businesstodayegypt-



Egypt plans to repay between $250 million and $350 million in outstanding dues to foreign oil companies during the first quarter of 2026, alongside a broader structural plan to settle an additional $750 million, Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister Karim Badawi said.

Speaking at a conference organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Cairo, Badawi said Egypt has reduced arrears owed to foreign partners by 60%–70%, while settling all monthly dues through the end of December.

The minister added that Egypt is preparing to implement $4.5 billion in new investments across six projects over the next four years, in cooperation with the private sector.

Badawi also said the ministry plans to launch an integrated digital platform for the mining sector by the end of the first quarter or the beginning of the second quarter of the current year at the latest.

The platform will cover all stages of engagement with mining opportunities, starting from expressions of interest and technical evaluation to the electronic issuance of licenses, as part of efforts to simplify procedures and improve the sector’s investment attractiveness, he said.

The petroleum ministry aims to increase the mining sector’s contribution to GDP to 5%–6%, up from around 1% currently, while working to transform the Egyptian Mineral Resources Authority into an economic entity, according to Badawi.

Egypt holds promising investment opportunities in minerals including gold, phosphate, quartz, silica, potash, kaolin, and sulfur, the minister said, citing previous statements.

Egypt is also preparing to launch its first comprehensive aerial mineral survey in 40 years during the first quarter of the year, aiming to update geological data and build a large database to accelerate the attraction of regional and global mining investments.

businesstodayegypt-


Egypt’s trade deficit widened by 17.5% year-on-year in November 2025, reaching $4.7 billion, compared with $4 billion in the same month of 2024, according to data from the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS).

The increase was driven by a 12.9% rise in imports, which climbed to $8.7 billion in November 2025, up from $7.7 billion a year earlier.

Imports of several commodities recorded notable growth, led by natural gas, which surged by 76.6% year-on-year. Wheat imports rose by 16.5%, corn by 50.7%, and non-monetary gold in crude forms by 294.6%.

In contrast, imports of some items declined, including petroleum products, which edged down by 0.1% year-on-year. Imports of iron or steel raw materials fell by 5%, plastics in primary forms by 1%, and passenger cars by 10.6%.

Exports also increased during November, rising by 8.9% year-on-year to $4 billion, compared with $3.7 billion in November 2024.

The growth was supported by higher exports of ready-made garments, which rose by around 17%, food preparations by 22.5%, and fresh fruit by 5.2%, while exports of natural and liquefied gas surged by 956.4%.

Meanwhile, exports of petroleum products fell by 3.8%, fertilizers by 20.7%, plastics in primary forms by 2.0%, and crude oil by 29.4%.

(ONA) -


The Projects, Tenders and Local Content Authority confirmed that its operations witnessed significant activity during 2025, reflecting the continuous pace of development in strengthening infrastructure and implementing developmental projects across various governorates.

These efforts align with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 regarding public spending efficiency and the optimal allocation of financial resources.

Official statistics comparing 2024 and 2025 revealed an increase in the total financial value of tenders issued during the past year, despite a slight decrease in the number of tenders.



According to the data, the value of tenders issued in 2025 reached approximately RO 1.703 billion, compared to about RO 811.3 million in 2024, representing an increase of more than RO 891.9 million.

The number of tenders issued during 2025 reached 98, compared to 100 tenders in 2024, a minor decrease of approximately 2 percent. However, this decrease in quantity was accompanied by a substantial rise in the value of the projects offered, indicating a growing volume of government investments in strategic projects with higher economic value. Regarding awarded tenders, 2025 recorded the awarding of 95 tenders with a total value of RO 535.65 million, compared to 103 tenders valued at RO 786.6 million in 2024. This reflects a decrease in the number of awarded tenders by eight and a drop in value exceeding RO 250.8 million.

The data also showed a decline in change orders during 2025 compared to 2024. The actual cost of change orders in 2025 amounted to approximately RO 28.4 million for 48 orders, compared to RO 54.4 million for 54 orders in 2024. This serves as a positive indicator reflecting improved control over project scopes, reduced post-award changes, and enhanced commitment to approved plans, which in turn enhances implementation efficiency and cost rationalization.

Eng. Said Al Ameri, Director General of Tenders, stated that the projects, tenders, and local content system has witnessed significant expansion, with the total number of registered companies (including new registrations and renewals) during 2025 reaching approximately 12,724, representing a growth rate of 202 percent compared to 2024.

He added that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) undertook a prominent role in this expansion, accounting for 58 percent of the total new registrations in 2025 with 1,639 companies, confirming the success of policies supporting the increased participation of this vital sector and enabling it to benefit from government project opportunities while expanding its presence within supply and awarding chains.

He emphasized that the indicators recorded during 2025 reflect the escalating role of the projects, tenders, and local content system as a pivotal tool for driving development and achieving economic diversification goals through the issuance of strategic projects with high added value, the expansion of the competitive base, transparency, and the enhancement of public spending efficiency.



He noted that the Authority is continuing its efforts to develop tendering and awarding mechanisms to ensure higher implementation quality and achieve the greatest economic and social returns from projects, alongside empowering SMEs and increasing their contribution to the national economy.

He explained that the significant growth in the number of registered companies during the past year reflects the business sector's confidence in the investment and legislative environment, which the Authority works to continuously improve.

He further stated that the upcoming phase will see continued work on enhancing local content in government projects, increasing awarding opportunities for national companies, and achieving the highest levels of governance and effectiveness in project management.

(ONA) -

The total issuance of Government Treasury Bills amounted to RO 13 million. The value of the allotted Treasury bills amounted to RO 5 million, for a maturity period of 28 days. The average accepted price reached RO 99.710 for every RO 100, and the minimum accepted price arrived at RO 99.710 per RO 100. The average discount rate and the average yield reached 3.78036% and 3.79135%, respectively.

The value of the allotted Treasury bills amounted to RO 8 million, for a maturity period of 91 days. The average accepted price reached RO 99.053 for every RO 100, and the minimum accepted price arrived at RO 99.040 per RO 100. The average discount rate and the average yield reached 3.80041% and 3.83677%, respectively.

Treasury Bills are short-term highly secured financial instruments issued by the Ministry of Finance, and they provide licensed commercial banks the opportunity to invest their surplus funds. The Central Bank of Oman (CBO) acts as the Issue Manager and provides theadded advantage of ready liquidity through discounting and repurchase facilities (Repo).

It may be noted that the interest rate on the Repo operations with CBO is 4.25% while the discount rate on the Treasury Bills Discounting Facility with CBO is 4.75%.

Furthermore, Treasury Bills promote the local money market by creating a benchmark yield curve for short-term interest rates. Additionally, the Government may also resort to this instrument whenever felt necessary for financing its recurrent expenditures.

(ONA) -

A delegation from Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) participated in the activities of the 49th edition of the Baghdad International Fair, which opened in the Iraqi capital with the participation of several countries from around the world.

The Omani delegation was headed by Zaher Mohammed Al Kaabi, Member of the OCCI Board of Directors and Head of the Chamber’s Al Buraimi Branch, with the participation of several board members from the Chamber’s branches alongside Omani businesspeople.

During the participation, the delegation toured the pavilions and sections of the exhibition, which featured various Arab and foreign nations, exploring a wide range of industries covering multiple economic and commercial sectors to enhance communication opportunities and discuss joint cooperation with participating entities and companies.

The exhibition witnessed the participation of more than 25 Omani companies and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) representing various activities and sectors, including food industries, construction materials, metal and non-metal industries, plastic equipment, pharmaceuticals, perfumes, and incense.

This participation aimed to introduce Omani products to the Iraqi market and open new export horizons.



Sheikh Mahmoud Muhanna Al Kharousi, Acting Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Republic of Iraq, highlighted the high quality of Omani products and their effective participation in this international event, emphasizing the importance of such engagements in strengthening Oman’s economic presence and supporting bilateral relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Iraq.

Zaher Mohammed Al Kaabi, head of the delegation, affirmed that the participation of the OCCI delegation in the Baghdad International Fair comes within the framework of enhancing Oman’s commercial presence abroad and establishing economic and commercial partnerships with peer companies.

He noted that the event serves to empower SMEs to explore investment and export opportunities in promising markets, foremost among which is the Iraqi market. He added that these participations contribute to boosting trade exchange and building direct relations with investors and business owners, which positively impacts the growth of Omani non-oil exports and strengthens economic ties between the two nations.

For his part, Salih Mohammed Al Balushi, Manager of the Omani Pavilion at the exhibition, explained that the organization of the pavilion was carried out by the Chamber in cooperation with the Omani Products Exhibition (OPEX) Committee.

