SERVER STAKES

UAE tech investor MGX is joining BlackRock’s Global Infrastructure Partners in seeking a stake in Aligned Data Centers, which has tapped into surging demand to build AI infrastructure. The deal involves buying out current owner Macquarie and could value Aligned at around $40 billion, making it one of the year’s largest digital infrastructure transactions, Bloomberg reports. MGX, an artificial intelligence investment firm launched by Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund Mubadala, is expected to participate independently in the deal alongside GIP. Mubadala already holds a separate stake in Aligned.

RAIL PASS

A rail service connecting all six Gulf countries is being built with seamless border crossings and will be “as easy as taking a plane.” Officials at the Global Rail conference taking place this week in Abu Dhabi, told The National that the project was on track to open by December 2030. Construction on Hafeet Rail, the section linking the UAE to Oman, has already begun and is expected to be completed within three years, CEO Ahmed Al Musawa Al Hashemi told the conference. The second edition of Global Rail, which wraps up today, drew more than 20,000 participants and comes amid anticipation for the launch of the UAE’s first passenger rail service next year. Among the announcements from the event was a new tram network connecting Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island with Zayed International Airport and Etihad Rail’s deal with taxi company Yango Group to connect suburban stations in the UAE.

International Holding Company: IHC will acquire a 43.5% stake in Indian mortgage lender Sammaan Capital for almost $1 billion.

Mubadala Capital: Corient, the Miami-based investment advisory subsidiary of Mubadala Capital-owned asset manager CI Financial, will acquire Bristlecone Advisors, a multi-family office based in Bellevue, Washington, with $2 billion in assets under management.

ADQ: AD Ports Group has signed a preliminary agreement with SPG Yantai Port, a Chinese government enterprise which operates ports in Shandong province, to establish an automotive logistics corridor between Asia, the Middle East and North Africa.

🏠 Beach House: An off-plan penthouse in the luxury Four Seasons Private Residences development on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island has sold for $54 million. It features five-bedrooms, two lifts, a private cinema, chef’s kitchen and a fitness studio and spa.

💰 Startup Cash: Saudi investment firm Sukna Capital and U.S.-based venture debt provider Partners for Growth will invest up to $50 million in high-potential tech companies and SMEs across the Middle East.

💱 Currency Exchange: The UAE and Turkish central banks signed a currency swap worth AED 18 billion ($4.9 billion), along with two agreements to make it easier to use local currencies in cross-border trade and connect payment systems.

👍 Finished Work: Saudi Arabia’s National Water Company plans to complete 34 projects worth $987 million by end-2025, after already finishing 68 projects this year.

🌭 Secret Sauce: Europe’s Windoria is acquiring Saudi condiment company Al-Fursan for an undisclosed sum.

🤝 Property IPO: Dubai-based luxury developer Binghatti Holding is in talks with banks including Citigroup, Morgan Stanley, Emirates NBD and EFG Hermes for a potential IPO.

⛽ Oil Glut: Unsold Middle Eastern crude cargoes for November, estimated at 6-12 million barrels from sellers including the UAE and Qatar, may be an early sign of a global oil surplus, Bloomberg reports.

☀️ Energy Mix: Egypt plans to boost renewables to 42% of its energy mix by 2030 and 65% by 2040, and aims to be a global green hydrogen hub despite funding and technology hurdles, its energy minister said.

💵 Leasing Assets: Kuwait Petroleum Corp. is hiring JPMorgan to help lease part of its pipeline network in a deal that could raise up to $7 billion to fund its investment plans, Bloomberg reports.

🛵 New Beginning: Deliveroo UAE announced its official integration with DoorDash following the completion of the acquisition, with Wolt Co-Founder Miki Kuusi taking on the role of CEO at Deliveroo alongside his current position as DoorDash’s Head of International.

Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, met with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver on Thursday before an exhibition game in the UAE capital between the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers.

