How do GCC-Arab leaders look at the region’s future?
The bigger your vision, the bigger your achievement will be. Will you stumble on the way? Perhaps, but we cannot...
Geostrategy
Business
2024 Global Aerospace Summit: Accelerating aerospace innovation
Abu Dhabi, UAE -- Representing the aerospace, aviation, space, and defense sectors, the premier thought leadership forum will aim to...
- The two-day event will take place on 25-26 September at the St. Regis, Saadiyat Island Resort in the UAE capital – Abu Dhabi.
- The 2024 edition will center on several objectives designed to drive the industry forward and address global aerospace concerns.
Business
Al Noor Island listed among top 10 attractions in Middle East
Sharjah, UAE -- Sharjah's renowned landmark and award-winning family-friendly destination, Al Noor Island, has secured its place among the top...
- Developed and managed by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), the destination has been ranked among Sharjah's top attractions since its inception.
- This recognition marks the second consecutive year that Al Noor Island has won the title, an achievement reserved for the top 1% of the 8 million listings on TripAdvisor.
Business
Saudi records $412m venture capital funding in H1, highest in MENA
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia has maintained its first rank across MENA in terms of the amount of Venture...
- E-commerce/retail was the highest sector in the Kingdom in terms of VC funding, accounting for 52 percent of total funding, amounting to $215 million.
- FinTech continued to lead the Kingdom's total number of deals, capturing 14 percent of deals in the first half of 2024.
Economy
Dollar droops before Powell testimony; euro weathers France uncertainty
The U.S. dollar hung near a multi-week low versus major peers on Tuesday, still smarting from Friday's unexpectedly soft jobs...
- The U.S. dollar index was flat at 104.99
- Traders currently set about 76% odds for a rate cut at the September FED meeting
Economy
Top Middle East sovereign wealth funds invested $38.2 billion in 58 deals
Investments in H1 2024 led by the top Middle East sovereign wealth funds reached$38.2 billion in 58 different deals, according...
- The amount invested by the ‘Oil Five is more than double what the ‘Maple Eight’deployed
- Mubadala re-opened its Beijing office in 2023 to manage its $10 billion JV with SAFE and CDB
Geostrategy
Remittance flows to low-middle-income countries $656bn
World Bank’s latest Migration and Development Brief said the modest 0.7 percent growth rate reflects large variances in regional growth,...
- Remittances to LMICs are expected to grow at a faster rate of 2.3 percent in 2024, although this growth will be uneven across regions.
- Remittances to the Middle East and North Africa fell by 15 percent to $55 billion While those to South Asia grew by 5.2 percent in 2023.
Arts & Culture
Qatar to witness GCC’s highest growth in hospitality industry revenue until 2028
Hospitality industry revenue in Qatar is expected to witness the highest growth rate in GCC until 2028, Alpen Capital has...
- Qatar’s hospitality sector projected to rise 11% annually from $0.9bn in 2023 to $1.5bn in 2028
- In 2024 alone, Qatar is slated to host over 80 events scheduled throughout the year
Business
Global FDI falls by 2 percent to $1.3 trillion in 2023: UNCTAD
Geneva, Switzerland -- Global foreign direct investment (FDI) fell by 2 percent to $1.3 trillion in 2023 amid an economic...
- But the UNCTAD report highlights that the decline exceeds 10 percent when excluding the large swings in investment flows in a few European conduit economies.
- FDI flows to developing countries fell by 7 percent to $867 billion last year, reflecting an 8 percent decrease in developing Asia.
Economy
UAE, Qatar Central banks keep interest rates unchanged towing the line with US Fed
The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) and Qatar Central Bank (QCB) have decided to keep interest rates unchanged, following...
- The US Fed funds rate was maintained at the 5.25% - 5.50% range
- The US Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed no increase in May
Arts & Culture
Oman aviation sector sees 16.4% passenger growth in first 4 months of 2024
Oman witnesses a 16.4% growth in passenger traffic in early 2024The Sultanate of Oman’s aviation sector has experienced remarkable growth...
- Oman's four airports collectively handled over 4.9 million passengers
- Country planning to build six new airports and increase their number in Oman to 13 by 2028-29
Company News
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Saudi PMI falls to 58.4 in Dec as non-oil private sector improves
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- The seasonally adjusted Riyad Bank Saudi Arabia Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), formerly S&P Global Saudi Arabia...
Business
Desert truffles: Saudi Arabia’s buried treasure
The 10-day Qassim Truffle Festival, currently in its fourth year, features 18 booths showcasing truffles, a dedicated auction area and...
Business
Israeli invasion destroys 90% of Gaza livestock, poultry farms
Gaza, Palestinian Territories - The Israeli forces have decimated 90 percent of 2,500 poultry and cattle farms in Gaza during...
Geostrategy
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Geostrategy
Winter rains, flooding and limited aid worsen Gaza tragedy: IOM
"Vulnerable people, including at least seven infants, have died from hypothermia, and these tragic deaths underscore the urgent need for...
- As of mid-Dec, the Shelter Cluster, a coordination group of UN, international and local humanitarian, estimates at least 945,000 still urgently need winterization assistance.
- IOM has delivered nearly 180,000 emergency shelter items to partners inside Gaza since mid-November and has over 1.5 million more winter supplies.
Business
Oil extends gains on hopes of policy support for economic growth
Singapore - Oil prices extended gains on Friday after closing at their highest in more than two months in the...
- Brent crude futures rose 16 cents, or 0.2 percent, to $76.09 a barrel after settling at its highest since Oct. 25 on Thursday.
- Lower interest rates should spur more economic growth which would lead to higher fuel consumption.
Business
Dubai Airport set for record start to 2025: 4.3m guests in 15 days
Dubai, UAE -- Dubai International Airport (DXB) is on track to welcome 4.3 million guests in the first 15 days...
- With an average of 287,000 guests passing through daily during this period DXB is operating at volumes akin to its busiest months ever.
- This performance reflects a surge in international visitors flying out after the festive season, coupled with residents returning from holidays.