Author: Dr Issac PJ
Gulf stock markets gained ground on Monday as oil prices surged to a five-month high, driven by mounting geopolitical tensions following US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Investor anxiety has deepened over the possibility of an Iranian response, especially amid growing fears that Tehran may attempt to disrupt or block the critical Strait of Hormuz—a conduit for more than 20 per cent of the world’s oil supply. Brent crude rose sharply in the wake of the US offensive, which marked a dramatic escalation in the ongoing Middle East conflict. This spike in oil prices, while boosting energy-exporting economies in the…
Gulf stock markets rallied on June 24, 2025, driven by renewed investor confidence following a US-brokered ceasefire between Iran and Israel, which ended a 12-day conflict. The announcement, made by US President Donald Trump, alleviated concerns over potential disruptions in the Middle East, a critical hub for global oil supply, leading to sharp declines in oil and gold prices as risk appetite shifted toward equities. In Dubai, the main share index soared 3.4 per cent, marking its largest intraday gain since December 2024. Emaar Properties, a leading developer, surged 5.1 per cent, fueling the rally. Air Arabia, a budget airline,…
The World Bank has warned that escalating tensions between Iran and Israel pose a serious threat to economic stability across the GCC region, potentially derailing growth prospects and intensifying global uncertainty. While the immediate economic impact of the conflict remains difficult to quantify, the bank cautions that the fallout could ripple far beyond energy markets, affecting trade, inflation, investor sentiment, and fiscal stability. Safaa El Tayeb El-Kogali, the World Bank’s regional director for the GCC, highlighted the risks during the release of the Bank’s latest Gulf Economic Update. She noted that the region remains particularly vulnerable to geopolitical shocks, given…
The UAE is rapidly reinforcing its status as a global powerhouse in artificial intelligence, propelled by an ambitious multi-billion-dollar agenda. The agenda aligns cutting-edge infrastructure with deep-rooted government strategy, strategic alliances, and a bold push to build homegrown talent and innovation, according to leading analysts. As AI becomes a central pillar of the country’s non-oil diversification drive, its impact is expected to be transformational — potentially contributing up to 20 per cent of the UAE’s non-oil GDP by 2031, they argue. The scale of ambition is matched by the scale of investment. From a market valued at roughly Dh12.74 billion…
The luxury retail landscape in the Middle East is undergoing a dramatic transformation, led by the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which have emerged as the region’s most dynamic and lucrative markets for global luxury brands. A potent mix of surging consumer demand, growing wealth inflows, and visionary urban development is creating fertile ground for the sector’s robust expansion, making the region a new strategic frontier for high-end retail, luxury market experts said. As global brands strengthen their presence and regional players scale up, the Middle East is poised to take on a more strategic role in luxury portfolios worldwide. From…