COMIC PARK

Who knew? It turns out that French President Emmanuel Macron and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman both love “manga” comics so much, they want to build a theme park outside Paris that will be partly dedicated to the Japanese form of graphic novel. The two leaders discussed the $7 billion project during a two-day Paris summit, in which they also sat together at the finale of the Esports World Cup. The theme park’s construction will be led by Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya Investment Co., which is owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. Besides the manga park, the project will house two other theme parks, along with hotels, restaurants and luxury residences.

IPO PROSPECT

Egypt’s Ministry of Investment is reviewing a study for state-owned Misr Life Insurance of the company’s readiness for a potential IPO. The valuation, being conducted with the involvement of the International Monetary Fund, is expected to be completed within 45 days before being submitted to the Financial Regulatory Authority for approval, according to a note published by Zilla Capital. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is considering acquiring a 5% stake in Misr Life through a private placement, the note said. Six institutions are competing for stakes in the insurer, including the EBRD, International Finance Corp. and four investment funds. 

Mubadala Capital: The Abu Dhabi-based sovereign wealth fund’s alternative asset arm is integrating a $25 billion credit portfolio into its platform and opening it to outside investors for the first time.

Aramco: Saudi Aramco signed agreements with French companies potentially worth more than $3.7 billion, covering drilling equipment, oil country tubular goods and industrial AI technologies.

Masdar: The UAE renewable energy company owned by ADNOC, TAQA and Mubadala has begun commercial operations at its second U.K. battery storage project.

🛢️ Pipeline Push: TotalEnergies will invest in doubling the capacity of Abu Dhabi’s Habshan-Fujairah pipeline as the French oil and gas company backs export routes that bypass the Strait of Hormuz, CEO Patrick Pouyanné said.

✈️ Loan Takeoff: Kuwait’s Jazeera Airways renewed a $190 million loan facility with a local bank, of which it has utilized $95 million.

🏝️ Refreshing Land: Eagle Hills Properties is overseeing the development of Abu Dhabi’s Lulu Island, which is accessible only by boat.

💧Water Security: Gulf states are pouring hundreds of billions into data centers and AI infrastructure, but such ambitions depend on securing sufficient water supplies, The National reports.

🎭 Parlez-Vous?: The Saudi Ministry of Culture announced plans to establish a cultural center in Paris to promote Saudi culture, support its creative practitioners and deepen cultural ties and partnerships with France.

🛢️ Energy Exports: Gulf jet fuel exports to Europe more than doubled to 874,000 tons in July, making the region the continent’s biggest supplier.

King Salman of Saudi Arabia received a message from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed on Saudi-Emirati ties.

Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, the Saudi Minister of Culture and Governor of the Royal Commission for AlUla, and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot co-chaired the Saudi-French Joint Ministerial Committee on AlUla in Paris on Monday.

Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, ruler of the northern emirate of Sharjah, has issued a law regulating the emirate’s correctional institution, focusing on security, social defense and inmates rights.

Jasem Al-Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, met with Maria Luisa Fantappie, head of the Mediterranean, Middle East and Africa program at the Institute of International Affairs, at the General Secretariat headquarters in Riyadh on Monday.

Ranjit Khanna was appointed CEO of Zurich-based banking group EFG International’s Dubai Advisory Office, strengthening the firm’s presence in the Dubai International Financial Centre.

Salman Albalooshi won an auction for a Pure Gyre falcon on Sunday at Abu Dhabi’s National Exhibition Centre with a winning bid of $69,400.

🇦🇪 Moscow Majlis: Abu Dhabi brought Emirati culture to the heart of Moscow with a five-day festival near Red Square featuring traditional Al-Ayyala dancing, handicrafts, Arabic coffee, local food and displays highlighting the emirate’s pearl-diving and seafaring heritage. Organized by Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism and the UAE Embassy in Russia, the free event at Manezhnaya Square ran through Sunday as part of Moscow’s summer festival program.

📷 Photo of the Day

August 28-Sept. 6, Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition. An annual event celebrating traditional Emirati heritage and culture. ADNEC center.

August 30-Sept. 2, Riyadh. Big 5 Construct. The event connects construction industry stakeholders with suppliers in Saudi Arabia. Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center.

August 31-Sept. 3, Riyadh. LEAP Expo Riyadh. A major tech trade show for the Middle East, which includes a global startup live pitch event. RECC Malham.

Sept. 1-3, Dubai. Middle East Energy.  A three-day energy exhibition in Dubai brings together utilities, developers, manufacturers and industry professionals. Dubai World Trade Centre.  

Sept. 1-3, Doha. Qatar Event Show. Brings together the events industry through a three-day program featuring exhibitions, conferences, workshops and networking opportunities. Doha Exhibition & Convention Center.

Sept. 7-8, Abu Dhabi. Hili Forum. The events bring policymakers and leading experts to examine the future of regional security, trade and energy corridors and technology. The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort.

Sept. 7-9, Dubai. AIM Congress. The global investment platform’s annual meeting brings together investors, governments, businesses and policymakers. Dubai World Trade Centre.  

Sept. 11-13, Abu Dhabi. Middle East Film & Comic Con. Featuring some of the world’s biggest brands in film, TV, sci-fi, animation, manga, comics and collectibles. ADNEC Centre.  

Sept. 13-18, Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. Fostering collaboration between regional publishing sectors and creative industries. ADNEC Centre.

Sept. 14-16, Riyadh. Money 20/20. The event brings together banks, Big Tech, fintechs, regulators, startups and investors. Riyadh Exhibition & Convention Centre. 

Sept.14-17, Bangkok. Gastech.  The global energy event brings together global energy leaders, policymakers and industry experts to explore natural gas, LNG, hydrogen, low-carbon solutions, electrification and AI. Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre.

Sept. 14-18, Dubai. Arabian Travel Market. The flagship global travel trade show, which was postponed in May, returns, bringing 55,000+ travel professionals, 2,800+ exhibitors and representatives from 166 countries. Dubai World Trade Centre.

Sept. 15-17, Dubai. Arab Media Forum. The region’s largest media gathering, organized by the Dubai Press Club. Dubai World Trade Centre.

Sept. 16-18, Dubai. GISEC Global. MENA’S largest cybersecurity event brings together governments, CISOs, technology companies and cybersecurity experts to explore emerging threats, AI security, and other technologies. Dubai Exhibition Centre. 

Sept. 17-19, Abu Dhabi. International Real Estate & Investment Show 2026. An event targeting investors and consumers rather than trade visitors. ADNEC Centre.

Sept. 20, New York. Qatar Economic Forum, Powered by Bloomberg: UNGA Special Edition 2026. The forum will host a special leadership gathering alongside the 2026 UNGA in New York, bringing together global leaders to explore capital, risk and resilience in a volatile global economy.

Sept. 28-Oct. 1, Singapore. SuperReturn Asia. The region’s premier private capital gathering. Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre.

Sept. 29-Oct. 1, Abu Dhabi. LIVEX 2026. Abu Dhabi’s inaugural Livability and Investment Exhibition. ADNEC Centre.

Oct. 6-7, Abu Dhabi. AiEverything.The AI Summit brings together policymakers, innovators and business leaders. ADNEC.

Oct. 7-9, Singapore. Milken Institute Asia Summit. Bringing together a global community of influential leaders shaping the next era of intelligence, collaboration and growth. Four Seasons Hotel.

Oct. 21-24, Riyadh. Six Kings Slam. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner will defend his Six Kings Slam title when the exhibition tournament returns, to be streamed globally on Netflix. ANB Arena.

Oct. 26-29, Riyadh. Future Investment Initiative. Saudi Arabia’s keystone annual business conference, sponsored by the Public Investment Fund. King Abdulaziz International Convention Center. 

WEAK LINK

The U.S. is examining whether to rebuild its large network of Gulf military bases after Iranian attacks exposed vulnerabilities in an American regional footprint built up since the 1990s, the Financial Times reports. Africa correspondent Jacob Judah cites the widening gap between Gulf political confidence in Washington’s security commitments and its deepening military ties with the individual governments. He quotes Dana Stroul, former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East, who says a delicate balance will be required between U.S. operational requirements and Washington’s commitments to partners, noting the need to assess the assets and troop presence to backstop the security of Gulf states. “It will be important to avoid the perception that we are abandoning them,” Stroul said.

