Weekly News Digest

East mining line: Djellaoui orders to accelerate the Bouchegouf–Dréa section

The minister ordered practical measures to speed up the Bouchegouf–Dréa section of the eastern mining railway linking Annaba to Bled El Hadba.

Bank branches will open on Saturdays as part of a permanent system

Banks will open branches nationwide every Saturday under a permanence system to ease access to financial services.

Start-up: Tebboune calls for strengthening the Algerian model

The president hailed Algeria’s start-up progress, calling it a credible reference attracting growing interest across Africa.

Bahrain EDB high-level UK visit strengthens investor ties

A Bahrain EDB delegation led by Minister Noor Alkhulaif concluded a five-day strategic visit to the UK.

Six Flags theme park with world-class attractions proposed in Bahrain

A proposal would make Bahrain the region’s second Six Flags location, complementing the Saudi attraction.

Beyon unit inks partnership deal with Bahrain Kuwait Insurance

Total CX signed three agreements with BKIC covering manpower outsourcing, tele-sales and AI solutions.

Gulf Egypt plans EGP 20bn mixed-use tourism project in Sharm El Sheikh

A URC subsidiary unveiled a mixed-use tourism and hospitality development exceeding EGP 20bn.

Kuadra to launch first unified AI platform for Egypt’s construction sector

The MENA construction-tech firm will launch an AI platform to manage the full project lifecycle for contractors.

TMG to expand hotel portfolio to 40 properties over the next decade

Talaat Moustafa Group plans to grow from about 20 hotels to between 35 and 40 over the next decade.

Al Alamein Airport records 57% jump in passenger traffic ahead of EIAS 2026

Passenger traffic rose 57% year on year as Egypt prepares to host the Egypt International Air Show in September.

14 countries account for 68.8% of Egypt’s foreign trade in H1 FY2025/26: CBE

Combined trade with 14 partners reached $50.6bn, comprising $36.1bn of imports and $14.5bn of exports.

Egypt targets 1.7 GW in new renewable energy capacity this year

Egypt plans to add 1,700 MW, mainly solar, to the national grid by the end of this year.

Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum inspects strategic gas infrastructure project in Jordan

Minister Karim Badawi monitored a project to develop gas transportation infrastructure in Jordan.

Startup Egypt: turning innovation into economic growth

The new Startup Egypt Platform offers a unified digital interface for registration, funding and mentorship.

CBI expands lending for SMEs and renewable energy

The Central Bank of Iraq raised the SME financing ceiling and expanded support for renewable energy projects.

New fibre optic cable production at Diyala General Company

A sixth-generation fibre optic cable line with 15,000 km annual capacity was installed at the state company.

Iraq–UK cooperation on marine surveys and charts

Iraq and the UK held talks to finalise cooperation on hydrographic surveys and nautical chart production.

WFP and ICBA launch climate resilience project in Iraq

The MURUNA project, funded by Global Affairs Canada, aims to strengthen climate resilience and food security.

Schneider Electric partners with T964 for new Baghdad data centre

Iraq’s first Tier III data centre is under construction in Baghdad, with Schneider Electric as technology partner.

Building permits rise 5.4% in first five months of 2026 – DoS

Permits reached 10,104 in the first five months of 2026, up from 9,585 a year earlier.

Partnership between ISSF, STV opens investment horizons in Jordan’s AI sector

The ISSF partnered with Saudi Technology Ventures to strengthen Jordan’s AI start-up ecosystem.

Jordan, Sudan explore investment, reconstruction opportunities

The Amman Chamber of Commerce discussed expanding trade and investment ties with Sudan.

Circular economy key to strengthening Jordan’s resource security, experts say

Experts stressed circular economy principles to cut reliance on imported raw materials and build resilience.

Jordanian, Saudi firms launch pharmaceutical investment partnership

Ram Pharmaceutical and Cigalah Healthcare launched a partnership to boost value-added investment in Jordan.

ICESCO chief praises Kuwait’s support for education, culture and innovation

ICESCO’s director-general described Kuwait as a strategic partner in human development.

CSCEC lands contract to build 55-storey Kuwait office tower

CSCEC Middle East won the contract to build the new KDIPA headquarters in Kuwait City.

CITRA, Huawei Kuwait sign MoU to accelerate digital transformation

The MoU strengthens ICT cooperation under Kuwait Vision 2035.

NOC signs exploration and development agreement for Area 47 in Ghadames Basin with Qatari group

NOC signed an EPSA for Area 47 with the LIA and Qatar’s UCC Group to expand exploration.

