UAE Business & Economy: IHC posted strong H1 2026 results, with revenue up 34.5% to Dh64.9bn and profit after tax rising to Dh26.2bn, as growth came across energy and mining, hospitality, real estate and financial services. AI & Smart Cities: Dubai climbed to No. 2 globally in BCG’s Intelligent Cities Index, scoring top marks for AI adoption and smart-city solutions. Fintech & Payments: Edenred UAE received in-principle approval from the Central Bank to operate as a licensed stored value facility provider, a step toward expanding its payroll-linked payments role. Mobility Funding: Moove, the UAE-based autonomous mobility firm, was valued at $2.1bn after a Mubadala-led $250m Series C to scale robotaxi operations and infrastructure. Real Estate & People: Dubai’s population has rebounded above its prewar peak to 4.73m, easing fears of an expat exodus and supporting property demand. Trade & Consumer Watch: The UAE’s Essential Goods Prices Platform is set to expand after drawing 143,720 visits since April, tracking thousands of staple items across major retailers. Energy & Geopolitics: Strait of Hormuz disruption continues to pressure global trade and energy flows, with Gulf business activity rebounding in July but still below pre-war levels. Security & Logistics: Multiple explosions were reported in Dubai’s Jebel Ali industrial area; authorities are investigating the cause.