He stated that the initiative aims to enhance trade exchange opportunities and open new horizons for economic cooperation between the two countries, noting the participation of several leading Omani companies, factory representatives, and a group of SMEs in a move designed to enable them to access new markets and expand their export scope.

Al Balushi emphasized that the Omani products on display have high quality and a broad competitive presence in regional markets, expressing his hope that this exhibition will serve as a genuine starting point for Omani products to enter Iraqi markets and enhance commercial and economic relations.



He further stated that the Chamber is keen to encourage Omani companies to participate in international events and exhibitions due to the opportunities they provide to highlight the quality and diversity of national products.

Lubna Mohammed Al Harthy, Director of the Export Development Department at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, confirmed that the Ministry's participation in the Baghdad International Exhibition, represented by "Oman Exports," is part of ongoing efforts to bolster the presence of Omani products in regional and international markets. She noted that it opens new vistas for Omani institutions, particularly SMEs, to introduce their products and build effective commercial partnerships with their counterparts in the Iraqi market.

Furthermore, Dr. Rashid Al Alawi explained that the participation of the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn) in the international exhibition stemmed from its commitment to enhancing its presence in the Iraqi market and contributing to the economic and developmental movement in the region.

He clarified that Madayn's participation aims to introduce its products and services, showcase the latest solutions it offers, and build strategic partnerships with both government and private sectors.

He added that the participation also involves exploring new investment opportunities in the Iraqi market, staying abreast of the latest developments in relevant sectors, and solidifying Madayn's position as a reliable partner.

(ONA) -

The 3rd Samail Economic Forum began today in the Wilayat of Samail, A’Dakhiliyah Governorate, under the theme "The Role of Local Content in Enhancing Economic Diversification and Job Creation."

The event features participation from various government and private entities, entrepreneurs, and local and international investors, as part of the growing economic momentum in A’Dakhiliyah Governorate and its role in attracting specialized developmental initiatives that support the national and local economies.



The opening of the forum was held under the auspices of Qais Mohammed Al Yousef, Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ).

Mohammed Khamis Al Hosni, Member of the Shura Council, Representative of the Wilayat of Samail, and Chairman of the Forum’s Organizing Committee, delivered a speech in which he noted that this forum is characterized by renewal and diversity, with guests participating from various countries around the world, which will assist in bolstering the national economy through innovative projects.

He added that the forum focuses on local content as a strategic pillar for sustainable development, aiming to increase the proportion of national components in industries, enhance human resources, and support national supply chains to reduce dependency on imports.

The forum, held at the Samail Industrial City (Madayn), seeks to support national industry and enhance local supply chains by linking local content to procurement, employment, and training policies. It further aims to enable small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to enter production value chains, thereby enhancing In-Country Value and contributing to the creation of quality job opportunities for national cadres.



Over the course of three days, the forum discusses several vital themes through specialized dialogue sessions. The first day was dedicated to the theme of local procurement and services, featuring a dialogue session that discussed the role of government and private institutions in promoting local content through local purchasing policies. It also reviewed legislative and regulatory frameworks, mechanisms for integrating local content into government projects, operational challenges, and successful national models in localizing procurement and qualifying local suppliers.

The Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones and chief gust of the occasion, inaugurated the industrial exhibition, which will run throughout the forum.

The exhibition showcases industrial products from national establishments and entrepreneurs, alongside the "Investment Opportunities Hub," which allows for the presentation of projects and investment opportunities to investors and decision-makers.

Additionally, the "First Samail Hackathon" was launched, reflecting the forum's direction toward integrating innovation into local economic development paths.

On its second day, the forum will address the theme of empowering national human resources. Sessions will discuss the link between local content and employment and training policies, addressing the gap between educational outcomes and labor market needs, and highlighting the role of industrial institutions in sustainable Omanization and career path development.

Furthermore, distinguished industrial institutions in the empowerment of national cadres within the A’Dakhiliyah Governorate will be honored.

The forum will conclude on its third day with the theme of investment promotion and empowerment. A session will review investment opportunities based on local content, enhance integration between local and foreign investment, and examine the role of knowledge and technology transfer in localizing industries and linking them to local value chains. The third day will also feature the announcement of the results of the "First Samail Hackathon," which focuses on providing applicable innovative solutions in the fields of sustainability, tourism, and local development, followed by the presentation of the forum's final recommendations.

The Samail Economic Forum serves as a dialogue platform that contributes to strengthening the partnership between the public and private sectors, stimulating productive investment, and supporting the local content ecosystem.



It aims to produce practical and applicable recommendations that support economic diversification paths, enhance the direct developmental impact on A’Dakhiliyah Governorate and its wilayats, and consolidate its role as an active hub in achieving sustainable economic development in the Sultanate of Oman.

The organization of the forum aligns with the governorate's direction to utilize the economic components of its wilayats and enhance their roles as centers for economic dialogue and opportunity creation, contributing to the alignment of national policies with local development needs and maximizing the benefit from local content as a cornerstone of economic diversification and sustainability, in harmony with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.

(ONA) -

The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Finance, participated today in the 10th Arab Public Finance Forum and the World Governments Summit, held in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.

The forum discussed several key themes, including Arab economic prospects, ways to enhance fiscal resilience against economic shocks, restructuring spending policies, boosting development financing, digital transformation, and the applications of artificial intelligence in public finance.

During a panel discussion titled "Restructuring Spending Policies and Enhancing Development Finance," Mahmoud Abdullah Al Aouini, Secretary General of the Ministry of Finance, highlighted Oman’s experience in developing the methodology for preparing the state general budget and strengthening medium-term fiscal planning.

He explained how these efforts contribute to improving public spending efficiency and enhancing fiscal stability, in addition to bolstering the capacity to manage economic variables while maintaining the quality and continuity of basic services and supporting national socio-economic development goals.

The Secretary General of the Ministry of Finance is also scheduled to participate in a closed discussion session titled "Artificial Intelligence and National Readiness" as part of the activities of the World Governments Summit, which is set to open tomorrow.

This forum is held annually in cooperation with the Arab Monetary Fund and the International Monetary Fund to examine mechanisms for financing sustainable development and the role of regional and international financial institutions in supporting Arab countries to achieve their economic objectives.

The forum also discusses the opportunities and challenges associated with adopting modern financial technologies to accelerate digital transformation within the financial sector.

(WAM) -

The Ministry of Investment has launched a new whitepaper titled “From Capital Exporter to Financial Architect: The UAE's Evolving Role in Global Finance”, offering an in-depth perspective on the country’s transformation into one of the world’s most dynamic and future-ready financial ecosystems.

The whitepaper traces the UAE’s financial sector journey from the establishment of foundational institutions at the beginning of the millennium to its emergence as a globally connected hub encompassing banking, wealth and asset management, insurance, fintech, Islamic finance, sustainable finance, and digital assets. It outlines how an ambitious government vision, deliberate policy choices, sustained infrastructure investment, and forward-looking regulation have positioned the UAE as both a trusted recipient and a reliable exporter of capital.

The report highlights the central role of foreign direct investment in the UAE’s financial services sector. Despite a slowdown in global FDI flows in 2024, the UAE recorded a 48.7% year-on-year increase in inflows to US$45.6 billion, officially entering the world’s top ten FDI destinations. Since 2022, finance and insurance have accounted for 21% of the UAE’s inward

FDI stock.

Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, UAE Minister of Investment, stated: “Guided by a clear and forward-looking economic vision, the UAE has evolved from a traditional exporter of capital into a proactive architect of the global financial ecosystem. FDI has been central to this transformation, supporting the financial sector’s consistent contribution of between 9% and 10% of GDP from 2018 to 2024 – underscoring its role in economic diversification and long-term resilience, while reinforcing the UAE’s position as a leading hub for international capital.

Through the Ministry of Investment, we remain committed to enabling an agile, future-ready, and globally connected investment ecosystem that supports responsible innovation and sustained growth.”

The whitepaper also underscores the UAE’s institutional architecture as a core enabler of its financial transformation. Platforms such as the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, Abu Dhabi Global Market, Dubai Financial Market, and Dubai International Financial Centre have created a multi-jurisdiction regulatory ecosystem aligned with international standards.

Reflecting on the country’s innovation-led approach, the report highlights flagship initiatives including the Financial Infrastructure Transformation programme, the launch of instant payments platforms, the Digital Dirham, dirham-backed stablecoins, and purpose-built digital asset frameworks. These developments have supported the UAE’s rise as one of the world’s

most crypto-friendly and fintech-enabled markets.