Prince Khalid bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Defense, held a phone call on Thursday with his Qatari counterpart, Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al-Thani.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, visited the National Guard headquarters in Abu Dhabi on Friday.

Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, UAE Minister of Finance, Deputy Prime Minister and First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, met with Alex Chriss, President and CEO of PayPal in Dubai on Thursday.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad, Crown Prince of the northern emirate of Fujairah, delivered the opening speech at the 40th edition of the Crans Montana Forum in Rabat.

Jasem Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, GCC Secretary-General, said during the joint meeting of GCC finance ministers and central bank governors with International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva in Kuwait on Thursday that the economies of the GCC have demonstrated strong resilience in absorbing global economic shocks.

Nicolas Levi was appointed Regional Vice President, Middle East, Pakistan & Afghanistan of Western Union. 

Saeed Rashid Al Abdi, Chairman of the Finance, Economy and Industry Committee at the UAE Federal National Council, met with Tim van de Molen, Chair of Foreign Affairs, Defense and Trade Committee of the New Zealand Parliament, at the FNC headquarters in Abu Dhabi on Friday. 

🎥 Roll Call: A major casting agency appears to be hunting for extras for the filming of “Dune: Part Three” in Abu Dhabi. While the film isn’t named, Miranda Davidson Studios is looking to fill roles for babies, children, teenagers and adult women in a “Hollywood blockbuster” being shot in the Liwa Desert between October and November, The National reports. Both “Dune” and “Dune: Part Two” were filmed in Abu Dhabi and the Abu Dhabi Film Commission announced in August that the next chapter in the series would also feature Liwa as the setting for the fictional planet Arrakis.

Oct. 4, Abu Dhabi. Syria recovery and investment forum. Influential business leaders, regional investors, policymakers and advisory experts explore practical avenues for engagement in Syria’s recovery. Sheraton Abu Dhabi.

Oct.6-7, Dubai. AGRA Middle East. The largest agricultural trade show in the region will showcase the latest agriculture trends, from smart farming to regenerative agriculture. Dubai World Trade Center.

Oct. 6-7, Dubai. The Forex Expo. The event includes a conference offering insights into the world of online trading products, including Forex, stocks, commodities, metals and more. Dubai World Trade Center.

Oct. 9-15, Abu Dhabi. IUCN World Conservative Congress. A gathering of conservation experts and leaders from around the world. ADNEC.

Oct. 13-17, Dubai. GITEX Global. The giant tech and startup show is back for its 45th edition, bringing together government and industry leaders., innovators and government. Dubai World Trade Center.

Oct. 14-16, Dubai. Global Future Council. The event on the Future of Growth convenes senior economists and thought leaders from across academia, business, government and civil society to provide intellectual guidance on new approaches to growth. 

Oct. 27-30, Riyadh. Future Investment Initiative, 9th Edition. Investors, corporate executives, cabinet ministers and political leaders from around the world attend Saudi Arabia’s flagship business conference. King Abdulaziz International Conference Center.

Nov. 3-6, Abu Dhabi. ADIPEC. Bringing together professionals, companies, and government leaders to discuss and showcase the latest developments in oil, gas, and cleaner energy technologies. ADNEC Center.

SAUDI SHIPPING

Saudi shipping company Bahri is gearing up to turn itself into the world’s leading operator of very large crude carriers, with an ambitious plan to add more than 90 vessels to its fleet over the next decade. The company, which is backed by the Public Investment Fund and Aramco,has already placed a $205 million order for the kingdom’s first domestically-built bulk cargo carriers and is eyeing 20 new VLCCs for delivery by 2030. Bahri CEO Ahmed Al-Subaey told Bloomberg in an interview that the company is on the brink of “unprecedented expansion,” aiming to capture more business from heavyweights like Aramco and Sabic, as part of the kingdom’s push to channel trade through its national champions. Currently, Bahri only handles 15% of Aramco’s shipping. 

