Weekly News Digest

EU absorbs 68% of Algerian exports in 2025, Italy the leading customer

The EU27 took 68% of Algeria's foreign sales in 2025, according to ITC data in a new ICEX country profile.

BILMA and KAFRA fields, Zinder refinery: Algiers and Niamey move up a gear

Algeria and Niger agree to move structuring energy projects from discussion to technical and operational implementation.

Bahrain's non-oil economy expands despite Hormuz shock

Non-oil activity grew 2.2% year on year in Q1 even as overall real GDP contracted 3.8%.

Digital twin technology to be expanded across Egypt's irrigation network

Egypt plans to extend digital twin technology, AI and drones to major canals after the Ismailia Canal deployment.

Egypt explores strengthening investment, trade ties with Oman

Investment Minister Mohamed Farid met OPAZ's chairman to discuss economic-zone cooperation and integration.

Egypt targets doubling oil, condensate output as $4bn refinery projects advance

A five-year strategy targets doubling crude and condensate output while advancing six refinery projects worth over $4bn.

Egypt seeks to boost tourism investment, hotel capacity in Matrouh

Officials met investors to expand Matrouh's tourism offerings and make greater use of its tourism assets.

Chemical, fertilizer exports rise 25% in first 7 months of 2026

Exports reached about $7.07bn in January–July, up from $5.63bn a year earlier.

BP begins production from Fayoum 4 well in Egypt's West Nile Delta

The UK major starts up the well, adding around 80 mmscf/d of gas to the domestic market.

Egypt plans new airport investment zones to attract foreign aviation investors

President El-Sisi directed the creation of integrated investment zones around Egyptian airports.

New online rebooking service from Iraqi Airways

Passengers can now change flight dates or destinations online without visiting an office or agent.

Egypt and Iraq in talks to expand digital cooperation

Ministerial talks covered digital transformation, artificial intelligence and telecoms infrastructure.

New satellite operator in talks for Iraq licence

A second global satellite provider is negotiating a licence, set to rival Starlink in the Iraqi market.

Mercedes-Benz signs MoU with Erbil Chamber of Commerce

Mercedes-Benz Iraq and the Erbil chamber agree to strengthen business ties and create local opportunities.

UK's GSK in talks to return to Iraqi pharma market

British Ambassador Irfan Siddiq joined health-ministry talks aimed at bringing GSK and other pharma firms back to Iraq.

Qatari firm in Iraq pipeline talks

The Oil Ministry held talks with Qatar's UCC on the Basra–Haditha–Fishkhabur and Haditha–Baniyas pipeline project.

Plans advance for Al-Tayeb Economic City

Plans for the Maysan-province city moved forward after a review of water-infrastructure requirements.

UAE fund backs $70m Jordan natural gas infrastructure project

The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development backs gas supply to the Al Rawda and Al Muwaqqar industrial cities.

Petra named Jordan's Olive Capital to promote agriculture, tourism

Petra District was named Jordan's Olive Capital for 2026 for its agricultural and heritage significance.

Jordan Fintech Festival 2026 to kick off on September 23

The second edition runs 23–24 September at the Dead Sea under the theme ‘Where Regulation Meets Innovation’.

Jordan, Saudi business council maps out 2027 roadmap for joint ventures

The joint council set out an economic roadmap to shift private-sector ties toward joint ventures.

Work begins on JOD 2.6m King Hussein Bridge transit hub

Excavation is under way on the JOD 2.6m public-transport station at the King Hussein Bridge.

Kuwait, Saudi Arabia discuss cooperation in digital government, technology

Ministers from both countries discussed ways to strengthen cooperation on digital government and technology.

Confronting Kuwait's food waste conundrum

A look at what happens to the large volumes of food that go unsold across Kuwait each day.

Kuwait boosts oil sector spending

KPC and its subsidiaries raised capital expenditure for the 2025/2026 fiscal year by nearly 21%.

Libya says it can help Europe offset energy supply losses

Oil and Gas Minister Khalifa Abdulsadek says Libya can support EU energy security after the Hormuz closure.

