Saudi Edition 
MENA+ Edition 
Egypt Edition 
UAE Edition 
MENA <> India Corridor 
Logistics (MENA) 
Climate (MENA) 
Here’s what we’re tracking today
UK-GCC trade agreement finalized
Dar Albalad IPO surges | Cenomi Retail officials charged | Alinma, Dar Al Arkan tap USD debt
Thursday, 21 May 2026
A deal with the UK
GCC countries inked a freetrade agreement with the UK, cutting duties on roughly GBP 580 mn worth of exports to the Gulf. Also: Cenomi Retail officials charged.
Today at a glance
News
IPO WATCH
Cerebras pops on first day of trading in biggest year for AI in capital markets yet
The IPO is the first of several potential blockbusters that could make this the year of AI for capital markets
Gigaprojects
Shelved gigaprojects + regional conflict weigh on 1Q 2026 Saudi project contract awards
The downturn was led by construction, with awards dropping more…
Shifting the gigaproject focus
Neom remains strategic, but no longer dominates capital allocation
Newsmakers
Coffee With: Yusef Alyusef, managing director at Alvarez & Marsal Saudi Arabia
Yusef Alyusef is a managing director and partner at Alvarez & Marsal in Riyadh, where he leads work in tax policy,…
My morning routine
Folk Maritime’s Poul Hestbaek unpacks growth plans for 2026 amid volatile global trade
We spoke with Hestbaek about their ongoing projects in the Kingdom and their regional expansions
Regulation
Legislation Watch
New Statistics Law centralizes authority, strengthens data confidentiality
The legislation introduces fines up to SAR 500k for data…
Regulation Watch
Vacant property tax regulations near enforcement
Geographic zones will have different fees based on vacancy rates…
Cabinet Watch
Saudi cabinet greenlights GCC railway plans
The project is a 2.1k-km railway that aims to link…
Royal Court
New governors, deputy ministers appointed in latest royal decrees
Jazan gets a new governor — Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz…
Startup Watch
Funding gaps, portfolio pivots, and AI’s shift in MENA venture capital
The retreat of global investors such as SoftBank and General Atlantic has left a noticeable funding gap
Emaar awards KAEC infrastructure mandate to Nesma and Partners
AND- Digital health startup Metafare bagged USD 1 mn in its first funding round
Startups looking to IPO in Saudi Arabia are plenty — but early-stage readiness remains an obstacle
Saudi’s venture-backed IPOs stand apart from peers thanks to high valuations and capital intensity
Lifestyle
Breaking down Desert Warrior’s flop
Local Saudi crews gained on the job training despite the film’s poor performance
Your guide to Saudi’s coolest winter wonders
Light shows, heritage nights, mega concerts, and world-class sports are set to define Saudi’s…
EVIQ to roll out EV charging solutions for Lotus owners. PLUS: Riyadh Season signs up top Youtuber MrBeast
ALSO: Al Etihad Cooperative Ins. maintains Moody’s rating
