OPEC+ expected to open taps more despite price slump
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and their allies - collectively known as OPEC+ - have justified their change...
Economy
China’s Xiaomi to invest nearly $7 bn in chips
Chinese tech giant Xiaomi will invest 50 billion yuan ($6.9 billion) in developing high-end smartphone chips, the firm's founder said...
Business
UNFPA and corporate partners drive reproductive justice in workplaces
World Economic Forum
Economy
GCC tourism growth skyrockets as diversification drive gains momentum post-Covid
GCC countries collaborate on comprehensive tourism strategy, leading global recovery post-pandemic with remarkable growth rates and ambitious plans for sustainable...
- Four years on, the GCC has not just recovered faster than was expected, but it has also led the global tourism recovery with a 122% surge in arrivals in 2023 compared to 2019
- The region has assiduously worked for it with its two major economies, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, embarking on economic diversification with tourism one of the thrust areas
Economy
SAMA: E-payments share reached 70% of total payments in 2023
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) announced on Monday that the share of retail consumer electronic payments...
- The achievement is attributed to the significant growth of payments processed through national payment systems in 2023
- The evolving cost-effective and reliable e-payment system helps enhance transaction efficiency, and support financial stability
Economy
Middle East economy firm despite challenges
Non-oil growth to stay robust, bolstered by a strong non-oil GDP growth in the region's two biggest economies, UAE and...
- The disruption to Red Sea trade has revived discussions around the need for alternative trade corridors
- There is a growing momentum around green financing following the success of COP28 and the introduction of green finance frameworks
Economy
Gross written premium rises by 12.7% in Q4 2023 to US$14bn, says CBUAE
ABU DHABI, UAE - The UAE insurance sector continued to grow in Q4 2023, as reflected by the increase in...
- The number of licenced insurance companies in the UAE remained at 60, the CBUAE announced in its quarterly economic report.
- The insurance of persons and fund accumulation premiums decreased by 12.4 percent YoY.
Economy
Debt, trade barriers drag Asian economies in 2024, says World Bank report
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Asian economies are not doing as well as they could and growth in the region is forecast...
- Asian economies are not doing as well as they could and growth in the region is forecast to slow to 4.5 percent this year from 5.1 percent in 2023.
- A key risk is that the US Federal Reserve and other major central banks might keep interest rates higher than before the pandemic.
Economy
Economic growth in Asia forecast to slow to 4.5 percent, says World Bank
Bangkok, Thailand--Asian economies are not doing as well as they could and growth in the region is forecast to slow...
- A World Bank report said that policy uncertainties, trade barriers are impeding the region's economies
- The report added that Asia’s economies are growing more slowly than before the Covid pandemic
Opinion
Digital innovation fuels surge in Iraq’s banking sector
"These banks excel not only in financial performance but also in adapting and innovating. Through partnerships with global entities like...
- At the forefront of this remarkable journey are banks like the National Bank of Iraq and the Bank of Baghdad (BBOB), which have exhibited exceptional growth and profitabitability
- The establishment of the "National Company for Electronic Payment Systems in Iraq" underlines the sector's proactive approach towards embracing cutting-edge technology
Economy
Saudi women’s unemployment drops to 13.7% by 4Q 2023
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - The unemployment rate among Saudi women witnessed a historic decline, plummeting to 13.7 percent in the...
- The unemployment rate among Saudi men remained steady at 4.6 percent during the same period
- The overall unemployment rate, encompassing Saudis and non-Saudis, saw a noteworthy decrease to 4.4% in the 4th quarter
Economy
Saudi tourism hits record $36 billion inbound spending in 2023
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia's tourism sector contributed to a record-breaking $36 (SR135 billion) in spending by international visitors....
- The Kingdom's remarkable performance in tourism was further highlighted by its leading position in the United Nations Tourism rankings for growth in international tourist arrivals
- The UN's tourism report also noted a substantial rise in both inbound and domestic tourism within the Kingdom, reinforcing its reputation as a premier global tourism destination
Business
Jordan exports pharmaceutical products worth US$874m in 2023
AMMAN, JORDAN – Products of the Kingdom’s pharmaceutical industries and medical supplies sector moved over the past quarter century to...
- Jordan’s pharmaceutical and medical supplies sector has succeeded in transforming into a global industry.
- The pharmaceutical and medical supplies sector employ approximately 10,000 workers.
OPEC+ expected to open taps more despite price slump
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and their allies - collectively known as OPEC+ - have justified their change...
Economy
Company News
Latest News
Real challenges of digital transformation
Blockchain enhances security and efficiency by decentralizing data storage, and reducing fraud, David Boast tells TRENDS in an exclusive interview.
Economy
US Fed likely to keep rates steady as uncertainty over Trump’s economic policies looms
Since January, Trump has imposed levies on major trading partners Canada, Mexico and China, and on steel and aluminum imports,...
Economy
The future of logistics: Insights from DHL’s Amadou Diallo
The future of logistics is a convergence of technology, sustainability, and human ingenuity, which are transforming supply chains into more...
Interview
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Interview
Electric, hybrid and aerial to entirely transform city life: IIT Madras expert
Easier commutes with faster, quieter, and eco-friendly vehicles would reduce travel times significantly and reduce stress for urban residents, says...
- Large and hugely populous Asian countries like India have abundant sunlight, making solar power a natural fit for supporting EV adoption.
- The ePlane Company’s air taxis will revolutionize urban transport by offering faster and more efficient ways to move within cities.
Economy
A new era of economic growth and productivity with AI
The technology will likely automate millions of jobs, Mark J. Penn, a US businessman, political strategist, and author tells TRENDS...
- AI is the driving force in productivity and technology for the next few years, Mark J. Penn tells TRENDS
- AI will give tech innovators the ability to create the next generation of robots and homebots, he adds
Science
From healthcare to finance: How AI is reshaping global industries and GCC economies
A study by the World Economic Forum reveals that AI could replace around 85 million jobs by 2025
- KPMG’s recent global study on AI in finance found that the use of AI is rapidly expanding across corporate finance
- 71% of companies surveyed are using AI within finance operations, while 41% of them use it to a moderate or significant extent