How travel brands can target high-intent travelers in the MEA region
As tourism booms across the Middle East and Africa, travel brands face fierce competition. Success now means using data-driven, personalized marketing to reach high-intent, mobile-first travelers at every stage—before, during, and after their journeys.
UAE labour market transforms with AI revolution and growing demand for high-skill professions
The country is among the most attractive markets for skilled global professionals and talent, thanks to its competitive advantages, including advanced infrastructure, diverse opportunities, and forward-looking strategies emphasizing digital transformation and sustainability.Dubai Airport set for record start to 2025: 4.3m guests in 15 days
Dubai, UAE -- Dubai International Airport (DXB) is on track to welcome 4.3 million guests in the first 15 days of the year, setting the stage for its busiest January yet. Daily traffic is projected to peak on 3rd January, with over 311,000 guests expected.With an average of 287,000 guests...Dubai real estate sets all-time record in 2024
Dubai’s real estate market has had a record-breaking year, with new milestones being set throughout 2024, culminated in an all-time peak of 180,900 transactions worth AED 522.1 billion (US$145 billion)Saudi Arabia records $5.6 billion trade surplus in October 2024 with 30% growth
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia’s trade balance recorded a 30% monthly growth, achieving a surplus of SAR 20.769 billion ($5.6 billion) in October 2024, according to the Kingdom’s recently released global trade bulletin. This marks an increase of over SAR 4 billion ($1.08 billion) from SAR 15.999 billion ($4.32...Study: Legacy technology not impeding adoption of AI and Machine Learning in UAE and Saudi Arabia
Manufacturers see AI as critical for decarbonization (66%), improving ESG scores, energy monitoring (55%), advancing digital twins (68%), and enabling predictive maintenance (64%), driving sustainability and operational gains.Dubai real estate market saw record transactions worth $142.1bn in 2024
Dubai, UAE -- Dubai’s real estate market recorded 180,900 transactions worth AED 522.1 ($142.1 billion) in 2024, a market report said.The report by fäm Properties said 2024 saw big leaps of 36 percent and 27 percent respectively on the previous high of 133,100 sales worth AED 411.1 billion in 2023.In...Key healthcare digital trends to watch in 2025
From AI-powered content creation to automated feedback systems, technology is streamlining operations and improving patient care.UAE real GDP grows by 3.6% in first half of 2024, says economy minister
Non-oil sectors' contribution to GDP reaches 75%. Economy minister Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri says the growth reflects the dynamic nature of the country's economy.SHUAA okays MCB tranches
The two tranches will be converted into equity at the earliest opportunity.AD Ports Group secures $2.125 billion refinancing deal
The move aims to optimize financing costs.UAE says will not arm Sudan paramilitary RSF: White House
Washington, United States -- The United Arab Emirates has informed the United States that it will not arm paramilitaries in Sudan's brutal civil war, US lawmakers long critical of the Gulf power's role quoted the White House as saying on Thursday.The assurance came as the United States announced $200 million in...Ras Al Khaimah tourism sector contributes 5 percent to GDP: Official
Ras Al Khaimah: Ras Al Khaimah seeks to welcome 3.5 million tourists annually by 2030, says Raki Philipps, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority.In his address at a recent forum in the northern emirate, Phillips highlighted that tourism is Ras Al Khaimah’s fastest growing sector, contributing 5% to the GDP...UAE to introduce 15% tax rate on corporate profit from Jan 2025
Dubai, United Arab Emirates -- The United Arab Emirates, home to the regional headquarters of numerous multinational companies, said Monday it would introduce a 15 percent tax rate on corporate profits from January 2025.The move will bring the UAE in line with efforts towards a global minimum corporate rate."This strategic step...UK Prime Minister to talk trade, Middle East during Gulf visit
London, United Kingdom -- Britain's leader Keir Starmer makes his first trip to the Gulf as prime minister from Sunday, seeking to attract investment from the region's oil-rich states, Downing Street announced.Starmer will first visit the United Arab Emirates and then travel to Saudi Arabia, before stopping off in Cyprus on...Non-oil sectors drive robust growth in GCC countries, says World Bank report
While developing countries paid a record US$1.4 trillion to service debts, the non-oil sectors in the GCC countries are fueling growth and diversification,EVs just the start, urban mobility needs a holistic approach
Cities must adopt EVs alongside shared transport, robust infrastructure, clean energy, and inclusivity, says Jamie Wylie, an urban mobility expert.UAE firms accelerate AI transformation, new report finds
