Trump's confirmation that the Strait of Hormuz will reopen and the US naval blockade be lifted sent Brent crude down more than 3 per cent toward USD 84 per barrel. Equity futures advanced, though analysts warn markets should wait for the formal signing on June 19 before treating the de-escalation as certain. Read more →

Donald Trump told reporters at the G7 that the US-Iran agreement is moving to a second phase and that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen by Friday. The full deal text, he said, would be released in a formal setting within days. Read more →

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Évian-les-Bains, with talks covering AI, energy, investment, and the latest developments in the Middle East. The meeting took place within the framework of the two countries' longstanding strategic partnership. Read more →

Franklin Templeton has secured UAE Capital Markets Authority licences for its onshore Abu Dhabi entity, giving the US asset manager a regulated presence across all three of the country's main financial jurisdictions. The firm has operated in the UAE for more than 25 years and says the expanded structure will support retirement savings and end-of-service mandates. Read more →

WHOOP data across more than 10 million sleep records shows Kuwait averaging the longest nights in the Gulf at 6.85 hours, while UAE members lead on sleep quality and biological recovery metrics. GCC members average 1.8 years older in biological age than the global WHOOP membership, with poor sleep consistency and low lean mass as the main drivers. Read more →

Emirati entrepreneur Rashid Gargash has launched Rashtions, a UAE-made protein snack brand built on dates and camel milk. The range is now available through ADNOC, Emarat, Union Coop, Deliveroo and Noon. Read more →

Whitewill has completed a Fendi Casa Villa sale at AIDA by DarGlobal in Muscat worth OMR 1.74 million, among the highest transactions recorded at the development. The agency's own buyer data shows Oman's market drawing clients from more than 50 countries, with appetite spreading from Muscat to Salalah and Sohar. Read more →

Hisense has opened its Middle East and Africa regional headquarters in Dubai Internet City, with the June 16 inauguration also serving as the launch platform for the brand's new UR9 and UR8 RGB MiniLED television range. The Chinese electronics company is an official sponsor of FIFA World Cup 26. Read more →