ECB to cut rates again amid bleak eurozone outlook
The European Central Bank is expected to cut interest rates again this week amid a darkening outlook, with political turbulence...
Desertification talks open in Saudi Arabia as experts fire warning
UN talks aimed at halting the degradation and desertification of vast swathes of land start in Saudi Arabia. Forest loss...
Business
UAE GDP set to double in 2024 from oil and non-oil boost: report
Dubai, UAE - The UAE’s GDP is expected to double in 2024 to 4.8%, up from 2.4% year-on-year in 2023,...
- The UAE has been actively pursuing non-oil sector expansion as part of its economic development plans
- The recent successful sovereign bond sale, which raised US$1.5 billion, has bolstered these efforts
Business
ADCB, EIH sign agreement
ADCB to sell 80 percent stake in ADCP to Nine Yards Plus.
- The transaction values ADCP at US$161 million and ADCB will gain of nearly US$133 million subject to closing conditions before end of December 2023.
- ADCB will retain a 20 percent stake in ADCP post transaction and will continue its partnership via a long-term relationship agreement.
Economy
Mawani gets 79.01 points in UNCTAD’s Liner Shipping Connectivity Index for Q4 2023
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) attained its highest improvement in the UNCTAD's Liner Shipping Connectivity Index...
- This development aligns with the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy (NTLS).
- This achievement adds to the recent major records, including a score of 77.66 during Q3.
Economy
Saudi Arabia’s inflation rises to 1.7 percent in November: GASTAT
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia’s inflation rose to 1.7 percent in November compared with the previous month, according to recent data...
- The cost-of-living index for November rose to 110.06 points, according to the base year 2018, from 108.25 points in the same month a year earlier.
- The higher consumer price index (CPI) in November was mainly impacted by a 7.8 percent rise in housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuel prices.
Economy
EU reaches deal to reform electricity market
The agreement will see states given the "possibility to exclusively support" the acquisition of new renewable generation, in line with...
- EU's plans are aimed at making the market less vulnerable to volatility
- The deal includes a regulation that will improve the EU's protection against market manipulation
Economy
‘Nuclear solutions remain key to sustainable future’
“In the context of energy transition, flexibility is gaining more traction in the energy markets. This is exactly what small...
- Kirill Komarov of Rosatom underscores the importance of nuclear power in combating climate change.
- SMRs have become crucial for decarbonizing remote areas reliant on carbon-intensive diesel generators.
Economy
GCC countries follow US Federal Reserve’s lead in holding interest rates
Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Central Banks of the United Arab Emirates and Qatar have chosen to maintain their current...
- The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) announced that it would keep the Base Rate for the Overnight Deposit Facility (ODF) steady at 5.40 percent
- Following suit, Qatar Central Bank (QCB) also maintained its current interest rates, including the rates for deposit, lending, and repurchase agreements
COP28 UAE
World Bank to expand climate funding in MENA by $10 billion
Brhane said the World Bank integrated climate into all its work across the MENA region and is on track to...
- The funding supports both reducing net emissions and resilience projects, said Meskerem Brhane, the bank's Regional Director for Sustainable Development, MENA.
- She added that by embracing green growth strategies, the region's GDP could potentially grow to over $13 trillion by 2050.
Clean energy sees marked investment rise since 2020
With a 40% increase in clean energy investments since 2020 and a focus on innovative policies, the global community is...
- With a 40% increase in clean energy investments since 2020 and a focus on innovative policies, the global community is making strides towards a greener future, says an expert.
- However, challenges remain in meeting the Paris Agreement goals and ensuring all nations can participate in the transition, adds Ferdinand Varga of Boston Consulting Group.
Economy
China, Saudi Arabia sign 60 pacts worth $25bn at Beijing conference
Beijing, China - China and Saudi Arabia signed over 60 MoUs and agreements worth over $25 billion at the investment...
- Over 60 MoUs and agreements worth over $25 billion were signed at the China-Saudi Investment Conference
- Agreements were signed in key sectors including energy, agriculture, tourism, mining, financial services, etc
ECB to cut rates again amid bleak eurozone outlook
The European Central Bank is expected to cut interest rates again this week amid a darkening outlook, with political turbulence...
Company News
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Gold hits fresh record above $2,300 as Fed hints at easing monetary policy
On Thursday, bullion touched $2,304.96 per ounce, according to Bloomberg News, after Fed boss Jerome Powell said it would likely...
Abu Dhabi targets 39.3 million visitors by 2030
Emirate's new tourism strategy aims to increase the sector’s contribution to GDP from $13.34 billion in 2023 to $24 billion...
Business
Russia becomes world’s fourth-biggest LNG producer, says PM
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said the country became the world’s fourth-biggest LNG producer last year.The Russian Prime...
Business
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Economy
GCC tourism growth skyrockets as diversification drive gains momentum post-Covid
GCC countries collaborate on comprehensive tourism strategy, leading global recovery post-pandemic with remarkable growth rates and ambitious plans for sustainable...
- Four years on, the GCC has not just recovered faster than was expected, but it has also led the global tourism recovery with a 122% surge in arrivals in 2023 compared to 2019
- The region has assiduously worked for it with its two major economies, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, embarking on economic diversification with tourism one of the thrust areas
Economy
SAMA: E-payments share reached 70% of total payments in 2023
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) announced on Monday that the share of retail consumer electronic payments...
- The achievement is attributed to the significant growth of payments processed through national payment systems in 2023
- The evolving cost-effective and reliable e-payment system helps enhance transaction efficiency, and support financial stability
Economy
Middle East economy firm despite challenges
Non-oil growth to stay robust, bolstered by a strong non-oil GDP growth in the region's two biggest economies, UAE and...
- The disruption to Red Sea trade has revived discussions around the need for alternative trade corridors
- There is a growing momentum around green financing following the success of COP28 and the introduction of green finance frameworks