LULU DOWN UNDER

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has invited UAE grocery giant LuLu Group to expand into Australia and take on the country’s supermarket duopoly, Coles and Woolworths. Albanese confirmed he had made the invitation to LuLu Group Chairman Yusuff Ali while visiting the UAE earlier this week to mark the start of a free-trade agreement between the two countries, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reports. LuLu Group has more than 250 stores across the Gulf, Asia and Europe. “I have encouraged him to come to Australia as well, we need more competition in the Australian supermarket sector, and we have had a little discussion about that,” Albanese said. The new Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which was signed in Canberra last November, is expected to lift annual bilateral trade to more than $10 billion by 2032.

XRG: Fertiglobe, the chemical fertilizer arm of Adnoc and XRG, acquired Wengfu Australia’s fertilizer distribution assets across five ports.

Qatar Investment Authority: Qatar, through Qatari Diar, a subsidiary of the QIA, acquired 20.2 square kilometers of land in Egypt’s Ras Alam El-Rum for $4 billion to develop an integrated tourism project.

Masdar: The Abu Dhabi green energy company has finalized its acquisition of a 49.99% stake in a $432 million portfolio of four solar plants in Spain from Endesa.

International Holding Company: Abu Dhabi dredging company NMDC Group, which is backed by IHC subsidiary Alpha Dhabi Holding, signed a $610 million contract with the Pasay Harbor City Corporation to undertake large-scale dredging and land reclamation activities in Philippines’ Manila Bay.

ADNOC: KKR has acquired a minority stake in ADNOC Gas Pipeline Assets.

🎭 Culture Fund: Chinese media group ORI has pledged $533 million to establish its regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia, where it plans to invest in movies, tourism and fashion, Bloomberg reports. 

💰 Money Making: Sohar International Bank, Oman’s second-largest lender, raised $500 million through a bond issue now listed on the Muscat Stock Exchange.

🌍 Asia Bound: Dubai-based Grocery chain Spinneys is expanding into Southeast Asia via a 40% stake in a joint venture with Ayala Corporation in the Philippines.

💰 Foreigners Invest: Saudi Arabia’s Capital Markets Authority launched a public consultation on plans to scrap the “qualified foreign investor” concept, aiming to open its stock market to all foreign investors, broaden participation and boost liquidity.

📈 Bond Rush: Bahrain joined other GCC states in tapping international debt markets with eight-year Islamic bonds and a 12-year conventional bond.

🚆 Speed Passengers: Etihad Rail and France’s Keolis Group will form a joint venture to begin operating passenger trains in the UAE next year.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed met with Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani, Prime Minister of Iraq, at Qasr Al Shati palace in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.

Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs, and Chairman of Etihad Rail, visited the pavilions at Global Rail 2025 in Abu Dhabi.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Saudi Foreign Minister, and his Syrian counterpart, Assad Al-Shaibani, met on the sidelines of the Munich Leaders Meeting in AlUla on Wednesday.

Sara Ali has been appointed as the Middle East & Africa Platforms & Data Head at Citi. She brings experience in platform modernization and data transformation.

Dr. Ali Saeed Bin Harmal joins the board of directors at Bahrain-based global alternative investment firm Arcapita Group.

Mazen Al Tamimi was appointed as board member of New World Group, a global merchant banking and investment platform.

👑 Saudi Royalties: Musicians from Saudi Arabia have seen a surge in royalties from streaming, signifying growing recognition among global audiences, The National reports. Spotify’s Loud and Clear analysis, its first stand-alone report for the kingdom, showed that local artists earned more than $3.5 million in royalties on the streaming platform in 2024, up 76% on the previous year. More than 90% of those royalties came from international markets, including U.S., Brazil, India, Germany, U.K. and France. Spotify has been working to boost the fan bases of Saudi artists, hosting residencies and workshops and expanding the use of marketing tools.

