Arab Bank posts solid H1 2025 results with $535.3m in net income

Arab Bank posts solid H1 2025 results with $535.3m in net income

The Group’s assets expanded by 9 per cent to $75.2bn

GCC IPO Q2 2025 highlights/ Image for illustrative purposes Saudi tadawul-getty-Images

GCC IPO market holds steady with $2.5bn raised in Q2 2025, PwC says

PwC noted that while Q3 is typically a quieter season for IPOs, a strong and diversified pipeline remains in place across the GCC

PIF tops the world: Saudi’s sovereign fund declared most valuable brand

PIF tops the world: Saudi’s sovereign fund declared most valuable brand

PIF was the only SWF to appear in the top 10 rankings for brand value to assets under management (AuM) ratio

DIFC H1 2025 highlights Image DIFC

DIFC welcomes 1,081 new active registered companies in H1

The DIFC Academy recorded its highest ever enrolment in a six-month period, with 4,947 learners completing programmes in H1 2025.

UAE banking assets exceed Dhs4.749tn in April, shows CBUAE report

UAE banking assets exceed Dhs4.749tn in April, shows CBUAE report

The central bank’s total balance sheet stood at Dhs972.3bn, comprising Dhs449.1bn in current and deposit accounts

Dubai's Emirates NBD half-year profit dips 9%, hit by tax, lower recoveries

Dubai’s Emirates NBD half-year profit dips 9%, hit by tax, lower recoveries

The bank posted a net profit of Dhs12.5bn ($3.40bn) in the six months to June 30, down from Dhs13.8bn over the same period in 2024

First Abu Dhabi Bank reports H1 net profit of Dhs10.63bn Image: FAB

First Abu Dhabi Bank reports H1 net profit of Dhs10.63bn

In the second quarter of the year, net profit rose 29 per cent to Dhs5.51bn compared to Q2 2024, the bank shared

DP World Trade Finance hits $1bn mark, targeting gaps in emerging markets

DP World Trade Finance crosses $1bn mark, targeting gaps in emerging markets

DP World Trade Finance was launched to address persistent challenges faced by SMEs, many of whom are unable to secure loans from traditional institutions

Dubai Abu-top tax friendly cities index.

Abu Dhabi, Dubai top Multipolitan’s tax-friendly cities index

The UAE’s top ranking is attributed to its zero personal income tax, relatively low property transfer costs, and regulatory stability

Yaacov Shirazi, Founder, Aqua Index

Aqua Index founder sees Dubai as launchpad for water trading

Tokenising a finite natural resource like water is not without challenges

Tony Hallside CEO at STP Partners on Navigating H2 2025: Why disciplined investing matters more than ever

Navigating H2 2025: Why disciplined investing matters more than ever

In a slower, more fragmented world, success will belong to those who stay grounded, stay agile, and stay committed to long-term value creation

Hichem Djouhri - Senior Executive Officer of ASB Capital on the MENA region becoming a core pillar for various asset classes

MENA’s moment: A region becoming a core pillar across asset classes

The region’s diversification is supported by institutional reforms, improved regulatory frameworks, and financial infrastructure modernisation that together are driving investor confidence

UAE issues new decision on depreciation rules for investment properties under corporate tax law

UAE issues new decision on depreciation rules for investment properties under corporate tax law

The decision provides clarity for businesses that report investment properties at fair value in their financial statements

UAE Central Bank fines foreign bank $163,000 for non-compliance

The branch had failed to meet the requirements set out in the Market Conduct and Consumer Protection Regulations and Standards

HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed Al Maktoum UAE launches 2027–2029 federal budget cycle to boost financial sustainability

UAE launches 2027–2029 federal budget cycle to boost financial sustainability

The new cycle redefines federal budgeting as a strategic tool to drive national priorities, accelerate digital transformation, and support the UAE’s long-term vision through AI-powered, performance-based planning

Digital Wallet

Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, Dubai Finance partner to advance cashless strategy

The MoU defines key areas of cooperation, including sharing knowledge and experience on cashless transformation in the financial sector

ANAX Capital commits to deliver smarter trading suite for UAE, global Investors

The firm reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a seamless, secure trading experience backed by advanced technology and a client-first service model

IHC rebrands eFunder as Zelo following acquisition

IHC rebrands eFunder as Zelo following acquisition

Fully licensed and regulated by ADGM’s FSRA, Zelo has been operating since August 2020, delivering receivables-based funding to address the region’s SME working capital gap

Emerging market debt set for growth amid global shifts, policy divergence

Emerging market debt set for growth amid global shifts, policy divergence

Emerging market rates have scope to do well amid slowing growth, reasonably behaved FX and balance of power, though a spike in oil prices could curtail rate cuts in the short term

These 3 GCC sovereign wealth funds now have AUM over $1tn each: Global SWF

These 3 GCC sovereign wealth funds now have AUM over $1tn each: Global SWF

Globally, the top sovereign investor remains Norway’s Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM), managing $1.76tn in assets

Saudi Arabia cma approves key reforms to boost asset mgmt sector _image-for-illustrative-purposes

Saudi Arabia’s CMA approves key reforms to strengthen asset management sector

These changes follow a record year in 2024 when the CMA approved 44 new investment funds, including equity, money market, Waqf (endowment), and ETF funds

Bitcoin breaks $96,000 for first time on optimism over Trump crypto plans

Binance launches Sharia-compliant crypto staking product, eyes Middle East growth

It represents Binance’s first step into the world of Islamic finance

Sukna Capital's Fares Bardeesi on launching Saudi first open-ended direct lending fund for SMEs, startups

Sukna Capital’s Fares Bardeesi on launching Saudi’s first open-ended direct lending fund for SMEs, startups

The CEO of Sukna Capital outlines their investment strategy, timing, and how this fund aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambitions

TikTok, Visa back UAE small businesses with ad credits

TikTok, Visa back UAE small businesses with ad credits

The two companies are creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs to build stronger, tech-savvy businesses

Buying plane tickets with crypto: Emirates to explore the option

Buying plane tickets with crypto: Emirates explores option with new MoU

Under the new tie-up signed this week, Emirates and Crypto.com will work together to integrate Crypto.com Pay into the airline’s payment systems

EFG Hermes advises on $190m investment in Alameda Healthcare

EFG Hermes advises on $190m investment in Alameda Healthcare

The investment was led by Development Partners International (DPI) in partnership with a consortium of institutional investors and development finance institutions

Ambani’s Jio defers IPO, 2025 debut unlikely

Jio wants to achieve higher revenues and a bigger subscriber base for its telecom business

Dubai Islamic Bank prices $750m inaugural sustainable sukuk

DIB leads $1bn Shariah-compliant financing for Government of Pakistan

Structured over five years, the facility includes a significant Islamic financing component

Al Ansari Financial Services Q1 2023

Al Ansari confirms technical glitch at exchange unit, most funds recovered

Al Ansari emphasised that the incident did not disrupt its regular operations

Finesse drives payment centralisation for ME Solaris Commodities, enhancing efficiency for leading grain trader

“We’re thrilled to have helped ME Solaris Commodities boost their treasury efficiencies with Kyriba, thanks to Mr. Andrey Ivanov’s innovative leadership,” said Dhwani Sejpal of Finesse