SPACE RACE

Saudi Arabia’s space economy is projected to nearly quadruple to $31.6 billion by 2035 as the kingdom invests in satellites and digital technologies. Key areas of satellite use will be climate monitoring, agriculture, water management and disaster response, according to a report by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission and the International Telecommunication Union.  The expansion is part of a broader push to develop digital infrastructure and space-based services while using technology to address environmental challenges, Arab News reports. “Saudi Arabia is committed to unlocking the full potential of artificial intelligence and digital innovation as powerful enablers of sustainable development,” Abdullah Al-Swaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, said in the report.

ADNOC: ADNOC Drilling plans to expand in Egypt through partnerships with state-backed oil companies as Cairo seeks investment to boost domestic oil and gas production.

Public Investment Fund: Flynas, the low-cost Saudi airline partially owned by the sovereign wealth fund, received a new Airbus A320neo aircraft, boosting its fleet to 68 planes.

LIV Golf: The struggling PGA rival, which the PIF said it will no longer support, is cutting tournaments and payouts while facing a $1.2 million lawsuit from an unpaid vendor, The Wall Street Journal reports.

Ma’aden: The Saudi mining giant, majority controlled by the PIF, secured its first $1 billion in international syndicated credit facilities in an oversubscribed deal that drew banks from the U.S., Canada, Europe, China and Japan.

Qatar Investment Authority: California Attorney General Rob Bonta canceled settlement talks with Paramount over its proposed Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition, accusing the company of bad faith, the New York Times reports. Paramount’s sovereign backers for the bid include the QIA, PIF and Abu Dhabi’s L’Imad Holding Co.

🇪🇬 China complex: Egypt is considering a $2 billion Chinese-backed industrial complex in the Suez Canal Economic Zone that would create more than 3,000 jobs, while supplying the domestic market and producing goods for export.

🛡️ Drone Defense: Florida startup Powerus has opened a UAE production line assembling low-cost Guardian drone interceptors, part of its push to manufacture weapons closer to where they are needed amid Iranian attacks on the U.S.’s Gulf allies, The New York Times reports.

✈️ Destination Kuwait: Emirates has resumed Dubai-Kuwait flights after an extended suspension, though services remain significantly below previous levels.

🇪🇬 China complex: Egypt is considering a $2 billion Chinese-backed industrial complex in the Suez Canal Economic Zone that would create more than 3,000 jobs while supplying the domestic market and producing goods for export.

🛡️ Drone Defense: Florida startup Powerus has opened a UAE production line assembling low-cost Guardian drone interceptors, part of its push to manufacture weapons closer to where they are needed amid Iranian attacks on the U.S.’s Gulf allies, The New York Times reports.

✈️ Destination Kuwait: Emirates has resumed Dubai-Kuwait flights after an extended suspension, though services remain significantly below previous levels.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made a two-day trip to France, where he held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron about economic and defense issues, later attending the closing ceremony of the Esports World Cup in Paris on Sunday.

Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad, Kuwait’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing on Monday.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, reviewed progress on 104 real estate projects worth $30 billion in the first half of 2026.

Khaldoon Al Mubarak, CEO of Mubadala and Chairman of the U.K.’s Manchester City football club, unveiled a mosaic at the team’s headquarters dedicated to former captain and Club legend Steph Houghton.

Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade and Chairman of the UAE International Investment Council, chaired a board meeting to review developments. 

Mashail Mohammed Alkarni was appointed as the spokesperson of the Saudi Tourism Development Fund.

Pedro Uria-Recio was appointed as Chief AI Officer of Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank. He was previously Chief Data & Artificial Intelligence Officer at CIMB Bank in Malaysia.

🇦🇪 Moscow Majlis: Abu Dhabi brought Emirati culture to the heart of Moscow with a five-day festival near Red Square featuring traditional Al-Ayyala dancing, handicrafts, Arabic coffee, local food and displays highlighting the emirate’s pearl-diving and seafaring heritage. Organized by Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism and the UAE Embassy in Russia, the free event at Manezhnaya Square ran through Sunday as part of Moscow’s summer festival program.

📷 Photo of the Day

August 28-Sept. 6, Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition. An annual event celebrating traditional Emirati heritage and culture. ADNEC center.

August 30-Sept. 2, Riyadh. Big 5 Construct. The event connects construction industry stakeholders with suppliers in Saudi Arabia. Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center.

August 31-Sept. 3, Riyadh. LEAP Expo Riyadh. A major tech trade show for the Middle East, which includes a global startup live pitch event. RECC Malham.

Sept. 1-3, Dubai. Middle East Energy.  A three-day energy exhibition in Dubai brings together utilities, developers, manufacturers and industry professionals. Dubai World Trade Centre.  

Sept. 1-3, Doha. Qatar Event Show. Brings together the events industry through a three-day program featuring exhibitions, conferences, workshops and networking opportunities. Doha Exhibition & Convention Center.

Sept.7-8, Abu Dhabi. Hili Forum. The events bring policymakers and leading experts to examine the future of regional security, trade and energy corridors and technology. The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort.

Sept. 7-9, Dubai. AIM Congress. The global investment platform’s annual meeting brings together investors, governments, businesses and policymakers. Dubai World Trade Centre.  

Sept. 11-13, Abu Dhabi. Middle East Film & Comic Con. Featuring some of the world’s biggest brands in film, TV, sci-fi, animation, manga, comics and collectibles. ADNEC Centre.  

Sept. 13-18, Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. Fostering collaboration between regional publishing sectors and creative industries. ADNEC Centre.

Sept. 14-16, Riyadh. Money 20/20. The event brings together banks, Big Tech, fintechs, regulators, startups and investors. Riyadh Exhibition & Convention Centre. 

Sept.14-17, Bangkok. Gastech.  The global energy event brings together global energy leaders, policymakers and industry experts to explore natural gas, LNG, hydrogen, low-carbon solutions, electrification and AI. Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre.

Sept. 14-18, Dubai. Arabian Travel Market. The flagship global travel trade show, which was postponed in May, returns, bringing 55,000+ travel professionals, 2,800+ exhibitors and representatives from 166 countries. Dubai World Trade Centre.

Sept. 15-17, Dubai. Arab Media Forum. The region’s largest media gathering, organized by the Dubai Press Club. Dubai World Trade Centre.

Sept. 16-18, Dubai. GISEC Global. MENA’S largest cybersecurity event brings together governments, CISOs, technology companies and cybersecurity experts to explore emerging threats, AI security, and other technologies. Dubai Exhibition Centre. 

Sept. 17-19, Abu Dhabi. International Real Estate & Investment Show 2026. An event targeting investors and consumers rather than trade visitors. ADNEC Centre.

Sept. 20, New York. Qatar Economic Forum, Powered by Bloomberg: UNGA Special Edition 2026. The forum will host a special leadership gathering alongside the 2026 UNGA in New York, bringing together global leaders to explore capital, risk and resilience in a volatile global economy.

Sept. 28-Oct. 1, Singapore. SuperReturn Asia. The region’s premier private capital gathering. Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre.

Sept. 29-Oct. 1, Abu Dhabi. LIVEX 2026. Abu Dhabi’s inaugural Livability and Investment Exhibition. ADNEC Centre.

Oct. 6-7, Abu Dhabi. AiEverything.The AI Summit brings together policymakers, innovators and business leaders. ADNEC.

Oct. 7-9, Singapore. Milken Institute Asia Summit. Bringing together a global community of influential leaders shaping the next era of intelligence, collaboration and growth. Four Seasons Hotel.

Oct. 21-24, Riyadh. Six Kings Slam. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner will defend his Six Kings Slam title when the exhibition tournament returns, to be streamed globally on Netflix. ANB Arena.

Oct. 26-29, Riyadh. Future Investment Initiative. Saudi Arabia’s keystone annual business conference, sponsored by the Public Investment Fund. King Abdulaziz International Convention Center. 

TANKER SCRAMBLE

Soaring demand for oil tankers is driving costs to record highs as Gulf producers struggle to keep crude flowing through the Strait of Hormuz. Prices for supertankers have topped $130 million, the highest since 2008, while charter rates are also soaring, the Financial Times reports. Meanwhile, ADNOC and Kuwait Petroleum have set up shuttle operations through the war-disrupted strait, and Iraq is offering bigger discounts to buyers willing to risk the passage. The scramble has sent daily rates on some Hormuz-to-China voyages above $550,000, with just 29 tankers now accounting for more than half of all trips through the strait.

