• Meet Middle East tourism’s power players

    Tourism industry accounts for 9 percent of GCC region's GDP and it is expected to grow annually at 7.7 percent. Trends looks at some of the influential industry players driving this growth.
  • UAE financial system more secure and efficient than before, says CBUAE

    Abu Dhabi, UAE--The technological and structural advancements in the UAE financial sector continues to enhance security, operational efficiency, accessibility of mobile banking applications, online banking and overall customer experience, according to the 4th Quarter Report of 2023 issued by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) on the Monetary, Banking...
  • UAE construction market soars to $94bn in 2023

    Abu Dhabi, UAE--The UAE construction market size was $94 billion in 2023 and the market will achieve an AAGR of more than 3% during 2025-2028, according to a report released by GlobalData, a data analytics and consulting company, headquartered in London. The growth is attributed to the increase in investments...
  • Abu Dhabi launches technology investment company MGX

    ABU DHABI, UAE – The Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC) announced on Monday the creation of MGX, a technology investment company to enable the advancement and deployment of leading-edge technologies intended to improve the lives of current and future generations. Mubadala and G42 will serve as foundational partners...
  • Jafza reports 28% year-on-year growth in 2023 of new Indian companies

    DUBAI, UAE – Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) is a major contributor to the growing trade between India and the UAE. There's been a significant increase in Indian businesses setting up there, with 28 percent more new companies in 2023 compared to the previous year. This resulted in over 190...
  • UAE’s e-commerce sector projected to earn $9bn revenue in 2024

    Dubai, UAE - The UAE's online shopping market is gearing up for unprecedented growth, with revenue projections hitting $9 billion by the end of 2024 and an impressive $17 billion forecasted for 2025. The trajectory is emblematic of the broader Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region's e-commerce landscape, poised...
  • UAE and Greece hold talks to widen economic cooperation

    Athens, Greece-- The UAE and Greece have held talks in Athens on a wide range of economic and strategic issues to deepen the cooperation between the two countries. In this connection, Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and COP28 President, held several bilateral meetings...
  • Shifting dietary trends boost MEA’s protein market

    Rise of flexitarian and vegan diets in the region is driving demand for alternative proteins, with the market expected to cross $2.71 billion by 2029, says a report.
  • Sharjah real estate transactions hit $844 million in February: Report

    Sharjah, UAE -- Sharjah witnessed real estate deals worth AED 3.1 billion ($844 million) in February 2023, according to the Real Estate Transactions and Mortgages Movement report issued by the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department. The report said the results indicate that the real estate sector in Sharjah continues to...
  • UAE elected Vice Chair of UNESCO’s committee for promotion of cultural diversity

    Abu Dhabi, UAE - The UAE has been elected the Vice Chair of the UNESCO's Intergovernmental Committee (IGC) for the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions for 2025. The appointment acknowledges the UAE’s contributions to cultural diversity and its role in fostering a multicultural and civilized tapestry...
  • Dubai’s assets in endowment sector reaches US$2.8bn

    DUBAI, UAE – Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said that under the guidance of Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the emirate has achieved remarkable success in expanding endowment assets and enhancing service endowments. Dubai witnessed an...
  • Foreign banks in Dubai to pay 20% annual tax under new law

    The law issued by Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum exempts the foreign banks licensed to operate in the Dubai International Financial Centre. Besides all foreign banks operating in Dubai, the law applies to special development zones and free zones.
  • ADCB approves cash dividends worth US$1.1bn  

    ABU DHABI, UAE – Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) has approved the Board of Directors proposal to distribute a cash dividend of US$0.15 (AED0.56) per share, translating to a total pay-out of US$1.1 billion (AED4.099 billion) equivalent to 50 percent of its 2023 net profit. This came as the ADCB...
  • UAE ministry of defense, Masdar to set up solar plants in Abu Dhabi

    Abu Dhabi, UAE--The UAE Ministry of Defence and Masdar have signed an agreement to develop multi-solar plants across Abu Dhabi. Emerge, a joint venture between the UAE’s Masdar and France’s EDF Group, will provide a full turnkey solution for the projects, including finance, design, procurement, construction, operations, and maintenance for...
  • Burjeel Holdings net profit up

    The company’s 2023 annual revenue rises to US$1.2 billion.
  • European tourists make a beeline for Sharjah as 400,000 visit in 2023

    Sharjah, UAE-- Nearly 400,000 visitors from Europe have traveled to Sharjah during last year, marking a notable 28 percent increase compared to the previous year, with Europeans constituting 27 percent of the total visitor count. Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) made the announcement during its press conference on...
  • UAE astronauts AlMatrooshi and AlMulla graduate in space program at NASA

