Weekly News Digest

Foreign direct investment: looking at the Algerian market

Foreign investors are strengthening their presence, encouraged by reforms including one-stop shops and legal stability.

Investment: single windows to include tax and energy sectors

New ministerial orders delegate tax and energy powers to the AAPI single windows to speed up projects.

AAPI: 216 new land bases for investment to be announced soon

The AAPI board approved proposing 216 land plots for investment projects via its digital platform.

New achievements in Algeria's digital transformation

The launch of the National Agricultural Information System marks a new step in the country's digital transformation.

Entrepreneurship: when the diaspora bets on the Algerian market

The 3rd '72 hours of entrepreneurship' brought diaspora talent together to turn ideas into projects at home.

Saidal Group partners with universities in a research-oriented strategy

The state-owned drugmaker is expanding its cooperation network with the national academic world.

Bahrain gears up for 7th GCC Digital Government Award 2026

During its GCC presidency, Bahrain will host the bloc's leading digital government awards recognising standout projects.

World Bank commits to backing Egyptian digital economy and AI transition

The World Bank pledged support for Egypt's digital economy, broadband expansion and second national AI strategy.

PM inspects Marina 8, M8 by the Lake and water projects in New Alamein

Madbouly reviewed tourism, residential and strategic infrastructure projects along the North Coast.

Alexandria Port cargo throughput tops 82 million tonnes in FY2025/26

The port recorded its highest-ever volumes, reflecting improved infrastructure, efficiency and logistics services.

Cabinet approves EUR37m financing package to strengthen Egypt's power grid

The package includes a EUR35m EU investment grant and a EUR2m EBRD technical grant under the NWFE programme.

Floating gas terminal deal agreed for Khor al-Zubair

A floating gas platform will proceed after talks with US-based Excelerate Energy in Washington.

Iraqi-Jordanian aviation talks in Baghdad

The two sides discussed more flights and opening a Royal Jordanian office in Baghdad, plus road transport ties.

$916m CBI initiative targets education and veterinary medicine

The Central Bank of Iraq launched an IQD 1.2tn lending initiative to boost banking-sector liquidity.

New limestone and oil-well cement from Basra plant

The Basra cement plant has begun producing two new cement types under the Ministry of Industry and Minerals.

Iraq in Geneva for WTO accession talks

A trade ministry delegation met WTO officials on the advanced stages of Iraq's accession process.

Jordan and Iraq discuss advancing the Basra-Aqaba oil pipeline

Amman and Baghdad discussed the pipeline and completing the Jordan-Iraq electricity interconnection.

Jordan renews citizenship-by-investment scheme to attract higher-value investments

Investment Minister Tareq Abu Ghazaleh said amendments to the citizenship- and residency-by-investment programme mark a shift towards higher-quality investments that create jobs.

JIFCO expansion set to boost demand for Jordanian phosphate

The technical committee for the Jordanian-Indian Fertiliser Company expansion, estimated at $1 billion, discussed the project's implementation plans.

Aqaba Port Railway Project promotes Jordan as regional logistics hub

Transport Minister Nidal Qatamin called the Aqaba Port Railway Project a strategic project that enhances Jordan's economic security and its position as a regional transport and logistics hub.

Six Kuwaiti business leaders in CNBC Arabia's Top 100

Six leaders made CNBC Arabia's list of the region's 100 most influential business figures for 2026.

Kuwait records KD 92.8m in real estate transactions

153 deals worth about $306m were recorded in the week of 5-9 July, led by private residential property.

Studies highlight the biggest drivers of Kuwait's electricity consumption

Awareness campaigns urge cuts in unnecessary energy use as extreme summer heat drives demand.

Unlocking value in real estate

Higher interest rates repriced property values and slowed transactions after years of stability.

Kuwait unveils e-commerce rules to boost consumer protection

Ministerial Decision 109 of 2026 sets a unified framework for platforms, merchants and delivery providers.

Minister discusses strengthening presence of British companies in Libya

Economy Minister Suhail Abu Shiha and UK Ambassador Martin Reynolds discussed British firms returning across energy, mining, services and IT.

Libya, Palestine discuss expanding economic and industrial cooperation

Ministers discussed strengthening trade and investment ties and broadening partnership opportunities.

Libya banks to join China's CIPS payments network

Libyan banks will join China's Cross-Border Interbank Payment System under a new financial cooperation deal.

New oil discovery adds an estimated 195 million barrels to reserves

The NOC approved the commercial viability of OMV's 'Al-Isar' discovery after drilling at the B1-106/4 well.