The whitepaper’s showcase of leading international entrants and UAE-grown, co-created investment platforms stands as a clear testament to the strength and global competitiveness of the UAE’s financial ecosystem. Its publication reaffirms the country’s steadfast commitment to broadening opportunities for global investors, innovators, and institutions looking to participate in its rapidly advancing financial landscape.

(WAM) -

The ninth edition of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF 2026) saw the signing of 17 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) at SEF Vault Powered by Emarat, formalising partnerships spanning critical economic sectors and unlocking AED100 million in financing to support start-up growth, innovation, and scalability.

The agreements brought together government entities, financial institutions, corporates, and ecosystem enablers, covering funding and financing solutions, fintech and digital payments, AI skills development, advanced manufacturing, industry-led pilots, and market expansion.

Collectively, the MoUs represent one of the most significant deal-making outcomes in the Festival’s history, reinforcing SEF’s role as a platform where collaboration delivers tangible economic impact.

Signed within the SEF Vault, powered by the Emirates Petroleum Company - Emarat, the festival’s Exclusive senior leadership networking lounge, the agreements reflected a shared commitment to strengthening every stage of the entrepreneurial journey, from early-stage funding and capability building to scale-up support and market access.

Commenting on the significance of the cross-sector agreements signed at SEF Vault, Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa), which organises SEF, said, “SEF Vault reflects the essence of what the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival stands for: meaningful collaboration, shared ambition, and action-driven partnerships. By bringing together government, corporates, investors, and founders in a trusted space, we are accelerating opportunities that help startups scale, innovate, and contribute to a resilient and inclusive economy.”

She added, “Partnerships forged at SEF Vault align directly with our longstanding commitment to advancing Sharjah’s innovation-led start-up ecosystem, where policy, capital, and talent converge. These collaborations empower founders to establish and scale ventures that deliver tangible value for the market and the wider community.”

Ali Bin Zayed Al Falasi, Chief Retail Officer and Senior Vice President of Marketing at Emarat, stated that “Emarat is committed to empowering SMEs and supporting the national entrepreneurship ecosystem. We are proud to partner with SEF through initiatives such as SEF Vault powered by Emarat, creating meaningful platforms that support founders, strengthen the wider community, and advance the UAE’s innovation economy. Through SEF, Emarat provides startups with access to high-visibility retail spaces across our service station network, enabling them to showcase and scale their products. This approach reflects Emarat’s ongoing support for national businesses and its role in fostering sustainable economic growth. Across the UAE, Emarat undertakes numerous initiatives with the same purpose: fostering opportunity for local talent and entrepreneurs, enabling long-term growth, and strengthening the community’s economic resilience. I am delighted to see the level of interest and energy across the UAE’s startup ecosystem, and we remain committed to translating that momentum into tangible opportunities for founders to grow.”

The MoUs signed at SEF Vault spanned multiple economic sectors critical to start-up growth, including capital access, banking, fintech, and scale-stage investment. Represented by its CEO, Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, Sheraa formalised multiple MoUs to improve access to capital, liquidity, and financial infrastructure for early- and growth-stage ventures.

Zelo and Sheraa announced a partnership to accelerate access to working capital for startups and SMEs, introducing faster funding mechanisms, including a dedicated AED100 million financing pool and invoice financing solutions.

The agreement addresses one of the most persistent challenges facing early ventures: maintaining cash flow while scaling operations, and brings alternative financing tools closer to founders navigating early growth. CEO & Co-Founder of Zelo, Dhanush Arjun, witnessed the MoU signing.

Complementing this, Sheraa’s collaboration with Emirates NBD focused on supporting Sheraa’s startups and SMEs by enabling access to startup-friendly financial solutions that facilitate growth and scalability. Together, these measures reflect the role of banking infrastructure as a critical enabler of startup stability and scale. The MoU signing featured Hamad Mohamed Zayed, Group Head, Business Banking, at Emirates NBD.

Digital finance and payments also featured prominently through Sheraa’s partnership with Al Fardan Exchange, which focused on strengthening startups’ access to fintech and digital financial services. The collaboration underscores the growing importance of seamless cross-border transactions, remittances, and digital payment capabilities as startups expand into regional and international markets. Hasan Jaber, CEO of AlfaNow, featured the MoU signing.

Supporting SMEs and start-ups through procurement access and investment opportunities was further strengthened through Sheraa’s partnership with e&, featuring Saeed Alzarouni, Group Chief Procurement Officer at e&.

Sheraa’s focus on future-ready capabilities was reinforced through partnerships centred on artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and applied technology, designed to equip startups with the skills, infrastructure, and industry access needed to scale.

Through its partnership with Arabic.AI, Sheraa advanced AI capability-building for founders via the Arabic.AI Academy, offering structured training, mentorship, and access to specialised resources to support practical AI adoption. The collaboration underscored the importance of developing regionally grounded AI expertise aligned with real market needs. The MoU signing featured Nour Al Hassan, CEO of Arabic.AI.

Innovation in advanced manufacturing was strengthened through Sheraa’s collaboration with Maxbyte, which focused on supporting industry-led pilots, capacity building with youth engagement, and collaborating on the Access Sharjah Challenge. The partnership connected engineering talent with industrial partners to support startups transitioning from prototype development to scalable production. The MoU signing featured Viswanathan T, CTO of Maxbyte.

Additional technology-focused collaborations were announced between Sheraa and HP, featuring Peter Oganesean, Managing Director of HP Middle East and East Africa. Sector-specific partnerships were also formalised between Ruwad and POPUP, ReLife and Tata Consultancy Services, and Tapy and Hlthera, reflecting continued alignment between startups and enterprise partners across multiple industries.

As part of SEF Vault’s focus on enabling cross-border scale, an exclusive distribution agreement was signed between PeykBot and Egrobots, supporting PeykBot’s expansion into the Egyptian and Saudi markets. The partnership leverages Egrobots’ established regional presence and market access to accelerate PeykBot’s commercial rollout beyond the UAE. The agreement was signed by Salman Moghimi, Founder of PeykBot, and Akhlad Alabhar, Co-Founder of Egrobots, reinforcing SEF’s role as a platform where strategic partnerships translate into tangible regional growth opportunities for startups.

Beyond partnerships and deal-making, SEF Vault also offered curated cultural and culinary experiences that reflected SEF 2026’s emphasis on community, sustainability, and creative expression.

Ballad, an immersive hospitality studio founded by Emirati artist and chef Moza Almatrooshi, showcased a landscape-to-table culinary approach that bridged food, art, and sustainability through mindful sourcing and storytelling rooted in local environments.

SEF Vault also featured a bespoke coffee-pairing experience by Palate, an independent Sharjah-based coffee roastery founded by award-winning AeroPress Champion Mohammed Alameeri. The experience showcased ethically sourced coffee beans crafted into original recipes, developed in collaboration with Ballad and inspired by Sharjah’s landscapes.

SEF 2026, themed Where We Belong, was held at the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK). The ninth edition welcomed more than 14,000 attendees, brought together over 300 global and regional speakers, and featured more than 250 sessions and activities, including workshops and masterclasses, across 10 curated zones spanning entrepreneurship, creativity, investment, impact, and wellbeing.

(BNA):

Bahrain All Share Index closed at 2,050.79 points, marking an increase of 3.38 points above the previous closing.



This increase was due to the rise in the communication services sector, the financial sector and the materials sector.



The Bahrain Islamic Index closed at 1,020.88 points, marking an increase of 6.36 points above the previous closing.



Results indicated that 118 equity transactions took place with a volume of 3,233,267 worth BD 880,953.



Investors traded mainly in the financial sector, representing 73.68% of the total value of securities traded.

(BNA):

This week’s BD 70 million issue of Government Treasury Bills has been oversubscribed by 108%.



The bills, carrying a maturity of 91 days, are issued by the CBB, on behalf of the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain.



The issue date of the bills is February 4, and the maturity date is May 6.



The weighted average rate of interest is 4.85% compared to 4.82% of the previous issue on January 28.



The approximate average price for the issue was 98.788% with the lowest accepted price being 98.739%.



This is issue No.2107 (ISIN BH000129GH56) of Government Treasury Bills. With this, the total outstanding value of Government Treasury Bills is BD 2.110 billion

(BNA):

The Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) has released its Q4 2025 Foreign Trade report, which encompasses data on Trade Balance, Imports, national origin Exports and Re-exports.



As per the report, the value of non-oil imports increased by 9%, reaching BD1628 million in Q4 2025 in comparison with BD1491 million for the same quarter in 2024. The top 10 countries for imports recorded 70% of the total value of imports.



