Low oil prices have contributed to a weaker Hajj economy in Saudi Arabia this year. More than 1.9 million people are predicted to attend this year’s pilgrimage, down from a peak of three million in previous years. Business owners catering to Mecca visitors say government cutbacks in the Kingdom and in some neighbouring countries mean many would-be pilgrims have less money to spend on the journey.
Nakheel awards contract to upgrade western shoreline at Dubai Islands
Nakheel, a member of Dubai Holding Real Estate, has awarded Mar Marine & Building Contracting LLC a contract for marine and beach works on Island B at Dubai Islands.
UAE and Thailand conclude trade deal talks
The UAE and Thailand have concluded negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), after non-oil trade between the two countries reached $12.3 billion (AED 45.17 billion) in 2025.
Abu Dhabi unveils major AI training programme for government and public
The Abu Dhabi Government has launched an AI training programme for every government employee as well as the wider public, built with OpenAI, Microsoft and Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI).
IMF reaches staff deal with Pakistan, potentially unlocking $1.2 billion
The International Monetary Fund has reached a staff-level agreement with Pakistan on reviews of some of its lending programs, potentially unlocking about $1.21 billion in financing pending board approval, the fund said on Wednesday.
African Union launches continent's first credit rating agency
The African Union launched the continent's first credit rating agency on Wednesday, seeking to provide an alternative to the "big three" global ratings agencies as debt burdens weigh on many African economies.
