BUGATTI BID

Egypt’s billionaire Sawiris family is seeking to enter the high-stakes world of super sports cars. HOF Capital, a firm cofounded by two members of the clan, and BlueFive Capital are in talks to buy Porsche’s stake in Bugatti Rimac, Bloomberg reports. The discussions center on Porsche’s holding in the venture it runs with Rimac Group, which combines the Bugatti brand with Rimac’s electric performance technology. If completed, the deal could also include Porsche’s stake in Rimac itself, potentially bringing fresh capital into the Croatian electric car business.

FISCAL RESET

Bahrain is introducing a broad set of fiscal reforms designed to cut public spending while raising revenue through new corporate tax measures. The plan includes increasing fuel prices and modifying electricity and water tariffs, but guarantees that subsidies for basic household consumption remain intact. Officials presented the reforms as aligned with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030 plan, aiming to strengthen fiscal discipline and diversify the economy away from crude oil dependence. Lawmakers are expected to phase in the new corporate tax framework and other measures over the next few years as part of efforts to attract investment and streamline government procedures.

Mubadala Energy: Adnan Bu Fateem, COO of the Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund’s energy arm, described 2025 as a “pivotal year” for the company, marked by its entry into the U.S. market with natural gas making up about 70% of production.

ADQ: Abu Dhabi National Energy Co, Taqa, secured 85% debt financing from 14 local and international banks for its $980 million Al Dhafra power plant in Abu Dhabi.

Qatar Investment Authority: Qatar-based Barwa Real Estate Group, backed by QIA-owned Qatari Diar, a QIA company, signed two refinancing agreements with Qatar National Bank worth $557 million.

🏡 Building Blocks:UAE-based Luxe Developers appointed Aquapile Contracting to carry out shoring and piling works for its $626 million La Mazzoni luxury wellness project on Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah, which is scheduled for completion in 2028.

🏦 Bonds Auction: Egypt’s Ministry of Finance began to auction about $100 million worth of three-year local sovereign Islamic bonds, which follows last week’s interest rate cut.

💷 Working Capital: Saudi Lime Industries signed a one-year, Islamic-compliant $6.7 million loan with Emirates NBD to support working capital for its construction-material business.

📊 Fiscal Reset: Bahrain has approved a package of fiscal reforms, including changes to corporate income tax rules and spending cuts, as the Gulf kingdom seeks to rein in rising debt and narrow budget deficits.

💵 Courting Investors: Egypt rolled out new incentives, including streamlined laws and expanded “golden licences,” to attract Gulf investors as it targets $15 billion in foreign direct investment in the 2025–26 fiscal year.

💼 Job Hunting: Unemployment among Saudi nationals dropped to 7.5% in Q3 2025, down by 0.3% quarter-on-quarter, official data showed.

🏦 Green Light: Bank of Palestine has received initial approval from the Abu Dhabi Global Market for a full banking license, a step that would allow the lender to expand operations in the UAE financial hub while offering corporate, retail and treasury services.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Minister of Defense, met with FIFA President Gianni Infantino on the sidelines of the World Sports Summit on Monday. 

Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of the northern emirate of Sharjah, approved the emirate’s general budget for 2026 of $12.2 billion.

Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Energy Council, met with Suhail bin Mohammed, UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure and Chairman of Etihad Water and Electricity Company.

Prince Faisal bin Bandar, the Governor of Riyadh, met with Lebanese Ambassador Ali Karanouh at Al-Hakam Palace on Monday.

Abbas Sajwani, the 26-year-old son of UAE billionaire developer Hussain Sajwani of Damac Group, is reviving Dubai’s long-vacant “Big Ben” office tower and plans to complete refurbishment by the end of 2026 amid strong office demand, Bloomberg reports.

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, led a government delegation to Egypt on Monday to negotiate a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with Egyptian Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Hassan Al-Khatib.

Hussain Sultan Lootah, Acting CEO of ENOC Group and Chairman of Horizon Djibouti Terminals, has concluded a strategic visit to Djibouti and Ethiopia, where he met with Djibouti President IsmailOmar Guelleh.

👠 Fashion Forward: Saudi Arabia is sending a cohort of budding young professionals to study in Paris as it tries to cultivate a homegrown fashion industry. The sojourn in France will be part of a new Executive Master’s Program in Fashion and Luxury created by the Saudi Fashion Commission, Arab News reports. The 15-month course is being run in partnership with Paris-based Institut Français de la Mode, combining study in Riyadh and Paris with online instruction.

Jan. 9-11, Dubai. 1 Billion Followers Summit. A gathering of global content creators to discuss the latest trends. Emirates Towers, Museum of the Future, Dubai International Financial Center.

Jan. 11-15, Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.  With the theme “The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go,” ADSW will connect ambition with action across innovation, finance, and people, showcasing how the world can move forward with confidence. ADNEC. 

Jan. 12-14, Dubai. Intersec. Billed as the world’s premier event for security, safety, and fire protection. Dubai World Trade Center.

