• Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa expects financing to touch US$2.5bn

    Abu Dhabi, UAE--The Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) expects the bank's annual financing to reach US$2.5 billion by the end of 2024. According to its director general, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, the annual financing of the bank is witnessing a steady increase, rising from US$2 billion in...
  • Saudi RCU begins rock excavation for Sharaan Resort in AlUla

    ALULA, SAUDI ARABIA – The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has marked a significant milestone in the development of the Sharaan Resort with the inaugural rock excavation for the much-anticipated project.  The initial excavation symbolizes the start of a mission that combines Jean Nouvel’s architectural innovation with Bouygues' engineering expertise....
  • IOTA Foundation launches US$10m investment fund at Investopia 2024

    ABU DHABI, UAE – Minister of Economy and Chairman of Investopia Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri attended the unveiling of a new investment fund valued at US$10 million by the IOTA Ecosystem DLT Foundation during Investopia 2024. The fund's primary goal is to promote the development of TradeTech solutions and...
  • Despite post-Covid development rebound, rich-poor gap widens: UN

    The rebound follows two years of decline, when, in 2021 and 2022, the global Human Development Index fell twice in a row for the first time since its creation 35 years ago, rolling back five years of progress. Now, the UNDP forecasts a record high in the index for 2023.
  • UAE vital to enhancing global economic growth: Officials

    Abu Dhabi, UAE-- The UAE has expanded its network of trading partners around the world through comprehensive economic partnerships, contributing to increasing trade and investment flows and enhancing global economic growth, according to top officials from the country. Top economic officials have stressed the UAE's significant role in supporting the...
  • Emaar unveils new projects

    The new projects are estimated to value US$26.14 billion.
  • WTO chief economist applauds UAE ‘commitment’ to trade liberalization

    Abu Dhabi, UAE-- Applauding the UAE's commitment to trade liberalization, including development of green and digital trade globally, Ralph Ossa, Chief Economist at the World Trade Organization (WTO), said the country's focus on low tariffs, export diversification, and active participation in the multilateral trading system demonstrates its commitment to free...
  • Majority of WTO members sign investment deal for development

    The deal aims to facilitate "the flow of foreign direct investment... particularly to developing and least-developed" countries with the aim of fostering sustainable development, according to the text. WTO chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala called it a "pioneering agreement that promises to help its signatories attract the foreign direct investment they want...
  • Bahrain to support ‘Arab tourism’ in order to boost cultural integration

    Manama, Bahrain--Bahrain will support Arab tourism in order to enhance social, cultural and historical integration among Arab people, according to Fatima bin Jaafar Al Sairafi, Bahrain's Minister of Tourism. According to the minister, this would raise the contribution of the tourism sector to Arab countries’ national development. In a statement...
  • China steps up green transition drive to meet carbon-emission goals

    Beijing, China--China is moving away from traditionally energy-intensive industrial sectors toward green development across key sectors, in efforts to fulfill its goals of peaking carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, according to China Central Television. In June 2023, the Hunan Valin Xiangtan Iron and Steel...
  • Bahrain to host ‘smart cities summit 2024’ in March

    Manama, Bahrain--Bahrain will hold the seventh edition of the "Bahrain Smart Cities Summit 2024" from March 5 to 6 under the theme"achieving progress through artificial intelligence", Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, the Minister of Municipalities and Agriculture announced. Al Mubarak affirmed the kingdom's keenness to adopt the best technologies and...
  • In Middle East, ‘manufacturing’ is a new buzzword

    From Saudi Arabia to the UAE and Qatar to Kuwait, governments across the region compete to jumpstart industrial sector but doubts remain whether it can be pulled off.
  • UAE and Jordan leaders discuss boosting economic, investment ties

    Amman, Jordan-- The UAE and Jordan have explored opportunities for collaboration in the fields of economy, investment, food security, renewable energy and sustainability in a meeting between the UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Jordan's King Abdullah in Amman. The meeting between the two leaders, which took place at...
  • Bahrain and Slovakia to ramp up cooperation in urban planning

    Manama, Bahrain-- Bahrain and Slovakia are looking to ramp up the ongoing cooperation in urban planning and sustainable development. In this regard, Ahmed Abdulaziz Al Khayat, Chief Executive Officer of the Urban Planning and Development Authority (UPDA), stressed the need to exchange expertise and technologies in the field of urban...
  • Sharjah Chamber discusses collaboration with AAAID on trade, investment

    Sharjah, UAE--The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has held discussions with the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID) to support business community and foster trade and investment between the two entities. The discussions took place at the chamber's headquarters, where Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of...
  • DEWA unveils new distribution substations

    It commissioned 1,414 substations of 11kv in Dubai.
  • Sheikh Hamdan issues resolution regulating single-use products in Dubai

    DUBAI, UAE -  Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, has issued Executive Council Resolution No. 124 of 2023 on single-use products. The aim of the resolution is to protect the environment, encourage people to adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle,...
  • GCC Commercial Arbitration Centre to use AI in its operations

