Arab-British Chamber of Commerce
Weekly News Digest
Tuesday
11 August 2026
The full round-up of news, market developments and opportunities across the Arab world and the UK. Highlights appear below; the complete list follows.
In focus
This Week's Highlights
Industry minister outlines updated 2030 strategy to boost exports and global integration
Egypt's updated Industry Strategy 2030 names five priority industrial groups to lift exports and integrate into global supply chains.
Libya
Misrata to launch integrated energy services hub and host international summit
UK-based IN-VR and the Misrata Free Zone plan an energy services hub, ahead of the Misrata Energy & Business Summit on 16–17 November.
Morocco
UK–Morocco trade reaches £5.3 billion, exports jump nearly 30%
Trade hit £5.3bn in the year to Q1 2026 — a 16.7% rise — per a new UK Department for Business and Trade factsheet.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi business sector surges with 46,900 new companies
46,900 new companies were registered in the first half of the year as the government eases procedures for starting a business.
Section 01
News from the Arab World
Algeria
Algeria consolidates its energy partnerships
Energy diplomacy takes shape as Algeria strengthens its hydrocarbons position while preparing for decarbonisation, low-carbon hydrogen and green ammonia.
Read more →Bahrain
Bahrain EDB deepens investment ties in France and Monaco
Strategic engagements aim to promote the Kingdom's competitive investment environment and foster partnerships supporting long-term growth.
Read more →Applied Science University opens admissions with international programmes and scholarships up to 50%
ASU, the highest-ranked university in Bahrain for the seventh consecutive year, has opened admissions for the 2026/2027 academic year.
Read more →Egypt
Egypt moves to boost tourism investment in nature reserves
Egypt aims to turn Nabq Nature Reserve in South Sinai into a model for sustainable ecotourism and attract tourism investment.
Read more →PM reviews Matrouh projects and Alam Al-Roum development
Prime Minister Madbouly toured Matrouh Governorate to inaugurate development and service projects, including Alam Al-Roum.
Read more →Egypt's integrated economic hub 'set to sail': modernization of Rashid fishing port
Egypt's first integrated fishing port advances as a gateway to a new era of development for the people of Rashid.
Read more →Egypt secures AfDB grants to develop 5 desalination plants
Cabinet approved a draft decree covering two African Development Bank grants for five renewable-powered desalination plants.
Read more →Iraq
Fly Baghdad removed from US sanctions list after compliance overhaul
The airline was removed from the US OFAC SDN list following a two-year company-wide compliance transformation.
Read more →Planning Ministry and UNDP discuss Sinjar development plan
Iraq's Planning Ministry and UNDP discussed the economic and developmental aspects of the Sinjar district plan.
Read more →One million residential land plots planned in Iraq
Executive procedures for Iraq's one-million-plot initiative begin on 1 September 2026, with governors finalising land identification.
Read more →Iraq LNG terminal on track for Q2 2027
Iraq's first LNG import terminal is expected to start operations in Q2 2027, according to US-based Excelerate Energy.
Read more →Apple officially registered as digital platform provider in Iraq
Apple has been registered as an accredited digital platform provider under Iraq's regulatory framework for digital services.
Read more →Jordan
ACC exports reach JD904m in seven months
Exports covered by Amman Chamber certificates of origin rose 18.6% year on year in the first seven months of 2026.
Read more →Manufacturing sector GDP reaches JD1.6b in Q1 2026
The manufacturing sector's GDP reached JD1.6bn in Q1, per the Economic Modernisation Vision progress report.
Read more →Detailed designs completed for Potash Railway's third phase
Designs are complete for the phase linking Aqaba's industrial port with the Kingdom's mining areas.
Read more →Real estate trading rises 15% in July to JD673.8 million
Real estate trading rose 15% month-on-month in July, though it remained down 10% year on year.
Read more →Aqaba Container Terminal records highest-ever monthly throughput in July
ACT handled a record 101,900 TEUs in July, up 14.8% from the same month last year.
Read more →Kuwait
Apeco lands EPC contract for Kuwait's Souk Sharq solar project
Apeco will deliver EPC and 15 years of operations and maintenance for a solar power system at the Souk Sharq complex.
Read more →Kuwait issues 4,989 certificates for KD481.6m in non-oil exports in Q2
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued the certificates as national producers grow their regional and global presence.
Read more →Kuwait special needs team winds up summer programme in London
GALI concluded its London summer programme with a final ceremony held at the University of Reading.
Read more →Libya
Talks underway on Libya–Egypt oil refining project worth $1 billion
The two countries are discussing an ~800km Tobruk–Alexandria pipeline to refine Libyan crude in Egypt, at an initial cost above $1bn.