US oil company Chevron returns to Libya

The US welcomed Chevron's return and resumed cooperation with the National Oil Corporation.

Libyan Express to launch three new direct flights to Malta, Rome and Milan on 6 September

The privately owned carrier inaugurates three new European routes on 6 September.

UK and Morocco explore new government procurement agreement

A UK call for evidence could give British companies greater access to Morocco's public procurement market.

UK–Morocco procurement agreement: information note

An open call for evidence from the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.

Morocco ranks first in Africa and the Arab world in 2026 reputation ranking

Morocco placed 27th globally in the 2026 RepCore Nations report, climbing three places on the year.

World Bank: Morocco integrates more with Europe than with Africa

A new World Bank study argues regional integration is the main route to structural transformation.

Morocco holds 8th place in EU apparel market, unit value rises 11.8%

Apparel exports to the EU fell 9% to €1.05bn in the first five months of 2026.

Where Moroccan farmers need knowledge as much as technology

Heatwaves, drought and growing water scarcity keep mounting pressure on Morocco's farmers.

Oman's non-oil exports rise 11.4% to RO3.6bn, re-exports jump 20%

Non-oil exports rose 11.4% to RO3.636bn and re-exports jumped 20% to RO978mn in H1 2026.

Mace Consult drives delivery of Oman's flagship cultural complex

The UK consultancy is project management consultant on Muscat's Sayyid Tarik bin Taimur Cultural Complex.

Domestic tourism surges 16.2%

Domestic tourism reached 15.8m in 2025, up 16.2%, with expenditure rising to RO980mn.

Omani tech firms showcase services at LEAP 2026 in Saudi Arabia

A 24-company Omani delegation is showcasing products and solutions at LEAP 2026 in Riyadh.

Total electricity generation in Oman increases by 4.5%

Generation rose 4.5% to 31,732.5 GWh by the end of July 2026.

Dhofar presents major investment initiatives targeting tourism and urban development

Dhofar is positioning itself as a destination for tourism and urban-development investment.

Qatar to host MWC26 alongside ITU conference

Doha will host two of the telecoms world's biggest gatherings under one roof this November.

Qatar Museums online collection grows 60%, adds new digital features

QM's Online Collection has grown 60% since April 2025 to over 1,600 objects, with new AI-powered features.

QDB strategy achieves exceptional results in inaugural year

Qatar Chamber held talks with Ecuador and India on strengthening trade and private-sector cooperation.

Qatar FDI surges 559% to $3bn as GCC's global market share leaps six-fold

FDI inflows rose to $3bn in 2025 from $0.5bn, placing Qatar among the top three GCC destinations per capita.

Qatar strengthens global gaming partnerships at Gamescom 2026

Invest Qatar and Media City Qatar drew strong interest at Gamescom 2026 in Cologne.

LEAP 2026: Saudi Arabia leads AI era with over $15bn in technology launches

The world's largest tech event opened in Riyadh with AI and advanced-tech deals worth more than $15bn.

SepcoIII starts full commercial operation of Saudi Red Sea utility project

The Chinese contractor completed one of the Kingdom's major integrated clean-energy and utility projects.

Accor, Al Qimmah boost Saudi hotel pipeline with 850-key Makkah Novotel

Accor and Al Qimmah will develop over 4,000 keys across Saudi Arabia, focused on Makkah and Madinah.

Saudi Maritime and Logistics Congress kicks off in Jeddah in October

The congress runs 21–22 October with over 15,000 specialists from more than 90 countries.

Riyadh to host inaugural Water Regulation Forum in November

The Saudi Water Authority launches the annual forum on 1 November, in partnership with IDRA.

Saudi Energy boosts sustainability score by 5% in 2026 S&P Global assessment

The company scored 68 in the 2026 S&P Global Sustainability Assessment, up 5% on the year.

Saudi Tourism Ministry, Accenture partner to advance AI in tourism

An MoU signed at LEAP 2026 explores AI and emerging tech to transform the Kingdom's tourism sector.

