The GCC must deploy its ‘strategic advantages’ to lead the transition
The models that once governed aid, CSR, employment, and economic engagement are shifting, and the GCC has an opportunity to...
Opinion
MENA emerges as fast-growing global e-trading hub, UAE leads with over half-trillion dollars in volume
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is rapidly becoming one of the world’s most dynamic retail e-trading markets,...
Economy
Geostrategy
Saudi Arabia signs MoUs with four countries for development in mining industry
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources has signed four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the...
- The roundtable highlighted the need for governments and industry to achieve economic and social development for local communities.
- A total of 79 governments, 13 international organizations, 15 NGOs and seven business associations took part in the roundtable.
Business
FAB issues first Sukuk globally in 2024
ABU DHABI, UAE - First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) has issued a five-year US$800 million Sukuk at US Treasury +85bps,...
- The allocation sees 76 percent directed towards dedicated Islamic investors and 38 percent towards international counterparts.
- The 1.9x oversubscribed order book represented high-quality investors, including international fund managers, supranational and banks.
Economy
UAE economy likely to grow by 3.8 percent in 2025, says World Bank
WASHINGTON, US - The World Bank expected the UAE's real GDP to grow by 3.4 percent in 2023, rising to...
- The World Bank forecast the growth in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries to rise to 3.6 percent in 2024 and 3.8 percent in 2025.
- The report said that the growth rate in the Middle East and North Africa region slowed down sharply to 1.9 percent in 2023.
Business
Air cargo demand up 8.3 percent in November 2023, says IATA
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for November 2023 global air cargo markets indicating the...
- This reflects a fourth consecutive month of strengthening demand for air cargo.
- Most of the capacity growth continues to be attributable to the rise in belly capacity.
Geostrategy
Israel is starving Gaza residents, says NGO
RAMALLAH, PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES - Everyone in Gaza is going hungry and about 2.2 million people are surviving day by day...
- The NGO said that Gaza Strip was already in the throes of a humanitarian crisis before the war, mainly due to Israel’s 17-year blockade.
- Given this starting point, it is clear as to why the Gaza Strip plummeted into a full-blown catastrophe so quickly.
Geostrategy
Saudi Arabia, Belarus ink MoU to boost trade, investment
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - The Federation of Saudi Chambers and the National Center for Marketing and Price Study at the...
- Under the pact, the two parties will exchange information related to trade, business environment, investment, production and export opportunities.
- The two parties will organize joint research activities pertaining to marketing to enhance trade prospects and explore ways of improved cooperation.
Business
Baims acquires Orcas Edtech
The firm plans to incorporate one-to-one tutoring services.
- Baims specializes in providing online tailored recorded courses for university students in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan.
- Capitalizing on its market share in Saudi Arabia, Baims is poised to launch a specialized AI-driven test preparation product.
Business
Dubai SME joins hands with CXDA to attract investment
DUBAI, UAE – The Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME), a part of Dubai...
- The strategic partnership with Dubai SME outlines a comprehensive roadmap.
- This will introduce AI for equipping SMEs with innovative financial solutions.
Business
Resilient supply chains are essential to global trade: Expert
DUBAI, UAE – For over 30 years, globalization has been the evergreen megatrend as global trade has helped lift some...
- The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical role of resilient supply chains in sustaining economies worldwide to the forefront.
- Wars, armed conflicts, overall increasing geopolitical tensions, and protectionism create serious headwinds for global trade.
Business
Utilizing AI is only possible if skill gap is bridged, says expert
DUBAI, UAE - The Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution is upon us, with AI becoming a pervasive force in our daily...
- As the rate of AI adoption increases, humans are essential to guiding the technology’s implementation and usage of these technologies.
- Executives estimate that up to 40 percent of their workforce may need to reskill as a result of implementing AI or automation over the next three years.
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
The GCC must deploy its ‘strategic advantages’ to lead the transition
The models that once governed aid, CSR, employment, and economic engagement are shifting, and the GCC has an opportunity to...
Opinion
Company News
Emirates Islamic Q1 profit $394m
Business
Latest News
Iran voices ‘serious doubts’ over Israel’s commitments, including the ceasefire
Iran also writes to the UN chief to recognize the Israeli regime and the United States as the "initiators of...
Geostrategy
Airlines suspend or reduce flights in Middle East after Iran strikes
British Airways cancelled flights between London's Heathrow Airport and Dubai and Doha on Sunday following the US strikes on Iran....
Geostrategy
MENA Brief | June 19: GCC central banks hold interest rates steady, Diriyah House launched in London
As most currencies in the region are pegged to the US dollar, monetary policy follows the decisions taken in Washington,...
Geostrategy
Most Read
Geostrategy
MENA Brief June 14: Iran-Israel War, Abu Dhabi Summit, Saudi Football Rise, & More
Tensions spiked as Iran fired ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for Israeli air raids that killed senior Iranian military...
- Tensions spiked as Iran fired ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for Israeli air raids that killed senior Iranian military leaders and hit nuclear sites
- French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that the planned UN conference on a two-state solution in New York has been delayed due to security and logistical concerns
Analysis
MENA Brief: Key Geopolitical, Defence, and Innovation Updates – June 11, 2025
Regional tensions, high-stakes defence deals, and new innovation-led collaborations defined the Middle East and North Africa landscape on Wednesday. Here’s...
- Turkey announced a landmark agreement to supply 48 domestically produced KAAN fifth-generation fighter jets to Indonesia
- Kuwait announced that expatriates working in the private sector will now require employer consent to leave the country
Geostrategy
MENA brief Jun 11: Umrah returns, ADGM surges, Abu Dhabi property market up
China has extended visa-free entry for up to 30 days to citizens of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain—boosting bilateral...
- Mashreq Bank’s debut $500 million sukuk listed on Nasdaq Dubai under its $2.5 billion program offers a 5.03 % profit yield.
- Nigeria’s planned $5 billion oil‑backed loan with Saudi Aramco is stalled amid falling Brent crude prices and production constraints.