Photo of Melissa Hancock

Photo of Melissa Hancock

Melissa Hancock

Melissa Hancock is the author of Gulf Brief – Fortune's weekly newsletter which spotlights the investment trends and business opportunities that matter across the region. Melissa has specialized in covering the region for 20 years, during which time she has worked for a range of well-known publications including AGBI, MEED, Forbes Middle East and MEES. She also served as MENA Editor for The Banker, the FT’s monthly banking magazine.

How Dubai is using data and AI to build the city of the future

How Dubai is using data and AI to build the city of the future

By Melissa HancockOctober 28, 2026

Global AI leaders gather in Dubai as the emirate expands its ambitions

Global AI leaders gather in Dubai as the emirate expands its ambitions

By Melissa HancockOctober 28, 2026

Beyond the UAE: Space42’s $1.7 billion bid to conquer new markets

Beyond the UAE: Space42’s $1.7 billion bid to conquer new markets

By Melissa HancockOctober 21, 2026

Databricks sets sights on Abu Dhabi as Middle East growth takes off

Databricks sets sights on Abu Dhabi as Middle East growth takes off

By Melissa HancockOctober 21, 2026

A growing security premium threatens Saudi Arabia’s investment project

A growing security premium threatens Saudi Arabia’s investment project

By Melissa HancockOctober 14, 2026

‘The secret world of secondaries’: How a niche area of finance is emerging as a new liquidity engine in the Gulf

‘The secret world of secondaries’: How a niche area of finance is emerging as a new liquidity engine in the Gulf

By Melissa HancockOctober 7, 2026

Saudi’s economic transformation collides with war and falling FDI

Saudi’s economic transformation collides with war and falling FDI

By Melissa HancockOctober 7, 2026

From IPO boom to standoff: Saudi Arabia’s capital markets ambitions meet a reluctant investor base

From IPO boom to standoff: Saudi Arabia’s capital markets ambitions meet a reluctant investor base

By Melissa HancockSeptember 30, 2026

From rift to rapprochement: Saudi-UAE reset over Yemen

From rift to rapprochement: Saudi-UAE reset over Yemen

By Melissa HancockSeptember 30, 2026

Satellites, Security and Sovereign Cash: Inside the UAE’s Space Strategy

Satellites, Security and Sovereign Cash: Inside the UAE’s Space Strategy

By Melissa HancockSeptember 23, 2026

Trump faces Gulf pressure for diplomacy as world leaders gather in New York

Trump faces Gulf pressure for diplomacy as world leaders gather in New York 

By Melissa HancockSeptember 23, 2026

The Gulf’s female startup ecosystem is flourishing. So, where’s the funding?

The Gulf’s female startup ecosystem is flourishing. So, where’s the funding?

By Melissa HancockSeptember 16, 2026

The Middle East’s female founders are on the rise. Why isn’t the funding following?

The Middle East’s female founders are on the rise. Why isn’t the funding following?

By Melissa HancockSeptember 16, 2026

Saudi’s Humain turns to outside investment as the kingdom reins in fiscal spending

Saudi’s Humain turns to outside investment as the kingdom reins in fiscal spending

By Melissa HancockSeptember 9, 2026

Saudi’s Humain is planning an IPO and a $2.5 billion fund to fuel its expansion plans

Saudi’s Humain is planning an IPO and a $2.5 billion fund to fuel its expansion plans 

By Melissa HancockSeptember 9, 2026

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