Apple loosens grip on iPhone apps
Apple will permit developers to include buttons or links in apps.Business Economy
CBUAE balance sheet touches US$182 billion in November 2023
Abu Dhabi, UAE--The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) saw its balance sheet soar to $182.43 billion at...Economy
Egypt to privatize key state companies as inflation surges
Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli announced Sunday a string of planned privatisations of state-owned companies, as Cairo grapples with an...Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli laid out plans for 10 state-owned companies and two army-owned companies to be listed on the stock market later this year.
By 2025, the government hopes to see "private sector contribution in investment grow to 65 percent," up from 30 percent today.
Sanctions-hit Iran considering gas exports to Europe: official
Iran is considering the possibility of exporting gas to Europe, an oil ministry official said Sunday against the backdrop of...Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February sent global oil and gas prices soaring, with many European countries dependent on energy imports from Russia.
Tehran and Baghdad had signed a memorandum of understanding a few weeks ago that will see the country increase gas exports to Iraq.
PIF launches Saudi Coffee Company
The Public Investment Fund (PIF) today announced the launch of the Saudi Coffee Company. The company is established to enable...The launch of the Saudi Coffee Company aligns with PIF’s strategy, which focuses on developing and enabling 13 promising sectors
The Saudi Coffee Company’s primary goal is to ensure the national coffee industry is enabled along its entire value chain, from bean to cup
GCC firms should focus on digital change: QIB chief
Bassel Gamal, the Group CEO of Qatar's second-largest bank, tells TRENDS that leaders should empower their employees to make decisions."Today, all GCC economies are recovering from the pandemic thanks to higher oil prices, supporting government spending and normalizing business activity."
"The leadership has shifted towards a more collaborative approach, fostering teamwork, productivity, innovation and creativity."
Saudi inflation surges in April, food and beverages cost more
Annual inflation in Saudi Arabia has spiked to 2.3 percent in April, up from 2 percent in March. According to...the consumer price index, or CPI, in April 2022 has surged 2 percent when compared to the corresponding period a year earlier
Food and beverages prices increased by 4.3 percent due to an increase in meat prices by 3.5 percent, and vegetable prices by 13.5 percent
Iraq’s prized rice crop threatened by drought
Drought is threatening the Iraqi tradition of growing amber rice, the aromatic basis of rich lamb and other dishes, and...After three years of drought and declining rainfall, Iraq's amber rice production will be only symbolic in 2022
Normally, rice fields planted in mid-May should stay submerged all summer until October but that's a luxury Iraq can no longer allow
Lebanon votes in first election since crisis
Lebanon headed to the polls today for its first election since multiple crises dragged it to the brink of failed...Observers have warned not to expect any seismic shift, with every lever of power firmly in the hands of traditional sectarian parties
Since the last election, the country has been mutilated by a blast at the Beirut port that went down as one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history
Oman, India bilateral trade rises to $9.9b in 2021-2022
There has been a 94.8% increase in the number of Indian businesses registering with Oman MoCIIP’s Invest Easy portal, up...There has been a 94.8% increase in the number of Indian businesses registering with Oman MoCIIP’s Invest Easy portal, up from 450 in 2019 to 877 in 2021
Qais Al Yousef was in India to develop new business opportunities and strengthen investment and trade ties in manufacturing, healthcare and renewables
Dare to be different to make positive change: Joumana
Lebanese writer, journalist, and human rights activist Joumana Haddad tells TRENDS why she is unperturbed despite being one of the...Joumana Haddad pays a price for her strong voice advocating for the rights of people, addressing otherwise taboo subjects
A big believer of self-expression, she uses her publication Jasad to tackle issues related to art, literature, and politics of the body
Emirate attracts expats and HNWIs alike
World-class infrastructure, successful pandemic response and visa and labor reforms have made the city an ideal destination for expats. Also,...The city has established itself as the region's business hub, which creates abundant job opportunities for expats as only one in 23 workers in Dubai is an Emirati national.
Dubai had 7.28 million visitors last year despite the global pandemic, making it an ideal place to live, work, and visit.
