UAE says citizens can again travel to Lebanon
The announcement comes after Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun met with his UAE counterpart Mohamed bin Zayed in Abu Dhabi on...
Geostrategy
Geostrategy
Biden to address nation on Israel, Ukraine as crises mount
The US president trod a tightrope on his wartime visit to Israel, with key Arab allies Jordan and Egypt calling...
- The 80-year-old, who is seeking a second term in 2024, will address the nation less than 24 hours after returning from a high-stakes solidarity trip to Israel
- The Democrat's primetime speech comes as he prepares to ask Congress for a joint $100 billion package that includes money for Ukraine and Israel
Business
Saudi Arabia offers to fund Iraq’s largest housing project
Baghdad, Iraq - Saudi banks have offered to fund Iraq's largest housing project, which was previously stalled by South Korea's...
- Some Saudi banks have expressed their interest in contributing funds, along with several Iraqi banks and foreign investment companies
- The Bismaya project had already seen the construction of approximately 30,000 out of the planned 100,000 houses near the capital Baghdad
Business
Saudi Central Bank to collaborate with monetary authority of Singapore in fintech
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) signed an agreement with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) on...
- The agreement seeks to facilitate activities of both organizations in international markets
- It will also provide a framework for cooperation between their innovation departments
Geostrategy
US orders 2,000 more troops to be ready to deploy to Middle East: report
Washington, United States - The US Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III has ordered the preparation of approximately 2,000 additional...
- These troops, currently stationed in the United States and Europe, may not serve in combat roles but would offer advice and medical support to Israeli forces
- While the final decision on deployment has not been made, increasing the troops' readiness enhances the Pentagon’s ability to respond swiftly to the evolving security situation
Business
ADNOC Gas inks $500-700m LNG supply pact with JERA Global Markets
Abu Dhabi, UAE - ADNOC Gas on Wednesday announced a multi-year liquified natural gas (LNG) supply agreement, valued between $500...
- This agreement builds on the long-standing relationship between the UAE and Japan and reinforces ADNOC Gas’ position as a global LNG export partner of choice
- ADNOC’s LNG production facilities on Das Island supplied LNG to the Tokyo Electric Power Company, one of the parent companies of JERA Co, for over 40 years
Economy
China economy growth slowed in third-quarter but beat forecasts
Last year, the economy grew three percent, far from the official target of 5.5 percent, and one of the slowest...
- The 4.9 percent expansion in July-September was helped by forecast-beating retail sales figures and follows a series of broadly positive readings
- But authorities are still on edge over turmoil in the real-estate sector, which has long accounted for a quarter of the country's gross domestic product
Geostrategy
Outrage, condemnation over deadly Gaza hospital strike as Russia, UAE call for UNSC meeting
The 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation denounces Israel's backers for granting the country "impunity in its war in Gaza, taking...
- The OIC Secretary-General held the Israeli occupation fully responsible for the consequences of its "crimes" and "terrorist practices"
- GCC statement said that targeting the hospital is glaring evidence of the serious violations by the Israeli occupation forces who do not recognize international conventions
Business
Saudi Arabia launches bus transport project linking 200 cities
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – The Kingdom’s Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser here launched a significant...
- The project will have a capacity to accommodate six million passengers annually.
- It will operate through three international alliances in three concession areas.
Economy
Jordan, Egypt foster economic policy collaboration with new MoU
Amman, Jordan - Jordan and Egypt have signed an MoU to foster cooperation in economic and development policy formulation, as...
- The MoU emphasizes the importance of coordination and the development of bilateral relations in technical cooperation between planning institutions in the two countries
- This encompasses the development of policies in the economic and development sectors, along with the mutual exchange of expertise, training, and capacity building
Business
MENA banking sector records 30% surge in net profits in H1 2023
Dubai, UAE - The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) banking sector has witnessed a remarkable 30% year-on-year increase in...
- Digital transformation is reshaping the sector, with a focus on AI, sustainable finance, and enhanced customer experiences
- The UAE's banking sector saw a remarkable 31% increase in net profits and total assets, driven by substantial investments in technology initiatives
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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
Company News
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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...
Economy
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...
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...
Business
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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.