Arab leaders meet to hash out Gaza plan as Hamas urges against displacement under Trump plan
A draft version of the Egyptian plan seen by AFP lays out a five-year roadmap with a price tag of...
Geostrategy
Israel endorses plan to extend Gaza truce as first phase draws to close, Hamas wants permanent peace
The first phase of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas was set to expire over the...
Geostrategy
Economy
Debt, trade barriers drag Asian economies in 2024, says World Bank report
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Asian economies are not doing as well as they could and growth in the region is forecast...
- Asian economies are not doing as well as they could and growth in the region is forecast to slow to 4.5 percent this year from 5.1 percent in 2023.
- A key risk is that the US Federal Reserve and other major central banks might keep interest rates higher than before the pandemic.
Economy
Saudi women’s unemployment drops to 13.7% by 4Q 2023
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - The unemployment rate among Saudi women witnessed a historic decline, plummeting to 13.7 percent in the...
- The unemployment rate among Saudi men remained steady at 4.6 percent during the same period
- The overall unemployment rate, encompassing Saudis and non-Saudis, saw a noteworthy decrease to 4.4% in the 4th quarter
Business
Rotana announces the soft opening of Dar Rayhaan in Saudi Arabia
Abu Dhabi, UAE – Rotana, one of the leading hotel management companies in the region with over 100 properties in...
- This is in line with Rotana’s ambitious goal of launching eight properties in Saudi Arabia.
- Dar Rayhaan by Rotana offers 133 keys, including 113 rooms and 20 suites,
Business
Global football stars choose Red Sea destination for holiday
TABUK, SAUDI ARABIA – A few days ago, the Red Sea destination hosted several international football stars from Saudi Pro...
- Among the football stars were Cristiano Ronaldo, Fabinho Tavares, Roger Ibanez and Roberto Firmino.
- They also engaged in various water sports and marine activities, making the most of their time.
Economy
Saudi tourism hits record $36 billion inbound spending in 2023
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia's tourism sector contributed to a record-breaking $36 (SR135 billion) in spending by international visitors....
- The Kingdom's remarkable performance in tourism was further highlighted by its leading position in the United Nations Tourism rankings for growth in international tourist arrivals
- The UN's tourism report also noted a substantial rise in both inbound and domestic tourism within the Kingdom, reinforcing its reputation as a premier global tourism destination
Business
Digital transformation fuels GCC banks’ growth
The banking sector across the GCC has demonstrated formidable growth and profitability, with Qatar leading in several key performance indicators,...
- Notably, Qatar National Bank (QNB), the titan among GCC banks in terms of assets, received an uplift in its long-term credit rating from A to A+.
- The region has also seen a notable increase in profitability, with a significant double-digit rise of 23.1 percent, driven largely by growth in loan books.
Business
Sheikh Hamdan praises ADNOC’s efforts in using AI in production process
ABU DHABI, UAE - Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region, said that under the...
- Sheikh Hamdan toured key facilities and operations, learning about the company's efforts to leverage AI.
- Sheikh Hamdan emphasized on the importance of Emirati women's participation across various sectors.
Arts & Culture
Restoration project for Jeddah district’s old buildings completed
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA – The Ministry of Culture, represented by the Jeddah Historic District Program, has announced the completion of...
- The project comes within the context of the Crown Prince's keenness to preserve and rehabilitate historical sites.
- The project aimed to highlight the heritage landmarks that Jeddah District is abundant in as a site containing over 600 heritage buildings.
Business
Abu Dhabi Chamber sets up working group to support startups, SMEs
ABU DHABI, UAE – The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) has formed a working group specifically for...
- This initiative aims to support and represent the interests of startups and SMEs in the region.
- The goal is to make Abu Dhabi the top choice for business in the Middle East and North Africa by 2025.
Business
TAQA, JERA sign pact with SATORP to develop plant in Saudi Arabia
ABU DHABI, UAE – Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), together with JERA Co., Inc on Thursday announced that they...
- They will develop a greenfield industrial steam and electricity cogeneration plant for Amiral petrochemical complex.
- The Amiral petrochemical complex is expected to house one of the largest mixed-load steam crackers in the Arab Gulf region.
Arab leaders meet to hash out Gaza plan as Hamas urges against displacement under Trump plan
A draft version of the Egyptian plan seen by AFP lays out a five-year roadmap with a price tag of...
Geostrategy
Company News
Latest News
UAE’s tech industry set to achieve record growth in 2025
Abu Dhabi, UAE - The UAE’s technology industry is set to achieve record growth in 2025, driven by significant expansion...
Economy
Over 300 keynotes, panels, main sessions at 1 Billion Followers Summit’s third edition
Dubai, UAE - The third edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit, the world’s first and largest event dedicated to...
Business
Syria, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Palestine test Washington’s strategy under Trump leadership
The Trump administration faces a Middle East shaped by shifting alliances, unresolved conflicts, and evolving regional priorities, demanding a measured...
Geostrategy
Most Read
Economy
Qatar’s non-energy private sector shows strong growth in 2024
Doha, Qatar – Qatar’s non-energy private sector recorded robust growth in the final months of 2024, according to the latest...
- The labour market was a key driver of this growth, with employment and wages increasing at record levels
- Employment saw substantial growth as companies sought to raise output, enhance services, and manage workloads
Geostrategy
UAE discusses temporary Gaza governance with US, Israel, seeks two-state solution assurance: report
Discussions led by the UAE include provisional administration, PA leadership overhaul, and Gaza reconstruction, requiring extensive international cooperation and adherence...
- According to sources familiar with the talks, the discussions include the UAE, the US, and other nations overseeing governance, security, and reconstruction of Gaza
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had suggested that the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other nations could assist in governing Gaza after the war
Economy
Saudi Arabia plans to sustain borrowing spree to fund major projects beyond oil: report
Saudi Arabia secured a $2.5 billion revolving credit facility from Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Credit Agricole SA, and Dubai Islamic...
- The National Debt Management Center (NDMC) has estimated Saudi Arabia’s funding needs for 2025 at 139 billion riyals ($37 billion)
- Saudi Arabia was one of the largest bond issuers among emerging markets in 2024, issuing $17 billion in international bonds