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
Banking & Finance
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
General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises (Monshaat)
Saudi Arabia launches $400m fund to boost startups and SMEs
Saudi Arabia will refund SAR1.5bn ($400m) in government fees to startups and SMEs through the Estrdad initiative
SAMA
Saudi bank credit hits record $849bn in June 2025, up 15.8% year-on-year
Saudi bank credit hit a record SR3.18tn ($849bn) in June 2025 — here’s what it means for businesses and investors
Branded residences
UAE holiday, petrol price changes, tax update, Saudi property reforms, new Kuwait laws – 10 things you missed this week
From a new UAE holiday and petrol price changes to a significant tax update, Saudi property reforms and new Kuwait laws — here are 10 big Gulf business stories you may have missed this week
Federal Tax Authority
UAE warns businesses to keep tax records for 7 years or face penalties
UAE FTA warns firms to keep tax records for 7 years and file returns on time or face penalties
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s Lunate expands into hedge fund with Brevan Howard partnership
Platform to be domiciled in ADGM; The partners will launch newly created funds with an initial long-term commitment of $2bn from Lunate
digital payments
Dubai Finance Department, GDFRA sign MOU to support ‘Cashless Dubai’ strategy
The strategy targets 90% of all financial transactions in both government and private sectors to be carried out digitally and full digital enablement at 100% across the emirate by the end of 2026