Business
Over 105m people visit Dubai Mall in 2023
DUBAI, UAE – Dubai Mall welcomed a record 105 million visitors in 2023, a jump of over 19 percent on...
- Figures also showed a staggering 20 million people visited the mall in the first two months of this year alone.
- The mall's events and promotions in 2023 and the beginning of 2024 were a key driver of its foot traffic.
Economy
Saudi Arabia’s Purchasing Manager’s Index rises to 57.2 points in Feb
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - The seasonally adjusted Riyadh Bank Saudi Arabia Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), formerly S&P Global Saudi Arabia...
- The PMI is a weighted average of five indices – new orders, output, employment, suppliers’ delivery times, stocks of purchases.
- In January, the index reached its lowest level in two years, indicating a strong but weaker improvement in Saudi non-oil private sector.
Geostrategy
Saudi Arabia to imprison, fine people for helping, employing illegal immigrants
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – The Directorate of Public Security stressed that anyone who facilitates the entry, transfer or employment of...
- The means of transportation used for bringing illegal immigrants will be confiscated.
- The housing unit used to shelter illegal immigrants will be confiscated, as per the law.
Business
Zain KSA net profit $335m
The company's fourth-quarter net profit was $78 million.
- The telecom services provider said its revenue rose 8.9 percent year-on-year (YoY) to an all-time high of SAR 9.9 billion in 2023.
- Gross profit increased 10 percent YoY. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) reached SAR 2.97 billion.
Geostrategy
OIC to hold extraordinary meeting on Israeli aggression on March 5
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will hold an extraordinary meeting of its Council of Foreign...
- OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha is expected to address the opening session, which will be preceded by a preparatory senior officials' meeting
- On October 11, 2023, Saudi Arabia hosted the extraordinary Joint Arab and Islamic Summit in Riyadh, organized by the OIC and the Arab League
Business
ADIB 2023 net profit $1.4bn
The bank achieved a Return on Equity of 27.1 percent.
- ADIB achieved record-breaking performance in 2023, with significant growth across all its businesses.
- Enhancing its digital presence, the bank saw a rise in actively digital customers through improvements to its mobile app.
Business
Dubai Taxi Company net profit up 54%
The company will pay a dividend of $19.33 million for Q4.
- Revenue for the year increased 11 percent year-on-year (YoY) to AED 1.95 billion, primarily driven by the strong performance of its taxi segment.
- DTC’s fleet size at the end of 2023 was more than 7,400 vehicles, with its taxis and limousines completing 46 million trips in 2023, an increase of 8 percent YoY.
Business
e& pledges $6 billion to advance connectivity in 16 countries
Barcelona, Spain -- e& Friday pledged to invest $6 billion between 2024 and 2026 in technological advancement, infrastructure development, and...
- This investment is set to provide accessible and affordable network connectivity and digital services across its 16 operating countries.
- For e& customers in emerging markets, new financial, health, and educational services will increasingly hinge on high-speed connections via fiber or wireless broadband, e& said.
Economy
Iran becomes world’s ninth biggest steel producer, says WSA
TEHRAN, IRAN – The Middle Eastern country has improved its global standing in steel production, becoming the ninth largest producer...
- In the first month of 2024, Iranian steel mills produced a total of 2.6 million tons of steel.
- The world's 71 steel-producing countries produced 148.1 million tons of steel in January 2024.
Business
Binaa Al Bahrain aims to create expansive mixed-use projects
ABU DHABI, UAE – Chairman of Eagle Hills International Mohamed Alabbar has said that US$4 billion joint venture Binaa Al...
- Binaa Al Bahrain aims to contribute to Bahrain’s long-term development through its iconic projects.
- The JV aspires to create job opportunities for Bahrainis in the real estate, hospitality and healthcare.
Company News
Latest News
Two falcons sell for $81,300 at Saudi Falcons Club Auction
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Two falcons were sold for a combined total of $81,300 (SAR305,000 ) on the tenth night...
Arts & Culture
Global Future Councils meet calls for collective action to tackle global crises
Over 500 experts gathered at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting of the Global Future Councils 2024 in Dubai to...
Geostrategy
Deals worth $4.26 billion signed at inaugural Global Logistics Forum
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- More than 65 agreements and Memoranda of Understanding worth SAR 16 billion were signed at the...
Business
Most Read
Economy
Sub-Saharan Africa: Nigeria takes #2 spot in global crypto adoption
Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for the global cryptocurrency economy’s smallest share, representing 2.7% of transaction volume worldwide between July 2023 and...
- Between July 2023 and June 2024. Sub-Saharan Africa received around US$125 billion in on-chain value
- About 70% of African countries face an FX shortage, and businesses struggle to get access to the dollar
Geostrategy
North Korea shows first photos of banned uranium enrichment site
North Korea for the first time showed images of the centrifuges that produce fuel for its nuclear bombs on Friday,...
- North Korea is believed to have several sites for enriching uranium
- The country may have produced enough fissile material to build up to 90 nuclear warheads: July report
‘Visa-free entry for GCC nationals will enhance business collaboration’
In an interview with TRENDS, CEO of ITCN Asia, Muhammad Umair Nizam highlights the expanding role of Pakistani IT firms...
- ITCN Asia offers a platform for stakeholders to collaborate, uniting government and industry leaders for discussions on key tech issues, CEO Muhammad Umair Nizam said
- Pakistan’s software services industry have stood out, with companies offering cybersecurity solutions, virtual reality for military and everyday use, he added