Riyadh Real Estate Finance: SAB Invest and Retal launched a CMA-regulated SAR1.9bn ($502m) real estate investment fund for the Retal Heights project in Almalqa, with SAB funding up to 50% and targeting institutional/qualified investors. Makkah Redevelopment Deals: Umm Al Qura-led consortium won Royal Commission letters of award for Hindawiya West and South adjacent to Masar Destination, a SAR6bn ($1.6bn) development via a CMA-compliant real estate investment fund. Mideast Market Mood: Gulf stocks mostly slipped as Iran-war jitters and stalled US-Iran talks weighed on sentiment, while Saudi’s TASI edged up on ACWA Power gains. US Trade Pressure: The US proposed extra 12.5% duties on 54 economies, including Saudi Arabia, over alleged failures to block forced-labour imports, with hearings set for July. AI Push in Saudi Telecom: Zain KSA launched an AI Center of Excellence to embed AI across operations and expand AI services for customers and government, aligning with the Year of AI. RCRC Mobility Move: Riyadh’s Royal Commission for Riyadh City rolled out flexible working hours across six zones to ease traffic and improve commute times. Energy & Projects Watch: TAQA-led consortium won Abu Dhabi’s 2.6GW Taweelah C IPP (PPA to 2050), with commercial operations targeted for 2029.