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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.

Clock31/03/2026

Central banks’ efforts to keep markets stable may be creating unintended risks. Emergency lending and market backstops have encouraged highly leveraged government bond trades, potentially lowering borrowing costs while increasing financial vulnerabilities that could require further intervention during the next crisis.

Space42’s first-half results, with revenue up 15% and satellite-to-phone services on standard devices targeted for commercial rollout by the end of 2026, are the kind most space companies globally can’t show, and that’s what makes the regional story worth a closer look

The UAE and Saudi Arabia led MENA’s outbound investment in H1 2026, completing 119 deals worth $25.5 billion, according to EY. Overall, the region recorded 390 M&A deals worth $46.7 billion, while the UAE remained the top destination for inbound investment.

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Qatar National Bank (QNB) is seeking to raise a $2 billion five-year senior unsecured term loan in the Asian market, according to LSEG’s Loan Connector. The facility, priced at 75 basis points over compounded SOFR, will refinance a $2 billion loan completed in 2023, with signing expected in September.

Clock11/08/2026
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