Oct. 4, Abu Dhabi. Syria recovery and investment forum. Influential business leaders, regional investors, policymakers and advisory experts explore practical avenues for engagement in Syria’s recovery. Sheraton Abu Dhabi.

Oct.6-7, Dubai. AGRA Middle East. The largest agricultural trade show in the region will showcase the latest agriculture trends, from smart farming to regenerative agriculture. Dubai World Trade Center.

Oct. 6-7, Dubai. The Forex Expo. The event includes a conference offering insights into the world of online trading products, including Forex, stocks, commodities, metals and more. Dubai World Trade Center.

Oct. 9-15, Abu Dhabi. IUCN World Conservative Congress. A gathering of conservation experts and leaders from around the world. ADNEC.

Oct. 13-17, Dubai. GITEX Global. The giant tech and startup show is back for its 45th edition, bringing together government and industry leaders., innovators and government. Dubai World Trade Center.

Oct. 14-16, Dubai. Global Future Council. The event on the Future of Growth convenes senior economists and thought leaders from across academia, business, government and civil society to provide intellectual guidance on new approaches to growth. 

Oct. 27-30, Riyadh. Future Investment Initiative, 9th Edition. Investors, corporate executives, cabinet ministers and political leaders from around the world attend Saudi Arabia’s flagship business conference. King Abdulaziz International Conference Center.

Nov. 3-6, Abu Dhabi. ADIPEC. Bringing together professionals, companies, and government leaders to discuss and showcase the latest developments in oil, gas, and cleaner energy technologies. ADNEC Center.

GULF CHANNEL

Silver Lake, the U.S. private equity firm that helped Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund lead this week’s $55 billion buyout of gaming titan Electronic Arts, has made itself a fixture in the Gulf. Having long cultivated ties with Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala and other sovereign wealth funds, Silver Lake has earned a reputation for helping to unlock vast pools of capital in the region, Bloomberg reports. Egon Durban, for example, Silver Lake’s Co-CEO, has developed a personal rapport with Mubadala CEO Khaldoon Al Mubarak and the Emirati fund bought a 5% stake in Silver Lake five years ago. Affinity Partners founder Jared Kushner, meanwhile, receives credit for helping to initiate talks between EA and the Saudi fund to make the acquisition, which has become the biggest leveraged buyout in history, The Wall Street Journal reports.

TAILOR MADE

Riyadh-based Merak Capital has set up an $80 million fund to support the fashion industry in Saudi Arabia, anchored by the kingdom’s Cultural Development Fund. The Fashion Fund will invest across the industry, supporting Saudi labels, as well as beauty brands, e-commerce and technology companies working with apparel. Saudi Arabia hosted its first fashion shows in 2018 and has since established Riyadh Fashion Week and Red Sea Fashion Week. The sector is poised for significant growth, with fashion and luxury expected to hit $42 billion by 2028, according to industry tracker Fashion Futures.

Public Investment Fund: Kent, a Dubai-based energy services company, won an enginering contract from PIF-owned ACWA Power to oversee construction of Saudi Arabia’s Yanbu Green Hydrogen Hub.

Mubadala Investment Company: M42, a subsidiary of Mubadala, will collaborate with the Medical Tourism Association and Mastercard to feature its facilities on the “Better by MTA” heathcare platform.

CYVN Holdings: McLaren CEO Zak Brown earned £37.3 million ($50.3 million) last year after the team’s first Formula One title since 1998, making him one of the industry’s best-paid bosses, Bloomberg reports. Bahrain sovereign wealth fund Mumtalakat and Abu Dhabi’s CYVN Holdings took full control of the racing team last month.

🕹️ Air Delivery: Keeta, a Chinese-owned drone delivery platform, will establish its regional headquarters in the UAE as part of an expansion into e-commerce and AI-powered logistics.

💵 Bond Demand: Kuwait and Egypt drew more than $29 billion in investor orders for new dollar bond offerings as governments in the region tapped markets ahead of expected U.S. interest rate cuts.

