HSBC has been expanding similar wealth hubs in China, Hong Kong, the UK, and more to serve clients who need multi-jurisdictional banking and investment services
Banking & Finance
Google Pay
Saudi Arabia launches Google Pay
Saudi Central Bank launches Google Pay via mada, advancing Vision 2030 goals to boost digital payments, reduce cash reliance, and enhance inclusion
billionaires
Next UAE holiday dates, Emirates ID update, Dubai tourism boom and real estate tax analysis – 10 things you missed this week
Catch up on the UAE’s biggest news this week — from new holidays and Emirates ID updates to Dubai tourism growth, real estate tax analysis and more
AECB credit score
UAE credit score: What really affects it? Experts weigh in
Discover the hidden factors that could be silently destroying your UAE credit score – and the simple steps that could save you thousands of dirhams
Ajman
Ajman new professional licences up 37% in H1 2025 as new investors rise 24%
Ajman’s new professional licences surged 37 per cent in H1 2025, with new investors up 24 per cent and Ethiopia and Sudan joining the top 10 nationalities
AB Majlis
AB Majlis podcast: Mashreq’s Fernando Morillo says tipping point for digital banking ‘is already behind us’
Guided by the vision of the founding family and leadership team, the bank has moved aggressively to redefine what modern banking means
Capital.com
UAE drives Capital.com to record $1.5tn global trading volumes in H1 2025
The UAE accounted for more than 70% of MENA trading activity as Capital.com reported record half-year volumes, underscoring the region’s rise as a global hub for online trading
Abu Dhabi Global Market
Abu Dhabi’s ADGM hits record 11,000 licences and $136bn market cap in H1 2025
ADGM posts record growth in H1 2025 with 11,128 licences, AED 500bn ($136bn) market cap, and 42 per cent AUM surge as Abu Dhabi strengthens its global hub role
DIFC
Sovereign secures DIFC licence to expand UAE corporate services operations
Sovereign’s capabilities in DIFC will enable it to support clients with governance and legacy planning
saudi tax
Saudi Arabia warns businesses: file August withholding tax by September 10 or face fines
Saudi Arabia’s ZATCA urges businesses to file August withholding tax by September 10 or risk a 1% fine for every 30 days of delay beyond the deadline
UAE real estate
UAE real estate tax rules explained
UAE allows 4 per cent tax depreciation on investment properties from 2025, boosting real estate businesses under new corporate tax rules
dubai malls
New UAE tax rules; Dubai real estate record; 100 best places to work; Oman launches Golden Visa – 10 things you missed this week
From record Dubai real estate sales to new UAE tax rules, Oman’s Golden Residency and Saudi retail growth—this week’s must-read headlines
M&A
Middle East M&A hits 271 deals in H1 2025, up 19 per cent despite global slowdown: PwC
Middle East M&A rose 19 per cent in H1 2025 to 271 deals, defying a 9 per cent global drop as sovereign wealth funds drive growth in tech, energy and healthcare
FDI
Saudi Arabia FDI inflows jump 24 per cent to $32bn in 2024
Saudi Arabia’s FDI inflows rose 24 per cent to SR119.2bn ($31.8bn) in 2024, exceeding Vision 2030 targets as non-oil investment reached 90 per cent of total flows
Abu Dhabi events
Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2025 confirms first 300 global speakers with $60tn in assets
Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2025 will host 300 global leaders with $60tn in assets, featuring top names from Netflix, Carlyle, Temasek, Franklin Templeton and more
Corporate tax
UAE announces new tax rules for Free Zones
The UAE Ministry of Finance has issued new Corporate Tax rules for Free Zones, expanding qualifying activities and clarifying ministerial decisions
banking
Qatar’s top banks post $3.9bn H1 profit, but rising costs squeeze returns: Moody’s
Qatar’s biggest banks reported a slight rise in first-half profits, but Moody’s Ratings warned that mounting costs, loan-loss provisions and exposure to real estate risks could weigh on profitability in the months ahead