Saudi Arabia’s ZATCA urges VAT-registered firms with annual supplies over SR40m to file August returns by September 30 or face penalties of 5–25 per cent
GCC
AI
UAE’s Presight-Shorooq Fund to back 30 AI and deep tech firms with $100m
The $100m Presight-Shorooq Fund will invest in 25–30 AI and deep tech startups, with 40 per cent reserved for scale-ups, reinforcing the UAE’s innovation hub role
digital economy
PayPal to invest $100m in Middle East and Africa digital economy
PayPal will invest $100m across the Middle East and Africa to fuel innovation, support entrepreneurs, and expand digital commerce after opening its Dubai hub
Corporate tax
UAE businesses urged to file tax returns early to avoid penalties
The UAE’s Federal Tax Authority reminded all businesses to file corporate tax returns within nine months of their tax period to avoid fines and delays
football
Roshn Saudi League secures media deals to broadcast in over 180 territories
Roshn Saudi League inks global broadcast deals with ESPN, Fox, DAZN and YouTube, expanding coverage to more than 180 territories for the 2025-26 season
UAE trade
UAE–US trade hits $38bn as Minister pushes deeper economic ties
UAE–US non-oil trade reached $38bn in 2024, up 44.5 per cent in five years. Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi met US leaders in New York to expand trade and investment
Dubai real estate
Indian investors eye $20bn a year in UAE assets as Dubai real estate demand surges
Wealthy Indians could invest up to $20bn annually in UAE assets, with real estate, tokenisation, and industrial growth driving the next investment wave
Beijing
Doha’s Hamad International Airport partners with Beijing Daxing to boost Qatar–China links
Hamad International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport sign a Sister Airport MoU to strengthen Qatar–China aviation, trade, and cultural ties
Dubai
WhatsApp introduces new translation feature to ease cross‑language chatting
Feature currently available in six languages for Android, including Arabic and Hindi, and in 19+ languages for iPhone users
Abu Dhabi real estate
Aldar increases stake in Aldar Estates to 82.55% after Modon Holding acquisition
Aldar increased its stake in Aldar Estates to 82.55 per cent, with revenue rising to $708m and EBITDA of $109m in 2024
Abu Dhabi office market
UAE real estate sector to hit $759bn by 2029 amid Dubai and Abu Dhabi property boom
UAE real estate is projected to reach $759bn by 2029, driven by Dubai’s AED153.7bn Q2 sales surge, Abu Dhabi growth, and strong demand for off-plan and luxury homes
1 Billion Followers
UAE launches $1m AI Film Award with 1 Billion Followers Summit and Google Gemini
UAE launches $1m AI Film Award with 1 Billion Followers Summit and Google Gemini, inviting global creators to submit AI-driven films ahead of January 2026
Qiddiya
Saudi Arabia to build Qiddiya high-speed rail linking key Riyadh hubs within 30 minutes
Saudi Arabia to build Qiddiya high-speed rail linking Riyadh airport, KAFD and Qiddiya City in under 30 minutes as part of Vision 2030 transport plans
Aviation
Saudi Arabia airport rankings: Riyadh, Dammam, Abha, Qaisumah and Al-Baha lead in GACA report
Saudi Arabia’s GACA August 2025 airport performance report ranks Riyadh, Dammam, Abha, Qaisumah and Al-Baha airports top for compliance, service and passenger wait times
ALEC
Dubai IPO: ALEC Holdings offers 1bn shares, market cap up to $1.91bn
ALEC Holdings sets Dubai IPO price range at AED1.35–1.40 per share, valuing firm at up to AED7bn, with AED500m dividend planned for 2026
Presight
Presight and Shorooq to launch $100mn fund for AI-related investments
The fund will focus on investments that leverage artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced data analytics
AI
Abu Dhabi’s TII and Nvidia to build region’s first Joint Lab for AI and Robotics
It will develop next-generation AI models, robotics platforms, and humanoid technologies that will accelerate innovation across industries