Read more →Zallaf Libya continues projects to boost oil and gas production
Drilling of the A-6-C126 well at the Chadar field nears completion, expected to yield around 1,400 barrels per day.
Read more →Julyana Free Port receives 587,645 tons of grain in H1, up 83%
The port received 587,645 tons of grain by 24 vessels in H1 2026, an 83% increase year on year.
Read more →Morocco
Port traffic rises 14.4% to 148.6 million tons by June 2026
Morocco's ports handled 148.6m tons in H1, led by a 28.6% jump in transshipment traffic.
Read more →Morocco mobilizes regional investment centers to support diaspora projects
CRIs mobilize 10–13 August to support projects led by Moroccans living abroad during Investment Week for MDM.
Read more →More than 2.7 million MREs welcomed since 'Marhaba 2026' launch
Over 2.74 million Moroccans living abroad entered Morocco by 3 August, up 0.45% year on year.
Read more →4 companies vie for Morocco high-speed railway track contract
ONCF opened financial bids to supply track for the Kenitra–Marrakech high-speed rail project and conventional-line upgrades.
Read more →UM6P report: Morocco's startup funding spread across more companies in 2025
Morocco's startups raised a record $108.44m across 48 rounds in 2025, with funding more widely distributed.
Read more →Oman
Energy Oman launches new corporate identity
Energy Development Oman rebrands as Energy Oman, reflecting its growth and role in Oman's energy transition.
Read more →EDF consortium achieves financial close for 120MW Oman wind project
An EDF-led consortium with Al Khadra Partners and OQAE reached financial close on the Jaalan Bani Bu Ali wind IPP.
Read more →MTCIT invites bids for app-based transport services at Salalah Airport
Licensed transport firms are invited to operate app-based land transport services at Salalah Airport.
Read more →MSX comfortably the best performer compared to other GCC markets
Muscat Stock Exchange is up 24% year-to-date, the best-performing GCC index in 2026.
Read more →FSA clarifies board nomination standards for Omani public joint stock firms
The Financial Services Authority clarified the application and effective date of the board nomination form.
Read more →Oman dispatches over 50,000 tn of chromium from Suhar Port
Oman Minerals Trading launched its first integrated chromium shipment of over 50,000 tn through the Port of Suhar.
Read more →Oman's Islamic banking assets rise to RO9.8bn, sector share hits 19%
Islamic banking assets rose 9.2% year on year to RO9.8bn by the end of May 2026.
Read more →Qatar
Consumer goods lead Qatar job creation as FDI sectors post strong gains
Consumer products generated 3,671 new jobs in 2025, leading employment within Qatar's FDI ecosystem.
Read more →Qatar's PPI for industrial sector rises 2.75% in May 2026
The industrial PPI rose 2.75% month-on-month and 14.32% year on year in May 2026.
Read more →Qatar's NDS3 reforms and infrastructure push drive global ranking gains
Regulatory overhaul under the Third National Development Strategy is lifting Qatar's standing as a regional business hub.
Read more →Qatar expands outdoor cooling to make public spaces summer-friendly
Advanced cooling technologies are transforming souqs and pedestrian districts for the hot summer months.
Read more →Experts urge more consumer protection as digital marketing grows
Experts warn of risks where advertiser identity, content accuracy and product claims are not adequately verified.
Read more →Outward remittances hit QR12.9bn in Q1
Workers' remittances from Qatar reached QR12.9bn in Q1 2026, up 21.7% year on year.
Read more →Saudi Arabia
Saudi FDI surges 12% to SR1.123 trillion by end of Q1 2026
The stock of foreign direct investment reached about SR1,122.8bn by end-Q1 2026, a 12% year-on-year rise.
Read more →Eight in race for Riyadh's Quality Valley PPP project
Eight companies and consortiums qualified for the mixed-use Quality Valley Riyadh project on the SASO HQ site.
Read more →UK transport consultancy The Hub expands into Saudi Arabia
The UK-headquartered consultancy entered the Kingdom with AstroLabs' support, aligned to the national logistics strategy.
Read more →Riyadh to host 10th Future Investment Initiative conference in October
FII10 takes place in Riyadh on 26–29 October under the theme 'The Power of Legacy'.
Read more →Saudi Arabia's updated AML rules offer greater clarity for firms
Updated AML regulations give firms more operational detail on onboarding, beneficial ownership and wire transfers.
Read more →Acwa Power revenue soars to $1.2bn in H1; net profit plunges 28%
Revenue rose to SAR4.03bn on higher energy sales, while net profit fell 28% to SAR653.2m.
Read more →SDAIA launches Ibram platform for digital signatures and document verification
The new platform lets government entities securely sign and verify documents digitally.
