James Mitchell

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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 Achieves World’s Lowest Solar Costs at $0.01 Per kWh as Region Eyes Green Hydrogen Leadership

GCC countries are achieving record-breaking solar electricity costs of between 1.04 and 1.32 US cents per kWh — the lowest in the world — driven by exceptional solar irradiation and government-backed investment, as the region positions itself as a future green hydrogen exporter.

GCC Fintech Enters New Era as Saudi Arabia Issues First Open Banking Licences and Blockchain Payments Go Live

Saudi Arabia's SAMA has issued its first live open banking licences, transitioning from sandbox to full commercial operations, while Riyad Bank and Bahrain have completed live blockchain payment pilots — marking a turning point for GCC financial services innovation.

GCC Construction Market Set for H2 2026 Recovery After Iran-War Slump Cuts Q1 Awards 9.7%

The GCC's construction and projects market absorbed its sharpest shock in years during the first quarter of 2026, as the US-Iran conflict triggered a...

UAE Non-Oil Trade Crosses $1 Trillion for First Time as GDP Grows 6.2%

The United Arab Emirates closed 2025 with its strongest economic performance in more than a decade, posting a 6.2 per cent real GDP growth...

Qatar Airways Orders 20 Additional Airbus A350s Worth USD 7 Billion for 2026-2030 Fleet Expansion

Qatar Airways has confirmed a firm order for 20 additional Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, valued at approximately USD 7 billion at list prices, taking its...

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.
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