- In the post-digital world, Bahrain’s center of activity, the city of Manama, has stiff yet healthy competition from the GCC financial centers such as Dubai, Riyadh and Doha. However, one must acknowledge that when it comes to reforms and financial services Bahrain has been the pioneer in the region, the...
Digitalization has high environmental costs, says UNCTAD meet
DUBAI, UAE - With global attention on the COP28 climate summit, UNCTAD’s eWeek 2023 highlighted digitalization’s potential to accelerate climate action and its environmental costs. Data-driven technologies like the Internet of Things, robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance climate change monitoring, optimize energy use and production processes, and promote...Global trade likely to decline in 2023 due to changing trade patterns, geopolitics
DUBAI, UAE - The outlook for 2024 remains “highly uncertain and generally pessimistic,” UNCTAD says in the Global Trade Update, citing factors like ongoing geopolitical tensions, escalating debt and widespread economic fragility. Other elements weighing on trade include lower demand in developed countries, less trade in East Asia, an uptick...COP28 goes into overtime as negotiators wrestle over fossil fuel
COP28 has debated a historic first-ever global "phase-out" from oil, gas and coal, the main culprits in a planetary crisis of warming. A draft put forward on Monday by COP28 president Sultan Al Jaber fell well short, instead presenting reductions in fossil fuels as one of several options.UAE, Korean firms ink pact
The partnership will utilize low-cost indoor farming solution.PureHealth offer price $0.89 per share
The IPO witnesses demand of over AED 265bn ($72.15bn).Google releases the top trending searches of the year in MENA
Dubai, UAE - Google on Monday released the top trending searches of 2023 for the Middle East and North Africa. The annual lists reveal the most trending search queries which experienced a higher volume of search over a sustained period in 2023 compared to 2022. The lists included the top...Silal and MBZUAI sign MoU
The agreement will bring AI innovation to food production.Protecting nature may avert $2.7trn global economic losses: World Bank
Dubai, UAE-- Protecting nature could avert global economic losses by 2030 of US$2.7 trillion per year, or 2.3 percent annually, according to Valerie Hickey, Global Director for Environment, Natural Resources and Blue Economy at the World Bank. Speaking to media at COP28, she said that low-income countries could lose around...Netanyahu’s political survival at stake amid Gaza crisis
Israeli PM confronts one of the most challenging periods of his tenure as it intensifies military actions in Gaza amid mounting casualties and a deepening humanitarian crisis.PM issues law forming Dubai Investment Fund to oversee government investments
DUBAI, UAE – Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has issued Law No. (25) of 2023 establishing the Dubai Investment Fund as an independent public entity operating on a commercial basis. The law also endows the Fund with the financial and administrative...ENEC, X-energy sign agreement
The firms will collaborate on nuclear energy technologies.EasyLease buys 60% stake in Fully Charged
Fully Charged has expertise in EV charging technology.ITFC looks to ramp up green financing to 30% of its portfolio
Dubai, UAE-- The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) is looking to ramp up its sustainable and green financing to nearly 30% of its total financing portfolio. This was stated by Hani Salem Sonbol, CEO of the ITFC, affiliated with the Islamic Development Bank Group. Speaking to the Emirates News...UN climate talks home in on fossil fuel deal
Negotiators have failed to produce a new draft agreement since the last text was released on Friday. The document includes four different paths out of fossil fuels, but it also has a fifth option: leaving the issue out of the final deal.Cloud security challenges haunt firms in UAE and KSA
Rapid cloud adoption in the two GCC countries is accompanied by increased security risks, leading to costly data breaches, reveals a latest study by Illumio.Progress but divisions persist as climate summit fights over fossil fuels
Colombia, whose left-leaning government has aggressively promoted environmentalism, warned that COP28 was also failing on raising financing for countries to adapt to the effects of climate change. If countries block "goals on adaptation but at the same time oppose the phase out fossil fuel, they need to be held accountable....Protestors demand end of fossil fuels, Gaza war at COP28
The demonstrators chanted "Climate justice!" and "Ceasefire now!" as they held pro-environment banners painted in the colors of the Palestinian flag in their hands. Mexican activist Isavela Lopez said, "It's the same fight, it's the same thing -- it's colonialism, it's genocide,"as she described the links between climate injustice and...UAE to tie up with ACSAD to achieve zero neutrality by 2050
Dubai, UAE--The Arab Centre for the Studies of Arid Zones and Dry Lands (ACSAD) will partner with the UAE's Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) to realise the country's vision of reaching zero neutrality by 2050, according to a senior official of the Damascus-based centre. “As an Arab organisation...IMF, UAE, other countries meet on anti-money laundering, counter terrorism financing