Jan. 12-15, Dubai. Dubai International Project Management Forum. Bringing together global leaders, policymakers, and innovators to explore how collaboration, innovation, and sustainability can unite diverse communities. Madinat Jumeirah.

Jan. 13-15, Riyadh. Future Minerals Forum. The conference aims to hold conversations among governments, investors, and innovators to secure the minerals essential for a sustainable, tech-enabled future. King AbdelAziz International Conference Center.

Jan. 13-15, Abu Dhabi. World Future Energy Summit. The annual event brings in policymakers and industry leaders to discuss the challenges of working towards net zero. ADNEC. 

Jan. 18-21, Riyadh. Big5 Construct Saudi. Latest trends and opportunities among construction companies operating in KSA. Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center located at ROSHN Front.

Jan. 20-21, Dubai. 2026 BAFT MENA Forum. The event brings the region’s senior executives, influencers and industry experts to explore the forces redefining MENA’s financial ecosystem. Embassy Suites by Hilton Dubai Business Bay.

Jan. 20-22, Abu Dhabi. UMEX 2026. The Unmanned Systems Exhibitions and Conference  showcases the latest advances in autonomous systems, robotics, artificial intelligence, and training simulation. ADNEC.

Jan.26-27, Riyadh. Super Return. A major private equity & venture capital conference held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.The Fairmont Hotel. 

Jan. 26-28, Riyadh. Saudi Franchise Expo. The exhibition brings local and international businesses that want to create franchising companies into the kingdom. The Arena Riyadh Venue for Exhibitions, Riyadh.

Jan.29, Dubai. The Great Marketing & Business Minds. In this 4th edition, the event brings the most influential marketing and business leaders for a deep dive into performance-driven marketing, data integration, and the evolving accountability of brand leadership. Pullman Dubai Downtown.

Feb 1-6, Dubai. Dubai Fashion Week. The event showcases the latest collections by global and regional designers and positions Dubai as a major creative hub on the global fashion calendar alongside fashion capitals like New York, London, Milan and Paris. Dubai Design District.

Feb. 1-4, Doha. Web Summit Qatar. Connecting a new generation of founders in the Middle East to investors, journalists and more around the world. Doha Exhibition and Convention Center.

Feb. 2-5, Doha. LNG2026. The 21st International Conference & Exhibition on Liquefied Natural Gas. Qatar National Convention Center. 

Feb. 3-5, Dubai. World Government Summit. Brings together heads of state, policy makers, top corporate executives to debate global priorities. Madinat Jumeirah. 

Feb. 10-11, Abu Dhabi. Top Advisors & Investors Summit. The event will convene the region’s foremost advisors, financiers, and investors in the UAE capital. TBC

Feb.12-13, Riyadh. PIF Private Sector Forum. The event, in its third edition, aims to support the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s Private Sector Engagement Strategic Initiative. King AbdelAziz International Conference Center.

MINING SHOWDOWN

A UAE-based mining company, Axis International, is seeking $29 billion from the government of Guinea after its license to mine bauxite was cancelled earlier this year. The company has filed the case at a World Bank arbitration court, arguing that Guinea unfairly took away its permit and caused huge financial losses by shutting down the project, Bloomberg reports. Guinea says it has been revoking licenses from companies it believes have not met their commitments, as it tries to exert more control over its natural resources. The dispute is one of several legal battles involving Guinea’s mining sector following a wave of license cancellations under the current military-led government.

AI READY

More than a quarter of Saudi Arabia’s businesses say they’re using artificial intelligence tools to boost efficiency and competitiveness. Technology and communications firms are leading the shift, while finance and education are also embracing AI, even as sectors such as construction remain slower to adapt, Arab News reports. Use of cloud computing is also growing, with 47% of businesses in the kingdom employing cloud service, according to a survey by the General Authority for Statistics. The report showed that internet access for businesses across Saudi Arabia has reached 98%.

Public Investment Fund: ACWA Power, which is owned by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, signed a $400 million public-private partnership with the government of Azerbaijan to develop the country’s first large-scale Caspian Sea reverse-osmosis desalination plant.

Ma’aden: The PIF-owned Saudi Arabian Mining Co. plans to form a $5 million joint venture with Australia’s Midana Exploration to explore and develop minerals inside the kingdom.

Oman Investment Authority: State-owned Oman Electricity Transmission Co. said it plans to invest over $2.6 billion by 2030 to expand Oman’s national electricity grid.

🏝️Coastal Financing: Nigeria secured about $1.2 billion in financing from the UAE to help build part of a planned coastal highway as the country tries to improve transportation links along its southern corridor.

🚰Water Investments: Jordan’s government spent nearly $500 million on supply infrastructure, wastewater treatment and renewable energy projects in 2025.

🕋Pilgrimage Hub: Gulf-based consulting firm Pace has formed a joint venture with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill to support the next phase of expansion of the Hajj Terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.

🚀Iranian Satellites: Iran said it launched three satellites-Paya, Zafar-2, and Kowsar- from Russia’s Vostochny Cosmodrome into a 500-kilometer orbit for environmental and agricultural purposes.

