Regulated dollar transactions on the rise in Iraq, says central bank
With dollars dominating the country's economy, Baghdad has imposed a series of restrictions on the use of American greenbacks domestically....
Economy
UAE’s overseas investments surpass $2.5trn mark
Dubai, UAE - The UAE's total assets abroad, encompassing both governmental and private investments, have reached $2.5 trillion as of...
Economy
Business
PIF launches Saudi Coffee Company
The Public Investment Fund (PIF) today announced the launch of the Saudi Coffee Company. The company is established to enable...
- The launch of the Saudi Coffee Company aligns with PIF’s strategy, which focuses on developing and enabling 13 promising sectors
- The Saudi Coffee Company’s primary goal is to ensure the national coffee industry is enabled along its entire value chain, from bean to cup
Interview
GCC firms should focus on digital change: QIB chief
Bassel Gamal, the Group CEO of Qatar's second-largest bank, tells TRENDS that leaders should empower their employees to make decisions.
- "Today, all GCC economies are recovering from the pandemic thanks to higher oil prices, supporting government spending and normalizing business activity."
- "The leadership has shifted towards a more collaborative approach, fostering teamwork, productivity, innovation and creativity."
Economy
Saudi inflation surges in April, food and beverages cost more
Annual inflation in Saudi Arabia has spiked to 2.3 percent in April, up from 2 percent in March. According to...
- the consumer price index, or CPI, in April 2022 has surged 2 percent when compared to the corresponding period a year earlier
- Food and beverages prices increased by 4.3 percent due to an increase in meat prices by 3.5 percent, and vegetable prices by 13.5 percent
Economy
Iraq’s prized rice crop threatened by drought
Drought is threatening the Iraqi tradition of growing amber rice, the aromatic basis of rich lamb and other dishes, and...
- After three years of drought and declining rainfall, Iraq's amber rice production will be only symbolic in 2022
- Normally, rice fields planted in mid-May should stay submerged all summer until October but that's a luxury Iraq can no longer allow
Geostrategy
Lebanon votes in first election since crisis
Lebanon headed to the polls today for its first election since multiple crises dragged it to the brink of failed...
- Observers have warned not to expect any seismic shift, with every lever of power firmly in the hands of traditional sectarian parties
- Since the last election, the country has been mutilated by a blast at the Beirut port that went down as one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history
Economy
Oman, India bilateral trade rises to $9.9b in 2021-2022
There has been a 94.8% increase in the number of Indian businesses registering with Oman MoCIIP’s Invest Easy portal, up...
- There has been a 94.8% increase in the number of Indian businesses registering with Oman MoCIIP’s Invest Easy portal, up from 450 in 2019 to 877 in 2021
- Qais Al Yousef was in India to develop new business opportunities and strengthen investment and trade ties in manufacturing, healthcare and renewables
Arts & Culture
Dare to be different to make positive change: Joumana
Lebanese writer, journalist, and human rights activist Joumana Haddad tells TRENDS why she is unperturbed despite being one of the...
- Joumana Haddad pays a price for her strong voice advocating for the rights of people, addressing otherwise taboo subjects
- A big believer of self-expression, she uses her publication Jasad to tackle issues related to art, literature, and politics of the body
Economy
Emirate attracts expats and HNWIs alike
World-class infrastructure, successful pandemic response and visa and labor reforms have made the city an ideal destination for expats. Also,...
- The city has established itself as the region's business hub, which creates abundant job opportunities for expats as only one in 23 workers in Dubai is an Emirati national.
- Dubai had 7.28 million visitors last year despite the global pandemic, making it an ideal place to live, work, and visit.
Business
Dubai: Monaco of the region with a difference
The final quarter of 2021 provided a major boost to Dubai hotel results, with properties surpassing even 2019 figures across...
- Overall, UAE hotels raised $408 million in revenue between December 15 and the end of January 2022, with Expo and the second World's Coolest Winter campaign as key catalysts.
- Dubai has beaten popular holiday destinations such as London, Bali, and Rome to become the most popular destination for 2022.
Economy
Not just business hub, Dubai is music, food destination too
The locals, residents, and visitors have once again started flocking to museums, historical and heritage sites, and public libraries, according...
- The locals, residents, and visitors have once again started flocking to museums, historical and heritage sites, and public libraries, according to DCAA data
- The hotel sector witnessed strong bookings, supported by the increase in tourism and participants in Expo 2020 Dubai and other events such as Gulfood 2022
Regulated dollar transactions on the rise in Iraq, says central bank
With dollars dominating the country's economy, Baghdad has imposed a series of restrictions on the use of American greenbacks domestically....
Economy
Company News
Latest News
Bahrain to partner with private sector to ramp up investments in oil projects
Manama, Bahrain--Bahrain has indicated its keenness to encourage investments in the kingdom's oil and environmental projects through partnerships with the...
Economy
Saudi Arabia to host CAF Super Cup match between Al Ahly and USM Alger
Johannesburg, South Africa--The 2023 CAF Super Cup match between Al Ahly of Egypt and USM Alger of Algeria will be staged...
Economy

Most Read
Economy
Space Economy: Saudi Arabia targets stars and beyond
From the establishment of the Saudi Space Authority to Serco Middle East's new space division in Riyadh, the Kingdom is...
- From the establishment of the Saudi Space Authority to Serco Middle East's new space division in Riyadh, the Kingdom is making significant strides in the space sector
- With challenges ahead, the nation's goal is to localize knowledge, foster capabilities, and create a sustainable space ecosystem to secure key position in space economy
Business
Joint Jordanian-Yemeni Business Council to resume activities, says JCC
AMMAN, JORDAN - President of the Jordan Chamber of Commerce (JCC) Khalil Al-Haj Tawfiq on Saturday discussed with Director General...
- The Jordan Chamber of Commerce stressed on the importance of attracting new Yemeni investments to the Hashemite Kingdom.
- The JCC said the Kingdom offers several opportunities in multiple commercial, service and industrial sectors for investors.
Economy
Jordan oil bill falls in H1 2023 compared to H1 2022, says government
AMMAN, JORDAN - The value of the Kingdom's oil bill decreased during the first half of 2023 by 15.6 percent,...
- The value of Jordan’s imports of crude oil, its derivatives and mineral oils went down in the first half of 2023, to reach about JD1.531 billion.
- In the first half of 2022, the value of imports of crude oil, its derivatives and mineral oils was about JD1.813 billion.

