Iran Sanctions Hit Households: Iran’s medicine prices have surged, with some treatments reportedly tripling as the US blockade and tighter sanctions strain the pharmaceutical supply chain, adding to broader cost-of-living pressure. Saudi Arabia AI Execution: Saudi Arabia’s AI push is shifting from building infrastructure to turning it into real operational capability across platforms, security, and governance. Capital Markets Mood in Saudi: Saudi Arabia’s IPO market is stuck at a weak pace, with only a few listings so far this year as valuation disagreements and investor caution persist amid regional uncertainty. Digital Banking Recognition: Arab Bank won “Best Corporate Digital Bank in Bahrain” for 2026, alongside trade finance and treasury/cash management awards, highlighting continued digital product traction. ADX Market Milestone: Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange was named the Arab Exchange with the highest market cap-to-GDP ratio for 2025, reinforcing ADX’s push for deeper liquidity and broader listings. Cross-Border Aviation Disruption: Turkey seized an Iranian airline Boeing at Istanbul over a €3m debt, following US secondary sanctions that have already tightened Iran’s aviation access. Trade & Investment Signals: Germany’s NRW and Türkiye’s DEIK backed stronger business ties, including faster visas for Turkish firms, while Qatar and Saudi Arabia reviewed progress on boosting trade and private-sector cooperation.