ABU DHABI, UAE - International Monetary Fund (IMF), in collaboration with the UAE Executive Office of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing (EO AMLCTF), held a "Fintech Roundtable" with Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) supervisors from across the globe. The event was attended by participants from 15 countries...OPEC implores members to oppose any COP28 deal targeting fossil fuels
Dubai, UAE--The head of OPEC has urged members of the oil cartel to reject any deal at UN climate talks in Dubai that "targets" fossil fuels instead of emissions, according to a letter seen Friday by AFP. In the letter sent Wednesday, OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais said he...UAE’s GCAA signs MoUs with Brazil, Switzerland in air-transportation sector
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia--The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) of the UAE signed two memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with Brazil and Switzerland to strengthen cooperation in the field of air transportation with Brazil and Switzerland. The agreements were signed on the sidelines of the UAE delegation's participation in the fifteenth ICAO...UAE leads global renewable energy drive: IRENA envoy
The UAE plays a pivotal role as IRENA headquarters and key renewable energy hub, Dr Nawal Al Hosany, the permanent representative of the UAE to IRENA, tells TRENDS.GCC drives ahead into the future of transportation
With the technology and vision firmly in place, the GCC countries are now building momentum, developing the partnerships, infrastructure, and regulations that will allow for full scale EV and AV commercialization and shape the future of transportation for generations to come, Joumaa adds.Dubai faces warehouse shortage, says new report
DUBAI, UAE — The supply of under construction warehouse stock in Dubai’s industrial market stands at 1.56 million square feet according to Knight Frank's latest report: Dubai & Abu Dhabi Industrial Markets Review, Q3, 2023. According to Knight Frank, demand is outstripping supply and occupiers are faced with the prospect of...Over-confidence leaves UAE consumers prone to online frauds: Visa study
Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Over-confidence is leaving consumers in UAE open to becoming victims of fraud, according to Visa’s annual Stay Secure study released Thursday. Despite more than half of respondents (61 percent vs. 56 percent global average) claiming to be savvy enough to sidestep online and phone scams,...Dubai Municipality, DEWA ink pact to generate electricity from landfill biogas
DUBAI, UAE - Dubai Municipality and Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) have signed an agreement on the sides of the UN Climate Conference (COP 28) to cooperate in a project to generate electricity from biogases extracted from the landfill in Muhaisnah 5. The signing supports Dubai’s leading sustainability practices...99 percent of world live in areas with air pollution levels above WHO guideline limits
DUBAI, UAE - According to World Health Organization data, 99 percent of the world’s population lives in places where air pollution levels exceed WHO guideline limits. Exposure to air pollution increases the risk of respiratory diseases, stroke, heart attacks, diabetes and links to dementia. Children are also highly susceptible to...Egypt to sign agreement on curbing methane emissions
Abu Dhabi, UAE--Egyptian Petroleum Minister Tarek el Molla announced an agreement on laying down a detailed road map for cutting methane emissions of the petroleum and gas sector in Egypt via the offered technical support. According to the Middle East News Agency (MENA), the agreement is scheduled to be signed...Masdar eyes Europe for growth
It wants to build a supply chain between UAE and Amsterdam.KSA, Russia plan fertilizer JV, deepen OPEC+ ties
Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Riyadh underscores the deepening economic and diplomatic relations between the two countries.Got to have faith: religion finds its moment at COP28
Organizers say the Faith pavilion is supporting progress toward an ambitious pact to limit global warming, that also ensures financial aid for the world's poorest on the frontlines of climate change. Faith leaders are offering moral and pastoral services to diplomats working around the clock on the agreement, and for...Saudi Electricity Company targets net zero emissions by 2050
Dubai, UAE - The Saudi Electricity Company (SEC), the largest producer, transmitter, and distributor of electrical energy in the Middle East and North Africa, announced on Tuesday that it seeks to reach net zero emissions by 2050 in line with the Saudi Arabia’s target to reach carbon neutrality by 2060...Putin senses reviving fortunes as front holds, West frays
Warsaw, Poland - As Vladimir Putin touches down in the Middle East later on Wednesday for visits to the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the Russian leader is brimming with confidence that would have been unimaginable six months ago. A much-touted Ukrainian counteroffensive that was once expected to carve through Russian...UAE launches Industrial Decarbonization Roadmap at COP28