Lenovo unveils first laptop manufactured in Saudi Arabia

Lenovo brings AI solutions and local manufacturing to Saudi Arabia across sport, manufacturing and retail.

Travel Boutique Online, AROYA Cruises forge global trade partnership

TBO and AROYA Cruises partner to expand the Arabian cruise line's reach through TBO's travel network.

Adel Al-Jubeir meets British minister of state for trade

The Saudi minister received UK Minister of State for Trade Anas Sarwar in Riyadh on Monday.

Syria opens pavilion at LEAP 2026 in Riyadh

Syria takes part for the first time, showcasing communications and technology startups and projects.

Damascus International Fair witnesses diverse events

The 63rd Damascus International Fair drew large crowds with a wide range of exhibitors and activities.

Syria, Kuwait Fund discuss financing infrastructure projects

Syrian officials met the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development on financing infrastructure projects.

Sfax to host international event promoting Tunisian olive oil

Sfax hosts an economic and scientific event on valorising and marketing Tunisian olive oil, 23–25 October.

Abu Dhabi residential sales value soars 178% to $18.46bn in H1

Residential sales climbed to AED67.8bn ($18.46bn) in H1 2026, according to Cavendish Maxwell.

DXB welcomes 31.5 million guests during H1 2026

Dubai International Airport served 31.5m guests in H1 as airline capacity and demand strengthened.

Emirati women invest AED2.7 billion in Sharjah real estate

Emirati women invested AED2.7bn across 3,385 Sharjah properties from January to August 2026.

Flow expands into UAE with DIFC commercial licence

The branded-residential real estate operator enters the UAE after securing a DIFC commercial licence.

ADRA intensifies field visits to strengthen the building-materials sector

The Abu Dhabi Registration Authority visited over 400 establishments to ensure regulatory compliance.

Emirates Environmental Group launches Hospitality Sustainability Alliance

The EEG launched the alliance to advance sustainability across the UAE's hospitality sector.

Dubai Customs: air cargo transactions surge 53% in H1 2026

Faster clearance helped air-cargo transactions rise 53% as e-commerce and trade demand grew.

DWTC's September calendar of international exhibitions & conferences

Dubai World Trade Centre hosts events across energy, healthcare, finance, cybersecurity and more this September.

Emirati women represent 94% of female-held wealth on ADX

ADX marked the role of Emirati women, who hold 94% of female-held wealth on the exchange.

Masdar City Free Zone to empower national entrepreneurs

A new Emirati Package makes entrepreneurship more accessible for UAE nationals, with a focus on women.

UK secures full access to £13 trillion CPTPP trading bloc

From Tuesday 1 September, UK businesses now have full access to the £13 trillion CPTPP trading bloc.

UK trade in numbers — updates

A snapshot of the UK's latest trade and investment position, drawing on ONS, DBT and UNCTAD statistics.

AI could cause global economic downturn, Andrew Bailey warns G20

The Bank of England governor warned any collapse in AI-sector growth could trigger a worldwide market correction.

Trio of firms poised to quit London Stock Exchange as exodus gathers pace

Bodycote, Gamma Communications and Capricorn unveiled take-private plans worth over £3bn combined.

Lifelong learning crucial to tackling youth jobs crisis

A new BCC report argues youth-opportunity and adult-skills investment must go together as AI reshapes work.

Healey invites October budget ideas from Treasury staff of all levels

The Chancellor wants everyone from apprentices to senior economists to join a budget brainstorming exercise.

Hospitality wants permanent VAT cut, ‘not gimmick’

Cornwall hospitality and tourism firms call for the summer VAT-reduction scheme to be widened and extended.

B&B boss fears ‘uneven playing field’ over tourist tax

A Scarborough owner warns a North Yorkshire visitor levy would disadvantage firms if neighbours are exempt.

Over one million pensioners hit by higher income tax rates

Frozen thresholds have doubled the number of pensioners paying 40% or 45% tax to over a million.

Plug-in solar panels are coming to a shop near you

A rule change lets cheaper plug-in solar panels be sold legally in the UK, installable without an electrician.

