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First Abu Dhabi Bank Asserts Itself as the Financial Bridge Between the Gulf and Asia
Market Moves
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3 min

First Abu Dhabi Bank Asserts Itself as the Financial Bridge Between the Gulf and Asia

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) is deepening its role as the financial bridge between the Gulf and Asia. At the second edition of the Middle East–Asia Summit in Singapore, FAB convened over 250 policymakers, investors, and business leaders to discuss how trade, innovation, and sustainability can shape a new era of cross-regional growth.

Taqua Malik on Why Business in the Gulf Begins With Culture
Cultural Intelligence
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3 min

Taqua Malik on Why Business in the Gulf Begins With Culture

In our latest feature on Gulf–ASEAN Exchange, Taqua shares how missteps become million-dollar mistakes, what true belonging looks like, and why the future of global business will require cultural fluency alongside digital fluency.

The Doha Strike and the Arab-Islamic Summit: A Turning Point for Gulf Sovereignty and Regional Alignment
Market Moves
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2 min read

The Doha Strike and the Arab-Islamic Summit: A Turning Point for Gulf Sovereignty and Regional Alignment

Developing Story: An Israeli strike in Doha (9 Sept) targeted Hamas figures and killed six, sparking an extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit (15 Sept). Leaders condemned the attack as a breach of sovereignty, warned that escalation could derail normalisation with Israel, and defended Qatar’s role as mediator. Beyond the rhetoric, Gulf states are now quietly questioning U.S. security guarantees — a shift that could push them to diversify defense ties with Turkey, China, or Russia.

Gulf–ASEAN Exchange: A Corridor of Opportunity in Uncertain Times
Market Moves
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2 min

Gulf–ASEAN Exchange: A Corridor of Opportunity in Uncertain Times

Global trade is tilting east—and the Gulf–ASEAN corridor is emerging as one of the world’s fastest-growing economic axes.

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

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