Saudi Arabia Railways launches 5 new logistics routes
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) has launched five new logistics routes designed to enhance supply chain efficiency...
Geostrategy
Supply chain attacks emerge as top cyber threat to businesses: Study
The study found that large enterprises are particularly vulnerable because of their extensive vendor networks.
Business
Geostrategy
Iran ready to negotiate with US but not under ‘maximum pressure’: minister
In 2015, Iran struck a landmark deal with the United States, France, Germany, Britain, China and Russia to regulate its...
- In 2015, Iran struck a landmark deal with the United States, France, Germany, Britain, China and Russia to regulate its nuclear programme in return for the easing of international
- However, in 2018, during his first term, Trump unilaterally withdrew the United States from the agreement and reinstated heavy sanctions on Tehran, despite European opposition
Geostrategy
Trump doubles down on Gaza shock plan, says Israel will turn over the territory to US
Trump said that by the time of the handover, Palestinians "would have already been resettled in far safer and more...
- Trump first made the stunning proposal to audible gasps during a joint press conference with Netanyahu on Tuesday, whom he was hosting at the White House for talks
- Suggesting "long-term ownership" by the US, Trump said he would make Gaza the Riviera of the Middle East, and that "this could be something that could be so magnificient".
Morgan Stanley sees upswing in MENA M&A deal volumes and values
After a challenging year where M&A activity in the Middle East and North Africa took a tumble, Morgan Stanley forecasts...
- 2024 saw 1,111 M&A transactions with exposure to the MENA region, totaling US$75 billion in value
- MENA outbound M&A transactions totaled US$40.2 billion, down 3 percent
Geostrategy
Syrian President’s first foreign trip to Saudi Arabia signals Syria’s shift away from Iran’s influence.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh, marking his first foreign visit and signaling...
- Al-Sharaa’s visit signals Syria’s pivot away from Iran and closer ties with the Gulf states
- Saudi Arabia is leading efforts to reintegrate Syria into the regional fold and push for sanctions relief
Business
Dubai’s real estate sector records $207 billion in transactions in 2024
Dubai, UAE -- Dubai’s real estate sector recorded a total of 2.78 million procedures in 2024, the highest in its...
- Real estate transactions alone totaled 226,000, a remarkable 36 percent growth in volume and 20 percent growth in value year-on-year.
- The sector recorded 217,000 investments valued at AED526 billion, reflecting impressive growth rates of 38 and 27 percent in number and value respectively.
Business
UAE most attractive Arab destination for auto investment, business
Kuwait -- The UAE has topped the Arab list as the best and most attractive destination for investment and business...
- The automotive sector in Arab countries attracted 184 foreign projects valued at more than $25 billion, providing more than 102,000 jobs.
- Five countries: Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Algeria, Morocco and Kuwait had around 75 percent of overall vehicle sales in the region by the end of 2024.
Business
SIB’s 2024 profit $272m
The profit surpassed AED 1 billion for the first time in bank's history.
- The bank's net profit before tax increased by 36.5 percent, reaching AED1.15 billion.
- The bank saw a significant increase of 45.3 percent in fee and commission income, reaching AED400.4 million
Business
GCC leaders explore regional growth and opportunity at Doha investment meet
The burgeoning creator economy presents an unprecedented opportunity for GCC to outpace global cities and establish itself as the epicenter...
- The event was organized by The Business Year (TBY), a media group that has been providing investors and governments with first-hand insights into the world’s most dynamic markets.
- Attendees and panelists delved into comprehensive discussions that paved the way for an evening of cross-border knowledge sharing.
Geostrategy
WEF’s risks report 2025: Rising geopolitical tensions, environmental threats, disinformation dominate future threats
A survey of over 900 experts reveals state-based armed conflict as the most pressing global risk for 2025, driven by...
- A late 2024 survey of over 900 global risks experts, policymakers, and industry leaders identifies state-based armed conflict as 2025's top risk
- Extreme weather events, societal polarization, and cyber-espionage also rank prominently, underscoring a landscape fraught with challenges
Economy
Global economy set to face significant challenges in 2025: WEF survey
Geneva, Switzerland – The global economy is set to face significant challenges in 2025, with 56 percent of chief economists...
- Only 17% of chief economists foresee an improvement, pointing to heightened uncertainty in key regions and the need for measured policy responses worldwide.
- Europe continues to rank as the weakest region for the third consecutive year, with nearly three-quarters (74 percent) expecting weak or very weak growth.
Most Read
Revenue from Saudi cinema may exceed $1bn by 2030KSA, UAE play well as e-gaming trends across GCCExclusive: Middle East’s retail sector rides on AR and hybrid shopping to become $600bn digital economyTECOM Group profit soars 13%UAE startups eye Saudi Arabia for growth, expansionSaudi Arabia leads GCC AI healthcare raceDisparity remains as Saudis, Emiratis see wealth gains
Saudi Arabia Railways launches 5 new logistics routes
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) has launched five new logistics routes designed to enhance supply chain efficiency...
Geostrategy
Company News
Latest News
Trump threatens European nations with tariffs over Greenland
Trump aimed his ire at Denmark, a fellow NATO member, as well as several European countries that have deployed troops...
Geostrategy
Saudi knowledge economy accelerates as Vision 2030 targets move within reach
The government has successfully implemented more than 900 reforms, including restructuring legal and labor frameworks, establishing new public authorities, and...
Economy
AI promise uneven as economists flag debt and market vulnerabilities
In its latest Chief Economists’ Outlook, the WEF said 53 percent of surveyed economists expect global economic conditions to weaken...
Economy
Most Read
Geostrategy
Gaza ceasefire enters phase two despite unresolved issues between Israel and Hamas
The most contentious questions remain Hamas's refusal to publicly commit to full disarmament, a non-negotiable demand from Israel, and Israel's...
- Gaza, whose borders and access points remain under Israeli control, continues to face severe shortages of food, clean water, medicine and fuel.
- Under the second phase, Gaza is to be administered by a 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee operating under the supervision of a so-called "Board of Peace."
Interview
MEA market decision-making cycle is fast but risk-averse
MEA markets feature rapid growth, high owner influence, diverse operator models, and younger hotel infrastructure, says Ralph Melis, co-founder and...
- The Middle East is unique because its hotel landscape is expanding faster than anywhere else globally, but its technology knowledge infrastructure hasn’t kept pace.
- This region is open to new platforms, new operating models, and rapid digital adoption, making it ideal for building a category-defining ecosystem.
Geostrategy
WEF flags geoeconomic confrontation as top global risk for 2026
Experts warn economic warfare, misinformation and unchecked AI could amplify global shocks as cooperation weakens across political and trade blocs.
- Half of global leaders surveyed expect worsening instability within two years, while only 10% foresee stability.
- Environmental risks remain the most severe long-term threat despite slipping in near-term priority rankings.