Dubai, UAE - The UAE announced the launch of the Industrial Decarbonization Roadmap at COP28 on Tuesday with the aim of reducing industrial carbon emissions by 2.9 gigatonnes cumulatively until 2050. Focusing on manufacturing and hard-to-abate sectors, including cement, iron, steel and aluminium, the strategic initiative reflects the country’s commitment...Investments strengthen Türkiye-GCC economic ties
The strategic partnerships, including substantial financial support from UAE and Qatar, mark a new era in Türkiye-GCC ties, promising to significantly boost bilateral trade.Qatari emir denounces ‘shameful’ global inaction in Israel-Hamas war
Doha, Qatar - Qatar's ruler hit out at "shameful" international inaction over the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza as he opened a Gulf Cooperation Council meeting in Doha on Tuesday. "It is shameful for the international community to allow this heinous crime to continue for nearly two months, during which the systematic...Crypto markets witness dynamic asset allocation amid volatility, says study
DUBAI, UAE – Institutional traders (INS) in the crypto markets maintain a conservative approach, with 50 percent of their portfolio in stablecoins and another 50 percent strategically invested in Bitcoin and Ether, according to a recent study conducted by Bybit Blog. “This risk-averse strategy is particularly notable in bear markets,...Mashreq commits $30bn to UAE banking sector’s sustainable finance by 2030 pledge
DUBAI, UAE -Mashreq bank has been announced as one of the top contributors to the UAE Banks Federation’s (UBF) pledge, to mobilize US$272 billion (AED 1 trillion) in sustainable finance by 2030 at COP 28. The event was hosted by the Central bank of the UAE in Global Climate Action...COP28 draft agreement includes option to do nothing on fossil fuels
The fate of oil, gas and coal is the thorniest issue being thrashed out at the COP28 UN climate talks in Dubai and divisions around their future have dominated the conference. The second version of the negotiating text puts three options on the table, setting the stage for a grueling...Global Fund to allot 70% of its funding to countries hit by climate change
Dubai, UAE--The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund) announced at COP28 that more than 70% of its funding, equivalent to more than $9 billion, will be spent over the next three years in favour of the countries most affected by climate change, with the aim of...‘Unintended consequences’: friction at COP28 over green trade
Inside the negotiating rooms and on the sidelines of the COP28 climate talks, simmering tensions over wealthy countries' "green trade" policies have been bubbling to the surface, with developing nations fearful they will be penalized. A particularly sore point has been the European Union's new carbon border tax, which sets...Putin to visit UAE, Saudi Arabia for talks amid OPEC output cuts
Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to his aide Yuriy Ushakov, will first arrive in the UAE this week and then visit Saudi Arabia to meet with the kingdom's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Putin's diplomatic journey to the Gulf region comes at a time of deepening ties with key Gulf...ADQ and Qazaqstan Investment Corporation set up ‘investment platform’
Abu Dhabi, UAE--ADQ and Qazaqstan Investment Corporation have established a co-investment platform focused on high-growth sectors such as food and agriculture, mobility, healthcare, energy transformation and clean technology, financial services technology, and education technology. The platform aims to explore and leverage investment opportunities in Kazakhstan as well as other countries...Masdar City to construct region’s first net-zero energy mosque
Abu Dhabi, UAE - Masdar City, an Abu Dhabi, UAE-based sustainability and innovation hub dedicated to making all cities a solution to climate change, has announced the region’s first net-zero energy mosque. Masdar City hopes to set a new industry standard for houses of worship in the region through an...We respect climate science, says COP28 head
DUBAI, UAE - The Emirati president of the UN's COP28 talks said on Monday he respects climate science, after a leaked video showed him declaring that no science says phasing out fossil fuel will achieve climate goals. Sultan Al Jaber also repeated his past statements that a phase out of fossil...ENEC, Kazatomprom ink pact
The move will ensure a secure supply of nuclear fuel.Masdar, EDF to develop up to 3.6GW of hydropower, renewable projects in Kyrgyzstan
Dubai, UAE – Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar), the UAE’s clean energy powerhouse, and EDF have signed an agreement with the Ministry of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic to explore the development of hydropower and renewable projects with a combined capacity of up to 3.6 gigawatts (GW). The agreement...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...Net-zero targets must include fossil fuel ‘phase-out’: monitor
According to a new report from Net Zero Tracker, at least 150 countries have committed to a net-zero emissions target of some kind. But the climate monitor said only 13 percent of those countries have made at least one commitment to phase out the use, production or exploration of coal,...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...



















































