Oil prices surge as Trump hits Russian crude with sanctions
The international benchmark contract, Brent North Sea crude, jumped 4.8 percent while West Texas Intermediate was up 5.1 percent. Trump on Wednesday announced...
Geostrategy
Iraq bans Roblox game platform citing ‘moral values’
Iraq has banned US gaming platform Roblox over what it described as sexual content, blasphemy and risks of online blackmail...
Business
UNCTAD eWeek focuses on AI risks, e-commerce growth in developing countries
At UNCTAD eWeek 2023, experts stress the importance of aligning AI development with Sustainable Development Goals to mitigate risks and...
- At UNCTAD eWeek 2023, experts stress the importance of aligning AI development with Sustainable Development Goals to mitigate risks and ensure a secure digital future.
- Australia committed $2 million to UNCTAD for e-commerce support in developing nations, as Kenya unveiled a national strategy to spur its digital economy growth.
Economy
Qatar expects 11.4% revenue dip in 2024 budget on lower oil prices
Finance Minister Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari attributed the decrease in revenues to the adoption of an average oil price...
- Expenditures are expected to increase by 1 percent from 2023 to reach QR 200.9 billion, due to a rise in the allocations for salaries and wages.
- Allocations for both current expenditures and secondary capital expenditures also increased by 6.4 percent and 27.5 percent respectively, compared to 2023.
Business
Waning influence of OPEC+ in spotlight as prices flag
Founded in 1960, the 13-member OPEC cartel in 2016 partnered up with 10 other producers to form OPEC+ to gain...
- Prices are sitting at their lowest level in nearly six months despite the cartel's announcement in November to further cut output
- While Riyadh blamed speculators for the drop, rather than weak demand, analysts say the cartel's lack of unity has fuelled scepticism about their latest announced cuts.
Saudi Arabia introduces unified platform for visas, including Hajj, Umrah
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia on Tuesday introduced 'KSA VISA,' a unified visa platform aimed at streamlining visa application...
- The platform aims to automate visa issuance procedures, thereby enhancing the overall visitor experience
- The initiative is a step in the kingdom's strategy to bolster tourism in the forthcoming years
Geostrategy
US pushes naval coalition as Yemen rebels vow to attack more ships
The United States pushed to build up a multinational naval task force to protect a key global shipping lane from...
- US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin condemned the "unprecedented" spate of attacks in waters leading to the Suez Canal.
- The Canal is a chokepoint for about 10 percent of global trade, that have forced many shipping companies to divert their vessels.
Geostrategy
15% increase in air traffic at UAE airports during COP28, says GCAA
ABU DHABI, UAE – Airports in the country witnessed a 15 percent increase in air traffic during the 28th Conference...
- The first day of COP28 - November 30 2023 - witnessed the highest daily air traffic rate in the history of civil aviation in the UAE with 2,848 flights.
- The General Civil Aviation Authority organized meets and daily communication sessions to discuss plans, improve air navigation management systems.
Economy
Saudi Arabia eyes $13 billion from media sector
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia aims to increase the media sector's economic contribution, targeting a GDP share of 47...
- In 2022, Saudi Arabia's media sector surged to SAR 17.4 billion ($4.6 billion), commanding 30% of the market share in the MENA region.
- The growth trajectory has been primarily propelled by a a tech-savvy consumer base, marked by a surge in demand for local content
COP28 UAE
New platform to revolutionize global sustainability
World Wide Generation's and e& join hands to combine innovative technology and global collaboration to address critical environmental, social, and...
- World Wide Generation's and e& join hands to combine innovative technology and global collaboration to address critical environmental, social, and economic challenges.
- The G17Eco platform, powered by WWG, equips organizations to effectively access and utilize sustainability data, integrating solutions and finances for comprehensive reporting.
Economy
MENA faces economic turbulence due to Gaza conflict
The Israel-Hamas conflict not only threatens regional stability but also poses significant economic challenges for MENA nations, says Fitch Ratings.
- The Israel-Hamas conflict not only threatens regional stability but also poses significant economic challenges for MENA nations, says Fitch Ratings.
- Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan remain the most affected countries as the conflict will potentially disrupt oil markets and economic growth, it adds.
Market Report
Oil prices rise following Red Sea attacks
Oil prices shot up three percent as more companies suspended shipping through the Red Sea following attacks on vessels by...
- Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels said on Monday that they had attacked two "Israeli-linked" vessels in the Red Sea..
- Ships must travel through the Red Sea to use the Suez Canal, a key transit route for cargo and oil..
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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
Oil prices surge as Trump hits Russian crude with sanctions
The international benchmark contract, Brent North Sea crude, jumped 4.8 percent while West Texas Intermediate was up 5.1 percent. Trump on Wednesday announced...
Geostrategy
Company News
Latest News
Osaka Expo 2025 opens: World gathers amidst hope and global tensions
From quirky Hello Kitty algae sculptures to demonstrations of flying vehicles and lunar samples, the Osaka Expo offers a fascinating...
Geostrategy
Why investors rush to gold in uncertain economic times?
London, United Kingdom -- Why do investors flock to gold when economic times turn tough? As the precious metal reaches...
Business
Trump admits trade war ‘cost’ as markets hit
Jitters about US tariffs hammered Asian stocks again early Friday as President Donald Trump acknowledged a "cost" to his surging...
Economy
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Economy
Iraq signs deal with US firm to produce 24,000 MW of electricity
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani oversaw "the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding as part of a strategic cooperation framework...
- The signing comes at the conclusion of a visit to Iraq by a high-level US delegation comprising of representatives from 60 private firms.
- Despite sitting on large reserves of petrol and natural gas, decades of conflict and instability have ravaged Iraq's energy infrastructure.
Economy
World Bank approves $1.1 bn in financing for Jordan
The World Bank announced Tuesday it will provide Jordan with $1.1 billion in new financing to support economic reforms and...
- The funding, part of an economic modernization effort, aims to "build socio-economic resilience in the face of continued shocks and crises."
- The investments cover four projects designed to support inclusive growth and job creation, help start-ups and small businesses
Economy
Trump’s new tariffs take effect, with 104% on Chinese goods
US President Donald Trump's punishing tariffs on dozens of economies came in force Wednesday, including over 100 percent in levies...
- China is the hardest hit, with tariffs imposed on its products since Trump returned to the White House now reaching a staggering 104%
- Trump said Tuesday his government was working on "tailored deals" with trading partners, prioritizing allies like Japan and South Korea