Sehaj Singh

Saudi Arabia’s popular card game, Baloot, is moving online—and capturing investor attention. A local studio behind the game has been acquired for $53 million, as VC funding flows into digital adaptations of traditional cultural pastimes.  Source: AGBI

Small-cap equities across the Middle East are trading at an average 15% discount to their fair value, according to Morningstar. Investors are eyeing companies with strong fundamentals—like Emirates Insurance and Eczacibasi—that boast solid earnings, low debt, and attractive valuations, presenting compelling long-term opportunities despite macroeconomic volatility.  Source: AInvest

Crude prices dipped for the third consecutive day, with Brent falling 0.3% to $66.77 and WTI dropping 0.3% to $63.29. Markets are bracing for a weekend OPEC+ meeting, where further output hikes may be decided—raising supply concerns amid a slowing demand season.  Source: reuters

Khazna Data Centers—currently controlling 73% of the UAE’s data center market—has secured a $2.62 billion, 10-year credit facility from Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and First Abu Dhabi Bank. The funding will support the development of multiple new facilities in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, including the region’s first AI-enabled data center in Ajman, leveraging modular construction

The UAE has issued clarifications regarding new corporate tax regulations for its free zones. These guidelines specify which activities in free zones qualify for tax exemptions and provide updated transfer pricing benchmarks. The move aims to ensure businesses operating in these zones understand the parameters for eligibility and compliance under the nation’s evolving tax landscape. 

  Saudi Arabia Overwhelmingly Subscribes to Sukuk Issuance Saudi Arabia successfully raised $5.5 billion through a dual-tranche dollar sukuk issuance, maturing in 2030 and 2035, which attracted an overwhelming $19 billion in bids—3.5 times the issuance size. The sukuk, structured in compliance with Islamic law, was coordinated by major global banks including Citigroup, HSBC, JPMorgan,

Following the suspension of its parliament, Kuwait’s acting Finance Minister, Subaih Al-Mukhaizeem, indicated that the government anticipates fewer bureaucratic delays and faster progress on infrastructure and economic diversification projects. He highlighted the non-oil sector’s 3.6% growth in 2024 and stressed that new fiscal measures—like the global minimum corporate tax and adjusted public service fees—are expected