Trump signs order allowing US Govt access to AI models before public release
The measure establishes a new cybersecurity clearinghouse involving federal agencies and industry partners, reflecting growing concerns about advanced AI systems'...
Geostrategy
Trump says Xi wants Hormuz Strait reopened amid Iran conflict
US President Donald Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping wants the Strait of Hormuz reopened, following talks between the two...
Geostrategy
Business
ADNOC’s listed companies post over $2.3 billion net profit in first quarter
Abu Dhabi, UAE -- ADNOC Group's publicly traded portfolio companies combined to deliver over $2.3 billion (AED8.4 billion) in first...
- ADNOC Distribution delivered first quarter net profit of $174 million (AEDAED639 million), up 16 percent year-on-year.
- Borouge reported strong Q1 2025 results with net profit of $281 million, driven by year-on-year increases of 10 percent for sales volumes and 7 percent for production volumes.
Economy
Massive GCC infrastructure investments set stage for rising foreign equity: Franklin Templeton
The Franklin Templeton Emerging Markets Equity outlook emphasizes how GCC countries have reduced their dependence on oil and gas, opened...
- The FTEME outlook emphasizes how GCC countries have reduced their dependence on oil and gas, opened their capital markets, and diversified their economies
- The report highlights a striking decline in the equity risk premium (ERP) in the GCC — from 6.6% in 2016 to 2.4% by March 2025
Geostrategy
Two-State solution nearing point of no return: UN chief
He renewed calls for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and full humanitarian access. He...
- Guterres expressed deep concern over the worsening crisis in Gaza, where nearly 2,000 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire collapsed in March
- He renewed calls for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and full humanitarian access
Business
Etihad unveils new A321LR aircraft
A321LR features First Suite - a private, enclosed space with a sliding door.
- The airline highlighted the aircraft's enhanced guest experience, including a first-class offering typically found on larger planes.
- The aircraft features new First Suites with sliding doors and lie-flat beds, 14 lie-flat business-class seats with direct aisle access, and upgraded economy seating.
Business
SAIB reports $139 million Q1 net profit
its assets increased by 20.08 percent to $43.65bn.
- The profit growth was driven by a 4.7% year-on-year (YoY) hike in the first-quarter net special commission income, mainly due to higher returns from financing and investment
- Its clients' deposits were valued at SAR 101.66 billion, which is 14.96 percent higher than SAR 88.43 billion a year ago.
Business
Emirates Islamic Q1 profit $394m
The bank's profit crossed AED 1bn mark for the first time.
- Total income rose 8 percent year-on-year to AED1.45 billion ($394 million) in Q1 2025.
- Operating profit increased by 5 percent compared to Q1 2024, while the net profit margin remained robust at 3.85 percent.
Business
Bank credit to Saudi public and private sectors up by $105 billion: SAMA
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Total bank credit granted to the public and private sectors in Saudi Arabia reached its highest...
- Total bank credit recorded a monthly growth of 1.2%, increasing by SAR 37.035 billion compared to last Jan, when it stood at SAR 3.005 trillion.
- The bank credit granted to the public and private sectors was distributed across more than 17 diverse economic activities.
Travel and tourism sector contributes 11.4 percent to Gulf’s GDP
Muscat, Oman -- Travel and tourism sector's contribution to the Gulf's GDP by the end of 2024 reached approximately 11.4 percent,...
- The growth rate of the sector's contribution to the Gulf's GDP increased by approximately 31.9 percent compared to the figures recorded in 2019.
- Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf GCC-Stat said the sector's contribution to the global GDP in 2024 amounted to 2.2 percent.
Business
Ajman real estate transactions reach $560 million in March
Ajman, UAE -- Real estate transactions in Ajman reached AED 2.06 billion ($560 million) in March 2025, marking a significant...
- Omar bin Omair Al Muhairi, Director-General of the Ajman's Department of Land and Real Estate Regulation, said the emirate recorded 1,025 real estate transactions in March.
- Al Muhairi noted that Ajman's real estate market continues to show strong momentum, consistently achieving record figures.
Economy
Trump’s tariffs shake up MENA economies, hitting allies, adversaries, oil trade and emerging industries: Report
Trump's sweeping tariffs are reshaping trade dynamics across MENA, impacting oil-exporting Gulf nations like Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar, according...
- Gulf oil producers face indirect hits as tariff fears lower global oil demand and prices
- Small businesses across MENA confront rising costs, disrupted supply chains, and uncertainty
Most Read
Revenue from Saudi cinema may exceed $1bn by 2030KSA, UAE play well as e-gaming trends across GCCExclusive: Middle East’s retail sector rides on AR and hybrid shopping to become $600bn digital economyTECOM Group profit soars 13%UAE startups eye Saudi Arabia for growth, expansionSaudi Arabia leads GCC AI healthcare raceDisparity remains as Saudis, Emiratis see wealth gains
Trump signs order allowing US Govt access to AI models before public release
The measure establishes a new cybersecurity clearinghouse involving federal agencies and industry partners, reflecting growing concerns about advanced AI systems'...
Geostrategy
Company News
Latest News
Riyadh, Washington seal major defense agreement amid Saudi push for two-state roadmap before Israel normalization
Saudi Crown Prince said that his kingdom wanted to normalize relations with Israel through US President Donald Trump's Abraham Accords,...
Geostrategy
Emirates orders 65 more Boeing 777X planes despite delays
Dubai, UAE -- Emirates, the Middle East's biggest airline, topped up its order of Boeing 777X planes on Monday despite...
Business
Ring, Lloyds Bank and Snapchat hit by massive internet outage
Lloyds Bank and Halifax’s mobile apps went down for users on Monday after a major outage linked to Amazon Web...
Business
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Geostrategy
Building a secure future: Key takeaways from WEF’s Dubai meetings
The Annual Meeting on Cybersecurity, held jointly with the Global Future Councils, focused on strengthening global cooperation to enhance digital...
- It convened over 500 experts from government, business, civil society and media, together with 150 of the world’s foremost cybersecurity leaders.
- Participants identified key innovations, policies and business models that could drive meaningful and sustainable economic growth.
Geostrategy
Geothermal, desalination: Top 10 solutions for planetary health
Dubai, UAE--Ten transformative technology solutions could change the way the world powers homes, grows food and secures freshwater, according to...
- In 2024, global temperatures stayed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels for the entire year and current estimates put the world on track for nearing 3°C of warming by 2100.
- Each technology was evaluated through various means including expert nominations, AI trend analysis, peer assessment and analysis of adoption conditions.
Business
WEF’s Dubai Summit tackles existential digital risks
DUBAI, UAE – A powerful confluence of more than 500 experts and 150 cybersecurity leaders has converged in Dubai for...
- The meeting will inform and drive collaborative solutions to shared challenges.
- This year’s meetings will provide much-needed space to navigate uncertainty, decode emerging trends and strengthen resilience.