 💵 Fund Complete: Saudi Arabia-based Mufeed Co. secured a 12-month, Islamic-compliant $4.7 million loan from Saudi Awwal Bank to support its operations and expansion, with no related parties involved.

💰Deposit Relief: Lebanon’s cabinet approved a draft law designed to allow some depositors to recover funds frozen in the banking system.

🐭Good Stuff:The 1 Billion Followers Summit has announced Disney+ as a strategic partner for its fourth edition, to be held in Dubai from Jan. 9–11 under the theme “Content for Good.”

🌍Stepping Out: The GCC outbound travel and tourism market is forecast to almost double over the next decade, growing to $138 billion by 2033.

🏢New Location: Asia Pacific International Arbitration Chamber will open an affiliated entity and office at its Dispute Resolution Hearing Centre, at ADGM.

SUAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held talks on Friday to discuss relations between their two countries. 

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and  Deputy Prime Minister, received a phone call on Monday from Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad, received GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi on Monday at Bayan Palace in Kuwait.

Ahmed Kouchouk, Egypt’s Finance Minister, said on Saturday that external debt of the country’s budget agencies has decreased by $4 billion.

Charbel Yazbeck, Head of Risk at Dubai National Insurance, was appointed Acting CEO following the resignation of A.R. Srinivasan.

Hoo Gon Kim was appointed President of Kia Corp. for the Middle East and Africa starting Jan.1.

🍾 Star Turns: International music stars will headline New Year’s Eve celebrations in Abu Dhabi, with events ranging from black-tie galas at luxury hotels to large outdoor concerts. John Legend is set to perform at a $950-a-plate gala dinner at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, followed by fireworks and a live set featuring hits such as All of Me. Alicia Keys will headline the first New Year’s Eve edition of the Saadiyat Nights concert series, returning after a sold-out 2024 show.

Dec. 29-30, Dubai. World Sports Summit. Athletes, investors, and decision-makers discuss how sports can change the face of humanity. Madinat Jumeirah Arena.

Jan. 9-11, Dubai. 1 Billion Followers Summit. A gathering of global content creators to discuss the latest trends. Emirates Towers, Museum of the Future, Dubai International Financial Center.

Jan. 11-15, Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.  With the theme “The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go,” ADSW will connect ambition with action across innovation, finance, and people, showcasing how the world can move forward with confidence. ADNEC. 

Jan. 12-14, Dubai. Intersec. Billed as the world’s premier event for security, safety, and fire protection. Dubai World Trade Center.

Jan. 12-15, Dubai. Dubai International Project Management Forum. Bringing together global leaders, policymakers, and innovators to explore how collaboration, innovation, and sustainability can unite diverse communities. Madinat Jumeirah.

Jan. 13-15, Riyadh. Future Minerals Forum. The conference aims to hold conversations among governments, investors, and innovators to secure the minerals essential for a sustainable, tech-enabled future. King AbdelAziz International Conference Center.

Jan. 13-15, Abu Dhabi. World Future Energy Summit. The annual event brings in policy makers and industry leaders to discuss the challenges of working towards net zero. ADNEC. 

Jan. 18-21, Riyadh. Big5 Construct Saudi. Latest trends and opportunities among construction companies operating in KSA. Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center located at ROSHN Front.

Jan. 20-21, Dubai. 2026 BAFT MENA Forum. The event brings the region’s senior executives, influencers and industry experts to explore the forces redefining MENA’s financial ecosystem. Embassy Suites by Hilton Dubai Business Bay.

Jan. 20-22, Abu Dhabi. UMEX 2026. The Unmanned Systems Exhibitions and Conference  showcases the latest advances in autonomous systems, robotics, artificial intelligence, and training simulation. ADNEC.

Jan.26-27, Riyadh. Super Return. A major private equity & venture capital conference held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.The Fairmont Hotel. 

Jan. 26-28, Riyadh. Saudi Franchise Expo. The exhibition brings local and international businesses who want to create franchising companies into the kingdom.The Arena Riyadh Venue for Exhibitions, Riyadh.

Jan.29, Dubai. The Great Marketing & Business Minds. In this 4th edition, the event brings most influential marketing and business leaders for a deep dive into performance-driven marketing, data integration, and the evolving accountability of brand leadership. Pullman Dubai Downtown.

Feb 1-6, Dubai. Dubai Fashion Week. The event showcases the latest collections by global and regional designers and positions Dubai as a major creative hub on the global fashion calendar alongside fashion capitals like New York, London, Milan and Paris.  Dubai Design District.

Feb. 1-4, Doha. Web Summit Qatar. Connecting a new generation of founders in the Middle East to investors, journalists and more around the world. Doha Exhibition and Convention Center.

Feb. 2-5, Doha. LNG2026. The 21st International Conference & Exhibition on Liquefied Natural Gas. Qatar National Convention Center. 

