WEF26: Saudi Arabia positions itself as ‘connector economy’ amid shifting global trade
Saudi Arabia is seeking to leverage changes in global trade and supply chains to position itself as a “connector economy,”...
Economy
Reason for the GCC’s prosperity is that it is willing to take risks: Tadeu Baldani Caravieri
The Gulf economies face disruptions but embrace risk to grow, says Tadeu Baldani Caravieri, founder of Prototypes for Humanity, on...
Economy
Business
Norway’s sovereign wealth fund posts record US$213bn profit
Oslo, Norway - Norway's sovereign wealth fund, the world's biggest, said Tuesday it raked in a record profit of 2.2 trillion...
- Fueled by revenues from Norway's state-owned oil and gas companies, the fund is aimed at financing future spending in the generous welfare state
- Around 71 percent of its portfolio was dedicated to equities, with stakes in 8,859 companies worldwide -- or 1.5 percent of all listed stocks
Economy
IMF lifts global growth forecast citing unexpected ‘resilience’
The updated figure, released in the latest World Economic Outlook (WEO) report, is 0.2 percentage points higher than the International...
- Among G7 advanced economies, growth in European countries looks set to remain weak, reflecting ongoing challenges, while Japan and Canada are expected to fare slightly better.
- While many Asian economies remain buoyant, Europe continues to cast a long shadow over the global outlook, with the IMF highlighting "notably subdued growth in the euro area."
Business
25,647 new economic licenses issued in Abu Dhabi in 2023, says ADDED report
ABU DHABI, UAE - The Abu Dhabi's “Business Activity Report” for the year 2023, issued by the Abu Dhabi Department...
- 24,143 commercial sector licences were issued in 2023, comprising 94.1 percent of the total.
- Active licences in Abu Dhabi rose to 143,617, a growth of 10.9 percent compared to the year 2022.
Business
Saudi Aramco halts plan to raise production capacity
Tuesday's announcement was not expected to have an immediate effect on production or exports. After a series of oil supply...
- Riyadh announced the planned production capacity increase in October 2021, the same month it pledged to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2060
- That applies to emissions that are produced directly by Aramco's industrial sites, but not the CO2 produced when clients burn Saudi oil in their cars
Economy
44% of Saudis are young, making up 78% of the labor pool
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia on Monday launched "Youth Development Strategy" to help its youth to play a critical...
- Saudi Arabia on Monday launched "Youth Development Strategy" to help its youth to play a critical role in the national economy
- Aligned with the Saudi Vision 2030, the strategy seeks to create an enabling environment for the progress and growth of young people
Interview
WEF24: AI stays at forefront of energy revolution
There is a need for global policy alignment to meet the rising energy demands and tackle climate change challenges, Marco...
- There is a need for global policy alignment to meet the rising energy demands and tackle climate change challenges, Marco Arcelli, CEO of ACWA Power, tells TRENDS.
- AI revolutionizes energy production, including water desalination, spearheading the irreversible shift towards renewable sources and green molecules, Arcelli adds.
Economy
SMEs drive economic innovation and growth in UAE
SMEs are contributing 63.5% to the UAE's non-oil GDP and are at the forefront of innovation and growth, Ayham Gorani,...
- SMEs are contributing 63.5% to the UAE's non-oil GDP and are at the forefront of innovation and growth, Ayham Gorani, CEO of Pemo, tells TRENDS.
- Gorani highlights the importance of a supportive ecosystem and government initiatives in nurturing this vital sector across the Gulf country.
Economy
Total market value of Saudi stocks hits $2.97 trillion
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - The total market value of the primary Saudi stock market, represented by the All Tadawul Share...
- This valuation encompasses shares from 231 listed companies and funds currently actively traded in the market
- The total shares listed on the main stock market is reported to be 336.56 billion, with free shares accounting for 81.32 billion
Interview
WEF24: Creative leap diversifies Nigerian economy
Nigeria is diversifying its economy, moving beyond oil to embrace the blue and digital economies, Minister of Art, Culture, and...
- Nigeria is diversifying its economy, moving beyond oil to embrace the blue and digital economies, Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy Hannatu Musa Musawa tells TRENDS.
- The African country is leading initiatives for global recognition, with Destination 2030 showcasing the country's rich cultural heritage and creative prowess, adds Musawa.
Business
Saudi Arabia launches global tourism campaign featuring Messi
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia's national tourism brand, "Saudi Welcome To Arabia," has launched a new global marketing campaign...
- The campaign, called "Go Beyond What You Think," aims to address misconceptions about Saudi Arabia and encourage people to experience the country's cultural transformation.
- The campaign launch coincides with Messi's upcoming return to Saudi Arabia, where he will play two matches with his club, Inter Miami, against Al Nassr and Al Hilal.
WEF26: Saudi Arabia positions itself as ‘connector economy’ amid shifting global trade
Saudi Arabia is seeking to leverage changes in global trade and supply chains to position itself as a “connector economy,”...
Economy
Company News
Latest News
Trump says EU not offering ‘fair deal’ on trade
US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the European Union had yet to offer a "fair deal" on trade, as...
Economy
Cross-border payments and financial inclusion drive stablecoin popularity
London, United Kingdom -- Stablecoins -- a form of cryptocurrency backed by traditional assets -- are gaining traction, with the...
Business
Global oil demand to dip in 2030, first drop since Covid: IEA
IEA cited sluggish economic growth, global trade tensions, the rise of electric cars and the shift away from crude to...
Economy
Most Read
Business
Oil prices drop, stocks climb as Iran-Israel war fears ease
Israel's surprise strike against Iranian military and nuclear sites on Friday -- killing top commanders and scientists -- sent crude prices...
- However, concerns over the conflict spreading appeared to have receded, with both main oil contracts retreating 3.7 percent.
- Analysts said the recent decision by the OPEC+ group of crude producing nations, led by Saudi Arabia and Russia, to raise output again in July also played a role.
Economy
MENA Brief – June 16: Netanyahu eyes Gaza breakthrough, Iran rejects talks, Trump at G7, UAE oil giant bids big
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says there’s a fresh opening to free hostages held in Gaza, backing a US-mediated proposal...
- In major energy news, Abu Dhabi’s state-owned oil company has launched an $18.7 billion takeover bid for Australia’s Santos, offering a 28% premium
- The UAE’s economic momentum remains strong: its GDP grew 4% in 2024 to AED1.77 trillion, driven by a 5% rise in non-oil sectors
Economy
Boeing lowers 2044 global air fleet outlook amid supply chain woes
New York, United States -- The global commercial aviation fleet will stand just under 50,000 planes in 2044, with most...
- The global commercial aviation fleet will stand just under 50,000 planes in 2044, with most built over the next 20 years, according to a Boeing forecast released Saturday.
- The global fleet will nearly double to 49,600, a bit below Boeing's prior annual outlook, the company said ahead of the giant Paris Air Show beginning Monday.

