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Gulf Leaders Push Trump; Dubai Support Package; Half Million Expansion
Saturday, May 23, 2026
Happy Saturday everyone!
Across the Gulf, governments and businesses are moving quickly to protect economic momentum as regional tensions reshape trade, investment and consumer markets. The UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar are reportedly pushing for diplomacy with Iran, Dubai is rolling out another Dh1.5 billion economic support package, while Saudi coffee chain Half Million appears to be preparing for expansion into Bahrain.
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The UAE just joined Saudi Arabia and Qatar in urging Trump not to restart the Iran war: Bloomberg
What Is It About?
The UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have reportedly urged US President Donald Trump not to restart military action against Iran, according to a Bloomberg exclusive citing Gulf officials. In separate calls, Gulf leaders reportedly warned renewed strikes would fail to achieve Washington’s long-term strategic goals while risking deeper economic instability across the region. UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash said there remains a “50-50 chance” of reaching an agreement with Iran as diplomatic pressure intensifies.
Why It Matters?
The conflict has already caused an estimated $58 billion in regional damage, with more than 80 facilities reportedly hit since US and Israeli strikes on Iran began in February. For Gulf economies heavily reliant on energy exports, another escalation risks disrupting shipping lanes, infrastructure and investor confidence. Meanwhile, Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG complex alone could reportedly face up to $20 billion annually in lost revenue due to war-related damage.
What’s Next?
Gulf officials reportedly remain concerned Israel could still persuade Trump to attack Iran again. Meanwhile, the UAE and Saudi Arabia continue strengthening alternative export infrastructure, including the UAE’s second bypass pipeline outside the Strait of Hormuz, now reportedly nearing 50 per cent completion.
Dubai Crown Prince approves Dh1.5 billion economic incentives package
What Is It About?
Dubai has approved a second Dh1.5 billion ($408 million) economic incentives package, bringing total support introduced within two months to Dh2.5 billion. Approved by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the package includes 33 initiatives targeting tourism, trade, customs, education, aviation and transport sectors. Measures include tourism fee exemptions, reduced customs penalties, instalment payment plans and deferred licence renewals for businesses and educational institutions.
Why It Matters?
The package signals Dubai’s continued focus on maintaining economic resilience and business competitiveness amid global volatility and slower international growth conditions. Dubai has increasingly relied on targeted stimulus, fee reductions and public-private coordination to preserve investor confidence and commercial activity.
What’s Next?
Businesses will now watch how quickly the initiatives are implemented across government departments over the next three to 12 months. Analysts will also monitor whether additional support measures emerge if regional geopolitical tensions and trade disruptions continue pressuring Gulf economies.
Saudi Coffee Chain Half Million Eyes Bahrain Expansion Amid IPO Speculation
What Is It About?
Popular Saudi coffee brand Half Million has reportedly registered its trademark in Bahrain, fuelling speculation the fast-growing chain may soon enter the Kingdom’s expanding specialty coffee market. Founded in Riyadh by Abdullah Alrajhi, a scion of the billionaire Al Rajhi banking family, alongside Meshal Khalid H. Alshehri, the brand has rapidly expanded across Saudi Arabia since launching in 2018.
Why It Matters?
Half Million reflects the broader rise of homegrown Gulf consumer brands competing against international chains across food, retail and lifestyle sectors. Often described as the “Starbucks of Saudi Arabia”, the company now operates more than 45 stores across 10 Saudi cities, alongside a flagship café in London’s Mayfair district.
What’s Next?
Attention is now shifting toward whether Bahrain becomes Half Million’s next regional launch market and how aggressively the brand expands beyond Saudi Arabia. Semafor previously reported the company hired EFG Hermes and Saudi National Bank to advise on a potential IPO, suggesting larger institutional ambitions may already be underway.
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