Feb. 10-11, Abu Dhabi. Top Advisors & Investors Summit. The event will convene the region’s foremost advisors, financiers, and investors in the UAE capital. TBC

Feb.12-13, Riyadh. PIF Private Sector Forum. The event in its third edition is to support the Fund’s Private Sector Engagement Strategic Initiative. King AbdelAziz International Conference Center. 

NEW MONEY

Syria will be rolling out a new national currency on Jan. 1 in a break with years of the pound’s depreciation. Central Bank of Syria Governor Abdulkader Husarieh announced the move in Damascus on Thursday, calling it a “pivotal national milestone” and the beginning of a new economic and monetary phase for the country. An exchange of old notes for the new ones will be managed by the Central Bank, which will set timelines and locations. Husariah described the new currency as a symbol of renewed financial sovereignty after years of conflict in which the government of former President Bashar Assad was overthrown.

PETS WELCOME

Abu Dhabi’s hotels and restaurants are opening their doors to cats and dogs. Under new city amendments, pets will be welcome in the establishments subject to a set of new health and safety rules. The Department of Municipalities and Transport’s Fahad Ali Alshehh said the new rules are aimed at making the emirate more competitive in the hospitality field, citing Abu Dhabi’s ranking as the most liveable city in the MENA region by the Economist Intelligence Unit. Previously, only certified service animals were allowed in Abu Dhabi’s restaurants and hotels.

ADQ: EMSTEEL Group signed an agreement with the ADQ-backed Emirates Nuclear Energy Co.to decarbonize steel production.

Modon Holding: The Abu Dhabi-owned company signed agreements to divest its entire indirect stake in TMG Holding’s hospitality arm, Icon Hotel Investment, to ADQ.

Mumtalakat: Silah Gulf, an outsourcing company owned by a unit of Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund, plans to sell a 30% stake through an IPO to raise about $2.7 million.

Oman Investment Authority: OIA Chairman Abdulsalam bin Mohammed Al Murshidi met with Kamel Al-Wazir, Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, earlier this week to explore possible collaboration. 

🏢 Developing Projects: India’s state-owned NBCC has entered the UAE market by acquiring a mainland Dubai plot for about $4.4 million to develop a mixed-use commercial and residential project.

💰 Doing Business: Jordan’s exports to Syria surged to $286 million in the first 10 months of 2025, reflecting a 341% year-on-year increase.

📉 Inflation Slowdown: Egypt’s central bank cut interest rates for the fifth time this year, lowering deposit and lending rates to 21% after a slowdown in inflation.

🏠 Island Homes: Stirling Hospitality Advisors is partnering with Avenew Development to launch the St. Regis Residences on Dubai Islands, a 250-home ultra-luxury  project scheduled for completion in 2031.

✈️ Flying West: China’s AWOT Global Logistics Corp. opened a regional headquarters in the Dubai Airport Freezone, part of an expansion across the Middle East, Africa and Europe.

⛽ Gas Interruption: Iraq said Iran has temporarily halted supplying it with gas, citing “unforeseen circumstances” that required cutting 4,000–4,500 megawatts from the national power grid.

🌽 Food Protection: Qatar announced new regulations on the shelf life of food products, as part of an effort to ensure safety and reduce waste.

💧Water Business: Egypt has reached agreements to upgrade seaports in Eritrea and Djibouti, deepening its presence along the Red Sea amid an ongoing conflict with Ethiopia over water rights, The National reports. 

💳 Electronic Cheques: The Saudi Central Bank has added the Electronic Check Clearing System to its e-services, enabling fully digital check processing that completes clearing within one business day while reducing costs and fraud.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister, co-chaired the 13th session of the UAE-Bahrain Joint Higher Committee, held in Abu Dhabi with Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid, Minister of Foreign Affairs of  Bahrain.

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, attended the group wedding reception for citizens of Abu Dhabi City, held at Qasr Al Hosn, with the participation of 101 grooms.

Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, Chairman of the Arab Gulf Programme for Development led the board’s meeting on Thursday in which it approved funding for 19 development projects.

Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs, attended the unveiling of the official medals of the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 at Wahat Al Karama.

Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Jaber, the Saudi Ambassador to Yemen, met with a negotiating team on Thursday to free Saudi detainees there.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director & CEO of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority met with Ken Xie, Founder, Chairman and CEO of cybersecurity firm Fortinet.

Manal Awad, Egypt’s Acting Minister of Environment, launched a strategic program aimed to help the Sinai resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh become a more environmentally sustainable tourism destination.

Rachad Diab, CEO of Dubai Islamic Insurance and Reinsurance Co, has resigned from his position and will be stepping down on March 31 amid the company’s heavy losses.

Ahmed Al Ghardaqa, President of the Arab Youth Council for Climate Change, and Sara Alameri, a podcaster and former diplomat who advocates for environmental sustainability Advocate, were among Emiratis who were named to the annual Forbes 30 under 30 list in the Social Impact category.

🖼️Gulf Legacy: The National Museum of Qatar is marking its 50th anniversary during the new year with a show titled “A Nation’s Legacy, A People’s Memory,” staged inside its Jean Nouvel–designed building of interlocking discs shaped like a giant desert rose. The show pairs rare archives with contemporary works, including Shouq Al Mana’s Earth Dome reinterpretation and Khalifa Al Thani’s Pearls Don’t Lie on the Sand.

