Chief Economists warn global growth under strain from trade policy shocks and AI disruption
The global economic outlook has worsened since the start of the year, as rising economic nationalism and tariff volatility fuel...
Economy
Business
Abu Dhabi Chamber sets up 54 new Advocacy Hub working groups
Abu Dhabi, UAE -- The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) announced the establishment of 54 working groups...
- The chamber said these working groups are part of the efforts to support the growth and prosperity of the private sector in Abu Dhabi
- These groups also serve as a platform for presenting development ideas and proposals and facilitating communication between the private sector and government agencies
Business
Exports key target of GCC hydrogen strategies
Clean hydrogen could be bigger than the oil and gas economy for the region, says Jo Bamford, chairman of HYCAP,...
- Bamford told TRENDS that the region is blessed with ample solar and wind resources needed for generating the lowest-cost electricity that is eventually needed to produce hydrogen.
- The emergence of the hydrogen industry in GCC nations promises significant economic opportunities, with projections suggesting a market worth $100 billion by 2030.
Business
Middle Eastern airlines passenger demand up 19.7 percent in Feb: IATA
Geneva, Switzerland -- The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for February 2024 global passenger demand, with total demand,...
- Global passenger demand, with total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs), rising 21.5 percent year-on-year (YoY).
- Domestic demand rose 15 percent compared to February 2023; capacity was up 9.4 percent year on year and the load factor was 82.6 percent (+4.0ppt compared to February 2023).
Business
Joint Venture formed to develop Iraq’s Al Faw Grand Port, Economic Zone
Abu Dhabi, UAE -- AD Ports Group and the General Company for Ports of Iraq (GCPI) sign an agreement to...
- The agreement also encompasses the potential investment, management, and operation of ports, economic zones, and related infrastructure in other cities in Iraq.
- Both parties will explore investment opportunities and conduct the necessary feasibility studies related to ports, economic zones and other infrastructure under GCPI.
Business
Abu Dhabi targets 39.3 million visitors by 2030
Emirate's new tourism strategy aims to increase the sector’s contribution to GDP from $13.34 billion in 2023 to $24 billion...
- The Strategy will generate an estimated 178,000 new jobs by 2030 as the entire tourism infrastructure develops to meet this demand
- It intends to almost double international overnight visitors from 3.8 million in 2023 to approximately 7.2 million in 2030
Business
Iran discovers giant shale oil reserves in several regions: NIOC
Tehran, Iran -- The National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) has said that shale oil deposits have been discovered in 10...
- The director of exploration at the NIOC, Mehdi Fakour, announced that the company's specially designed model will enable the extraction of oil from these resources.
- Shale oil is an unconventional oil produced from oil shale rock fragments by pyrolysis, hydrogenation, or thermal dissolution.
Business
Abu Dhabi’s real estate transactions reach $4.32 billion in first quarter
Abu Dhabi, UAE -- The value of real estate transactions in Abu Dhabi reached AED 15.9 billion ($4.32 billion) during...
- The emirate logged 2,919 sales and purchases transactions in Q1 2024 totaling over AED 9.6 billion.
- DARI data showed that Abu Dhabi recorded about 2,208 mortgage deals during Q1, with a total value of AED 6.3 billion.
Business
Aramco awards $7.7bn contracts for Fadhili Gas Plant expansion
Dhahran, Saudi Arabia – Saudi energy giant Aramco Tuesday awarded engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts worth $7.7 billion for a...
- The project is expected to increase the plant’s processing capacity from 2.5 to up to 4 billion standard cubic feet per day (bscfd).
- This additional 1.5 bscfd capacity is expected to contribute to the company’s strategy to raise gas production by more than 60 percent by 2030, compared to 2021 levels.
Business
UAE national carriers reach 603 global destinations by Q1
Abu Dhabi, UAE -- The UAE's national carriers have witnessed significant growth in their destination network, reaching approximately 603 destinations...
- The 3% rise over 2022 reflects the rebounding aviation sector and caters to the rising demand for travel.
- Etihad Airways has achieved significant growth, reaching approximately 76 destinations by the end of the first quarter of 2024.
Economy
UAE Central Bank forecasts GDP to grow by 4.2% in 2024, 5.2% in 2025
Abu Dhabi, UAE -- The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) expects the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP)...
- The Central Bank also forecasted a non-oil GDP growth of 4.7 percent in both 2024 and 2025, and an oil GDP growth of 2.9 percent in 2024 and 6.2 percent in 2025.
- The CBUAE report anticipated that the recent introduction of a federal corporate tax is poised to further strengthen government finances.
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SHUAA okays MCB tranches
Business
PIF completes $7 billion inaugural murabaha credit facility
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) on Monday announced its first murabaha credit facility for the...
Business
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All six lines of Riyadh Metro are now operational
The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) announced that the phased rollout of Riyadh Metro culminated as of Sunday, Jan....
- The Royal commission announced the operation of three new stations on the Blue Line
- Riyadh Metro users will be received from 6:00 am until 12:00 midnight
Business
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...
- The index has remained above the neutral level (50.0 points) since September 2020.
- Business conditions experienced a marked improvement, propelled by a substantial surge in new orders.
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...
- Fertile soil, untouched land, access to fresh water, a suitable climate, and the presence of the Helianthemum plant contribute to growth of desert truffles.
- The Qassim Truffle Festival, currently in its fourth year, is a testament to the region's truffle production.