Morocco's economy expected to grow 5.4% in Q3 2026

The HCP projects acceleration in Q3, citing a recovery in industry and strong agricultural performance.

ECOWAS states endorse Nigeria-Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline

Leaders in Freetown signed the intergovernmental agreement governing the pipeline's development.

Royal Air Maroc to expand fleet with new Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner

The new aircraft, due by end-July, brings RAM's fleet to 68.

Morocco, Capgemini strengthen AI partnership

The Ministry of Digital Transition signed an MoU with Capgemini Morocco to advance AI development.

Aya Gold & Silver reports progress on Boumadine mining project

The firm advanced its feasibility study and is on track for an updated PEA in the second half of 2026.

Stellantis launches Fiat Grizzly and Fastback production at Kenitra

The two SUVs, built on the new Smart Car platform, expand Morocco's automotive manufacturing footprint.

Morocco to boost hotel beds by a fifth ahead of 2030 World Cup

Morocco plans 60,000 more hotel beds by the time it co-hosts the tournament.

Medium and small enterprises drive private sector growth

SMEs continued to expand in Q1 2026 even as total active establishments dipped marginally.

Oman's future fund unveils $1.74bn development projects

Future Fund Oman announced 105 strategic projects as the sultanate accelerates diversification.

Investment and real estate fund capital jumps 90% to RO1.2bn

Fund capital surged 89.9% in 2025, led by investment funds more than doubling in size.

Omani olive oil project bags 3 gold medals in international contests

Jabal Akhdar's 'OLIO' extra virgin olive oil won three golds, affirming its global competitiveness.

Bids invited for app-based transport services at Salalah Airport

MTCIT invited licensed firms to operate app-based land transport services at the airport.

AI roadmap recommended for each government institution

An ITHCA training programme in Salalah recommended an AI roadmap for every government body.

Oman pushes ahead with $273m road infrastructure programme

Road projects worth over RO105m are under way in North A'Sharqiyah under the Vision 2040 strategy.

Sohar Port breaks ground on key zinc industrial park

The Zinc Recycling Industrial Park will produce 100,000t of refined zinc ingots and 50,000t of oxide a year.

Egypt's Petrojet, ENPPI secure $6bn Oman energy framework deal

A Petrojet-ENPPI consortium won a six-year EPC framework with Petroleum Development Oman.

Meranti awards FEED contract for major green iron facility in Duqm

Singapore's Meranti Green Steel awarded FEED for a 2.5mtpa direct-reduction plant in Duqm.

Qatar seen as regional base for tech, services and research firms

Qatar ranked fourth in the GCC on StartupBlink's 2026 Innovators Business Environment Index.

QCB grants licence for Qatar's first insurance price comparison website

Ammen becomes the first firm authorised to run an insurance price comparison website in Qatar.

Quranic Botanic Garden strengthens regional plant-conservation ties

A QBG delegation built partnerships with three regional institutions during a visit to Jordan.

Poland sees growing tourism potential from Qatar and the GCC

Poland is targeting the Gulf as a growth market for its expanding tourism sector.

Saudi Arabia rises to 13th globally in FDI rankings

UNCTAD's 2026 report shows net FDI inflows up 53% to $32.6 billion, lifting the Kingdom from 17th.

Saudi Arabia is a vital artery for global trade

Minister Al-Jasser cited strong infrastructure and private-sector partnerships amid the Hormuz crisis.

Bahri Bonded Zone launched at Jeddah Islamic Port

Bahri Logistics launched the bonded zone in collaboration with ZATCA and Mawani.

Saudi Ports Authority signs seven agreements worth over $266m for logistics centres

Mawani signed deals worth over SAR1bn to establish logistics centres in Jeddah.

Knowledge Economic City sells prime Madinah land for mixed-use project

KEC sold 17,624 sq m to two firms for SAR229m for a mixed-use development in Madinah.

Italian group Danieli wins Saudi steel billet plant contract

Al Yamamah Steel signed Danieli to set up a steel billet production plant in the Kingdom by 2029.

Saudi-backed developer seeks World Cup stadium investors

ROSHN Group is seeking investors for its Aramco Stadium, a 2034 FIFA World Cup venue.

Mining and manufacturing lift Saudi operating revenue index 11.4% in May

Mining and quarrying rose 38.7% year on year, followed by manufacturing at 9.6%.

Saudi Arabia introduces one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa

The new visa allows multiple entries over a year, with up to 90 cumulative days' stay.

S&P: Islamic banking in Saudi Arabia continues to expand

Islamic banking now represents about 76% of the Kingdom's banking assets, S&P said.