Read more →Value of instant money transfers in Saudi Arabia jumps 26% to SR7 trillion
SAMA's instant transfer system processed SR7tn in June 2026, up 26.1% year on year.
Read more →OMODA 4 is coming to Saudi Arabia
OMODA & JAECOO prepares to launch the all-new OMODA 4 smart SUV for young, connected drivers.
Read more →Syria
IMF agrees technical assistance programme to rebuild Syrian economy
The IMF agreed a wide-ranging programme to help the new government rebuild after more than a decade of civil war.
Read more →Finance minister: Syria's economy expected to grow 11.3% in 2026
Growth is projected at 11.3% this year, with several sectors returning to pre-2011 levels by 2030.
Read more →Tartous Port's fourth quay brings added capacity and trade opportunities
Syria's takeover of the fourth commercial quay is set to boost capacity and speed up cargo handling.
Read more →Deir Ezzor industrial city expected to create jobs and attract investment
Three major projects, including an industrial city, could form a new production base in eastern Syria.
Read more →Tunisia
Tunisia–Gulf forum sets a starting point for strategic partnerships
The first Tunisia–Gulf economic forum in Hammamet drew business leaders from Oman, Jordan, Sudan and the UAE.
Read more →Pharmaceutical industry: Tunisia, a hub in the making
Tunisia is building a position that puts it in the good graces of global drug manufacturers.
Read more →United Arab Emirates
UAE's real GDP grows 3% in Q1 to $132bn
Real GDP grew 3% to AED485bn, with non-oil GDP up 4.8%, raising its contribution to 79.4% of the economy.
Read more →Expanding AI top priority for UAE businesses: study
Salesforce research finds implementing or expanding AI is the top priority for UAE commerce leaders this year.
Read more →UAE hiring momentum returns after early-2026 volatility
LinkedIn and Ministry data show hiring activity and inbound talent flows improving as conditions stabilise.
Read more →Wynn Resorts invests over $1bn in RAK project, targets Sept 2027 opening
Wynn has invested over $1bn in Wynn Al Marjan Island, set to be the UAE's first integrated resort with gaming.
Read more →Arsenal and Emirates continue record partnership until 2033
Emirates extends its Arsenal front-of-shirt, training kit and stadium naming rights partnership through 2033.
Read more →ADNOC L&S posts record Q2 net profit of $951 million
ADNOC Logistics & Services reported record Q2 and H1 results underpinned by strong services performance.
Read more →Fujairah launches campaign to boost digital asset security
Fujairah Digital Government launched an awareness campaign to protect digital assets and systems.
Read more →Dubai Customs strengthens Emirati suppliers' presence in government projects
Supporting Emirati suppliers has become a strategic pillar for a more competitive and sustainable economy.
Read more →Six top firms vying for Dubai GRE water pipeline project
Six contractors submitted bids for DEWA's Glass Reinforced Epoxy water transmission pipelines Project 3.
Read more →Regional & GCC
Middle East Green Initiative to showcase desertification efforts at UNCCD COP17
The MGI will take part in the 17th UN Convention to Combat Desertification COP to enhance regional cooperation.
Read more →Section 02
UK Business Briefing
Economy
Economic priorities for the government: trade
The British Chambers of Commerce sets out a plan built on three priorities: trade, investment and productivity.
Read more →Economic priorities for government: productivity
The BCC's plan centres on trade, investment and productivity to help businesses and the economy thrive.
Read more →Economic priorities for the new government: investment
Investment confidence is essential for firms to expand, create jobs and adopt new technologies.
Read more →Banking & Finance
Venture capital access expanded for early-stage companies in UK
The British Business Bank intends to invest £100m through its Investor Pathways Capital Initiative.
Read more →HSBC chief says 'UK growth needs strong banks' after profits swell 23%
HSBC posted a pre-tax profit of $19.5bn (£14.5bn) for the first half, amid calls to raise taxes on bank earnings.
Read more →Boutique London advisory firm lands £8m funding amid M&A frenzy
Lava Advisory Partners secured £8m from Beechbrook Capital to hire staff and expand amid takeover activity.
Read more →Revolut lands fresh banking licence after wrestling with Europe friction
Revolut won a full banking licence from the ECB as its European arm accelerates its continental push.
Read more →Zilch, Clearscore among five UK scale-ups to get dedicated FCA support
Five FCA-regulated firms join the Scale-up Unit, each gaining a dedicated FCA contact as it grows.
Read more →Tech & Innovation
UK AI funding skyrocketed in the first half of the year
Funding for UK AI companies reached $9.6bn (£7.1bn) in H1 2026, up 360% year on year, per Tracxn.
Read more →FCA selects five fintechs to support its Scale-up Unit
ClearScore, Modulr, Teya, Urban Jungle and Zilch join the FCA's latest Scale-up Unit cohort.
