Ahmed Al Farsi

Doha's Hamad International Airport has completed Phase A of its expansion programme, increasing annual passenger capacity to 70 million and adding a landmark central zone with new lounges, retail and a tropical indoor garden — as Qatar Airways' network growth drives HIA toward becoming the Middle East's largest airport hub by 2030.

Oman's Muscat property market recorded 18% price growth in 2025 and is maintaining momentum in 2026, driven by Gulf investors diversifying beyond Dubai, Asian buyers attracted by Oman's residency-by-investment programme, and a growing expatriate professional community drawn by Oman's rising business environment rankings.

Salalah Free Zone has broken export records in 2026, with its strategic location between Asia, Africa and Europe positioning Oman's southern port city as a critical logistics hub, attracting investment from global manufacturers and logistics companies seeking a GCC base with direct Indian Ocean access.

The UAE Central Bank projects 5.6% GDP growth for 2026, with banking sector assets exceeding AED 5.472 trillion, credit rising to AED 2.63 trillion, and non-oil foreign trade hitting AED 2,530 billion in the first nine months of 2025 — while Moody's and S&P maintain top-tier credit ratings.

Oman's Salalah khareef — the annual June-to-September monsoon that turns the Dhofar coast green with 25°C temperatures — is entering 2026 with new Etihad Abu Dhabi connectivity and accelerating hotel investment as Oman positions Salalah as a world-class Gulf summer alternative.