New PwC report says regional transformation is accelerating at its fastest pace in 25 years, driven by technology, energy transition and market disruption
Middle East
Latest in Middle East
beauty business
Beauty’s new battleground: Middle East shoppers demand ‘efficacy, ingredient transparency, and shade precision’
Sophisticated shoppers blend luxury with efficacy while demanding climate-specific innovation
Gaza ceasefire
Israel, Hamas agree first phase of Gaza ceasefire
The truce follows months of negotiations mediated by Egypt, the US and Qatar
Arabian Business
Arabian Business 150 Most Influential Arabs 2025: Meet the ‘Disruptors’ building influence beyond business
The Disruptors category of the Arabian Business 150 Most Influential Arabs 2025 list highlights leaders who are not only redefining industries but also laying the foundations of social infrastructure across the Arab world
Gaza
The story must live – Inside Gaza’s war on truth
More journalists have been killed in Gaza in less than two years than in World Wars I and II, Korea and Vietnam combined. This is how the war has become a systematic assault on truth
Employee
New research shows over 86% of Middle East professionals work extra hours
Robert Walters says 41% report either starting earlier or finishing later, while 45% state their hours depend on workload
Egypt
Egypt eyes doubling public free zones to 16 as GAFI targets $140bn exports by 2030
The initiative is designed to strengthen Egypt’s position in global markets and help deliver the government’s 2030 export target of $140 billion
initial public offerings
Middle East IPOs raise $2.5 billion in Q2, led by Saudi listings
The largest Saudi listing was budget carrier flynas on the Tadawul Main Market, which contributed 44% of total Q2 proceeds
Egypt
Sirene by GAIA expands to Egypt’s North Coast with branded residences and luxury hotel
One of Dubai’s most successful lifestyle concepts is venturing into branded residences for the first time
Aviation
Syria signs $4bn deal with Qatar-backed consortium to rebuild Damascus Airport as regional aviation hub with 90,000 jobs
International consortium led by Qatar’s UCC Holding to redevelop Damascus International Airport in Syria with 31m passenger capacity, new fleet, and advanced infrastructure
Egypt
Nobu makes Egypt debut with North Coast opening at SODIC’s Ogami
The launch marks the start of a broader collaboration between SODIC and Nobu, with plans for hotels and residences across key developments in the country
construction industry
Knight Frank bullish on Egypt as project pipeline valued at $565.5bn
$120bn of projects currently under construction; outlook strong, with major opportunities in chemical, power and transport sectors
Amazon
GMG, Amazon form partnership to boost online retail in MENA
The agreement will combine Amazon’s technology, delivery network and online shopping platform with GMG’s retail portfolio, the companies said in a joint statement
Allo Beirut
UAE restaurant chain Allo Beirut makes first Lebanon debut on Hamra Street
The Lebanon opening represents Allo Beirut’s entry into its fourth market
Ministry of Investment - Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia launches $5bn investment drive in Syria, unveils flagship tower project in Damascus
The investment package includes deals across real estate, infrastructure, telecoms, logistics, energy, tourism, industry, and trade, according to Saudi’s investment ministry
Egypt
Egypt High Speed Rail to use 3,000 Hitachi ACs to cool its 21 stations
A partnership between Johnson Controls-Hitachi and Elsewedy Machinery wins the HVAC contract
Air Arabia
Air Arabia resumes direct flights between Sharjah and Damascus
Customers can book their direct flights between UAE and Syria through Air Arabia’s website, by calling the call centre, or through travel agencies
