UAE Central Bank to hold rate after Fed pause amid regional tensions
Fed Chair Jerome Powell signalled a cautious approach, noting that elevated energy prices and geopolitical tensions could complicate the inflation...
Economy
MEA market decision-making cycle is fast but risk-averse: Ralph MelisÂ
The Middle East and Africa (MEA) markets are characterized by rapid growth, high owner influence, diverse operator models, and a...
Interview
Economy
Economy – the biggest loser in the Israeli-Arab war
The sheer scale of destruction from the deadliest war in Gaza's history has made the road to recovery difficult to...
- With bombs still raining down on Gaza, many of the Palestinian territory's 2.4 million people face re-construction challenges
- 11 months of war in Gaza has battered Israel's economy, and poverty is now threatening communities
Economy
Coal mine blast in Iran kills more than 50 mine workers
A blast caused by a gas leak at an Iranian coal mine has killed at least 51 people, state media...
- A leak of methane gas led to the blast in two blocks of the mine, which is owned by the private Iranian firm Madanjoo
- State TV broadcast footage of ambulances and helicopters arriving at Tabas in eastern Iran to transport the injured to hospital
Economy
What a Fed rate cut could mean for the world
The U.S. Federal Reserve is on Wednesday heading for its first interest rate cut since the onset of the COVID-19...
- Global markets brace for the first rate cut by the Federal Reserve this week
- High level of uncertainty around whether it will cut by 25 basis points or 50
What are the needs and challenges of an ageing workforce?
Age bias in the world of work is real. But it is more complex and nuanced than the common narrative...
- Age bias in the world of work is real, but it is more complex and nuanced than the common narrative around ageism.
- These hidden struggles, coupled with a higher rate of rejection than among other applicant pools, can trigger a dangerous descent into a resignation mindset
Economy
Residential, hospitality sectors drive Saudi Arabia’s real estate market in H1 2024
The Kingdom’s tourism and entertainment investments, including a new star rating system, support growth in hospitality, positioning Saudi Arabia as...
- Residential sale prices experienced 10% year-on-year increase in H1 in Riyadh and average rents grew by 9% annually
- In Jeddah, the pace of growth was slightly slower, with sale prices rising by 5% and rents increasing by 4% year-on-year during the same period
Economy
Stocks firm, dollar subdued as market flirts with outsized Fed cut
Asian stocks dithered and the dollar slipped on Monday in a week that is almost certain to see the start...
- Futures imply 59% chance of outsized Fed rate cut
- Policy makers project 100 basis points of cuts this year and 150 basis points for 2025
Economy
Standard & Poor’s affirms Saudi Arabia’s ‘A/A-1’ credit rating
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Standard & Poor's (S&P) affirmed the Kingdom's credit rating in local and foreign currency at "A/A-1"...
- S&P explained that its affirmation of the Kingdom's strong credit rating results from the Kingdom's reforms and investments
- It expected that the Kingdom's gross domestic product (GDP) will continue to grow during the years 2024-2027
Economy
Central & Southern Asia and Oceania region leads the world in cryptocurrency adoption
The fifth annual Chainalysis Global Crypto Adoption Index looks at both on- and off-chain data to determine which countries are...
- This year, crypto activity increased across countries of all income brackets
- Central & Southern Asia and Oceania accounted for over $750 billion in crypto asset inflows
Economy
ECB set to cut interest rates before the Fed’s big decision next week
The European Central Bank on Thursday is set to slash rates again by 25 basis points just days ahead of...
- In July, the ECB left interest rates unchanged in a unanimous vote following June’s landmark cut
- Headline inflation in the EURO hit a three-year low in August with a reading of 2.2%
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
UAE Central Bank to hold rate after Fed pause amid regional tensions
Fed Chair Jerome Powell signalled a cautious approach, noting that elevated energy prices and geopolitical tensions could complicate the inflation...
Economy
Company News
Latest News
Amazon adds AI muscle to connected home lineup
New York, United States - Amazon on Tuesday unveiled the latest generation of connected products, featuring enhanced artificial intelligence capabilities...
Business
Microsoft trims service to Israel over Gaza surveillance
San Francisco, United States - Microsoft on Thursday said it cut an Israeli defense unit's access to some cloud services...
Geostrategy
Trump announces steep new tariffs on pharmaceuticals, big-rig trucks, furniture, reviving trade war
US President Donald Trump announced Thursday punishing tariffs on pharmaceuticals, big-rig trucks, home renovation fixtures and furniture, reviving his global...
Economy
Most Read
Geostrategy
Floating wind power sets sail in Japan’s energy shift
Still heavily reliant on imported fossil fuels, Japan has declared offshore wind energy a "trump card" in its drive to...
- That's despite rising project costs and fears over inadequate infrastructure to produce turbines en masse.
- Floating turbines are particularly well suited to Japan as its deep coastal waters make fixing them to seabeds tricky.
Science
UNGA80: World leaders to discuss framework for inclusive, accountable AI governanc
As there is no recognised body to govern AI on a global level, world leaders will gather in New York...
- The UN says Artificial AI has been rapidly transforming the world including everything from self-driving cars to the analysis of medical images
- However, it notes that the benefits of AI are unevenly distributed, and many countries struggle to access the tools which could transform their societies by supporting development
Science
After Japanese Softbank, US Govt, Chip-maker Nvidia to buy stake in rival Intel
Shares in chipmaker Intel skyrocketed on Thursday after AI giant Nvidia announced it would invest $5 billion in its struggling...
- "This marks a fusion of two world-class platforms," said Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. "Together, we will expand our ecosystems and lay the foundation for the next era of computing."
- The Trump administration surprised the tech industry last month by taking a 10 percent equity stake in Intel, recognizing the strategic importance of the company