According to the report, China ranked first for imports to Bahrain, with a total of BD250 million (15%), followed by The United Arab Emirate with BD171 million (11%) and France with BD107 million (7%).



Non-Agglomerated Iron Ores and Concentrates recorded as the top product imported to Bahrain with a total value of BD148 million (9%), followed by Other Aluminum Oxide with BD94 million (6%) and Gold Ingots being the third with BD74 million (5%).



On the other hand, the value of non-oil of Exports (National Origin) increased by 5% reaching to BD1047 million in Q4 2025 in comparison with BD1002 million for same quarter in 2024. The top 10 countries accounted for 70% of the total export value.



The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ranked first among countries for then non-oil exports (National Origin) with BD256 million (24%). The United Arab Emirate was second with BD99 million (9.5%) and the United States of America was third with BD91 million (8.7%).



Unwrought Aluminum Alloys recorded as the top products exported in Q4 2025 with BD306 million (29%), followed by Agglomerated Iron Ores and Concentrates Alloyed with a value of BD137 million (13%) and Aluminum Wire not Alloyed with BD63 million (6%).



The total value of non-oil Re-exports Increased by 7% to reach BD226 million during Q4 2025, compared to BD212 million for same quarter in 2024. The top 10 countries in Re-exports accounted for 83% of the re-exported value. The United Arab Emirate ranked first with BD90 million (40%) followed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with BD47 million (21%) and Hong Kong with BD13 million (6%).



As per the report, Four-Wheel Drive was the top product re-exported from Bahrain with a value of BD26 million (12%), followed by Gold ingots BD24 million (11%), and Wristwatches Precious Metal came third with BD14 million (6%).



As for the Trade Balance, which represents the difference between exports and imports, the deficit recorded BD355 million in Q4 2025 compared to a deficit of BD277 million in Q4 2024.

(QNA) -

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) index closed Monday's trading higher by 64.71 points, or 0.57 percent, to settle at 11,405.01 points.
During the session, a total of 118,667,413 shares were traded, with a value of QAR 413,598,055.427, through 29,253آ transactions across all sectors.
Shares of 27 companies rose during the session, while 20 companies saw their stocks decline. Six companies maintained their previous closing prices.
At the end of the trading session, the market capitalization stood at QAR 681,292,602,530.056, compared to QAR 678,069,803,019.460 in the previous session

According to the letter received from the MCDR on 01/02/2026 by the periodical partial redemption (installment no. 3) for the listed bonds of Capital For Securitization The First Issuance - The Fifteenth Program Tranche A December 2027 V.R.
The total listed value of the bonds after the partial redemption becomes EGP 392,774,999.99 distributed over 4,230,000 bonds at a par value of EGP 92.85460. These modifications will be applied to EGX database effective 03/02/2026 trading session. This bond tranche has been locally rated by MERIS as (AA+) ، at a variable annual Return rate Equals to The Lending Rate announced by the Central Bank + Margin 0.35 % to be paid monthly starting from the Second Month Of The Issuance.
ISIN Code: EGB69611S2T3

According to the letter received from the MCDR on 01/02/2026 by the periodical partial redemption (installment no. 14) for the listed bonds of Tamweel Securitization The First Issuance - Fourth Program Tranche A November 2026 V.R.
The total listed value of the bonds after the partial redemption becomes EGP 257,099,999.99 distributed over 6,257,000 bonds at a par value of EGP 41.08997. These modifications will be applied to EGX database effective 03/02/2026 trading session. This bond tranche has been locally rated by MERIS as (AA+) ، at a variable annual Return rate equal to the Lending Rate announced by the Central Bank + Margin 0.55 % to be paid monthly starting from the month Following the Month of the Issuance.
ISIN Code: EGB69781S254

According to the letter received from the MCDR on 01/02/2026 by the periodical partial redemption (installment no. 4) for the listed bonds of EL TAAMIR Securitization The Second Issuance - Second Program Tranche A October 2027 V.R.
The total listed value of the bonds after the partial redemption becomes EGP 532,355,000.00 distributed over 5,735,000 bonds at a par value of EGP 92.82563. These modifications will be applied to EGX database effective 03/02/2026 trading session. This bond tranche has been locally rated by MERIS as (AA+) ، at a variable annual Return rate Currently 25.35% Equals to The Lending Rate announced by the Central Bank + Margin 0.35 % to be paid monthly Starting from the Second Month of The Issuance.
ISIN Code: EGB692R1S401

According to the letter received from the MCDR on 01/02/2026 by the periodical partial redemption (installment no. 21) for the listed bonds of EL TAAMIR Securitization The First Issuance-The Second Program Tranche B June 2026 Variable Return.
The total listed value of the bonds after the partial redemption becomes EGP 114,662,999.98 distributed over 5,930,000 bonds at a par value of EGP 19.33608. These modifications will be applied to EGX database effective 03/02/2026 trading session. This bond tranche has been locally rated by MERIS as (AA)، at a variable Return rate equal to the Lending Rate announced by the Central Bank + Margin 0.50 % to be paid monthly starting from the third month of the issuance.
ISIN Code: EGB692R1S302

Company Name : AJWA for Food Industries company - Egypt
ISIN Code : EGS30211C014
Reuters Code : AJWA.CA
Content :
EGX decided to resume trading on the company effective 02/02/2026 trading session at 11:55 AM, as the company sent the AGM decisions held on 02/02/2026

Company Name : AJWA for Food Industries company - Egypt
ISIN Code : EGS30211C014
Reuters Code : AJWA.CA
Content :
EGX decided to resume trading on the company effective 02/02/2026 trading session at 11:55 AM, as the company sent the AGM decisions held on 02/02/2026


AGM Decisions (262 KB)

Company Name : Mohandes Insurance
ISIN Code : EGS63041C015
Reuters Code : MOIN.CA
Content :
The Audit Committee Report for the period from 01/10/2025 to 31/12/2025.

The Audit Committee Report (2,109 KB)

(QNA) -

Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) general index 30 closed on Monday at 6,252.58 points, up by 6.1 points, 0.10 percent compared to the previous close which stood at 6,246.50 points.
The trading value reached OMR 31,438,483, down by 26.7 percent compared to the previous session's value of OMR 42,888,934.
The market value went up by 0.058 percent to reach about OMR 33.35 billion, according to a report released by MSX.

(QNA) -

The official price of Oman oil for April delivery reached USD 64.87 per barrel (pb) on Monday.
This represented a decrease by USD 2.07.
The monthly average price of Omani crude oil for February delivery reached USD 62.9 pb, down USD 2.35 compared to January delivery

(QNA) -

European shares opened lower on Monday, influenced by the continued sharp decline in precious metals prices, at a time when caution increased among investors following US President Donald Trump's announcement of the appointment of Kevin Warsh as head of the US Federal Reserve.

At the start of the session, the French CAC 40 index fell 0.42 percent, the German DAX declined about 0.38 percent, the British FTSE 100 dropped 0.47 percent, and the Milan index recorded losses of 0.53 percent.

This decline comes amid concerns of a potential tightening in US monetary policy, which put strong pressure on commodity markets, particularly gold and silver, and negatively affected risk appetite in European markets

(QNA) -

CEO of Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) Mohammed Saif Al Sowaidi affirmed that the expansion of QIA’s Fund of Funds program and the allocation of additional $2 billion of funding to the program underscore the State of Qatar’s position as an attractive investment destination for global capital, particularly at the high end of the venture capital sector, whose firms are seeking to transfer their expertise and invest in promising local projects.

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani previously announced an additional $2 billion of funding to the program, bringing the total capital commitment for the Fund of Funds program to $3 billion.

In addition, His Excellency also announced that five new funds that are joining the Fund of Funds program, representing specialisms across AI, fintech, blockchain technology, infrastructure and special situations. The Fund of Funds program now supports 12 regional and international fund managers in Qatar, demonstrating the significant growth of Qatar’s startup ecosystem and its increasing connectivity to global markets.

CEO of QIA said, "with an aggregate AUM of nearly $10 billion the new funds joining the program will support our efforts to develop Qatar as a regional hub for VC expertise."

"While Doha represents the first international office for many of our funds, these managers are also encouraging their portfolio companies to establish their regional HQ here – further positioning Doha as a hub for entrepreneurs," he added.

The latest funds to join the program include Greycroft, which is a multi-stage, multi-strategy venture capital firm that partners with entrepreneurs building category-defining companies across software, sustainability, and consumer brands. Founded in 2006, Greycroft manages over $4 billion in assets and has made more than 400 investments since inception.

