# The United Kingdom is reportedly nearing the completion of a pivotal free trade agreement with Gulf states.

*genai, business · news · 2026-05-18 · Devdiscourse*

## Key points

- The United Kingdom is close to finalizing a free trade agreement with Gulf states.
- Publicis is acquiring US data firm LiveRamp for $2.2 billion to expand in AI marketing.
- WHO has declared a rare Ebola outbreak in DR Congo a public health emergency of international concern.
- The Ebola virus has spread to Kinshasa and across the border into Uganda.

The United Kingdom is reportedly nearing the completion of a pivotal free trade agreement with Gulf states. This deal could bring much-needed positive traction for Prime Minister Keir Starmer, especially after recent electoral setbacks faced by his Labour Party. In the business realm, French advertising titan Publicis has set sights on the AI marketing sector with a significant $2.2 billion acquisition of US-based data firm LiveRamp. This strategic expansion underscores Publicis's dedication to leading in the evolving digital landscape. On the health front, the World Health Organization has raised alarms over a rare Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, labeling it a 'public health emergency of international concern.' The virus's spread to the capital Kinshasa and neighboring Uganda has heightened global health vigilance. (With inputs from agencies.)

**Companies:** Publicis, LiveRamp
**Countries:** United Kingdom, Gulf States, France, United States, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda

[Read the full story on Devdiscourse](https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/business/3912014-breaking-news-highlights-trade-talks-ai-acquisition-and-health-crisis)

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