James Mitchell

158 POSTS
James Mitchell covers business and markets for Gulf Times Now — company results, economic data, banking, real estate and the deals reshaping the GCC. He writes the numbers side of the Gulf economy: what a figure actually means for the companies and people behind it, rather than the headline it makes. His work runs across our Business and Markets sections.

Exclusive articles:

Gulf Markets Rally on June 10: Saudi Tadawul Rises 1.3% to 11,115, Dubai Gains 0.9%, Qatar Surges 1.9%

Gulf equity markets posted broad gains on June 10, 2026, with Saudi Arabia's Tadawul rising 1.3% to 11,115 on USD 2 billion in turnover, Dubai DFM gaining 0.9%, Abu Dhabi ADX up 0.8%, and Qatar's QE Index surging 1.9% as ACWA Power climbed 7.7%.

Oman Economy on Solid Ground: IMF Backs 3.5% Growth, Future Fund Signs Over AED 1.8 Billion in Investment Deals

The IMF confirmed a 3.5% GDP growth forecast for Oman in 2026, supported by 1.7% inflation, public debt declining to 33% of GDP, and a 7.5% current account surplus, as the Future Fund Oman signs over AED 1.8 billion in new deals across logistics, renewable energy and technology.

Saudi Arabia Q1 2026 GDP Grows 3%: Financial Services Surge 5.4% as Non-Oil Economy Leads Vision 2030 Momentum

Saudi Arabia's real GDP expanded 3% year-on-year in Q1 2026, with financial services registering the highest sector growth at 5.4% and manufacturing rising 4%, as Vision 2030's economic diversification continues to outperform expectations.

Abu Dhabi Real Estate 2026: Four Reasons the Capital Is Now Outperforming Dubai Property

Abu Dhabi real estate in 2026 is outperforming Dubai's property market on four key metrics: transaction volume growth of 39 per cent year-on-year, lower supply overhang, government-backed mega-development projects, and rising population supported by new visa categories driving sustained demand.

Dubai Off-Plan Property 2026: How to Buy, Best Projects and What Returns to Expect

Off-plan property, buying a unit before it is built, directly from the developer, has been one of the most consistent wealth-creation strategies for Dubai...

Breaking

Qatar Police Clearance Costs QR 10 in Doha and 80 Pounds in London

Qatar issues its Good Conduct Certificate for QR 10 in about two weeks. The London embassy charges 80 pounds and takes three months. Both routes, and the catch.

Bahrain’s Good Conduct Certificate Costs One Dinar, Not Three

Bahrain's Good Conduct Certificate costs 1 BD and takes five working days, not the three dinars widely quoted. Fees, documents, and the rule for former residents.

The UAE Travel Ban Page Everyone Links To Does Not Exist

The ICP travel ban inquiry everyone links to returns a 404. Where the check actually lives in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and what the 2022 cheque law changed.

Kuwait’s Police Certificate Lives in an App, and Closes When You Leave

Kuwait issues its police clearance as a Criminal Status Certificate through the Sahel app, and only to current residents aged 18 and over. The verified process.
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