Middle East Archives

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Executive Interviews

Iran Crisis: Reconnaissance Research’s Abdulaziz Al-Anjeri On Kuwait’s Pivotal Moment

As the war in Iran escalates, Reconnaissance Research CEO Abdulaziz Al-Anjeri reflects on Kuwait's unique economic challenges as well as its bolstering resilience in the face of conflict.

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Oil Underinvestment Could Hinder US’ Iran-Crisis Response: Here’s Why

No matter how the Iran war gets resolved, the US and other countries will be forced to reckon with a global oil market in complete disarray.

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Sustainable Finance Awards 2026: Middle East

Sustainable finance in the Middle East is growing, but the region still faces major funding gaps and climate-adaptation pressures.

AI is Reshaping Financial Services & Redefining the Role of Banks

As the global financial services industry is accelerating the adoption of AI (artificial intelligence) technology, Abdullah Khalifa Al Nusef, Boubyan Bank’s Chief Data Officer, discusses the transformative impact on banks and the customer experience as well as Boubyan’s AI-driven services and growth strategy.

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US-Iran War Puts Strait Of Hormuz Under Fire, Disrupting Global Energy Trade

US strikes on Iran escalate Strait of Hormuz tensions, spiking energy prices, disrupting trade and heightening global geopolitical risk.

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Best Trade Finance Bank In Middle East: Bank ABC

Bank ABC's exceptional growth in business volumes, successful rollout of advanced trade finance platforms, and execution of landmark transactions across the MENA region are the compelling reasons for its recognition as the Best Trade Finance Bank in the Middle East.

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GW Platt Foreign Exchange Bank Awards 2026: Middle East

Emirates NBD drives FX innovation across 50 currencies, combining speed, analytics, and its 4X platform to optimize client execution.

Executive Interviews

‘Compliance Is the Foundation’: Kawa Junad On Banking Digitally In Iraq

Few executives have shaped Iraq’s digital transformation as directly as Kawa Junad, founder of First Iraqi Bank.

Nomo breaks new ground in Islamic digital banking

‘We continue to listen to customer needs,’ says Abdullah Al-Tuwaijri, CEO, Consumer, Private & Digital Banking of Boubyan Bank and board member of Bank of London and The Middle East, the largest Islamic bank in Europe

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AI In Finance Awards 2025: Round II

In banking as in other industries, AI is rapidly becoming a core business driver. The biggest gains will come from a foundational rethink of operations, not marginal improvements.

Awards

World’s Best Digital Banks 2025: Round II

The global financial industry is being radically shaped by three core forces: industrialization of AI; development of expansive digital ecosystems; and refreshed emphasis on providing secure, customer-centric digital services.

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World’s Best Digital Banks 2025: Round II—Islamic Regional

Digital-first institutions are rapidly incorporating AI and other transformative tech into their Islamic banking practice.

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World’s Best Private Banks 2026: Middle East

Thriving In A Haven For Millionaires: Private banks in the Middle East and North Africa are enhancing digital capabilities and adding international offices to cater to their expanding client base.

Growth Opportunities in Kuwait’s Dynamic Capital Markets

Named “2023 Best Debt Bank in the Middle East” by Global Finance, Kamco Invest is well-positioned to drive innovation and growth in the region's capital markets, says Abdullah AlSharekh, Managing Director of Markets & Investment Banking.

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World’s Best SME Banks 2026: Middle East

The Middle East’s SME sector is evolving rapidly as banks and entrepreneurs align to diversify economies beyond traditional industries.