Ion Pacific is a leading venture capital structured secondaries and special-situations manager with approximately $700 million under management. The firm manages innovative strategies focused on risk-reward optimization for investors, and provides tailored solutions that unlock liquidity for founders, GPs and LPs in the VC ecosystem. Ion Pacific has offices in Los Angeles, New York, Zurich, Doha and Hong Kong.

The program also includes Liberty City Ventures, which is a leading venture capital fund and incubator with $2.4 billion of assets under management. The firm invests in companies building and implementing blockchain technology solutions (Seed through Series C+) with a focus on financial services; AI and data; and infrastructure.

Shorooq which is a tech-focused, multi-strategy investment firm from the GCC. Shorooq’s strategies span venture capital, credit, private equity, and real assets through an integrated approach that allows them to invest across the capital stack in businesses reshaping their sectors, from fintech and software to AI, industrials, and infrastructure.

Finally, Speedinvest which is a globally active European venture capital firm with more than €1.2 billion in AuM and six offices across EMEA. Our sector-focused investment teams back relentless founders from pre–Seed to Growth with long-term conviction, providing day-one access to our global network of corporate customers, experts, industry leaders, and top-tier follow-on investors to scale smarter and faster.

QIA and Qatar Development Bank (QDB) have also announced that they are partnering to offer compute power provided by Qatar’s new AI company Qai, which develops and invests in advanced AI infrastructure and systems. Compute power will be available to startups and portfolio companies of the partners participating in the Fund of Funds program that are based in Qatar.

QIA’s Fund of Funds program, launched by HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs at Web Summit 2024, has to date committed more than $1 billion to leading regional and international venture capital firms, contributing to the development of Qatar’s venture capital landscape. The program enables startups and entrepreneurs in the region to have access to capital they need to flourish, bringing new VC talent to Doha and strengthening the local ecosystem in partnership with other government and private sector entities

(QNA) -

The general index of Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) dropped 28.83 points, or 0.25%, at the start of Monday's trading, down to the level of 11,311 points, compared to yesterday's closing.

The index was weighed down by a decline in five sectors: Industrials (-0.61%), Transportation (-0.52%), Real Estate (-0.21%), Telecoms (-0.10%), and Banks and Financial Services (-0.09%). On the other hand, Insurance rose by (+1.85%), and Consumer Goods and Services by (+0.17%).

By 10:00 am, 17.483 million shares were traded in 2,344 transactions valued QR 39.738 million.

(QNA) -

Gold extended falls on Monday, pressured by a firm dollar, as ‍investors gauged US President Donald Trump's Fed chair pick Kevin Warsh's approach to interest ⁠rate cuts.

Spot gold was down 1.5% at $4,793.97 per ounce, after touching ‌a more ‌than one-week low on Friday.

Bullion scaled a record high of $5,594.82 on Thursday.

US gold futures ‌for February delivery climbed 1.6% to $4,818.10 per ounce.

Spot silver rose 1.6% to $85.98 an ounce. It hit a record high of $121.64 on Thursday.

Spot platinum lost 2% to $2,120.05 per ounce after hitting a record $2,918.80 on Jan. 26, while palladium shed 0.9% to $1,682.59

(QNA) -


HE Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al-Thani met Sunday with HE Minister of State for Economy, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy of the Government of North Rhine-Westphalia, the Federal Republic of Germany, Paul Frederic Holler, and the accompanying delegation, which is visiting the country.

The meeting discussed bilateral cooperation between the two sides in the trade, investment and industrial sectors, and explored ways to strengthen and expand those ties. It also discussed a number of issues of mutual interest.

On the sidelines of the meeting, HE Minister of Commerce and Industry and HE Minister of State for Economy, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy of the Government of North Rhine-Westphalia witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and NRW.Global Business GmbH, the trade and investment agency of North Rhine-Westphalia.

The memorandum aims to enhance institutional economic and investment cooperation, support mutual investments, facilitate the entry of Qatari companies into the North Rhine-Westphalia market, and assist companies from the German state in expanding into the Qatari market and the wider Gulf Cooperation Council region.

Under the agreement, NRW.Global Business will establish a representative office in Qatar to serve as a platform for promoting economic exchange, supporting investment and cooperation projects, and facilitating access to relevant stakeholders on both sides.

The memorandum also provides for cooperation in several priority sectors, including artificial intelligence, quantum computing and digital services; smart industry and advanced manufacturing; defense industries; startups and research and development; and education and training.

It further calls for the formation of a joint steering committee to oversee implementation of the agreement and to set the legal, regulatory and operational frameworks for establishing and running the representative office in a way that serves the mutual interests of both sides.

The agreement comes amid growing ties between Qatar and North Rhine-Westphalia, building on a series of recent high-level reciprocal visits and aimed at consolidating a strategic and sustainable economic partnership

(QNA) -


The 2nd meeting of the Qatari-Saudi Roundtable was held Sunday in conjunction with the "Web Summit Qatar 2026" held in Doha, to explore ways to enhance economic and investment cooperation between the State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the fields of communications, information technology, and innovation.

HE Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Mohammed bin Hassan Al Malki and HE Assistant Minister of Investment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Dr. Abdullah bin Ali Al Dubaikhi co-chaired the meeting, with the participation of representatives from government agencies and the private sector from both sides.

The meeting addressed the opportunities available in the fields of communications and information technology, investment, and innovation, and the role of these sectors in supporting the two countries' orientations towards the digital economy and the knowledge economy. It also emphasized the importance of integrating roles between the public and private sectors, and enhancing coordination between relevant parties in a way that contributes to achieving common goals and strengthens the presence of Qatari and Saudi companies in international events with economic and technological impact.

The meeting also discussed ways to build on the outcomes of the first meeting, which resulted in a number of qualitative initiatives, especially the agreement to propose the establishment of a platform specializing in building startups (Venture Builder) in the communications, information technology and real estate technology sectors, in addition to expanding the areas of institutional coordination, and reviewing promising investment opportunities in the tourism, manufacturing, health services and real estate development sectors.

The meeting included a review of several presentations from both sides, which addressed the key initiatives and proposed investment projects, and opportunities for cooperation in areas of common interest.

The meeting also witnessed a number of bilateral meetings and exchanges of views between representatives of the public and private sectors, with the aim of exploring cooperation opportunities and building new investment partnerships to support the strategic partnership between the two countries and enhance its future prospects

Trading value for Monday 02/02/2026 reached JD(14.8) million. (5.8) million shares were traded through (4,683).

The shares price index closed at (3572.42) point, an increase of (1.05%)

The shares of (108) companies were traded, the shares prices of (46) companies rose, and the shares prices of (32) declined.

At the sector level, the Services index increased by 1.86%, the Financial index increased by 0.77%, and the Industrial index increased by 0.51%.

As for sub sector indices, the Technology and Communication, Utilities and Energy, Engineering and Construction, Electrical Industries, Chemical Industries, Banks, Textiles, Leathers and Clothings, Insurance, Real Estate, Educational Services, Mining and Extraction Industries, Food and Beverages, Transportation, Commercial Services sectors increased by 3.58%, 2.50%, 2.39%, 1.64%, 1.49%, 0.81%, 0.72%, 0.64%, 0.64%, 0.37%, 0.36%, 0.20%, 0.11%, 0.04% respectively. While the Tobacco and Cigarettes, Hotels and Tourism, Diversified Financial Services sectors decreased by 6.67%, 1.08%, 0.01% respectively.

The top five gainers were, the The Mediterranean & Gulf Insurance Company-jordan P.l.c by (8.33%), Arab Jordan Investment Bank by (7.36%), Gulf Insurance Group - Jordan by (4.75%), Premier Business And Projects Co.ltd by (4.63%), and Ready Mix Concrete And Construction Supplies by (4.48%).

The top five losers were, Jordan Steel by (7.14%), Union Tobacco & Cigarette Industries by (6.67%), Jordan Dairy by (4.78%), Sabaek Invest Company P.l.c by (4.69%), and Arab Phoenix Holdings by (4.55%).

egyptian-gazette-

Saudi Arabia is witnessing a historic shift in its economic landscape, fueled by ambitious reforms and a bold vision for the future. Central to this transformation is the public investment fund, which has recently climbed to the fifth spot among the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds. As the Kingdom diversifies its revenue streams away from oil, staying updated with Saudi Arabia business news reveals a story of rapid growth, strategic partnerships, and a unique investment philosophy that sets the nation apart on the global stage.


