Banking, fintech, funds, capital markets and cross-border investment
Asia-Pacific real assets manager ESR has announced an expansion into the Middle East, targeting a $10 billion development pipeline in logistics and digital infrastructure. The initiative initially targets the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia to develop scalable warehouses and data centres. ESR is currently negotiating with regional strategic partners and securing land positions.
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum chaired a meeting of Dubai's Higher Committee for the Development of the Economic and Financial Sector to review key economic metrics. Dubai secured first place globally in FinTech in the September 2026 Global Financial Centres Index, while Dubai Financial Market capitalisation reached Dhs993.1 billion by the end of Q3 2026. Physical gold trading across the UAE reached 2,750 tonnes, highlighting Dubai's role as a trading conduit connecting global supply with demand markets including China.
China Briefing reported key transfer pricing updates across Asia and the Middle East for the second quarter of 2026. In the UAE, Ministerial Decision No. 96 of 2026 adopted the latest OECD Pillar Two guidance, while Singapore clarified rules for share-based compensation and Vietnam issued Decree No. 255/2026/ND-CP. Foreign-invested enterprises are advised to review existing intercompany pricing policies against the revised frameworks.
A research paper from the Middle East Council on Global Affairs examines expanding economic and strategic relations between GCC states and Central Asia. The study highlights the Gulf's capacity to deploy capital and expertise across energy, critical minerals, and logistics alongside China's regional infrastructure footprint. It recommends strategic investment coordination among the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
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