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....
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...
Geostrategy
Arts & Culture
London hosts showcase for world’s biggest grand opera in Arabic
London, United Kingdom -- The production operations of Zarqa al-Yamamah Opera, the first grand opera to be produced by Saudi Arabia...
- The Zarqa al-Yamamah Opera is set to begin in Riyadh in mid-April and extend to multiple local and international performances.
- Zarqa Al-Yamamah is a legendary character in Arab history during the pre-Islamic era.
Business
solutions to pay 60% cash dividend
The company posted a 13 percent rise in net profit for 2023.
- The profit increase was mainly due to the SAR 587 million uptick in gross profit, as revenues grew year-on-year (YoY) by 25.4 percent.
- In Q4 2023, net profit fell 17.8 percent to SAR 162 million from SAR 197 million in Q4 2022.
Business
Tabreed 2023 revenue up 9%
The company reported a net profit of $204 million.
- Tabreed’s Board of Directors has recommended a record high dividend payment of 15.5 fils per share in cash.
- Net cash from operating activities totaled AED 1.31 billion in 2023 (AED 1.35 billion in 2022), while free cash flows increased by 8 percent to AED 1.21 billion.
Business
AD Ports Group net profit up 6%
Revenue growth driven by ports, logistics, and digital clusters.
- The Group said it more than doubled year-on-year to AED11.68 billion, up 58% YoY to AED 8.71 billion on a like-for-like basis.
- General cargo volumes rose by 26 percent YoY to reach 40 million tons in 2023, compared with 31.7 million tons in 2022, 13 percent YoY on an LFL basis.
Business
ADNOC and bp to form gas JV
The JV is expected to be completed in the second half of 2024.
- Under the JV, bp will contribute its interests in three development concessions, as well as exploration agreements, in Egypt.
- ADNOC will make a proportionate cash contribution which can be used for future growth opportunities.
Business
$1.39bn credit facility for Cenomi Centers
The Shariah-compliant facility was secured with several banks.
- The new arrangements consist of a 12-year term sustainability-linked Murabaha facility in two tranches as well as a revolving four-year renewable Murabaha facility.
- The arrangements will help Cenomi to support its growth plans by contributing towards existing facility repayments.
Business
NMDC Group net profit $585m
The Group's revenues surged 56 percent to $4.54 billion.
- The Group's assets reached AED 20.8 billion in 2023, up from AED 16.0 billion in 2022.
- In Q4 2023 alone, NMDC reported revenues of AED 5.7 billion and a net profit of AED 0.64 billion.
Business
US hardwood lumber shipments to MENA reach $61 million in 2023
Dubai, UAE -- American hardwood lumber (sawn timber) shipments to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region reached $61.14...
- Significant increases were seen in exports of American hardwood lumber to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia last year.
- More modest increases were seen in shipments to Morocco, Lebanon, Algeria and Iraq.
Geostrategy
OFID funds $27 billion for 4,000 projects in 125 countries
Dubai, UAE -- The OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) has committed a US$27 billion to support 4,000 development projects...
- The OPEC Fund for International Development, founded in 1976, is a multilateral development finance institution.
- Its membership comprises 12 countries: the UAE, Algeria, Ecuador, Gabon, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela.
Economy
IMF chief forecasts higher economic growth for Arab region in 2024
Dubai, UAE -- International Monetary Fund (IMF) chief Kristalina Georgieva has forecasted that the total GDP growth for the Middle...
- The GDP growth for the Middle East region would reach 2.9 percent this year, surpassing the figures from 2023.
- The IMF Chief also anticipated a decline in global inflation rates for 2024, while underscoring that medium-term global growth prospects remain at around 3 percent.
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....
Company News
Latest News
UAE banks’ Q2 investments in Islamic certificates, cash bills surge to $61.81bn
The banking sector in the country maintained strong capital adequacy, exceeding Basel 3 requirements, according to the Central Bank.
Business
Middle East renewable energy projects investments reach $75bn
London, UK -- The Middle East is moving towards investing $75.63 billion in renewable energy projects until 2030, according to...
Business
TAQA launches new corporate identity
Abu Dhabi Energy Services will be renamed as TAQA Services.
Business
Most Read
2024 Crypto Crime Update Part 2: China-based cybercrime networks on the rise
In part 1 of our mid-year crime update, we discussed trends related to ransomware and stolen funds. While aggregate illicit...
- 43% of YTD scam inflows have gone to wallets that became active this year
- Huione Guarantee, appears heavily used for illicit crypto-based activities, including pig butchering, investment fraud, and money laundering
Nvidia’s forecast dampens AI enthusiasm in other tech stocks
Shares of Nvidia and other technology heavyweights fell late on Wednesday, a discouraging sign for investors betting that a strong...
- Nvidia loses $200 billion in market value
- Investors' high expectations led to disappointment despite Nvidia's strong earnings
Business
UAE national carriers fly to 606 destinations as travel demand rebounds
Abu Dhabi, UAE -- UAE national carriers continued to expand their destinations for passengers, supported by the UAE's leading position...
- The carriers reached about 586 destinations at the end of last year 2023. The national carriers' destinations currently include more than 144 Emirates destinations.
- flydubai flies to 125 destinations in 58 countries across Africa, Central Asia, Central and Southeast Europe, the GCC, the Middle East.