To build a knowledge economy, the GCC must bet on its young minds
In Saudi Arabia, more than 60 percent of the population is under 30, and across the GCC, over 50 percent...
Opinion
GCC countries attract $523.4bn in foreign investment in 2023
Muscat, Oman -- The GCC countries have seen a steady rise in foreign investment, according to data from the Statistical...
Business
Geostrategy
Sheikh Hamdan issues resolution regulating single-use products in Dubai
DUBAI, UAE - Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive...
- The aim of the resolution is to protect the environment, encourage people to adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle.
- The move also aims to encourage the private sector to promote the use of recycled products.
Business
45 percent of Saudi employees work over 40 hours per week
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Nearly 45.8 percent of employees in Saudi Arabia work more than 40 hours per week and...
- Figures also show that 46.6 percent of employees have received training on health and safety procedures, and 48.7 percent have health and safety departments in their workplace.
- Data also shows that 7.8 percent of employees deal directly or indirectly with chemicals, medical waste, radioactive materials or toxic gases.
Geostrategy
Egypt leads Arab world in population with 113m citizens
DUBAI, UAE – Egypt stands as the most populous Arab country with 113 million people, marking it the 14th largest...
- Iran and Turkey, with populations of 89 million and 86 million respectively, demonstrate substantial numbers in the Middle East region.
- The data, highlighting population sizes of various countries worldwide, pointed out that the global population has reached 8.082 billion.
Business
Sharjah Consultative Council okays emirate’s draft budget 2024
Sharjah, UAE - The Sharjah Consultative Council approved the draft law regarding the budget of departments and entities of the...
- The draft was presented to the council by Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Head of the Sharjah Finance Department for a final review and approval
- After a final review, the council approved the draft law regarding the 2024 general budget for the Sharjah Government departments
Business
IsDB, SWCC sign agreement
The collaboration will involve efforts from both parties.
- The agreement includes a mechanism for exchanging knowledge and experiences.
- It would involve transferring the experience of SWCC to the member countries of IsDB.
Geostrategy
Human Rights Monitor submits documents on Gaza executions to UN
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND - The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor documented, in a preliminary file submitted to UN special rapporteurs and the...
- The monitor called for immediate investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable and provide justice to the victims.
- It demanded the announcement of the formation of an international legal team to reach Gaza and investigate the incidents.
Business
Makkah, Morocco’s Beni Mellal-Khenifra Chambers of Commerce ink pact
MAKKAH, SAUDI ARABIA - The Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Services of...
- Beni Mellal Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services delegation head said that Saudi Arabia is Morocco's largest trading partner.
- In 2022, the volume of Saudi Arabian exports reached US$4.6 billion, while the value of imports was US$87 million.
Geostrategy
UN General Assembly approves US$3.59bn budget for 2024
NEW YORK, US - The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) approved a US$3.59 billion budget for 2024, including establishing a...
- The UNGA approved around US$50 million as an additional funding for UN Human Rights Council.
- UNGA revealed that it established a multiannual private account for peacemaking and it is used for funding UNPBF.
Economy
ADDED, Siemens Energy to support sustainable industrial development in Emirate
ABU DHABI, UAE - Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), represented by Industrial Development Bureau (IDB), and Siemens Energy...
- The collaboration supports Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy's vision to establish the Emirate as the most competitive industrial hub in the region.
- Siemens Energy will support IDB to localize the manufacturing capabilities in Abu Dhabi and provide technological solutions.
Geostrategy
FTA issues guide to determine natural persons subject to corporate tax
ABU DHABI, UAE - The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has issued a new guide outlining the criteria to determine natural...
- The guide provides a comprehensive and simplified explanation and instructions for natural persons earning in the UAE.
- The FTA emphasized the importance of understanding the comprehensive content and definitions outlined in the guide.
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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
To build a knowledge economy, the GCC must bet on its young minds
In Saudi Arabia, more than 60 percent of the population is under 30, and across the GCC, over 50 percent...
Opinion
Company News
Latest News
Al Ansari approves $85m dividend
Business
Borouge proposes share buyback
Business
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...
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
Key MENA trends: M&A surge to five-year high, Saudi port activity rises in May
Qatar's foreign reserves rise 3.6 percent year-on-year despite a dip in bonds and treasury holdings, Iraq releases Australian and Egyptian...
Economy
Most Read
Economy
IMF upgrades Saudi real GDP growth forecast to 6% in 2025, up from
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised upwards its forecast for Saudi Arabia's economic growth to...
- This adjustment from earlier estimates reflects the impact of extended oil production cuts and a slower-than-expected rebound in oil output.
- The IMF anticipates that inflation will remain contained, with an average annual rate holding steady at 2.1 percent in 2025 and easing slightly to 2 percent the following year.
Geostrategy
New WEF report reveals how tech convergence will reshape industries
Geneva, Switzerland – The World Economic Forum today released a new report examining how emerging technology combinations are reshaping industries...
- AI is a key enabler, making many emerging tech synergies commercially viable across industries.
- Digital twins, enhanced by AI and sensors, are expanding efficiency in sectors from aerospace to healthcare.
Business
Cross-border deals fuel M&A surge in MENA region in Q1 2025
Dubai, UAE -- The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has kicked off 2025 with a remarkable surge in...
- Cross-border deals were the primary engine behind this growth, accounting for 52 percent of the total deal volume (117 deals) and 81% of the total deal value ($37.3bn).
- The UAE cemented its position as the top target country for M&A activity in Q1 2025, attracting 63 deals totaling a substantial $20.3 billion.