Middle East

Industry News

WEF and Bain Report Projects AI Could Unlock $1 Trillion Across MENA

A report by the World Economic Forum and Bain & Company projects artificial intelligence could unlock over $1 trillion in economic and sustainability value across MENA by 2030. The valuation encompasses sustainable finance, public investment flows, avoided asset losses, and energy-sector gains. While 89 percent of regional sustainability leaders acknowledge AI's high potential, active implementation remains limited to between 40 and 55 percent.

China–UAE News

Dubai-China Trade Reaches $99 Billion as Chinese Investment Projects Surge

Bilateral trade between Dubai and China reached approximately $99 billion, with non-oil trade expanding by 118.4 percent compared to 2016 levels. Chinese direct investment projects in Dubai increased to 91 in 2025, up from 11 in 2021. In regional finance, Qatar's Lesha Bank and ChinaAMC partnered to launch a Shari'a-compliant China equity fund.

Industry News

Hong Kong Firm and Qatar Bank Partner on Sharia-Compliant China Equity Fund

China Asset Management (Hong Kong) and Qatar's Lesha Bank have agreed to establish Qatar's first Sharia-compliant China equity fund. The fund could potentially scale up to $1 billion to provide GCC high-net-worth investors direct access to Chinese equities.

Policy & Legal Updates

UAE Halves Police Clearance Fees and Considers Visit Visa Conversion Ban

The UAE has reduced the authentication fee for work visa police clearance reports from 354 dirhams to 172 dirhams and removed the requirement for visit visas. A proposed rule awaiting official announcement would also bar Nepali and foreign nationals from converting visit visas into work permits while inside the country.