Exclusive articles:
DIFC Crosses 10,000 Active Registered Companies as Dubai Cements Role as Global Financial Hub
Dubai International Financial Centre has reached 6,500 active registered companies in 2026, surpassing London as the world's leading financial centre for emerging market connectivity, with a combined ecosystem value exceeding USD 12 billion and record new firm registrations.
UK-GCC Free Trade Agreement Signed: First G7 Nation Seals Gulf Deal Worth £3.7 Billion a Year
The UK and GCC signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement on June 8, 2026 — the first trade deal between the Gulf bloc and any G7 nation — eliminating 93% of GCC tariffs on British goods and unlocking £3.7 billion in annual trade gains, with total bilateral trade of £53 billion set to grow 20%.
GCC Races to Build Hormuz Alternatives: Pipelines, Ports, and Rail Accelerate as Strait Disruption Hits Trade
GCC nations are fast-tracking pipelines, port expansions, and rail connections to reduce dependence on the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi Arabia's East-West Pipeline, the UAE's Habshan-Fujairah bypass, Oman's Indian Ocean ports, and Etihad Rail are all being accelerated as the 2026 Hormuz disruption makes alternative routing a commercial and strategic emergency.
Etihad Launches Abu Dhabi-Salalah Service as UAE Airlines Navigate Year of Unprecedented Aviation Disruption
Etihad Airways launched its inaugural Abu Dhabi-Salalah service on May 21, 2026, expanding to five weekly flights from June 15, as UAE carriers adapt route networks following 227 delays and 15 cancellations in a single June 5 disruption event — the worst in recent UAE aviation history.
UAE Economy Targets 5% GDP Growth in 2026: 1.4 Million Companies, 250,000 New Businesses in a Single Year
The UAE's GDP growth forecast has been upgraded to 5% for 2026, as the Ministry of Economy confirms the total number of active companies has surpassed 1.4 million — a 118.7% increase since 2021 — with 250,000 new businesses registered in 2025 alone.
