GCC agriculture sectors post strong 2024 performance
Muscat, Oman -- Gulf Cooperation Council countries recorded strong performance in agriculture, livestock and fisheries during 2024, reflecting the growing role of these sectors in supporting food security and economic diversification.Data released by the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf showed the agriculture...
AI, NLP transform business operations in Gulf region
AI and NLP are revolutionizing workplace efficiency by enabling employees to swiftly access essential information, thereby augmenting customer and personal convenience. Invisible virtual assistants streamline tasks, such as directly emailing the service desk for ticket creation or speeding up purchase requisitions and expenses, he adds.GCC leads in climate action despite fossil fuel reliance
The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar outperform 17 other countries in key areas of green investment, sustainable infrastructure, and energy transition, says a report.GCC sovereigns eye fiscal rejuvenation
A report by S&P Global Ratings forecasts improved fiscal positions due to higher oil prices, fiscal consolidation and a robust non-hydrocarbon activity.GCC maintains stable inflation rates despite crises
Pausing of rate hikes by global central banks amid fluctuating inflation rates influences global markets, with specific impacts in the MENA region, says a new report.Black Friday is a $74bn opportunity for MENA retail. But is it losing sheen by ‘blindly copying’ the West?
The expected injection of billions of dollars into the retail business through sale of varied items can turn out to be a much-needed boost for a sector experiencing "sales fatigue."Black Friday is a $74bn opportunity for MENA retail. But is it losing sheen by ‘blindly copying’ the West?
The expected injection of billions of dollars into the retail business through sale of varied items can turn out to be a much-needed boost for a sector experiencing "sales fatigue."Insect farming ‘revolutionizes’ Gulf agriculture
Across the arid region, in which conventional agriculture is beset by many challenges, insect farming for livestock feed is perceived as a sustainable path for a secure food supply.GCC keen to strengthen economic cooperation with Turkey: Albudaiwi
Istanbul, Turkey-- The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is keen to enhance economic cooperation with Turkey, according to its Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi.The secretary general stressed that the GCC Ministerial Council, which held its 155th session in March this year, resumed the strategic dialogue with Türkiye, and adopted the Joint...GCC hails progress on implementation of unified tourist visa
Muscat -– In a significant stride towards enhanced regional cooperation, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has announced progress on the implementation of a unified tourist visa, marking a new milestone in the collective achievements of the member states. The announcement was made by the GCC Secretary General, Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi,...‘Gulf nations should unite for Palestinian cause’
"Our stance on the Palestinian issue is unequivocal. The Palestinian people's right to resistance, including reclaiming their occupied land and confronting the Zionist entity, will persist," he adds, expressing optimism that the next phase would promote "greater unity and efficacy for Arab causes".IPOs in MENA raise US$5.8bn in first nine months of 2023
ABU DHABI, UAE - A recent report revealed that 29 initial public offerings (IPOs) were recorded in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region during the first nine months of this year, with total proceeds of US$5.8 billion.The report, issued on Tuesday by Ernst Young (EY) on IPO activity...Economic strain looms over Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt and GCC; Gaza escalation to affect Israeli economy too
A latest report by IIF highlights three possible outcomes from Gaza operations, each with profound implications for MENA economies and political stability.FGCC Chambers to hold GCC-Egyptian Business Forum in Saudi Arabia
AL-KHOBAR, SAUDI ARABIA - The Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce (FEDCOC) is scheduled to host the first Gulf-Egyptian Business Forum on November 22-23.Held under the theme "Business - Investment - Partnership," the event is organized by the Federation of Gulf Cooperation Council (FGCC) chambers in cooperation with FEDCOC, with...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...AI revolutionizes real estate across GCC countries
Cities like Dubai and Riyadh are harnessing AI to redefine every facet of property dealings, from development to management, Tripler CEO Sam Singh tells TRENDS.Huge investments propel GCC project sector growth
The GCC project sector, one of the world's most dynamic, has recorded a significant surge in project awards, reaching $41.8 billion in the third quarter of 2023, says a report.Al Seer Marine, L3Harris renew pact
They have partnered with each other for the past six years.GCC-China strategic alliance focuses on mutual trust
