UAE central bank raises 2024 economic growth forecast to 5.7%
The bank stated in a report released today that the overall GDP for the country is expected to grow by...
Economy
ADIB, Aldar close $272m financing deal
Aldar's total ESG financing facilities reach $1.30 billion.
Business
Business
First Mills IPO price SAR60 per share
This implies a market capitalization of $888 million.
- The total offering size is SAR 999 million ($266 million). SNB Capital is the lead manager, financial advisor, book-runner and underwriter on the potential offering.
- A total of 1.67 million shares, representing 10 percent of the total offer shares, will be allocated to retail investors. The retail offering will run from June 6 to June 7.
Economy
UAE clarifies criteria for end-of-service benefits scheme Shourak
Abu Dhabi, UAE -- The UAE pension authority clarified Tuesday that requests related to Shourak scheme, which enables Emiratis to...
- Shourak (meaning preference in English) was launched by the GPSSA for insured Emiratis seeking to merge previous and current employment periods in case of a career switch.
- Shourak requests will be considered applicable for eligible insured Emiratis who submit their end-of-service employment applications to GPSSA after July 1.
Business
Yanbu Cement to pay $62.93m in dividends
The cash dividend of SAR1.50 per share will be paid for H1 2023.
- In a Tadawul filing, the firm said the eligibility and distribution dates for the cash dividends will be 31 May and 20 June 2023, respectively.
- The company had posted a net profit of SAR51 million for the first quarter of 2023, a 31 percent increase from SAR 39 million in Q1 2022.
Business
Saudi SEZs attract $12bn in investments since launch in April
An additional $31 billion in investments are in progress, the Special Economic Zones Investment Forum in Riyadh was told Tuesday....
- Saudi Arabia's Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih said kingdom closed deals worth SAR 285 billion ($76 billion) in 2022 across sectors ranging from agriculture to aerospace.
- The Special Economic Zones Investment Forum in Riyadh was told Tuesday that an additional $31 billion in investments in the SEZs are in progress.
Business
Advanced secures $586m loan
The five-year financing was secured by promissory notes.
- The Sharia-compliant financing from Alawwal Bank will be used to pay back the existing credit facilities and for financing general corporate purposes.
- Advanced Petrochemical saw its first quarter net profit drop by nearly 74 percent year on year, from 164 million riyals in Q1 2022 to 43 million riyals in Q1 2023.
Business
Sharjah’s Waste-to-Energy Project promotes renewable energy
SHARJAH, UAE - The Sharjah Waste-to-Energy Project, the first of its kind in the Middle East, has strengthened its efforts...
- Since its launch one year ago, the plant has increased its waste diversion rate from 76 percent to 90 percent.
- The move aligns with the UAE's goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050 and diversifying the energy mix.
Business
Saudi Arabia’s Alinma Bank posts highest first quarter asset growth
Dubai, UAE -- Saudi Arabian Alinma Bank posted the first quarter asset growth of 19.1 percent, leading other Saudi-listed banks,...
- Al Rajhi Bank came second with an asset growth of 18.1 percent growth. The sector’s average growth rate stood at 11.2 percent.
- In terms of deposit growth, Alinma Bank again led the way with 24.9 percent, while Bank Albilad came second with 22.5 percent.
Business
Ajman Chamber and Turkiye look to expand business networks
Ajman, UAE - The Ajman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has discussed expanding the trade and joint investment with...
- The two parties focused on exchanging experiences, expanding business networks and developing partnerships.
- The non-oil trade exchange between the UAE and Türkiye reached $18.95 billion by the end of the year 2022.
Business
Dubai launches strategy to achieve zero emissions in public transport
This aligns with UAE's preparations for COP28 and the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, and is a part...
- This makes it the first Middle Eastern agency to develop a long-term strategy for migrating towards Net-Zero Emission Public Transport by 2050.
- The primary objectives of the strategy include the decarbonization of all taxis, limousines, and public buses and designing buildings.
Arts & Culture
Abu Dhabi event transforms global falconry
The exhibition has become a popular platform for falconers to purchase elite captive-bred falcons from local and international farms.
- Last year's exhibition saw the sale of the most expensive falcon in its history, the American-bred "Pure Gyre - Ultra White" for $275,000.
- The breeding of falcons in captivity represented a real revolution in falconry and sustainability and the revival of this heritage.
UAE central bank raises 2024 economic growth forecast to 5.7%
The bank stated in a report released today that the overall GDP for the country is expected to grow by...
Economy
Company News
eXtra net profit down 17%
Business
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Business
UAE, Saudi stock exchanges surpass Arab peers with $167bn in gains
Abu Dhabi, UAE -- The financial markets of the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia topped the Arab stock exchanges...
- UAE achieved market gains of about $32.5 billion: $20.7 billion for the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and $11.8 billion for the Dubai Financial Market (DFM).
- The Saudi Financial Market achieved market gains of about $134.1 billion with a rise in its market capitalization from $2.908 trillion to $3.04 trillion.
Geostrategy
Saudi Arabia selected as member of UN’s AI Advisory Body
New York, United States-- United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres Friday announced the selection of Saudi Arabia to the UN Advisory...
- UN Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence (AI) consists of 39 members representing government and private and civil-society organizations.
- Shura Council member Dr. Latifa bint Mohammad Al-Abdulkareem will represent the Kingdom at the UN AI Advisory Body.
Business
Qatar records real estate sales contracts worth $84m in five days
Doha, Qatar -- Qatar recorded real estate trading volume in sales contracts worth QR 308 million ($84.59 million) for the...
- Total sales contracts for residential units for the same period was QR 1.09 billion.
- Sales were concentrated in AL Rayyan, Doha, Al Wakrah, Al Daayen, Umm Salal, Al Khor and Al Dakhira municipalities.

