September 2, 2025

Dubai’s financial center, notably the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), now hosts over 7,700 firms and nearly 48,000 workers—more than double its size since 2020. However, the emirate faces mounting pressure from rival hubs like Abu Dhabi and Riyadh. Despite infrastructure strains and rising costs, Dubai continues to attract crypto-related firms, even as regulatory scrutiny

On September 1, Gulf equities dipped as oil prices remained under pressure. Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index declined around 0.2–0.3%, marking a sixth straight losing session, driven by declines in key firms like Saudi Aramco and Al Rajhi Bank. Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar also saw drops, especially in real estate and banking sectors, reflecting regional

Bahrain is in discussions with over 50 financial service providers, nearly half focused on crypto and asset management. The kingdom aims to boost its financial sector with attractive offering of full foreign ownership and tax-free environment. Platforms like Binance and Crypto.com have already obtained operating licenses, positioning Bahrain as a growing regional hub for digital