Trump says Israel, Hezbollah agree to halt hostilities; Lebanon says deal could expand nationwide
Beirut was bracing for a possible Israeli bombardment on Monday after Israel announced plans to strike the city's southern suburbs,...
Geostrategy
US slaps fresh sanctions on China-linked firms over Iran missile program
The United States on Friday announced a fresh round of sanctions targeting people and companies in China, Hong Kong, Belarus,...
Geostrategy
Business
UAE tourism generates $12.24bn in hotel revenues in 2024: Minister
Abu Dhabi, UAE -- Hotel revenues in the UAE reached approximately AED 45 billion ( $12.24 billion) in 2024, reflecting...
- Hotel occupancy rates also climbed to 78 percent last year, ranking among the highest both regionally and globally.
- The minister said that the number of hotel guests across the UAE reached approximately 30.8 million in 2024, reflecting a 9.5 percent growth.
Business
Abu Dhabi’s non-oil foreign trade grows by 9% in 2024 to $83bn
Abu Dhabi, UAE -- Abu Dhabi Customs reported a 9 percent increase in the emirate’s non-oil foreign trade in 2024,...
- Non-oil exports soared 16 percent in 2024, reaching AED 107.8 billion compared to AED 93 billion in 2023.
- Re-exports grew by 11 percent to exceed AED 58 billion, compared to AED 52.4 billion in 2023, while imports grew by 3 percent to AED 140.2 billion.
Business
Saudi Arabia’s travel account surplus reaches nearly $13.27bn
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia's tourism sector achieved a record surplus in the 2024 travel account, reaching SAR49.8 billion...
- This surge was fueled by a 13.8 percent increase in inbound visitor spending compared to 2023, reaching an estimated SAR153.6 billion in 2024.
- Saudi tourism ministry attributed the significant growth in the 2024 travel account surplus to collaborative efforts within the Saudi tourism ecosystem,
Business
AD Ports Group 2024 revenue $4.70bn
The Group's EBITDA increased by 69 percent YOY.
- All of the Group’s business segments — Ports, Economic Cities and Free Zones, Maritime and Shipping, Logistics, and Digital — contributed to the record-breaking revenue.
- The Group successfully integrated two major acquisitions and accelerated its international expansion strategy, boosting profitability.
Business
ADNOC Gas to pay $3.41bn dividend
It includes $1.7 billion scheduled for distribution in Q2 2025.
- It reported a record adjusted net income of $5 billion, up 13 percent year-on-year, and strong EBITDA growth of 14 percent year-on-year to $8.65 billion.
- ADNOC Gas' full-year 2024 results demonstrate the success of its disciplined strategy, unveiled in November 2024, the company said.
Business
Al Ansari approves $85m dividend
This is approx 78% of the company's net profit after tax.
- Al Ansari Financial Services is preparing to finalize the acquisition of BFC Group Holding for AED 735 million, a move that will significantly expand its regional footprint.
- Post-acquisition, the company will emerge as the largest exchange company in Bahrain and the third largest in Kuwait.
Business
ADNOC Drilling approves $788m dividend
The final cash dividend of $394m for 2024 was approved at the AGM.
- The dividend will be paid on or around 11th April 2025, to all shareholders of record as of 27th March 2025.
- ADNOC Drilling’s full-year revenue increased significantly to a record $4.034 billion, rising by 32 percent year-on-year.
Business
Borouge proposes share buyback
The company had posted a 24% YoY increase in net profit to $1.24bn.
- Boruge said the proposed share buyback underscores the company’s confidence in its long-term growth prospects.
- Shareholders will also vote to approve the final 2024 dividends of 7.94 fils per share, which will be distributed on 28t Apr, bringing its total 2024 dividend payout to $1.3bn.
Business
DAE to acquire 17 aircraft for $1 bn
This portfolio comprises 100 percent next-generation aircraft
- Eighty percent of the aircraft are manufactured by Airbus, and 20 percent are manufactured by Boeing.
- These aircraft are expected to reduce DAE’s weighted average passenger fleet age to 6.9 years.
Business
DP World posts record $20bn revenue
The adjusted EBITDA rose by 6.7% to $5.5bn in 2024.
- DP World capacity exceeded 100 million TEU due to selective infrastructure investment in key growth markets.
- Capital expenditure of $2.2 billion ($2.1 billion in 2023) was invested across the existing portfolio.
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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 says Israel, Hezbollah agree to halt hostilities; Lebanon says deal could expand nationwide
Beirut was bracing for a possible Israeli bombardment on Monday after Israel announced plans to strike the city's southern suburbs,...
Geostrategy
Company News
Latest News
ADCB to raise $1.66bn
Business
Digital sovereignty Is the new independence, says UAE cybersecurity official
Digital sovereignty, in my view, is no longer a technical concept — it’s a cornerstone of national independence and strategic...
Interview
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...
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...
Geostrategy
Most Read
Business
Multiply Group buys stake in ISEM
Multiply Group will hold 60.8% of ISEM.
- Peninsula Capital and minority investors will own the remaining 39.2 percent.
- The deal represents an expansion into packaging by Multiply Group, establishing the Group’s fifth consumer-focused vertical.
Business
Ajman records $808 million in real estate transactions in September
Ajman, UAE -- Real estate transactions in Ajman reached AED 2.97 billion in September, achieving a remarkable growth of 53...
- The number of real estate transactions during September reached 1,739, while the number of real estate tradings reached 1,393, with a total value exceeding AED1.87 billion.
- A total of 241 mortgage transactions were registered, with a total value exceeding AED474 million.
Business
Tech leaders unite to propel future-critical sectors at GITEX GLOBAL 2025
Dubai, UAE: With capabilities of AI advancing every year, its potential to address challenges once thought unsolvable is rapidly expanding,...
- The event brings together the world’s most advanced AI and tech enterprises and leaders from 180 countries, from 13-17 Oct at Dubai World Trade Centre.
- Expand North Star celebrates its 10th edition from 12-15 October at Dubai Harbour.