Aramco, unit and Sinopec ink $4bn deal
The two companies will establish a joint venture company.
Business
OpenAI files counterclaims against Musk as feud deepens
San Francisco, United States -- Artificial intelligence giant OpenAI has filed counterclaims against multi-billionaire Elon Musk, accusing its former co-founder...
Business
Economy
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...
- While the global South experienced robust annual growth rates of 6.6 percent between 2003 and 2013, that figure has fallen to 4.1 percent over the past decade.
- This has made it harder for nations to expand social services, cover rising energy transition costs and manage mounting public debt.
Business
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,...
- Sectors such financial services, industrial equipment, and transportation and warehousing played an important role in contributing to this growth.
- The most prominent countries involved in these investments were the US., India, the U.K., Saudi Arabia, and France.
Business
ADNEC to acquire ‘Royal Catering’
Royal Catering has more than 2.500 employees.
- Serving key industries such as energy, defense, healthcare, and education, Royal Catering has earned a reputation for delivering high-quality services across the UAE.
- The addition of Royal Catering will expand Capital Catering’s industry focus from aviation, defense and healthcare and increase its production capacity
Business
PIF sets up sarcc company
The new entity will address growing staff accommodation demand.
- In a statement, PIF said sarcc will play a key role in transforming the accommodation market by developing and operating complexes for staff in Saudi Arabia.
- The company will foster the Saudi private sector by facilitating long-term investment and partnerships throughout the industry's value chain.
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.
Business
US considering Google breakup following monopoly ruling
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) made recommendations for Google’s search engine business practices on Tuesday, according to US media....
- Structural remedies that would prevent Google from using products such as Chrome, Play, and Android
- Google will likely appeal, drawing out the process potentially for years
Business
ADNOC L&S to pay $136.5m dividend
This is equivalent to 6.78 fils per share, the company said.
- The Company intends to distribute a total dividend amount of $273 million (AED1,002.6 million) for the full year.
- The H1 2024 dividend will be paid to shareholders who own ADNOC L&S shares on the record date of 17th October 2024.
Economy
Oil prices at risk of further increases due to potential energy disruptions
Crude oil prices soared nearly 9% last week, marking the biggest weekly gain since March 2023, following a significant escalation...
- Israeli officials stated that Israel would target Iran's oil production facilities within Iran
- Iran is one of the top 10 oil producers globally, with production exceeding 3.3m barrels per day
Aramco, unit and Sinopec ink $4bn deal
The two companies will establish a joint venture company.
Business
Company News
SIB’s 2024 profit $272m
Business
Latest News
PIF acquires stake in Saudi Re
Business
Dubai’s real estate sector records $207 billion in transactions in 2024
Dubai, UAE -- Dubai’s real estate sector recorded a total of 2.78 million procedures in 2024, the highest in its...
Business
UAE most attractive Arab destination for auto investment, business
Kuwait -- The UAE has topped the Arab list as the best and most attractive destination for investment and business...
Business
SIB’s 2024 profit $272m
The profit surpassed AED 1 billion for the first time in bank's history.
Business
Most Read
Economy
Global economy set to face significant challenges in 2025: WEF survey
Geneva, Switzerland – The global economy is set to face significant challenges in 2025, with 56 percent of chief economists...
- Only 17% of chief economists foresee an improvement, pointing to heightened uncertainty in key regions and the need for measured policy responses worldwide.
- Europe continues to rank as the weakest region for the third consecutive year, with nearly three-quarters (74 percent) expecting weak or very weak growth.
Business
AD Ports to invest in Kazakh port
Under the deal, AD Ports Group owns 51% stake.
- Sarzha Grain Terminal will see a total investment of just over US$50 million over the two phases, with AD Ports Group contributing around US$30 million.
- With phase 1 scheduled for completion in the second half of 2026, Sarzha Grain Terminal is set to enhance global food trade.
Business
Fifth Aramco facility receives WEF Global Lighthouse Network tag
Dhahran, Saudi Arabia -- Aramco's North Ghawar Oil Producing Complex has become the company's fifth facility to be added to...
- Aramco said that only industrial sites that successfully deploy 4IR technologies at scale are admitted to the prestigious network.
- WEF said UAE's EGA, named End-to-End Value Chain Lighthouse, undertook a 4IR transformation to further increase its cost-competitiveness.