Circle Internet Group, one of the world’s leading internet financial platform companies, has secured a key regulatory approval in the UAE as it continues to expand its presence in the Middle East. The company announced that it has obtained a Financial Services Permission (FSP) license from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) to operate as a Money Services Provider within the international financial centre.

In tandem with this milestone, Circle has appointed Dr. Saeeda Jaffar as managing director for the Middle East & Africa (MEA). Dr. Jaffar, who currently serves as senior vice president and group country manager for the GCC at Visa, will lead Circle’s regional strategy and oversee efforts to broaden partnerships with financial institutions and enterprises. She will also drive the adoption of trusted digital dollars and onchain payment solutions across the UAE and wider MEA region.

“Regulatory clarity is the foundation of a more open and efficient internet financial system. We are honored to work with the FSRA in ADGM. Their framework sets a high bar for transparency, risk management, and consumer protection—standards that enable trusted stablecoins to power real-world payments and finance at internet scale. I’m also delighted to welcome Dr. Saeeda Jaffar to Circle. Her deep regional expertise, strategic vision and reputation for building high-performing partnerships will be invaluable as we expand our presence in the UAE and MEA,” said Jeremy Allaire, co-founder, chairman and CEO of Circle.

ADGM welcomed the regulatory-first approach, underscoring its role in enabling responsible adoption of digital assets across the financial system.

“Circle’s regulatory-first approach aligns with ADGM’s commitment to responsible innovation. With clear rules for fiat-referenced tokens, the UAE is enabling the safe, scalable adoption of digital assets across the financial system. Circle’s regulated presence in ADGM reinforces our ambition to build a trusted, institutional-grade digital asset ecosystem in Abu Dhabi, one that enhances market confidence, supports real-world use cases, and cements the UAE’s role as a leading hub for regulated digital finance,” said Arvind Ramamurthy, chief market development officer, ADGM.

With the FSP license in place, Circle is now positioned to expand regulated payment and settlement use cases for businesses, developers, and financial institutions in the UAE. The approval advances Circle’s mission to deliver trusted digital dollars onchain while supporting the UAE’s efforts to build a transparent and innovation-forward financial system.

The development builds on Circle’s growing footprint in the UAE, including the Dubai International Financial Centre’s recognition earlier this year of USDC and EURC as the first stablecoins approved under the DFSA’s crypto token regime. It also reflects Circle’s momentum as a public company enabling onchain utility for enterprises worldwide.

PaySelect, the UAE’s first independent digital comparison platform for payment solutions, has expanded its capabilities to help businesses optimise and scale their cross-border payment operations. Through a new dedicated Cross-Border Payments section on payselect.ae, companies can now compare international payout solutions from ten leading regional providers, offering greater transparency, efficiency, and control as they grow across global markets.

Launched earlier this year, PaySelect brings together specialist payment providers on a single platform. The enhanced focus on cross-border capabilities reflects the rising demand from UAE-based companies — particularly SMEs — seeking faster, more reliable international payment options as they expand into new territories.

“Cross-border payments remain one of the biggest challenges for growing businesses, especially SMEs that operate across multiple currencies and markets,” said Sissel Nielsen, founder and CEO of PaySelect. “By curating the top providers in the region and giving businesses the tools to compare, evaluate, and connect directly, we make global payments more accessible, efficient, and cost-effective — all in one place.”

The platform’s comparison engine allows businesses to filter providers according to operational needs such as settlement times, supported currencies, transaction volumes, international corridors, and integration requirements. A built-in corridor-matching tool also enables users to select their sending and receiving countries and instantly view which providers support those routes — eliminating the need for lengthy research or manual verification.

PaySelect also offers data-driven recommendations, exclusive offers from partners, and direct onboarding links to streamline decision-making and reduce delays. Because the platform is free and commission-free for merchants, companies can explore available solutions without cost barriers.

With ten specialist partners covering payout corridors across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas, businesses can identify appropriate providers for each target market from a centralised interface. The model also gives companies enhanced clarity around fees, FX rates and regulatory compliance, ensuring they work with licensed operators aligned with UAE and international standards.