EXTREMIST PURGE

Saudi Arabia’s Etidal, a government-backed center that tracks and analyzes extremist propaganda online, worked with Telegram to remove some 34 million pieces of content and shut down 1,275 channels in the first half of 2026. The material – including videos, audio files, documents and other propaganda – was posted on Telegram, the popular messaging app whose public channels can reach large audiences, Arab News reports. Etidal identifies material linked to groups such as ISIS and Al Qaeda and flags it for Telegram, whose moderators decide what to remove. Since the partnership began in 2022, Telegram has removed nearly 293 million items and closed more than 20,000 channels identified through the effort. 

Public Investment Fund: Cenomi Centers is teaming up with the Saudi sovereign wealth fund to develop a shopping mall in Medina’s Al Madinah Downtown project.

Oman Investment Authority: Oman Investment Authority President Abdulsalam Al Murshidi led a delegation visiting Solidcore Resources’ Kyzyl mine and processing plant in Kazakhstan.

ADNOC: The UAE national oil company’s ADNOC Distribution unit agreed to sell a minority stake in Shell Downstream South Africa to Reatile Group after it completes a planned $1 billion acquisition of the company in 2027.

✈️ Jet Fuel: The U.S. State Department approved a possible $4.5 billion sale to Qatar of as many as four Boeing KC-46A aerial refueling tankers, with Boeing, RTX and Northrop Grumman serving as the principal contractors.

🚧 Construction Phase: Sharjah-based Arada won a contract to develop a $1.4 billion residential project in Broadbeach on Australia’s Gold Coast.

💵Capital Takeover: Exits MENA, an investment advisory firm, is acquiring Avanz Capital Egypt, which will be rebranded as Exits Manara.

⚡Energy Sector: Saudi Arabia is developing four battery energy storage projects with a combined capacity of 2,000MW and a four-hour storage duration, backed by $1.2 billion in investment to strengthen grid reliability amid rising electricity demand.

🚨Finance Crackdown: Two Binance employees were briefly detained by UAE authorities over inquiries into possible financial crimes, but the crypto exchange said they were cleared and released, Reuters reports.

⛳ Golf Reset: The PGA Tour will adopt a two-tier structure in 2028 with at least $20 million in prize money for elite events, cementing changes made to fend off Saudi-backed LIV Golf, whose challenge to the U.S. tour has effectively collapsed after five years of upheaval, the Financial Times reports.

🕸️ Air Connection: Qatar Airways said it will become the first airline to operate a fleet of Boeing 787-9 aircraft equipped with onboard Wi-Fi provided by Starlink.

📉 Declining Assets: Moody’s expects Qatari banks’ net profits to decline in 2026 as higher credit costs put pressure on asset quality amid the Middle East conflict.

Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmed, met with Jasem Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, on Tuesday at Al Bayan Palace in Kuwait.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs, held a phone call with Omar Bula Escobar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia.

Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of northern emirate Ras Al Khaimah, met with UAE Government Cyber Security Council on Tuesday.

Nasser Al Sharji was named as Oman Air’s new CEO starting Sept. 1, replacing Con Korfiatis, who oversaw a two-year restructuring of the national carrier.

Khalid Alia was appointed Chief Digital and Customer Experience Officer at stc Bahrain, a digital enabler.

Mohammad Al Sari was appointed as CEO of HRE Development, a Dubai-based real estate developer. 

🎨 Kids’ Canvas: Abu Dhabi is preparing to stage what organizers call the Arab world’s first outdoor art biennale devoted to children. The one-month show, scheduled to start Nov. 6, will fill the capital city’s Umm Al Emarat Park with works designed to be experienced through touch, sound, movement and light, The National reports. Among the featured artists will be Alia AlShamsi of the UAE, Hana El-Sagini from Egypt and Indonesia’s Eko Nugroho. 

📷 Photo of the Day

August 28-Sept. 6, Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition. An annual event celebrating traditional Emirati heritage and culture. ADNEC center.

August 30-Sept. 2, Riyadh. Big 5 Construct. The event connects construction industry stakeholders with suppliers in Saudi Arabia. Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center.

August 31-Sept. 3, Riyadh. LEAP Expo Riyadh. A major tech trade show for the Middle East, which includes a global startup live pitch event. RECC Malham.

Sept. 1-3, Dubai. Middle East Energy.  A three-day energy exhibition in Dubai brings together utilities, developers, manufacturers and industry professionals. Dubai World Trade Centre.  

Sept. 1-3, Doha. Qatar Event Show. Brings together the events industry through a three-day program featuring exhibitions, conferences, workshops and networking opportunities. Doha Exhibition & Convention Center.

Sept.7-8, Abu Dhabi. Hili Forum. The events bring policymakers and leading experts to examine the future of regional security, trade and energy corridors and technology. The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort.

Sept. 7-9, Dubai. AIM Congress. The global investment platform’s annual meeting brings together investors, governments, businesses and policymakers. Dubai World Trade Centre.  

Sept. 11-13, Abu Dhabi. Middle East Film & Comic Con. Featuring some of the world’s biggest brands in film, TV, sci-fi, animation, manga, comics and collectibles. ADNEC Centre.  

Sept. 13-18, Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. Fostering collaboration between regional publishing sectors and creative industries. ADNEC Centre.

Sept. 14-16, Riyadh. Money 20/20. The event brings together banks, Big Tech, fintechs, regulators, startups and investors. Riyadh Exhibition & Convention Centre. 

Sept.14-17, Bangkok. Gastech.  The global energy event brings together global energy leaders, policymakers and industry experts to explore natural gas, LNG, hydrogen, low-carbon solutions, electrification and AI. Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre.

Sept. 14-18, Dubai. Arabian Travel Market. The flagship global travel trade show, which was postponed in May, returns, bringing 55,000+ travel professionals, 2,800+ exhibitors and representatives from 166 countries. Dubai World Trade Centre.

Sept. 15-17, Dubai. Arab Media Forum. The region’s largest media gathering, organized by the Dubai Press Club. Dubai World Trade Centre.

Sept. 16-18, Dubai. GISEC Global. MENA’S largest cybersecurity event brings together governments, CISOs, technology companies and cybersecurity experts to explore emerging threats, AI security, and other technologies. Dubai Exhibition Centre. 

Sept. 17-19, Abu Dhabi. International Real Estate & Investment Show 2026. An event targeting investors and consumers rather than trade visitors. ADNEC Centre.

Sept. 20, New York. Qatar Economic Forum, Powered by Bloomberg: UNGA Special Edition 2026. The forum will host a special leadership gathering alongside the 2026 UNGA in New York, bringing together global leaders to explore capital, risk and resilience in a volatile global economy.

Sept. 28-Oct. 1, Singapore. SuperReturn Asia. The region’s premier private capital gathering. Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre.

Sept. 29-Oct. 1, Abu Dhabi. LIVEX 2026. Abu Dhabi’s inaugural Livability and Investment Exhibition. ADNEC Centre.

Oct. 6-7, Abu Dhabi. AiEverything.The AI Summit brings together policymakers, innovators and business leaders. ADNEC.

Oct. 7-9, Singapore. Milken Institute Asia Summit. Bringing together a global community of influential leaders shaping the next era of intelligence, collaboration and growth. Four Seasons Hotel.

Oct. 21-24, Riyadh. Six Kings Slam. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner will defend his Six Kings Slam title when the exhibition tournament returns, to be streamed globally on Netflix. ANB Arena.

Oct. 26-29, Riyadh. Future Investment Initiative. Saudi Arabia’s keystone annual business conference, sponsored by the Public Investment Fund. King Abdulaziz International Convention Center. 

SQUEEZING IRAN

Iran is losing one of its biggest economic lifelines as the UAE cuts off financial and commercial transactions with Tehran. Dubai has long served as a gateway for Iranian imports, foreign currency and access to the global financial system, The Wall Street Journal reports. The cutoff could give U.S. President Donald Trump a powerful tool in his campaign to squeeze Iran economically by closing channels Tehran has used to work around international sanctions. Enforcement may prove difficult, however, after Iranian businesses spent years building networks of shell companies, money exchanges and other workarounds in Dubai, the Journal said.

KUWAITI REBOUND

Kuwait Petroleum Corp.’s scorched waterfront headquarters has become a symbol of the Iran war’s impact on the Gulf nation. The government is trying to reassure businesses that the country remains open for business despite the April drone strike that forced employees to relocate while operations continued, Bloomberg reports. After seven months of conflict, Kuwait is focused on maintaining oil exports, electricity and desalination supplies and normal economic activity, including a $16 billion pipeline deal with North American firms. The response reflects a resilience shaped by the 1990 Iraqi invasion, with many Kuwaitis seeing the latest conflict as another chapter in the country’s struggle to preserve its independence, the news agency said.

