The wire

Saudi Arabia's Heritage Commission announced the addition of 1,173 archaeological sites to the National Antiquities Register, bringing the total to 14,164. The newly registered sites span multiple regions, with notable increases in Makkah (87 sites, total 1,306), Madinah (388 sites, total 2,128), Asir (42, total 901), Tabuk (209, total 1,387), Hail (130, total 1,030), Al-Jouf (131, total 699), and Najran (region not fully shown). The move is part of efforts to preserve the Kingdom's national heritage.

Egypt is expanding its efforts to strengthen economic ties with its diaspora through a new package of financial, investment, and digital initiatives designed for Egyptians living abroad.

Residential property valued above about $545,000 (AED2 million) can qualify investors for a UAE Golden Visa

Dubai ranks as the world’s most Instagrammable city with 190 million social posts; Dubai welcomed 19.59 million international overnight visitors in 2025, up 5% year on year.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke with Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, who reaffirmed Syria's support for Saudi Arabia's security and sovereignty following the drone attack on Saudi oil facilities; Syria condemned the attack by Iran-backed militias operating from Iraq and expressed continued support for the Kingdom's security and sovereignty. The leaders reviewed bilateral relations and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation, regional and international developments, and efforts to de-escalate tensions and enhance regional security and stability.

Saudi Arabia has secured backing from 14 countries for a new multinational maritime defence alliance to protect Red Sea shipping and global trade routes

Saudi Arabia recorded a SR34.3 billion budget deficit in Q2 2026 as government revenue rose 12% year-on-year. Total revenue reached SR338.8 billion in the quarter, with expenditure at SR373.1 billion. Oil revenue grew 22% year-on-year to SR185.1 billion, while non-oil revenue rose 3% to SR153.7 billion. First-half 2026 total revenue reached SR599.8 billion, up 6% from the same period last year.

A suspected drone strike hit a gas tanker at Egypt's Damietta port, causing a fire and raising concerns over the expanding Middle East conflict.

Egypt’s investment funds continued to expand in the second quarter of 2026. Net assets reach approximately USD 9.3 billion as the market welcomed 15 new funds and investors increased their holdings.

Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal has acquired a 5% stake in Lucid Motors, lifting the EV maker’s stock after a period of decline.

The opening follows a year of rapid international growth after establishing new offices in Singapore and Tokyo over the past 12 months.

Oman has presented Iran with a Gulf-backed plan to manage the Strait of Hormuz as Donald Trump warns the US could resume strikes if talks fail.

It opens the door to major investment opportunities to Gulf developers

Weight loss-drug manufacturers are cashing in on what is becoming one of the most lucrative markets in the pharmaceutical industry.

Oman has adopted new Securities Law regulations introducing a fintech sandbox, investment banking rules and capital market reforms under Oman Vision 2040

Aramco reports adjusted net income of $33.4 billion for Q2 2026 and $67.2 billion for H1 2026, with $56.2 billion cash flow from operating activities and $30.9 billion free cash flow in H1 2026.

Dubai’s population has grown to 4.73 million, larger than it was before the Iran war began in February, despite 61,000 people leaving the emirate in March, according to new data released by the government. The population shrank 1.3 percent in March, the first full month in which Iranian drones began targeting sites in Dubai, one of the seven […]

Buraidah International Dates Carnival opened on Saturday near the Palm Center south of Buraidah, drawing farmers, traders and importers from within Saudi Arabia and abroad. Held under the patronage of Qassim Emir Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishaal and organized by the National Center for Palms and Dates, the carnival will run for 75 days until Oct. 14. Recognized as one of the world's largest dates markets and listed in the Guinness World Records, the annual event serves as a major economic platform for the Kingdom's dates industry, attracting participants and visitors from across the region. The carnival highlights Qassim's leading position in the palm and dates sector. The region is home to around 11 million palm trees, producing an estimated 578,000 tons of dates annually.

The UAE's Federal Tax Authority seized 3.6 million non-compliant excise goods worth AED82.1m ($22.3m) during tax evasion inspections with Dubai Police

Saudi Arabia welcomed more than 19.5 million pilgrims in 2025 from abroad (18.03 million Umrah and 1.5 million Hajj), a 114% increase in Umrah pilgrims since 2022. The report shows Makkah 5th globally and Madinah 7th in the tourism performance index for international visitors, as part of the Doyof Al-Rahman (Guests of God) Service Program under Vision 2030. The milestone reflects the program’s readiness and impact.