US assets outperform as geopolitical shock reshapes markets
The dollar still functions as the world’s primary safe haven, and in moments of acute geopolitical uncertainty, capital flows toward...
Geostrategy
US, Qatar, Turkey to join third day of Gaza peace talks in Egypt
Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Turkey's intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin, Trump's special Middle East envoy Steve...
Geostrategy
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
Business
UAE realty sector poised for growth as central bank forecasts 6.2% GDP growth in 2025
Factors such as increased foreign investment, ambitious urban projects, and favorable regulatory reforms are expected to propel the real estate...
- Factors such as increased foreign investment, ambitious urban projects, and favorable regulatory reforms are expected to propel the real estate market forward
- As the UAE continues to strengthen its economic diversification efforts, the real estate sector remains a cornerstone of stability and growth
Business
Aramco, Sempra ink Port Arthur LNG royalties deal
Aramco's 25% participation in Port Arthur LNG Phase 2 aims to expand its gas portfolio and meet the world's growing...
- Port Arthur LNG is a natural gas liquefaction and export terminal in southeast Texas with direct access to the Gulf of Mexico
- Sempra Infrastructure is actively advancing infrastructure projects within the Port Arthur Energy Hub, addressing the rising demand for lower-carbon fuels
Geostrategy
Telegraph report on Hizbollah weapons at Beirut airport sparks outrage
Dubai, UAE - An article in The Telegraph alleging that Hizbollah is stockpiling Iranian weapons at Beirut International Airport (BIA)...
- The Telegraph's report on June 23, 2024, cited unnamed "whistleblowers" who claimed that Hizbollah had amassed "huge quantities of Iranian weapons, missiles, and explosives" at BIA
- The absence of identifiable sources and the reliance on anonymous airport workers as the sole basis for such significant allegations have been points of contention
Economy
UAE ranks among the world’s most competitive economies in 2024, says Switzerland’s IMD ranking
The country has risen to the 7th spot in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking, highlighting its robust economic growth, strategic...
- The assessment, based on comprehensive factors including GDP, productivity, political stability, social cohesion, and cultural impact, underscores the UAE's robust economic growth
- Over the past year, the UAE has made significant strides in bolstering its economic foundations, supported by proactive government policies and strategic investments
Arts & Culture
Canon Middle East, Dubai Business Women Council launch ‘Women Who Empower’ campaign
Canon Middle East and DBWC launch the 'Women Who Empower' campaign, offering training and opportunities for women in imaging and...
- Aligned with this year's International Women's Day theme, "Inspire Inclusion," the campaign focuses on empowering women through a variety of platforms
- These include webinars, mentorship opportunities, and networking events, aimed at showcasing their work and fostering their professional growth
Business
Dubai SME, Danube Group partner to aid Emirati-owned SMEs
Dubai, UAE – Danube Group, a leading conglomerate in the Middle East and Dubai SME, a subsidiary of the Dubai...
- The strategic partnership aims to attract private sector buyers from various industries, offering Dubai SME-listed members and suppliers a broader range of tender opportunities
- By including private sector buyers, the program opens new avenues for growth and business expansion, enhancing the market reach for Emirati-owned SMEs
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
US assets outperform as geopolitical shock reshapes markets
The dollar still functions as the world’s primary safe haven, and in moments of acute geopolitical uncertainty, capital flows toward...
Geostrategy
Company News
Masdar issues $1bn bond
Business
Latest News
AI talking trees feature at Chelsea Flower Show
London, United Kingdom -- Talking trees powered by AI, drought-resistant crops and sweet potatoes sprouting among flowers -- the prestigious...
Arts & Culture
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
Most Read
Geostrategy
Saudi airline resumes first Iran hajj flights since 2015
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- A Saudi airline has resumed flights for Iranian hajj pilgrims to the kingdom for the first...
- Flynas is a budget airline based in Saudi Arabia, which operates domestic and international routes.
- Officials stressed that the flights were not commercial and were only for the hajj pilgrimage.
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.