Saudi IPO Rules: Saudi Arabia’s Capital Market Authority proposes tighter IPO rules to boost investor protection and transparency after a 2026 listing slowdown, shifting more execution and funding risk to institutional investors and underwriters. UAE-Iran Aviation Sanctions: The UAE suspends all flights by Iranian airlines to/from the country under US sanctions, following earlier UAE financial curbs on Iran’s Bank Melli. UAE Central Bank Action: UAE authorities restrict Bank Melli Iran over AML compliance breaches, tightening the financial pipeline tied to Iran. US-Iran Hormuz Talks: US and Iranian negotiators explore a phased deal: Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz while the US lifts its economic blockade, potentially unlocking access to frozen assets. Microsoft Gulf Push: Microsoft plans to invest $10B+ in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait by 2030, focusing on cloud infrastructure and AI resilience as regional tensions rise. Moderna Meets UAE: Moderna shares jump to a four-year high after talks with UAE officials on advanced pharma investment and R&D collaboration. IMF Meets OICCI: An IMF visit to Pakistan’s OICCI urges broader taxation, lower compliance burdens, stronger investor protection and faster private investment to support growth. Kuwait AI Priorities: Kuwait puts AI and human capital at the center of its Vision 2035, highlighting a 10-year Microsoft partnership and skills development. Syria Antiquities Return: Syria recovers 36 looted antiquities worth $5M+ from the US, including Palmyra relief and rare mosaics, in a repatriation ceremony. Israel UN Fallout: Netanyahu’s UNGA speech triggers mass walkouts as Abbas warns of a “genocidal war” and settlement expansion risks to Palestinian existence and the two-state solution.