SME Finance Boost in Oman: National Bank of Oman (NBO) teamed up with Sharakah to run the first workshop of its SME Growth Program in Muscat, focusing on business planning, management skills, and sustainable growth networking. Debt Relief for Small Borrowers in South Korea: Korea’s government plans measures to support vulnerable borrowers as long-term rates rise, including debt restructuring for small business owners and expanded funding for low-income households. Inflation Squeezes UK SMEs: UK business groups say inflation is still hitting margins and hiring, with energy costs tied to Middle East tensions adding pressure on SMEs that can’t rely on price caps. Pakistan Energy Cost Shock for Small Cafes: In Karachi, rising LPG prices are pushing tea cafes back to coal, showing how regional energy disruptions can quickly force small operators to change fuel and pricing. Trade Deals Need Execution in India: India’s FTA push is shifting from signing agreements to helping exporters—especially small businesses—use Certificates of Origin and market access concessions effectively. Saudi Retail Distribution for Health Supplements: Cosmos Health secured an exclusive distribution deal in Saudi Arabia with Innova Healthcare, starting with 126,000 units and targeting 5M+ over five years. Counter-Drone Contract for Middle East Energy Sites: Powerus won a ~$22.3m deal to deploy networked counter-UAS detection and early-warning capabilities for critical oil and gas infrastructure across the region. SME Growth via Capital Market Access in Oman: Muscat Stock Exchange signed a deal aimed at boosting SME access to Oman’s capital market. Digital Commerce for Small Services: FBPostLikes rolled out a website redesign to simplify package discovery and checkout for creators and businesses buying social media growth services. Supply Chain Strain Around Hormuz: Strait of Hormuz diversions fell, but port dwell times remain high, with congestion hitting key hubs in Turkey, India, and Singapore—raising costs for regional traders.