World Bank announces record $100 bn support for world’s poorest countries
The World Bank announced Thursday that it had raised close to $24 billion to provide loans and grants for some...
How city governments can foster tech-sector growth without breaking the bank
City governments are usually equipped to promote their cities through websites, newsletters, communications, as well as hosting delegations visiting from...
COP28 UAE
World unites at COP28 to shift away from fossil fuels
Nearly 200 nations in Dubai have collectively endorsed an agreement to move away from fossil fuels, marking a significant step...
- Nearly 200 countries in Dubai have collectively endorsed an agreement to move away from fossil fuels, marking a significant step in addressing climate change.
- EU climate chief Wopke Hoekstra lauds the historic deal targeting a 43% reduction in emissions by 2030 as a significant breakthrough after decades of discussions.
Business
CBUAE joins the Gulf payments system AFAQ
Abu Dhabi, UAE - The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) joined AFAQ Payments System, which is operated by the Gulf...
- Along with the CBUAE, Barclays Bank joined the AFAQ system, becoming the first financial institution operating in the UAE to achieve this step and begin using the system’s services
- To date, the Central Bank of Bahrain, the Saudi Central Bank, and the Central Bank of Kuwait have joined "AFAQ", in addition to a number of commercial banks from these countries
Geostrategy
Digitalization has high environmental costs, says UNCTAD meet
DUBAI, UAE - With global attention on the COP28 climate summit, UNCTAD’s eWeek 2023 highlighted digitalization’s potential to accelerate climate...
- Data-driven technologies like the Internet of Things, robotics and artificial intelligence can enhance climate change monitoring.
- The digital transformation has left its mark on the planet through raw material depletion, energy and water use, pollution and waste.
Economy
Global trade likely to decline in 2023 due to changing trade patterns, geopolitics
DUBAI, UAE - The outlook for 2024 remains “highly uncertain and generally pessimistic,” UNCTAD says in the Global Trade Update,...
- Other elements affecting trade include lower demand in developed countries, less trade in East Asia and an uptick in trade-restrictive measures.
- The elements also include an uptick in trade-restrictive measures and lengthening supply chains, particularly between China and the US.
Economy
El Salvador to issue bitcoin bonds in first quarter of 2024
With bitcoin, Bukele sought to make it easier, and cheaper, for Salvadorans to receive remittances and to provide financial services...
- Bitcoin became a legal currency in El Salvador, alongside the US dollar, in 2021 at the behest of President Nayib Bukele
- In 2021, Bukele announced a plan to build a "Bitcoin City" in the east of the country, which would be powered by thermal energy from a volcano
Public-private partnerships play key role in environmental finance, says EIF official
DUBAI, UAE – Public-private partnerships have the potential to play a significant role in mobilizing private financing for environmental solutions,...
- The European Investment Fund seeks to address environmental and biodiversity challenges as part of its climate position.
- The European fund has significantly committed to the green transition by mobilizing US$ 2.15 billion in funding.
Economy
Jordan’s mission to save its ancient olive trees
Jordan's culture ministry, Gharaibeh's organization is working to add the trees to the UNESCO Intangible World Heritage List, hoping this...
- Jordan has 11 million olive trees in groves that make up 20 percent of all cultivated land in the country
- They produce 50,000 tons of olives and 25,000 tons of olive oil annually, contributing $169 million to the economy
Business
Riyadh Season draws 9 million visitors to its entertainment zones
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - The number of visitors to Riyadh Season has surged to over 9 million, indicating a significant...
- Riyadh Season, marked by the slogan "Big Time," completed the spectrum of entertainment choices with top-tier events and festivals across various zones
- Boulevard City zone emerged as a site filled with entertainment options, along with Boulevard World which features a variety of international cultures
COP28 UAE
‘Investment policies must align with net-zero goals’
An alliance of public and private sectors is crucial for advancing the green agenda and effectively managing supply chain emissions,...
- An alliance of public and private sectors is crucial for advancing the green agenda and effectively managing supply chain emissions, WEF's Kimberley Botwright tells TRENDS.
- Technological advancements, particularly AI, are key accelerators in sustainable trade, while an estimated $125 trillion is required for the net-zero transition by 2030, she adds.
‘Tech solutions help make food practices sustainable’
UAE's launch of Food Innovation Hub emphasizes the government's eagerness to innovate and collaborate for sustainable food systems, WEF's Tania...
- UAE's proactive role in launching Food Innovation Hub emphasizes the government's eagerness to innovate and collaborate for sustainable food systems, says WEF's Tania Strauss.
- The success of UAE's Food Innovation Hub hinges on public-private sector collaboration, with ongoing work to define roles and ecosystems, adds the head of food and water at WEF.
World Bank announces record $100 bn support for world’s poorest countries
The World Bank announced Thursday that it had raised close to $24 billion to provide loans and grants for some...
Company News
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World Bank estimates damage to Gaza infrastructure at $18.5bn
The World Bank said in its interim damage assessment, this is equivalent to 97 percent of the combined economic output...
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...
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...
Economy
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Economy
Gross written premium rises by 12.7% in Q4 2023 to US$14bn, says CBUAE
ABU DHABI, UAE - The UAE insurance sector continued to grow in Q4 2023, as reflected by the increase in...
- The number of licenced insurance companies in the UAE remained at 60, the CBUAE announced in its quarterly economic report.
- The insurance of persons and fund accumulation premiums decreased by 12.4 percent YoY.
Economy
Debt, trade barriers drag Asian economies in 2024, says World Bank report
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Asian economies are not doing as well as they could and growth in the region is forecast...
- Asian economies are not doing as well as they could and growth in the region is forecast to slow to 4.5 percent this year from 5.1 percent in 2023.
- A key risk is that the US Federal Reserve and other major central banks might keep interest rates higher than before the pandemic.
Economy
Economic growth in Asia forecast to slow to 4.5 percent, says World Bank
Bangkok, Thailand--Asian economies are not doing as well as they could and growth in the region is forecast to slow...
- A World Bank report said that policy uncertainties, trade barriers are impeding the region's economies
- The report added that Asia’s economies are growing more slowly than before the Covid pandemic