For payment providers, PaySelect acts as a high-quality acquisition channel, offering visibility to businesses actively searching for cross-border solutions. Providers only pay commission on successful transactions, supporting a performance-based model. Listing on PaySelect also enables payment companies to deepen relationships with merchants that fit their capabilities.

Unlike traditional sourcing methods shaped by referrals or sales-driven pitches, PaySelect positions itself as an independent marketplace designed to simplify procurement and reduce friction.

“The UAE has positioned itself as a global hub for digital commerce and trade, but managing international payments can still be a barrier to growth,” Nielsen added. “Our goal is to empower every business — from startups to large enterprises — to access the best cross-border solutions effortlessly, so they can focus on scaling globally rather than managing complexity.”

PaySelect is continuing to expand its network of providers and is in discussions with new fintechs and specialised payout players across the region, with the long-term vision of becoming the leading global hub for payment solution sourcing.

Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, and Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani have jointly witnessed the signing of a landmark agreement to develop a high-speed electric passenger railway connecting the two Gulf nations. The move underscores the deep-rooted fraternal ties and expanding economic cooperation between Riyadh and Doha.

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The agreement, signed by Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser and Qatar’s Minister of Transport Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani, comes under the umbrella of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the rail initiative marks a strategic step toward bolstering developmental integration, sustainable growth, and broader regional prosperity.

Regional connectivity and strategic infrastructure

Spanning 785 kilometres, the high-speed line will link the capitals of Riyadh and Doha, passing through key hubs such as Hofuf and Dammam. It will also directly connect to King Salman International Airport in Riyadh and Hamad International Airport in Doha, positioning the route as a central transport corridor for business travellers, tourists, and regional commuters.

Designed for speeds exceeding 300 kilometres per hour, the rail service is expected to cut travel time between the two capitals to roughly two hours. Officials say the project will significantly enhance passenger mobility, support commercial flows, stimulate tourism, and strengthen overall quality of life in both countries.

Economic impact and sustainability goals

Scheduled for completion within six years, the project will deploy advanced rail technologies and smart engineering systems to meet global benchmarks for safety, reliability, and operational efficiency. Economic models project an impact of nearly SAR115bn on the combined GDPs of Saudi Arabia and Qatar once the line becomes fully operational.

The railway is expected to serve more than 10 million passengers annually and generate over 30,000 direct and indirect jobs, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for Gulf-wide development. Officials also highlight the line’s environmental benefits, noting its potential to reduce carbon emissions and accelerate the region’s transition toward cleaner, more efficient mobility solutions. As one of the most strategic transportation initiatives in the Gulf Cooperation Council, the project is set to deepen regional integration and define the next era of sustainable transport across the region.

Dubai has introduced a major overhaul of bereavement services, aiming to simplify and digitise all procedures linked to the death of a family member, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) said.

The move is part of the government’s wider “City Makers” initiative and is designed to offer faster, more humane support during what officials described as one of the most difficult periods for families.

The transformation is driven by a new system called ‘Jabr’, which centralises processes that previously required visits to multiple government offices.

Under the model, each case is assigned a government service oficer who handles all formalities on behalf of the family, coordinating with every relevant entity.

A unified digital platform also sends automatic notifications as soon as a death is registered, enabling government bodies to begin their tasks immediately.

Procedures such as transporting or repatriating the deceased, as well as burial and condolence arrangements, have been accelerated.

“The ‘Jabr’ system for facilitating bereavement-related services reflects Dubai Government’s profound commitment to placing people at the forefront of its priorities,” said Dr Alawi AlSheikh-Ali, director-general of DHA. He said the framework supports families psychologically and socially while easing administrative burdens.

He added that the system aligns with Dubai’s goal of keeping people at the centre of all services and reflects values embedded in the UAE community.

Majid Al Muhairi, official spokesperson of the Jabr system and director of Information Technology at DHA, said the new approach extends beyond paperwork. “The service is no longer limited to completing administrative procedures, it now extends to offering psychological and social support to the family before, during, and after the condolence period,” he said.

Al Muhairi said the transformation is part of a broader rollout under City Makers, adding that Dubai’s digital infrastructure has enabled services to be streamlined through advanced technologies and smart solutions.