👋 Startup Funds: Beco Capital, a Dubai-based venture capital firm, closed $370 million across two new funds with a focus on the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

💸 Double Whammy: UAE-based venture capital company Iliad Partners raised money from investors including Greek banks to mark the second closing of its $50 million fund and doubling its assets under management.

🛰️ Mini-Satellites: Commcrete, an Israeli startup that develops satellite communication devices small enough to fit in the palm of a hand, raised $29 million in a Series A funding round led by Greenfield Partners.

🛢️ Oil Talks: OPEC+ members may consider a larger production increase than planned for November, beyond the 137,000 barrels per day agreed for October, as Saudi Arabia seeks to recover oil market share.

🚆 Rail Expansion: Saudi Arabia is planning to double its 5,500-kilometer railway network to improve  transportation links and support economic development across the kingdom.

🏡 Housing Jobs: Singapore’s SC Capital Partners, with co-sponsor CapitaLand Investment, launched the SC GCC Real Estate Industrial Development Fund in the UAE to back a Ras Al Khaimah industrial project.

🚦 Green Light: Amanat Holdings’ subsidiary Almasar Education received approval for an IPO on Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul Stock Exchange and plans to offer 30% of its share capital.

💰 Money Back: Davidson Kempner Capital has acquired about $1.4 billion in bad debt from Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, the second such transaction between the U.S. hedge fund and one of the Gulf’s largest lenders, Bloomberg reports.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed received participants on Tuesday from the Global Rail and Transport Infrastructure Exhibition currently taking place at ADNEC in Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Mohamed also met with Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of the northern emirate of Fujairah, and with Arpine Sargsyan, Armenia’s Minister of Internal Affairs.

Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed, National Security Advisor and Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi, chaired a meeting of the Abu Dhabi Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council on Wednesday in the presence of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

Paolo Casamassima was named Executive Director for Investor Relations and Stakeholder Engagement at Arqaam Capital.

Georges Khoueiri was named CEO of Mirabaud Middle East, the Dubai-based subsidiary of Geneva-based private banking group Mirabaud.

Raid Al Rubaiey was appointed CEO of Oman’s SOHAR Freezone and Deputy CEO of SOHAR Port.

🐪 Camel Art: A large collection of ancient rock carvings featuring life-sized camels, wild donkeys, ibex, gazelles and people has been discovered in the Nefud Desert of northern Saudi Arabia, providing the strongest evidence of humans thriving in the harsh environment thousands of years earlier than previously believed. Created around 12,000 years ago, the stone engravings are the oldest dated rock art in the Arabian peninsula, according to findings published in the journal Nature Communications on Tuesday.

Sept. 30-Oct. 2, Abu Dhabi. Global Rail and Transport Infrastructure Exhibition and Conference. An international event dedicated to the rail transport sector. ADNEC.

Sept. 30-Oct.2, Dubai. WETEX. The region’s biggest exhibition dedicated to sustainability and clean energy technology. Dubai World Trade Center. 

Oct 1-2, Dubai. World Green Economy Summit. Supporting international cooperation in the face of pressing global challenges. Dubai World Trade Center.

Oct. 2, Dubai. Zawya GCC Capital Markets Forum. Bringing together top executives and financial institutions to discuss the region’s evolving equity and debt markets. Fairmont Dubai.

Oct. 2-Oct. 4, Abu Dhabi: NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025. New York Knicks face the Philadelphia 76ers in two pre-season games. Etihad Arena.

Oct. 4, Abu Dhabi. Syria recovery and investment forum. Influential business leaders, regional investors, policymakers and advisory experts explore practical avenues for engagement in Syria’s recovery. Sheraton Abu Dhabi.

Oct.6-7, Dubai. AGRA Middle East. The largest agricultural trade show in the region will showcase the latest agriculture trends, from smart farming to regenerative agriculture. Dubai World Trade Center.

