World Bank announces Lebanon, Syria reconstruction projects
Beirut, Lebanon -- The World Bank announced on Wednesday it had approved $250 million to support Lebanon's post-war reconstruction and...
Economy
Iraq’s water reserves lowest in 80 years after a dry rainy season
Baghdad, Iraq -- Iraq's water reserves are at their lowest in 80 years after a dry rainy season, a government...
Geostrategy
Economy
GASTAT adopts chain-linking method to calculate Saudi Arabia’s real GDP
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) said in a press release it issued on Sunday that...
- The fourth quarter 2023 results and the annual results for the same year have been reached at by using the new methodology.
- Saudi Arabia is the first country in the Gulf and Arab regions, and among the first G20 countries, to implement the chain-linking methodology.
Market Report
Non-Jordanian investors own 47% of ASE market value as of February 2024
AMMAN, JORDAN – Data released by the Amman Stock Exchange reveals that non-Jordanian investors bought shares worth US$12.5 million (JD8.9...
- From the beginning of 2024 till end of February, non-Jordanian investments in the stock exchange totaled $21.8 million in purchases.
- The contribution of Arab investors in the non-Jordanian group accounted for US$11.7 million or 93.6 percent in February.
Business
Doha Bank bond issue oversubscribed four times
Doha, Qatar - Doha Bank has successfully issued $500 million in international bonds, garnering a total order book of $2...
- The achievement follows an extensive marketing campaign by Doha Bank's management, engaging with investors globally to present the bank's objectives and performance overview
- The positive response from investors reflects confidence in Doha Bank's future prospects and the robust fundamentals of the Qatari economy
Arts & Culture
UAE elected Vice Chair of UNESCO’s committee for promotion of cultural diversity
Abu Dhabi, UAE - The UAE has been elected the Vice Chair of the UNESCO's Intergovernmental Committee (IGC) for the...
- The appointment was made during the 17th meeting of the committee, which was recently held at UNESCO’s HQ in Paris, France
- It acknowledges the UAE’s contributions to cultural diversity and its role in fostering a multicultural society both regionally and globally
Economy
Saudi Arabia to expand customs duty exemption for some industrial products from April 1
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - The Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources has unveiled plans to broaden the range of...
- Industrial companies holding a valid license from the ministry will benefit from duty exemptions on specific items essential for their operations
- The items encompass raw materials, semi-finished materials, finished materials, packaging materials, machinery, equipment, and spare parts required for industrial production
Geostrategy
Dubai’s assets in endowment sector reaches US$2.8bn
DUBAI, UAE – Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said that under the guidance of Vice...
- Dubai witnessed an 18 percent increase in endowment assets compared to the previous year.
- The Crown Prince was briefed on key developments in the field of endowment work in Dubai.
Business
ADCB approves cash dividends worth US$1.1bn
ABU DHABI, UAE – Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) has approved the Board of Directors proposal to distribute a cash...
- ADCB’s physical-cum-virtual 40th Annual General Assembly meeting approved the decision.
- The Board of Director’s proposal means distributing cash dividend of $0.15 (AED0.56) per share.
Business
Fraud and volatility fears persist as bitcoin barrels on
Specialized companies such as Grayscale and Wall Street giants such as asset manager BlackRock are among those investing in the...
- On Tuesday, bitcoin - the most widely used cryptocurrency - reached its all-time high, topping $69,191, surpassing its previous high set in November 2021
- The launch of a new investment vehicle - bitcoin-indexed exchange traded funds (ETFs) in the US last January - has further spurred prices.
Arts & Culture
1200 year old ebony wood poles discovered at Jeddah’s Othman bin Affan Mosque site
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - The Jeddah Historic District Program has announced the discovery of the two ebony wood poles at ...
- The two masts are classified as among the oldest artifacts discovered at the site so far
- The number of architectural phases discovered at the Othman bin Affan Mosque so far has reached seven
Arts & Culture
Alicia Keys to perform at Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024 on March 9
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - Jeddah is poised to host Alicia Keys, the legendary musician, singer, and multiple Grammy-award winner, at...
- Keys will be gracing Jeddah for the first time, marking her third appearance in Saudi Arabia
- Keys will be gracing Jeddah for the first time, marking her third appearance in Saudi Arabia
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
World Bank announces Lebanon, Syria reconstruction projects
Beirut, Lebanon -- The World Bank announced on Wednesday it had approved $250 million to support Lebanon's post-war reconstruction and...
Economy
Company News
Latest News
Israel deepens Gaza offensive, shuts key routes, and orders evacuations amid heavy civilian casualties
US President Donald Trump "fully supports" Israel's renewed Gaza operations, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters when asked...
Geostrategy
‘Dark universe detective’ telescope releases first data
Paris, France - Europe's Euclid space telescope, which is on a mission to shed light on the mysteries of dark...
Science
Israel announces ground operations, issues ‘last warning’ to Gazans to remove Hamas from power
Israeli forces this week conducted the deadliest wave of air strikes since the start of a truce in January, killing...
Geostrategy
Most Read
Arts & Culture
Once a crumbling relic of old Iran, brewery reborn as arts hub
Tehran, Iran - Hidden behind imposing brick walls in the heart of Tehran, a brewery that used to make Iranian...
- The ambitious restoration of the derelict Argo factory has made it "one of the most beautiful buildings of Tehran."
- Established more than a century ago, the Argo factory produced one of Iran's oldest and biggest beer brands
Geostrategy
Hamas sees ‘positive’ signs for ceasefire talks as Israel cuts Gaza electricity, blocks aid flow
In a statement, Netanyahu's office said that Israel had accepted an invitation from US-backed mediators and would "send a delegation...
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Israel would send a delegation to Doha on Monday for truce talks
- Israel has said it wants to extend the first phase until mid-April, Hamas has insisted on a transition to the second phase
Geostrategy
Muslim nations meet in Jeddah to unite against Trump’s controversial Gaza takeover proposal.
Trump's plan has already united Arab countries in opposition, with Saudi Arabia also hosting Arab leaders two weeks ago to...
- At Tuesday's summit in Cairo, Arab leaders backed the proposal to rebuild the Gaza Strip under the future administration of the Palestinian Authority
- However, the plan, which does not outline a role for Hamas, which controls Gaza, was rejected by both the United States and Israel