The wire
Gulf banking headlines on 22 July 2026 were shaped by three converging themes: the rapid growth of Islamic finance across the GCC, a landmark US-Saudi nuclear energy pact heading to Congress, and insurance-driven disruptions to airline operations at Dubai's airports. Together, they reflect a region navigating both long-term economic ambition and near-term geopolitical headwinds.
Top stories
Economy Middle East
Saudi Islamic Banking Hits 76% Share; UAE Eyes $697bn Sector by 2031
S&P Global Ratings data shows Sharia-compliant assets now represent 76% of Saudi banking, as the UAE targets a $697bn Islamic finance sector by 2031.
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Reuters
Trump to Submit US-Saudi Nuclear Energy Pact to Congress
The Trump administration plans to send Congress a nuclear technology-sharing agreement with Saudi Arabia within days, including provisions on uranium enrichment.
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Insurance Journal
Insurance Hurdles Slow Airlines' Return to Dubai Amid US-Iran Hostilities
Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths says war-risk insurance challenges and government travel advisories are delaying several European carriers from resuming Dubai routes.
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The Gulf Money digest surfaces reported news from third-party publications. We do not republish the stories themselves - every headline above links to the original source so you can read the publisher's own coverage.