Oct. 6-7, Dubai. The Forex Expo. The event includes a conference offering insights into the world of online trading products, including Forex, stocks, commodities, metals and more. Dubai World Trade Center.

Oct. 9-15, Abu Dhabi. IUCN World Conservative Congress. A gathering of conservation experts and leaders from around the world. ADNEC.

Oct. 13-17, Dubai. GITEX Global. The giant tech and startup show is back for its 45th edition, bringing together government and industry leaders., innovators and government. Dubai World Trade Center.

Oct. 14-16, Dubai. Global Future Council. The event on the Future of Growth convenes senior economists and thought leaders from across academia, business, government and civil society to provide intellectual guidance on new approaches to growth. 

Oct. 27-30, Riyadh. Future Investment Initiative, 9th Edition. Investors, corporate executives, cabinet ministers and political leaders from around the world attend Saudi Arabia’s flagship business conference. King Abdulaziz International Conference Center.

PEACE PIVOT

Foreign ministers from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Indonesia and Pakistan voiced support for the 20-point Gaza peace plan introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump. The joint statement, released after Trump’s White House press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, welcomed what the ministers described as “sincere efforts” to end the conflict. “The ministers affirm their readiness to engage positively and constructively with the United States and the parties toward finalizing the agreement and assuring its implementation in a manner that ensures peace, security and stability for the people of the region,” the statement said. A response to the plan from Hamas is still pending.

SUN SPOT

Yemen’s first large-scale solar plant, which was funded by the UAE, is helping alleviate power shortages in the port city of Aden, Reuters reports. The 120 megawatt Aden Solar Power Plant produces enough electricity to power more than 150,000 homes and is helping businesses avoid losses and damage caused by power outages. Yemen, which has been battling fuel shortages and severe damage to its power infrastructure from years of war, is the least electrified country in the Middle East. The second phase of the power plant is expected to double solar capacity in 2026.

Public Investment Fund: Dan Co., a unit of the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, launched Solan, a new agritourism brand offering farm stays and lodge experiences across the kingdom.

Qatar Investment Authority: The QIA confirmed new U.S. investments including deals with Blue Owl and Elon Musk’s xAI as part of its pledge to deploy $500 billion in American assets.with Blue Owl and Elon Musk’s xAI as part of its pledge to deploy $500 billion in American assets.

ADQ: Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, the UAE Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, received a delegation from AD Ports Group, headed by Managing Director and Group CEO Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, at Al Nakheel Palace in Abu Dhabi on Monday. Sheikh Hamdan was briefed on the group’s projects to develop yachting and cruise ship facilities on Sir Bani Yas Island, a wildlife sanctuary about 250 kilometers south-west of Abu Dhabi.

Oman Investment Authority: The OIA has invested an undisclosed sum in Oxford, U.K.-based Salience Labs through its Future Generations Fund in a bid to strengthen its artificial intelligence infrastructure. Salience is developing optical chips that transmit data using light instead of electrical signals.

🎈 Helium Pact: QatarEnergy signed a long-term agreement to supply helium to Germany’s Messer Group, citing reserves in the North Field gas basin projected to meet global demand for three decades.

🚕 Ride Share: Careem, the Dubai-based ride-hailing app owned by Uber, has bought a minority stake in UAE online car rental service Swapp for an undisclosed sum.

🌍 Africa Investment: A syndicate of lenders led by Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank have backed a $1.5 billion facility for Lagos-based Africa Finance Corporation. 

📈 Mecca Momentum: Shares of Saudi developer Retal Urban Development Co., which builds housing in Mecca, have gained nearly 60% since its June listing on the Tadawul exchange.

🗞️ Translate This: Saudi Arabia’s Arab News will publish in 50 languages through a partnership with speech and translation company CAMB(at)AI, Editor-in-Chief Faisal J. Abbas announced on Monday.

🇸🇦 Cleric Shift: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s success in curbing the political influence of Saudi Arabia’s religious establishment is explored in an article published by the Financial Times.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed welcomed Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at Qasr Al Shati palace in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. The pair discussed the details of a trade deal between the two countries, which comes into effect this week.

Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, approved a 42 billion dirham ($11.4 billion) expansion of the Liveability Strategy to fund additional quality-of-life projects.

Tony Vinciquerra, Chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment, told Arab News that Saudi Arabia’s box office revenues are approaching those of the United Kingdom, crediting rapid cinema construction and expanding film distribution.

Joshua Pack, Co-CEO of Fortress Investment Group, died unexpectedly on Monday at the age of 51, Axios reports. Pack was promoted to the role in 2023 as part of the deal when Mubadala and firm management took over Fortress from SoftBank. “Josh left an indelible mark on our institution,” Fortress said in a statement. 

Daniel Asmar, CEO of Audi Capital, launched the Audi Capital MENA Art Fund, a first-of-its-kind investment vehicle regulated by Saudi Arabia’s Capital Market Authority, during the inaugural Cultural Investment Conference in Riyadh.

🍽️ Beirut’s Back: Beirut’s culinary scene is making a comeback, with Gulf tourists flocking to the city to return to beloved restaurants and queue up for a taste of a trendy $13 tomato sandwich, Bloomberg reports. Kuwait and the UAE have lifted travel bans for their citizens, with Saudi Arabia expected to follow soon, and flocks of social media influencers are jetting in to document their favorite hotspots. Among them is Em Sherif Deli in downtown Beirut, now one of Lebanon’s most popular brands and the source of the sought-after sandwich. Despite Lebanon’s economic woes and decades of wartime damage in the capital, the eatery has expanded to 30 international restaurants, including flashy outposts in London and Monaco.

Sept. 30-Oct.1, Abu Dhabi. MENA Investment Congress. Hosted by the CFA Society in the UAE, the event brings together investors to discuss new strategies. Rosewood Hotel.

Sept. 30-Oct. 2, Abu Dhabi. Global Rail and Transport Infrastructure Exhibition and Conference. An international event dedicated to the rail transport sector. ADNEC.

Sept. 30-Oct.2, Dubai. WETEX. The region’s biggest exhibition dedicated to sustainability and clean energy technology. Dubai World Trade Center. 

Oct 1-2, Dubai. World Green Economy Summit. Supporting international cooperation in the face of pressing global challenges. Dubai World Trade Center.

Oct. 2, Dubai. Zawya GCC Capital Markets Forum. Bringing together top executives and financial institutions to discuss the region’s evolving equity and debt markets. Fairmont Dubai.

Oct. 4, Abu Dhabi. Syria recovery and investment forum. Influential business leaders, regional investors, policymakers and advisory experts explore practical avenues for engagement in Syria’s recovery. Sheraton Abu Dhabi.

Oct.6-7, Dubai. AGRA Middle East. The largest agricultural trade show in the region will showcase the latest agriculture trends, from smart farming to regenerative agriculture. Dubai World Trade Center.

Oct. 6-7, Dubai. The Forex Expo. The event includes a conference offering insights into the world of online trading products, including Forex, stocks, commodities, metals and more. Dubai World Trade Center.

Oct. 9-15, Abu Dhabi. IUCN World Conservative Congress. A gathering of conservation experts and leaders from around the world. ADNEC.

Oct. 13-17, Dubai. GITEX Global. The biggest tech and startup show in the world is back for its 45th edition, bringing together industry leaders, innovators and tech specialists to explore global change. Dubai World Trade Center.

Oct. 14-16, Dubai. Global Future Council. The event on the Future of Growth convenes senior economists and thought leaders from across academia, business, government and civil society to provide intellectual guidance on new approaches to growth. 

Oct. 27-30, Riyadh. Future Investment Initiative, 9th Edition. Investors, corporate executives, cabinet ministers and political leaders from around the world attend Saudi Arabia’s flagship business conference. King Abdulaziz International Conference Center.