Misrata Free Zone signs MoUs in Rome with Italian Confederation of Industries & Libyan-Italian Chamber

Two MoUs aim to expand economic and investment cooperation between Libya and Italy.

Libya tops list of Tunisian fruit importers

Libya took 73% of Tunisia’s fruit exports, some 13,877 tons to 8 July.

Russian company to supply seismic survey equipment to Libya

Solarus Energy will supply ten seismic survey systems to Libya and Iraq in 2026 for oil and gas exploration.

Morocco becomes top African market for Turkish exports, trade reaches $2.1 billion

Morocco received $2.1bn of Turkish goods in H1 2026, up 19.1% year on year.

Nador West Med secures MAD 2.1 billion financing for container terminal

West Med Container Terminal secured €196.7m of long-term financing from three Moroccan banks.

Electronic card payment market: BAM and the Conseil de la concurrence welcome cooperation progress

Bank Al-Maghrib and the Competition Council advanced cooperation on a more competitive card payment market.

DGI releases 2026 guide detailing tax incentives for Morocco’s transport sector

New tax incentives aim to modernise fleets and improve the competitiveness of transport operators.

Royal Air Maroc launches summer season with 8.2 million seats capacity

RAM’s summer programme offers nearly 8.2 million seats, a 23% increase year on year.

Falcon Energy opens Morocco’s first natural graphite CSPG pilot plant

Falcon Energy Materials opened a pilot plant near Casablanca for battery-grade graphite.

Morocco overtakes Spain in Renault vehicle production

Renault’s Tangier and Casablanca plants built 394,000 vehicles in 2025, more than its Spanish factories.

Moroccan Reda Hilali among Forbes Middle East’s Top 50 Asset Managers 2026

Wafa Gestion CEO Reda Hilali ranked 11th, the only Morocco-based leader on the list.

Japan’s Kanadevia teams up with Bahwan for green hydrogen projects in Oman

The agreement frames cooperation across the project lifecycle as Oman accelerates its green hydrogen ambitions.

LNG exports reach 11.9mln tonnes

Oman exported 11.9 million tonnes of LNG in 2025, ranking as the world’s eighth-largest supplier.

Oman joins SMIIC to enhance quality and standardisation

Oman will become a formal member of the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries next year.

Oman’s United Solar completes $1.6bn funding round

A $50m IFC equity investment completed the company’s $1.6bn capital raise from global investors.

Salalah Free Zone signs RO11mn fertiliser project

A usufruct agreement with Majan Petrochemical will establish an ammonium sulphate fertiliser plant.

Al Dhahirah Governorate forges ahead as pillar of Oman’s food security strategy

The governorate is attracting agricultural, livestock and fisheries investment through public-private coordination.

Oman Air and SalamAir add 192 extra flights for July

The carriers expanded Salalah operations for Khareef Dhofar 2026, sharply increasing daily seat capacity.

SQU study backs hybrid energy to power remote areas

Researchers identified hybrid energy systems as the most cost-effective option for Oman’s remote communities.

OQ E&P secures investment-grade ratings from S&P Global

S&P assigned a ‘BBB-’ long-term rating with a stable outlook to OQ Exploration and Production.

MoCIIP unveils $41.5mln healthcare investment opportunities

The package covers preventive care, medical rehabilitation and medical manufacturing.

Venture studios, innovation challenges push Qatar startups towards contracts

Structural mechanisms aim to move startups from proof-of-concept to real commercial contracts.

Sheikh Khalifa: HH the Father Amir’s vision transformed Qatar

Qatar Chamber’s chairman paid tribute to the late Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani.

Saudi entrepreneur and influencer Reem Alswaidi begins a new chapter in Doha

The communications specialist relocates to Doha, bringing regional expertise and creative vision.

Over 6,500 land transport transactions recorded in H1 2026

The Land Transport Affairs sector processed 6,585 transactions, underscoring its expanding role.

India, Qatar to fast-track strategic trade, investment ties, says minister

The two sides agreed to accelerate a strategic partnership across technology, food security and manufacturing.

Fitch affirms Saudi Arabia’s ‘A+’ rating with stable outlook

Fitch cited strong fiscal buffers and external finances, with debt and net foreign assets stronger than peers.

Saudi Arabia has up to 117k contractors, small firms being qualified for major projects

The contracting sector is gaining momentum, supported by the volume of projects underway.

Saudi Arabia opens bidding for the third round of gas-fired power projects

SPPC kicked off qualification for the third round of gas-fired independent power producer projects.

