Iran’s protests: What we know
Iran has been rocked this week by protests that started in Tehran and have spread to other cities, with at...
Geostrategy
Tourist coins pose giant problem at N. Ireland’s famous causeway site
Bushmills, United Kingdom -- Northern Ireland's Giant Causeway draws close to one million visitors a year but their habit of...
Arts & Culture
Economy
Dubai welcomes record 9.31 million visitors in first half of 2024
Dubai, UAE - Dubai has reinforced its position as a global tourism leader by welcoming a record 9.31 million international...
- In 2023, Dubai hosted 17.15 million international overnight visitors, and the city has maintained its strong tourism momentum into 2024
- The growth in the first six months of this year suggests that Dubai is on track for a record-breaking performance
Economy
Pre-tax net profit of Dubai Financial Market rises 74% to $53m in H1 2024
Dubai, Saudi Arabia - Dubai Financial Market (DFM) today announced its consolidated financial results for the period ended June 30,...
- The first half of 2024 saw an increase in trading activity, higher trade values, and a wave of new investors
- Market capitalization of DFM listed companies stands at AED 679 billion (USD 184.8 billion) in the period
Economy
GCC countries host nine million Indians, UAE alone home to 3.55 million
New Delhi, UAE - The number of Indians living in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries has crossed nine million,...
- Indians are employed in a wide range of professions from highly qualified fintech, healthcare, information technology, engineering and banking to blue collar jobs
- Within the GCC, the most popular destination for Indian job seekers is the UAE, which hosts 3.55 million Indians, followed by Saudi Arabia, with 2.64 million Indians
Dubai’s GDP tops $31.3 bn in Q1 2024, growing 3.2%
The financial and insurance sector saw a 5.6% rise, reaching USD 4.1 billion (AED 15.1 billion), supported by significant growth...
- The transportation and storage sector grew by 5.6 percent, contributing USD 4.2 billion (AED 15.4 billion) to the GDP, driven by increased demand for national carriers' services
- The financial and insurance sector also saw a 5.6 percent rise, reaching USD 4.1 billion (AED 15.1 billion), supported by significant growth in credit and deposit balances
Geostrategy
Defiant Netanyahu to face US Congress amid Biden’s withdrawal
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, using an American football image, said Friday that negotiators were "inside the 10 yard...
- Israel's longest-serving premier will on Wednesday become the first foreign leader to address a joint meeting of the two chambers four times
- But analysts say the Gaza war since the October 7 Hamas attacks has created worrying tensions between Israel and the United States
Saudi Arabia constitutes center for promoting moderate Islam: North Macedonia Mufti
Skopje – Islamic Union President and Republic of North Macedonia Mufti Sheikh Hafiz Şakir Fetahu stressed that Saudi Arabia has...
- He expressed gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
- The president praised the Kingdom's government for its significant and extensive services to the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors, including pilgrims and Umrah performers
Business
Saudi Arabia’s tourist spending reaches $40bn: minister
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb highlights the upcoming launch of a tourist visa aimed at drawing more international...
- Passenger air traffic in Saudi Arabia rose by 17 percent in the first half of 2024, reaching 62 million compared to 53 million in the same period last year
- This growth was aided by a 12 percent increase in flights, with 446,000 recorded compared to 399,000 in the first half of 2023
Business
Chinese company to build Saudi Arabia’s first ocean park
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Haichang Ocean Park Holdings, China's largest ocean theme park operator, announced plans on Thursday to build...
- Haichang, which has a history of marine-themed tourism spanning over two decades, has previously collaborated on tourism projects in Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia
- Currently operating parks in cities such as Shanghai, Dalian, Zhengzhou, and Sanya, Haichang attracts more than 20 million visitors annually
Economy
Oregon leverages coastal adventures and diverse landscapes to expand its tourism market
Oregon's tourism strategy focuses on year-round visitation, sustainability, and regenerative travel, aiming to optimize economic impact while preserving natural beauty...
- Oregon is a destination where you can wander along stunning shorelines, trek volcanic peaks, and paddle serene lakes
- But it is not just natural beauty, the coastal gem also boasts some of the nation's finest breweries and restaurants
Business
‘Digital transformation levels the playing field for GCC small businesses’
Digitalization is revolutionizing GCC entrepreneurship, offering vast opportunities and challenges, and driving innovation and growth, Jigar Sagar, an influential figure...
- GCC entrepreneurs benefit from reduced operational costs and enhanced productivity through digital technologies like automation, AI, and data analytics, says Sagar
- Women entrepreneurs in the GCC face unique challenges but show remarkable resilience and determination to succeed in business, he adds
Most Read
Revenue from Saudi cinema may exceed $1bn by 2030KSA, UAE play well as e-gaming trends across GCCExclusive: Middle East’s retail sector rides on AR and hybrid shopping to become $600bn digital economyTECOM Group profit soars 13%UAE startups eye Saudi Arabia for growth, expansionSaudi Arabia leads GCC AI healthcare raceDisparity remains as Saudis, Emiratis see wealth gains
Iran’s protests: What we know
Iran has been rocked this week by protests that started in Tehran and have spread to other cities, with at...
Geostrategy
Company News
Masdar issues $1bn bond
Business
Latest News
Israel army announces ‘extensive ground operations’ in ramped-up Gaza campaign
Since a two-month ceasefire collapsed in March as Israel resumed its offensive, negotiations mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the United...
Geostrategy
‘Gentle giants’: World’s strongest men defy stereotypes
Sacramento, United States -- Eddie Williams is a schoolteacher from Monday to Friday and a wedding singer on weekends. In...
Arts & Culture
General Gulf inflation rate logs 1.7% by end of Dec 2024
Muscat, Oman -- The general inflation rate in the GCC countries rose by 1.7 percent at the end of December...
Business
Most Read
Geostrategy
Pope Leo XIV: Mild-mannered American with global view
The 69-year-old pontiff saw the challenges facing the worldwide Catholic Church up close in two decades as a missionary in...
- And he already has a keen grasp of the inner workings of the Vatican, thanks to two years in a powerful role within the Roman Curia.
- With his calls this week for peace and in railing against inequality and social injustice, Pope Leo has drawn parallels with his reforming predecessor, Pope Francis.
Business
EGA advances plans to build new US aluminum plant
Abu Dhabi, UAE -- Emirates Global Aluminum, the largest ‘premium aluminum’ producer in the world, today announced the progression of...
- The plant is expected to have a production capacity of 600 thousand tons of primary aluminum per year.
- Some 85 per cent of the aluminum needs of American industries, from automotive to aviation and construction, are currently met by imports.
Geostrategy
Dbeibah calls on armed groups to align with state
Days of clashes in the capital have pitted an armed group aligned with the Tripoli-based government against groups it has...
- The country has remained deeply divided since the 2011 NATO-backed revolt that toppled and killed longtime leader Moamer Kadhafi.
- The recent fights have killed at least eight people, said the UN, while the authorities have yet to release an official tally.