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. 

YACHTING HAVEN

The UAE is trying to compete for international yacht traffic by cutting red tape, agreeing to let foreign vessels move more easily between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Under the new system, yachts cleared in one emirate will no longer need to repeat the same entry and exit procedures in the other, Arabian Gulf Business Insight reports. Officials say the change will reduce paperwork by sharing basic vessel, crew and passenger details between authorities. The move is part of a broader push to make the UAE a more attractive stop for visiting yachts and marine tourism.

CAIRO BAILOUT

Egypt has struck a preliminary deal with the International Monetary Fund that could unlock about $2.5 billion in funding and lead to the release of more support tied to its long-running bailout program. The agreement signals to investors and foreign partners that Cairo is sticking with economic reforms that have helped tame inflation and ease foreign currency shortages, Reuters reports. The IMF backing should make it easier for Egypt to access international loans and investment, which in turn helps stabilize the economy and can improve confidence in the country’s financial outlook. For ordinary Egyptians, smoother access to foreign funds could mean more jobs, steadier prices and a stronger currency.

Public Investment Fund: Shareholders of Electronic Arts approved the $55 billion sale of the video-game publisher, in a deal led by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund.

Qatar Investment Authority: The Qatari sovereign wealth fund is part of a group led by Trian Fund Management and General Catalyst that is taking over asset manager Janus Henderson in a $7.4 billion deal.

Saudi STC Group: The telecoms company, majority-owned by the PIF, was named the official connectivity provider for Saudi Arabia’s Six Flags Qiddiya, supplying digital infrastructure and services when the theme park opens on Dec. 31.

2PointZero: Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed was elected Chairman of the Abu Dhabi-owned investment  fund.. The firm’s board also elected Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri as Vice Chair while confirming Samia Bouazza as CEO. 

☘️ Irish Beachhead: UAE-based fintech Qashio opened its European headquarters in Dublin, planning to hire more than 100 staff across sales, marketing, product, engineering and finance as it expands its expense-management platform.

💧Water Taps: The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority awarded a $79 million contract to strengthen the network linked to Dubai’s Hassyan plant, one of the world’s largest seawater reverse-osmosis projects.

🪨Cement Fund: Saudi Arabia’s Qassim Cement Co. secured a $400 million credit facility from Saudi National Bank to finance a fourth production line.

💉HealthCare Facility TheUAE’s Julphar pharmaceutical company, signed a lease in Saudi Arabia’s Modon 3rd Industrial City, where it plans to build an $80 million factory.

📈 Venture Vision: Israeli tech companies raised $15.6 billion in private funding in 2025, up from $12.2 billion in 2024, according to a report by Start-Up Central.

 🚁 Vertical Takeoff: Riyadh Air Mobility unveiled plans to build Riyadh Helipark, a dedicated hub for helicopter and future air-taxi services.

🚙 Fun Ride: The Dubai Municipality launched the region’s first integrated recreational vehicle route with a network of parks and other attractions designed to boost nature-based tourism.

🏢 Building Blocks: Kuwait’s Ministry of Public Works signed an engineering, procurement and construction contract with China Communications Construction Co. for the first phase of its Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project on Boubyan Island.

💰Financial Benefits: PayTabs Kuwait and BEDE Kuwait have formed a strategic partnership, working with telecom group Zain to support Kuwait’s startups by combining advanced payment technology, fintech expertise and digital infrastructure.

🚢 Docking Ships: Qatar Tourism and Mwani Qatar welcomed the Seven Seas Navigator and Celestyal Discovery cruise ships to Doha Port with ceremonies featuring traditional Ardah folk dancers.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed held a phone call with Jonas Gahr Støre, Prime Minister of Norway.

Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, attended the “phygital” – hybrid digital – competitions at Games of the Future 2025 in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the Saudi Foreign Minister, co-chaired a meeting of the Saudi-Omani Coordination Council in Muscat on Monday.

Prince Turki bin Mohammed, a Saudi Minister of State and Chairman of the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve Development Authority, toured the kingdom’s DarkSky International site in AlUla, accompanied by Prince Faisal bin Fahd, Deputy Governor of the Hail region.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese soccer star now playing for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr club, bought two houses at Red Sea Global’s Nujuma development on the kingdom’s western coast.

Fahad Al Mheiri was appointed to be Boeing’s Vice President for the Middle East, Gulf and North Africa, overseeing regional strategy and customer relations.

