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Mubadala CEO to Lead WEF Council; Saudi Signals Spending Reset; Man City Slips In Richest Rankings
Saturday, January 24, 2026
Happy Saturday everyone!
Mubadala chief Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak was appointed chair of the World Economic Forum’s International Business Council, placing him among the world’s most influential corporate leaders. In Davos, Saudi officials said the kingdom is shifting toward more disciplined government spending as it fine-tunes Vision 2030 while managing lower oil revenues and rising borrowing needs. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi-backed Manchester City dropped to sixth in Deloitte’s Football Money League after a trophyless season and weaker financial results, while Paris Saint-Germain also slipped despite higher revenues.
Mubadala CEO Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak Named Chair Of WEF’s International Business Council
What’s it About?
Mubadala Managing Director and Group CEO Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak has been appointed chair of the World Economic Forum’s International Business Council (IBC). The invitation-only body brings together nearly 120 top global CEOs and executive chairs to exchange views and coordinate on major economic and corporate challenges discussed annually in Davos.
Why it Matters?
The role places Al Mubarak at the centre of global corporate dialogue at a time of economic uncertainty, technological disruption and geopolitical shifts. It also reinforces Abu Dhabi’s growing influence in international business circles, reflecting Mubadala’s expanding global footprint and Al Mubarak’s extensive leadership roles across finance, energy, technology and diplomacy.
What’s Next?
As chair, Al Mubarak is expected to steer discussions on investment, sustainability, artificial intelligence and growth strategies among the world’s most powerful executives. His appointment follows continued international recognition, including a top ranking in Forbes Middle East’s Sustainability Leaders 2025 list, and signals a stronger Gulf presence in shaping global economic priorities.
Markets
EGX 30 | 46,462.32 | 0.90% |
DFMGI | 6,484.38 | 0.166% |
ADX | 10,285.77 | 0.186% |
Tadawul | 11,133.58 | 1.69% |
“Agility Keeps Progress On The Rails”: Saudi Officials Signal Fiscal Reset At Davos
What’s it About?
“Agility keeps progress on the rails,” Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Al-Ibrahim said at the World Economic Forum in Davos, as officials sharpened messaging around a shift toward more disciplined government spending. Riyadh is recalibrating after years of aggressive outlays tied to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s $2 trillion Vision 2030 program, while navigating weaker oil revenues.
Why it Matters?
The pivot highlights Saudi Arabia’s attempt to balance economic transformation with fiscal sustainability. Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan echoed the message, saying the kingdom is targeting “optimal impact at the right cost” and is prepared to cancel projects that no longer align with priorities. The stance comes amid ongoing budget deficits, rising borrowing needs and efforts to attract greater private-sector participation.
What’s Next?
Officials expect stronger private investment in 2026 and say continued deficits and debt issuance will be directed toward value-generating sectors. While Wall Street forecasts heavier borrowing than the government projects, growth remains a bright spot, supported by a buoyant non-oil economy. The IMF has upgraded Saudi Arabia’s 2026 growth outlook to 4.5%, underscoring confidence in the kingdom’s diversification drive.
Abu Dhabi-Backed Manchester City Slides In Deloitte Football Money League Rankings
What’s it About?
Manchester City has fallen to sixth place in Deloitte’s latest Football Money League after a trophyless season and weaker on-field results. The Abu Dhabi-backed Premier League club posted a £9.9 million loss and a 1% revenue decline to €829 million, dropping from second place a year earlier. Qatar-owned Paris Saint-Germain also slipped one spot despite silverware-heavy campaigns.
Why it Matters?
The rankings underline how sporting performance directly affects commercial power, broadcasting income and matchday revenues. City’s slide follows early European elimination and a third-place league finish, while PSG’s modest climb in revenue still failed to prevent a ranking drop. At the top, Real Madrid led with nearly €1.2 billion, while English clubs captured half of the top 10 positions.
What’s Next?
Deloitte said the rise of star-studded squads in Saudi Arabia and the US could soon reshape the leaderboard, even though neither league currently features in the top 20. With European giants still dominant, future editions may reflect growing Gulf and American influence as investment, global fan bases and commercial strategies continue to evolve across football.
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🔍In other news…
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🗓️ Plan Your Events (Jan-Feb 2026)
UAE
21-27 January: Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, Dubai.
21-24 January: Acres Real Estate Exhibition, Expo Center, Sharjah.
26-30 January: Gulfood 2026, Dubai
31 January-February 1: Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (Media Partners)
3-5 February: The World Governments Summit, Dubai.
9-12 February: World Health Expo (WHX), Dubai.
11-12 February: STEP Dubai Conference, Dubai Internet City. (Media Partners)
Saudi Arabia
28-30 January: Jeddah International Travel and Tourism Exhibition (JTTX), Jeddah.
2-4 February: Saudi Media Forum, Riyadh.
2-4 February: Women Leaders Summit and Awards KSA, Riyadh.
8-12 February: World Defense Show, Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, Riyadh.
Egypt
5-7 February: RiseUp Summit, Cairo. (Media Partners)
11-12 February: Ai Everything Egypt (Organized by GITEX Global), Cairo. (Media Partners)
Qatar
1-4 February: Web Summit Qatar, Doha. (Media Partners)
2-5 February: 21st International Conference & Exhibition on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG2026)
