March sees GCC Index drop as heavyweight sectors lag
GCC equity markets experienced a March downturn, influenced by seasonal selling pressure during Ramadan, leading to a 3.0% drop in...
Economy
Ramadan influences consumer habits, retail strategy
The ongoing fasting month brings traditional practices and modern shopping habits together, impacting market trends significantly in the Gulf region.
Business
Arts & Culture
Sports shift economic goalposts for Middle East
In a bid to diversify their economies, Middle Eastern nations are turning to the sports industry, marked by significant investments...
- In a bid to diversify their economies, Middle Eastern nations are turning to the sports industry, marked by significant investments in global tournaments and infrastructure
- Danube Group Managing Director Adel Sajan highlights Dubai's innovative spirit and the role of entities like Danube Sports World in shaping the region's sports future
Economy
AI and LLMs poised to transform global job landscape
About 23% of global jobs will transform within five years due to LLMs and AI advancements, according to the World...
- About 23% of global jobs will transform within five years due to LLMs and AI advancements, according to the World Economic Forum's 'Future of Jobs Report 2023'
- Jobs like Credit Authorizers, Management Analysts, and Telemarketers face high automation risks, while Insurance Underwriters and Bioengineers offer brighter future
Business
Global ambitions fuel Qatar’s investment momentum
Qatar Investment Authority, with a diversified $450 billion portfolio across 60 countries, is adeptly poised to tackle global economic hurdles...
- Qatar Investment Authority, with a diversified $450 billion portfolio across 60 countries, is adeptly poised to tackle global economic hurdles and seize expansion prospects
- Qatar's sovereign fund's notable investments include stakes in Volkswagen, SoftBank, RWE, and Paris Saint-Germain as it focuses on venture capital, fintech and sports sectors
Economy
Project reuse helps UAE boost sustainability drive
Amid UAE's urban expansion, there's a wealth of structures across the country ripe for revitalization, significantly offsetting the environmental impact...
- Amid UAE's urban expansion, there's a wealth of structures across the country ripe for revitalization, significantly offsetting the environmental impact of new developments
- With projects like Expo City Dubai is leading the way, the nation's architectural landscape is evolving towards a greener future, says Devmark CEO Sean McCauley
Business
Gulf banks show resilient growth despite US Fed hikes
Major banks in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, including the Commercial Bank of Dubai and First Abu Dhabi Bank, reported...
- Major banks in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, including the Commercial Bank of Dubai and First Abu Dhabi Bank, reported record profits in the first half of 2023, says a report
- In H1 2023, Saudi Arabia exhibited outstanding credit facility performance as Al Rajhi Bank reported a net income of US$2.2m, while Riyad Bank achieved US$1bn after zakat
Analysis
Deals with India add pace to Saudi diversification
Riyadh and New Delhi set a new benchmark in global trade and cooperation with 53 deals across diverse sectors and...
- Riyadh and New Delhi set a new benchmark in global trade and cooperation with 53 deals across diverse sectors and plans for an economic corridor from India to Europe
- Trade between Saudi Arabia and India, valued at US$52 billion, and India's rising economic prominence position makes New Delhi a key strategic partner for the Kingdom
Market Report
Healthcare, F&B and telecom companies spoil GCC stockmarkets’ three-month party
GCC equity markets saw their first decline in three months during August, influenced by global market performance and hawkish Fed...
- GCC equity markets saw their first decline in three months during August, influenced by global market performance and hawkish Fed policies, says a report
- Despite some sectors showing gains, the overall trend was downward, with Qatar leading the decline and Dubai emerging as the best performing market
Business
GCC real estate transactions surge on demand increase
GCC real estate hits $90.7 billion in the first half of 2023, a 9.9% year-on-year increase, with Dubai leading the...
- GCC real estate hits $90.7 billion in the first half of 2023, a 9.9% year-on-year increase, with Dubai leading the market, contributing 54 percent to the total value
- In the first half of 2023, Saudi Arabia experiences a 32% drop in real estate transactions, as Taiba Investments enjoys a 63.44 percent annual surge in profits
Business
Single window offers fresh air to Qatar enterprises
This enhanced suite of services simplify registration for investors, enabling them to complete company setup steps without visiting multiple ministries...
- This enhanced suite of services simplify registration for investors, enabling them to complete company setup steps without visiting multiple ministries or their websites
- Before the new system, licensing took 6-8 weeks. Now, the enhanced process bolsters global confidence in Qatar's business landscape, drawing international inquiries
Strengthening Middle East-China ties bolster trade
In recent years, the Middle East and China have fortified economic ties, with the former supplying half of latter's oil...
- In recent years, the Middle East and China have fortified economic ties, with the former supplying half of latter's oil and sealing a landmark 27-year LNG deal with Qatar
- After Chinese President Xi's 2022 Saudi visit, China-GCC FTA talks accelerated, financial ties deepened and the BRI synced with Middle East's digital and infra ambitions
March sees GCC Index drop as heavyweight sectors lag
GCC equity markets experienced a March downturn, influenced by seasonal selling pressure during Ramadan, leading to a 3.0% drop in...
Economy
Company News
Epstein case: Social media frenzy over released papers
Arts & Culture
Latest News
Qatar to set up Centre for Fourth Industrial Revolution
Davos, Switzerland -- The war in Ukraine, tensions in the Middle East, monetary policy in 2024, jobs, equitable economic growth,...
Business
Saudi startups soar amid surge in venture investments
Saudi Arabia, which secured over 50 percent of MENA's total venture investments in 2023, strategically focuses on financial technology to...
Economy
Epstein case: Social media frenzy over released papers
The release of Epstein-related court documents has ignited a social media frenzy, sparking intense scrutiny and various reactions about high-profile...
Arts & Culture
Most Read
Economy
Gulf countries eye global metal recycling hub status
Amidst an electric vehicle market boom, a looming global shortage of crucial minerals such as lithium and cobalt threatens to...
- Amid an electric vehicle market boom, a looming global shortage of crucial minerals such as lithium and cobalt threatens to double metal prices.
- Gulf countries are positioned to become global recycling hubs, offering a solution to the impending crisis and aiding the transition to clean energy.
Business
GCC telecom firms turn to Europe, Asia for expansion
Wielding piles of cash and cutting-edge technology, many Arab telecom firms are scouting overseas markets to expand business beyond home...
- Lower valuations of international telecom companies are enticing GCC companies to venture into newer markets with a lot of potential for growth
- Many experts feel expansion will provide diversification of the portfolio beyond the GCC to mitigate risks associated with economic fluctuations
Economy
Arab region faces soaring youth unemployment crisis
The region, with the world's highest youth unemployment rate, requires the creation of 33.3 million jobs by 2030 to accommodate...
- The region, with the world's highest youth unemployment rate, requires the creation of 33.3 million jobs by 2030 to accommodate the large number of candidates.
- Arab countries are required to transform their education systems to align with the evolving labor market and create job opportunities for youth in the region.