Dr. Obaid Saif Hamad Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development, and Fawaz Sulaiman Al Ahmad, CEO of Kuwait Investment Co., signed an agreement  to cooperate on sustainable investments supporting innovation and food security.

 🎨 Going, Going, Gone: Sotheby’s will hold its second sale in Saudi Arabia on Jan. 31, staging an auction titled “Origins” with more than 70 works by Saudi, regional and international artists, including pieces by pioneering painter Safeya Binzagr. The sale will take place in Diriyah, with free public viewings starting Jan. 24, and will run alongside the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale, Arab News reports.

Dec. 19-23, Abu Dhabi. Games of the Future. A forum to discuss trends and investment opportunities in digital gaming. ADNEC. 

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. 1Billion Summit. A gathering of global content creators 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. 26-28, 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. 1-4, 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

TIKTOK SPINOFF

Abu Dhabi-owned investment company MGX is among a group of buyers led by Oracle Corp. that has agreed to acquire TikTok as part of a plan to separate the video app from its Chinese parent ByteDance. TikTok CEO Shou Chew told employees that binding agreements have been signed to create a U.S. joint venture majority-owned by American investors, including Oracle, Silver Lake and MGX, Bloomberg reports. The deal is expected to close on Jan. 22, though Chinese regulators have yet to say whether they will approve the transaction. Once completed, the U.S. entity will operate independently with control over data protection, content moderation and algorithm security, and will be governed by a seven-member, majority-American board.

SEA PASSAGE

Danish shipping company Maersk said it completed its first commercial voyage through the Red Sea in nearly two years, marking a cautious resumption of traffic after two years of attacks on shipping by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The company said that while it had no firm plans to fully reopen the route, it would take a “stepwise approach towards gradually resuming navigation” via the Suez Canal and the Red Sea, Reuters reports. Maersk and its rivals, including Germany’s Hapag-Lloyd, rerouted vessels around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope starting two years ago after the sea attacks started. The Suez Canal is the fastest route linking Europe and Asia accounting for about 10% of global seaborne trade before the attacks started, according to Clarksons Research. French shipping firm CMA CGM has also made limited passages through the Suez Canal, with other companies exploring resumption plans as well.

Mubadala: The Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund has committed approximately $350 million to Prague-based Rezolv Energy, a renewable energy platform operating in Central and Eastern Europe through a partnership with London’s Actis. WAM

G42: The Abu Dhabi-owned artificial intelligence company has come under increased U.S. scrutiny over its minority investment in AI chipmaker Cerebras, where it was also a major customer, prompting a national security review that led to the withdrawal of the company’s IPO, Reuters reports.

L’imad Holding Co.: Modon Holding, a unit of Abu Dhabi-owned L’imad, announced a new joint venture with U.S. developers Related Companies and Panepinto Properties, to develop Harborside 4, a 54-story waterfront residential tower in Jersey City, N.J.

🛢️Qatar Contract: Italy’s Saipem and China’s Offshore Oil Engineering won a $3.1 billion contract for offshore engineering, procurement, construction and installation contract from QatarEnergy LNG, covering platform, pipeline and subsea work on one of the world’s largest liquefied natural gas expansion projects.

💰Uganda Financing: Uganda National Oil Co.: said it secured a $2 billion, seven-year loan from Vitol Bahrain to fund national oil infrastructure and strategic investments, strengthening ties between the state producer and the global energy trader.

💊 Drug Startup: Syremis, an Israeli startup developing treatments for schizophrenia and other mental illnesses, raised $165 million in a Series A funding round co-led by Dexcel Pharma and Third Rock Ventures. 

 🛢️Oil Surge: Saudi Arabia’s crude oil sales are expected to rise at the start of 2026, with refiners in the U.S. and Asia scheduled to receive higher volumes as the kingdom increases allocations amid mounting concerns about a global oil glut, Bloomberg reports.

🎡 Theme Park: Universal Studios is considering a licensing deal for a major theme park in Saudi Arabia, a move that would expand the Comcast unit’s global footprint and create a regional competitor to Disney’s existing Middle East attractions.

🌴 Greener Riyadh: Work has begun on Saudi Arabia’s Dhahrat Namar Park in southwest Riyadh, a massive green corridor that will span six neighborhoods and feature more than 47,000 native trees.

