IMF Says Iran War Energy Shock Is "Large but Contained" as Gulf Economies Brace for a Contraction
The IMF's managing director says the energy price shock from the US-Iran war has been large but contained so far, though high prices are likely to linger. The World Bank expects GCC economies to contract by an average of 4.3 per cent this year.
Gulf Oil Exports Rebound as Brent Slips Below $100, but UAE Motorists and Markets Still Feel the Strain
Brent crude fell under $100 a barrel on Tuesday as data showed Middle East exports recovering toward pre-war levels, helped by pipelines that bypass the Strait of Hormuz. Producers and analysts caution that stockpiles are thin and new attacks in Yemen and Saudi Arabia could reverse the improvement. In the UAE, petrol prices remain well above September levels.
UAE Enters World's Top 25 Most Innovative Economies for the First Time
The UAE has climbed five places to 25th in the 2026 Global Innovation Index, up from 30th last year. It ranks first worldwide in four indicators, including entrepreneurship policies and start-up financing.
US Slaps New Sanctions on Iran's Aviation Sector as UAE Watches Hormuz Closely
Washington has launched a fresh round of secondary sanctions targeting Iran's civil aviation industry, raising fresh concerns for Gulf shipping and airspace even as backchannel diplomacy continues at the United Nations. UAE-based carriers, ports and fuel suppliers are being urged to review compliance as the region braces for potential fallout.