"A Free Trade Agreement between the GCC countries and China will be a pivotal channel to amplify GCC-Chinese relations across all sectors, especially in economics and investment. It will play a crucial role in augmenting the mutual benefits and trade exchanges, benefiting numerous countries and their citizens," he adds.EasyLease Q3 revenue $57.66m
It's net profit was AED 26.5 million ($7.21m) in Q3 2023.UAE president and Vietnam PM explore ways to boost ties
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia-- UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh have explored opportunities to further strengthen ties between the two countries in a meeting between the two leaders in Riyadh.The president and prime minister met on the sidelines of the joint summit between the...KSA, Kuwait lead as Islamic banking prospers in GCC
With the support of Vision 2030 projects and a surge in real estate lending, the banking sector's performance in the Gulf region has been commendable, says a report.MENA banking sector records 30% surge in net profits in H1 2023
Dubai, UAE - The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) banking sector has witnessed a remarkable 30% year-on-year increase in net profits and a substantial 12.2% growth in net assets, the EY MENA H1 2023 Banking Report revealed on Monday. Returns on equity increased by 6.18%, and the net interest...GCC states post 7.3 percent GDP growth in 2022: Albudaiwi
Marrakech, Morocco-- In spite of economic disruptions, policymakers in the GCC countries have successfully alleviated the economic ramifications of the challenges they have faced, according to Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi, the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).He added that the GCC nations experienced substantial growth in their gross domestic product...GCC keen to address economic problems: Albudaiwi
Marrakesh, Morocco-- The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) attaches great importance to finding solutions to economic problems such as the eradication of poverty and enhancing food security, according to the GCC Secretary General Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi. He made the remarks in connection with the participation of the council member states in...Saudi non-oil GDP growth to be strong despite oil cuts
Tourism and entertainment sectors are likely to help Saudi Arabia's non-oil GDP grow robustly in the coming years, despite a 6.5% drop in oil production, says a report.GCC’s digital leadership puts focus on cybersecurity
As GCC leads in digital innovations, there's an urgent need for strong cybersecurity to combat increasingly complex threats targeting governments, businesses, and individuals.UAE as hub will help food security corridor under I2U2 framework: Indian minister
Abu Dhabi, UAE - The UAE as a geographical and business hub will help the proposed ‘food security corridor project in India under the I2U2 framework,’ Piyush Goyal, Indian Commerce Minister told the Emirates News Agency (WAM) in an exclusive interview.“The UAE as a trading hub can cater to the...World Bank expects Gulf economies to grow by 1 percent in 2023
Dubai, UAE -- The economies of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are expected to grow by 1 percent in 2023, down from 7.3 percent in 2022, according to the World Bank.In its recent report, the bank said the Gulf economies combined will grow by 3.6 percent in the year 2024....GCC economic integration: The grouping okays more measures at Muscat meeting
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has approved several more regulations and resolutions as part of its bid to accelerate economic integration. According to the GCC Secretary-General Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi, the grouping at the 120th meeting of the GCC Financial and Economic Cooperation Committee in Muscat, took steps...Fintech innovations reshape GCC’s banking landscape
The region's fintech growth, fueled by a tech-savvy populace, robust regulations, and digital adoption, is drawing global focus, heralding the future of financial services.Kazakhstan’s BSG Technology to set up business in UAE next year
Abu Dhabi, UAE-- Kazakhstan's BSG Technology is looking to expand its operations into the Middle East, and begin operations in the UAE next year.According to Serik Baimukhanbetov, Deputy Director for Business Development of BSG Technology, the company expects to launch its operations in the UAE market in 2024 and has...Rise in EVs drives Middle East toward greener future
A transformative shift is unfolding in the region as more people transition from gasoline-powered vehicles to electric ones, an in-depth TRENDS report reveals.Rise in EVs drives Middle East toward greener future
A transformative shift is unfolding in the region as more people transition from gasoline-powered vehicles to electric ones, an in-depth TRENDS report reveals.GCC FTA, tech MoU enhance Pakistan-Saudi relations
In landmark developments, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have taken significant strides to enhance their bilateral relations, especially in the economic and technological arenas.Global economic concerns hit GCC equity performance
