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Qatar's non-oil private sector growth slowed in April, with the PMI dropping to 50.7, reflecting a decline in new business and slower employment growth. Despite this, optimism remains for future growth driven by real estate, infrastructure, and tourism. Meanwhile, Kuwait's non-oil sector experienced significant expansion, with a PMI rise to 54.2, fueled by strong new orders and competitive pricing strategies.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) launched the Tawasul platform to enhance communication between investors and government agencies, promoting regional trade and investment. The initiative, unveiled during ministerial meetings in Kuwait, aims to close communication gaps and position the private sector as a key economic partner. Discussions also focused on harmonizing commercial laws, advancing SME financing, and addressing industrial self-sufficiency and compliance penalties.
Egypt is poised to face a foreign direct investment (FDI) slowdown due to new U.S. tariffs, with an external financing shortfall projected between $10 billion and $12 billion for 2025-2026. However, investments from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including a $7.5 billion deal from Qatar and Kuwait's potential $4 billion currency conversion, are expected to mitigate this impact and enhance Egypt's financial stability. Despite a surge in FDI to $23.7 billion in the first nine months of the fiscal year, future inflows may be tempered by the tariffs and a global trade slowdown.
Kuwait is investing nearly $6 billion in infrastructure as part of its economic diversification strategy for the 2025-2026 budget, focusing on transportation, water, and electricity, including the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project. This initiative aims to enhance economic growth and strengthen non-oil revenues, despite a projected budget deficit of approximately $20.43 billion. The port, estimated to cost $3.2 billion, will support over 8 million containers and is integral to China's Belt and Road Initiative.
NewsEternal, the parent company of Zomato and Blinkit, plans to cap foreign ownership at 49.5% on a fully diluted basis, pending shareholder approval. This strategic move aims to maintain domestic control while allowing for a buffer above the current 44.36% foreign shareholding, which has decreased recently. Domestic shareholders have increased their stake to 23.56%, reflecting a shift towards greater local influence in the company's governance.
The Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC) has initiated the merger process with the Kuwait Integrated Petroleum Industries Company (KIPIC) as part of a restructuring plan by the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC). KNPC's CEO, Engineer Wadha Al Khatib, emphasized that the merger aims to strengthen Kuwait’s oil sector by uniting specialized efforts, enhancing capabilities, and aligning with the country’s Sustainable Development Goals. The sector remains committed to adapting to global industry changes while prioritizing employee communication and operational performance.
Saudi B2B ecommerce platform Sary has merged with Bangladesh's ShopUp to create Silq Group, the largest B2B commerce platform in the Gulf and Emerging Asia, backed by a $110 million funding round led by Sanabil Investments and Valar Ventures. The merger aims to enhance access to products for retailers and manufacturers, with both brands continuing to operate under their names while leveraging combined capabilities. Silq plans to strengthen its presence in Qatar, addressing challenges faced by B2B businesses with an integrated platform for financial, logistics, and commerce services.
E-commerce in the MENA region is undergoing a significant transformation driven by Ramadan and Eid gifting, with gift orders surging over 150% during Ramadan 2025. Mobile devices now dominate transactions, and platforms are enhancing logistics and personalisation to meet year-round consumer expectations. The shift towards cross-border demand and smarter inventory strategies is reshaping the digital retail landscape, making Ramadan a critical period for innovation and engagement.
Kuwait has enacted a public debt law allowing for a borrowing ceiling of KWD 30 billion ($97.4 billion) and the issuance of financial instruments with maturities up to 50 years. This legislation aims to diversify funding sources and reduce reliance on oil revenues, supporting the country's Vision 2035 economic diversification strategy. With a projected budget deficit of KWD 5.6 billion ($18.33 billion) for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, the law is seen as a crucial step toward fiscal sustainability and infrastructure financing.
Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, alongside five regional counterparts, is set to control $18 trillion in assets by 2030, bolstered by aggressive investments, particularly in Asia and Africa. Gulf funds are enhancing their capabilities and expanding their global footprint, with significant investments in China amid a strategic shift from Western markets. As competition intensifies, these funds are focusing on performance and governance, employing around 9,000 professionals to drive innovation and efficiency.
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The information provided herein is generated by experimental artificial intelligence and is for informational purposes only.
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