Dec. 28, Dubai. Battle of the Sexes. The WTA’s No. 1-ranked Aryna Sabalenka faces Australian tennis showman Nick Kyrgios. Coca-Cola Arena.

Dec. 29-30, Dubai. World Sports Summit. Athletes, investors, and decision-makers discuss how sports can change the face of humanity. Madinat Jumeirah Arena.

Jan. 9-11, Dubai. 1 Billion Followers Summit. A gathering of global content creators to discuss the latest trends. Emirates Towers, Museum of the Future, Dubai International Financial Center.

Jan. 11-15, Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.  With the theme “The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go,” ADSW will connect ambition with action across innovation, finance, and people, showcasing how the world can move forward with confidence. ADNEC. 

Jan. 12-14, Dubai. Intersec. Billed as the world’s premier event for security, safety, and fire protection. Dubai World Trade Center.

Jan. 12-15, Dubai. Dubai International Project Management Forum. Bringing together global leaders, policymakers, and innovators to explore how collaboration, innovation, and sustainability can unite diverse communities. Madinat Jumeirah.

Jan. 13-15, Riyadh. Future Minerals Forum. The conference aims to hold conversations among governments, investors, and innovators to secure the minerals essential for a sustainable, tech-enabled future. King AbdelAziz International Conference Center.

Jan. 13-15, Abu Dhabi. World Future Energy Summit. The annual event brings in policy makers and industry leaders to discuss the challenges of working towards net zero. ADNEC. 

Jan. 18-21, Riyadh. Big5 Construct Saudi. Latest trends and opportunities among construction companies operating in KSA. Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center located at ROSHN Front.

Jan. 20-21, Dubai. 2026 BAFT MENA Forum. The event brings the region’s senior executives, influencers and industry experts to explore the forces redefining MENA’s financial ecosystem. Embassy Suites by Hilton Dubai Business Bay.

Jan. 20-22, Abu Dhabi. UMEX 2026. The Unmanned Systems Exhibitions and Conference  showcases the latest advances in autonomous systems, robotics, artificial intelligence, and training simulation. ADNEC.

Jan.26-27, Riyadh. Super Return. A major private equity & venture capital conference held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.The Fairmont Hotel. 

Jan. 26-28, Riyadh. Saudi Franchise Expo. The exhibition brings local and international businesses who want to create franchising companies into the kingdom.The Arena Riyadh Venue for Exhibitions, Riyadh.

Jan.29, Dubai. The Great Marketing & Business Minds. In this 4th edition, the event brings most influential marketing and business leaders for a deep dive into performance-driven marketing, data integration, and the evolving accountability of brand leadership. Pullman Dubai Downtown.

Feb 1-6, Dubai. Dubai Fashion Week. The event showcases the latest collections by global and regional designers and positions Dubai as a major creative hub on the global fashion calendar alongside fashion capitals like New York, London, Milan and Paris.  Dubai Design District.

Feb. 1-4, Doha. Web Summit Qatar. Connecting a new generation of founders in the Middle East to investors, journalists and more around the world. Doha Exhibition and Convention Center.

Feb. 2-5, Doha. LNG2026. The 21st International Conference & Exhibition on Liquefied Natural Gas. Qatar National Convention Center. 

Feb. 10-11, Abu Dhabi. Top Advisors & Investors Summit. The event will convene the region’s foremost advisors, financiers, and investors in the UAE capital. TBC

Feb.12-13, Riyadh. PIF Private Sector Forum. The event in its third edition is to support the Fund’s Private Sector Engagement Strategic Initiative. King AbdelAziz International Conference Center. 

GOLDEN PROSPECTS

In a bid to attract fresh capital to Egypt’s underdeveloped southeastern desert, the government is preparing a list of investment opportunities in its “Golden Triangle” economic zone. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly directed his cabinet ministers this week to  “identify, develop, and promote” promising ventures across the resource-rich area focused on minerals, petroleum and natural gas for potential investors, Arabian Gulf Business Insight reports. The triangle, which spans thousands of square kilometers, contains an estimated 2,000 tons of gold as well as large reserves of phosphates, limestone and glass sand. As Egypt’s economy rebounds under an $8 billion IMF bailout program, the government is carrying out IMF-mandated reforms to lure foreign direct investment and tackle persistent fiscal deficits.

AIDING AFRICA

A $2 billion push is taking shape to fast-track development in dozens of African nations. The OPEC Fund for International Development said it will work with the African Development Fund from 2026 to 2030 to support projects in vulnerable countries across the continent, including areas such as energy access, food security, climate resilience and education, with the aim of sparking long-term, inclusive growth. The initiative singles out African countries — already the largest regional share of the fund’s portfolio — for scaled-up concessional financing, building on years of engagement in nations such as Rwanda, Uganda and Côte d’Ivoire. This partnership is meant to accelerate infrastructure and social development across the region’s low-income and emerging economies, the OPEC fund said.