    Dubai, UAE - The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) on Tuesday announced the graduation of Emirati astronauts Nora AlMatrooshi and Mohammad AlMulla from the 2021 NASA Astronaut Candidate Class training program in a ceremony held at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, USA.  The milestone marks the culmination of...
  • Bulk carrier hit by missile from Yemen, crew says three dead

    An anti-ship ballistic missile struck the Barbados-flagged, Liberian-owned M/V True Confidence, after which its crew reported "three fatalities, at least four injuries, of which three are in critical condition, and significant damage to the ship", the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement.
  • UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar emerge as soft power leaders

    The surge of three GCC nations in the Global Soft Power Index, with UAE leading with a perfect economy score, highlights their global influence and reputation enhancements.
  • Over 105m people visit Dubai Mall in 2023

    DUBAI, UAE – Dubai Mall welcomed a record 105 million visitors in 2023, a jump of over 19 percent on the previous year’s 88 million, according to latest figures released by the mall on Tuesday. Figures also showed a staggering 20 million people visited the mall in the first two...
  • TECOM 2023 net profit $299m

    Revenue in 2023 grew by 10 percent YoY to $599 million.
  • ADNOC partners with Viola Communications

    They will utilize outdoor media-leasing spaces for advertising.
  • Ireland wants to be a gateway for UAE, Gulf states to EU market: Irish minister

    Abu Dhabi, UAE--Ireland wants to become a gateway for the UAE and other Gulf states to the European Union (EU) market, Simon Coveney, Ireland’s Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, told the Emirates News Agency (WAM). As evidence of thriving relations, he highlighted the growing Irish diaspora in Gulf Cooperation...
  • UAE F&B sector set to soar, projected to reach $20bn in 2024

    Dubai, UAE - The UAE’s foodservice market is poised to reach $19.98 billion in 2024, with further projections indicating a substantial growth trajectory, a whitepaper released by real estate services firm JLL has revealed.  The whitepaper highlights the unprecedented growth opportunities within the UAE's Food and Beverage (F&B) industry.  The report...
  • Middle East commercial aircraft services market to grow to US$28bn

    Abu Dhabi, UAE--The MENA region's commercial aircraft services market will more than double in value by 2042, according to Airbus’ latest Global Services Forecast (GSF). Growing to US$28 billion from US$12 billion, and registering a 4.4 percent average annual growth, the regional expansion will surpass the global average growth of...
  • EDGE Group, Indra form JV

    It will make next-generation radar systems in UAE.
  • Salik revenue soars to US$574m

    Toll usage revenue rose 11.7% YoY to US$502million.
  • Dubai International Boat Show helps in marine business

    DUBAI, UAE – Dubai International Boat Show has wrapped up following a hugely successful week of high-value boat sales, important discussions addressing industry developments, groundbreaking agreements and partnerships set to shape the future of the yachting world. The exhibition, which concluded on Sunday, is recognized as one of the most...
  • Middle East emerges as a major player in global CEO appointments: report

    Dubai, UAE - The Middle East has emerged as a prominent player in global CEO appointments, securing 68 out of a total of 1,221 positions at the largest public listed companies worldwide. Heidrick & Struggles revealed in a report titled "Route to the Top 2023". The countries contributing to these appointments...
  • UAE vital to enhancing global economic growth: Officials

    Abu Dhabi, UAE-- The UAE has expanded its network of trading partners around the world through comprehensive economic partnerships, contributing to increasing trade and investment flows and enhancing global economic growth, according to top officials from the country. Top economic officials have stressed the UAE's significant role in supporting the...
  • UAE achieves milestone in combating financial crimes

    “It highlights the collaborative efforts of various committees, entities, and national bodies, including the Central Bank and the National Committee for Combating Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing, and Financing of Illegal Organizations,” adds Balama, who also chairs the National Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Committee.
  • GAS, SPPC ink two contracts

    The duration of each contract is of 22 months.
  • WTO conference ends with acceptance of Abu Dhabi Declaration

    Abu Dhabi, UAE--The 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) has concluded with the acceptance of Abu Dhabi Declaration, a landmark document securing important new trade agreements that will extend the benefits of the global trading system to more nations. Following a week of intensive negotiations, Dr...
  • Unit 4 of UAE’s Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant commissioned

    Abu Dhabi, UAE - The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) on Friday announced that its operating and maintenance subsidiary, Nawah Energy Company, has successfully started-up the reactor of Unit 4 of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant (Barakah Plant). The reactor has begun initial production of heat through nuclear fission, used...
  • WTO talks end with no major win, throwing trade body into ‘crisis’

    Speaking at the closing press conference, the Emirati chair of the so-called MC13 gathering, Thani Al Zeyoudi, acknowledged the shortcomings. "Despite our best efforts, we failed to agree on some texts which are of great importance to many of our members," said Al Zeyoudi, who also serves as the UAE's foreign...
  • ADIB 2023 net profit $1.4bn

