Bitcoin hits record high above $124,000 before retreating
Tokyo, Japan - Bitcoin hit a record high on Thursday during early Asian trading, surpassing $124,000, driven by favourable US...
Economy
OpenAI releases ChatGPT-5 as AI race accelerates
San Francisco, United States -- OpenAI released a keenly awaited new generation of its hallmark ChatGPT on Thursday, touting "significant" advancements...
Business
Geostrategy
Russian defense officials meet Saudi Arabian, Iranian counterparts
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - The 11th Moscow Conference on International Security, held at the Patriot Congress and Exhibition Center here, saw...
- The conference saw participation from over 800 delegates from 76 countries, including China, India, South Africa, Israel, Turkey, Mexico, the UAE, Saudi Arabia.
- Representatives from eight international organizations, including the UN, CSTO, SCO, ASEAN, Arab League, and the African Union took part in the conference.
Economy
Saudis, Emiratis gain wealth, but disparity remains
In 2022, 45 percent of adults in Saudi Arabia had a net worth of less than $10,000, against 43 percent...
- The net worth per adult in Saudi Arabia surged by an impressive 8.6 percent in 2021, followed by a 6.6 percent increase in 2022, both measured in US dollars.
- The Gini coefficient for wealth inequality in 2022 was 86.7 in Saudi Arabia and 86.9 in the UAE, placing both nations among the highest in global wealth inequality rankings.
Economy
Bahrain supports AI tendering platform, Procural, to create jobs
Manama, Bahrain - Tamkeen, a semi-autonomous government agency, tasked with developing Bahrain's private sector has decided to support the Bahrain-based...
- The support will enable Procural to enhance its ability to use cloud-based technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to match vendors with buyers
- Procural offers a range of features that include cloud-based infrastructure, customizable approval workflows, automated purchase orders, and real-time budget tracking
Business
4.4m travel by SAR in H1 2023
Train trips in H1 2023 rose 46 percent compared to H1 2022.
- The volume of minerals and goods transported over SAR networks during the second quarter of the year exceeded 6.34 million tons.
- The total volume of goods transported by SAR H1 2023 rose to over 12 million tons, a 13 percent increase compared to the previous year.
Economy
Saudi Arabia is largest Islamic finance market, with over $827bn assets
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia boasts the world's largest Islamic finance market, with combined Islamic assets across various sectors...
- Al-Sayari revealed that the total value of Islamic finance assets worldwide has surged to over $2.99 trillion
- The Islamic banking sector in Saudi Arabia contributes a substantial 33% of the global Islamic bank assets
Economy
Under UAE Presidency, COP28 will lead global efforts to protect the planet, safeguard future generations
"The UAE possesses essential capabilities such as modern infrastructure, a commendable track record in sustainability and environmental conservation, recognition as...
- Sheikh Mohamed highlights role of youth, women, and civil society in combating climate change
- UAE invites global cooperation for collective climate action, COP28 to lead efforts under UAE Presidency
Geostrategy
Nearly 40 migrants rescued, others found dead off Cape Verde
The boat was spotted on Monday almost 200 miles from the island of Sal by a Spanish fishing boat, which...
- Media reported that the "pirogue" style boat common in the region left Senegal a month ago
- Senegal's foreign ministry said that 38 people were rescued from the migrant boat off the Cape Verde coast
Economy
Global wealth set to rise by 38% over the next five years: study
Zurich, Switzerland – The latest Global Wealth Report predicts global wealth to reach $629 trillion by 2027, despite 2022 being...
- The report estimates wealth per adult to reach $110,270 in 2027 and the number of millionaires to rise to 86 million
- When looked at in demographic terms, Generation X and Millennials continued to do relatively well in 2022
Economy
New industrial licenses surge 17% in first year after Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy launch
The number of new industrial Rowad permits issued in Abu Dhabi increased from 204 to 238 from July 2022 to...
- $15.36 billion in capital investments made by manufacturing facilities moved to the in-production phase over the year
- The number of operational manufacturers in the emirate now stands at 966, up from 922 manufacturers at the end of H1 2022
Economy
Oil price, COVID-19 spur Arab world’s public finance
Central banks are prioritizing fiscal and monetary policy coordination to boost macroeconomic stability, cut inflationary pressures, and support long-term growth.
- Central banks are prioritizing fiscal and monetary policy coordination to boost macroeconomic stability, cut inflationary pressures, and support long-term economic growth
- In 2022, global, regional, and local inflation led to a decline in public revenues and expenditures in the Arab world, while the public budget deficit fell from 6.7% to 2.1%
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
Bitcoin hits record high above $124,000 before retreating
Tokyo, Japan - Bitcoin hit a record high on Thursday during early Asian trading, surpassing $124,000, driven by favourable US...
Economy
Company News
Latest News
Innovation, flexibility fuel GCC remote work growth
The UAE especially has become a regional hub for remote work, attracting digital nomads and businesses with its visa programs.
Business
MENA startup investment surges in March 2023
Saudi startups were the biggest beneficiaries of LEAP24 tech conference, securing the lion's share of the total investment of S254...
Business
Iraqi Prime Minister unveils action plan to revitalize local banking sector
The Iraqi government, in collaboration with the Central Bank of Iraq, will provide support for local Iraqi banks through foreign...
Economy
Most Read
Economy
Ramadan drives MENA online shopping boom, UAE takes the lead
As Eid Al-Fitr approaches, online shopping is expected to reach new heights, with anticipated growth in categories like flowers, cakes,...
- Flowwow has observed a 65% rise in online purchases from local UAE brands in March 2024 compared to last year
- The preference extends to cosmetics and fragrances, with a notable rise in demand for handmade varieties
Economy
UAE cements position as a top global investment hub in 2024
UAE ascends to 8th on Kearney's 2024 Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index, affirming its appeal as a prime investment haven,...
- The Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index,, now in its 26th iteration, continues to be an authoritative forecast of global FDI trends
- The UAE economy has witnessed extraordinary growth across key sectors that have thrived as a direct result of the nation’s diversification policies
Economy
‘Saudi Arabia leads its regional peers in construction growth’
The burgeoning construction sector in Saudi Arabia is fostering the expansion of its talent pool and consolidating its regional leadership,...
- The Red Sea Project, Diriyah Gate, Qiddiya Entertainment City, and NEOM have thrust the kingdom into the global limelight
- NEOM has made waves for its revolutionary take on connectivity infrastructure, innovative city features, and sustainability