• US, Israel hold talks as Gaza truce plan fails at UN

    Israel plans to send troops into Gaza's Rafah even without US support, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Antony Blinken, as Washington failed to pass a UN resolution on an "immediate" ceasefire. Almost six months of Israeli bombardment since Hamas's October 7 attack has brought Gaza to its knees with many...
  • AD Ports Group signs 50-year pact with Karachi Port Trust for container terminal

    ABU DHABI, UAE/ KARACHI, PAKISTAN -  AD Ports Group announced on Thursday the signing of a concession agreement with Karachi Port Trust (KPT), the Pakistani federal government agency that oversees the operations of Karachi port. Under the terms of the 50-year concession agreement, a Joint Venture between AD Ports Group,...
  • Expo 2030: All eyes on Riyadh as it makes a big pitch

    With ongoing mega-projects and economic diversification, Riyadh's strong Expo 2030 candidacy has already garnered support from 90 of 170 member states.
  • Here are Dubai’s top 3 locations for profitable rental investments

    Dubai, UAE – Realiste, proptech company in the UAE, has made a list of the most profitable areas for short-term rental and long-term rental and also talked about the most profitable investment strategies in these areas. Here is the list of the best Dubai locations for property investment with a...
  • UAE aims to drive sustainable development with its new policy on energy market

    Dubai, UAE-- The UAE has set its sights on regulating the energy providers market as a step toward developing the country's energy infrastructure and enhancing environmental sustainability. The initiative is a vital component of a new policy that aims to ramp up investments in the energy sector, encouraging innovation, and...
  • RTA signs strategic partnership agreement with Al-Futtaim Automotive

    DUBAI, UAE - Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Al-Futtaim Automotive to deploy 360 vehicles, including electric and hybrid variants, for use in conferences and events over a three-year period. As part of the agreement, which supports RTA's sustainable transport network and the...
  • Innovative financing solutions attract firms to UAE

    "Everybody sees this as an opportunity to bring their businesses here. Accessing capital can be challenging, but fortunately the government has established a substantial pool of subsidies, financing, and guarantees that are available for all entities looking to enter the market," he adds during the event in Abu Dhabi.
  • Iraq and Iran discuss boosting ties in transportation sector

    Baghdad, Iraq--Iraq is looking to deepen cooperation with Iran in the transport sector and facilitate the movement of pilgrims between the two countries. The issue was discussed in a meeting in Baghdad between the Iranian and Iraqi ministers focusing on the ways to expand cooperation between the two countries. The meeting...
  • Energy minister leads UAE delegation to development road conference in Iraq

    ABU DHABI, UAE - Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei headed the UAE delegation to the Development Road Conference in Iraq. The one-day conference brought together transport ministers and officials from the Gulf Cooperation Council, Iran, Turkey, Syria and Jordan and representatives of the European Union...
  • Iraq plans ambitious Europe-Middle East road, rail project

    Iraq presented an ambitious plan to turn itself into a regional transportation hub by developing its road and rail infrastructure, linking Europe with the Gulf and other Middle East countries. Once completed, the US$17 billion project known as the "Route of Development" would stretch 1,200 kilometers from Turkey to the...
  • Dubai Municipality unveils new online system for building permits

    Dubai, UAE-- Seeking to enhance the emirate's position as a global pioneering city in adopting the latest technology in the building sector, Dubai Municipality has launched a new online system for building permits and control services aimed at streamlining procedures for customers in the emirate. The system is aligned with...
  • ‘Partnerships with technology leaders help in Dubai’s digital transformation’

    DUBAI, UAE - First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Thursday met with Charles Meyers, President and CEO of Equinix here. During the meeting, Maktoum bin Mohammed highlighted Dubai’s keenness to strengthen...
  • Abu Dhabi Housing Authority to build new homes worth US$1.90bn

    Abu Dhabi, UAE--Abu Dhabi Housing Authority has joined hands with Q Holding to build new housing projects in West Baniyas and Al Samha regions at a cost of more than $1.90 billion. As per the terms of the agreement signed between the two, the company will design and implement both...
  • Russia’s PM to sign trade, infrastructure deals in China visit

    The two countries have in recent years ramped up economic cooperation and diplomatic contacts, with their strategic partnership having only grown closer since the invasion of Ukraine. Last year China became the top energy customer for Russia, whose gas exports had otherwise plummeted after a flurry of Western sanctions over...
  • Sheikh Khalifa: A legacy of progress and empowerment

    He continued his predecessor's remarkable legacy until his own passing on May 13, 2022. Under his leadership, the UAE flourished, becoming the second-largest economy in the Arab world and the first Arab and Islamic nation to successfully reach Mars, among numerous other notable achievements across various domains.
  • Luxury tourism in Gulf countries set to reach $11bn this year