Aramco: Saudi Aramco will supply at least three European refiners with their full requested crude volumes for September, using export routes including Egypt’s Sidi Kerir and Saudi Arabia’s Yanbu as disruptions continue in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, Bloomberg reports.

Public Investment Fund: Saudi Arabia spent more than $50 billion on the construction of its NEOM megaproject, with the PIF now paying billions more to wind down contracts, leaving partially built structures in the desert, The Wall Street Journal reports.

DP World: DP World is expanding its Southeast Asian logistics network, opening a warehouse in Malaysia and planning facilities in Kuala Lumpur, the Philippines and Thailand by year-end.

🚕 Bolt Boost: Dubai Taxi Co. and Bolt are adding Arabia Taxi’s 1,607 vehicles to the Bolt ride-hailing platform, expanding their Dubai fleet to boost availability and cut passenger wait times.

📦 Indian Logistics: Bahrain-based Investcorp acquired India’s 20Cube 3PL Solutions for about $58 million and plans, together with 20Cube, to invest up to another $78 million buying logistics businesses as it expands in the fast-growing Indian market.

🚚 Building Blocks: Egypt’s EDECS Group won a contract from DP World to redevelop seven cargo and material handling yards at Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam Port, expanding its logistics footprint in East and Central Africa.

☀️ Tight Deadline: Saudi Arabia must accelerate renewable energy development to meet its 2030 target of generating half its electricity from green sources, despite war-related supply-chain disruptions and tighter financing, Arabian Gulf Business Insight reports.

💻 Tech Allies: Dubai and India have deepened cooperation on agentic AI through a preliminary agreement between Dubai Chambers and Nasscom to help UAE businesses adopt the technology and Indian AI firms expand into the Emirates.

💵 Targeting Investors: The Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park is aiming to commercialize products in water, food, energy, sustainability and advanced manufacturing.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, met with Toshimitsu Motegi, Japanese Foreign Minister, who said that the kingdom is seeing “promising opportunities to expand cooperation” in investment, energy, resources, supply chains, defense, and technology.

Prince Faisal also met with Qatar’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman in Riyadh. 

Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber of Kuwait received a letter from Sudan’s President of the Transitional Sovereignty Council, General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan.

Dr. Anwar Gargash, Adviser to the UAE President, said several media outlets circulated “false information” about alleged loopholes in the country’s financial sanctions against Iran.

Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral Group, the company bringing Disney World to Abu Dhabi, attended D23, an event for Disney fans in Anaheim, Calif.

Gianni Infantino: The Qatar Football Association expressed concerns over the lack of consultation with members before the Asian Football Confederation signed an open letter criticizing Infantino, the FIFA President, Reuters reports.

Abdulaziz Alobaidli, Director General for Regulatory Affairs at the Department of Energy in Abu Dhabi, told The National that the city’s power demand is expected to double by 2050.

Yevgeny Dibrov, the co-founder of cybersecurity firm Armis, is profiled in Fortune, which recounts his start in an elite Israeli military technology unit before selling Armis to ServiceNow for $7.75 billion in April.

📚 Back to Books: The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair returns Sept. 13 after the Iran war forced organizers to postpone it from April. The six-day event will also host the delayed Sheikh Zayed Book Award, one of the Arab world’s biggest literary prizes, with $2.1 million in prize money. Taking center stage will be the classic novel Don Quixote, with talks exploring Miguel de Cervantes’ tale of the would-be knight and his sidekick Sancho Panza, and how their adventures found an audience in the Arab world, The National reports.

📷 Photo of the Day

August 28-Sept. 6, Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition. An annual event celebrating traditional Emirati heritage and culture. ADNEC center.

August 30-Sept. 2, Riyadh. Big 5 Construct. The event connects construction industry stakeholders with suppliers in Saudi Arabia. Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center.

August 31-Sept. 3, Riyadh. LEAP Expo Riyadh. A major tech trade show for the Middle East, which includes a global startup live pitch event. RECC Malham.

Sept. 1-3, Dubai. Middle East Energy.  A three-day energy exhibition in Dubai brings together utilities, developers, manufacturers and industry professionals. Dubai World Trade Centre.  

Sept. 1-3, Doha. Qatar Event Show. Brings together the events industry through a three-day program featuring exhibitions, conferences, workshops and networking opportunities. Doha Exhibition & Convention Center.

Sept.7-8, Abu Dhabi. Hili Forum. The events bring policymakers and leading experts to examine the future of regional security, trade and energy corridors and technology. The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort.

Sept. 7-9, Dubai. AIM Congress. The global investment platform’s annual meeting brings together investors, governments, businesses and policymakers. Dubai World Trade Centre.  

Sept. 11-13, Abu Dhabi. Middle East Film & Comic Con. Featuring some of the world’s biggest brands in film, TV, sci-fi, animation, manga, comics and collectibles. ADNEC Centre.  

Sept. 13-18, Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. Fostering collaboration between regional publishing sectors and creative industries. ADNEC Centre.

Sept. 14-16, Riyadh. Money 20/20. The event brings together banks, Big Tech, fintechs, regulators, startups and investors. Riyadh Exhibition & Convention Centre. 

Sept.14-17, Bangkok. Gastech.  The global energy event brings together global energy leaders, policymakers and industry experts to explore natural gas, LNG, hydrogen, low-carbon solutions, electrification and AI. Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre.

Sept. 14-18, Dubai. Arabian Travel Market. The flagship global travel trade show, which was postponed in May, returns, bringing 55,000+ travel professionals, 2,800+ exhibitors and representatives from 166 countries. Dubai World Trade Centre.

Sept. 15-17, Dubai. Arab Media Forum. The region’s largest media gathering, organized by the Dubai Press Club. Dubai World Trade Centre.

Sept. 16-18, Dubai. GISEC Global. MENA’S largest cybersecurity event brings together governments, CISOs, technology companies and cybersecurity experts to explore emerging threats, AI security, and other technologies. Dubai Exhibition Centre. 

Sept. 17-19, Abu Dhabi. International Real Estate & Investment Show 2026. An event targeting investors and consumers rather than trade visitors. ADNEC Centre.

Sept. 20, New York. Qatar Economic Forum, Powered by Bloomberg: UNGA Special Edition 2026. The forum will host a special leadership gathering alongside the 2026 UNGA in New York, bringing together global leaders to explore capital, risk and resilience in a volatile global economy.

Sept. 28-Oct. 1, Singapore. SuperReturn Asia. The region’s premier private capital gathering. Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre.

Sept. 29-Oct. 1, Abu Dhabi. LIVEX 2026. Abu Dhabi’s inaugural Livability and Investment Exhibition. ADNEC Centre.

Oct. 6-7, Abu Dhabi. AiEverything.The AI Summit brings together policymakers, innovators and business leaders. ADNEC.

Oct. 7-9, Singapore. Milken Institute Asia Summit. Bringing together a global community of influential leaders shaping the next era of intelligence, collaboration and growth. Four Seasons Hotel.

Oct. 21-24, Riyadh. Six Kings Slam. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner will defend his Six Kings Slam title when the exhibition tournament returns, to be streamed globally on Netflix. ANB Arena.

Oct. 26-29, Riyadh. Future Investment Initiative. Saudi Arabia’s keystone annual business conference, sponsored by the Public Investment Fund. King Abdulaziz International Convention Center. 

POWER SHIFT

Saudi Arabia has put Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman in charge of both energy and industry after the Iran war exposed how disruptions to oil shipments, trade routes and manufacturing can quickly spill across the economy. In appointing Prince Abdulaziz Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources in addition to his current post, the government aims to centralize decisions across oil, mining and factories as it works to reduce its dependence on crude exports, Asharq Al-Wasat reports. Under the new structure, Prince Abdulaziz will lead efforts to expand manufacturing, increase non-oil exports and raise the sector’s contribution to the economy to almost $240 billion by 2030. Former Industry Minister Bandar Alkhorayef will remain in the cabinet and take charge of the kingdom’s military industries regulator.

