RMB adoption in the Middle East is reshaping regional economies and trade flows
you are currently viewing::RMB adoption in the Middle East is reshaping regional economies and trade flowsMarch 11, 2026--A new study by Standard Chartered pegs the primary drivers behind RMB's growth in the region to energy settlements in the Middle East The primary driver behind Renminbi's growth in the Middle East is the energy settlements in the region with Chinese buyers who are increasingly favouring RMB denomination, the global bank said in a study. Infrastructure finance, linked to China-backed projects and contractors, along with strategic diversification, further adds RMB optionality alongside the US dollar. Source: zawya.com |
April 26, 2026-The war has deepened instability in the Middle East
Most stock markets eked out small gains on Sunday despite hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough in the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran fading, with stalled talks underscoring the hardening positions of both Tehran and Washington.
April 7, 2026-GDP in Saudi Arabia and the UAE could fall by 3% and 5% respectively
The US-Israel war with Iran has now stretched beyond five weeks, inflicting extensive damage on energy infrastructure, airports, ports and commercial and technology hubs across the six GCC states.
April 2, 2026-Dubai's main share index dropped 1.4%
Major Gulf stock markets fell in early trading on Thursday after President Donald Trump said the U.S. would continue its attacks on Iran, without specifying when the war would end.
April 1, 2026-Dubai's main share index advanced 2.1%
Major Gulf stock markets rose in early Wednesday trading on hopes of a de-escalation in the Iran conflict, with Dubai leading gains as its 1 billion dirham ($272.3 million) support package took effect.
March 31, 2026-Aim for 70% private funding within 10 years
Currently 49% private investment
Iran conflict speeding up timelines
The UAE wants the private sector to lead its space programme within this decade -and the Iran conflict is helping to accelerate the pivot, according to industry experts speaking at an event in Washington.
March 17, 2026-Most Gulf stock markets fell in early trading on Monday, led by losses in Dubai as the Iran conflict weighed on investor sentiment and spurred risk aversion across the region.
March 9, 2026--Dubai's main share index dropped 3.8%
Most Gulf markets fell in early Monday trading, led by sharp losses in the UAE, as the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran continuedand oil prices jumped more than 15% on supply cuts and fears of prolonged Strait of Hormuz shipping disruptions.
March 9, 2026--Oil activities recorded growth of 5.7%
General Authority for Statistics said Saudi Arabia's real gross domestic product grew by 4.5% in 2025 compared with 2024, driven by growth across all major economic sectors.
March 5, 2026--Both the Dubai and Abu Dhabi exchanges said they will temporarily set a 5% lower price limit on securities
Most Gulf stock markets rose in early trading on Thursday, but UAE equities fell again, extending the prior session's losses after exchanges reopened on Wednesday following a two-day suspension prompted by Iran's weekend missile-and-drone barrage on the Emirates.
March 4, 2026--DFM and ADX reopen after 2 days
Both imposed -5% temporary limit
Tadawul All-Shares up 1.6% in morning
UAE equity markets tumbled on Wednesday as trading resumed for the first session since the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran, sparking a broader Middle East conflict.