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
From Iran Talks to Dubai Metro: Key Middle East Developments You Need to Know on June 10, 2025
Key developments across the Middle East today highlight regional diplomatic, economic and humanitarian trends
Economy
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
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.
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
Company News
Latest News
Saudi Arabia unveils ‘Colour Your Summer’ program, targeting 41 million visitors
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia's tourism sector is poised for an unprecedented summer season, with the official launch of...
Business
ADNOC Drilling secures $1.15bn contract
The contract for two jack-up rigs begins in the second quarter.
Business
World’s longest diamond necklace set to break Guinness record at Sharjah show
Sharjah, UAE – Exhibitors at the 55th Watch and Jewelry Middle East Show, scheduled from May 28 to June 1,...
Business
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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.