    The bank achieved a Return on Equity of 27.1 percent.
  • Gold hovers near a month high on slowing US inflation

    ABU DHABI, UAE- Gold prices hovered near a month high on Friday after data suggested easing US price pressures, while traders awaited remarks from several Federal Reserve officials. According to Reuters, spot gold edged 0.2 percent higher to $2,047.29 per ounce, as of 0635 GMT, after hitting $2050.59 on Thursday...
  • e& pledges $6 billion to advance connectivity in 16 countries

    Barcelona, Spain -- e& Friday pledged to invest $6 billion between 2024 and 2026 in technological advancement, infrastructure development, and innovative digital solutions to extend meaningful connectivity to everyone. In an announcement at Mobile World Congress (MWC), e& said this investment is set to provide accessible and affordable network connectivity...
  • UAE real estate sector transforms with cross-border payments revolution

    Dubai, UAE - Leading financial institutions are spearheading a transformative wave in the UAE real estate sector through the introduction of seamless cross-border payments. The initiative is poised to enhance accessibility and efficiency for global investors seeking to engage in property investment within the UAE.  Traditionally, the process of investing...
  • Masdar completes acquisition of 49% stake in Dogger Bank South project

    Abu Dhabi, UAE--Masdar, the UAE’s clean energy powerhouse, has completed its acquisition of a 49 percent shareholding in the 3 gigawatt (GW) Dogger Bank South (DBS) project – one of the world’s largest planned offshore wind farms. The planned $13.89 billion joint investment with RWE, a leading renewable energy company...
  • UAE and Russia look to deepen parliamentary cooperation

    Abu Dhabi, UAE-- The UAE and Russia have held talks to enhance the parliamentary cooperation between the two countries. In this connection, a remote meeting was held between Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Defence, Interior and Foreign Affairs Committee of the Federal National Council (FNC), and Grigory...
  • Emaar unveils new projects

    The new projects are estimated to value US$26.14 billion.
  • ADNOC buys 25% stake in OMV

    The OMV is headquartered and listed in Vienna, Austria.
  • WTO ministers struggle to forge deals as talks go into overtime

    ABU DHABI, UAE – World trade ministers were locked in disagreement Thursday on fisheries subsidies, agriculture and digital customs duties as a major WTO conference was extended beyond its scheduled deadline. With no signs of a breakthrough at the World Trade Organization's 13th ministerial conference (MC13) in Abu Dhabi, officials pushed...
  • UAE airports surpass 134 million passenger mark in 2023: GCAA

    Abu Dhabi, UAE -- Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), said Thursday that the UAE's airports surpassed 134 million passenger mark in 2023 and are projected to reach 140 million by 2024. He attributed this achievement to the robustness and competitiveness of the UAE...
  • Abu Dhabi residential sector achieves record growth in 2023, says report

    ABU DHABI, UAE - Abu Dhabi’s residential sector has witnessed one of the best years on record, where a total of 11,200 units were sold across the capital, up 83 percent y-o-y. The increase in demand for residences has been driven by several positive initiatives and announcements by the government,...
  • UAE presses for ‘sustainable development policies’ at BRICS meeting in Brazil

    Sao Paulo, Brazil-- The UAE has affirmed that it collaborates with the BRICS nations in order to establish sustainable development policies, effective financing solutions and an advanced digital infrastructure. This was stated by Mohamed Hadi Al Hussaini, UAE's Minister of State for Financial Affairs at the first BRICS finance ministers...
  • Singapore’s Petrozo Energy setting up Sharjah base to target Middle East

    Sharjah, UAE – Petrozo Energy, a leading Singapore-based oil and gas company, has announced a plan to establish a new manufacturing facility in the Hamriyah Free Zone in the UAE.   The free-zone is strategically located on the borders of Ajman and Sharjah, with direct access to Ras Al Khaimah.  The...
  • Israel minister says Arab trade ties unfazed by Gaza war

    In January, Israel's cabinet approved an additional 55 billion shekels ($15 billion) to meet the cost of the war, while the mobilization of reservists and the displacement of communities on the borders with Gaza and Lebanon have disrupted the economy. Confronted with the conflict, Arab countries that have normalized relations...
  • IMF predicts soft landing for global economy, yet growth remains muted

    Dubai, UAE - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) in a report has indicated that the global economy is on course for a soft landing, despite ongoing weaknesses in activity and growth prospects. "The cyclical position of G20 countries has proven stronger than previously anticipated as disinflation has so far proceeded...
  • Bitcoin surpasses $57,000 as crypto rally remains strong

    Dubai, UAE - The price of Bitcoin on Tuesday surged past $57,000, demonstrating the continued strength of the cryptocurrency market rally. The rise follows Bitcoin's climb above $54,000 on Monday, a milestone not reached since December 3, 2021. The cryptocurrency has been experiencing a bullish trend since January 11, when...