Mubadala: The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange approved Mubadala-backed Waha Capital’s plan to repurchase up to 10% of its shares allowing the investment firm to deploy capital toward new projects.

Public Investment Fund: Saudi Arabia’s PIF-backed ACWA Power Co. signed an agreement to acquire a $225 million stake in Shuaibah Water and Electricity Co.

International Holding Co.: Emirates Stallions Group, an IHC subsidiary, announced that its  Afkar Financial Property Investments unit has signed a $147 million agreement with Spox Investments to develop underutilized land over the next 33 years.

ADQ: AD Ports Group, which is majority-owned by the Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund, has become the first global trade and logistics company to achieve Tier IV Certification of Constructed Facility, the highest standard in data center accreditation, from the Uptime Institute.

☀️ Solar Reach: UAE-based Amea Power secured $72 million in financing from European development banks for a 50-megawatt solar plant in Ivory Coast’s Gontougo region.

🚢 China Surge: Egypt’s Suez Canal Economic Zone signed agreements with three Chinese firms for $1.2 billion of new industrial projects, lifting total investments this fiscal year to $5.1 billion.

🥐 Baking Bread: Saudi Arabian grocer BinDawood Holding bought a 51% stake in UAE-based Wonder Bakery for $23 million. 

🌊 Marine Lease: IMKAN, an Abu Dhabi–based global master developer and subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Capital Group, has acquired a 51% stake in Majestic Marine Investments, a marine engineering and marina construction company operating in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

📊 Sharing Data: Commercial Bank of Dubai has become the first bank in the UAE to fully launch the Central Bank’s Open Finance initiative, working with licensed partners Pay10 and Lean Technologies to make the system operational.

✈️Sudan Bound: SalamAir, Oman’s low-cost carrier, announced a Muscat–Port Sudan route starting January 27 with three weekly flights, becoming the first GCC airline to operate direct services to Sudan.

💳Fintech Rise: Fintechs captured over half of Middle East venture capital funding in 2025 and are set for another strong year in 2026, alongside cleantech, AI, edtech and health,Arabian Gulf Business Insights reports. 

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed will visit Pakistan on Friday to review ties between the two countries with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, appointed Anwar Amin Al Harmoudi as the emirate’s Attorney General for the Emirate.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Free Zones Council, chaired the 33rd meeting of the Council to review the agency’s 2025 performance and discuss priorities for the coming year.

Mohamed Ould, President of Mauritania, inaugurated a project funded by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development to supply the city of Kiffa and the surrounding region with potable water. 

Khaled Saoud Al Hasan retired from his position as Group CEO of Gulf Insurance Group.

Dhanesh Chandrashekhar was appointed as Head of Data and AI at Equiti Group, a Dubai-based fintech firm that does business with Meta and a range of other tech companies.

🏈 Classroom Kickoff: The NFL is pushing to expand American football in the Gulf by introducing the sport into international schools. As part of that effort, the San Francisco 49ers launched a flag football program with the GEMS Education school network, trying to cultivate interest through the non-contact version of the game and develop a young regional fan base.

Dec. 28, Dubai. Battle of the Sexes. The WTA’s No. 1-ranked Aryna Sabalenka faces Australian tennis showman Nick Kyrgios. Coca-Cola Arena.

Dec. 29-30, Dubai. World Sports Summit. Athletes, investors, and decision-makers discuss how sports can change the face of humanity. Madinat Jumeirah Arena.

Jan. 9-11, Dubai. 1 Billion Followers Summit. A gathering of global content creators to discuss the latest trends. Emirates Towers, Museum of the Future, Dubai International Financial Center.

Jan. 11-15, Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.  With the theme “The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go,” ADSW will connect ambition with action across innovation, finance, and people, showcasing how the world can move forward with confidence. ADNEC. 

Jan. 12-14, Dubai. Intersec. Billed as the world’s premier event for security, safety, and fire protection. Dubai World Trade Center.

Jan. 12-15, Dubai. Dubai International Project Management Forum. Bringing together global leaders, policymakers, and innovators to explore how collaboration, innovation, and sustainability can unite diverse communities. Madinat Jumeirah.

Jan. 13-15, Riyadh. Future Minerals Forum. The conference aims to hold conversations among governments, investors, and innovators to secure the minerals essential for a sustainable, tech-enabled future. King AbdelAziz International Conference Center.

Jan. 13-15, Abu Dhabi. World Future Energy Summit. The annual event brings in policy makers and industry leaders to discuss the challenges of working towards net zero. ADNEC. 

Jan. 18-21, Riyadh. Big5 Construct Saudi. Latest trends and opportunities among construction companies operating in KSA. Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center located at ROSHN Front.

Jan. 20-21, Dubai. 2026 BAFT MENA Forum. The event brings the region’s senior executives, influencers and industry experts to explore the forces redefining MENA’s financial ecosystem. Embassy Suites by Hilton Dubai Business Bay.