    Manama, Bahrain-- The GCC Commercial Arbitration Centre has started to harness AI techniques, according to its secretary general, Dr. Kamal bin Abdullah Al Hamad. The initiative aims to enhance international commercial arbitration processes, aligning with the national visions of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. It is in harmony with the...
  • GCC makes pivotal strides in development, diplomacy

    In 2023, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait collectively advanced in technology and sustainable development, achieving global integration.
  • ADDED, Siemens Energy to support sustainable industrial development in Emirate

    ABU DHABI, UAE - Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), represented by Industrial Development Bureau (IDB), and Siemens Energy have joined hands to further decarbonize the Emirate’s booming industrial sector. The collaboration supports Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy's vision to establish the Emirate as the most competitive industrial hub in...
  • UAE and Turkmenistan pledge to ramp up ties ‘in all fields’

    Dubai, UAE-- The UAE and Turkmenistan have agreed to enhance bilateral ties in all fields, particularly in the development sectors, in the "interests of the two friendly countries and peoples." The resolve to boost ties was expressed during a meeting between UAE's vice president Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed and Turkmenistan...
  • UAE president and UN chief discuss ‘collective action’ to address climate challenges

    Dubai, UAE-- UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and UN Secretary General António Guterres discussed the importance of the conference in enhancing international collective action to address climate challenges in a manner that serves humanity and future generations. The meeting between the two took place at the ongoing UN Climate...
  • UAE and Cuba look to boost economic, energy ties

    The discussions between the UAE president and the Cuban president at Expo City Dubai focused on cooperation in various fields particularly in the economic, investment, developmental, renewable energy, and sustainability sectors, aiming to broaden their scope to fulfil the aspirations of both nations for development and prosperity.
  • CBUAE and People’s Bank of China renew currency-swap agreement

    Abu Dhabi, UAE--The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) and the People’s Bank of China today signed an agreement to renew the currency swap between the UAE and China and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance technical and technological cooperation in the development of central bank digital currencies. The...
  • UAE approves Dubai Metro Blue Line project

    DUBAI, UAE - Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has approved the Dubai Metro Blue Line project. This is a new 30 kilometer metro route that will strategically link key areas in the emirate through 14 stations, in line with the anticipated...
  • EGA begins work on pilot plant to convert bauxite residue into manufactured soil

    ABU DHABI, UAE – Emirates Global Aluminum (EGA) on Thursday announced the construction of a pilot plant to convert bauxite residue, a waste stream from alumina refining, into manufactured soil. The pilot plant is considered to be the first-of-its-kind in the world. Construction follows five years of scientific research development...
  • EDB pledges to expand UAE’s renewables market through easy financing

    Dubai, UAE-- With its financing packages for the renewables sector to support the transition to clean and sustainable energy sources, Emirates Development Bank (EDB) underscores its commitment to driving the development and growth of solar power adoption across the emirates. The bank, in line with the UAE Energy Strategy 2050...
  • Saudi Arabia, South Africa sign protocol for import of cattle, sheep and goat meat

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia--The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) and South Africa’s Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development have signed a protocol of health and technical requirements for imports of cattle, sheep, and goat meat. The protocol aims to accredit the regulatory body in South Africa by the...
  • Ajman DED reports 11% increase in economic licenses issued in Q3

    Ajman, UAE-- The Department of Economic Development in Ajman (Ajman DED) has reported an 11 percent growth in the total number of economic licenses issued during the third quarter of 2023. According to a report published by Ajman DED, professional licenses came in first place with 51% of the total...
  • AI to contribute in enhancing low-emissions development

    BONN, GERMANY - Artificial intelligence (AI) can make substantial contributions to climate-resilient and low-emissions development. UN Climate Change’s Initiative on Artificial Intelligence for Climate Action (#AI4ClimateAction) explores the role of AI as a powerful tool for advancing and scaling up transformative climate action in developing countries. In line with the...
  • GCC chief stresses need for combating corruption to fuel economic growth

    Muscat, Oman-- Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Mohamed Albudawi, has underscored the importance of cooperation in investigations into cross-border corruption cases and prosecution of their perpetrators, given the significant impact corruption has on economic development and growth. He made the remarks at the 9th meeting of...
  • Bahrain’s SCE signs agreement with Foulath Holding Company

    Manama, Bahrain--The Supreme Council for the Environment (SCE) signed a cooperation agreement with Foulath Holding Company to boost sustainable development goals in Bahrain. The agreement aimed at planting and preserving mangrove trees in line with the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Amna Hamad Al Rumaihi, Acting Director of the Communication and...
  • Iran, Russia to invest $38bn in developing INSTC

    TEHRAN, IRAN – The Iranian head of Solyanka Port in Russia said that the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) is a key element of the transportation network in Eurasia. Speaking in a specialized meeting of INSTC- New Concept, which was held in Astrakhan Port of Russia, Dariush Jamali pointed to the...
  • Durar launches ‘MASA Residences’ in Ras Al Khaimah worth US$190.58m

    RAS AL KHAIMAH -- Durar, a prominent UAE real estate developer, is set to launch MASA Residences, a luxury residential development in Ras Al Khaimah. This $190.58 million project, with interiors by YOO inspired by Starck, marks Durar's entrance into the UAE's Northern Emirates and is poised to elevate Al...
  • Bahrain EDB attracts $295m in IT sector as part of total investments worth $1.4bn

