Advanced nuclear technologies and their role in the energy transition
New policies, public trust, and partnerships are crucial to accelerating these nuclear solutions. Platforms like the Forum’s Advanced Energy Solutions...
UAE stablecoin usage up 55% yoy as new regulations drive market momentum
Stablecoins account for the largest share of crypto activity in the UAE (51%), which stands significantly higher than both Bitcoin...
Economy
AI adoption in GCC surges as governments and the private sector embrace technology
With 93% of Saudi workers considering generative AI essential, alongside 95% in the Middle East and 79% globally, the region's...
- 68% of Saudi workers use generative AI weekly, compared to 55% globally, while an overwhelming 93% consider it an essential tool at work
- The New York Times reported that representatives from Saudi Arabia's PIF have discussed potential partnerships with leading Silicon Valley venture capital
Business
Saudi surpasses Vision 2030 tourism target, says IMF report
Tourism is a major contributor to the Kingdom's economic diversification efforts, the IMF notes in its 2024 Article IV Consultation...
- The sector's direct and indirect contribution to GDP reached 11.5 percent in 2023, with expectations to grow to 16 percent by 2034.
- Central to this growth has been a combination of strong domestic demand and increased international arrivals.
Economy
Domestic worker visa applications in UAE up 66% in June 2024, says a report
The UAE, relying on domestic workers (5% of the population), invests $3 billion annually, highlighting the rising demand for domestic...
- A domestic worker visa allows individuals to continue working in private households as cleaners, chauffeurs, cooks, nannies, or personal care providers while travelling
- The growth is driven by the UAE’s robust economy, with increasing disposable income among families and a growing expatriate population
Business
China’s Xi promises US$50 billion for Africa over next three years
China, the world's number two economy, is Africa's largest trading partner
- More than 50 African leaders and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres are attending the China-Africa forum
- "Over the next three years, the Chinese government is willing to provide financial support amounting to US$50.7 billion," Xi said
Economy
UAE launches national strategy to combat money laundering, terror financing
The strategy focuses on risk-based compliance, international cooperation, effective supervision, and disrupting illicit financial activities through improved data collection, analysis,...
- The strategy sets out 11 strategic goals aimed at fortifying the UAE’s regulatory framework and enhancing its effectiveness in combating financial crimes
- The announcement follows the country’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) "grey list" in February 2024
Economy
How Pakistan is becoming a top tech hub in the GCC
Pakistan's IT sector is thriving, with growing exports and recognition as a tech hub, driven by government support, skilled talent,...
- While Pakistan has been declared the "Tech Destination of the Year" at GITEX GLOBAL 2024, one of the key players driving this growth is the Pakistan Software Houses Association
- Across the GCC, Pakistani companies provide cybersecurity and AI driven solutions across various sectors, including banking and fintech industries
Economy
Saudi Business Council established to strengthen Eastern European partnerships
The council aims to align its focus with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the economic agendas of Eastern European countries,...
- The council aims to align its focus with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the economic agendas of Eastern European countries
- This council will be instrumental in expanding the Kingdom's global economic footprint
Economy
China manufacturing contracts for fourth straight month
While some sectors have largely regained their strength -- including tourism and the auto industry -- others are struggling, particularly...
- China is facing a crisis in its vast real estate sector as well as lackluster confidence among households and businesses, which is hindering consumption
- In August, the Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) - a key barometer of industrial output - stood at 49.1 points, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) announced
Asia shares edge up and dollar down; oil gains
Asian shares crept cautiously higher on Monday, while the dollar and bond yields were on the wane ahead of inflation...
- Oil prices climbed 0.8% after Israel and Hezabollah traded rocket salvos
- The dollar slipped a further 0.5% to 143.64 yen, having fallen 1.3% on Friday
US Fed chair says ‘the time has come’ to start cutting rates
The Fed's benchmark lending rate currently sits at a 23-year high of between 5.25 and 5.50 percent, cooling demand in...
- "The direction of travel is clear, and the timing and pace of rate cuts will depend on incoming data, the evolving outlook, and the balance of risks," Fed chair Powell said
- After holding its key lending rate at a two-decade high for more than a year, Powell's remarks suggest the US central bank is now all but certain to start cutting rates
Advanced nuclear technologies and their role in the energy transition
New policies, public trust, and partnerships are crucial to accelerating these nuclear solutions. Platforms like the Forum’s Advanced Energy Solutions...
Company News
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‘Starvation tactics’ being used against 25 million people in Sudan
UN experts on Thursday accused the two sides in Sudan's civil war of using "starvation tactics" against 25 million civilians,...
UN report says 1.1 billion people in acute poverty
More than one billion people are living in acute poverty across the globe, a UN Development Program report said Thursday,...
Economy
Asian markets track Wall Street losses on worries over tech rally
Hong Kong, China- Asian markets mostly fell on Wednesday after a tech-led sell-off on Wall Street fueled by worries about the...
Economy
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Economy
Asia-Pacific markets gain ahead of US inflation data
Asia-Pacific markets traded higher on Thursday, following gains on Wall Street that saw the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial...
- Overnight in the U.S., the S&P 500 rallied 0.71 percent to end at 5,792.04
- The labor market is perhaps stronger than FED officials favoring the 50 basis point move had expected
Economy
Oil prices at risk of further increases due to potential energy disruptions
Crude oil prices soared nearly 9% last week, marking the biggest weekly gain since March 2023, following a significant escalation...
- Israeli officials stated that Israel would target Iran's oil production facilities within Iran
- Iran is one of the top 10 oil producers globally, with production exceeding 3.3m barrels per day
Economy
Crude could spike by US$20 on Iran oil shock
Oil prices could shoot up US$20 per barrel if Iranian production sees a hit resulting from Israeli retaliation, according to...
- ...if Iranian production sees a hit resulting from Israeli retaliation, said Goldman Sachs
- Iran produces almost four million barrels of oil per day, an estimated 4% of the world’s supply.