Families will no longer need to visit multiple entities, and death certificates will be issued proactively and automatically circulated.

DHA said the updated system reduces emotional and financial burden on families, while supporting its goal of improving overall quality of life.

Juma Al Blooshi, consultant in the Public Health Protection Department, said the overhaul reflects Dubai’s commitment to integrating digital services in ways that ease pressure on families dealing with loss.

Highlights of the Jabr system

The Jabr system brings together several pillars, including assigning a dedicated officer for each case and providing real-time notifications across government entities.

Condolence tents will be offered to Emirati families with hospitality services for three days, supported by over 70 designated locations.

For residents, condolence initiatives are coordinated with eight public-benefit organisations and places of worship.

Psychological support is included, with 230 school counsellors trained to assist students coping with bereavement.

Optional religious lectures are available through the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department.

The digital framework includes a unified smart system that handles alerts and a dashboard used by entities to speed up decision-making.

Dubai Courts will open estate files proactively once a death certificate is issued, enabling heirs to move ahead with inheritance procedures without attending in person.

Funeral services have also been enhanced through volunteer training programmes for washing and shrouding the deceased, a shroud kit, and upgrades to cemetery facilities in coordination with Dubai Municipality.

Investors are heading into 2026 with fading momentum across major global markets as record valuations, shifting fiscal signals and geopolitical uncertainty weigh on sentiment, according to FOREX.com’s recently published 2025/26 Market Outlook.

“Major indices have tested multi-decade highs, but momentum appears to be fading,” said Razan Hilal, CMT, market analyst at FOREX.com. “We are seeing the early stages of a retracement phase across key benchmarks, suggesting that 2026 will be defined by recalibration rather than expansion.”

US small-cap equities, tracked by the Russell 2000, are once again pushing up against the 2,500 resistance zone, a level last seen before the tariff-driven sell-off in 2025.

Larger benchmarks show similar exhaustion: the Dow Jones Industrial Average has stalled below 48,000, the Nasdaq remains capped under 26,300, and the MSCI US Index continues to struggle to break 20.50.

“While the AI and tech sectors have driven exceptional gains, valuations north of $4tn for mega-cap leaders like Microsoft and Nvidia have pushed sentiment to stretched levels,” Hilal said. “A measured correction could restore balance to what has become an overheated market.”

Gold, silver and oil prices

Safe-haven metals rallied sharply in 2025, with gold hitting an inflation-adjusted record above $4,300 an ounce and silver rising to $54.30, their strongest levels in dollar terms since 1980. Both are now consolidating after steep gains. FOREX.com expects potential pullbacks toward $3,500 for gold and $42 for silver before the next cyclical advance. “Momentum fatigue in safe havens mirrors what we’re observing across risk assets,” Hilal added. “The underlying structural bid for inflation protection remains intact, but investors should expect a normalisation in volatility.”

The US dollar index has slipped to a 17-year trendline near 96 under pressure from weaker labour data and dovish policy expectations, though FOREX.com sees this as a possible long-term support zone. The level could help sustain relative dollar strength and maintain stability for pegged currencies including the UAE dirham.

Oil prices remain supported by a structural floor near $55 a barrel, a level aligned with a trendline dating back to the 1860s. Still, OPEC’s slow unwinding of supply cuts and uneven global demand may leave crude vulnerable to declines toward $49 before finding a base.

Outlook for UAE remains positive

Despite the more cautious global backdrop, the UAE continues to strengthen its position as an investment and innovation hub, supported by crypto-friendly regulation, rising healthcare-tech activity and long-term infrastructure projects.

These trends coincide with the broader recovery in industrial demand and renewed digital asset adoption amid a US–China trade truce.

“The UAE’s progressive stance on digital finance and sustainable growth is attracting young capital inflows,” Hilal said. “As global trade frameworks stabilise, we expect emerging economies to gain momentum in 2026, particularly across energy, logistics, and technology.”

FOREX.com said 2026 is likely to be shaped by legacy fiscal policy, recalibrated liquidity cycles and changing energy-market dynamics. “Markets are transitioning from reaction to reflection,” Hilal said. “2026 will be about endurance, not euphoria, as investors adjust to the long arc of second-term economics.”