    GCC countries are investing in infrastructure and programs to become leading tourist destinations. With strategic locations, excellent connectivity, iconic attractions like the tallest building, and a commitment to eco-friendly tourism, they are poised for success in attracting visitors from around the world.
  • UAE tops the world in 5 labor market competitiveness indices

    DUBAI, UAE -  The UAE has topped several global labor market indices issued by international entities and institutions in a new accomplishment that reflects UAE’s pioneering global model for development. The UAE ranked first globally in the Talent Attractiveness Index as per the Global Prosperity Index 2023, issued by the...
  • GCC-China economic relations move beyond oil trade

    China aims to play a more central role in the Gulf region, focusing on investment opportunities beyond the oil and energy relationship.
  • Rise of ChatGPT: GCC might lose 10 million jobs in 5 years

    Its transformative power to reshape life has left people awestruck across the world, but the technology that powers ChatGPT might put at risk about 10 million jobs in the GCC.
  • Abu Dhabi named smartest city in MENA region and 13th globally

    Abu Dhabi, UAE - Abu Dhabi has been named the smartest city in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region for the third consecutive year, according to the IMD Smart City Index.  The study surveyed 120 residents in each of the 118 cities worldwide and evaluated infrastructure and digital...
  • AI key to global opportunities, practical solutions

    "Projections indicate that AI solutions are set to contribute an estimated $13 trillion to the global GDP by 2030, optimizing the industries of tomorrow and significantly improving the lives of billions of people," adds Dr. Al Jaber, who is also President-Designate of COP28 and the Chairman of MBZUAI.
  • Uzbekistan, IsDB ink pacts worth US$396.7m for infrastructure, education

    JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA  - Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) President and Group Chairman Dr. Muhammad Al-Jasser and Uzbekistan Minister of Investments, Industry, and Trade Laziz Kudratov have signed three financing agreements for  the development of infrastructure and social services in the Central Asian country. These agreements aim to promote sustainable economic...
  • UAE leads as infrastructure, technology investments boost logistics performance of GCC countries

    The sector across the region, however, needs further improvements in timeliness and tracking and tracing systems, highlights the World Bank's latest Logistics Performance Index.
  • Qatar Tourism head says country expects over 5m visitors in 2023

    DOHA, QATAR - Qatar expects more than five million people to visit the Gulf state in 2023 despite a post-World Cup lull, its tourism chief said on Sunday. Akbar Al-Baker, head of Qatar Airways and Qatar Tourism, admitted that hotels had fallen quiet after the World Cup final on December 19....
  • Abu Dhabi QCC drives emirate’s infrastructure development in 2022: Report

    Abu Dhabi, UAE - Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC) has made strides in developing the quality infrastructure of Abu Dhabi, enhancing the emirate's regional and international competitiveness in various key sectors, QCC annual report for 2022 said. QCC reported that achievements last year spanned preparing and implementing conformity...
  • UAE, Vietnam begin process for economic partnership pact

    Abu Dhabi, UAE - The UAE and Vietnam signed Thursday a declaration of intent to start negotiations for a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA). The document was signed by Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and Nguyen Hong Dien, Minister of Industry and Trade of...
  • Smart drive: Saudi Arabia aims to include 15% autonomous cars in public transportation by 2030

    Smart mobility solutions like self-driving cars, shared mobility, and adaptive traffic lights are set to transform Saudi cities, which are focusing more on autonomous technologies.
  • WMO urges more investment in integrated weather, climate services

    GENEVA, SWITZERLAND - The global transition to renewable energy will require greater investment in integrated weather and climate services, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said. This investment is critical to ensure that energy infrastructure is resilient to climate-related shocks and to harness the power of energy generated from sources such...
  • UAE, Bahrain explore ways to boost collaboration in infrastructure, transport

    ABU DHABI, UAE - UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI)  Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei Thursday had a meeting with Bahrain's Minister of Works Ibrahim bin Hassan Al Hawaj at the MoEI headquarters in Dubai. They discussed ways to boost UAE-Bahrain synergies in the infrastructure and transport sectors. Al...
  • Madbouly invites Qatari businesses to invest in Egypt

    Egypt is focused on rebuilding the state and infrastructure. The country has dropped unemployment levels from 18 percent to 7.2 percent in the current period as a result of launching of major projects in the past few years, which compensated for the decline in the private sector's contribution to growth...
  • Boosting investment in health systems is essential, says OECD

    PARIS, FRANCE -  Governments should urgently adapt their health systems to better respond to future shocks, given the huge impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people and the global economy. Major investment is needed in the health workforce, alongside increased spending on prevention and digital infrastructure, according to a new...
  • Tourism, state spending spur real estate in KSA, UAE

    Property markets benefit as an increased demand for tourists and the rise in government spending on infrastructure projects drive the post-pandemic recovery in the region.
  • Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy hosts industry workshop

    DUBAI, UAE - Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, one of the three chambers operating under Dubai Chambers, has hosted the sixth episode of a series of digital industry workshops focusing on the e-commerce market. Attended by Dubai's e-commerce industry leaders, the workshop saw discussions on topics surrounding regulations, funding, talent,...
  • Empower 2022 net profit $762m

