Banking & Finance

UAE introduces sugar-based beverage tax to promote healthy living

Under the new model, the higher the sugar concentration in a beverage, the higher the applicable excise tax per liter

Oman classified as largely compliant with international standards on tax transparency 

High ranking reflects Oman’s dedication to principles of transparency and governance globally 

ADGM FSRA and Central Bank of Azerbaijan forge new partnership on financial innovation

The agreement sets the stage for closer cooperation that supports financial innovation and regulatory alignment between the two jurisdictions

Dubai Metro Blue Line: $5.6 billion mega infrastructure project secures funding from Emirates NBD

Scheduled for completion by September 2029, it will serve approximately 350,000 daily passengers by 2040

Sheikh Maktoum launches $245 billion budget cycle for 2027-2029, focused on sustainable growth and citizen well-being

Budget aims to empower federal entities to deliver high-quality, flexible, and efficient services 

ADNOC’s 24.9 percent shareholding in OMV to be acquired by XRG

This transfer aligns with ADNOC's strategy to consolidate international investments under XRG's management 

EFG Hermes advises Nesma & Partners on strategic acquisition of AYTB

EFG Hermes acted as the sole buy-side financial advisor to Nesma & Partners

Sharjah Islamic Bank’s net profit rises 25 percent to $189.82 million in H1 2025

Income from investments in Islamic financing and sukuk grew by 6.4 percent to AED1.9 billion in the first half of 2025

The Abu Dhabi advantage: Why key global players are setting up in the Falcon Economy

Global firms are increasingly choosing ADGM as the targeted international financial center to set up and operate from

Impact Nation: How the UAE is turning social innovation into an engine of growth

The UAE recognizes that in an era of geopolitical flux and rising citizen expectations, social impact is no longer a moral nice-to-have — it’s a competitive edge

Saudi Arabia’s PIF ranks 4th globally among SWFs as assets under management hit $1.152 trillion

This year, the fund achieved a perfect score in Governance, Sustainability and Resilience (GSR), up from 28 percent in 2020

Tasama: New PIF company to support startups, boost business services growth across Saudi Arabia

Tasama offers a suite of services to support businesses through their startup and growth phases.

Saudi financial sector achieves 353 listings, 261 fintech companies, and 79 percent digital payment growth

FSDP's 2024 report highlights achievements that enhance resilience and growth in the financial sector 

ADIO and EFOA join forces to attract global family offices to Abu Dhabi

At the core of the agreement is a shared commitment to minimize barriers for incoming investors

U.S. unveils 35 percent tariff on Canada amid plans for 15-20 percent blanket tariffs on other countries

Canada is the second-largest U.S. trading partner, purchasing $349.4 billion in goods last year 

EY report: Bahrain most cost-effective GCC hub for financial services firms

Bahrain aims to empower global financial institutions to leverage the kingdom’s unique advantages and highly skilled talent to drive technological advancement

M&A in MENA hits $115.5 billion in H1 2025, up 149 percent YoY

The UAE emerged as the top target nation, with deals totaling $39.8 billion in value

The rise of digital remittances in the GCC: A moment to build trust, speed and access

The GCC stands out as one of the world’s busiest remittance corridors, with people sending money about 1.2 times each month

Kuwait strengthens ties with India, Iraq with new MoUs to combat financial crime 

Deals aim to promote an environment of transparency and security in financial systems 

IMF allocates $250 million to aid Lebanon in restoring financial stability

The IMF's financial aid aimed to restore stability while ensuring compliance with reform terms in Lebanon

Technological disruption, shifting client expectations drive transformation in GCC wealth management landscape

GCC clients are showing a strong preference for alternative investments, with 69 percent already allocating assets to these vehicles

UAE’s crypto landscape booms with $34 billion inflows as regional market matures

The Middle East has secured its position as the 7th largest crypto market globally