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UAE’s Halal and Islamic Finance Push: Why ASEAN Businesses Should Pay Attention
Market Moves
  •  
3 min read

UAE’s Halal and Islamic Finance Push: Why ASEAN Businesses Should Pay Attention

The UAE is doubling down on Islamic finance and halal exports—setting a bold $86B target by 2031 and holding $162B in Islamic deposits. For ASEAN businesses, this is more than a headline—it’s a clear signal to engage. From halal F&B to Sukuk financing, the UAE is opening doors. Time for ASEAN to walk through them.

Can the GCC-ASEAN Partnership Deliver More Than Declarations?
Market Moves
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4 min read

Can the GCC-ASEAN Partnership Deliver More Than Declarations?

The recent GCC–ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Kuala Lumpur reaffirmed strong intentions to deepen economic, political, and strategic cooperation between the two blocs. But as Gulf investments eye Southeast Asia’s fast-growing markets, a hard question remains: Will this partnership move beyond rhetoric?

Why the Vietnam-Laos-Cambodia Triad Matters to the GCC
Market Moves
  •  
2 min read

Why the Vietnam-Laos-Cambodia Triad Matters to the GCC

On the sidelines of the recent ASEAN Summit, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia met to reaffirm trilateral cooperation. It may seem like routine diplomacy, but this sub-regional alliance has deeper implications—especially for Gulf stakeholders seeking stable, growth-ready entry points into Southeast Asia.

ASEAN-GCC Summit 2025: Gulf and ASEAN Forge a New Growth Axis
Market Moves
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3 min read

ASEAN-GCC Summit 2025: Gulf and ASEAN Forge a New Growth Axis

The ASEAN-GCC Summit 2025 seeks to fortify economic ties between ASEAN and GCC nations, offering a strategic lifeline amid escalating tariff tensions and shifting global alliances.

From Satay to Shawarma: When Soft Power Tastes Really, Really Good
Cultural Intelligence
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3 mins read

From Satay to Shawarma: When Soft Power Tastes Really, Really Good

How nasi goreng, sambal, and shawarma are quietly building bridges between the Gulf and ASEAN in ways diplomats only dream of.

After the Ballot, the Business: What Singapore’s 2025 General Election Means for SEA & MENA Investors
Market Moves
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2 min read

After the Ballot, the Business: What Singapore’s 2025 General Election Means for SEA & MENA Investors

Singapore’s General Election 2025 may not have sparked political surprises, but it has set the tone for serious business. With PAP’s continued dominance and PM Lawrence Wong at the helm, the city-state signals policy continuity, economic stability, and strategic foresight.

When Luxury Migrates: DAMAC, Dubai Ambition, and the New Currency of Southeast Asian Prestige
Market Moves
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4 min read

When Luxury Migrates: DAMAC, Dubai Ambition, and the New Currency of Southeast Asian Prestige

Dubai’s DAMAC Properties is expanding into Southeast Asia. Here’s what that move reveals about rising affluence, shifting aspirations, and the cultural currency of branded real estate.

The Quiet Winners and Losers of the Trump Trade War
Market Moves
  •  
5 min read

The Quiet Winners and Losers of the Trump Trade War

While the Trump trade war rattled giants, MENA quietly rewrote its playbook—reshaping supply chains, energy flows, and diplomacy. Not the main character, but still very much in the story.

Why Malaysia Remains MENA’s Trusted First Stop in Southeast Asia’s Growth Story
Brand Playbook
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4 min read

Why Malaysia Remains MENA’s Trusted First Stop in Southeast Asia’s Growth Story

From halal economy leadership to regional market access, Malaysia offers Gulf capital a trusted bridge to ASEAN growth.

Trump’s 2025 Tariffs — Shockwaves Across Asia, and Why MENA Should Pay Attention
Market Moves
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3 min read

Trump’s 2025 Tariffs — Shockwaves Across Asia, and Why MENA Should Pay Attention

Trump’s 2025 tariffs are shaking up global trade, but Southeast Asia and MENA are turning disruption into opportunity — from supply chain pivots to strategic investments in tech and green energy. As trade routes realign, agile players in both regions are poised to capitalise on the next wave of global commerce.

Before We Talk Tariffs, Let’s Talk About Free Trade Agreements
Market Moves
  •  
4 min read

Before We Talk Tariffs, Let’s Talk About Free Trade Agreements

Before we jump into the noise of tariffs and trade wars, let’s step back and understand the foundations of global trade — Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). Why? Because every headline about tariffs is, in many ways, a reaction to the world built by FTAs.

Does MENA Really Need Southeast Asia? Not Exactly — But It Would Be Foolish To Ignore.
Market Moves
  •  
3 min read

Does MENA Really Need Southeast Asia? Not Exactly — But It Would Be Foolish To Ignore.

MENA doesn’t need Southeast Asia — but it’s smarter with SEA in the playbook.

© 2025 A The Gulf-ASEAN Exchange is a business intelligence platform by Bayn Works. All Rights Reserved.

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