The real power of AI lies in its careful deployment across diverse business functions, and the UAE is primed for this transformation, according to recent report from ServiceNow and Oxford EconomicsIsrael intensifies attacks before ceasefire deadline as Lebanon seeks “immediate halt”
US president says ceasefire takes effect on Wednesday at 4:00 AM Beirut time, as Lebanese officials accuse Israel of trying to inflict maximum damage through a wave airstrikes in Beirut before the truce deadline.Iran denies involvement as UAE arrests three people in rabbi killing case
"This murder was carried out in the UAE. The murder of an Israeli citizen and a Chabad emissary, is an abhorrent anti-Semitic terrorist attack," Benjamin Netanyahu said at the start of a cabinet meeting. Israeli officials did not provide any details about the circumstances of Kogan's murder.Lulu Retail Q3 profit $35m
For the nine-month period, net profit increased by 73.3%.Emirates half-year profit $2.5bn
The record profit is subject to new 9% corporate tax for the first time.Lulu’s IPO raises $1.72bn
The proceeds make it the largest UAE IPO of 2024 to date.Altegio in UAE market to local boost digital transformation
Unlike other automation platforms that redirect customers to third-party websites, Altegio keeps booking processes within the client’s own ecosystem.DAE 9M net profit $310m
The company said this was a 54.9 percent YoY increase in net profit.UAE records 37% increase in greenfield FDI to $16 billion in 2023
Abu Dhabi, UAE -- The UAE has witnessed a 37% increase in greenfield investments in 2023 to reach US$16 billion, driven mainly by business services and software and IT Services, which created a significant number of jobs and attracted substantial capital, said Mohammed Abdul Rahman Al Hawi, Under-Secretary of the...Bridging skills gap: UAE, Singapore lead the way
The two countries have adopted a people-centric and collaborative upskilling approach, says Till Leopold, Interim Head of Knowledge Communities at WEF.WEF Dubai: UAE fosters global dialogue
The UAE has agile governance and it is not beholden to short-termism, Maroun Kairouz, Head of Regional Agenda for the MENA region at WEF, tells TRENDS.BRICS integral to Arab trade diversification strategy
The UAE and Saudi Arabia’s trade with China and India far exceeds their trade with the US and UK. This shift highlights the growing importance of BRICS partners in the Arab economic strategy, signaling a rebalancing of trade priorities to ensure sustainable growth, economic resilience, and diversified global partnerships.Putin thanks UAE president for positive role in prisoner exchange with Ukraine
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed meets his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to discuss bilateral ties and Middle East. Sheikh Mohamed will also attend BRICS Summit in the Russian city of Kazan.Dubai’s night beaches a cool solution to summer heat
With temperatures regularly topping 40 degrees Celsius, outdoor activities are severely limited. More than one million people have visited the night beaches since last year.Casino operator Wynn wins UAE’s first commercial gaming license
Dubai, United Arab Emirates -- US casino operator Wynn has received the first commercial gaming operator's license to be issued in the United Arab Emirates where gambling is currently banned.The license was issued by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, which was set up last year to allow for commercial gaming...UAE to host 2025 Asia-Pacific amateur championship at Emirates Golf Club
Gotemba, Japan -- The Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC), the Masters Tournament and The R&A has announced that the 16th Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship will be contested at Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis Course in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), 23-26 October 2025. The Championship will return to Dubai and the Middle East...UAE backs Egypt’s Ras El Hekma megaproject, aims for $110 billion investment
Abu Dhabi, UAE - The UAE Ministry of Investment (MoI) announced today its support and key role in the advancement of the Ras El Hekma project and the participation of Emirati companies in its expansion and growth plan. This project is one of Egypt’s most ambitious coastal city developments.Located approximately...Updates: President Biden says ‘discussing’ possible Israeli strikes on Iran oil facilities
Oil prices shoot up as Biden suggests that Israel might target Iranian oil facilities, while GCC Arab states, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, reassure Iran of neutrality in the conflict between Tehran and Israel.Foreigners and institutions pour $4.9 billion into UAE equities
Abu Dhabi, UAE -- Net investments by foreigners and institutions in UAE equities amounted to AED 18.3 billion ($4.9 billion) as a result of purchases during the first nine months of this year, distributed by AED 15.6 billion in the Abu Dhabi market and AED 2.64 billion in the Dubai...Qatar outpaces Saudi Arabia and UAE in tourism growth with 147% surge
