MENA Startup Deals Gather Pace Across AI, Climate Tech and Consumer Brands
A series of new funding rounds and strategic transactions suggests investors are still backing regional growth stories despite the heavier geopolitical backdrop.
Countries
Country and regional coverage across the Gulf and wider Middle East.
Air India Express Restores Gulf Flights as Travel Confidence Returns
The carrier’s return to 13 Gulf destinations signals improving aviation conditions after a period of disruption that cut Indian airline capacity to the region.
Qatar Draws $3.4 Billion in FDI as Technology Projects Lead
Official investment-promotion data show Qatar attracting 373 FDI initiatives in 2025, with technology and greenfield projects central to its diversification strategy.
Foreign Investors Deploy $5.3 Billion in Saudi Private Markets
International capital accounted for about 60% of Saudi private-market investment in 2025, underlining the Kingdom’s shift from regional opportunity to global allocation destination.
Saudi POS Spending Rises to $3.36 Billion as Consumer Demand Holds
Weekly payment data show Saudi consumer spending remaining above the $3 billion mark, with food, restaurants and Riyadh transactions supporting the total.
GCC Banks Post $16.8 Billion Q1 Profit as Credit Expands
Regional lenders entered 2026 with stronger earnings, record revenue and expanding credit, reinforcing the banking sector’s role in Gulf diversification.
UAE Growth Forecast Points to Temporary Slowdown Before 2027 Rebound
A slower 2026 outlook suggests that trade and travel disruptions are weighing on activity, even as forecasters expect a stronger recovery when oil and…
UAE Non-Oil PMI Slips to 50.8 as Firms Cut Staff
The private sector remains in expansion, but June’s weakest reading in more than five years signals pressure from client caution, tourism softness and cost…
Israel Says It Will Retain Regional Security Zones Despite De-escalation Framework
Israel’s position highlights a central gap between the US-Iran framework and the unresolved military realities in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza.
Lebanon Fighting Eases, but Displaced Families Are Warned Not to Rush Home
Relative calm followed the US-Iran framework, yet Israeli forces remain in the south and extensive destruction makes an immediate return unsafe.