ACWA Power to lead Saudi Arabia's green hydrogen export drive

ACWA Power will export green hydrogen and develop renewable links to Europe and the Arab world.

Critical minerals drive billion-dollar Saudi-Canadian partnership

Saudi Arabia and Canada launched a strategic partnership focused on future-oriented sectors.

Refad continues developing Miraf District in Khobar

The mixed-use Khobar project is proceeding on schedule for delivery in 2029.

Syria emerges as regional hub for Iraqi fuel oil exports

Mediterranean ports, led by Baniyas, are becoming key for receiving and re-exporting Iraqi fuel oil.

What to know about the historic Syrian-Iraqi Kirkuk-Baniyas pipeline

Syria and Iraq signed agreements to revive one of the region's oldest energy export routes.

NASTEX 2026 opens in Damascus with 300+ exhibitors from 25+ countries

The textile exhibition aims to revive Syria's sector and expand investment, production and exports.

Educational reform focuses on the digital transition

The 2026-2030 reform revises curricula and accelerates the digital transition in schools.

Suhail Al Mazrouei reaffirms commitment to integrated national logistics ecosystem

The UAE Logistics Integration Council reviewed priorities to strengthen transport and supply-chain resilience.

UAE's non-oil foreign trade surges 13% to nearly AED2 trillion in H1

Growth was driven mainly by a surge in exports in the first half of 2026, to nearly $527.5 billion.

UAE strengthens global position as a model for sports investment

An integrated ecosystem treats sport as a tool for comprehensive, long-term development.

DIFC to host Future Sustainability Forum in November

The third FSF, on 3 November, will focus on sustainable finance and the low-carbon transition.

Damac launches final tower of Chelsea Residences in Dubai

The sixth and final tower follows the sell-out of the first five.

Modon records AED1.25 billion in sales from final phase of Bashayer

The Hudayriyat Island phase sold out within a day of launch, with 71% new customers.

Binladin Contracting emerges lowest bidder for Hassyan SWRO Phase 2

DEWA received bids from eight contractors for desalination pipeline works in Dubai.

Sharjah Chamber discusses enhancing hospitality sector sustainability

The hotel sector business group discussed strengthening Sharjah's tourism sustainability.

Dubai Customs provides more than AED79 million in liquidity for private sector

Support packages helped maintain AED33.9bn in trade flows between March and June.

Dubai's luxury off-plan homes bring $1.01bn June sales

Developers sold AED3.72bn of off-plan homes priced above AED5m in June.

ATM research forecasts resilient future for regional tourism

STR and Euromonitor see strong travel demand despite geopolitical challenges and market disruptions.

Delivering growth must be priority number one

The BCC's Shevaun Haviland congratulated Andy Burnham on his election as Leader of the Labour Party.

UK government borrowing lower than expected in June

June borrowing was £16bn, £7.9bn below a year earlier, as new PM Burnham set out cost-of-living measures.

Four charts revealing the scale of Burnham's economic challenge

An analysis of the economic backdrop facing the new prime minister as he takes office.

Energy inflation and regional divides weighing on UK living standards - OECD

The OECD urged the government to accelerate its pro-growth agenda and tackle regional divides.

Andy Burnham set to be buoyed by June inflation slowdown

UK inflation is expected to have eased last month, a temporary boost before an energy price-cap rise.

IMF warns Bank of England against cutting interest rates

The IMF urged rate-setters to stay 'sufficiently restrictive' while risks from the Iran war persist.

Alarm bells ringing as services exports fall

The BCC's William Bain noted goods exports rose 5.2% in volume in May even as services exports fell.

British lamb wins tariff-free access under Swiss trade deal

The UK-Switzerland FTA gives tariff-free lamb access within quota, plus cuts on beef, dairy and wine.

British Business Bank cuts jobs in automation push

The government-owned economic development bank cut headcount amid a major restructuring.

Private equity firms eye valuation gap as City falls to takeovers

Takeover premiums have hit an average 45% across 22 deals with public terms this year.

10m people aged 65 and over expected to be income tax payers in 2026-27

HMRC figures show over-65s paying income tax broke the 10 million mark this tax year.

'Historic moment' for Loganair as airline plans electric fleet from 2029

Loganair will run at least five electric aircraft from 2029, a European commercial first.

Lockheed Martin targets UK with major new startup fund

Lockheed Martin Ventures will open a London office and deploy at least $100m across UK and European startups.

CuspAI raises £334m and launches AI Materials Foundry

The Cambridge materials-discovery firm's Series B, led by Kleiner Perkins and NEA, values it at $2.6bn.

