Middle East M&A deal values jump 260% to $53bn in 2025, led by energy consolidation and fast-growing technology and industrial investments
Banking & Finance
Latest in Banking & Finance
Ministry of Finance
UAE to apply reverse VAT charge on scrap-metal trading from January 2026
New Cabinet decision shifts VAT accounting to buyers in a move aimed at curbing fraud and strengthening tax compliance in the metal-scrap sector
ACWA Power
KKR makes first Saudi investment with financing for key desalination plant
The global investment firm KKR has partnered with ACWA Power to support long-term water security under Vision 2030
Excise tax
UAE announces updated Excise Tax rules
UAE issues Cabinet Resolution No. 198 of 2025 amending Excise Tax rules to improve compliance and enhance procedures
DIFC
DIFC joins global privacy forum to strengthen cross-border data governance
Membership of the Global Cross-Border Privacy Rules Forum reinforces Dubai’s ambition to be a leading hub for the digital economy and trusted international data flows.
Abu Dhabi
Mubadala completes acquisition of Service Logic in partnership with Bain Capital
Service Logic is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is a leader in comprehensive commercial HVAC and building automation services
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabian bank credit reached an all-time high of $880 billion
Saudi Central Bank’s monthly statistical bulletin says this is an annual increase of 13.6%; credit issued is distributed across a wide range of economic activities
2pointZero
E Point Zero completes 100% acquisition of Egypt’s Maseera Holding
Abu Dhabi company buys out the remaining 5% ownership interest from Amro Abouesh, CEO and Founder, who will step down
CBUAE
UAE approves budget, outlines financial strategy for 2026
Board meeting chaired by Mansour bin Zayed focused on digital transformation, payment systems and regulatory development
DFSA
DFSA updates crypto token rules for firms operating in DIFC
Revised regulations, effective from January 2026, place greater responsibility on firms to assess crypto tokens while strengthening investor safeguards
Bitcoin
EXCLUSIVE: Consistent crypto discipline beats hype – Alex Reinhardt
Venture capitalist, blockchain expert and Ultima founder outlines a simple long-term approach to building positions in digital assets
DIFC Courts
DIFC Courts embrace blockchain tools for complex digital asset cases
New custodial and analytics services will allow judges and litigants to better manage disputes involving cryptocurrencies and tokenised assets
Abu Dhabi
UAE announces major changes to corporate tax rules
Changes explain how corporate tax liabilities are settled and give businesses the right to claim payments in certain cases
financial crime
Kuwait to launch dedicated banking crimes prosecution office in 2026
New unit in Kuwait will target cyber fraud, cheque offences and financial forgery as authorities step up protection of the national banking system
Islamic Development Bank
Islamic Development Bank approves $1.365bn financing in 12 countries
To support development projects, including renewable energy, power networks, transport corridors, water and agricultural security, education and health
Crypto Adoption
UAE tops MENA crypto adoption and ranks 5th worldwide – report
World Crypto Rankings 2025 highlights the UAE’s rise as a regional leader in digital assets and tokenisation, with Dubai emerging as a key global hub
Abu Dhabi
ADIO, Primavera to collaborate to attract high-growth companies to Abu Dhabi
The partnership will increase cross-border capital flows, deepen investor partnerships and expand the footprint of global companies in Abu Dhabi