The latest rankings from the Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute confirm a remarkable trajectory for the Saudi sovereign fund. With assets under management now reaching approximately $1.15 trillion, the fund has surpassed several major global peers. This growth is particularly impressive when considering the starting point; at the end of December 2024, the assets stood at $925 billion. Gaining $226 billion in such a short window underscores the efficiency of the Kingdom’s capital deployment and the successful performance of its diversified portfolio.

In the global hierarchy, Saudi Arabia now sits just behind the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), which manages $1.18 trillion. The top three spots continue to be held by the Government Pension Fund of Norway ($2.04 trillion) and China’s major investment vehicles. However, the Saudi fund’s growth rate and its specific focus on “alternative assets” make it a unique subject of study for economists and market analysts worldwide.

ahram.org-


Prices in Egypt’s real estate sector won’t be affected negatively by global economic fluctuations, geopolitical conflicts, and soaring gold prices, according to Talaat Moustafa Group (TMG) Chairman Hisham Talaat Moustafa on Amr Adib’s El Hekaya.

Moustafa confirmed that unit prices in Egypt’s real estate sector are increasing and will do so in the near future. He added that high demand and resales have improved the sector's performance as of January 2026, compared to the same month in 2025.

He attributed the improvement to the sector's store of value and development firms' refraining from setting high profit margins (an indication of low risk). He also viewed the high demand for finished and ready-made units as another reason for the improvement.

“The price of a ready-made unit won’t decrease as the alternative for purchasing a new unit today has become much more expensive,” he said.

Moreover, Moustafa noted that the high percentage of youth aged 0-30 (65 percent of the population) and the annual number of marriages (around 1 million) create a demand for at least 8–900,000 housing units over the next 30 years.

A large portion of those will be inexpensive units, he noted, due to purchasing power and average income. By contrast, Moustafa explained, at least 150–200,000 units will be needed annually over the same time period for those who have purchasing power.

Furthermore, the TMG Chairman suggested buying units with almost no interest, since they will become limited in the future. He attributed the future lack of such units to the increase in construction costs for new projects, due to the soaring prices of cement and steel, compared with the current prices.

Rising prices in the sector reflect higher construction material and financing costs rather than speculative excess, with sustained demand from local buyers, Egyptians abroad, and Gulf investors continuing to stimulate the sector.

Industry analysts say Egypt’s property market remains fundamentally sound, as economic stabilization in 2025 after domestic and external shocks has helped improve real estate activity.

ahram.org-


Stocks, oil, precious metals plunge on volatile start to the week


Investors resumed Friday's rollercoaster ride as they assessed geopolitical developments, the latest batch of company earnings and the outlook for US interest rates.

After a strong January fuelled by artificial intelligence bets, stocks went into reverse last week as traders again questioned the wisdom of the vast sums pumped into the sector and when they will see returns.

That has also raised fears of a tech bubble that could soon pop.

The latest round of selling came after Microsoft announced a surge in spending on AI infrastructure, reviving concerns companies could take some time before seeing a return on their investments.

Seoul, which has hit multiple records this year thanks to its big tech weighting, plunged more than five percent, with chip giant SK hynix shedding eight percent and market heavyweight Samsung off more than six percent.

Tokyo, also home to several big-name tech firms, shed more than one percent, as did Taipei, where chip giant TSMC is listed.

Hong Kong, Shanghai, Sydney, Singapore, Wellington, Manila and Bangkok also tumbled.

Jakarta tanked more than five percent, extending last week's rout after index compiler MSCI called on regulators to look into ownership concerns and a warning it would hold off adding Indonesian stocks to its indexes or increasing their weighting.

Oil prices plunged on easing US-Iran tensions.

Both main crude contracts shed more than five percent as Donald Trump said he was hopeful of reaching a deal with Tehran after it warned that any attack on the Islamic republic would trigger a regional conflict.

Trump Fed pick


Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Sunday likened the recent protests to a "coup" and warned a US attack would trigger a regional conflict.

Asked about the Iranian leader's warning, Trump told reporters on Sunday: "Of course he is going to say that.

"Hopefully we'll make a deal. If we don't make a deal, then we'll find out whether or not he was right," he said.

Oil's drop was helped by a stronger dollar, which came on the back of news that Trump had tapped Kevin Warsh to head the US central bank.

The president said the former Morgan Stanley investment banker and Fed governor "will go down as one of the GREAT Fed Chairmen, maybe the best".

Traders regard Warsh as the toughest inflation fighter among the final candidates, raising expectations of monetary policy that would underpin the greenback.

The choice also eased concerns about the Fed's independence following a series of attacks on incumbent Jerome Powell over his reticence to cut rates as quickly as the president wanted.

The dollar surged, having plunged most of last week on concerns the White House was happy to see it weaken.

"Warsh emerged as one of the more hawkish voices during his time at the Fed, at times opposing rate cuts during the 2008 (global financial crisis) out of concern on inflation risks," wrote Brian Levitt at Invesco.

"At first glance, his monetary policy track record would seem to conflict with Trump's desire for lower rates, although his tone has shifted in recent months."

Warsh was "currently in favour of greater policy easing in 2026, driven by a view that productivity gains could boost US economic growth without driving higher inflation", he added.

The announcement sent dollar-priced precious metals plunging Friday, with gold losing as much as 12 percent and silver more than 30 percent at one point.

And the losses mounted on Monday, with gold shedding as much as 10 percent to touch just below $4,403, while silver briefly lost around 12 percent to $75. That left them well down from their record highs of $5,595 and $121 touched last week.

"The question everyone is now asking is what happens next?" said Pepperstone's Michael Brown. "Here, I would flag that in a similar manner to the rally seen in recent weeks, there is now a solid argument that the pullback has also run 'too far, too fast'."

- Key figures at around 0700 GMT -

Tokyo - Nikkei 225: DOWN 1.3 percent at 52,655.18 (close)

Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: DOWN 2.9 percent at 26,601.18

Shanghai - Composite: DOWN 2.5 percent at 4,015.75 (close)

Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.1850 from $1.1856 on Friday

Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.3672 from $1.3688

Dollar/yen: DOWN at 154.61 yen from 154.64 yen

Euro/pound: UP at 86.70 pence from 86.63 pence

West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 5.3 percent at $61.76 per barrel

Brent North Sea Crude: DOWN 5.1 percent at $65.78 per barrel

New York - Dow: DOWN 0.4 percent at 48,892.47 (close)

London - FTSE 100: UP 0.5 percent at 10,223.54 (close)

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The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) is set to offer $950 million in one-year U.S. dollar-denominated Treasury bills (T-bills) on Monday, on behalf of the Ministry of Finance.

The issuance will replace a previous one-year dollar Treasury bill worth $1.06 billion, which matures on February 3 and carries an average yield of 4.25%.

In December 29, the CBE sold $817 million in one-year dollar Treasury bills at an average yield of 3.5%, replacing an earlier issuance of $840 million maturing on December 30, 2025, which had been issued on December 31, 2024, with an average yield of 4.25%.

Earlier, in early December 2025, the central bank issued $961 million in one-year dollar Treasury bills at an average yield of 3.75%, according to CBE data.

Treasury bills are short-term government debt instruments with maturities ranging from three months to one year. In Egypt, they are issued through regular auctions by the Central Bank on behalf of the Ministry of Finance to finance the state budget deficit.

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The Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) has extended the deadline for companies operating in the insurance and reinsurance brokerage sector, as well as firms specializing in loss assessment, inspection, and insurance consultancy, to raise their capital by an additional six months, until June 2026.

According to a statement issued Sunday, the FRA requires insurance and reinsurance brokerage firms to increase their capital to a minimum of EGP 5 million, while risk assessment, loss inspection, insurance consultancy, and actuarial expertise firms must raise their capital to a minimum of EGP 3 million.

The new decision obliges companies to prepare a timeline outlining the stages of capital increase and submit it to the FRA within one month of the publication date.

The authority also prohibited the distribution of any cash dividends to shareholders until the minimum capital requirements are fully met and FRA approval is obtained.

The FRA said the extension aims to give companies sufficient time to meet the minimum capital requirements, strengthening their financial positions and ensuring stability in the sector.

businesstodayegypt-


Egypt's Prime Minister, Mostafa Madbouly stressed that the electricity and energy sector is a cornerstone of Egypt’s development strategy, supporting economic growth, improving service quality for citizens, and creating a stable environment for domestic and foreign investment.

This came during Madbouly's meeting with Mahmoud Esmat, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, to review the latest developments in Egypt’s electricity sector, highlighting projects aimed at boosting capacity, efficiency, and investment potential.

