Saudi Arabia will refund SAR1.5bn ($400m) in government fees to startups and SMEs through the Estrdad initiative
Banking & Finance
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
insurance
Sukoon to provide family Takaful to Emiratis up to 95 years of age
The extended coverage will be part of the company’s tie-up with the Sheikh Zayed Housing Program
SAMA
Saudi Arabia launches first mortgage-backed securities as SAMA boosts housing finance market
Saudi Central Bank approves Saudi Real Estate Refinance Company to launch the Kingdom’s first mortgage-backed securities
saudi tax
Saudi businesses warned: Up to 25% fines for missing August tax deadline
ZATCA urges Saudi businesses to file tax returns this month
Fitch Ratings
UK is the West’s leading Islamic finance hub, says Fitch as funds AUM pass $12.5bn
Fitch: UK to remain West’s Islamic finance hub as LSE leads hard-currency sukuk and AUM surges
Abu Dhabi National Energy Company
TAQA secures $2.31bn term-loan, in AED, to boost liquidity and advance growth
Structured as a floating rate two-year facility, it delivers lower borrowing costs and allows for phased drawdowns and support its 2025 funding plan
CBUAE
UAE gold reserve surges 25.9% in first five months of 2025 to $7.88bn
CBUAE stats say demand deposits grew to $320bn, savings deposits to $97.91bn, while time deposits exceeded AED1tn for first time
digital transactions
du Pay launches ‘Salary in the Digital Wallet’ feature to boost financial inclusion in UAE
The service provides customers with a unique IBAN upon registration, enabling direct salary transfers into digital wallets
Federal Tax Authority
UAE issues tax deadline warning
UAE Federal Tax Authority urges businesses to file Corporate Tax returns and pay dues on time
Abu Dhabi
ADIB Capital launches Sharia-compliant trade opportunities
The fund, open to professional clients and market counterparties, targets short-duration trade opportunities in developed markets, primarily the United States and Europe
Eastern Province
Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Region attracts $8bn investments across key sectors
Saudi investment projects span tourism, entertainment, sustainability, and urban development, generating SAR2bn ($533m) in annual revenues
M&A
UAE leads MENA M&A boom with $25.4b as regional deals hit $58.7b in H1 2025
MENA M&A deals hit $58.7b in H1 2025, up 19 per cent as UAE leads with $25.4b inflows
