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- Aramco Plans $35B Asset Drive; Dubai Honors Mona Al Marri; Noon Enters Syria
Aramco Plans $35B Asset Drive; Dubai Honors Mona Al Marri; Noon Enters Syria
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Monday, May 18, 2026
Happy Monday everyone!
Saudi Aramco is mapping out a $35 billion pipeline of midstream and real estate divestments to draw global institutional capital following its successful $11 billion gas facilities partnership with BlackRock. In the UAE, Dubai’s ruler honored Mona Al Marri with the official title of "Your Excellency" for her two decades of media leadership, arriving as the local media sector targets a $2.83 billion valuation by 2029. Meanwhile, Mohamed Alabbar’s Noon has expanded into Syria with a new Damascus tech center alongside venture builder Bidayah, following a reported $500 million funding round backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
In the wake of developments in the region, we hope everyone stays safe. At this critical moment, it is essential to remain united and follow guidance issued by official authorities from your country.
Markets
EGX30 | 52,364.34 | 1.49% |
DFMGI | 5708.78 | Closed |
ADX | 9,677.72 | Closed |
Tadawul | 10,967.94 | 0.25% |
Saudi Aramco Plans $35 Billion In Infrastructure Sales
What Is It About?
Saudi Aramco is organizing a $35 billion divestment pipeline, offering international investors minority stakes in its pipelines, midstream operations, and property holdings. This move follows the success of an $11 billion gas infrastructure partnership led by BlackRock. While the state energy giant will protect its core upstream oil production, it wants to capture growing global interest in infrastructure assets.
Why It Matters?
The plan shows Riyadh’s determination to bring in foreign capital despite regional tensions. By carving out secondary assets, Aramco can raise cash for the Kingdom's economic projects without giving up control of its oil fields. It provides Wall Street firms a steady, predictable yield in a volatile global market.
What’s Next?
Look for the first formal bidding rounds for specific pipeline networks later this year. Bankers expect heavy competition from US and Asian private equity funds looking to anchor their capital in steady energy infrastructure.
HH Mona Al Marri Awarded Title Of Your Excellency In Dubai
What Is It About?
Dubai’s ruler has honored Mona Al Marri with the prestigious title of "Your Excellency." As the head of the Government of Dubai Media Office and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, she has directed the city's public communication strategy since establishing the Dubai Press Club in 1999.
Why It Matters?
This honor highlights the importance the UAE places on media and state communication. Al Marri has been central to building Dubai’s image as a global business hub. Her recognition comes at a time when the local media market is expanding, with projections showing it will grow to $2.83 billion by 2029.
What’s Next?
Under her leadership, the Dubai Media Council will likely push for deeper digital platforms to capture younger audiences. Expect the upcoming Arab Media Forum to focus heavily on regulating AI-generated content across regional networks.
Noon Enters Syria With New Damascus Tech Hub
What Is It About?
Noon has expanded into Syria by launching an advanced technology center in Damascus. Built alongside Syrian venture builder Bidayah, the hub was opened during a visit by founder Mohamed Alabbar. The tech expansion arrives as Noon reportedly secures $500 million in new funding from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund before a potential stock market listing.
Why It Matters?
This project adds momentum to the UAE's growing commercial interest in Syria, where Alabbar is already assessing up to $18 billion in property investments. By setting up a technical base, Noon is tapping into local software talent while positioning itself early in a market that is just beginning to reconnect to global systems.
What’s Next?
Bidayah will manage the local operations and help integrate Noon’s platform with local merchants. Watch for whether Noon moves beyond a tech center to launch full e-commerce logistics and delivery fleets in major Syrian cities over the coming year.
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🔍In other news…
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🦄 World of Startups
Dubai gifting marketplace Udora secures $10M
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Jordan-based Tamatem has acquired Istanbul-founded Playable Factory, strengthening its push into performance marketing and user acquisition.
Egypt’s Lucky Raises USD 23M Series B. Its Consumer Credit Model is Expanding Into North Africa
“We Got Funded!” Maison Safqa Raises US$620,000 in Pre-Seed Funding to Expand Luxury Flash-Sale Platform Across GCC
Via Separations, US-based deeptech startup, raised $36M in funding from Aramco Ventures (Saudi), and other global investors.
