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
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...
Business
Economy
Bitcoin no threat to dollar, global economy
Despite being the future of money, Bitcoin cannot be the dollar of future because the US dollar is a fiat...
- Bitcoin cannot be the dollar of the future because the US dollar is a fiat currency, created and supported by the US government
- Cryptocurrencies vary from real currencies since they are issued by people and communities rather than governments, something that has never happened before in the history of money
Infographics
Iraqis saddest people in Arab region: Report
Political, economic and social crises in the Middle East countries has led to an implosion of negative emotions among their...
- Lebanon, Egypt and Tunisia follow Iraq, according to Gallup World Poll.
- Research has revealed that emotions usually drive bad investment decisions.
Economy
Saudi, UAE lead MENA region in 5G deployment
The MENA region will have 80 million 5G subscriptions, representing about 10% of total mobile subscriptions by 2025, according to...
- The total number of Saudi Governorates covered by 5G coverage increased to 53 in Q1 2021
- The UAE ranks third internationally among countries with the fastest data download speeds in 5G networks, according to an analysis by “Opensignal”
Economy
Saudi non-oil revenues jump 206%
The non-oil revenues of Saudi Arabia have increased to US$31 billion in Q2 2021 as against US$10.1 billion in Q2...
- Saudi economy contracted by 7 percent in 2020 but grew by 1.5 percent in Q2 2021
- IMF expects Saudi real GDP to expand by 2.4 percent in 2021, following a contraction of 4.1 percent last year
Interview
Hyperinflation imminent in Lebanon: Nasser Saidi
A crushing economic crisis, a sharp collapse of the local currency and a bankrupt banking sector are adding to the...
- Lebanon's banking sector must reduce the size by at least 50 percent if not more, says senior economist Nasser Saidi
- Lebanon, he says, will take 5–7 years to recover if it agreed to an IMF program within the next three months
Research
Five cities poised to become GCC tech hubs
As part of economic transformation, some Gulf countries seek to achieve targets in digital transformation via long-term plans such as...
- The UAE has become a technological leader in hosting the world's largest event, Expo 2020 Dubai.
- In February 2021, 24 global firms had signed agreements to open regional offices in Riyadh.
Analysis
UAE platforms lead GCC crypto market
Even as the GCC countries dither to embrace cryptocurrencies, the UAE has made some significant strides in this regard.
- The United Arab Emirates already boasts about some of the biggest crypto exchange platforms in the GCC region
- However, it is yet to warm up to crypto ATMs, a field where the United States rules the roost
Arts & Culture
Dubai’s gourmet restaurants hungry for a star
It is a prize a restaurant or a chef would die for to possess. It is the culinary equivalent of...
- Technically there are no Michelin-starred restaurants in the Arab countries, as Michelin does not publish a city guide yet
- However, many restaurants in Dubai are owned by chefs who have earned Michelin stars in other countries
Business
Holy and worldly offerings of Saudi tourism
The Arab world's most powerful economy is devoting enormous resources to attracting at least 100 million tourists by 2030. TRENDSMENA...
- King Fahd Fountain, the tallest fountain in the world, holds up to 318 tons of seawater and measures 312m in height.
- Masjid al-Haram comprises 13 minarets, while five main entrances/doors and hundreds of subsidiary doors give the building its overall form.
Analysis
Covid-19 fails to impact realty in UAE, Saudi Arabia
While the UAE has seen a record amount of real estate sales in the first six months of 2021, Saudi...
- Demand for villas increased in the UAE because of the pandemic outbreak and also due to low-interest rates.
- The real estate sector contributed 14.2 percent of the Saudi GDP ranking third as the most contributing economic activity.
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
Company News
Latest News
Rise in foreign sukuk offset by local currency decline
Saudi Arabia's reduced banking liquidity and lower oil prices have led to a decline in local currency sukuk, but a...
Business
Will extended oil production cuts stunt Saudi growth?
The decision to prolong oil output cuts may herald a significant reversal for the Kingdom's fast-growing economy as oil remain...
Economy
E-visas to drive tourism’s GDP share to 10%
Saudi Arabia is leveraging digital solutions to streamline travel, link tourists with local enterprises through apps, and enhance experiences via...
Economy

Most Read
Economy
High oil prices, reforms spur Saudi economic boom
The Kingdom's non-oil private sector expanded sharply in June as output and new orders rose at accelerated, multi-year record rates,...
- The Kingdom's non-oil private sector expanded sharply in June as output and new orders rose at accelerated, multi-year record rates, indicating strong growth rate.
- Consumer spending saw a remarkable 15% year-on-year rise in May, despite a monthly drop, while SAMA foreign reserve assets rose in May for the first time in six months
Economy
Office segment demand drives Saudi Arabia’s real estate boom
"The office sector shines brightest in the real estate market. Saudi Arabia's rapid economic growth drives the demand," Faisal Durrani,...
- Prime rents in Riyadh have risen by 19 percent in the last year, while in Jeddah, they have risen by about 9 percent
- The main demand centers for office space in the kingdom are Riyadh and Jeddah, and Dammam Metropolitan Area
Business
Adaptability, innovation crucial for success in Dubai’s competitive F&B industry
Commitment, market awareness, and adaptability are keys to success in Dubai's highly competitive F&B industry, says Deepti Chawla of Infiniti...
- Commitment, market awareness, and adaptability are keys to success in Dubai's highly competitive F&B industry, says Deepti Chawla, Founder of Infiniti Holdings & DCloud Kitchens
- The F&B sector in the UAE is expected to touch US$8.9-billion mark by 2025, with Dubai, which hosts more than 20,000 eateries, leading from the front, adds Chawla

