82% of Global Investors Confident in Gulf Economic Outlook
A recent survey reveals that 82% of global investors are confident in the economic prospects of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This optimism persists despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, indicating a robust belief in the region’s growth potential. Moving forward, monitoring investment trends and geopolitical developments will be crucial for understanding the Gulf’s economic trajectory.
Saudi Non-Oil Sector Growth Hits Four-Month High in June
Saudi Arabia’s non-oil private sector saw significant growth in June, with the Purchasing Managers’ Index rising to 53.3, the highest in four months. This increase was driven by a notable rise in new orders, despite ongoing challenges from high costs and weak external demand. Moving forward, stakeholders should monitor future PMI reports for trends in business activity and government policies aimed at supporting economic growth.
Sharjah Police Bust Cyber Fraud Ring Targeting Victims
Sharjah Police have arrested seven individuals involved in a cyber fraud scheme that exploited fake applications to steal money from unsuspecting victims. This operation highlights the increasing prevalence of cybercrime in the region, prompting law enforcement to take decisive action against such fraudulent activities. As authorities intensify efforts to combat cybercrime, the public should remain vigilant and informed about online security measures.
Dubai’s Emirati Supplier Programme Hits $480M Milestone
In 2025, Dubai awarded AED 1.78 billion (approximately $480 million) in government contracts to Emirati SMEs, marking a significant increase of 38% from previous years. This surge reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing local business participation and supporting economic growth. Moving forward, the expansion of the Emirati Supplier Programme could further empower local enterprises and diversify the economy.
Saudi Arabia Launches New Rules for Foreign Property Ownership
Saudi Arabia has introduced detailed regulations for foreign property ownership, establishing a unified digital platform for transactions. This initiative is driven by the need to enhance governance and financial security in the real estate sector, with banks mandated to facilitate services for foreign owners. The broader implication is an expected increase in foreign investment in the Saudi real estate market, reshaping its landscape.
UAE Thwarts Cyberattacks on Financial Sector Amid Rising Threats
The UAE Cyber Security Council has successfully contained a series of sophisticated cyberattacks targeting its financial sector. This proactive measure highlights the increasing importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding financial institutions against emerging AI-powered threats. Moving forward, the UAE is expected to enhance its cybersecurity protocols and foster collaboration between financial entities and cybersecurity agencies.
UAE Banks Warn Travelers of Rising Holiday Scam Threats
UAE banks have issued a warning to travelers about the rising threat of fake holiday deals and payment scams, urging vigilance as summer approaches. This alert highlights the increasing sophistication of fraudsters who create deceptive offers to exploit unsuspecting holidaymakers. As travel resumes, banks are likely to ramp up consumer education efforts to combat these scams and protect financial information.
UAE’s Retail T-Sukuk Offering Doubles to Dh100M Amid Demand
The UAE has doubled the size of its first retail T-Sukuk offering to Dh100 million due to high demand. This surge in interest reflects a strong investor appetite for Sharia-compliant financial products in the region. Moving forward, the success of this offering may lead to additional T-Sukuk issuances, further solidifying the UAE’s position in the Islamic finance market.
Dubai Unveils AED 18B Infrastructure Projects to Boost Economy
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed has approved AED 18 billion in new projects aimed at transforming Dubai’s infrastructure and enhancing the investor experience. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve Dubai’s cultural, trade, and financial landscape. As these projects unfold, they are expected to attract more investors and reinforce Dubai’s status as a key player in the MENA region.
CMA Compensates 20,000 Investors Amid Trading Violations
The Capital Market Authority (CMA) of Saudi Arabia has announced compensation for over 20,000 investors affected by violations related to the shares of Al Kathiri Holding and Anaam International Holding. This decision follows the issuance of penalties against several violators by the Appeals Committee in Securities Disputes. The CMA’s actions may enhance investor confidence in the Saudi financial market moving forward.