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.
Banking & Fintech
Banking, payments, fintech, digital currencies, crypto regulation and financial infrastructure.
Iranian Media Says Draft Deal Could Release $24 Billion in Frozen Assets
The reported financial component remains politically sensitive and requires confirmation of ownership, custody and release conditions.
UAE Open Banking Mandate 2026: The End of the ‘Walled Garden’ for Banks
The deadline has arrived. As of Q2 2026, banks in the UAE and Saudi Arabia are legally required to share customer data with third-party…
UAE Web3 License Deadline 2026: The End of the ‘Just Code’ Defense
The countdown has begun. With less than six months remaining until the full enforcement of Federal Decree-Law No. 6, the Central Bank has issued…
The ‘Unicorn’ Class of 2026: Why This Year is the Ultimate Test for Gulf Fintech
The venture capital era is ending, and the public market era has begun. With regional giants Tabby and Tamara finally filing for their long-awaited…
UAE Digital Dirham 2026 Rollout: Is This the End of SWIFT for Gulf Trade?
The Central Bank has officially pressed the “Go Live” button on Phase 2. With the Digital Dirham now fully operational for cross-border trade…
From Deeds to Tokens: How Blockchain is Democratising the Burj Khalifa Skyline
Real Estate is the world’s largest asset class, but it is notoriously illiquid. Dubai’s pioneering Web3 regulations are turning skyscrapers into…
The VARA Effect: How Regulatory Clarity Turned Dubai into the Crypto Capital of the World
While the US crackdown leaves founders in limbo, Dubai’s specialized regulator has rolled out the red carpet, but only for those willing to play…