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Stay informed with the latest insights on significant business developments this week, as curated by experts in the industry.

## UAE’s Resilience Highlighted by H.E. Badr Jafar

The inaugural “The Briefing with Arabian Business” event featured H.E. Badr Jafar, UAE’s Special Envoy for Business and Philanthropy, who delivered a compelling keynote address aimed at business leaders. Jafar emphasized that the turbulence experienced by the UAE is “a chapter of the story, not the entire tale.” He asserts that the country’s stability has been a result of strategic foresight rather than mere luck.

In front of hundreds of CEOs and entrepreneurs, Jafar articulated that the UAE’s ability to navigate crises is rooted in decades of strategic planning. He declared that “resilience was never an improvised reaction, but rather a foundational element we were built upon through design and preparedness.” He linked this agility to the UAE’s founding principles, honoring the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The message underscored that, beyond physical structures and infrastructure, the true driving force is the human spirit.

## New Work Permit Scheme Simplifies Hiring in the UAE

In a recent development, the UAE has launched an advanced work permit system aimed at streamlining the hiring process. This new service simplifies filing requirements and reorganizes issuance procedures, greatly increasing digital accessibility for employers. With coverage that extends to 13 types of permits tailored to private sector employment, training, and freelance opportunities, the initiative is a significant step forward.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has opened an electronic public consultation regarding this service, allowing feedback until July 30. The redesign promises to accelerate transaction processing and improve customer satisfaction through a unified digital platform. Employers can now apply through online channels, eliminating the need for separate filing points.

## Riyadh Air Expands Its Network

Riyadh Air has made headlines by launching ticket sales for five new destinations, reinforcing the ambition of Saudi Arabia’s new national airline to create a global footprint. Now available for booking are flights to Dubai, Jeddah, Cairo, Madrid, and Manchester. The new routes align with the early delivery of additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.

This announcement took place during a high-profile event in Riyadh, showcasing the airline’s plans to serve over 100 destinations by 2030. The introduction of these routes marks an important milestone in the ongoing development of Riyadh Air, reflecting its aggressive expansion strategy.

## NEOM Faces Financial Reassessments Amid Project Reset

Saudi Arabia’s NEOM development budget for the years 2026-2030 includes projected payments of around $16 billion to contractors to halt long-term agreements. This shift indicates a significant strategic retracing at one of the globe’s most ambitious development initiatives. Reports suggest that authorities might spend more on terminating contracts than on project construction over the next five years.

NEOM, managed by the Public Investment Fund, initially projected costs exceeding $1 trillion, with iconic projects like The Line and Oxagon integral to its vision. Approximately $64 billion has already been spent on NEOM, with growth visible in locations like Oxagon, an industrial city that is rapidly advancing.

By covering these key developments, we gain insight into how the Gulf nations are pursuing growth, while also reflecting on underlying challenges and evolving strategies.

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