🎰 Casino Rules: The UAE’s gaming regulator outlined in a policy paper how the country’s emerging casino industry will operate, focusing on the need for rules curbing money laundering and other illegal activities.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed met with France’s President Emmanuel Macron, in Abu Dhabi on Sunday at the Zayed National Museum. Macron also met with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, who took him on a tour of the museum.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister, said he welcomed statements by U.S. Secretary of State Marco calling for the cessation of hostilities in Sudan.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs arrived on Monday to Oman. He was received by Sayyid Badr bin Hamad, Oman’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, founder and Chairman Burjeel Holdings, was appointed to take on the additional job of CEO.

Mohamed Saeid, a student at George Washington University in Washington, DC, t at , talked to Arab Newsy about being the first Saudi player on an NCAA Division I men’s basketball team.

Victoria Mboko, the rising Canadian WTA tennis star, has been confirmed to participate in the 2026 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, which starts Jan. 31, The National reports.

🎞 Film Revival: Algeria is seeking to revive its film industry through a big-budget epic on anti-colonial hero Emir Abdelkader and new production studios aimed at attracting international filmmakers and rebuilding domestic capacity, Bloomberg reports. The North African nation is the only Arab country to have won an Academy Award, having taken home the Oscar for best foreign-language film in 1970 for political thriller Z.

Dec. 19-23, Abu Dhabi. Games of the Future. A forum to discuss trends and investment opportunities in digital gaming. ADNEC. 

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. 1Billion Summit. A gathering of global content creators 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. 26-28, 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. 1-4, 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

KUWAIT HUB

Kuwait plans to sign a $4 billion contract with China Communications Construction Co. to complete the first phase of its Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project on the Gulf state’s Bubiyan Island. The deal, approved by Kuwait’s Central Agency for Public Tenders and expected to be signed in the presence of Prime Minister and Chinese officials, links the port to China’s global Belt and Road Initiative as part of broader infrastructure cooperation, Reuters reports. Mubarak Al-Kabeer is envisioned as a regional commercial and logistics hub that could reduce Kuwait’s reliance on oil revenues. Kuwait also expects the port, already half-built, to bolster its role in Gulf trade networks.

WATCH LIST

Saudi Arabia is seeking to host the World Trade Organization’s ministerial meeting in 2028, formally proposing Riyadh as the site during a WTO meeting in Geneva this week. The move has the backing so far of 22 member states including Kuwait, Russia and Thailand. Saudi Commerce Minister Majid bin Abdullah al-Qasabi said hosting the conference would represent “a strategic opportunity to demonstrate our deep commitment to the principles and objectives of the WTO and the multilateral trading system.” Saudi Arabia’s proposal coincided with the 20th anniversary of its WTO membership in 2005 and comes as the kingdom pursues a broader push into international finance, major sports events and global forums. The next WTO ministerial conference is scheduled for March 2026 in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

ADQ: AD Ports Group, majority owned by the Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund, formed a joint venture with Pakistan’s logistics provider CEI Supply Chain to gain a bigger share of energy, automotive, retail and other markets.

AD Ports: Noatum Ports, the international operating arm of AD Ports Group, signed an agreement  with Egypt’s Al Dahra Agriculture to explore joint investment and development through its Safaga Terminal.

ADNOC: The UAE’s Abu Dhabi National Oil Company secured $11 billion in structured financing for its Hail and Ghasha gas development project to fund one of its biggest energy expansions.

ADNOC: ADNOC signed a $2 billion green financing agreement backed by Korea Trade Insurance Corporation to fund lower carbon projects across its operations.

Oman Investment Authority: The OIA’s Rakiza Fund raised $1 billion in global capital to support investment in the sultanate and broader region.

💰 Family Business: Ares Management is providing a $100 million loan to Dubai-based multifamily office Patrimium, amid a push by global finance firms to take advantage of private credit opportunities in the Gulf, Bloomberg reports.

🏦 Funding Expansion: Saudi Arabia’s Sama Healthy Water Factory secured a seven-year $8.7 million loan from German lender Bayerische Landesbank covering 85% of the total purchase amount of Kronz AG.

🚧 Building Contracts: Abu Dhabi-based Modon Holding has awarded a $1.4 billion contract to build 735 luxury villas across its Nawayef East and West developments on Hudayriyat Island.

