UAE real GDP grows by 3.6% in first half of 2024, says economy minister
Non-oil sectors' contribution to GDP reaches 75%. Economy minister Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri says the growth reflects the dynamic...
Economy
Geostrategy
‘Difficult discussions’ as WTO talks extended for third time
The WTO -- the only international body dealing with the rules of trade between nations -- is under pressure to...
- "Our challenge this week is to demonstrate that MC12 wasn't a one-off miracle," WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said on Monday.
- With farmer protests sweeping Europe and India, agriculture agreements have emerged as a particularly sensitive topic of debate.
Business
European airlines witness a rise in profits in 2023
LONDON, UK – Europe's aviation industry is extending its bounceback from the Covid pandemic, as British Airways owner IAG and Franco-Dutch...
- Offsetting a jump in the aviation sector is persistently-high inflation pushing up fuel and staff costs.
- Delays in deliveries of commercial jets produced by Boeing and Airbus is hampering the sector’s rise.
Geostrategy
Israel killed 25,000 Palestinian women, children since Oct: Pentagon
"It's over 25,000," US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told lawmakers when asked during a House Armed Services Committee hearing for...
- Israel's relentless air and ground assault on Gaza has left more than 30,000 people dead, according to the territory's health ministry.
- The number provided by Austin is within the same range and come as Washington pushes for a ceasefire and a reduction in civilian casualties in Gaza.
Business
Sonatrach to invest $8.8bn in 2024 in gas exploration, production
Algiers, Algeria -- Sonatrach, the state-owned energy company of Algeria, will allocate $8.8 billion investment in 2024, which represents 17.6...
- The company's CEO, Rachid Hachichi, said majority of the allocated funds (71 percent) will be directed towards gas exploration and production activities.
- While the primary focus is on gas, Sonatrach also plans to dedicate a portion of its investments to refining and petrochemical sector (18 percent).
Business
Russia to ban petrol exports for six months to meet domestic demand
Despite being the world's third largest oil producer, Russia has suffered sporadic fuel shortages since last summer amid high demand...
- The Kremlin is also keen to avoid fuel shortages on the domestic market ahead of elections next month, in which President Vladimir Putin is seeking to extend his grip on power.
- Russia announced a similar export ban on diesel and petrol last year, after farmers in some regions were unable to harvest grain due to fuel shortages.
Business
UAE airports surpass 134 million passenger mark in 2023: GCAA
Abu Dhabi, UAE -- Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), said Thursday that the...
- Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of GCAA, attributed this achievement to the robustness and competitiveness of the UAE aviation sector.
- Al Suwaidi highlighted that UAE airports recorded approximately 38 million arrivals, 37.805 million departures, and 58.328 million transit passengers in 2023.
Geostrategy
Biden faces backlash in Michigan primary over Gaza ceasefire stance
Though Biden handily won the vote, the uncommitted ballots, representing 13 percent of votes cast Tuesday, sent a "clear and...
- The midwestern state is home to a large number of Arab and Muslim Americans, previously firmly part of the Democratic fold that helped elect Biden in 2020.
- "It is my hope, Mr. President, that you listen to us," said Abdullah Hammoud, the mayor of Dearborn. "That you choose the people of America over Netanyahu", he said.
Business
Bitcoin hits $60,000 as ETFs draw in new investors
London, United Kingdom -- Bitcoin passed the $60,000 mark on Wednesday, approaching its all-time high and continuing its unbridled rise since...
- At 1325 GMT, bitcoin traded at about $60,301, closing in on its all-time high of $68,991 -- that was struck in November 2021 and which some analysts believe is now within reach.
- Since their approval on January 10 by US securities regulators, exchange-traded funds indexed to bitcoin have theoretically enabled a wider public to invest in the cryptocurrency.
Geostrategy
Saudi Arabia’s PIF announces tennis partnership with ATP
In a joint statement, the two bodies said the partnership marked "a significant shared commitment to enhancing global tennis". The...
- PIF will also partner with ATP Tour events in Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid, Beijing and the ATP Finals, in addition to the Next Gen ATP Finals, hosted in Jeddah until 2027.
- "Our strategic partnership with PIF marks a major moment for tennis," said ATP chief executive Massimo Calvelli in the joint statement.
Business
Mubadala Capital, Woori sign partnership
The two firms will explore mutually beneficial investment opportunities.
- They will establish a dedicated working committee to facilitate cooperation and dialogue between both organizations.
- Chang Kyu Kim, CEO of Woori Venture Partners emphasized the potential for mutual growth and affirmed his commitment to strengthening cooperation among group entities in the future.
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Global Future Councils meet calls for collective action to tackle global crises
Over 500 experts gathered at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting of the Global Future Councils 2024 in Dubai to...
Geostrategy
Middle East crisis top-of-mind at first EU-Gulf summit in Brussels
Confirmed at the last minute, the presence of Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince among the six Gulf leaders in attendance heightened...
Geostrategy
Deals worth $4.26 billion signed at inaugural Global Logistics Forum
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- More than 65 agreements and Memoranda of Understanding worth SAR 16 billion were signed at the...
Business
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Geostrategy
Trio wins economics Nobel for insights into income inequality
By examining the various political and economic systems introduced by European colonizers, the three have demonstrated a relationship between societal...
- Daron Acemoglu, 57, and Simon Johnson, 61, are professors at (MIT). James Robinson, 64, is a professor at the University of Chicago.
- The jury highlighted the laureates' work in illuminating how political and economic institutions play a role in explaining why some countries prosper while others do not.
Business
OPEC lowers 2024 oil demand forecast, citing robust non-OECD activity
According to the organization's October report, the total world oil demand is anticipated to reach 105.6 mb/d in 4Q-24, to...
- According to the monthly publication, oil demand in the Middle East is expected to expand by an average of 265 tb/d, y-o-y, in 4Q-24.
- Refinery capacity additions in non-OECD countries – mostly in China and the Middle East – are also expected to contribute to oil demand growth.
Economy
China unveils major bond plan to revive economy and property market
The plan is part of a series of actions undertaken by Beijing to draw a line under a years-long property...
- Beijing's planned special bonds are aimed at boosting the capital available to banks -- part of a push to get them lending in the hopes of firing up sluggish consumer spending.
- China is also preparing to allow local governments to borrow more to fund the acquisition of unused land for development.