Saudi housing ministry signs $1.22bn in H1 contracts, offers 13k opportunities

The ministry offered over 13,000 investment opportunities through the ‘Fursah’ portal in H1 2026.

Saudi integration of energy, industry and mining aims to maximize national wealth

Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman’s expanded portfolio reflects a push to integrate three key economic sectors.

Saudia tops global airlines for on-time performance in June

Saudia ranked first globally for on-time performance, while flyadeal topped the Middle East and Africa.

Trust powers Saudi Arabia’s digital government revolution

A King Saud University study finds trust, speed and clear communication are what users value most in e-services.

Knowledge Economic City plans $400m hospitality project fund with Albilad

A non-binding term sheet with Albilad Capital would finance the first phase of the Multaqa Hospitality project.

Global City Dammam unveils new season with major expansion

The second season features major expansions and global markets, aiming for more than 5.2 million visitors.

Umm Al Qura signs deal to sell three prime Makkah residential plots for $118m

Reservation agreements with a Watheeq Capital fund cover three plots within the Masar Destination project.

AtkinsRéalis named design consultant for Expo 2030 Riyadh pavilion

The firm won the lead design consultancy for the Place and Planet Pavilion at Expo 2030 Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia invests $171m to expand Jeddah Islamic Port capacity

Mawani’s SR641m investment with Red Sea Gateway Terminal and DP World strengthens supply chains and trade.

Big 5 Construct Saudi returns to power the kingdom’s next building phase

The August edition focuses on the foundations of construction after a successful January show.

Syrian Petroleum chief touts investment opportunities at Syrian-American Forum

The company’s CEO said Syria’s oil and gas sector offers significant opportunities for international firms.

Finance minister outlines reform strategy at Syrian-American Business Forum

The ministry is shifting from a revenue-collection model to one centred on development and partnership.

Syria inaugurates ‘Tech Town’ innovation hub to support startups and digital economy

The Damascus hub aims to foster entrepreneurship and accelerate Syria’s digital transformation.

Exports up 9% in the first half of 2026

The trade deficit widened to -12,569.4 million dinars in H1 2026, the National Institute of Statistics said.

FDI: Tunisia crosses the billion dollar mark

UNCTAD’s World Investment Report 2026 credits Tunisia with $1,173m in foreign direct investment in 2025.

Lamplighter Group establishes presence in Abu Dhabi

The boutique advisory firm launched its Abu Dhabi operations, registered in ADGM, amid a wave of financial commitments.

Dubai expects 3mln air passengers in first half of July

Dubai Customs and Dubai Airports are preparing for the peak summer season with around three million passengers.

Dubai SME integrates Hamdan Innovation Incubator (Hi2) into Dubai Founders HQ

The move strengthens Dubai Founders HQ as a dedicated platform for Emirati founders.

Aldar launches $1.63bn new Yas Island destination

Yas Point, a AED6bn waterfront destination, will deliver 1,600 homes plus a five-star resort and retail.

Dubai Silicon Oasis to host 2nd Middle East edition of Doers Summit Dubai 2026 in November

The summit will run 24–26 November 2026 at Dubai Digital Park under the patronage of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

Ajman real estate transactions reach AED10.8 billion in H1 2026

The emirate recorded 6,815 transactions worth more than AED10.8bn in the first half of 2026.

DEWA provides practical model of Dubai-It approach in energy, water, sustainability

The Dubai-It framework affirms that ambition has no value without rapid, meticulous execution.

Over 1,140 licensed professionals enhance quality of life in Dubai

Dubai continues to advance its model for regulating the social professions under the Dubai Social Agenda 33.

UK–Switzerland deal to scrap roaming charges and allow Britons to use e-gates

The new services trade deal lets British travellers use airport e-gates and scraps mobile roaming charges in both countries.

UK–Switzerland enhanced Free Trade Agreement: conclusion summary

The UK and Switzerland have concluded negotiations on an enhanced free trade agreement.

Latest Quarterly Economic Survey findings: what’s the story?

The BCC reflects on Andy Burnham’s ‘good growth in every postcode’ vision and rebalancing power from Whitehall.

UK inflation set to ease back faster than expected, says IMF

The IMF expects UK inflation to return to target sooner than previously forecast, calling the Middle East shock ‘better than feared’.

OBR report sets out stark fiscal challenge

The BCC responds to the OBR, which warns UK debt is on track to reach 300% of GDP by 2075.

