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Manal Albarakati

Manal Albarakati

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Kuwait plans $164B regional investment targeting Saudi

The decision is a boon for Saudi Arabia, which aims to attract $100 billion in annual foreign direct investment by 2030.
Kuwait City Arial ViewShahbaz Hussain’s Photos/Gettyimages

Netflix, Shahid launch Middle East streaming bundle

Shahid, which is majority-owned by the kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund, leads the Middle East’s $1 billion streaming market.
A man stands next to a logo of Netflix during an event in Mumbai.Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters

Abu Dhabi mansion breaks record for most expensive in the UAE capital

With eight bedrooms, a private cinema, wellness suites, and panoramic sea views, the house is part of developer Aldar’s new ultra-luxury complex.
A rendering of Aldar’s 400m dirham mansion in Abu Dhabi. Courtesy of Aldar

Kuwait, Qatar to invest billions in Egypt

Investors are targeting hard assets rather than continuing the practice of providing financial aid to Cairo.
A view of old Cairo.Doaa Adel/NurPhoto via Getty

Emirates is on one of aviation’s biggest hiring sprees

The hires will support the airline’s global network growth and increasing passenger demand.
An Emirates Airlines Airbus A380 is parked at Cairo International Airport, Egypt.Amr Abdallah Dalsh/File Photo/Reuters

Mubadala backs Dubai restaurant payments platform

The platform, Qlub, is one of several payments platforms in the region that are raking in venture funding.
A photo showing restaurants payment platform qlub.Courtesy of Qlub

Foreign startups flock to Saudi Arabia

The number of foreign startups licensed to operate in Saudi Arabia grew 118% year-on-year in the first half of 2025.

Saudi’s AlUla becomes luxury adventure hotspot

The UNESCO World Heritage Site now hosts marathons in August, ‘stationary triathlons,’ and raves at sunset.

Saudi developer ROSHN targets first-time buyers with new apartments

PIF-backed builder moves beyond villas and townhouses to meet rising demand for housing.

Saudi accelerates work on Riyadh cultural hub Diriyah

Diriyah Co. is speeding up development efforts to prepare the capital for hosting Expo 2030.

Pioneering painter’s show points to rise of Gulf women artists

Pioneering artist Al-Hamad is getting a solo show, as Gulf women artists start to receive recognition globally.

Oldest natural pearl to go on show at new Abu Dhabi museum

The pearl, dating back 8,000 years, will be part of exhibits showcasing the Gulf’s history when the museum opens in December.

Saudi Arabia plans to train 1 million citizens in AI

The efforts to prepare the local workforce are part of the kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy to localize technology and reduce reliance on imported tools and expertise.

Esports World Cup kicks off in Riyadh with $70M prize pool

Saudi’s crown prince explained in a 2023 interview the motive behind investing in the lucrative esports industry, which outperforms Hollywood productions.

Dubai launches residential property push

The city is launching a first-time homebuyer initiative, after real estate transactions hit 326.7 billion dirhams ($89 billion) in the first half of 2025.

Saudi bank loans outpace government-issued bonds

Saudi Arabia’s domestic bond market is growing, slowly, as both lenders and borrowers prioritize direct loans from banks over public issuances.

PIF drives office demand in Riyadh

The sovereign wealth fund is the top tenant in the Saudi capital, but new regional HQs and infrastructure bets are on the rise.

Saudis are keeping more of their summer spending local

The kingdom’s tourism initiatives appear to be reducing the summer exodus.