UAE banking sector looks poised for continued growth in 2024
Abu Dhabi, UAE--The UAE banking sector continued its growth momentum last year and is poised for further growth and recovery...
Economy
UAE records more than 25% growth in international card spending in 2023
Dubai, UAE--Total spending using international cards in the UAE witnessed a growth of more than 25% during the year 2023....
Business
Economy
Saudi Arabia projects 2024 budget deficit at 1.9% of GDP
The kingdom's finance ministry estimated expenditures for 2024 to be at US$333.5 billion. According to the ministry, the projection is...
- The kingdom's finance minister said that the government will continue implementing fiscal and economic structural reforms
- The minister also noted the important role of the PIF and development funds that enhance the growth of non-oil GDP
Geostrategy
Iran proposes to Saudi Arabia to set up working group for visa cancellation
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia--Iran has proposed to Saudi Arabia to set up a working group to look into the idea of...
- The idea of visa cancellation was put forward by Iranian deputy tourism minister while visiting Saudi Arabia
- Iran and Saudi Arabia in March agreed to a Chinese-brokered deal to revive relations after years of hostility
Business
Saudi Fund for Development and Seychelles sign US$25m loan agreements
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia-- The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) has signed two loan agreements with Seychelles to support the social...
- The SFD will contribute $25 million to support the social housing project in the Seychelles and the reconstruction of La Digue School project
- The fund has so far implemented 700 development projects and programs in more than 90 countries with a value surpassing $18.7 billion
Business
Qatar and Libya sign MoU to boost cooperation in civil aviation
Tripoli, Libya-- Qatar and Libya have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to boost cooperation in the field of civil...
- The MoU is a component of joint efforts by the two countries to deepen bilateral relations in the aviation sector
- It is also designed to enhance ways of cooperation in the field of security and safety, and exchanging experiences
Geostrategy
UAE Council review cybersecurity in Jordan summit
Amman, Jordan - The UAE Cyber Security Council discussed cybersecurity in the inaugural Jordan Cyber Security Summit 2023, known as...
- The DOT Cyber Summit 2023 explored issues related to cyber policies and strategies, international issues related to cyber risks and threats faced by countries.
- This includes mechanisms for addressing and combating their spread, and reviewing the experiences of countries and their progress in the field of cyber security.
Arts & Culture
Producer Baz Luhrmann to be head of jury at Red Sea International Film Festival 2023 Â
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA - The Red Sea International Film Festival has said that internationally renowned writer, director and producer Baz...
- The festival's third edition will take place from November 30 to December 9 in Jeddah.
- The event will showcase movies from filmmakers from the Arab region, Asia and Africa.
Business
Red Sea Global teams up with Bear Grylls Survival Academy
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia--Red Sea Global (RSG) will become the exclusive agent for Bear Grylls Survival Academy (BGSA) bringing the world-famous...
- The collaboration between the two promises to offer outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to learn key team building, wilderness education and survival skills
- Red Sea Global looks to recurit and train local outdoor enthusiasts in the art of survival and expedition leadership, creating hundreds of jobs for Saudis
Business
Iran exports goods worth US$9.1bn to BRICS nations from March to August
Tehran, Iran--Iran has exported 27.7 million tons of goods worth $9.1 billion to BRICS member countries from March 21-August 21,...
- Some 70.3 million tons of non-oil goods worth $43.5 billion were traded between Iran and the rest of the world during the same period
- The top five export destinations for Iran's non-oil goods were China ($5.6bn), the UAE ($2.3bn), India ($845m), Russia (361m) and S. Africa ($51.5m)
Business
QatarEnergy signs US$3.90bn deal with HD Hyundai to build LNG carriers
Seoul, South Korea--QatarEnergy has signed US$3.90 billion worth agreement with Korea's HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) for the construction of...
- The agreement with the South Korean firm marks the start of the second phase of QatarEnergy's LNG ship acquisition program
- QatarEnergy's ship-building program is the largest of its kind and will play a pivotal role in meeting its future shipping requirements
Business
Masdar and PLN NP to triple size of Southeast Asia’s largest floating solar plant
Abu Dhabi, UAE--Masdar and PLN Nusantara Power (PLN NP) have signed an agreement to develop Phase II of the successful...
- The clean energy partnership between the UAE and Indonesia saw further consolidation when the two companies signed the deal to expand FPV plant
- The UAE company has developed the region’s largest floating solar facility, the 145 MW Cirata floating solar PV plant in a joint ventre with PT PJB, now PLN NP
UAE banking sector looks poised for continued growth in 2024
Abu Dhabi, UAE--The UAE banking sector continued its growth momentum last year and is poised for further growth and recovery...
Economy
Company News
World Economic Forum foresees ‘significant economic slowdown’
World Economic Forum
Qatar Islamic Bank profit up
Business
Latest News
GCC banks to maintain resilience in 2024, says S&P Global
Abu Dhabi, UAE--Despite geopolitical uncertainties and potential economic headwinds, S&P Global expects GCC banks to maintain their well-capitalised, profitable, and...
Business
Most Read
Business
Air cargo demand rebounds in 2023 amid economic uncertainty
Geneva, Switzerland-- Air cargo demand rebounded in 2023 with a particularly strong fourth quarter performance despite economic uncertainties, according to...
- Carriers across the Middle East recorded a jump in demand of 1.6 percent for international operations in 2023 compared to 2022
- Airlines in the region posted an 18.3% increase in December in demand for both global and international operations compared to 2022
Business
UAE economy to grow 5.7% in 2024 in spite of global challenges
Abu Dhabi, UAE-- The UAE economy is projected to grow by 5.7% in 2024 despite prevailing global economic challenges, including...
- According to a top official in the ministry of finance, the country's initiative to diversify the economy and promote sustainable growth have proven effective
- The official said that the UAE's non-oil foreign trade touched a record of $338 billion in the first half of 2023, marking a 14.4% increase from the same period in 2022
Business
DFM net profit climbs 124 percent
Its board has proposed a cash dividend of US$76.24m.
- The upswing in profit was propelled by a significant uptick in trading activities, capital inflow and a notable influx of new investors
- The bourse consolidated its status as a premier market for IPOs, with the listing of Dubai Taxi Company and Al Ansari Financial Services