UK economy tipped to stall as Iran war chokes growth

GDP is expected to have slipped 0.1% in May as some industries face slowing output.

Big Four giant KPMG to cut more jobs

KPMG is set to lay off around 10% of staff in its UK group corporate services division.

Interest rates may need to rise this year, says Bank of England economist

Chief economist Huw Pill said rates may need to increase this year to keep rising prices under control.

Life of Sizewell B extended by another 20 years

An EDF–government deal will keep the Suffolk nuclear plant generating electricity until 2055.

Europe has made a ‘major mistake’ on slow electrification, IEA chief warns

Fatih Birol said Europe’s low electrification rate of about 23% is holding back its competitiveness.

How tech can solve the UK energy grid’s AI crisis

The rise of cloud and AI is intertwined with serious concerns about the UK’s energy capacity.

UK government promises £500m to back innovative SMEs and scale-ups

New funding aims to help innovative SMEs grow, invest and create jobs, narrowing the finance gap.

Cyber Resilience Pledge

Organisations are invited to commit to three actions to improve their resilience to cyber attacks.

Funding deal sparks £1bn Golden Valley cyber hub build

Henry Boot secured funding to launch the first phase of Cheltenham’s £1bn Golden Valley cyber campus.

Galliford Try and Balfour Beatty join forces for £1.9bn A9 race

The pair are targeting Scotland’s biggest roads prize, the £1.9bn dualling of the A9.

Panattoni gets green light for Southampton logistics site

Planning consent was secured for T Park Southampton, a Grade A industrial and logistics development.

Bouygues high-rise key worker housing pilot gains consent

A 152-home Southwark scheme will test a new affordable rent model for essential public sector staff.

Linear Living gets green light for Manchester resi tower

The developer won approval for a 24-storey residential scheme in Manchester’s Green Quarter.

Four firms land £300m Scottish electricity network deal

SSEN Distribution chose four firms for £300m of work across the north of Scotland over five years.

Funding deal to kick-start Middlewood Locks tower phase

National Housing Bank backing fired the starting gun on the next phase of the £1bn Salford regeneration.

SCAPE starts tender race for £1.2bn regional deal

SCAPE published the tender notice for its next-generation Regional Construction Works and Services framework.

Marks & Spencer enlists AI to sharpen online product discovery

M&S partnered with Lily AI to improve how products are found across Google, search and AI shopping channels.

May and June heatwaves drive record convenience sales

Convenience retailers saw record revenues, with a £30m boost in May and a further uplift in June.

Morrisons eyes £600m property deal to bankroll Lidl fightback

The supermarket is reportedly in talks over a £600m property-backed financing deal.

Associated British Foods rises to bread battle with Warburtons

ABF, owned by the Weston family, is betting on the bread bin as it reshapes its portfolio.

Tesco considering sale of European business – report

Tesco is reportedly exploring a sale of its central and eastern European operations to focus on the UK and Ireland.

Uniqlo owner raises profit outlook after Q3 surge

Fast Retailing raised its full-year forecast after third-quarter operating profit jumped 45.7%.

Next prime minister urged to act on UK food security

Food and farming leaders urged the next PM to back a five-point plan to strengthen the UK’s food system.

Climate impacts blamed as UK food self-sufficiency drops to 60%

UK food self-sufficiency fell from 65% to 60% by value as climate shocks pushed up import costs.

Labour told to put farming at heart of economic reset

Closing rural England’s productivity gap could add an estimated £22.5bn in economic output, a report says.

Government told to replace ‘farm fresh’ claims with clear welfare labels

A report calls for mandatory welfare information across meat, dairy, eggs and other animal products.

British farmers could get £1bn boost from public food pledge

Sourcing half of public-body food from local producers could deliver a £1bn-a-year boost, CPRE research suggests.

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Maintenance & Repair of Specialized Central Air Conditioning Systems — Tender No. 343/2026/BTB (MOE/2026/28)

The Ministry of Education intends to undertake maintenance and repair works for specialized central air conditioning systems (BMS, CCU, VRV, VRF) across its sites under a four-year time-based tender.

Building 14 Consultancy & Supervision — Tender No. 342/2026/BTB (BP/013/2026)

Bahrain Polytechnic seeks a consultant for site surveys, condition assessments, full design and tender documentation, plus quantity surveying and construction supervision, for the renovation of Building 14.

Supply of Telecommunications & IT Equipment and Accessories — Tender No. 196/2026/MOI/PRC-176

The Ministry of Interior invites suppliers for telecommunications and IT equipment and accessories.