Saudi Arabia partners with World Bank to launch global knowledge hub in RiyadhÂ
According to World Bank Group President Ajay Banga, “The new Knowledge Hub being created by the World Bank Group and...
Business
Economy
Middle East & North Africa: Regulatory momentum and DeFi fuel crypto adoption
The Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region ranks as the seventh-largest crypto market globally in 2024, with an estimated...
- Centralized exchanges (CEXs) remain the primary source of crypto inflows across MENA
- Across MENA, stablecoins and altcoins are gaining market share over traditionally preferred assets like bitcoin and ether
Business
Masdar acquires Saeta Yield
The deal is estimated to be valued at $1.4 billion.
- Saeta is a leading independent developer, owner and operator of renewable energy assets.
- Masdar recently announced an agreement with Endesa to become a portfolio asset partner for Spain's 2.5 GW renewable energy projects.
Geostrategy
Media gag and manufactured consent: Israel’s campaign against Lebanon
Beirut, Lebanon: On Sunday, Israeli troops stormed the Al Jazeera office in the occupied West Bank and issued a 45-day...
- Israel's claim last year that Gaza's largest Al-Shifa Hospital housed Hamas command center was debunked by many.
- Before launching deadly strikes on Lebanon, Israeli military released videos claiming civilian homes housed arms.
Business
ADNOC Distribution H1 dividend $350m
The total dividend for 2024 is expected to be $700 million.
- The second and final portion of 2024 dividend is expected to be paid in April 2025, in accordance with the recommendations of the Board of Directors and shareholder approval.
- The company's cash dividend paid since its initial public offering totaled AED 16.2 billion ($4.4 billion), including cash dividends for the first half of 2024.
Geostrategy
DCO launches Digital Economy Navigator to bridge global digital gap
The navigator enables countries to better navigate their digital journeys, find opportunities for growth and benchmark progress,
- DEN was unveiled at SDG Digital, held this year during the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York from September 10 to 27.
- DEN is a unifying framework that addresses digital economy maturity across 50 countries, including the DCO member states.
Business
Global tourism nears full recovery, led by Middle East’s 26% growth in 2024
While Europe and Americas have nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels, the Middle East's growth outpaces all other regions, UN World...
- Globally, international tourism reached 96 percent of pre-pandemic levels during the same period, with around 790 million tourists, an 11 percent increase over 2023.
- In terms of tourism revenue, 47 out of 63 countries with available data reported a return to pre-pandemic earnings.
Business
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.
- Statistics showed that the foreign assets of the Central Bank increased by 5.3 percent year-on-year to reach AED 770.6 billion.
- The total capital and reserves of banks operating in the UAE increased by 3.9 percent to AED 495.2 billion at the end of the second quarter.
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...
- These investments include 116 renewable energy projects, which are expected to be operational between 2025 and 2030.
- Large solar projects, such as the fifth phase of the Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum Solar Park, are making significant progress.
Business
TAQA launches new corporate identity
Abu Dhabi Energy Services will be renamed as TAQA Services.
- TAQA also announced that ADDC and Al Ain Distribution Company will merge under a new unified company.
- The Abu Dhabi Transmission and Despatch Company (TRANSCO) will be renamed TAQA Transmission Networks,
Business
Saudi surpasses Vision 2030 tourism target, says IMF report
Tourism is a major contributor to the Kingdom's economic diversification efforts, the IMF notes in its 2024 Article IV Consultation...
- The sector's direct and indirect contribution to GDP reached 11.5 percent in 2023, with expectations to grow to 16 percent by 2034.
- Central to this growth has been a combination of strong domestic demand and increased international arrivals.
Company News
Lulu’s IPO raises $1.72bn
Business
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DAE 9M net profit $310m
Business
Global economy faces ‘low normal’ growth, widening inequality gap
The organization’s Trade and Development Report 2024 warned that this new “low normal" growth is insufficient to tackle pressing development and...
Economy
UAE records 37% increase in greenfield FDI to $16 billion in 2023
Abu Dhabi, UAE -- The UAE has witnessed a 37% increase in greenfield investments in 2023 to reach US$16 billion,...
Business
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Economy
World merchandise trade to rise by 2.7% in 2024: Global Trade Outlook
There was a 2.3% year-on-year increase in the first half of 2024 and WTO economists anticipate the volume will increase...
- Global GDP growth at market exchange rates is expected to remain at 2.7 percent in both years.
- Declining inflationary pressure has allowed central banks in advanced economies to begin cutting interest rates, which should stimulate consumption.
Geostrategy
WTO predicts modest trade growth for 2024-25 amid geopolitical risks
In 2024 and 2025, inflation is expected to gradually abate, allowing real incomes to grow again in advanced economies, boosting...
- Risks to the forecast are on the downside “due to current geopolitical tensions and policy uncertainty. Middle East troubles have diverted sea shipments between Europe and Asia.
- It added that import demand in real terms was weak in 2023 in most regions, especially in Europe but also in North America and Asia.
Business
AviLease acquires 9 aircraft from Avolon
AviLease had purchased 13 aircraft from Avolon in 2023.
- AviLease aircraft portfolio now comprises 167 owned aircraft, including purchase commitments, and 23 managed aircraft on lease to 48 airlines globally.
- AviLease said the acquired portfolio offers attractive yields and further contributes to the diversification of its portfolio.