Energy-related global CO2 emissions hit record levels in 2023, says IEA
PARIS, FRANCE – Energy-related carbon dioxide emissions rose to a record level in 2023, but the growth slowed from previous years...
Science
Digital transfers reshape MENA’s financial landscape
The region sees a robust future for digital cross-border transfers in the Middle East, marked by innovation and a strong...
Business
HDFC Bank of India to merge with parent, forming $237bn company
India's largest private bank will merge with its largest mortgage lender to form a $237 billion financial giant, both companies...
- HDFC Bank will absorb its parent company, the Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC), in what will be one of the country's biggest-ever merger deals
- The twin firms together manage assets worth 25.61 trillion rupees ($339 billion) and had a combined balance sheet of 17.87 trillion rupees at the end of last year
Economy
UAE announces $2m prize for startups in agritech innovation
The UAE has announced a prize of up to $2 million for startups that can offer technology innovations to transform...
- The FoodTech Challenge is organized by the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and Tamkeen.
- It is targeted at early-stage start-ups, ranging from international university-based research teams to individual entrepreneurs and small firms.
Business
Industries Qatar, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding to establish PVC plant
Being the first PVC plant in Qatar, the project aims to position Qatar as a new regional player in the...
- Being the first PVC plant in Qatar, the project aims to position Qatar as a new regional player in the PVC production
- The plant will not only boost private sector industrial investments, but also provide a home-grown source of PVC
Business
76.5% of firms in Dubai recorded growth during Expo 2020: Report
Dubai Chamber of Commerce facilitated 1,500 bilateral business meetings between UAE investors and their global counterparts, and received 1,746 visiting...
- Titled, 'Business Integration for Growth, Digital Transformation and Global Partnerships' the report was developed by the Chamber in collaboration with Oxford Business Group
- Dubai Chamber of Commerce organized 98 events during Expo 2020 Dubai, which were attended by more than 25,000 participants from over 130 countries
Arts & Culture
Players with disabilities score in the video game world
Hardware accessories are rare for players who have limited use of their hands.
- Mortal Kombat-maker NetherRealm Studios added audio to help blind gamers identify objects in the game
- Visual or audio features added in the recent release of Last of Us Part II and Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy help players with disabilities
Economy
UAQ signs agreements to support blue economy strategy
The emirate of Umm Al Quwain has signed a series of agreements to enhance cooperation and partnership to achieve its...
- In 2017, the World Bank defined blue economy as the ‘sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs’
- The aim of UAQ’s Sustainable Blue Economy Strategy is to enhance investment attractiveness while developing the natural, cultural, and human wealth
Economy
Jordan saw its GDP grow 2.2% in 2021 as compared to 2020
The numbers come from a quarterly statistical report released on Sunday by the Department of Statistics.
- The country’s GDP inched up by 2.6 percent in the fourth quarter of last year compared to the same period in 2020
- The construction sector expanded 6.1 percent in the reporting period, followed by the extractive industries at 5.6 percent
Interview
Empowering women with brands, drama therapy
Women from different countries across the Arab world face different challenges based on their situations, Kuwaiti Princess Sheikha Intisar tells...
- Kuwaiti Princess Sheikha Intisar Salem Al Ali Al Sabah remains optimistic about the road ahead for the Arab world
- She gives a royal touch to philanthropic and entrepreneurial initiatives to promote education, women empowerment and human rights in the region
Business
Saudi Venture Capital and Flat6Labs launch $40m seed fund
Saudi Venture Capital and Flat6Labs have teamed up to launch a $40 million startup seed fund.
- During the next three years, the fund aims to back startups with growth potential, and provide over 20 startups each year with seed capital
- The fund’s size, which is around SR150 million ($40 million), will be utilized in the investment of early-stage startups operating in the technology and innovation sectors within S
Business
France donates $5.5m to Jordan for a development project
The Jordan Education for Employment (JEFE) organization and the French Development Agency on Saturday signed a grant agreement worth 5...
- The refugees will be provided training and financial services as per the agreement
- Both parties on Saturday signed a grant agreement worth 5 million euros to launch the project
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
Energy-related global CO2 emissions hit record levels in 2023, says IEA
PARIS, FRANCE – Energy-related carbon dioxide emissions rose to a record level in 2023, but the growth slowed from previous years...
Science
Company News
Latest News
TotalEnergies, Adani Group set up JV for wind, solar power production in India
PARIS, FRANCE - French firm TotalEnergies and Indian group Adani unveiled plans on Wednesday to create a joint venture to develop wind...
Business
QFMA launches single window e-portal for listing in Qatari financial markets
DOHA, QATAR - Qatar Financial Markets Authority (QFMA) announced the launch of a single window e-portal, which aims to facilitate...
Business
Ex Qantas boss Alan Joyce paid $14m in last financial year
Qantas said some of the former airline chief's pay could be subject to clawback "should the board determine that necessary"....
Business
Most Read
Business
Google’s AI chatbot goes personal tapping into Gmail, YouTube
Google has for years discreetly developed AI powers but was caught off guard when OpenAI late last year released ChatGPT...
- The company said its beefed up chatbot can help users summarize a confusing string of emails into its main points or tap into Google Maps to best locate a holiday destination.
- These so-called Bard Extensions would also be available to retrieve key points from content across Google Docs and Google Drive, including PDFs.
Economy
Stocks diverge as oil hits 10-month high of above $95 per barrel
Brent North Sea crude oil traded above $95 per barrel Tuesday for the first time since November last year, supported...
- The Federal Reserve is seen keeping interest rates on hold Wednesday but is expected to be cautious over the outlook as crude pushes higher.
- In Asian trading, Hong Kong managed a gain while Shanghai was flat. In Europe, London and Paris were in the green while Frankfurt was lower.
Business
stc’s acquisition of Telefonica stake okayed
Spain's Securities Market Regulatory Authority cleared the deal.
- Morgan Stanley, which advises on the deal from the buyer's side, accumulated a little less than 3 percent of Telefonica’s capital during an unspecified period of time.
- Media reports said that stc announced recently it acquired a 9.9 percent stake in Telefonica for SAR 8.5 billion (2.1 billion euros).