MENA Outlook: Diversification, AI, and economic integration take centre stage
As the region pivots toward a post-oil future, recent developments across the Middle East and North Africa suggest an accelerating...
Economy
Oil under $65 a boon for consumers, but a burden on producers
London, United Kingdom -- US President Donald Trump's tariffs, his call to "drill baby drill" and especially a decision by...
Business
UNFPA and corporate partners drive reproductive justice in workplaces
World Economic Forum
Risks are interconnected, need collaborative solutions, says WEF’s Mark Elsner
World Economic Forum
Economy
Turkmenistan to supply 2bcm gas to Turkiye: Turkish minister
Ankara, Turkey - Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced on Friday the signing of a memorandum of...
- Bayraktar outlined several potential routes for this transportation, including a swap arrangement via Iran or a combination of Iran and Azerbaijan
- He stressed that a primary consideration is the establishment of a pipeline traversing the Caspian Sea, offering a higher-capacity solution
Economy
Water security remains crucial for stability, prosperity
“Water is the fundamental element of life, enabling human societies to stabilize, develop civilizations, and achieve prosperity. Water is the...
- The UAE climate minister emphasizes the importance of water security for global stability and prosperity.
- Half of the world's population could face water shortages by 2025, highlighting the urgency of the issue.
Economy
India plugs into the Gulf region with power cables
India is poised to revolutionize its energy landscape by linking its power grid with Saudi Arabia and the UAE via...
- India is poised to revolutionize its energy landscape by linking its power grid with Saudi Arabia and the UAE via undersea cables.
- The move aims to boost energy security, promote the use of renewable resources, and foster closer economic ties with Gulf states.
Economy
Russia’s central bank holds rates amid high inflation
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – Russia's central bank held interest rates unchanged on Friday as Moscow's military offensive on Ukraine has led to...
- Russia’s central bank raised rates to 16 percent in a series of hikes last year to cool the pace of price rises.
- "Current inflationary pressures are gradually easing but remain high," the bank said in a statement.
Science
ENEC and General Atomics to collaborate on use of technology for nuclear energy
Abu Dhabi, UAE--The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) today announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with...
- The two will also cooperate to utilize ENEC's experience in developing new nuclear builds and investments in GA's' advanced non-light water reactors
- ENEC and GA Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS), as part of the memorandum of understanding, will explore collaboration opportunities covering several projects
Economy
‘UAE outpaces major nations in human development’
“These efforts ensure sustainable development across all sectors, promising a bright future for generations to come,” he adds, referring to...
- UAE leads the region with significant improvement in education, health, and economy.
- The country climbs nine places in Human Development Index, ranking 17th worldwide.
Economy
GCC and Turkey begin free trade negotiations to boost ties
Ankara, Turkey-- The Gulf Cooperation Council and Turkey have started off free trade negotiations to deepen their ties further.In this...
- Albudaiwi said the free trade talks exemplify the strategic partnership between the GCC countries and Turkey, as well as the regional cooperation in various sectors
- He said the GCC countries are actively engaged in free trade negotiations with other nations to expand trade opportunities, promote economic cooperation
Economy
First week of Ramadan sees Saudis spend $3.12 billion
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabian consumers spent a total of SR11.68 billion ($3.12 billion) through point-of-sale transactions during the...
- Expenditures were diverse, with a substantial portion allocated to food and beverages, amounting to $603.97 million across 45.8 million transactions
- Among various cities, Riyadh led in point-of-sale operations, totaling $1.04 billion followed by Jeddah with transactions valued at $438.61 million
Economy
Eurozone business activity stabilizes in March
Brussels, Belgium - Business activity in the eurozone stabilized in March thanks largely to a "modest recovery" in the service sector,...
- "Business activity in the euro area came close to stabilizing in March" with "only a marginal decline in output of goods and services", the survey said.
- The ECB has kept its interest rates steady since October, following an unprecedented series of increases to tame what was red-hot inflation.
Economy
IMF chief urges countries to strengthen independence of central banks
"Financial stability benefits the whole economy and reduces the risk that the central bank becomes reluctant to raise interest rates...
- "Central bank independence matters for price stability -- and price stability matters for consistent long-term growth," IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva wrote.
- She added that better control of inflation is possible when both central banks and governments play their roles
MENA Outlook: Diversification, AI, and economic integration take centre stage
As the region pivots toward a post-oil future, recent developments across the Middle East and North Africa suggest an accelerating...
Economy
Company News
Latest News
UNFPA and corporate partners drive reproductive justice in workplaces
World Economic Forum
Risks are interconnected, need collaborative solutions, says WEF’s Mark Elsner
World Economic Forum
AI, wealth management and trust: Could machines replace human advisors?
The future of wealth management lies in hybrid models, combining AI’s data-driven precision with human empathy and ethical oversight. While...
Economy
OECD lowers global growth projections over tariffs, uncertainty
"We are navigating troubled waters," said the OECD's chief economist Alvaro Santos Pereira as he summed up the world's economic...
Economy
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
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Interview
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...
- in the MEA region, key hubs such as Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, Casablanca, Salalah, Nairobi, Durban, and Tema serve as vital nodes for regional distribution.
- Additionally, hubs like Istanbul, Dubai, and Addis Ababa improve connectivity within this region, said Diallo.
Economy
Humanity’s future is increasingly inseparable from AI
Private sector, governments, and nonprofits must invest in AI education, Jason Alan Snyder tells TRENDS in an exclusive interview.
- Top executives are leveraging AI to enhance their capabilities, enabling them to become highly innovative communicators, Jason Alan Snyder tells TRENDS
- A 2024 OECD report reveals that AI is reshaping critical aspects of human development, including health, education, social norms, he adds
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.