    Manama, Bahrain--Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB) has attracted $295 million in direct investments within the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector as part of a total projected direct investment worth $1.4 billion, during the first nine months of 2023. Stemming from 14 local and international projects, the direct investments...
  • Kuwait Fund and Central American Bank sign MoU

    Marrakesh, Morocco-- Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) and the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) have signed a memo of understanding (MoU) to create a joint technical cooperation framework in developing countries' development finance field. The memo was signed by KFAED's Director-General Waleed Al-Bahar and CABEI's Executive...
  • UAE and US aim to speed up cooperation in clean energy, technology

    Abu Dhabi, UAE-- The UAE and US have reviewed ways to accelerate cooperation in priority sectors such as clean energy, sustainable industrial development and advanced technology – areas where the UAE and US already share a successful track record. The discussion on the boosting of ties came up in a...
  • UAE approves $52 billion federal budget for 2024-26

    UAE Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who chaired a meeting of the cabinet where the budget was approved, said that during 2024, the development and social benefits sector will receive 42 percent, government affairs 39 percent and the remainder will be channeled to enhance the infrastructure and...
  • Iran to sign long-term contract with India on Chabahar Port

    Tehran, Iran-- Iran will sign a long-term contract with India to develop Chabahar Port, according to the Islamic republic's minister of roads and urban development. Mehrdad Bazarpash emphasized that a long-term contract for the operationalization of Chabahar Port project with the Indians will be signed in the near future. He...
  • Iran and Cuba to set up joint ‘technology and innovation’ center

    Tehran, Iran-- Iran and Cuba are looking to to set up a joint technology and innovation center to promote cooperation between the two countries’ technological companies. In a meeting held in Havana on Friday, Iran’s Vice-President for Science and Technology Ruhollah Dehqani and Cuba’s Minister of Science, Technology and Environment...
  • Saudi ministry inks economic pact with Alfaisal University

    RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - The Kingdom's Ministry of Economy and Planning signed a deal with Alfaisal University to promote economic development and implement awareness programs, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 goals. Under the MoU, the two parties will cooperate to promote economic development, activate academic research, implement awareness programs...
  • GCC Secretary General praises DCO role in digital transformation of Saudi economy

    RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA –  Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi visited the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) headquarters. The secretary general was received by Dima Al Yahya, Secretary General of DCO. Albudaiwi said that the DCO plays an important role in Saudi Arabia, in employing technology for...
  • China’s industrial sector posts robust growth in 2023

    Beijing, China--China has reported robust progress in its industrial development this year, marked by significant milestones in several sectors, according to the Chinese newspaper People's Daily Online. The nation's first domestically-produced large cruise ship has wrapped up its maiden test voyage, with plans for its official naming and delivery by...
  • Bahrain to partner with private sector to ramp up investments in oil projects

    Manama, Bahrain--Bahrain has indicated its keenness to encourage investments in the kingdom's oil and environmental projects through partnerships with the private sector, especially banks, to achieve sustainable development goals. Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak bin Daina, Oil and Environment Minister, Special Envoy for Climate Affairs, has affirmed the government’s keenness to...
  • UAE president and Ethiopia PM pledge to boost relations

    The two leaders met in Addis Ababa and held talks on various aspects of bilateral relations, in addition to broader regional and international issues of mutual interest. The focus of the discussion was boosting areas of cooperation, including economic, investment, and development ties, across all sectors to increase prosperity of...
  • Saudi Crown Prince and Iran foreign minister discuss bilateral relations

    Iran's foreign minister met Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his first visit since the Middle East rivals announced a rapprochement, officials said. Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, who travelled to Riyadh on Thursday, held talks with the Crown Prince in Jeddah, the Saudi foreign ministry said, after extending a scheduled...
  • Sharjah Chamber and FDI Office discuss ways to promote real estate sector

    Sharjah, UAE--The Real Estates Sector Business Group has discussed with the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah) ways to promote lucrative real estate investment projects in Sharjah and invigorate the local real estate sector. The meeting looked into ways to benefit from the Sharjah FDI Office's expertise to promote real...
  • UAE president and Jordan’s king renew resolve to boost ties

    The talks between Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and King Abdullah focused on ways to ramp up cooperation across key strategic sectors, with a particular emphasis on economic partnerships, investment and development opportunities, and other key areas aimed at fostering sustainable development and prosperity in both countries.
  • UAE urges collective action for sustainable development at G20 ministers meeting in India

    DUBAI, UAE – UAE Minister of Climate Change and the Environment Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri highlighted the importance of collective action and collective finance to strengthen sustainable development. She also called upon G20 countries to fulfill their commitment to providing the pledged financial support for global climate initiatives. Almheiri addressed...
  • Russia, Africa build a new, fairer global architecture

    "I would like to note that the African continent is emerging as a new center of power right before our eyes. It has been demonstrating exponential growth in terms of its political and also economic roles. Everyone will have to reckon with this objective reality," adds Putin during the second...