Jan. 20-22, Abu Dhabi. UMEX 2026. The Unmanned Systems Exhibitions and Conference  showcases the latest advances in autonomous systems, robotics, artificial intelligence, and training simulation. ADNEC.

Jan.26-27, Riyadh. Super Return. A major private equity & venture capital conference held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.The Fairmont Hotel. 

Jan. 26-28, Riyadh. Saudi Franchise Expo. The exhibition brings local and international businesses who want to create franchising companies into the kingdom.The Arena Riyadh Venue for Exhibitions, Riyadh.

Feb 1-6, Dubai. Dubai Fashion Week. The event showcases the latest collections by global and regional designers and positions Dubai as a major creative hub on the global fashion calendar alongside fashion capitals like New York, London, Milan and Paris.  Dubai Design District.

Feb. 1-4, Doha. Web Summit Qatar. Connecting a new generation of founders in the Middle East to investors, journalists and more around the world. Doha Exhibition and Convention Center.

Feb. 2-5, Doha. LNG2026. The 21st International Conference & Exhibition on Liquefied Natural Gas. Qatar National Convention Center. 

Feb. 10-11, Abu Dhabi. Top Advisors & Investors Summit. The event will convene the region’s foremost advisors, financiers, and investors in the UAE capital. TBC

Feb.12-13, Riyadh. PIF Private Sector Forum. The event in its third edition is to support the Fund’s Private Sector Engagement Strategic Initiative. King AbdelAziz International Conference Center. 

TALENT CRUNCH

The UAE will need approximately 1 million more workers by 2030 to meet its goals of becoming a regional hub for technology and artificial intelligence, with shortages expected in software, data, and cybersecurity jobs. That would represent a 12.1% increase over the next five years, compared to projected growth of 2.1% in the U.S., 2.8% in the U.K., 10.6% in India and 11.6% in Saudi Arabia, The National reports, citing a study by ServiceNow and Pearson. The UAE’s technology push has created a constellation of start-ups and drawn investment from Microsoft, Nvidia and OpenAI. The government has also teamed up with the U.S. to develop an AI campus in Abu Dhabi that will include massive generating capacity for AI data centers.

AFRICAN ENERGY

Libya is opening its oil and gas fields to foreign investors for the first time in more than 17 years, launching a licensing round that includes 22 onshore and offshore blocks. Major international energy companies, including BP, Chevron, ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies, Shell, and Eni, have qualified to compete for exploration and development licenses, with awards expected early next year, The National reports. The government has revised its production sharing framework to offer more attractive terms to investors and anticipates several hundred million dollars in new upstream investment. While the move supports Libya’s broader economic recovery, ongoing political divisions and security risks continue to weigh on investor confidence. 

Public Investment Fund: Humain, Saudi Arabia’s new AI company backed by the PIF, awarded Al Moammar Information Systems a contract to build an AI-focused data center costing approximately $500 million.

Riyadh Air: The new Saudi airline owned by the PIF passed a critical step in the long-delayed delivery of its fleet of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, the first of which successfully completed a test flight at the planemaker’s manufacturing facility in Charleston, South Carolina.

ADQ: The Abu Dhabi sovereign investment fund said it closed a $5 billion five-year loan in the Greater China region to help diversify its funding mix and provide flexibility to pursue new investments.

Masdar: The Abu Dhabi-owned renewable energy company signed an agreement to build a 200-megawatt floating solar plant in Malaysia, billed as the largest in Southeast Asia.

International Holding Co. IHC-owned Fasset is teaming up with the Abu Dhabi–based non-profit ADI Foundation to help bring secure and regulated blockchain financial services to the UAE, including the groundwork for a future digital dirham.

NEOM: Saudi modular building firm Red Sea International signed a $54 million contract with Italy’s Webuild to provide integrated facilities management for camps supporting the Trojena Dam Project at PIF-owned Neom.

Mubadala Energy: Fugro, the Dutch multinational company,  has secured a contract with Mubadala Energy to provide advanced soil investigation services for the South Andaman Deepwater Development offshore Indonesia.

🛢️ Energy Exploration: Egypt awarded a $6.5 million contract to U.K.-based Terra Petroleum to explore for oil and gas in the country’s Western Desert region.

🗑️Waste Management: Egypt signed a 15-year deal worth about $10 million with Gaia Titan to build and operate three municipal solid waste treatment facilities and two landfills in Sharqeya, processing over 3,000 tonnes of waste daily and producing alternative fuel while reducing emissions.

🔒 Cyber Sale: ServiceNow, a U.S. maker of business workflow software, agreed to buy Israeli-founded cybersecurity startup Armis for $7.75 billion.

 🩺 Hospital Beds: Morocco’s Akdital agreed to acquire Tunisia’s Taoufik Hospitals Group, a deal subject to regulatory approval that would give it control of four hospitals with about 600 beds and extending the private healthcare operator’s international footprint.

💰Wealth Manager: Nomura is expanding its Middle East wealth management business by opening a new office in the Dubai International Financial Centre.