FOUNDER FAITH

Startup founders chasing money in the Gulf have not let the war slow their stride. Many are staying put in the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia in the hope that generous incentives will continue to flow from the region’s sovereign funds, Bloomberg reports. In Abu Dhabi, Mubadala-backed startup incubator Hub71, which gives successful entrants $140,000 in cash investment and incentives, went ahead with its annual event in June, treating attendees to Mexican food and talks from Careem, Talabat and Whoop. “This situation has become sort of normalized, and people kind of know what to expect,” said Biotech entrepreneur Rayees Rahman, whose drug discovery startup Harmonic Discovery joined Hub71 last September and is now negotiating with a Dubai-based venture capital firm.

Mubadala: The Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund’s Mubadala Bio unit has begun producing hemodialysis concentrate solutions in the UAE for the first time through its Wellpharma subsidiary, launching eight products used to treat patients with kidney failure.

Abu Dhabi Investment Authority: India’s largest asset manager, SBI Funds Management, raised almost $280 million from anchor investors, including ADIA, ahead of its $1.2 billion IPO.

Masdar: The Abu Dhabi-owned renewable power company has secured a $5 billion financing package from a consortium of 13 banks for its $6 billion around-the-clock solar and battery storage project.

Public Investment Fund: The Saudi sovereign wealth fund signed a preliminary agreement with infrastructure investor I Squared Capital to pursue up to $2 billion in investments in PIF-owned real estate and infrastructure assets, with a focus on digital infrastructure and district cooling.

Public Investment Fund: California led a group of 12 U.S. States in filing a lawsuit to block the $110 billion merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. The PIF, Qatar Investment Authority and Abu Dhabi’s L’Imad Holding are all backing the deal.

Saudi Re: The PIF-owned reinsurance company has secured regulatory approval to acquire a 22.5% stake in London-based AdA Risk Holding for nearly $12 million.

Riyadh Air: The PIF-owned airline is studying an order for 25 to 30 additional Boeing 787 Dreamliners by exercising most of its purchase options, with a deal potentially announced at next week’s Farnborough Airshow, Reuters reports.

⚓ Port Authority: Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) will invest $170 million with DP World and Red Sea Gateway Terminal to expand cargo-handling capacity at Jeddah Islamic Port.

☀️ Sun Smart: UAE-based energy transition platform Positive Zero has secured a $375 million loan to expand its distributed solar, energy efficiency and clean mobility infrastructure across the GCC.

💰 Loan Refresh: Saudi-listed SHL Finance has renewed a $480 million Shariah-compliant credit facility agreement with Arab National Bank.

🏢 HQ Contract: China State Construction Engineering Corporation Middle East has won the contract to build Kuwait’s 55-story Direct Investment Promotion Authority headquarters in Sharq.

🛢️ Output Surge: The UAE told OPEC its crude production jumped to 3.8 million barrels a day in June, reflecting its exit from the producer group and efforts to reroute exports during the Iran conflict.

✈️ Adjusting Flights: Air travel in the Gulf faces renewed disruption as airlines adjust operations amid escalating U.S.-Iran tensions.

🚨 Back On: Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen fired ballistic missiles and drones on Saudi Arabia on Monday, targeting Abha Airport in the south-west region in the first major escalation since the 2022 ceasefire.  

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad received a stream of regional and global leaders at Lusail Palace offering condolences for the death of his father, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani. Guests included: Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Lt. Gen. Sheikh Saif bin Zayed. Sheikh Tamim received phone calls from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. 

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, chaired a meeting of the Emirates Investment Authority board on Monday.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, held a telephone call with Antonio Tajani, Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, on Monday.

U.S. President Donald Trump will host Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi at the White House today.

Hamdullah Mohib, CEO of Orbitworks, a two-year-old satellite manufacturer in the UAE, told Arabian Gulf Business Insight that the company is preparing for its first launch in the autumn.

Xavier Niel: The French billionaire sent a banker to the UAE in early July to gauge whether telecom giant e& would sell its 16.2% stake in Vodafone, wrapping up a $5.9 billion deal a week later that made him the company’s largest shareholder, the Financial Times reports.

🎨 Art Scene: Three leading Emirati artists were featured among the exhibitions at NOMAD Hamptons 2026 in the first U.S. edition of the traveling art fair. In a show titled “Rooted Movements,” Afra Al Dhaheri, Zuhoor Al Sayegh, and Azza Al Qubaisi introduced New York audiences in the exclusive Southampton town of Water Mill to a new generation of Emirati artistic practices that engaged deeply with materiality, memory, and place. The collaboration between the Department of Culture and Tourism-Abu Dhabi and NOMAD came after the emirate hosted the art fair at the decommissioned Zayed International Airport Terminal 1 last year.

📷 Photo of the Day

July 14-15, Carlisle, Pa., Pennsylvania Defense and Innovation Summit. U.S. President Donald Trump to headline event at U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, joining defense, technology, finance and government leaders for discussions on military innovation and investment.

August 18-19, Dubai. Middle East Event Show. Bringing together professionals from the events industry. Dubai World Trade Center.  

August 28-Sept. 6, Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition. An annual event celebrating traditional Emirati heritage and culture. ADNEC Center.

August 31-Sept. 3, Riyadh. LEAP Expo Riyadh. A major tech trade show for the Middle East, which includes a global startup live pitch event. RECC Malham.

Sept. 11-13, Abu Dhabi. Middle East Film & Comic Con. Featuring some of the world’s biggest brands in film, TV, sci-fi, animation, manga, comics and collectibles. ADNEC Center.  

Sept. 13-18, Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. Fostering collaboration between regional publishing sectors and creative industries. ADNEC Center.

Sept. 17-19, Abu Dhabi. International Real Estate & Investment Show 2026. An event targeting investors and consumers rather than trade visitors. ADNEC Center.

Sept. 29-Oct. 1, Abu Dhabi. LIVEX 2026. Abu Dhabi’s inaugural Livability and Investment Exhibition. ADNEC Centre.

QATAR MOURNS

Foreign leaders and royals are heading to Qatar this week following the death of former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani at 74. Qatar held funeral prayers on Sunday and planned to bury Sheikh Hamad at Lusail Cemetery, while declaring four days of national mourning. Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Sheikh Hamad’s son, will receive condolences at Lusail Palace through Wednesday. During his 1995-2013 rule, Sheikh Hamad developed Qatar’s vast gas reserves and turned the country into a leading LNG exporter. The resulting wealth financed major infrastructure projects and global investments through the Qatar Investment Authority.

BUILDING BLOCKCHAIN

ADI Chain, a part of IHC’s ADI Foundation, has received a $50 million investment to help grow its blockchain network and build the technology needed for large organizations to use it securely. The funding, announced today, will be used to expand the network, support developers and create partnerships with governments, banks and businesses looking to move important services onto blockchain. ADI Chain is already supporting projects such as ADI Predictstreet, a FIFA World Cup Prediction Market platform built with Kalshi, and DDSC, a UAE dirham-backed digital currency developed with First Abu Dhabi Bank, International Holding Company and Sirius International Holding.

ADNOC: Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. is tweaking crude prices to offer cargoes collected outside the Strait of Hormuz at a premium rate, Bloomberg reports. 

EDGE: Abu Dhabi-backed EDGE Group is trying to turn the UAE’s push for homegrown defense technology into a global business, Managing Director and CEO Hamad Al Marar said in the first episode of “Managing Middle East,” on CNBC.

Public Investment Fund: Saudi Pro League clubs, particularly the PIF-owned “Big Four,” are preparing for potential legal disputes over player wages after Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund sharply cut their budgets by an estimated $200-400 million, Intelligence Online reports.

NEOM: Saudi Arabia’s NEOM project has been attempting to reshape its public image by toning down claims around The Line, including overhauling its website to remove some of the futuristic imagery, Arabian Gulf Business Insight reports. 

𖥂 Drone Deals: Saudi Arabia bought a record $47.2 million worth of drones from Taiwan, becoming the top buyer for the island’s emerging UAV industry, Bloomberg reports. 

🏝️ Leisure Investment: Aldar has launched Yas Point, a $1.63 billion waterfront development on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island featuring 1,600 homes, a five-star resort, branded residences, an international school, and retail.

📈 Riyadh IPO: Digital service provider NourNet is working with Goldman Sachs and HSBC on a potential initial public offering, Bloomberg reports. 

🛎️ Ritz Contract: Dubai-listed Drake & Scull International has won a $14.4 million mechanical, electrical and plumbing contract from Khamas Group for The Ritz-Carlton Residences in Business Bay.

📦 New Arrival: Specialist logistics firm Rock-It has established its regional headquarters in Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Investment Office.