Solar cuts ‘at least £400 from bills in even the cloudiest British areas’

Households in Great Britain's cloudiest regions could still save more than £400 a year with rooftop solar.

Energy price cap rises to three-year high

Ofgem's default tariff rises 4% to £1,723 for the final quarter, a jump of about £60 a year.

£100 million competition to back British AI companies to fix public services

A £100m fund will help British AI start-ups grow in the UK and tackle major public-service challenges.

Newcastle biotech pioneers BSF aim for robotics and luxury cars in strategic deal

BSF Enterprise strikes a partnership with a German consulting firm to commercialise its products.

Government names line-up for £120bn FM framework

Procurement chiefs named the FM contractors set to compete for the biggest jobs under a new £120bn framework.

Willmott Dixon starts £40m Leeds rail office overhaul

Work has started on a £40m overhaul of the Princes Exchange office building next to Leeds station.

Tenders sought for Barbican MEP work

The City of London is seeking tenders for £60m of MEP infrastructure renewal at the Barbican.

Thames Water to retender £500m Teddington river abstraction job

Thames Water will retender its £500m Teddington Direct River Abstraction project.

Graham to build Sky Livingston Campus

GRAHAM is main contractor for Sky's new 21,000 sq m Livingston Campus in West Lothian.

Go-ahead for major housing scheme at former Revlon factory site

More than 192 homes will be built on a long-vacant brownfield site, delivered by Sylfaen.

Glencar and Hillwood UK complete Wigan's latest warehouse development

Glencar completed a 102,000 sq ft industrial and logistics unit at Martland Park for Hillwood UK.

Bidding set to start for £800m south Wales civils framework

Five councils are preparing to invite bids for the £800m South West Wales civil engineering framework.

Data centre plan unveiled for former IBM site

Plans have been submitted to transform part of Greenock's former IBM site into a major data centre.

Stealth taxes intensify London first-time buyer struggle

Frozen thresholds mean the average London home now costs 14.7 times average earnings after taxes.

HMRC agents to target mansions with ponies and pools

Agents will inspect homes' features, styles and grounds to value them for the proposed ‘mansion tax’.

London's house-building woes: the sums don't work

The mothballed Mortlake Brewery site shows how stalled economics are holding back London housing.

Shop price inflation reaches two-year high

Shop prices rose 1.5% year on year in August, the highest in more than two years.

Retailers warn packaging charges have doubled as BRC calls for PRN reform

Retailers face a £100m+ rise in packaging costs as plastic Packaging Recovery Note prices more than double.

Tesco rolls out almost 700 electric vehicle charging sites

A Clubcard partnership with Be.EV lets members collect points at over 680 UK charging sites.

Halfords upgrades forecasts following warm weather boost

Strong early trading lifts Halfords' FY27 underlying profit guidance to £55m–£65m.

TGJones owner becomes latest suitor for Poundland

Modella Capital, which bought TGJones this year, is being sounded out over a potential Poundland bid.

AI trial listens for early welfare warnings in laying hens

Noble Foods is testing acoustic AI monitoring to spot flock welfare, health or environmental issues earlier.

Imported eggs probed as salmonella outbreak hits 474 cases

A salmonella outbreak has grown to 474 cases and two deaths, with imported eggs under investigation.

SFI Window 2 set for September with £230m up for grabs

SFI 2026 Window 2 is expected to open on 22 September with £230m available to farmers and land managers.

UAE APA: a comprehensive guide to Advance Pricing Agreements in the UAE

By WellTax. The article examines the UAE's new Advance Pricing Agreements framework, a proactive step toward greater corporate-tax certainty and closer OECD alignment.

Featured  ·  Partner Events

Browse the ABCC partner events programme

See the full listing of upcoming partner events supported by the ABCC.

Maintenance Works in Muharraq

Issued by the Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities, among many new tenders announced on 1 September.

New government tender notices — Oman

New tender notices have been issued on Oman's e-tendering portal.

New government tenders — UAE

New tenders were announced on 1 September, listed on the UAE Business Gate.