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United Parks & Resorts reported weaker second-quarter results, with revenue falling 1.4% to $483.3 million and attendance declining 2.9%. Net income dropped to $63.3 million from $80.1 million year-over-year, whilst adjusted EBITDA decreased to $195.5 million. Management attributed attendance pressure to Easter timing and lower international visitation. In-park spending per guest rose a record 5.1%, partly offsetting lower attendance. July revenue declined approximately 2% due to unfavorable weather, wildfires and air-quality issues. The company expects growth in remaining months but is not forecasting full-year adjusted EBITDA growth. United Parks is targeting $50 million in cost savings for 2026 and exploring potential real-estate sales. The company repurchased approximately $217.7 million of shares in the first half, equal to 12.1% of shares outstanding, whilst maintaining about $658 million in liquidity.

From metro to energy... UAE expands its economy despite 'war noise' 20 May 2026 23:45 | Last update: 20 May 23:47 2026 Reading time - 4 minutes UAE accelerates projects worth hundreds of billions: metro, aviation, tourism, energy, and partnerships, to boost diversification and infrastructure despite regional tensions At a time when regional economies are dealing cautiously with the repercussions of the latest war and escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, the UAE continues to send signals opposite to global markets by accelerating the launch of strategic projects worth hundreds of billions of dirhams, reflecting high political and economic confidence in its ability to maintain growth momentum amid a turbulent regional environment. While expansion decisions slow in several regional economies, the UAE has pushed forward, in recent months, with a package of massive projects and investments. In Dubai, the Roads and Transport Authority launched the 'Golden Line' of Dubai Metro with an investment of 34 billion dirhams, becoming one of the largest urban transport projects in the region, comprising a 42-kilometer line and 18 stations, being the first metro line fully underground in the emirate, and connecting strategic areas including Business Bay, Meydan, Dubai Land, and Jumeirah Golf Estates. At the same time, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, inaugurated the main excavation work in the tunnels of the 'Blue Line' project of Dubai Metro, in a message reflecting the emirate's continued long-term investment in urban infrastructure despite surrounding regional pressures. The 'Blue Line' is one of the largest transport projects in the emirate, costing up to 20.5 billion dirhams, with a length of 30 kilometers, including 15.5 kilometers underground and 14.5 kilometers above ground, and includes 14 stations, among which three are transfer stations and four are underground. The project serves nine areas with a population of one million. Dubai continued to pump massive strategic investments, as Emirates Airline announced the establishment of an integrated engineering center for aircraft maintenance and engineering in Dubai South with an investment close to 19 billion dirhams, as part of plans to expand the aviation sector infrastructure in the emirate. Tourism and entertainment In Sharjah, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the new Khorfakkan resort, with an investment of up to 700 million dirhams. The project is a qualitative addition to the emirate's tourism sector, as the resort extends over an area of approximately 330,000 square feet, with a building area of 1.4 million square feet. In tourism and entertainment, Abu Dhabi strengthened its international status by announcing the 'Seaworld Abu Dhabi' project on Yas Island, with an investment of approximately 6.2 billion dirhams, in partnership between the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi and Seaworld Entertainment, as the first project for the American company outside America. Dubai opened Al Mamzar Khor Beach as a new family tourism destination, as part of waterfront development projects. Energy and gas Abu Dhabi continues to enhance its presence in energy, industry, and advanced technology, as ADNOC announced the acceleration of its expansion plans by targeting the award of projects worth 200 billion dirhams between 2026 and 2028, as part of a five-year investment plan. The company is working to accelerate the implementation of the 'West to East 1' pipeline project. Also, Ta'ziz signed long-term agreements worth 104.6 billion dirhams during its participation in the 'Make it in the Emirates' platform, covering the supply and sale of various raw materials and industrial chemicals, while the company signed a strategic alliance with Alpha Dhabi Holding for capital investments approaching 36.7 billion dirhams in chemical projects in Ruwais Industrial City. ADNOC and Lwamd Holding, along with Global Infrastructure Partners (a subsidiary of BlackRock) and Temasek Holding, formed an investment partnership aiming to pump 30 billion dollars into infrastructure projects. Meanwhile, ADNOC continued to strengthen its international partnerships by exchanging two strategic agreements with Indian companies. EDGE Group acquired a controlling stake in the Italian CMG Group, specialized in developing advanced propulsion systems for marine, aerial, and automotive applications. It also awarded a contract worth 200 million dirhams through its company HALKIN to Emirates Cable and Interconnection Company in Abu Dhabi. Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, inaugurated the Star paper manufacturing plant in KEZAD Abu Dhabi with an investment of 200 million dirhams, to produce recycled cardboard. In Dubai, the 'Billion Meal Date Factory' project launched, with a capacity of up to 150 million units annually. Public-private partnership The Abu Dhabi Investment Office and the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Center launched a new package comprising 24 public-private partnership projects, with a total value of 55 billion dirhams, including projects in transportation, social services, and infrastructure, aiming to attract more global companies and enhance local content. In parallel with the launch of major projects, Dubai and Abu Dhabi approved grants, loans, land, and debt repayments for 7,283 citizens worth 9.5 billion dirhams, affirming the continuation of developmental and social spending internally despite regional challenges. The continuous momentum of launching mega projects despite the turbulent geopolitical atmosphere in the region reflects the UAE's transformation into a different economic model in the Middle East, based on long-term planning, intensive investment in infrastructure, economic diversification, and strengthening global partnerships. While some regional economies tend to postpone projects or reduce capital spending, the UAE appears to be investing in the very moment of uncertainty by accelerating transport, energy, industry, and tourism projects, with the aim of cementing its position as a regional hub for business, capital, and logistics services in the post-regional tensions era.