📞 Stronger Connection: O2 Slovakia, owned by UAE’s e& PPF Telecom Group, brought UPC Broadband Slovakia from London-based Liberty Global for $111 million.

📷 Creator Boost: Humanz, an Israeli AI-driven platform to help influencers manage their business, raised $15 million and acquired two companies, Ubiquitous and Bambassadors.

 🏛️Hedge Pivot: Citadel said it plans to open a Dubai office as part of a broader push to expand its hedge fund operations in the Middle East.

📦Cargo Boost: Saudia Cargo and the Saudi Export Development Authority signed an agreement to boost non-oil exports by supporting local industries, strengthening its “Saudi Made” branding campaign..

🐘Lifting Giants: Two young elephants from Nepalwere flown to Doha aboard a Qatar Airways cargo aircraft to be housed at Al Khor Zoo.

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani attended the closing ceremony of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 at Lusail Stadium on Thursday evening.

Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed, the UAE National Security Advisor and Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi chaired ADQ’s final board meeting of 2025.

Adel Al-Jubeir, Saudi Arabia Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Climate Envoy, said the kingdom is making steady progress in diversifying its energy sources alongside carbon-based fuels  and producing green hydrogen.

Hassan El-Khatib, Egypt’s Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, said the government is working on launching a digital business platform that will integrate company incorporation, licensing, payments, financial and customs obligations..

Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE Minister of Economy, and Anton Alikhanov, Russia’s Minister of Industry and Trade, attended a signing ceremony at the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone with the Russia-UAE Business Council to expand trade between businesses in both countries.

⚽ Morocco defeated Jordan 3-2 to clinch the FIFA Arab Cup on Thursday at Lusail Stadium in Doha. The victory, sealed by the winning goal in extra time, was met with celebrations on the pitch in Qatar – as jubilant Moroccan players hoisted the FIFA trophy – and at home, where thousands poured into the streets in Rabat, Casablanca and other cities.

Dec. 18-23, Abu Dhabi. Games of the Future. A forum to discuss trends and investment opportunities in digital gaming. ADNEC. 

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. 1Billion Summit. A gathering of global content creators 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. 26-28, 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. 1-4, 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. 

LEGAL LABOR

Saudi Arabia has scrapped a levy on hiring foreign workers in licensed industrial facilities as part of efforts to boost non-oil sectors. Industry minister Bandar Alkhorayef said the move would cut operating costs, boost competitiveness and help manufacturers expand production, while accelerating the adoption of automation and advanced technologies. The kingdom’s industrial base has expanded rapidly, with the number of factories rising from 8,822 in 2019 to more than 12,000 by the end of 2024, while industrial investment grew 35% to about $325 billion in the same period. Fees are understood to start from SAR 300 ($80) per month per foreign employee, with that rate varying depending on the ratio of foreign workers to nationals.

EGYPT ENERGY

Israel has approved its largest-ever natural gas export deal, paving the way for supplies to Egypt from the Chevron-operated Leviathan offshore field. The agreement – signed in August but held up for the final government okay until now, will see up to $35 billion of gas exported to Egypt by 2040. Egypt has increasingly turned to Israeli gas to meet demand after abandoning ambitions to become a regional supplier, spending billions of dollars on liquefied natural gas imports. CNN reports that Israel had delayed the official approval of the deal for months, eventually signing under pressure from the Trump administration, which has been trying to arrange a summit between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.

Alterra: The UAE’s $30 billion climate fund is investing in Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners’ Growth Markets Fund II to support large-scale renewable energy projects across 15 markets in Asia, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Public Investment Fund: Warner Bros. Discovery’s board formally rejected Paramount’s $108 billion hostile takeover bid, which was backed by PIF, the Qatar Investment Authority and Abu Dhabi’s L’imad Holding Co., saying it was riskier and inferior to a competing Netflix bid backed by the board.

Public Investment Fund: Middle East e-commerce platform Noon has raised $500 million in new funding from existing backers, including the PIF, as the company moves closer to a potential IPO.

Public Investment Fund: Center3, a subsidiary of Saudi telecom STC, is creating a new joint venture with the PIF-backed HUMAIN to develop and operate AI-focused data centers in Saudi Arabia with capacity of up to 1GW.

Qatar Investment Authority: Qatar is leveraging its cheap energy and sovereign wealth to accelerate its push into artificial intelligence through the launch of Qai, aiming to catch up with regional rivals as the Gulf diversifies beyond oil, Reuters reports.

