MENA’s next tech breakthrough depends on infrastructure, not hype
Jamil Shinawi, CEO and Co-founder of AHOY and co-founder of Actual VC, speaks to TRENDS about risk, capital efficiency, and...
Why the GCC should stop trying to build Silicon Valley and focus on owning it
Fahad AlSharekh says the GCC’s edge isn’t startup mimicry but global investment power — backing AI, infrastructure and category leaders...
Ten years from home World Cup, Saudi sizes up ‘huge challenge’
As the only bidder, Saudi Arabia was anointed host of the 2034 World Cup last October by FIFA. Infrastructure is...
- To host the 48-team World Cup, the country needs 14 all-seater stadiums capable of holding at least 40,000 people, according to the bid document
- Saudi sports ministry is preparing to issue tenders worth 10 billion riyals ($2.69 billion) to build and expand football venues, according to domestic media
Economy
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....
- Transactions through the Central Bank electronic platform -- which ensures compliance with SWIFT -- have considerably increased, the bank's vice governor Ammar Khalaf told
- "At the beginning of 2023, transactions were at $50 million per day. Now, we have around $200 million, which is consistent with the size of Iraq's economy," he added
Market Report
Geopolitical tensions boost oil, weigh on equities
Geopolitical tensions sent oil prices climbing and weighed on equities as investors also continued to worry about prospects for interest...
- Moscow has escalated its aerial attacks on Kyiv, targeting key infrastructure in the wake of Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil facilities.
- Russia is a key producer of oil, while the Gaza-Israel war has given rise to worries about Middle Eastern crude supplies.
Business
Aramco CEO highlights collaboration with Beijing at forum in China
AL-DHAHRAN, SAUDI ARABIA – Aramco President and CEO Amin Nasser outlined the potential for stronger collaboration with Chinese partners in...
- The CEO acknowledged China's economic growth in recent decades, and expressed admiration for the country’s ability to overcome challenges.
- He underscored the possibility of fostering broader economic globalization by strengthening ties with Chinese partners.
Economy
UAE’s global investments grow amid economic crisis
"The UAE has strengthened its position in the global economy. The total value of UAE assets abroad, whether government or...
- UAE's investments abroad remain strong, hitting $2.5 trillion in early 2024 despite global economic challenges.
- Investments include deals with the US, Egypt, the UK, India, and upcoming focus on Europe for currency stability.
Economy
Saudi Arabia and Bahrain sign road safety, maintenance agreement
Manama, Bahrain--Saudi Arabia and Bahrain have signed a memorandum of understanding to boost road safety and maintenance in the two...
- The agreement looks to boost expertise exchange and cooperation between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, focusing on joint efforts in infrastructure development and road safety
- The Bahraini minister noted the strong relations between the two countries, emphasising the keenness to enhancing ties, particularly in infrastructure development
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...
- United States remained the prime destination, attracting substantial investments in bonds and direct ventures
- Egypt closely follows with significant investments, along with the United Kingdom, India, and Morocco
Economy
IMF chief calls upon China to boost growth with pro-market reforms
BEIJING, CHINA – The head of the International Monetary Fund on Sunday called on China to implement "a comprehensive package of...
- Chinese policymakers have so far resisted calls to juice the economy through massive government stimulus.
- Authorities should boost "the spending power of individuals and families" by beefing up China's pension system, IMF said.
Business
IOTA Foundation launches US$10m investment fund at Investopia 2024
ABU DHABI, UAE – Minister of Economy and Chairman of Investopia Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri attended the unveiling of...
- The fund's primary goal is to promote the development of TradeTech solutions and support the expansion of startups.
- The announcement aligns with Investopia's vision to inspire entrepreneurs to expand into new economic sectors.
Economy
Passenger air traffic has surpassed pre-pandemic levels: ICAO
Montreal, Canada--The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) projected that passenger air traffic levels will be around 2 percent higher In...
- The aviation arm of the UN said that demand this year is forecast to be around 3 percent above 2019 levels and could reach 4 percent if the pace of recovery strengthens
- According to its analysis, global demand expressed in Freight Tonne-Kilometres (FTK) is forecast to be around 2 percent below 2019 levels for the full year 2024
MENA’s next tech breakthrough depends on infrastructure, not hype
Jamil Shinawi, CEO and Co-founder of AHOY and co-founder of Actual VC, speaks to TRENDS about risk, capital efficiency, and...
Company News
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Egyptian farmers behind world’s perfumes face climate fight alone, yield drops by half
For years, Egyptian jasmine picker Wael al-Sayed has collected blossoms by night in the Nile Delta, supplying top global perfume...
Economy
Israeli bulldozers uproot hundreds of trees in West Bank village, most of them olive trees
"The goal is control and forcing people to leave. This is just the beginning -- it will expand across the...
Economy
Creators HQ attracts 2,415 active members from 147 countries with combined following of over 2 billion
Dubai, UAE – Creators HQ, the first headquarters for content creators in the UAE and the Middle East, has seen...
Economy
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Science
Austrian university develops technique to renew buildings without demolition
Vienna, Austria - A research team from Graz University of Technology in Austria has succeeded in developing an innovative fastening...
- The system enables the connection and disassembly of building components with ease, allowing the separation of long-term structural elements from shorter-lived components
- The project won the gold medal in the scientific research competition under the sustainability category and is regarded as a pioneering step towards smart construction
Economy
US Fed chair opens door to rate cut as Trump steps up pressure
Last year, the Fed chair used his keynote speech at the Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium to indicate the time...
- Powell faces constant attacks from Trump -- who is aggressively pushing the independent bank for rate cuts -- alongside mixed economic data leading him towards a cautious approach.
- Powell has warned that the risks of higher inflation and a weakening jobs market add up to a "challenging situation."
Science
AI helps UK woman rediscover lost voice after 25 years
London, United Kingdom -- A British woman suffering from motor neuron disease who lost her ability to speak is once...
- Sarah Ezekiel, an artist, was left without the use of her voice after she was diagnosed at the age of 34 with MND while pregnant with her second child 25 years ago.
- AI tools developed by a New York-based ElevenLabs developed voice very close to her original, complete with her London accent.