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:
GCC Stock Markets 2026: DFM Soars 17%, Tadawul Under Pressure, Where to Look for Value
GCC stock markets in 2026 present a tale of sharp divergence: Dubai's DFM rose 17.2 per cent in 2025 and Abu Dhabi's ADX gained 6 per cent, while Saudi Arabia's Tadawul fell 13 per cent — its worst annual performance in a decade — creating contrasting opportunities for investors across the region.
Bahrain Economy 2026: Non-Oil GDP at 85%, Fintech Hub Status and Why Global Firms Are Taking Notice
Bahrain's economy in 2026 has achieved a milestone that few Gulf states can claim: non-oil sectors now account for 85 per cent of GDP, with financial services contributing 17 per cent and a fintech ecosystem that has evolved from a regulatory sandbox into a system-building powerhouse.
GITEX Global 2026 Preview: World’s Biggest Tech Event Moves to Expo City Dubai, December 7–11
GITEX Global 2026 runs from December 7 to 11 at a new venue: the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai, marking the first...
UAE Corporate Tax 2026: Free Zone Rules, 9% Rate, September Filing Deadline Explained
UAE corporate tax 2026 brings critical new filing obligations, free zone qualifying income rules, and a September 30 deadline — here is everything businesses and free zone companies need to know to stay compliant and protect the 0% tax rate.
Dubai Real Estate 2026: Dh176.7 Billion in Q1 Sales, Why Smart Investors Are Moving Now
Dubai's property market recorded Dh176.7 billion in total sales in Q1 2026, across nearly 48,000 transactions, in a performance that underlines why real estate...
Breaking
Kuwait Is the Only Gulf State That Shuts Its Police Certificate Behind You
Bahrain, Qatar and Oman all issue a police certificate after you leave. Kuwait does not. Six Gulf states compared on fees, access and turnaround.
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.