ADQ: The Abu Dhabi fund and the Gates Foundation announced a partnership in Abu Dhabi to accelerate responsible AI and education technology adoption to improve learning outcomes for children across sub-Saharan Africa.

🏦 Private Credit: Ares Management is providing a $100 million net asset value financing facility to Dubai-based Patrimium, to step up their pursuit of private credit opportunities in the Gulf region.

☀️ New Energy: UAE-based AMEA Power has commissioned a solar plant in Tunisia’s Kairouan Governorate, the country’s first large-scale privately financed renewable project..

☕ Coffee Time: Saudi-listed cafe chain Ratio Speciality Co. has partnered with Silk Solutions to invest $26.6 million in the kingdom’s coffee sector to strengthen the supply chain and expand market opportunities.

🤖 Robot Raising: Planys Technologies, a Hub71-backed deep-tech startup specialising in underwater robotics, raised about $12 million in primary funding to support its next phase of global expansion.

⛏️ On The Ground: Egypt has launched a seismic survey covering nearly 10% of its territory as part of a $5.7 billion hydrocarbon exploration programme that includes drilling 101 oil and gas wells in 2026.

🤝 New Chapter: Barclays says its return to Saudi Arabia after 11 years reflects long-term commitment and confidence in competing effectively with major U.S. investment banks as deal-making in the Gulf continues to grow.

🚁 Double Up: California-based air taxi maker Joby Aviation said it plans to double its U.S. manufacturing capacity by 2027 and wants to start commercial passenger services in Dubai by early 2026.

📈 Market Debut: Abu Dhabi-listed Phoenix Group said its minority-owned Bitzero Holdings has debuted on the Canadian Securities Exchange.

✈️ Benefits Plus: Emirates is auctioning off rare Emirates Skywards Platinum membership numbers with Platinum tier benefits valid for 20 years, with all proceeds supporting vulnerable children through 14 NGOs in nine countries.

🛢️ Regional Digging: Oilfield services provider Action Energy Company, which debuted on Kuwait’s premier stock market on Wednesday, plans to expand regionally while maintaining a strong focus on its home market.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed met with Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan, on Wednesday in Abu Dhabi to discuss a new strategic partnership between the two countries. Both presidents attended the opening of Games of the Future Abu Dhabi.

Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed, the UAE National Security Advisor and Chairman of Abu Dhabi’s International Holding Co., met with Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar,  India’s Minister of External Affairs, on Wednesday. 

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, UAE Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation, ordered the establishment of an integrated ecosystem to advance research, development, and innovation across Dubai.

Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, commended World Arabic Language Day.

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Group CEO of ADNOC, held meetings with representatives of the Japan Co-operation Centre for the Middle East and chief executives of several Japanese companies during a visit to Tokyo. Al Jaber, also held high-level meetings with senior government officials and private-sector leaders in Korea.

Mostafa Madbouly, Egypt’s Prime Minister, said on Wednesday that the country expects its non-oil merchandise exports to reach up to $50 billion by the end of the year.

Narendra Modi, India’s Prime Minister, is on a working visit to Oman to discuss a comprehensive partnership between the countries. 

Meg O’Neill was appointed CEO of BP starting April 1, making her the first female CEO in any of the world’s top five major oil companies. 

Ahmed Al Murad was appointed as CEO for HSBC Kuwait, succeeding Samer Alabed.

🌴 Date Design: In the Gulf, it’s a problem nearly as old as time: what to do with the pit after eating a date? Dates are commonly offered alongside small cups of fragrant traditional coffee as a gesture of hospitality on arrival at gatherings in the region. But many business travelers to the Gulf have been left awkwardly grasping the pit wondering whether to put it back on the tray, pocket it for later disposal or break off from an important conversation to go scouting for a trash can. Saudi product designer Njoud Alghamdi, Co-founder of Muntj Studio, brought a unique solution to last month’s Dubai Design Week with “Nawat,” an elegant wooden vessel with small openings to deposit pits out of sight. “The date pit holds a very special place for us at every table,” Alghamdi told Arab News. “We hope that reflects how friendly this object is.” 

Dec. 18-23, Abu Dhabi. Games of the Future. A forum to discuss trends and investment opportunities in digital gaming. ADNEC. 

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. 1Billion Summit. A gathering of global content creators 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. 26-28, 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. 1-4, 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.