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GCC economies are set for a slight contraction in 2026 as regional tensions weigh on trade, travel and investor confidence, with GDP expected to dip by 0.2% before rebounding strongly by 8.5% in 2027, according to ICAEW. While energy markets offer partial support, disruptions to tourism and logistics are driving uneven impacts across the region, with recovery hinging on how quickly stability and confidence return.
31/03/2026
Central Bank of the UAE has kept its base rate at 3.65%, following the US Federal Reserve’s decision to hold its benchmark rate. The UAE central bank also maintained borrowing rates at 50 basis points above the base rate, keeping monetary policy stable.
Saudi Aramco’s Q1 2026 net profit is forecast to reach SAR 108.8 billion, up 13.8% YoY and 56.7% QoQ, driven by higher oil prices and stronger refining margins, according to AlJazira Capital.
Stocks slipped while oil prices climbed as U.S.–Iran tensions escalated, with Brent crude rising 5.6% to $95.48 a barrel and the S&P 500 and Nasdaq pulling back from recent highs; despite geopolitical pressure, market moves remained relatively muted, supported by strong economic data as investors turn to a busy earnings week with expectations for continued profit growth.
AI-driven fraud is accelerating faster than organizations can respond, with a new report by Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and SAS revealing that just 7% feel well-prepared to detect or prevent it, as deepfakes, digital forgery, and consumer scams surge worldwide; while AI adoption is rising, gaps in governance, explainability, and overall readiness continue to leave institutions exposed as threats scale faster than defenses.
21/04/2026
