UAE clamps down on Iran-linked finance: The UAE central bank has barred Bank Melli from processing transactions to/from Iran via the Emirates, citing money-laundering, terrorism-financing and proliferation-financing breaches—another hit after earlier UAE suspension of Iran trade/finance and amid looming US secondary sanctions. Syria banking deal: QNB Group, via QNB Syria, with Al Baraka Bank Syria and Commercial Bank of Syria, launched joint financing for the final phase of the “Qasioun Journey” project in Damascus, highlighting syndicated structures for large-capex development. Syria housing push: Syria plans to build or rehabilitate 2 million homes by 2035 using a mix of state land, private investment, partnerships and foreign capital—aimed at easing a widening housing shortage. Saudi smart-city rollout: Viper Networks shipped its first Saudi smart city project, delivering Apollo Smart Lighting with smart-grid control, monitoring and camera-enabled features. UK rate warning echoes Middle East energy shock: Bank of England deputy governor Clare Lombardelli warned rates may rise if energy costs stay high, with markets pricing further hikes. Israel-West Bank security flare-up: Israel’s US ambassador’s son Neria Leiter remains critically injured after a ramming attack, underscoring ongoing regional risk that can spill into markets and cross-border flows. Iran aviation pressure spreads: UAE halted flights by Iranian airlines, following US aviation sanctions—raising the odds of more travel and payments disruption across the region.