Inflation is expected to ease from 2.5 per cent in 2026 to 2.1 per cent in 2027, as persistent food and beverage price pressures limit disinflation.
Al Dawood returns to the CEO role just over two weeks after stepping down as part of the retirement-related process.
Barq said the new funding will be used to strengthen operational efficiency, accelerate product and service development, invest in new financial and technology solutions and expand into additional regional and international markets.
The hiring slowdown reflects more than regional uncertainty, with companies reassessing workforce needs, talent priorities and hiring strategies.
While 83 per cent of Middle East employees say AI boosts productivity and 74 per cent expect it to improve jobs, 43 per cent fear job losses.