Minister Esmat outlined the ministry’s progress in modernizing the national grid and expanding infrastructure. Over the past year, 34 new substations were completed and integrated into the unified network, with expansions covering an additional 40 substations.

Distribution lines now extend over 194,000 kilometers, while transmission lines span 5,610 kilometers, reinforcing the country’s energy backbone.

The ministry is also tackling operational losses and power theft, reporting 4.6 billion kWh in recovered energy and installing 2.5 million coded meters to enhance efficiency and revenue collection.

On strategic projects, Minister Esmat updated the Prime Minister on the El-Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant, Egypt’s flagship nuclear energy initiative. Developed in partnership with Russia, the project is progressing according to plan and is a critical pillar of Egypt’s Vision 2030. Once operational, it will meet rising electricity demand, strengthen energy security, and support long-term sustainable growth.

The meeting highlighted the government’s continued focus on leveraging energy infrastructure as a driver for investment, industrial development, and economic resilience, positioning Egypt as a regional hub for power and energy innovation.

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Philip Morris Egypt has announced updated pricing for all its heated tobacco products, HEETS and TEREA, as well as traditional cigarettes under the Merit, Marlboro, and L&M brands, effective Monday.

According to a company statement on Sunday, the new prices are as follows:

Merit (all types): EGP 111, up from EGP 105
Marlboro (all types): EGP 102, up from EGP 97
Marlboro Crafted (all types): fixed at EGP 79
L&M (all types): EGP 82, up from EGP 76
TEREA heated tobacco (all types): EGP 82
TEREA Capsules (all types): EGP 87
HEETS heated tobacco (all types): EGP 69

Ali Nafzat Karman, General Manager of Philip Morris Egypt and the Levant, said the company remains committed to meeting the needs of adult smokers and nicotine users in the Egyptian market, while supporting Philip Morris’ vision for a smoke-free future.

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The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) announced the official launch of a new contactless electronic payment service that enables merchants to accept card payments via smartphones and tablets using Soft POS applications, according to a statement released Sunday.

The service allows merchants to transform their smart devices into electronic payment acceptance points, enabling payments with various types of contactless cards.

Merchants simply download a Soft POS application onto their device, entering card PINs directly on the device screen in a secure and internationally approved process.

CBE Governor Hassan Abdalla said the service is part of the Bank’s ongoing efforts to expand the digital payments infrastructure, simplify financial transactions for citizens and merchants, support financial inclusion, and enhance access to electronic financial services anytime and anywhere.

The new system eliminates the need for traditional POS terminals, reducing both purchase and maintenance costs for merchants or payment service providers.

It also aims to integrate small businesses into the electronic acceptance ecosystem while improving the customer experience by enabling faster, more secure, and flexible payment processes.

The CBE had previously tested the service in pilot phases with transaction limits set at EGP 600.

The official rollout reflects the Bank’s commitment to developing digital payment services in line with global trends, offering merchants and payment service providers a flexible, cost-effective alternative to traditional payment terminals.

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Egypt’s Ministries of Supply and Internal Trade and of Agriculture and Land Reclamation are studying the possibility of resuming sugar trading on the Egyptian Commodity Exchange, as part of efforts to stabilize prices, balance supply and demand, and enhance market transparency.

The discussions took place during a meeting held at the Ministry of Supply’s headquarters in the New Administrative Capital, attended by Supply Minister Sherif Farouk, Agriculture Minister Alaa Farouk, and Head of the Mostaqbal Misr Sustainable Development Authority Bahaa El-Ghannam, according to an official statement.

Sugar trading on the commodity exchange was suspended in December 2023, followed later by corn and wheat, after the Ministry of Supply cited excessive speculation that disrupted markets and led to the cancellation of three wheat tenders. At the time, the ministry said trading could resume once market conditions stabilize.

During the meeting, Sherif Farouk said the sugar industry is a strategic priority for Egypt due to its direct impact on food security and market stability, stressing the importance of coordination among relevant entities to boost domestic production and improve manufacturing efficiency, with the aim of achieving sustainable self-sufficiency.

He added that the state is working on upgrading affiliated companies and modernizing production lines at sugar factories to increase output capacity and improve product quality.

Agriculture Minister Alaa Farouk said the ministry is focusing on expanding the cultivation of sugar crops, including sugar beet and sugar cane, supporting farmers, using high-yield seeds, and applying modern agricultural practices.

Bahaa El-Ghannam said integration across agricultural production, manufacturing, and trading is essential to strengthening self-sufficiency and securing Egypt’s supply of strategic commodities on a sustainable basis.

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Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi announced an ambitious 2026 roadmap featuring the drilling of 101 exploratory wells to bolster national reserves. Speaking at an American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) meeting, Badawi confirmed that the Ministry successfully reversed the production decline to reach stability by the end of 2025.

Bdwi emphasized that the primary goal for the coming year is to increase oil and gas production while continuing to meet domestic demand, according to a statement by the ministry. He noted that natural gas supplies have been fully secured for all national sectors since last July.

Moreover, Badawi identified private sector collaboration as a cornerstone of Egypt’s growth vision. To maintain investor confidence, the Ministry has committed to the regular payment of monthly dues to foreign partners.

Furthermore, the government has introduced flexible incentive packages designed to encourage upstream activities. These measures are paired with a strategic focus on regional connectivity, particularly strengthening energy ties with countries such as Cyprus.

Egypt is enhancing its capacity as a regional gas hub by deploying Floating Storage and Regasification Units (FSRUs). These units provide a total capacity of 2.75 billion cubic feet per day (bcf/d). This infrastructure ensures superior flexibility in securing the nation’s natural gas supplies.

In the refining sector, the Ministry is implementing major projects scheduled between 2026 and 2030 to achieve self-sufficiency. Key projects include the Middle East Oil Refinery (MIDOR) expansions, which will increase capacity to 160,000 barrels per day (bbl/d). Badawi also highlighted the Assiut National Oil Processing Company (ANOPC) diesel complex as a vital component of this transition.

Regarding the mining sector, Badawi talked about the plans targeting the increase of its contribution to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The strategy leverages the mineral-rich Arabian-Nubian Shield and advanced infrastructure, including dedicated mining ports.

The Minister concluded his speech by thanking the AmCham for its positive role in driving cooperation between various industry stakeholders and all ‘partners in success’ from both international and local companies.

He praised the vital role played by workers in the petroleum and mining sectors, who represent the fundamental pillar for achieving this ambitious strategy. He emphasized that the synergy between the state and the private sector is the true guarantee for achieving prosperity and securing Egypt’s energy future.

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Egypt is coordinating with Russian partners to accelerate the execution timelines of the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant as part of a broader strategy to secure sustainable energy, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Esmat said on Sunday.

The nuclear project is a primary pillar of Egypt’s Vision 2030, designed to meet rising electricity demand and strengthen national energy security, Esmat told Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly during a meeting to review sector developments. The minister noted that work on the peaceful nuclear programme is progressing according to schedule.

Madbouly stated that the electricity and energy sector is a priority for the government due to its essential contribution to development plans, the improvement of service quality, and the creation of an investment-friendly environment.

In a report on grid modernisation, Esmat detailed that 34 new transformer stations of various voltage levels were completed and integrated into the unified national grid over the past year. Additionally, expansions were carried out at 40 existing stations. The ministry also extended distribution lines by 194,000 kilometres and transmission lines by 5,610 kilometres to bolster network coverage.

Addressing technical and financial inefficiencies, Esmat highlighted a crackdown on power theft, noting that authorities recorded stolen electricity totalling 4.6bn kilowatt-hours. To improve monitoring and collection efficiency, the ministry has installed 2.5m “coded” meters across the country.

The meeting underscored the Egyptian government’s focus on expanding energy infrastructure and ensuring long-term sustainability to align with national development goals.

dailynewsegypt-


Egyptian renewable energy solutions firm Rees Tech is targeting sales of approximately EGP 1bn in 2026, driven by a rapid increase in demand for solar systems across the local market, Chairperson Ibrahim Gamal said.

The 2026 target represents a doubling of the company’s business volume compared to 2025, when revenues reached approximately EGP 500m. Gamal attributed the projected growth to the accelerating adoption of solar energy in the agricultural and industrial sectors, as well as off-grid applications.

Rees Tech, which operates as a specialised trading company, provides integrated solutions for solar power plants, including inverters, solar panels, batteries, and protection products. The company began operations in 2015 as an installation contractor before expanding into direct imports in 2019, a transition Gamal said positioned the firm among the leading players in Egypt’s solar market.

