In 2025, the most competitive cities in the GCC
As Gulf economies continue to diversify and attract global investment, understanding the true competitive advantage of their cities has never been more critical. Our latest Global Cities Index 2025 analysis of 1,000 cities around the world allows us to put major GCC cities in the context of global peers, revealing the dynamics behind their economic vitality, human capital, quality of life, and long-term sustainability. Using over 25 performance indicators, from GDP growth to life expectancy and corporate presence, we uncover what makes cities like Dubai, Riyadh, and Abu Dhabi stand out, while also highlighting opportunities for emerging cities like Taif and Al Hofuf.
In GCC Saudi Arabia, UAE dominate healthcare deals
Saudi Arabia and the UAE accounted for almost all investment activity in the Gulf’s healthcare sector over the past four years, underscoring the region’s growing appeal to investors, according to JLL.
The two countries were behind nearly 92 percent of the almost 400 transactions recorded in the Gulf Cooperation Council between 2021 and April 2025, the professional services firm said in its latest report.
The UAE led with 198 deals, followed closely by Saudi Arabia with 170.
JLL said the trend reflects both markets’ push to expand healthcare infrastructure under national transformation programs, including Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention’s 2023–2026 strategy.
Oman’s listed companies’ net profits jump 22pc
Total net profits for listed companies in Oman rose by 21.7 percent year-on-year to reach $1bn in the second quarter of 2025, up from $847.6mn in the same quarter of 2024. The growth was largely driven by the banking and utilities sectors, although ten out of fourteen sectors on the Muscat Stock Exchange reported year-on-year profit increases during Q2 2025, according to the GCC Corporate Earnings Report released by Kamco Investment.
For the first half of 2025, however, total net earnings of Muscat Stock Exchange-listed companies remained largely stable at $1.8bn, unchanged from the same period last year.
The banking sector, the largest by market capitalisation on the Muscat Stock Exchange, saw total Q2 2025 earnings rise by 10.5 percent to $362.8mn from $328.3mn in Q2 2024. For H1 2025, net profits for the sector increased by 7.8 percent year-on-year to $702.8mn, up from $651.8mn in 2024.
Business leaders-UAE briefed about economy
Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Friday held a meeting with a group of leading United Arab Emirates (UAE) investors and businessmen and highlighted the country’s economic reforms and investment opportunities.
The delegation led by Mohamed Baradei – Group CIO of the EIX, an Abu Dhabi-based global company specializing in investment and strategic advisory services, said a news release.
Welcoming the delegation, the minister expressed his appreciation for their visit to Pakistan and hoped that their interactions with government leaders, private sector representatives, and local investors had provided them with valuable insights into the country’s investment potential.
Zero bureaucracy measure lifts investor confidence
Dubai Chamber of Commerce also registered 35,532 new member companies during the first half of 2025, up 4 percent from a year earlier.
The positive ripple-effect of enhanced efficiency under the ‘Zero Bureaucracy’ initiative will accelerate economic activity, boost public and private sector productivity, and increase the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), according to experts.
Economists, analysts and executives said zero bureaucracy programme highlights the UAE Government’s commitment to fostering a thriving business environment while prioritising the well-being of its citizens. It also paves the way for ease of doing business and gives confidence to many investors who wish to have a regulated activity licence in UAE.
UAE sees steady August PMI growth as Kuwait, Egypt deal
Business activity across Middle Eastern and North African economies showed mixed trends in August, with the UAE leading growth while Kuwait and Egypt recorded contractions, according to market trackers.
The headline S&P Global Purchasing Managers’ Index, a composite gauge of non-oil private sector performance, is derived from data on new orders, output, employment, supplier delivery times, and inventory levels.
The latest PMI data from S&P Global showed the UAE rising to 53.3 in August from 52.9 in July, rebounding from a 49-month low and remaining comfortably above the neutral 50 mark. The reading signaled an improvement in non-oil private sector conditions.
Azerbaijan, UAE discuss major energy and investment issues
Azerbaijan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) held discussions on partnership in the field of energy and mutual investments, the country’s Minister of Economy, Mikayil Jabbarov, wrote on X page, Trend reports.
“We held a video conference with Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology of the United Arab Emirates. During the discussions, we underscored the strong and successful partnership between our countries. We also reviewed jointly implemented projects, ongoing cooperation in the energy sector, mutual investments, and prospects for further deepening collaboration,” the publication reads.
Saudi Arabia’s non-oil private sector economy grows in Aug
Saudi Arabia’s non-oil private sector economy continued to grow in August, driven by a sharp increase in new orders and a “robust” rise in employment as the kingdom advances its economic diversification strategy.
The seasonally adjusted Riyad Bank Purchasing Managers Index for the Arab world’s biggest economy rose marginally for a second straight month to 56.4 in August, up from 56.3 in July, well above the 50 mark that separates growth from contraction.
Companies extended the hiring trend observed throughout much of 2025, driven by the creation of larger sales units, new projects and higher demand for skilled workers, the index found.