous year, mainly driven by an increase in the average daily rate, reported Wam. |
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| Screen Check in deal to boost GCC residential smart security marke
United Arab Emirates: Screen Check, a subsidiary of Centena Group and a key player offering end-to-end identification and security solutions in the Middle East, has signed a strategic partnership agreement with global security technologies company. |
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| UAE hospitality sector marks Dhs44.4 billion revenue surge
United Arab Emirates: Abdullah Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, participated in the International Tourism Fair - FITUR Madrid 2026, held from 21st to 25th January at IFEMA in Spain. |
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| Urban planning, data centres cement UAE leadership in future cities
United Arab Emirates: The UAE continues to consolidate its advanced model for building smart cities, underpinned by wide-ranging strategic investments, most notably in data centres, which form the operational backbone of smart urban systems and the knowledge- and innovation-based digital economy. |
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| Saudi non-oil exports jump 21% as trade balance improves: GASTAT
Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports, including re-exports, rose 20.7 percent year on year in November to SR32.69 billion ($8.72 billion), official data showed. |
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| Middle East CEOs among the most confident globally, driven by investment momentum
Saudi Arabia: CEOs in the Middle East remain among the most confident globally, with 88 percent expecting economic growth in their territories to strengthen, compared with a global average of 55 percent, according to a survey by PwC. |
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| Saudi construction costs steady as growth holds at 1.1%: GASTAT
Saudi Arabia: Stable prices for materials and equipment rentals helped construction costs in Saudi Arabia maintain a steady annual rise of 1.1 percent for the second consecutive month in December. |
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| Phase I work on Dewa's solar green data facility to kick off in Q2
United Arab Emirates: Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) has announced that work is set to start on the Phase I of its solar-powered Green Data Centre being set up by its key subsidiary Data Hub Integrated Solutions (Moro Hub) in Warsan later this year. |
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| Saudi exchange leads GCC in foreign net buying in 2025, hits $5.5bn: Kamco Invest
Saudi Arabia: Foreign investors poured $5.5 billion into the Saudi exchange in 2025, the highest net buying in the Gulf Cooperation Council, an analysis showed. |