💺 Jumbo Rumors: Emirates’ reduced A380 schedule this summer has sparked speculation the superjumbo is nearing retirement, but analysts say the cuts are temporary due to refurbishment, maintenance and delivery delays.

🔴 In The Middle: Tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE are prompting global financial firms to prepare contingency plans as they assess risks to accessing the Gulf’s $3 trillion sovereign wealth ecosystem, Bloomberg reports. 

🤝 New Partners: Saudi Arabia’s SAL Logistics has partnered with China’s SF Airlines to provide integrated air cargo ground handling services.

📉 Saudi Slowdown: Fitch Ratings has kept its credit view on Saudi Arabia unchanged but expects GDP growth to slow to 0.6% in 2026 due to trade disruptions from the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid the U.S.-Iran war.

✈️ Damascus Bound: Dubai’s budget carrier flydubai will resume daily flights to Aleppo from July 20 after a 14-year pause, expanding its Syrian network.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed met with Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, in El Alamein on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast.

Sheikh Mohamed held a phone call with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Monday. 

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, UAE Foreign Minister, spoke with Nasser Bourita, Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates. Sheikh Abdullah also held a phone call with Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates on Sunday.

Jeff Zucker, CEO of RedBird IMI and chairman of Banijay Entertainment, told The National that the deal between Banijay Entertainment and All3Media creates a “truly global powerhouse” at a time of huge appetite for streaming and live events.

Dirk-Jan van Hameren, a Nike marketing veteran, is joining Whoop, the Wall Street Journal reports. The fitness tracker brand is backed by investors including Mubadala and Qatar Investment Authority.

Christian Kremers was appointed Vice President of Yalago, a leisure accommodation wholesaler, at dnata Travel Group.

Khalil Al Zadjali was appointed Vice President of the Valuation Committee at the Oman Real Estate Association at Cavendish Maxwell, a Middle East real estate advisory group and property consultancy.

🍸 Lounge Time: Riyadh Air’s first premium lounge at Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport has opened following the airline’s official launch. Spanning about 2,000 square meters (21,500 square feet), the Hafawa Lounge includes private sleep suites, massage chairs and a mocktail bar, Condé Nast Traveller Middle East reports. Designed by Yabu Pushelberg, the lounge is arranged as a succession of spaces connected by winding walkways, with interiors inspired by the Saudi desert, reflected in the honey-toned oak, brushed bronze and textured plaster.

📷 Photo of the Day

July 14-15, Carlisle, Pa., Pennsylvania Defense and Innovation Summit. U.S. President Donald Trump to headline event at U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, joining defense, technology, finance and government leaders for discussions on military innovation and investment.

August 18-19, Dubai. Middle East Event Show. Bringing together professionals from the events industry. Dubai World Trade Center.  

August 28-Sept. 6, Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition. An annual event celebrating traditional Emirati heritage and culture. ADNEC Center.

August 31-Sept. 3, Riyadh. LEAP Expo Riyadh. A major tech trade show for the Middle East, which includes a global startup live pitch event. RECC Malham.

Sept. 11-13, Abu Dhabi. Middle East Film & Comic Con. Featuring some of the world’s biggest brands in film, TV, sci-fi, animation, manga, comics and collectibles. ADNEC Center.  

Sept. 13-18, Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. Fostering collaboration between regional publishing sectors and creative industries. ADNEC Center.

Sept. 17-19, Abu Dhabi. International Real Estate & Investment Show 2026. An event targeting investors and consumers rather than trade visitors. ADNEC Center.

Sept. 29-Oct. 1, Abu Dhabi. LIVEX 2026. Abu Dhabi’s inaugural Livability and Investment Exhibition. ADNEC Centre.

CANADIAN CONNECTION

Saudi Arabia’s Humain artificial intelligence company and Canada’s Cohere have formed a partnership to build one of the region’s largest AI computing centers, with operations targeted to begin in late 2027. The announcement came during Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to the kingdom, the first by a Canadian premier in 26 years. During the prime minister’s visit, the two countries signed more than $760 million in agreements and expanded cooperation in energy, mining and infrastructure. Carney also met Saudi Aramco CEO Amin Nasser in Jeddah on Thursday, and the two countries agreed to deepen cooperation in mining and energy. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the majority owner of Humain, accepted Carney’s invitation to a Toronto investment summit in September.

STUDIO STANDOFF

Paramount Skydance’s Gulf-backed $110 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery may be in jeopardy from a U.S. legal offensive. States led by California and New York are preparing to sue to block the deal as early as next week, Status reports. It comes after Oregon’s attorney general has asked a court to halt the mega-merger while it investigates Paramount’s lobbying of the Trump administration. The deal also faces scrutiny in the U.K. and Europe. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the Qatar Investment Authority and Abu Dhabi’s L’imad Holding are set to hold a combined 38.5% stake in the merged entity. Meanwhile, Arete Research downgraded Paramount Skydance shares and slashed its price target to $2 over concerns about its ability to manage the large amount of debt that will come from the merger. Shares in Paramount closed down 4.3% at $9.33 on Thursday.

Mubadala: Emirates Global Aluminium, owned by the Abu Dhabi fund, has restarted production at its Al Taweelah alumina refinery, with output expected to reach 50% of capacity within days, three months after it was damaged by an Iranian drone attack.

ADNOC: Despite disruptions from the Iran war, Abu Dhabi’s state-owned oil company boosted crude oil production to an all-time high last month, pumping 4.1 million barrels a day on average in June, the International Energy Agency said in its monthly report. 

ADNOC: Abu Dhabi-listed ADNOC Logistics & Services has ordered four additional next-generation LNG carriers worth $900 million, expanding its LNG newbuild program to 18 vessels to support growing gas demand and its LNG trading ambitions.

Masdar: Chinese electric vehicle and battery company BYD was awarded a contract from Abu Dhabi’s green energy company Masdar to supply 11.27 gigawatt hours of its BYD Haohan battery system for the emirate’s huge round-the-clock solar project.

DP World: DP World has acquired 700 trucks to expand its Gulf road freight network, as logistics providers develop alternative routes amid Strait of Hormuz disruptions.

Qatar Investment Authority: QIA-owned QatarEnergy halted plans to quickly raise output at its Ras Laffan LNG complex after a tanker attack in the Strait of Hormuz, scaling back operations and reducing vessel calls over security concerns.

Oman Investment Authority: The sovereign wealth fund’s OQ energy company agreed to sell its stake in Majis Industrial Services to a consortium of Oman’s Rakiza and Florida-based IV3 Aqua.

Libyan Investment Authority: Qatar’s UCC Holding signed a production-sharing deal with LIA and the state-owned National Oil Corporation to develop an oilfield in Libya’s Ghadames basin, targeting 80,000 barrels per day of crude output and increased foreign investment.

🚖 Taxi Takeover: Dubai Taxi Co. completed its $395 million acquisition of National Taxi, creating the UAE’s largest taxi operator and expanding its presence into Abu Dhabi.

📷 Media Play: Banijay Entertainment and All3Media have completed their merger with backing from RedBird IMI, creating a London-based global production powerhouse spanning 25 countries, with Abu Dhabi playing a key role in the deal.

🛢️ Oil Output: Iraq signed deals with U.S. energy firms HKN Energy and Halliburton to boost oil and gas production and attract further foreign investment in its energy sector.

💰 Funding Challenges: The Saudi Fund for Development has invested over $3 billion in programs across 22 small island developing states, supporting sanitation, water, energy, transport and infrastructure projects.

🚢 Port Hub: Russia plans to open a commercial logistics hub at Syria’s Tartous port by mid-July, using the facility to ship wheat and other goods as it expands its economic influence in post-Assad Syria, Reuters reports.

💎 Treasure Hunt: Iraqi authorities allegedly uncovered 14 billion dinars ($10.7 million) hidden in a drainage pit during an ongoing anti-corruption investigation linked to Adnan Al Jumaili, the detained Deputy Oil Minister for Refining Affairs.

🚚 Shipping Impact: U.S.-GCC trade dropped sharply in May as the Iran conflict and Strait of Hormuz disruption pushed regional exports to their lowest levels in years.

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney departed from Jeddah on Friday, after a two-day official visit to Saudi Arabia, where he met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at Al Salam Palace. Carney also met with Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s Energy Minister, during his visit to the Kingdom.

Princess Reema bint Bandar, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the U.S., met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday in Washington, D.C.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, UAE Foreign Minister, held a phone call with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, on Thursday.

Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan, UAE Minister of State, met with Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja on Friday during his visit to Nigeria.

Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of the northern emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, met with Dr. Deepak Mittal, India’s Ambassador to the UAE, and a delegation of business leaders, at the Ruler’s palace in Saqr bin Mohammed City.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Mansour, son of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, UAE Vice President, was pictured with Areen Masrour Barzani, the eldest son of Masrour Barzani, the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, and with heavyweight boxing champion Agit Kabayel.

Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, UAE Investment Minister, said the UAE faces intensifying competition for global capital in strategic sectors such as AI, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and life sciences as investment flows become more concentrated.

Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, and Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, met with Helen McEntee, Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister for Defense, in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.

Tom Goodale will lead a team of 16 people to expand the American advisory firm Cantor’s fixed-income business outside of the U.S., with the majority to be located in Abu Dhabi. Goodale is among at least 10 people who left Stifel Financial Corp. for Cantor, Bloomberg reports.

🎞 Rolling Dunes: Abu Dhabi has deepened its role in the “Dune” film franchise, with the trilogy’s final installment involving its biggest UAE shoot yet and pulling in a vast team of local crew members, contractors, interns and performers. A new trailer for “Dune: Part Three” was shown at a global Imax event on Wednesday, along with a live discussion between director Denis Villeneuve and Timothée Chalamet, who stars as Paul Atreide in the sci-fi blockbuster. The Abu Dhabi audience also heard from Emirati stuntman Mohamed Mostafa, who appears in the latest installment, The National reports. The vast red dunes of the UAE’s Liwa Desert represent the fictional desert planet of Arrakis across all three films.

📷 Photo of the Day

July 7-11, Sun Valley, Idaho. Allen & Co. Conference. Annual invitation-only gathering of top figures in technology, finance, media and government. Sun Valley Lodge.

July 9-11, Alexandria, Egypt. Comixandria. The international comics festival draws crowds of fans, collectors, illustrators and publishers. Jesuit Cultural Center.

July 14-15, Carlisle, Pa., Pennsylvania Defense and Innovation Summit. U.S. President Donald Trump to headline event at U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, joining defense, technology, finance and government leaders for discussions on military innovation and investment.

August 18-19, Dubai. Middle East Event Show. Bringing together professionals from the events industry. Dubai World Trade Center.  

August 28-Sept. 6, Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition. An annual event celebrating traditional Emirati heritage and culture. ADNEC Center.

August 31-Sept. 3, Riyadh. LEAP Expo Riyadh. A major tech trade show for the Middle East, which includes a global startup live pitch event. RECC Malham.

Sept. 11-13, Abu Dhabi. Middle East Film & Comic Con. Featuring some of the world’s biggest brands in film, TV, sci-fi, animation, manga, comics and collectibles. ADNEC Center.  

Sept. 13-18, Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. Fostering collaboration between regional publishing sectors and creative industries. ADNEC Center.

Sept. 17-19, Abu Dhabi. International Real Estate & Investment Show 2026. An event targeting investors and consumers rather than trade visitors. ADNEC Center.

Sept. 29-Oct. 1, Abu Dhabi. LIVEX 2026. Abu Dhabi’s inaugural Livability and Investment Exhibition. ADNEC Centre.

LIV LAYOFFS

LIV Golf has notified employees in the U.S. and U.K. that they face mass layoffs, in the latest sign that the ailing rebel league is struggling to stay afloat following the exit of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. The grim outlook comes as two English companies filed a lawsuit seeking $210 million and $630 million in damages from LIV Golf, the PIF and other individuals and entities, according to court records obtained by ESPN. The companies, World Golf Group and Premier Golf League, claim that they first conceived the idea of a world golf league that provided the blueprint for LIV Golf’s launch. The PIF said in April that it would withdraw its backing from LIV Golf, after years of heavy losses and weak television audiences. 

JORDAN CAPITAL

Oman and Jordan agreed to create a $100 million joint investment company to back projects in the Hashemite kingdom’s energy, mining and technology industries. The venture will be owned equally by Oman Investment Authority and Jordan’s Social Security Investment Fund, with each contributing half the capital, Arab News reports. Executives from the two funds say the project is intended to support economic diversification, deepen cross-border investment and expand commercially viable projects in high-growth sectors. The announcement follows the World Bank’s approval of a $700 million loan to support Jordan’s private-sector growth.

Saudi Aramco: The state-owned oil giant’s efforts to restore crude exports from the reopened Ras Tanura terminal are meeting resistance as some customers decline to load cargoes because of renewed security concerns after attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, Bloomberg reports.

Oman Investment Authority: OIA-backed Asyad Group is planning to sell an additional stake in Asyad Shipping worth about $190 million, increasing the number of the company’s shares available for public trading to meet Omani stock market rules, with the sale expected in the second half of the year, Bloomberg reports.

Qatar Investment Authority: The QIA participated in a $1 billion funding round for SambaNova, a California-based AI chips, systems, and cloud services provider.

Paramount: Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield is seeking a court order requiring Paramount Skydance to provide lobbying documents and delay its $110 billion Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition by 60 days amid an ongoing antitrust probe.

🏦 Saudi Foothold: Deutsche Bank secured a regional headquarters license in Riyadh, becoming the latest international lender to establish a base in the kingdom as Saudi Arabia pushes multinationals to set up a head office as a prerequisite for winning government contracts.

🧬 Biotech Boost: Saudi fintech and private credit firm Seha Invest signed a $500 million partnership with Boston-based Y-Innovations to support biotechnology and healthcare development in the kingdom, announcing the agreement on the sidelines of the BMG Forum at the London Stock Exchange.

🍍 Fruit Platter: Saudi Arabia’s Jazan Region has launched a tropical fruits and greenhouses project with investments exceeding $159 million.

⚠️ Tanker Damage: A QatarEnergy LNG tanker remains stranded off Oman after a projectile strike sparked an engine-room fire, although officials say its cargo is intact and the risk of an explosion remains low while salvage crews prepare an operation.

✈️ Flying Rebound: Airbus said Middle East travel demand has rebounded to about 90% of pre-war levels and expects Gulf airlines to overcome disruptions from the Iran war, continue expanding their fleets and remain a key driver of global aviation growth, Bloomberg reports. 

🚢 Leaving Hormuz: The UAE is accelerating plans to reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz by expanding alternative transport corridors and Gulf of Oman ports, while leveraging the scale and integrated logistics of hubs like Jebel Ali to remain competitive.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed arrived in Kuwait on Thursday, where he was received by Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber, Emir of the State of Kuwait.

Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani ​visited Muscat on Wednesday for talks with Oman on initiating negotiations involving Iran, Iraq and Gulf Arab states on the ​Strait of Hormuz, ​Reuters reports.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, met with Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi in Muscat on Wednesday.

Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan, UAE Minister of State, met with Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama in the capital Accra, during an official visit to the country. 

Fatih Birol, International Energy Agency Executive Director, told The National that Gulf oil exporters need to “regain their reputation as reliable exporters” and that the Iran war has permanently altered risk calculations for buyers. 

Tariq Al-Khawaji, Vice President of the Saudi Film Festival, talked to Arab News about his optimism for the kingdom’s film scene and how far it has come since the days when he had to go abroad to watch blockbuster hits like “The Matrix.”

Helmut von Struve, CEO of Siemens in the UAE and Middle East, joined UAE Energy and Petroleum Undersecretary Sharif Al Olama to inaugurate the Emirates Monitoring Centre, the country’s first national control hub linking all four electricity utilities.

🎮 Game On: Dubai’s gaming enthusiasts, creators and fans came together last night for a midnight celebration of the launch of “Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag Resynced,” a remake of one of French studio Ubisoft’s most popular titles. The event, held by the Dubai Films and Games Commission and Ubisoft, featured an interactive gaming hub, cosplay and franchise trivia. Ubisoft, one of the world’s biggest studios, was the first major game publisher to establish roots in the Gulf region when it opened a studio in Abu Dhabi in 2011.

📷 Photo of the Day

July 7-11, Sun Valley, Idaho. Allen & Co. Conference. Annual invitation-only gathering of top figures in technology, finance, media and government. Sun Valley Lodge.

July 8-10, Hong Kong. LEAP East 2026. The first Asia-Pacific edition of Saudi Arabia’s flagship technology conference. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

July 9-11, Alexandria, Egypt. Comixandria. The international comics festival draws crowds of fans, collectors, illustrators and publishers. Jesuit Cultural Center.