A significant turning point for the company was the import of Chinese V&T inverters designed specifically for water pumping systems. Gamal noted that the company’s commitment to price discipline, consistent inventory, and after-sales service led to securing exclusive agency rights for the brand. He described the V&T inverters as highly reliable for pumping applications due to their low failure rates, smooth operating systems, and remote-control capabilities.

The company has established a distribution network of approximately 50 distributors, comprising 10 main distributors and 30 to 40 sub-distributors, focused on key agricultural regions nationwide. Gamal stated that the firm maintains a market protection policy to safeguard distributor margins and ensure long-term stability.

In addition to inverters, Rees Tech’s portfolio includes Snobly batteries, cables, and protection products. The company distributes solar panels from global manufacturers JA Solar and LONGi, and recently secured the exclusive agency for AIKO solar panels in Egypt.

To mitigate supply disruptions and market volatility, Rees Tech currently holds inventory sufficient to cover three to four months of demand, Gamal said. He added that this inventory strategy is central to meeting rising demand and achieving growth targets.

Looking ahead, the chairperson expects anticipated increases in global solar panel prices to further boost the overall market value of solar-related businesses in Egypt throughout 2026.

dailynewsegypt-



Gold prices in the local market recorded strong gains in January, jumping by around EGP 995, despite steep declines observed in the final days of the month, according to a report issued by online gold and jewellery trading platform iSagha.

Saied Embaby, Chief Executive of iSagha, stated that the price of 21-carat gold opened January trading at EGP 5,830 per gram and reached an all-time high of EGP 7,550, before closing the month at EGP 6,825. On the other hand, 24-carat gold settled at around EGP 7,800 per gram by the end of trading, 18-carat gold at EGP 5,850, and the gold pound at approximately EGP 54,600.

Globally, gold prices surged by about $577, or 13.4%, during January. The ounce began the month at $4,318, touched a peak of $5,605, and closed at $4,895.

The local market recorded its largest single-day loss in history last Friday, with prices falling by nearly EGP 600 per gram, in tandem with a sharp global decline that saw gold drop by more than $510 per ounce.

Commenting on the pricing gaps, Embaby explained that local prices remain higher than their global equivalents by up to EGP 405. He attributed this to the intensity and speed of global price fluctuations, in addition to strong demand, which have made it difficult for some traders to keep pace with real-time movements. He stressed that the platform would transparently clarify any unjustified pricing gaps to the public.

Embaby also noted that the gold market is not suffering from a shortage of raw material; however, demand is exceeding the production capacity of factories, placing pressure on the market. In contrast, the silver market is facing two simultaneous challenges. They are a shortage of raw materials and factories’ inability to meet rising demand, making itmore vulnerable to volatility.

He stressed that sharp declines in gold prices do not signal the end of the upward trend. He forecasted a return to gains after a period of relative calm, and advised those who purchased gold at high levels to hold on to it to recover losses, amid continued positive expectations through the end of

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The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) is set to offer a local treasury bill tender denominated in US dollars on Monday, valued at $950m.

The proceeds of the tender will be used to repay the maturity of a previous tender launched on 4 February 2025, under which bids worth $1.061bn were accepted and are due to mature on Tuesday.

CBE had previously received 26 bids worth $937m to cover a similar tender launched on 29 December 2025 with a value of $800m. According to data published on CBE’s official website, it accepted 20 of those bids, totalling $817m, at a yield of 3.5%, while rejecting bids that demanded returns of up to 4%.

Subscription to these dollar-denominated treasury bills is open to local banks and foreign institutions, with a minimum subscription of $100,000 and its multiples.

Investors subscribe to the bills in USD using the same mechanism applied in local-currency treasury bill offerings. Each primary dealer bank submits its subscription request to CBE, specifying the amount it wishes to invest and the interest rate it seeks. CBE the aggregates the bids for review and accepts those deemed appropriate.

Returns on these dollar treasury bills are determined based on several indicators, including global USD interest rates, alternative investment opportunities available to local and foreign banks and financial institutions, and the country’s sovereign credit rating.

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Egypt’s exports of chemical products and fertilizers recorded strong growth in 2025, surpassing $9.4bn, according to official data released by the Export Council for Chemical Industries and Fertilizers.

The council reported that total exports of the sector reached approximately $9.43bn from January to December 2025, compared to $8.78bn in 2024, marking an increase of about $650 million and a 7.4% year-on-year growth rate.

This positive performance reflects sustained external demand for Egyptian chemical and fertilizer products, alongside improved performance across several key product groups, particularly fertilizers, basic chemicals, and intermediate chemical products. The growth further strengthens the sector’s contribution to Egypt’s non-oil exports.

The council noted that export growth was supported by the diversification of international markets and the ability of Egyptian companies to maintain competitiveness despite global economic challenges and increasingly stringent quality, environmental, and technical requirements.

Italy topped the list of importing countries in 2025, with exports valued at around $1.284 billion, followed by Turkey at $1.103bn, and Brazil at approximately $652m. Other major destinations included Saudi Arabia ($580.9m), France ($479.5m), Spain ($471.7m), Libya ($298m), Belgium ($265.4m), Morocco ($251.6m), and Lebanon ($228.9m).

Exports to the top ten importing countries totaled about $5.62bn, accounting for nearly 60% of the sector’s total exports, highlighting the strategic importance of these markets.

Commenting on the results, Eng. Khaled Abou El Makarem, Chairman of the Export Council for Chemical Industries and Fertilizers, said that the 2025 performance reflects the continuous efforts made in cooperation with member companies and relevant stakeholders to boost exports. He emphasized that the sector is a key pillar of Egypt’s industrial, export, and investment landscape.

Abou El Makarem added that the council places strong emphasis on supporting exporters in meeting international technical and environmental standards, particularly in light of the global shift toward green transformation, to enhance access to European, African, and other promising markets.

For his part, Mohamed Magued, Executive Director of the council, said that export growth in 2025 was driven by a package of practical measures, including organizing trade missions abroad, hosting foreign buyer delegations, and facilitating direct B2B meetings, in addition to ongoing coordination with government entities and development partners.

Looking ahead, the council announced an ambitious export growth plan for 2026, focusing on opening new markets—especially in Africa, Asia, and Latin America—integrating more small and medium-sized enterprises into the export system, supporting sustainability and green transition, increasing value-added products, and intensifying trade missions and buyer engagements.

The council reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the competitiveness of the chemical and fertilizers sector and increasing its contribution to Egypt’s export revenues, in line with the state’s goals for sustainable economic growth and stronger industrial exports.

Company Name : Asec Company for Mining "ASCOM"
ISIN Code : EGS10001C013
Reuters Code : ASCM.CA
Content :
Referring to what was published concerning a tender offer on Allied Gold's stocks from Zijin Gold International company, release from the company was sent.

Release from the Company (211 KB)

Company Name : Al Khair River For Development Agricultural Investment&Envir
ISIN Code : EGS02291C010
Reuters Code : KRDI.CA
Content :
The company sent a release concerning the EGM invitation that will be held on 26/02/2026.

Release from the Company (128 KB)

Issuer Name : Egyptian Co For Securitization Tenth Issue Tranche C Feb 2026
ISIN Code : EGB692C1S309
Reuters Code : EGECSE10C=CA
Interest Type : Floating
Coupon Interest : 21.6%
Coupon Amount : EGP 0.0627082628
Coupon Number : 61
Coupon Date : 09/02/2026
Coupon Payment Date : 10/02/2026
Notes :
Bond redemption: EGP 3.5321783808

Issuer Name : Egyptian Co For Securitization 8th Issue Tranche D Jun 2027
ISIN Code : EGB692C1S242
Reuters Code : EGECSE08D=CA
Interest Type : Floating
Coupon Interest : 22.8%
Coupon Amount : EGP 0.9264707665
Coupon Number : 68
Coupon Date : 09/02/2026
Coupon Payment Date : 10/02/2026
Notes :
Bond redemption: EGP 3.9069652349

Company Name : El Arabia Engineering Industries
ISIN Code : EGS3G111C015
Reuters Code : EEII.CA
Content :
Release from the company concerning signing a contract for the sale of the company's old factory

Release from the Company (402 KB)

Issuer Name : Egyptian Co For Securitization Tenth Issue Tranche D Dec 2027
ISIN Code : EGB692C1S317
Reuters Code : EGECSE10D=CA
Interest Type : Floating
Coupon Interest : 21.8%
Coupon Amount : EGP 0.4218216365
Coupon Number : 61
Coupon Date : 09/02/2026
Coupon Payment Date : 10/02/2026
Notes :
Bond redemption: EGP 9.6225625600