Read more →Cambridge Aerospace raises £222m at a £2.5bn valuation
The air defence company raised a $300m Series C to expand manufacturing for existing and new contracts.
Read more →£130 million for next-generation vehicles secures over 1,800 jobs
Almost £130m of investment will ramp up zero-emission automotive technologies and secure over 1,800 jobs.
Read more →Transport
Heathrow overtaken by Istanbul as Europe's busiest airport
Heathrow says the case for expansion has 'never been clearer' after Istanbul overtook it.
Read more →Owner of bike maker Raleigh files for insolvency
Accell, which bought Raleigh in 2012, began insolvency proceedings after exhausting available options.
Read more →EasyJet agrees to £5.7bn takeover by US firm
The airline agreed a £5.7bn deal with Apollo after rival bidder Castlelake withdrew.
Read more →Construction & Infrastructure
Multiplex gets start date for City Road 36-storey tower
Multiplex will start main works within weeks at the 99 City Road scheme for developer Endurance Land.
Read more →Plan in for 53-storey Birmingham build-to-rent tower
Bluecastle Capital lodged plans for a 53-storey tower bringing 729 homes to Birmingham city centre.
Read more →Plans in for retrofit of London Charing Cross office icon
Plans have gone in to retrofit one of London's best-known 1980s office buildings above Charing Cross.
Read more →Newcastle office block plan unveiled
A planning application was submitted for an office block at the £70m One Founders Place development.
Read more →Portsmouth picks ECF for 2,300-home city centre regeneration
Portsmouth City Council named ECF preferred partner for the next phase of City Centre North.
Read more →HG seals hat-trick of Gateway 2 project approvals
HG Construction secured Building Safety Regulator Gateway 2 approval for three developments in a single month.
Read more →Multiplex tops contracts league with £400m office job
Multiplex led last month's contracts rankings after a £400m City of London office tower deal.
Read more →Gatwick second runway cleared after court challenge fails
Gatwick's £2.2bn second runway cleared its final legal hurdle as the Court of Appeal dismissed a challenge.
Read more →Retail
Burnham to crack down on vape and betting shops
Andy Burnham plans to scrap the 'aim to permit' rule to boost high streets 'hollowed out' in recent decades.
Read more →Argos is getting a makeover — but can it attract new shoppers?
The 50-year-old chain, used by around half of UK households, is revamping amid fierce online competition.
Read more →Harvey Nichols warns of administration as Next and Frasers eye rescue deal
The retailer warned it would 'cease trading' without a sale or further funding, its directors cautioned.
Read more →Retailers warned to fast-track subscription changes after new January deadline
New subscription rules were brought forward to January 2027, prompting warnings to accelerate preparations.
Read more →Shein IPO valuation could fall below $30bn as investor appetite cools
Shein may accept a sub-$30bn valuation for its Hong Kong IPO as investors push back on the price tag.
Read more →Charles Tyrwhitt celebrates 40th anniversary
The British menswear brand marks 40 years with a campaign fronted by founder Nick Wheeler.
Read more →Food & Agriculture
Vegetables to get smaller and more expensive due to hot weather, farmers warn
Farmers warn of 'shrinkflation' after England and Wales saw their driest July in 190 years.
Read more →Bumper crop as sunflowers do 'amazingly well'
A Norfolk farm reported its best sunflower crop in five years despite scorching, tinder-dry conditions.
Read more →Drought now grips 71% of England as farm pressure builds
The National Drought Group confirmed 71.3% of England is in drought after the driest July on record.
Read more →More areas in England declared in drought after record dry July
Nearly three-quarters of England is in drought, with pressure across agriculture and public supplies.
Read more →Geopolitics tops growing threats to UK food security
More than nine in 10 food industry leaders say risks to the UK food system worsened over the past year.
Read more →Section 03
Partner Events
Partner Events
No partner events were listed this week. Browse upcoming partner events and member opportunities on the ABCC website.
Section 04
Tenders & Opportunities
Tenders
Harouge Oil Operations — Open Invitation to Tender No. TS-C (20/2026)
Harouge Oil Operations invites bids under open invitation to tender TS-C (20/2026), via the National Oil Corporation tenders portal.
Tender details →Harouge Oil Operations — Open Invitation to Tender No. TS-C (07/2026)
A second open invitation to tender from Harouge Oil Operations, listed on the National Oil Corporation portal.
Tender details →Latest tenders — Bahrain Tender Board
Browse the latest tenders issued through Bahrain's central Tender Board portal.
Tender details →Latest tenders — UAE Business Gate
Browse the latest UAE tenders and opportunities via the UAE Business Gate portal.
Tender details →