Gulf

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has grown to USD 925 billion in assets under management in 2026, on track to reach USD 1 trillion by 2027, with the fund's portfolio spanning Saudi gigaprojects, global technology stakes, sports entertainment, renewable energy and infrastructure across 30+ countries.

Dubai's real estate market recorded AED 120 billion in property transactions in Q1 2026 — a new quarterly record — as off-plan sales continued to dominate, prices per square foot in premium areas exceeded AED 3,000, and international investors from India, Russia, China, the UK and Europe maintained elevated purchasing activity.

Bahrain's Economic Development Board attracted a record USD 3.5 billion in Foreign Direct Investment during 2025, with the Kingdom's financial services, ICT, manufacturing and logistics sectors all recording new entrants as Bahrain leverages its strategic Saudi gateway position, competitive costs and regulatory excellence to compete for Gulf FDI.

ADNOC is expanding its LNG production capacity toward 15 million tonnes per year as Abu Dhabi develops a parallel gas export strategy alongside Qatar, targeting European markets seeking alternatives to Russian pipeline gas and Asian buyers seeking supply security for their energy transitions through 2050.

Riyadh Air launches its Riyadh–Dubai route today, June 18, 2026 — introducing a new competitor on the Gulf's most heavily-trafficked aviation corridor and giving UAE-based travellers a new direct option to the Saudi capital with a full-service premium cabin at competitive fares alongside Saudia, flydubai and Air Arabia.