Doha, Qatar - Qatar has emerged as the leading player in the Middle East tourism sector, boasting an impressive 147% increase in tourist arrivals during the first half of 2024 compared to pre-pandemic levels, as reported by UN Tourism. This growth positions Qatar ahead of its regional competitors, with Saudi...UAE airports see 14.2% passenger traffic surge in H1
Abu Dhabi, UAE -UAE's airports experienced a 14.2 percent increase in passenger traffic, in the first half of 2024, handling over 71.7 million travelers compared to 62.8 million in the same period last year, latest data issued by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) showed.“Passenger traffic at the Abu...United by innovation and progress: The enduring US-UAE partnership
‘’In close partnership, we are working to advance multilateral diplomatic solutions and provide urgently needed humanitarian assistance in Gaza and Sudan. Our ongoing defense and counterterrorism cooperation makes our countries and the world more secure. U.S. and UAE troops have stood shoulder to shoulder in six conflicts over the last...UAE banks’ Q2 investments in Islamic certificates, cash bills surge to $61.81bn
The banking sector in the country maintained strong capital adequacy, exceeding Basel 3 requirements, according to the Central Bank.Israel faces risks of global isolation and losing UN membership over Gaza genocide, say UN experts
Experts from the United Nations have warned that Israel might become a pariah state, and its UN membership is under question as Tel Aviv continues to commit genocide in Gaza killing more than 40,000 people since October 7, 2023. Experts also reprimanded the Western countries for double standards on Netanyahu’s...Dubai tourism shines: 25 percent repeat visitors, rising AI use
Dubai, UAE -- Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM) has confirmed that 25 percent of visitors to Dubai are repeat visitors, reflecting their satisfaction with the experience the city has to offer.Speaking at a keynote session on the second day of the Dubai AI and Web 3 Festival,...UAE banking sector assets exceed $1.16 trillion by the end of June
Abu Dhabi, UAE -- The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) revealed that total banking assets, including bank acceptance certificates, rose to AED 4.31 trillion ($1.16 trillion) at the end of June, a month-on-month increase of 0.5 percent, compared to AED 4.28 trillion in May 2024.In a report entitled "Monetary and...‘Beautiful thing’: hijab-wearing singer looks to inspire
Dubai, United Arab Emirates - In a Dubai recording studio, hijab-clad Ghaliaa Chaker tunes her guitar and belts out original songs as she builds a career that is turning heads for more than just her music.The 26-year-old Syrian, who was raised in the United Arab Emirates, has become a social media...UAE’s Etihad finds ‘no issues’ with engines of A350 fleet: statement
Rolls-Royce said on Thursday it was launching "a one-time precautionary engine inspection programme" which may apply "to a portion of the A350 fleet". The first A350 was delivered to Qatar Airways at the end of 2014. A total of 87 A350-1000 aircraft are currently in service worldwide.Domestic worker visa applications in UAE up 66% in June 2024, says a report
The UAE, relying on domestic workers (5% of the population), invests $3 billion annually, highlighting the rising demand for domestic help among local and expatriate families.Market capitalization of 20 UAE listed firms reaches $762 billion
Abu Dhabi, UAE -- The market capitalization of the top 20 listed companies in the local stock markets by market capitalization reached AED 2.8 trillion ($762.44 billion) by the end of this week, while further growth is expected in line with the markets' plans to double their market capitalization to...UAE launches national strategy to combat money laundering, terror financing
The strategy focuses on risk-based compliance, international cooperation, effective supervision, and disrupting illicit financial activities through improved data collection, analysis, and regulation updates.Telegram boss Durov free but charged and held in France
Paris, France -- Telegram chief Pavel Durov was spending Thursday out on bail after four days of detention in France, banned from leaving the country as he faces a possible trial related to illegal content carried on his messaging app.Russian-born Durov, dressed in black and wearing dark glasses, walked briskly out...UAE seeks consular services for arrested Telegram boss
"The UAE is closely following the case of its citizen Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram, who was arrested by the French authorities in Paris–Le Bourget Airport," UAE foreign ministry said in a statement. Durov, the 39-year-old billionaire founder of the messaging platform, was arrested at the Paris airport late on...UAE national carriers fly to 606 destinations as travel demand rebounds
Abu Dhabi, UAE -- UAE national carriers continued to expand their destinations for passengers, supported by the UAE's leading position as a preferred global destination for tourism and business, as well as the recovery in travel demand.National carriers are expected to continue to fly to new heights of growth in...