FED keeps interest rates unchanged
The Federal Reserve kept interest rates at the current target range of 4.25 percent to 4.50 percent after its January meeting, according...
Exclusive: ADP’s Nela Richardson on how AI is reshaping the global workforce
Davos Switzerland - The rapid adoption of AI and automation is redefining labor markets, reshaping industries, and transforming skills globally,...
Economy
Economy
UAE banking sector looks poised for continued growth in 2024
Abu Dhabi, UAE--The UAE banking sector continued its growth momentum last year and is poised for further growth and recovery...
- The indicators of rising assets, financing and capital adequacy ratios reflect the sector's flexibility and resilience to adapt to the changes the world is witnessing
- At the end of December 2023, total deposits of resident and non-resident customers with banks operating in the UAE rose by 4.2% and annually by 13.5% ), reaching $686bn
Geostrategy
Iran signs big contracts to increase oil production
Iran sealed contracts worth billions of dollars with domestic companies to boost its oil production in the face of Western...
- Iranian Oil Minister Javad Owji had said that oil production would reach 3.6 million barrels per day by the end of the Persian year on March 19.
- Iran's oil sector suffered a blow in 2018 when Western sanctions were reimposed, forcing foreign companies to leave the country,
Economy
Middle East leads way in global methane mitigation
The Middle East is emerging as an important region in the battle against methane emissions, crucial for curbing global warming....
- The Middle East is emerging as an important region in the battle against methane emissions, crucial for curbing global warming. say an IEA report.
- With Saudi Arabia and UAE leading by example through low emissions intensities , the region is setting new benchmarks in environmental stewardship.
Business
Saudi Arabia takes part in global mineral and mining meet in Canada
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – A delegation comprising several entities from the Kingdom’s industry and mineral resources' system participated in PDAC...
- The Saudi delegation held meetings with teams from Canada, the Czech Republic and Ecuador.
- These are part of the 85 meetings they will hold with officials of countries and global firms participating in the event.
Economy
S&P affirms Saudi Arabia’s A/A-1Â credit rating
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - The international credit rating agency S&P Global Rating affirmed its foreign and local currency sovereign credit...
- The agency indicated in its report that this rating affirmation is a result of the continuation of the Kingdom's economic and social reform agenda
- The agency forecasted GDP growth to average 3.3% in the medium term, due to the acceleration in non-oil sector investment and robust consumption in the Kingdom
Economy
Saudi Arabia grapples with over 1 million tons of annual vegetable waste
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia faces substantial annual losses in its agricultural sector, including 234,000 tons of tomatoes and...
- The kingdom has called for collaborative efforts to promote responsible consumption practices and reduce waste
- It has urged efficient vegetable usage and storage to minimize loss and contribute to a more sustainable food system
Economy
Non-oil sectors contribute 50% to Saudi Arabia’s real GDP in 2023
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – Non-oil activities in the Kingdom have achieved a historic milestone, reaching a 50 percent share of...
- This translates to a non-oil economy valued at US$$453 billion (SAR1.7 trillion) at constant prices.
- Non-oil economy is valued at $$453 billion at constant prices, fueled by growth in investment, consumer spending and exports.
Iran’s aluminum ingot output up 7% in Feb 2024
Tehran, Iran - Iran’s production of aluminum ingot in the country registered a 7% growth in the first 11th month...
- Iran’s four major aluminum production companies produced 54,893 tons of aluminum ingots in February 2024
- The Iran Alumina Company produced more than 537,000 tons of bauxite from March 21, 2023, to February 22, 2024
Economy
Saudi inflation rises to 1.8% in February
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – Saudi Arabia’s inflation accelerated to 1.8 percent in February compared to January 2024, according to data by the General...
- The cost-of-living index for February rose to 110.64 points, according to the base year 2018, from 108.67 points in the same month a year earlier.
- Inflation is measured by the percentage change in the cost of living between the current period and the corresponding period of the previous year.
Geostrategy
UAE, Hungary ink pact to enhance trade, investment ties
ABU DHABI, UAE – The United Arab Emirates and Hungary have signed an economic cooperation agreement aimed at stimulating trade...
- The UAE-Hungary economic cooperation agreement aims to deepen bilateral ties between the two nations and drive growth.
- The agreement between the two countries also aims to boost non-oil trade, which has seen a significant increase in recent years.
FED keeps interest rates unchanged
The Federal Reserve kept interest rates at the current target range of 4.25 percent to 4.50 percent after its January meeting, according...
Company News
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Eight OPEC+ members extend oil supply cuts until year end
Supply cuts seek boosting oil prices amid uncertain demand and accelerating supply, with an eye on the imminent US presidential...
Economy
Expected impact of the U.S. election on businessÂ
35 percent of CEOs worldwide identify #inflation as the most critical #economic issue facing their countries, followed by boosting #consumer...
Economy
Bitcoin close to record as cautious markets eye US election
The surge in the price of bitcoin is seen as a bet on a Republican victory, as Donald Trump has...
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Economy
Oil prices tumble after Israeli attacks spare Iran facilities
Tokyo, Japan - Oil prices tumbled in early Asian trading Monday with dealers relieved that Israeli strikes carried out Saturday against...
- The price of North Sea Brent for delivery in December fell by 4.05 percent to $72.97, while West Texas Intermediate plunged by 4.19 percent to $68.77
- "Israel's strike, carefully avoiding energy sites, has softened fears of a full-scale conflict with Iran," said Stephen Innes, analyst at SPI Asset Management
Economy
BRICS integral to Arab trade diversification strategy
The UAE and Saudi Arabia’s trade with China and India far exceeds their trade with the US and UK. This...
- Arab economic powers such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE have intensified efforts to diversify their strategic business relations with China, Russia, and India
- Arab powers have also kept their traditional ties with the nations in the European Union and the Americas, particularly the United States, intact
Economy
China’s central bank cuts two key rates to boost economy
Beijing, China - China's central bank on Monday said it had cut two key interest rates to historic lows, in the...
- The cuts come just days after the country posted its slowest quarterly growth in a year and a half, underlining the deep economic woes the country faces
- Leaders are targeting annual growth of five percent this year, but that goal is being challenged by weak consumption and a prolonged and debilitating debt crisis