🔋Green Energy: Hydrom, Oman’s state green hydrogen developer, received around 100 bids for a land auction in the Duqm free zone aimed at renewable energy projects.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, met with Sultan Ibrahim of Malaysia, who is on a working visit to the UAE. He also met with Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of the northern emirate of Ajman, at the Qasr Al Bahr palace in Abu Dhabi. 

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Minister of Defense, visited Dubai Health’s headquarters on Tuesday. He was accompanied by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance of the UAE and Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, the Chairman of Dubai Health.

Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, reviewed the final preparations of next week’s World Sports Summit that is being organized by the Dubai Sports Council.

Prince Salman bin Sultan, Governor of the Medina region in Saudi Arabia, inaugurated a new Arabic calligraphy center that was developed under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. 

Nasser Seddiqi, a Moroccan banker and markets regulator, was appointed CEO of the Casablanca Stock Exchange, replacing Tarik Senhaji.

Karim Souaid, Governor of Lebanon’s Central Bank,has expressed some reservations over a draft law allowing depositors gradually to recover funds frozen in the banking system since a financial collapse in 2019, Reuters reports.

Sherif Desouky, CEO of Saudi Arabia’s GI Aqua Tech, told Al Eqtisadiah the company plans to export its first industrial wastewater treatment plant using nanotechnology in early 2026.

🎻 Opening Overture: The UAE National Orchestra announced today that it will open the 2026 season with a concert series titled “The Beginning,” which will debut on Jan. 15, at the Emirates Palace Auditorium in Abu Dhabi, before touring other emirates. The program features a 70-member orchestra and 30-member choir, and will feature Iraqi oud virtuoso Naseer Shamma alongside Turkish qanun master Aytaç Doğan.

Dec. 28, Dubai. Battle of the Sexes. The WTA’s No. 1-ranked Aryna Sabalenka faces Australian tennis showman Nick Kyrgios. Coca-Cola Arena.

Dec. 29-30, Dubai. World Sports Summit. Athletes, investors, and decision-makers discuss how sports can change the face of humanity. Madinat Jumeirah Arena.

Jan. 9-11, Dubai. 1 Billion Followers Summit. A gathering of global content creators to discuss the latest trends. Emirates Towers, Museum of the Future, Dubai International Financial Center.

Jan. 11-15, Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.  With the theme “The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go,” ADSW will connect ambition with action across innovation, finance, and people, showcasing how the world can move forward with confidence. ADNEC. 

Jan. 12-14, Dubai. Intersec. Billed as the world’s premier event for security, safety, and fire protection. Dubai World Trade Center.

Jan. 12-15, Dubai. Dubai International Project Management Forum. Bringing together global leaders, policymakers, and innovators to explore how collaboration, innovation, and sustainability can unite diverse communities. Madinat Jumeirah.

Jan. 13-15, Riyadh. Future Minerals Forum. The conference aims to hold conversations among governments, investors, and innovators to secure the minerals essential for a sustainable, tech-enabled future. King AbdelAziz International Conference Center.

Jan. 13-15, Abu Dhabi. World Future Energy Summit. The annual event brings in policy makers and industry leaders to discuss the challenges of working towards net zero. ADNEC. 

Jan. 18-21, Riyadh. Big5 Construct Saudi. Latest trends and opportunities among construction companies operating in KSA. Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center located at ROSHN Front.

Jan. 20-21, Dubai. 2026 BAFT MENA Forum. The event brings the region’s senior executives, influencers and industry experts to explore the forces redefining MENA’s financial ecosystem. Embassy Suites by Hilton Dubai Business Bay.

Jan. 20-22, Abu Dhabi. UMEX 2026. The Unmanned Systems Exhibitions and Conference  showcases the latest advances in autonomous systems, robotics, artificial intelligence, and training simulation. ADNEC.

Jan.26-27, Riyadh. Super Return. A major private equity & venture capital conference held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.The Fairmont Hotel. 

Jan. 26-28, Riyadh. Saudi Franchise Expo. The exhibition brings local and international businesses who want to create franchising companies into the kingdom.The Arena Riyadh Venue for Exhibitions, Riyadh.

Feb 1-6, Dubai. Dubai Fashion Week. The event showcases the latest collections by global and regional designers and positions Dubai as a major creative hub on the global fashion calendar alongside fashion capitals like New York, London, Milan and Paris.  Dubai Design District.

Feb. 1-4, Doha. Web Summit Qatar. Connecting a new generation of founders in the Middle East to investors, journalists and more around the world. Doha Exhibition and Convention Center.

Feb. 2-5, Doha. LNG2026. The 21st International Conference & Exhibition on Liquefied Natural Gas. Qatar National Convention Center. 

Feb. 10-11, Abu Dhabi. Top Advisors & Investors Summit. The event will convene the region’s foremost advisors, financiers, and investors in the UAE capital. TBC

Feb.12-13, Riyadh. PIF Private Sector Forum. The event in its third edition is to support the Fund’s Private Sector Engagement Strategic Initiative. King AbdelAziz International Conference Center.