MENA

Saudi Arabia to sign $4 billion in deals at Syria investment forum

A Saudi delegation of more than 130 businessmen and investors arrived at Damascus International Airport today

GCC governments’ digitalization push fuels telecom resilient performance, expansion into Europe: S&P

Significant investments in AI and cloud services reflect GCC telcos’ commitment to future-proofing their businesses

Egypt’s real estate market booms in H1 2025 despite inflation and rising construction costs

Real estate remains a favored hedge against currency volatility and inflation

Qatar Airways announces resumption of three weekly flights to Aleppo starting August 10

Flights will increase to four weekly from September 1, enhancing travel options for passengers 

Middle East economic outlook shows robust growth driven by non-oil sector: OPEC

Travel and tourism surges are projected to continue, boosting demand for gasoline and diesel 

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

HMD introduces Amped Buds: World’s first earbuds that also charge your phone

Ultra-slim case boasts a high-capacity 1600mAh battery, roughly 300 percent larger than most competing wireless buds

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

World Bank forecasts Syria’s GDP to grow by 1 percent after a 1.5 percent contraction

"The easing of sanctions provides some upside potential; however, progress remains limited," states the World Bank

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

GCC-listed companies attract $4.2 billion in foreign inflows in Q2 2025, highest since Q4 2022

Saudi Arabia led June inflows with $971 million, followed by the UAE, Kuwait, and Qatar 

Weaker U.S. dollar to unlock opportunities in emerging markets and global equities, says Standard Chartered

A weaker dollar historically supports returns across risk assets, particularly in emerging markets

Average inflation in GCC countries declines to 1.7 percent reflecting effective economic policies

Economic policies effectively managed inflationary pressures, contributing to stability in the region 

MENA business travel to grow 6.1 percent in 2025, market to hit $270.8 billion by 2030

April and May were the busiest months in the first half of the year, largely due to the return of business travel after Ramadan

Accelerating green ICT transformation in ME & Africa: Paving the way for a sustainable digital future

Event gathered experts to tackle critical discussions on ICT energy infrastructure upgrades

Middle East emerges as luxury retail’s next powerhouse as consumer spending grows

The influx of HNWIs is reinforcing the region’s appeal for luxury brands and underlining its long-term growth potential

77 percent of MENA content creators believe GCC is leading transformation in tourism, entertainment industry: Report

Almost half of the region's creators are positive about the use of AI, up from just 29 percent last year

Jordan’s economic growth outpaces forecasts as IMF releases new funds

Jordan continues to make progress with a gradual fiscal consolidation and strengthening fiscal sustainability

Why the GCC region dominates the list of the world’s safest cities in 2025

The top 10 safest cities list for 2025 featured several GCC cities, including Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dubai, Sharjah, Manama and Muscat

UAE and GCC airlines update: Some flights remain suspended or rerouted after ceasefire

GCC airspace reopens, yet Emirates and flydubai continue to suspend flights to several crucial routes 

World Bank approves $146 million grant to restore electricity in Syria

The project will deliver technical assistance to help shape Syria’s electricity sector strategy

How fiscal policy, increased public spending are shaping GCC economic resilience in 2025

Total public spending in GCC countries is projected to reach $542.1 billion in 2025