US Department of State issues favorable 2024 Bahrain Investment Climate Statement
The investment climate in the Kingdom of Bahrain is positive and relatively stable. Bahrain maintains a business-friendly environment and a...
Economy
UK’s Labor Party wins enough seats to form majority government
The Labor Party has officially won enough seats in the UK’s 2024 general election to have a majority in parliament,...
Economy
Arts & Culture
Egypt energy-saving measures evoke satirical reaction among citizens
Sweltering without air conditioning during the day and plunged into darkness at night, many Egyptians have responded with anger and...
- After 11 days of daily blackouts, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli ordered civil servants to work from home once a week.
- He announced scheduled power outages at least through August, and proposed other solutions to Egypt's energy crisis.
Geostrategy
UAE urges collective action for sustainable development at G20 ministers meeting in India
DUBAI, UAE – UAE Minister of Climate Change and the Environment Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri highlighted the importance of collective...
- The UAE minister called upon G20 countries to fulfil their commitment to providing the pledged financial support for global climate initiatives.
- She said that is only by collective action that the global community can achieve the worldwide emission reduction target.
Business
Dubai Customs clears TIR carnet transactions worth US$38.7m
DUBAI, UAE - Dubai Customs has, to date, processed 214 customs transactions worth US$38.7 million (AED142.2 million) under cover of...
- Goods shipped under cover of the internationally accepted customs transit document do not require inspection at border crossings while in transit.
- It provides a financial guarantee to pay the suspended duties and taxes. The guarantee system is managed by the International Road Transport Union.
Economy
Fire at substation in Iraq sparks nationwide power outage
Baghdad, Iraq--A fire at an electricity substation in southern Iraq triggered a nationwide power outage Saturday, authorities said, just as demand peaks...
- In spite of the country's vast oil reserves, Iraq continues to suffer from frequent power outages with its power grid incapable of meeting peak demand
- The electricity ministry said in a statement that the power grid experienced a total shutdown due to a fire that affected a transmission substation
Economy
UAE sets more norms for ‘Qualifying Investment Funds’
The new set of conditions brought in by the finance ministry look to shore up the integrity of the corporate...
- Except for real estate investment trusts, the new conditions require investment funds to be chiefly involved in investment business activities
- The cabinet decision also requires a single investor and its related paties not to hold more than 30% or 50% of the ownership interests in a fund
Qatar National Bank foresees recession in US economy
Doha, Qatar--Qatar National Bank (QNB) Group foresees a recession in the US economy during the upcoming 12 months, pointing out...
- The bank notes that the US economy continues to be resilient in spite of headwinds from high inflation, tighter financial conditions
- In QNB's analysis while economic momentum should prevent a downturn for the US in 2023, a recession is not unlikely yet for 2024
Economy
Saudi Arabia turns to maritime to diversify revenues
Saudi Aramco's King Salman Complex, set to be the largest marine industry hub in the Middle East, is expected to...
- Saudi Aramco's King Salman Complex, set to be the largest marine industry hub in the Middle East, is expected to boost Saudi Arabia's GDP by over $17 billion
- The complex aims to localize technologies and meet the needs for building offshore oil and gas rigs, offshore platforms, offshore support vessels, and crude tankers
Geostrategy
UAE finance ministry unveils new corporate taxation rules
ABU DHABI, UAE - The UAE Ministry of Finance (MoF) on Saturday announced administrative penalties for violations related to the...
- The penalties will be imposed on Taxable Persons, whether an individual or a legal entity, who do not comply with their obligations.
- Penalties also apply in cases of failing to properly keep records or submitting the required records and other information specified in the Tax Law.
Geostrategy
African Union, EU step up pressure on Niger coup leaders
The African Union demanded Niger's military "return to their barracks and restore constitutional authority" within 15 days as the EU...
- The African Union and the European Union joined the chorus of international condemnation of the power grab, the latest to strike the Sahel region.
- The EU's diplomatic chief Josep Borrell said the bloc would not recognize the putschists and announced the suspension of security cooperation with Niger.
Business
Seventh Al Dhaid Date Festival witnesses huge turnout
SHARJAH, UAE – The seventh edition of Al Dhaid Date Festival continues to captivate participants and visitors alike, in a...
- The event has been organized by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and is hosted at Expo Al Dhaid.
- The date festival has also attracted various official delegations and representatives from government institutions.
US Department of State issues favorable 2024 Bahrain Investment Climate Statement
The investment climate in the Kingdom of Bahrain is positive and relatively stable. Bahrain maintains a business-friendly environment and a...
Economy
Company News
Latest News
OPEC+ panel reaffirms cartel’s current output reduction strategy
In an effort to shore up prices, the OPEC+ oil alliance of 23 nations has implemented supply cuts of more...
Business
Spain urges WTO meet in UAE to address de-globalization
ABU DHABI, UAE - Madrid wants the upcoming 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) here next...
Business
GCC central banks mimic Fed, hold interest rates steady
Abu Dhabi, UAE--In a significant move that underscores the interconnectedness of global monetary policies, central banks across the Gulf Cooperation...
Economy
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Business
UAE economy to grow 5.7% in 2024 in spite of global challenges
Abu Dhabi, UAE-- The UAE economy is projected to grow by 5.7% in 2024 despite prevailing global economic challenges, including...
- According to a top official in the ministry of finance, the country's initiative to diversify the economy and promote sustainable growth have proven effective
- The official said that the UAE's non-oil foreign trade touched a record of $338 billion in the first half of 2023, marking a 14.4% increase from the same period in 2022
Interview
WEF24: Geopolitical upheaval to affect global economy
Geopolitical tensions, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Middle East unrest, and China-Taiwan ties are key economic disruptors, says Bill Browder of...
- Geopolitical tensions, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Middle East unrest, and China-Taiwan ties are key economic disruptors, says Bill Browder of Hermitage Capital.
- Economic outlook remain tough with inflation-growth conflict as US stays stable, Europe stagnant, and China slowing, spotlighting on central banks' strategies, he adds.
Business
Global stock markets swing ahead of Fed’s latest rate decision
"Markets are eagerly anticipating today's meeting from the Federal Reserve with traders looking for signs over whether a March rate...
- London and Paris rose but Frankfurt fell near the half-way stage, after a mixed showing in Asia. The dollar edged higher against the euro and yen
- Investors are hoping the Fed will begin cutting rates soon after hiking them to their highest level in more than two decades to combat inflation