GCC startups will surprise the world by building culture-first tech
Snap’s regional chief Hussein Freijeh outlines growth plans across MENA and APAC in an interview with TRENDS, highlighting startups, creators...
Interview
UAE launches first 7-year Islamic Treasury Sukuk worth $150 million
Abu Dhabi, UAE -- The UAE Ministry of Finance said on Sunday it had launched its first-ever seven-year tranche of...
Business
Economy
Saudi Arabia set to leap into space tourism by 2026
Madrid-based Halo Space Company has selected Saudi Arabia as its launch site for space tourism, offering tours at $164,000 per...
- Madrid-based Halo Space Company selects Saudi Arabia as its launch site for space tourism, offering tours at $164,000 per person for a stratospheric Earth view.
- In June, a trial flight will take passengers 32 kilometers above Earth, using a helium balloon for an accessible adventure without the need for special training.
Business
EU imports US$120.5bn worth of energy products in Q4 2023
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – In the fourth quarter of 2023, the EU imported US$120.5 billion (€111.3 billion) worth of energy products...
- Compared with the same period in 2022, imports decreased both in value (-34.2 percent) and in net mass (-11.7 percent).
- Comparing 2023 with 2022, the value of energy products dropped by 35 percent, while the volume dropped by 9.4 percent.
Economy
Unit 4 of Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant connected to UAE grid
Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) today announced that its operations and maintenance subsidiary, Nawah Energy...
- Unit 4 will add another 1,400 megawatts of clean electricity capacity to power the national grid, representing another significant step forward towards full-fleet operations
- This further supports the UAE’s efforts in enhancing grid stability and energy security through abundant around-the-clock zero-emissions electricity
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...
- 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
GCC startups will surprise the world by building culture-first tech
Snap’s regional chief Hussein Freijeh outlines growth plans across MENA and APAC in an interview with TRENDS, highlighting startups, creators...
Interview
Company News
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India’s Modi dangles tax cuts as US tariffs loom
Mumbai, India -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's push to slash consumption taxes on everyday goods could deliver billions of...
Economy
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...
Science
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...
Economy
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Economy
Less tax, more luxury: millionaires flock to Dubai for its zero income tax policy
Rich people are flocking to Dubai in record numbers, drawn to the desert city by its zero income tax policy...
- The UAE and Dubai have long welcomed wealthy people from nearby countries, and people helping millionaires to move there told AFP it is seeing more Westerners joining the fray
- The Gulf state's golden visa scheme, meant to attract wealthy or skilled foreigners, allows individuals to obtain a 10-year residence permit
Science
Google to provide Gemini AI tools to US government
Google will provide its Gemini artificial intelligence tools to US federal agencies practically free, the government announced Thursday.
- A suite of AI and cloud computing services called "Gemini for Government" from Google is intended to speed the adoption of the technology across the US government
- AI tools being provided include generation of video, images, or ideas as well as digital "agents" capable of independently tending to complex tasks
Economy
Asian markets creep up as investors await key speech
Hong Kong, China - Asian markets edged mostly upward in muted morning trading on Thursday, one day before a key...
- US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, who has resisted public demands by President Donald Trump to cut rates, is scheduled to deliver remarks Friday
- Data last week provided a mixed picture of US inflation, making it uncertain if the Fed will lower rates as many investors expect in September