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
Turkey central bank cuts rate to 42.5% as inflation eases
Istanbul, Turkey - Turkey's central bank on Thursday lowered its key interest rate for a third consecutive time as inflation...
Economy
Economy
Qatar outpaces Saudi Arabia and UAE in tourism growth with 147% surge
Doha, Qatar - Qatar has emerged as the leading player in the Middle East tourism sector, boasting an impressive 147%...
- The surge in tourism can be attributed to Qatar's strategic investments in luxury offerings, and a visa-free entry policy for citizens of 102 countries
- Qatar has effectively leveraged high-profile events like the FIFA World Cup to enhance its global tourism profile, alongside significant infrastructure development
Economy
UAE airports see 14.2% passenger traffic surge in H1
Abu Dhabi, UAE -UAE's airports experienced a 14.2 percent increase in passenger traffic, in the first half of 2024, handling...
- A CBUAE report showed the increase in passenger traffic not only reinforces the UAE's status as a global aviation hub but also contributes to the national economy
- The report added that this growth in the aviation sector boosts tourism, trade and employment, further diversifying the UAE's economy
United by innovation and progress: The enduring US-UAE partnership
‘’In close partnership, we are working to advance multilateral diplomatic solutions and provide urgently needed humanitarian assistance in Gaza and...
- 'Our ongoing defense and counterterrorism cooperation makes our countries and the world more secure.'
- 'US and UAE troops have stood shoulder to shoulder in six conflicts over the last 30 years;'
Economy
Saudi Arabia achieves 73 percent increase in international tourist arrivals: UN report
The kingdom welcomed 17.5 million international tourists in the first seven months of 2024, leading G20 nations in tourism growth...
- According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the Kingdom continued to top the list of G20 countries in the indicators of the growth rate of the number of international tourists
- The Kingdom's various tourist destinations have witnessed a significant rise in international tourist numbers this year, with the number of tourist arrivals reaching 17.5 million
Business
GACA report: Riyadh’s King Khalid Airport ranked best for 15M+ passengers
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh secured the top spot in the category of airports with...
- Airports are assessed based on 11 operational performance standards, which align with strategic objectives to enhance services and ensure a seamless traveller experience
- GACA categorizes airports for performance evaluation based on annual passenger numbers, ensuring a transparent approach
Economy
Residential, hospitality sectors drive Saudi Arabia’s real estate market in H1 2024
The Kingdom’s tourism and entertainment investments, including a new star rating system, support growth in hospitality, positioning Saudi Arabia as...
- Residential sale prices experienced 10% year-on-year increase in H1 in Riyadh and average rents grew by 9% annually
- In Jeddah, the pace of growth was slightly slower, with sale prices rising by 5% and rents increasing by 4% year-on-year during the same period
Economy
Standard & Poor’s affirms Saudi Arabia’s ‘A/A-1’ credit rating
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Standard & Poor's (S&P) affirmed the Kingdom's credit rating in local and foreign currency at "A/A-1"...
- S&P explained that its affirmation of the Kingdom's strong credit rating results from the Kingdom's reforms and investments
- It expected that the Kingdom's gross domestic product (GDP) will continue to grow during the years 2024-2027
AI adoption in GCC surges as governments and the private sector embrace technology
With 93% of Saudi workers considering generative AI essential, alongside 95% in the Middle East and 79% globally, the region's...
- 68% of Saudi workers use generative AI weekly, compared to 55% globally, while an overwhelming 93% consider it an essential tool at work
- The New York Times reported that representatives from Saudi Arabia's PIF have discussed potential partnerships with leading Silicon Valley venture capital
Economy
Domestic worker visa applications in UAE up 66% in June 2024, says a report
The UAE, relying on domestic workers (5% of the population), invests $3 billion annually, highlighting the rising demand for domestic...
- A domestic worker visa allows individuals to continue working in private households as cleaners, chauffeurs, cooks, nannies, or personal care providers while travelling
- The growth is driven by the UAE’s robust economy, with increasing disposable income among families and a growing expatriate population
Economy
UAE launches national strategy to combat money laundering, terror financing
The strategy focuses on risk-based compliance, international cooperation, effective supervision, and disrupting illicit financial activities through improved data collection, analysis,...
- The strategy sets out 11 strategic goals aimed at fortifying the UAE’s regulatory framework and enhancing its effectiveness in combating financial crimes
- The announcement follows the country’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) "grey list" in February 2024
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
Company News
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NHC signs strategic deals worth $8 billion at the opening of Real Estate Future Forum 2025
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - The National Housing Company (NHC) has signed a series of agreements, deals, and memoranda of understanding...
Economy
Davos2025: 33 industrial clusters from 16 countries commit to economic growth, jobs creation and emissions cuts
The Transitioning Industrial Clusters initiative aims to improve collaboration and develop a shared vision among co-located companies and public institutions,...
Economy
Trump pledges historic tax cuts, investment growth, oil price action, and Ukraine peace effort at Davos 2025
The newly inaugurated president remarked that he would “like to meet with President Putin soon” and “get the war ended,”...
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Geostrategy
UNRWA: Reconstructing Gaza Strip exceeds agency’s capabilities due to severe damage
Gaza, Palestine - The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), confirmed today that the reconstruction process...
- UNRWA said that the agency can contribute to rehabilitating the infrastructure in the camps and returning employees to work inside them, and operating their wells.
- The agency emphasized that locating the missing—numbering in the thousands beneath the rubble—requires meticulous planning and the expertise of specialized teams
Geostrategy
Ceasefire begins: Israel, Hamas exchange hostages and prisoners amid fragile hopes for lasting peace
The 42-day truce's first phase involves prisoner exchanges and hostage releases, but the future remains uncertain as both sides navigate...
- In Gaza, Palestinians returned to homes reduced to rubble, checked on missing relatives, and prepared to bury their dead
- Humanitarian relief efforts also resumed, with more than 600 trucks carrying essential supplies entering the battered enclave
Geostrategy
Ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas goes into effect, marking first steps toward peace
As the first phase of the ceasefire takes effect, the world watches to see whether this temporary reprieve will be...
- The complex deal consists of three phases, each lasting 42 days, and it will see both sides release prisoners and hostages in exchange for a temporary halt to the violence
- Netanyahu’s warning that Israel retains the right to resume fighting and Hamas’s insistence on a complete Israeli withdrawal and a lasting ceasefire make the road to lasting peace