Banking and Finance

Abu Dhabi merges ADQ into new wealth fund L'IMAD: What to know

Under the new structure, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi, will oversee a broader swath of the emirate’s investment holdings.

United Arab Emirates

UAE Central Bank approves first US dollar-backed stablecoin: What to know

The approval marks a milestone in the UAE’s development of digital currency infrastructure and positions USDU as the Gulf country’s first USD-denominated currency for digital assets.

United Arab Emirates

Iran internet blackout estimated to cost $37M+ daily, crippling businesses and society

The ongoing digital disconnection is severely stalling commerce, draining millions of dollars daily and pushing many businesses toward collapse.

Iran

Can Iran’s promised economic reforms quell unrest?

The Iranian government has made several economic pledges to protesters, though some carry risk of increasing inflation further.

Iran

MidEast VC funding hits record $3.8B in 2025, driven by strong Gulf showing

Many emerging venture markets contracted in 2025, but the Middle East and North Africa bucked the trend.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia, UAE accelerate cashless payment push in 2026: What to know

Dubai is targeting 90% cashless transactions by the end of 2026, while Saudi Arabia is now set to enforce an e-payments rule for domestic workers.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia to open stock markets to all foreign investors in February: What to know

The Saudi Capital Market Authority announced that it would remove restrictions that have historically limited foreign investors' access to the country’s Tadawul stock exchange.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia awards record number of mining licenses in Vision 2030 push

Riyadh estimates the country’s mineral resources to be worth $2.51 trillion.

Saudi Arabia

Gulf accounted for 43% of global sovereign wealth fund investment in 2025

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund was the world's highest spending sovereign wealth fund in 2025, investing some $36.2 billion.

Saudi Arabia

Feature

Cheap oil, tighter finances, wars constrained Mid East economies in 2025

Low oil prices, tighter financial conditions and elevated geopolitical risk hampered growth across much of the Middle East and North Africa this year.

By Jack Dutton

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

Analysis

Iran currency plunges to historic low amid factional blame game

As Iran's judiciary publicly rebukes the central bank over the rial's collapse, the currency crisis is no longer economic and is fast becoming a test of political accountability and regime stability.

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Analysis

Gulf finance hubs race to expand as hedge funds flock to Dubai, Abu Dhabi

The Gulf’s top financial hubs have posted another strong year in 2025, with the UAE spearheading a regional push to attract hedge funds, asset managers, crypto and fintech firms as regional neighbors target growth of their own.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech