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Intelligence for the New World Economy

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Intelligence for the New World Economy

Semafor Gulf

Emaar’s $27B project shows Dubai’s luxury boom isn’t over

The plan is for 40,000 ‘Dubai Mansions,’ which are sprawling 10,000- to 20,000-square-foot homes.
Rending of Buddha Bar floating residences in Dubai. Courtesy of Buddha-Bar Real Estate Development

Saudi Arabia’s health push goes high-tech

About $33 billion in deals are expected to be announced at Riyadh’s Global Health Exhibition this week.
The Tawuniya stage at Saudi’s Global Health Exhibition.Courtesy of Global Health Exhibition

Saudi’s $50B downtown megaproject seeks partners

As spending cuts hit other major developments in the kingdom, New Murabba is moving ahead with construction.
Rendering of The Mukaab building with spiral tower inside.Courtesy of New Murabba

Abu Dhabi’s 24/7 solar project is preparation for AI demand

Emiratis will go to China, where most of the project’s suppliers are based, to be trained to maintain the world’s largest combined solar power and battery storage plant.
Robotic arms lift the first solar panels at Masdar’s 24/7 solar-and-battery park in Abu Dhabi, UAE on Oct. 23, 2025. Courtesy of Masdar

Saudi set for 130 million tourists in 2025

The country’s tourism industry is on track to meet 2030 goals of attracting 150 million visitors including domestic travelers.
Hot air balloons over Hegra in Saudi Arabia.Courtesy of The Royal Commission for AlUla

Saudi’s FII matures from spectacle to reality

The kingdom’s flagship investment forum retains the glitz but is now more focused on the execution of economic transformation policies.
Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh.Hamad I Mohammed/Reuters

A Semafor guide to Riyadh

Where to eat and what to see in the Saudi capital.

AlUla aims for luxury growth, not mass tourism

The Saudi archeological and desert resort destination plans to nearly triple hotel capacity but will cap annual visitors at 1 million.

HP plans to build millions of computers in Saudi

The computer manufacturer has made Riyadh a hub, a win for the kingdom’s strategy to boost non-oil exports.

Dimon to mark 90 years of JPMorgan in Saudi with Riyadh party

World’s biggest bank to celebrate its legacy in the kingdom with top Saudi officials and executives.

Saudi fashion finds its voice

Global designers were the focus at Riyadh Fashion Week, but the highlights were from Saudis reimagining their heritage.

Gulf debt sales surge despite global uncertainty: IMF

The Gulf has largely escaped the fallout from ‘higher US tariffs and global trade restrictions,’ the IMF’s director for the Middle East and Central Asia said.

T. Rex to be the star of new Abu Dhabi museum

The museum, set to open in November, will explore 13.8 billion years of natural history, starting from the Big Bang to the evolution of life on Earth.

Abu Dhabi targets tourism, finance, and tech in diversification push

Non-oil sectors in the emirate have grown to represent 57% of its economy in recent years.

Dubai real-estate developer Emaar plots US, China expansion

Housing shortages and a lack of affordability in the US present an opportunity, the company’s founder Mohamed Alabbar said.

Dubai squeezes in more flights thanks to AI

Dubai International Airport was able to add 35 flights per day by optimizing operations using artificial intelligence.

Saudi Arabia’s MBS to meet with Trump

The kingdom’s de facto ruler will visit the White House in November for the first time since 2018.

Events firm behind Saudi’s flagship conference to IPO next year

Richard Attias says the company behind the Future Investment Initiative will ‘definitely’ sell shares in 2026.