Foreign investors pulled a net $2.8 billion from Middle East and North African equities during the third quarter of 2026, a sharp increase from $500 million in the preceding quarter, according to EnterpriseAM’s coverage of Mashreq Capital’s latest regional outlook. The report, published on October 16, said Mashreq Capital also lowered its full-year regional equity

RIYADH, October 15, 2026: Organisers of Saudi Arabia’s Future Investment Initiative are exploring alternative travel arrangements and remote participation for international delegates as attacks on the kingdom disrupt preparations for its flagship investment conference. Diplomatic sources told AFP that organisers had contacted embassies and foreign companies about options for attending the gathering, including travelling through

SHARJAH, October 15, 2026: Government officials, investors and business leaders at the Sharjah Investment Forum 2026 have highlighted the need for investment policies that help companies expand, reinvest and sustain growth beyond their initial establishment. Discussions at the ninth edition of the forum focused on how research, access to markets and institutional support can encourage

BAGHDAD, October 14, 2026: Iraq faces a steep economic downturn this year, with recent reports on the International Monetary Fund’s latest forecasts pointing to a sharp contraction as regional conflict disrupts energy production, exports and transport. According to Iraqi News, citing the October 2026 World Economic Outlook, the IMF projects Iraq’s real gross domestic product

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has begun a two-month nationwide initiative allowing eligible Yemeni workers to correct their residency and employment status, opening a route for those with expired permits or absence-from-work reports to transfer to new employers. The programme started on October 11, 2026, and applies across all regions of the Kingdom. The Ministry of Human

Disrupted maritime trade is pushing several Gulf recovery economies towards contraction in 2026, with the International Monetary Fund’s latest forecasts showing a sharp deterioration in regional prospects. Saudi Arabia’s economy is now projected to shrink by 3.3%, compared with the 1.7% growth expected in July. The IMF also forecasts contractions of 3.9% in the UAE,

RIYADH: International companies and newly established businesses are driving demand for flexible offices in Saudi Arabia’s capital, with occupancy in the central Olaya district approaching 90 percent, according to JLL’s Middle East & Africa Flexible Workspace Market Report 2026. Occupancy in King Abdullah Financial District, or KAFD, stood in the mid-80 percent range. Together, the

Saudi Arabia’s non-oil economy is demonstrating renewed resilience as the Kingdom strengthens its financial sector and expands access to funding for businesses. With banks diversifying their lending activities and financial institutions introducing alternative financing solutions, the country is creating new opportunities for private-sector growth under Vision 2030. The development reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to