Influenced by global inflation concerns and high rates, Gulf markets faced second consecutive monthly dip in September. Only Dubai and Qatari markets resisted the trend.Global economic concerns hit GCC equity performance
Influenced by global inflation concerns and high rates, Gulf markets faced second consecutive monthly dip in September. Only Dubai and Qatari markets resisted the trend.For GCC, centralized demand planning is indispensable
Facing challenges like varied categorization and technical standards, GCC economies are turning to innovative solutions. With digital technologies and unified planning, the Gulf region aims to unlock the full potential of their industrial sectors, add the experts from Kearney.UAE most competitive MENA economy
The 2023 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking placed the UAE among the world's 10 most competitive economies.GCC chief highlights importance of boosting ties with UK
New York, US--Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, has stressed the importance of strengthening ties with the United Kingdom, including the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which is an essential element of the strategic partnership and will contribute to achieving common interests.This came during Albudaiwi’s meeting with...GCC and UK foreign ministers exhort Iraq to uphold international agreements
New York, US-- The GCC foreign ministers and the UK foreign minister have exhorted Iraq to uphold international agreements and United Nations resolutions on the demarcation of the Kuwaiti-Iraqi borders.Foreign Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Member States and the UK's Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development...GCC ministers call upon Iraq to respect Kuwait sovereignty
New York, United States -- At a meeting on the sidelines of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, foreign ministers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the importance of Iraq respecting the sovereignty of Kuwait.The ministers underscored the need...GCC countries hold interest rates following US Fed decision
Abu Dhabi, UAE -- In the wake of the US Federal Reserve's decision to maintain its interest rates, GCC countries, including the UAE and Qatar, have opted to follow suit. The US Federal Reserve, on Wednesday, voted to keep interest rates at a 22-year peak, suggesting that these rates might...Sharjah Chamber to host two-day Gulf-Iraq Business event
SHARJAH, UAE - The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) said it is likely to host the first Gulf-Iraq Business Forum on September 26- 27, local media reports said.The theme of the event is “Partnership for a Promising Economic Future”, and is expected to present multiple investment opportunities.The Chamber...Gulf banks show resilient growth despite US Fed hikes
Major banks in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, including the Commercial Bank of Dubai and First Abu Dhabi Bank, reported record profits in the first half of 2023, says a report.MEA brands focus on personalized customer experience
"Post-Covid GCC travel trends are promising: about 50% of customers plan to increase digital spending in travel and retail. With the right engagement strategies, travel brands can tap into this surge and deliver delightful customer experiences," adds Badiani, the regional vice-president at Moengage for Middle East, Africa and Turkey.Gulf banks to maintain resilience despite challenges, says S&P Global
According to the credit rating agency, a combination of higher interest rates and production cuts by the OPEC is expected to restrain near-term growth prospects for major GCC economies. However, non-oil growth is anticipated to bolster the region's economies, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.GCC looks to deepen international ties to resolve conflicts, achieve security
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia-- The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) intends to deepen the process of dialogue with the international community in order to achieve achieve global security and stability, and resolve all conflicts through peaceful means.This was stated by the GCC Secretary General Jassem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi while participating in the meeting...GCC real estate transactions surge on demand increase
GCC real estate hits $90.7 billion in the first half of 2023, a 9.9% year-on-year increase, with Dubai leading the market, contributing 54 percent to the total value.GCC chief highlights private sector’s role in sustainable Gulf economy
Manama, Bahrain--GCC Secretary-General Jassim Al-Budaiwi has emphasized the crucial role of the private sector in ensuring a sustainable and resilient Gulf economy. Al-Budaiwi made these remarks during his speech at the 62nd meeting of the Board of Directors of the Gulf Chambers, hosted by Bahrain.The meeting was chaired by Hassan...GCC poised to help MENA in global trade integration
With MENA accounting for just 7.4% of global trade in 2022, GCC's strategic initiatives and resources can pave the way for regional trade integration and global prominence.













































