UAE ranks among the world’s most competitive economies in 2024, says Switzerland’s IMD ranking
The country has risen to the 7th spot in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking, highlighting its robust economic growth, strategic advancements, and commitment to innovation and sustainable development.
CBUAE puts into circulation new AED5 and AED10 banknotes
The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has announced that the new AED5 and AED10 banknotes have entered circulation in the UAE following distribution to all banks operating in the country.Indonesia’s palm oil export ban heats up vegetable oil market
Indonesia's decision to suspend palm oil exports in the face of domestic shortages has pushed vegetable oil prices to new highs, further tightening a market already on edge due to the war in Ukraine and global warming. The prices of palm, soybean, European rapeseed and even its Canadian GMO counterpart,...GCC stock exchanges witness a mixed week
The main Saudi index had a variable week, the Abu Dhabi exchange suffered a slight decline, while, the main index in Dubai closed unchanged.China factory activity dips to lowest in two years: official data
The Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), a key gauge of manufacturing activity, came in at 47.4 in April.Libya losing $60 million a day from oil facilities shutdown: Minister
Oil is the lifeblood of the North African country trying to move past a decade of conflict since the fall of dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011. But since mid-April Libya's two major export terminals and several oil fields have been held hostage to the country's latest political schism.French economy posts zero growth in first quarter
The French economy reported zero growth in the first quarter as households reduced their consumption due to rising inflation and the war in Ukraine, the national statistics agency said Friday. The French annual inflation rate also accelerated to 4.8 percent in April, up from 4.5 percent the month before.10 football pitches of pristine rainforest lost per minute in 2021
Huge swathes of tropical rainforest were burned or hacked down for cattle and crops last year, led by destruction in Brazil, researchers said Thursday, warning that climate change itself is making it harder to reverse the losses. Some 11.1 million hectares (27.5 million acres) of tree cover was lost across...Indonesia suspends all exports of palm oil
Indonesia began imposing a complete ban on palm oil exports Thursday, as the world's largest producer of the commodity risked destabilising a global vegetable oil market already hitting peak prices. The archipelago nation is facing a domestic shortage of cooking oil as well as soaring prices.Hamdan bin Mohammed okays Dh370m ‘Venture Capital Fund for Startups’
With a capital of approximately AED370 million, the Fund aims to drive Dubai’s economic growth and fortify its position as a global hub for financial technology.Total deposits by February end $541 billion: Central Bank of UAE
The Central Bank of the UAE said that total bank deposits increased by 0.3 percent, climbing from AED 1,982.4 billion at the end of January 2022 to AED 1,988.2 billion at the end of February 2022. The bank said the rise in total bank deposits was due to growth in...‘UAE’s new labor law is a game-changer’
Legal and business leaders tell TRENDS that the new legislation is in line with the industrial modernization roadmap that the country has undertaken.UAE and Turkey close to signing economic partnership agreement
The UAE and Turkey are in final talks regarding the launch of a comprehensive economic partnership agreement, according to the UAE’s minister of state for foreign trade, Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi. The new partnership is expected to double bilateral trade between both countries, strengthen cooperation efforts, create new jobs,...Ramadan brings $6bn windfall for MENA
The spending through the month of April has been widespread, including a broader increase in sales volume and a diversification of family-oriented retail options that enhance the prosperity of the local market.MENA region saw $2.88bn startup investment in 2021: Report
The report also claimed that the value of early-stage deals for startups in the region doubled from 2020 to 2021.Despite unrest, it’s business before politics in West Bank town
Violence may rage elsewhere, but it's business before politics in the occupied West Bank town of Nilin where Palestinian merchants do a brisk trade with passing Israelis. Every day, hundreds of people from Israel and nearby West Bank settlements visit the town to take advantage of low prices on everything...India launches outreach programmes on UAE-India CEPA pact
The CEPA was signed in New Delhi on February 18 in the presence of Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Turkey partially lifts COVID-19 mask mandate
The move follows similar actions by European countries, which lifted the mask mandate partially or entirely.UAE vows ‘responsible’ artificial intelligence rollout
The world's first minister for artificial intelligence says the United Arab Emirates isn't only looking for economic benefits as it seeks to become a leading nation in the sector. The UAE's minister of state for AI, Omar bin Sultan al-Olama, said "quality of life" considerations were key, and also stressed...Jordan and UAE groups join hands to develop beach project
Jordan Free and Development Zones Group Director Arwa Hiyari said the beach project is aimed at diversifying tourism.China expands mass testing as lockdown fears grow
Under its zero-Covid policy, China has used strict lockdowns, mass testing and severe travel restrictions to stamp out infections. But authorities are increasingly struggling with the impact of these protocols on the economy and business morale, especially when outbreaks appear in the country's most important cities.New trends drive Arab automotive growth
From pre-owned cars to electric vehicles, a number of trends are driving the growth of the automobile sector in countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia.Dubai allots some 18,000 e-trader licenses in five years
Dubai has allotted some 18,013 e-trader licenses during the last five years, according to a government report.UAE and Egypt to boost investment and cooperation
UAE’s Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber reviewed bilateral relations with Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister of Egypt.Rate hike fears and China lockdown drag down stocks
Stock markets sank Monday on growing concerns that lockdowns in China aimed at fighting a worsening Covid outbreak could threaten the country's economy and global supply chains. The losses extended a sell-off last week fueled by comments from Federal Reserve indicating officials will hike interest rates by half a point...New housing package worth $1.71 billion approved for UAE citizens in Dubai
Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has approved a new housing package worth AED 6.3 billion ($1.71 billion) for UAE citizens in Dubai. This includes housing and land allotments for 4,610 Emiratis in the city, on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr and as part of the Housing Program...Morocco prime minister’s petrol business at center of dispute
Soaring fuel prices in Morocco have placed billionaire petrol magnate Aziz Akhannouch -- who is also prime minister -- at the heart of a reignited debate about the conflict between business and politics. For the first time since the war in Ukraine led to a global jump in crude prices,...Saudi non-oil exports jump 31 percent
The exports were driven mainly by chemical products which jumped 80 percent year-on-year with a share contribution to total non-oil merchandise exports of 35.7 percent.Relative debt of GCC countries
Here’s a look at which countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have how much debt, and how they compare to their GDP.Protests, pension, pandemic mark Macron presidency
Emmanuel Macron, who had never held elected office before becoming president in 2017, has weathered several crises throughout his presidential tenure.Saudi Arabia to host Global Cybersecurity Forum in November
The National Cybersecurity Authority is organizing the annual event under the theme Rethinking the Global Cyber Order.French language in focus as controversies rise in Canada
The question of whether Canadian corporate leaders should be bilingual received a lot of attention last fall, after the president of Air Canada, Michael Rousseau, said he did not have the time to learn French. He had to publicly apologize for those remarks a few days later.Yemen capital’s first commercial flight since 2016 postponed
Hours before the flight, the airline said on its Facebook page that "it has not yet received operating permits," and expressed "deep regret to the travelers for not being allowed to operate."UAE and KSA stock markets remain flat this week
Against the backdrop of mounting concerns about the supply of crude oil, the stock markets in Saudi Arabia and the UAE remained subdued this week.Morocco unveils new tourism promotional campaign
"Morocco, Land of Light" aims to position Morocco among the most coveted global tourist destinations and strengthen its attractiveness to the international public.Tunisia president decrees he will name electoral chief
The election commission, created in 2012, has currently nine members with its president appointed by parliament.Iran exports to Africa up by 107% to $1,195m
The first five countries for Iranian exports were Ghana ($353 million), South Africa ($254 million), Nigeria ($125 million), Mozambique ($98 million), and Kenya ($77 million).High stakes: France braces for Le Pen-Macron showdown
President Emmanuel Macron is the favorite to win re-election in the run-off ballot on Sunday, and there are indications he bolstered his advantage with a combative performance in the one-off election debate against a somewhat defensive far-right challenger Marine Le Pen.Lebanon annual inflation surges more than 200%
Annual Inflation in Lebanon has spiked to 208 percent in March despite the intervention of the country's Central Bank. According to the government data, transportation costs rose 489 percent compared to March 2021, with health expenses up 441 percent. Food and beverages climbed 390 percent, while restaurant and hotel costs...ADNEC’s launches, successes in 2021
The company said it added about $653m to Abu Dhabi's economy.Eurozone posts growth in April despite Ukraine war
Economic growth in the eurozone accelerated and hit a seven-month high in April, a key survey showed on Friday, despite concerns about inflation and Russia's war in Ukraine. Meanwhile goods and services prices rose at an unprecedented rate in April amid another near-record rise in firms' costs.Sustainable development hinges on fate of world’s cities
Martha Delgado, President of the UN-Habitat Assembly called for resilient, sustainable “smart cities” that are more inclusively governed and better prepared to navigate future shocks and crises.Saudi Arabia taps Fawaz Alhokair and Partners to support designers
The MoU is expected to help the commission as well as the company to support Saudi fashion designers.UAE’s central bank launches two new notes made of recyclable polymer
The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has launched two new banknotes, in five and ten dirham denominations, made of polymer and enhanced by advanced technical characteristics and security features. The new banknotes are the third issue of the national currency, and reflect the CBUAE’s aim to keep pace with...ECB to put an end to bond buying in July
The European Central Bank "should" end its stimulus program at the beginning of the third quarter, its vice-president said in an interview published Thursday, opening the door to raising interest rates from historic lows.UAE government holiday for Eid al-Fitr begins on 29th day of Ramadan
The holiday will last till the third day of the month of Shawwal, which is yet to be declared.Oil prices up as traders weigh demand and supply issues
Oil began inching upward on Thursday after a day of losses over demand concerns linked to the Covid-19 lockdown in China. Ongoing restrictions in the country, including in the economic hub of Shanghai where tens of millions are confined to their homes, have hit transport networks but traders are balancing...UAE hotel industry basks in festive Ramadan spirit
Now, hotel bookings will rise for Eid Al-Fitr, with Gulf markets predicted to see a considerable spike in travel bookings from April 28 to May 5, 2022, which coincides with the resumption of large exhibitions in several GCC capitals.BNPL gains currency in the UAE
It also seems to be extremely helpful for customers who want to pay for a purchase in installments or make payments later, but do not qualify for credit cards. However, they have to be able to qualify for the BNPL schemes being offered, with criteria including a good credit score.Temporary aid can offset inflation hit to families: IMF official
Faced with surging inflation that is hitting poor families especially hard, which has sparked unrest in some countries, policymakers should take immediate steps to offset the pain with targeted and temporary relief, IMF chief economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas said Tuesday. "We've seen already in some countries people protesting when they see...Arab economies expected to grow by 5% in 2022: AMF
The expected growth rate for 2022 reflects the rise in the growth of the Arab oil-exporting economies to 5.6 percent due to the anticipated increases in the output of the oil and gas sectors.


















































