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According to ATM Travel Trends, travel expenditures in the MENA region are projected to increase by 50% by 2030, reaching approximately $350 billion. Key growth drivers include luxury tourism and business travel, underpinned by infrastructure development and increasing global connectivity   Source: gulfbusiness.com

Dubai’s Department of Finance is rolling out crypto payment options for government services, following prior implementation at fuel stations and hospitality outlets. This initiative is part of the city’s broader strategy to mainstream blockchain and digital assets   Source: gulfnews.com

Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue attracting top-tier global finance firms like Tudor, Millennium Management, and PGIM. Employment in the DIFC has surged 10% to over 46,000, and hedge fund launches are rising. However, rapid growth has strained infrastructure—office delays, increased traffic, construction disruption—and some deal-flow remains muted   Source: arabnews.com

ADGM recorded a substantial 33% increase in assets under management during the first quarter of 2025, highlighting sustained investor confidence in Abu Dhabi’s financial infrastructure. The uptick reflects strong sectoral growth, bolstered by rising inflows into fintech and asset management . Source: ADGM

A recent Atmos report ranks the United Arab Emirates as the world’s top adopter of digital assets, with a remarkable 210% surge in crypto usage and a 25.3% increase in ownership. The nation’s favorable regulatory environment, institutional backing—including Ripple’s DFSA-licensed RLUSD—and rising retail engagement are driving this boom. Bitcoin recently crossed $110,000, reinforcing investor confidence 

Gulf equity markets reflected global tensions: – Saudi Tadawul edged up 0.23%, – Abu Dhabi dropped 0.395%, – Dubai saw a small +0.08% rise, – Qatar declined 0.16%. Movements were driven by trade uncertainties and rising oil prices  Source: arabnews.com

During the Astana International Forum, top Kazakh officials revealed plans to attract GCC investment in logistics, energy, and technology, including collaborations with Qatar and the UAE. This may include future nuclear and transit infrastructure developments   Source: arabnews.com

Bilal Bin Saqib, Pakistan’s Minister for Crypto & Blockchain, met with the U.S. President’s Council of Advisers for Digital Assets in Washington. The discussion centered on forming a national regulatory framework, establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, launching a crypto regulatory body, and promoting innovation and financial inclusion in Pakistan’s tech sector  Source: arabnews.com

The Ascott Limited is extending its luxury brand, The Crest Collection, to the UAE and Saudi Arabia. This expansion reflects a growing demand for heritage-inspired luxury accommodations in the Middle East. Source: travelandtourworld.com

AstroLabs, in collaboration with SAB, is accelerating expansion opportunities in Saudi Arabia for fast-growing international companies. This initiative aims to support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 by fostering innovation and economic diversification. Source: startupnews.fyi