Fuel shock hits SMEs: A diesel shortage tied to wars is pushing UK forecourt prices toward record levels, squeezing drivers, haulage and small traders as higher fuel costs flow into goods and inflation. Energy bills crush operators: In rural France, small bakers say heating-oil prices have jumped sharply since the Iran-war start, forcing painful margin losses and price increases. UAE tax deadline: The UAE Federal Tax Authority reminded Corporate Tax filers (including those eligible for Small Business Relief) that returns and any due payment for the 31 Dec 2025 tax period must be submitted by 30 Sep 2026 via EmaraTax, with proper records needed to avoid penalties. Kuwait procurement reform: Kuwait issued amendments to its public tenders law, raising thresholds for approvals, setting SME bid preferences (within 10% of the lowest acceptable bid), and creating a grievance committee with 30-day decisions. Qatar-U.S. business ties: Qatar Financial Centre and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce signed an MoU to boost cross-border investment in fintech, digital assets and enterprise tech. SME digitalisation in Egypt: Egypt’s Industrial Modernisation Center signed with Corporate Stack Solutions to help industrial SMEs adopt ERP and digital tools via local SaaS subscriptions. Skills for jobs in Syria: Qatar Charity launched a $1mn+ program training 540 women and men in northwestern Syria, linking them to employment and small-business opportunities. Qatar Chamber expands regional links: Qatar Chamber met Azerbaijani counterparts at the Azerbaijan International Investment Forum to explore trade and investment in agriculture, industry and banking.