At $75bn, Saudi defense budget beats several European countries in 2022

• Qatar's military expenditure reaches $15.4 billion, ranking close to the Netherlands
• The United States remains the global leader with $877 billion in military spending

Foreign direct investment crucial for economic growth

• Qatar's Ahmad bin Mohammed Al Sayed underscores the pivotal role of foreign direct investment in economic diversification and job creation
• The summit gathers global leaders to address key challenges in economic diversification and the impact of technology on rural populations

Saudi real estate sector builds on vision beyond oil

Norms may make it easy to navigate ethical maze of AI

• In a world where technology dominates daily life, the need for digital transformation to empower various sectors is undeniable
• It's essential to regulate technology and overall policies to ensure cybersecurity and ethical AI use, highlights a top UAE official

Middle East sets global standards in renewable energy

• This TRENDS Explainer Video explores how the Middle East is fueling its economy with renewables like solar, wind, and green hydrogen, catalyzing a global clean energy shift
• By 2030, solar energy is expected to make up 15 percent of the Middle East's power mix, while new wind projects in Oman, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia will generate local jobs

Saudi Arabia, India boost alliance with multiple MoUs

• India and Saudi Arabia held their first Strategic Partnership Council meeting, emphasizing the strengthening of defense and security partnerships
• Talks between the two countries are expected to provide new direction to India-Saudi relationship on a broader regional and global scale.

Mega projects bet high on diversified future

• Saudi Arabia has allocated $250 billion in construction contracts since 2016 as part of its Vision 2030 strategy to diversify economy, attracting tourists and investments
• In 2022, Saudi Arabia emerged as the fastest-growing G20 economy, fueled by a massive $1.25 trillion investment in real estate and infrastructure projects

Partnership deals help UAE and India strengthen ties

• Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, UAE's Minister of State, highlights the country's commitment to multilateral cooperation at the G20 Summit.
• The UAE's participation in the G20 Summit aligns with its role as host for the upcoming COP28 climate conference, adds the minister

‘Historic’ EU-Middle East-India trade plan launched

• At the G20 Summit in New Delhi, the US, EU, Saudi Arabia, and UAE have launched an ambitious trade initiative to connect railways, ports, and energy networks globally
• The initiative could bypass the Suez Canal to accelerate India-Europe trade and has broader geopolitical implications, including fostering relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia

Deadliest quake in decades kills over 2,000 in Morocco; rescue bid is on

• Tremors felt in major cities including Marrakesh, Rabat, and Casablanca.
• Remote mountain villages severely affected, many victims feared trapped.