Gulf central banks take steps to guard against credit defaults

Gulf states are moving to protect their economies from a war-driven credit squeeze, as central banks in Qatar, the UAE and Kuwait roll out measures to keep loans flowing and prevent a broader financial shock. 

Qatar’s central bank has allowed banks to defer loan repayments for up to three months for affected businesses and individuals, while instructing lenders not to impose penalties during the relief period, Bloomberg reports. 

The move is aimed at easing immediate liquidity stress as companies face delayed shipments, weaker demand and rising insurance and financing costs.

In the UAE, authorities have taken parallel action by easing capital requirements to ensure credit remains available, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises exposed to supply chain disruptions. 

Kuwait has also signaled support for its financial system, with policymakers indicating readiness to step in to stabilize markets and assist businesses if conditions worsen.

New fund aims to promote Chinese expansion in Middle East

Abu Dhabi-based BlueFive Capital and China International Capital Corp.’s private equity arm are preparing a new fund to support Chinese companies aiming to expand in the Middle East.

The proposed investment vehicle will target sectors where Chinese firms can build up operations across the Gulf region, leveraging both capital and regional market access, Bloomberg reports.

While details regarding the fund’s size and timeline remain undisclosed, the move reflects growing financial collaboration between Chinese investors and Gulf economies.

The planned fund is positioned to facilitate business expansion by offering both strategic and financial resources to participating Chinese companies.

Trump’s golden visa stirs interest among Gulf’s wealthy investors

Every one of the six countries in the GCC offers its own golden visa program aimed at attracting high-net-worth foreigners to help bolster their economies.

Now Gulf investors themselves are looking into the $5 million “gold card” visa that U.S. President Donald Trump said would soon be introduced, Riyadh-based Arab News reports.

Among the attractions are America’s relative economic stability, greater access to markets in the U.S., and the prestige of residency there.

One Saudi investor told the newspaper that the Trump golden visa could strengthen economic ties between the U.S. and the Arab world while driving investments into a variety of key industries.