    Firm has proposed dividend of S$115 million for 2nd half 2022.
  • Abu Dhabi’s strong tech ecosystem acts as a magnet for key global innovative companies

    The ADIO, during the event, announced its support for three innovative global companies -- Ubisoft, Insilico Medicine and the Applied AI Company -- as the UAE capital’s tech ecosystem begins 2023 in expansion mode and seeks to enhance its tech R&D and operational capabilities.
  • Nokia 2022 net profit $4.7bn

    The company's Q4 net profit surged to US$3.4 billion.
  • DEWA is an organizing partner in Dubai International Project Management Forum 2023

    DUBAI, UAE - Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) announced that it is participating in the 8th Dubai International Project Management Forum (DIPMF) as the organizing partner. DIPMF is being organized by the Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai (RTA) in cooperation with the Project Management Institute (PMI), DP World,...
  • Saudi Arabia may surpass UAE in FDI inflow this year

    Overall, the two Gulf countries will continue to be major beneficiaries of the inflow of funds this year, says Nazar Musa, CEO of PRO Partner Group.
  • Riyadh Expo 2030 bid gathers steam in Davos

    More than 50% of the countries with voting rights have pledged public support for the Saudi city’s bid, Fahd Al-Rasheed, the CEO of the Royal Commission of Riyadh City, tells TRENDS.
  • King Abdullah stresses building infrastructure in Petra to boost tourism

    Petra, Jordan--King Abdullah on Sunday highlighted the importance of further developing the city of Petra, and diversifying its tourism product. During a visit to Petra, King Abdullah said developing tourism services in the "golden triangle" of Petra, Wadi Rum, and Aqaba, will have a positive impact on Petra and Jordan...
  • Duty-free markets at air, sea and land ports set to create jobs, help industries, benefit Saudi economy

    The move aims at supporting Kingdom's infrastructure development, boosting logistics and providing unique business environment in transport sector, air traffic and ports.
  • ESG may witness higher traction across GCC this year

    Some investment trends that emerged at the tail end of 2022 — clean energy, consumer staples, retail, and infrastructure — will gain further impetus in 2023, says an expert.
  • GCC investment in non-oil sectors grew in 2022

    GCC countries witnessed the launch of massive economic and development projects in various sectors last year as part of their strategy to diversify their economies.
  • ‘Investment in sports a key part of global economy’

    “Sports economies involve infrastructure, new talents, air traffic, travel, and other components,” Al Marri adds, noting that there are many incentives that serve the sporting community and attract the interest of a wide range of investors. The sports sector is a key component of the new economy, he says.
  • AD Ports Group, Africa Finance Corporation sign collaboration agreement

    Abu Dhabi, WAM---AD Ports Group has signed a collaboration agreement with the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), an infrastructure solutions provider in Africa, to address infrastructure gaps across the continent. The agreement provides the basis for the two organizations to join forces on identifying, financing, developing and investing in much-needed ports,...
  • Cameroon has great potential for investment in prospective sectors, says UAE minister Al Zeyoudi

    Some companies are already discussing investment opportunities with Cameroon, including DP World that aims to manage some ports in Cameroon including Douala Port, adds Al Zeyoudi, who is leading an Emirati delegation of business, investment and development leaders to the country.
  • $121bn GCC projects in pipeline: Trust, transparency key to their success, TOP CEO Conference heard in May

    Beside leadership and vision, trust, communication and transparency between all the stakeholders play a key role in any and every project’s success, experts had said at the event.
  • ‘Russian targeting of Ukraine energy is war crime’

    BERLIN, GERMANY - Russian missile strikes on energy infrastructure in Ukraine constituted a "war crime", German Justice Minister Marco Buschmann said Tuesday after hosting talks with his G7 counterparts. A Russian campaign of missile strikes has severely damaged Ukraine's energy infrastructure and plunged millions into darkness as the country endures...
  • Qatar’s excellence in organizing the World Cup refutes all allegations, says IPU head Duarte Pacheco

    “Qatar has done everything in the best way, I don't understand some critics, because we didn't find these kind of criticism when we have other games. Do you believe that human rights and the workers rights were better defended there. I don't believe. So, try not be hypocritical,” he adds.
  • Three officials sacked after second fire at Baghdad airport in three days

    The latest fire came after three people were lightly hurt on Tuesday when a blaze broke out in a refreshments area in the departures lounge of one of the terminals.
  • UAE to launch feature-rich, faster EmaraTax platform on Dec.5

    Abu Dhabi, UAE --UAE's Federal Tax Authority said Sunday it will launch EmaraTax platform on Dec.5, 2022. The migration to EmaraTax will commence from the end of day on Wednesday, 30 Nov. and EmaraTax will be available for use from 5 Dec. To minimize disruption to taxpayers the FTA has...