July 14-15, Carlisle, Pa., Pennsylvania Defense and Innovation Summit. U.S. President Donald Trump to headline event at U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, joining defense, technology, finance and government leaders for discussions on military innovation and investment.

August 18-19, Dubai. Middle East Event Show. Bringing together professionals from the events industry. Dubai World Trade Center.  

August 28-Sept. 6, Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition. An annual event celebrating traditional Emirati heritage and culture. ADNEC Center.

August 31-Sept. 3, Riyadh. LEAP Expo Riyadh. A major tech trade show for the Middle East, which includes a global startup live pitch event. RECC Malham.

Sept. 11-13, Abu Dhabi. Middle East Film & Comic Con. Featuring some of the world’s biggest brands in film, TV, sci-fi, animation, manga, comics and collectibles. ADNEC Center.  

Sept. 13-18, Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. Fostering collaboration between regional publishing sectors and creative industries. ADNEC Center.

Sept. 17-19, Abu Dhabi. International Real Estate & Investment Show 2026. An event targeting investors and consumers rather than trade visitors. ADNEC Center.

Sept. 29-Oct. 1, Abu Dhabi. LIVEX 2026. Abu Dhabi’s inaugural Livability and Investment Exhibition. ADNEC Centre.

FERTILE GROUND 

Shares in Oman India Fertiliser Co. surged almost 20% as they started trading in Muscat today, following the region’s biggest IPO of the year. The company, which is backed by the Oman Investment Authority and the Indian government, raised 261 million Omani rials ($678 million) at the top end of the marketed range, valuing it at about $2.7 billion, Bloomberg reports. The listing drew demand from other regional sovereign wealth funds amid a rally in fertilizer prices driven by regional conflict, as well as increased interest in companies with access to Oman’s port infrastructure outside of the Strait of Hormuz. The company operates ammonia and urea plants in Oman. Ahead of the IPO, the OIA owned 50% of Oman India Fertiliser via state-owned energy company OQ, while Indian agricultural cooperatives IFFCO and Kribhco each held 25%.

OFFICE AGENTS

Abu Dhabi’s Inception42 plans to start deploying agentic artificial intelligence across the UAE federal government this quarter, with a goal of automating 50% of government operations within two years. The government-backed company, a unit of G42, says the systems will independently carry out complex, multi-step tasks with limited human intervention. Chief Executive Ashish Koshy told Arabian Gulf Business Insight the rollout is on a fixed timetable and is beginning to be used by government agencies. The initiative is part of a broader G42 and Microsoft collaboration expected to bring $15.2 billion of AI investment to the UAE while creating a unified AI platform for governments and businesses.

L’Imad Holding: Abu Dhabi’s newest sovereign fund is working with Boston Consulting Group to recruit senior professionals and overhaul its executive ranks, as it prepares to take a more central role in the emirate’s dealmaking ambitions, Bloomberg reports. The fund has reportedly asked some executives who transferred from ADQ after it was merged into the new entity to reapply for their positions. 

Public Investment Fund: ACWA Power, a Saudi clean energy company owned by the kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund, received an exclusive mandate from Saudi Arabia to export green hydrogen, green ammonia, green methanol and other green fuels.

Public Investment Fund: Saudi Arabia’s heritage destination AlUla is seeking private investment as it launches a new phase of expansion through public-private partnerships, with plans to triple hotel capacity to at least 3,000 rooms by 2030.

Private Department of Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan: The investment firm owned by members of Abu Dhabi’s ruling family said it will invest $1.1 billion in Saudi Aramco-backed LNG company MidOcean Energy.

Oman Investment Authority: Minerals Development Oman and Kazakhstan’s Solidcore Resources will jointly develop the Khabiyat copper and gold project in northern Oman, with Solidcore investing $31 million to potentially acquire a 60% stake.

🚁 Taking Off: The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority gave its approval to Dubai’s new VDX, the world’s first commercial vertiport designed specifically for electric air taxis, clearing the way for future passenger service.

📦 Logistics Buildup: Gulftainer, a UAE-based private logistics company, will invest $2 billion to become a global trade infrastructure company by integrating ports, shipping, logistics, industrial ecosystems and AI-powered supply chains.

🛎️ Holy Upgrade: A $99 million renovation project has begun at the five-star Makkah Hotel & Towers in the holy city of Mecca.

🏦 Payment Declined: Saudi Arabia has been accused of blocking or delaying financial transfers from banks in the kingdom to accounts based in the UAE, the Financial Times reports.

⛽ Syrian Power: TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanné said in Damascus that the French company is discussing an offshore exploration contract with Syria for oil and gas, though he ruled out a near-term return to onshore operations because of security concerns.

💰 Investment Drive: Saudi Arabia has launched a trade mission to Morocco involving more than 70 companies as it seeks to boost non-oil exports and strengthen commercial ties with North Africa.

✈️ Lost Cargo: Five crew members are missing after a cargo plane that departed Sharjah disappeared from radar off Pakistan’s coast following a reported navigation system failure, with flight data suggesting it crashed into the sea.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed met on Tuesday with a delegation from the Emirates Foundation that included Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region; Sheikh Saif bin Mohammed; Sheikh Suroor bin Mohammed; Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed, Chairman of Zayed for Good Foundation. Also attending, Marty Edelman, the real estate lawyer and advisor to the royal family who was awarded the UAE’s Order of the Union last month.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, met with Helen McEntee, Ireland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defense, in Jeddah on Tuesday.

Mark Carney, Canada’s Prime Minister, will begin a visit to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, where he is expected to meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and sign an investment pact.

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNOC, met with Kim Jung-kwan, South Korea’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy.

Khaled Al-Saeedi, Director of Government Communication at the UAE Agriculture Ministry, said that the emirates will begin importing fruit and vegetables directly from Syria through a transit route via Iraq.

Humaid Mohammad Obaid Alqutami was appointed Chairman of Dubai-based Islamic Arab Insurance Co (Salama).

Ali Saad was appointed as Managing Director of a newly formed Middle East branch of the leisure group Overseas Network in Qatar.

🍫 Sweet Success: The husband and wife duo behind the global success of Dubai chocolate say the sense of disbelief has not worn off when they spot the countless imitations that have followed. Sarah Hamouda and husband Yezen Alani, the founders of Fix Dessert Chocolatier, still marvel at the array of products inspired by their pistachio and knafeh flavor combination, from sweets to deodorant and candles. “It’s extremely flattering. We’re still pinching ourselves,” Alani told The National. “For us to be able to create a category in itself is incredible. To inspire others to do their own take on the Dubai chocolate – which actually we didn’t name, the world did – is amazing.”

📷 Photo of the Day

July 7-11, Sun Valley, Idaho. Allen & Co. Conference. Annual invitation-only gathering of top figures in technology, finance, media and government. Sun Valley Lodge.

July 8-9, Abu Dhabi. Money Expo Abu Dhabi. Bringing together investors, traders, fintech innovators, and financial institutions to explore the future of finance. ADNEC Center. 

July 9-11, Alexandria, Egypt. Comixandria. International comics festival draws crowds of fans, collectors, illustrators and publishers. Jesuit Cultural Center.

July 14-15, Carlisle, Pa. Pennsylvania Defense and Innovation Summit. U.S. President Donald Trump to headline event at U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, joining defense, technology, finance and government leaders for discussions on military innovation and investment.

August 18-19, Dubai. Middle East Event Show. Bringing together professionals from the events industry. Dubai World Trade Center.  

August 28-Sept. 6, Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition. An annual event celebrating traditional Emirati heritage and culture. ADNEC Center.

August 31-Sept. 3, Riyadh. LEAP Expo Riyadh. A major tech trade show for the Middle East, which includes a global startup live pitch event. RECC Malham.

Sept. 11-13, Abu Dhabi. Middle East Film & Comic Con. Featuring some of the world’s biggest brands in film, TV, sci-fi, animation, manga, comics and collectibles. ADNEC Center.  

Sept. 13-18, Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. Fostering collaboration between regional publishing sectors and creative industries. ADNEC Center.

Sept. 17-19, Abu Dhabi. International Real Estate & Investment Show 2026. An event targeting investors and consumers rather than trade visitors. ADNEC Center.

Sept. 29-Oct. 1, Abu Dhabi. LIVEX 2026. Abu Dhabi’s inaugural Livability and Investment Exhibition. ADNEC Centre.