Improving access to and use of digital services

DSIT wrote to industry and finance leaders on making private-sector digital services more accessible.

Not enough water for UK's datacentre plans, trade body says

The water industry warned the UK lacks enough water for future datacentres under AI growth plans.

MOD maps out £26bn Project Royal Oak naval bases rebuild

The biggest naval infrastructure investment since the Cold War will rebuild the UK's three principal bases.

Severn Trent reveals timetable for £25bn deal race

Severn Trent will start talks with the supply chain for capital delivery frameworks worth up to £25bn.

Hill go-ahead for London New Era Estate rebuild

Hill Group starts next month on the 208-home Hackney regeneration for Dolphin Living.

Muse picked to spearhead Bletchley station quarter revival

Milton Keynes picked Muse to lead regeneration around Bletchley station ahead of East West Rail.

Plan for triple-tower Stratford scheme on former Sphere site

Hallmark unveiled three towers rising to 47 storeys at Stratford Junction.

Solihull backs 228-home Habiko mansion block build

Habiko won approval for a 228-home mansion-block scheme, its first in the West Midlands.

Mace to start £150m former London City Hall retrofit

Mace begins the £150m transformation of the landmark building it delivered 24 years ago.

Green light for Derby city centre regeneration scheme

Outline planning was granted for the former Assembly Rooms site in Derby's Market Place.

Railpen wins consent for London major office retrofit

Railpen secured approval to redevelop its 12 Smithfield office building in the City of London.

RED lands £42m Bristol and Bath office double

RED South West won over £42m of office refurbishment work across Bristol and Bath.

OCS strikes £3.1bn deal to buy Mitie

The £3.1bn takeover creates an outsourced-services group with around £8.5bn combined revenue.

First-time buyer boost as 2% deposit mortgage launched

Leeds Building Society's Start Mortgage lets first-time buyers borrow up to five times their income.

Leaseholders to get clearer information about service charges

The government will proceed with measures to increase transparency around service-charge costs.

Average asking rents jump to new record highs, says Rightmove

Average advertised rent outside London reached a record £1,397 a month in the second quarter.

How Elephant and Castle risks becoming London's gentrification 'patient zero'

A £500m redevelopment welcomes its first commercial tenant as residents prepare to move in.

Grocery inflation falls to 2.6% but annual spend climbs £156

Grocery prices rose 2.6% in the four weeks to 12 July, the lowest rate since December 2024.

Tesco trials shelf-scanning robots in supermarket aisles

Tesco is piloting Simbe Robotics' Tally robot to spot empty shelves, misplaced products and pricing errors.

M&S opens revamped Oxford Street flagship with beauty hall

M&S will treat the refurbished store's layout and features as a blueprint for future shops.

Luxury retailers face stock squeeze as EU destruction ban takes effect

From 19 July, large firms cannot incinerate or landfill unsold clothing under the new EU ban.

Morrisons shuts first of 100 Daily stores as closure programme begins

Morrisons closed its first Daily branch in Woodley as its 100-store closure programme begins.

Are hardware stores facing a fight for survival?

Independent hardware shops weigh whether demand for their products and services is waning.

Farm leaders urge new PM to act on food security

Farming leaders urged Andy Burnham to make food security and tenant reform early priorities.

Swiss trade deal to open market for UK beef, lamb and dairy farmers

The UK-Switzerland deal improves access for British beef, lamb, dairy and sparkling wine.

Rural England contributes £259bn but is still held back, Defra warns

Defra pledged to embed rural needs across Whitehall and unlock an economy worth over £259bn a year.

Record heat linked to unprecedented fall in UK milk deliveries

Dairy farms delivered 25 million fewer pints during the May and June heatwaves.

Welsh farms face growing water pressure as dry weather deepens

Parts of Wales entered prolonged dry status after just 5% of expected July rainfall.

Heatwaves cause potato losses for growers

Prolonged warm weather has caused substantial losses, with growers fearing plants could die.

ABCC Partner Programme

See the full partner events calendar

The ABCC supports a year-round programme of partner events across the UK and the Arab world.

Diesel Generator Upgrade & UPS Supply — Tender No. 356/2026/BTB (INFO/G2/2026)

Upgrade, supply, testing and commissioning of diesel generators at various Ministry of Information locations, plus 11 KA rack-tower type UPS units in an OB van and general electrical works.

Fire Detection & Protection Systems — Pre-qualification No. PQC-08/2026

The Arabian Gulf Oil Company invites pre-qualification for replacing fire detection and protection systems across all buildings and service facilities at its main HQ.