Analysis Employment Companies seek new CEOs for maximum profits The number of UAE and Saudi companies looking to replace their CEOs reached record levels in the fourth quarter of 2024, according to a leading recruitment company. Trefor Murphy, founder and CEO of Dubai-based Cooper Fitch, says the number of companies launching searches for the top job during the end of last year saw “heavy […] January 23, 2025
Trade Saudi Arabia vows to invest $600bn in the US Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told President Donald Trump that he intends to increase the kingdom’s investments and trade with the US by at least $600 billion over the next four years. The call was the first Trump took with a foreign leader after beginning his second term as president. Bin Salman congratulated […] January 23, 2025
Interview Aviation Wizz Air Abu Dhabi predicts slower growth Wizz Air Abu Dhabi expects slower growth in 2025 as delays of new aircraft deliveries, engine issues in some of its existing fleet and regulatory problems in some new markets affect its ambitious expansion plans. The airline, a joint venture between Hungary’s Wizz Air Holding and Abu Dhabi’s state-owned investment holding ADQ, is navigating global […] January 23, 2025
OpinionECONOMYLibya must appoint an independent auditing firm to ensure transparency and accountabilitySalem Maiar, Libyan geopolitics consultant
OpinionENERGyAccess to nuclear power tech is a major goal in Riyadh’s talks with the US over IsraelRobin Mills, CEO, Qamar Energy
OpinionOIL & GASSome are looking for an excuse to open the Gulf’s taps. Trump’s grand plans could be just the thingFrank Kane, Editor-at-Large
Health SMC Healthcare expects swift profitability from new hospitals Saudi Arabia’s SMC Healthcare is building three new hospitals in Riyadh that should break even within three to four years of launching services, the company’s chief executive, Bassam Chahine, told AGBI. The three hospitals, once complete, will more than double SMC’s bed count to about 1,200 as it seeks to address healthcare supply shortfalls in […]
Analysis Banking & Finance Middle East banks still keen on green despite pushback Green investments remain a trillion-dollar opportunity for Middle East investors, analysts say, despite global pushback among other banks. About $30 billion was withdrawn from climate-focused mutual funds last year as increased interest rates and scepticism over socially responsible investing or “greenwashing” generated strong headwinds. The situation will be exacerbated by President Donald Trump’s day-one executive […]
Oil & Gas Iraq makes huge oil discovery but faces Opec restrictions Iraq has announced the discovery of a massive oil field expected to significantly increase the country’s hydrocarbon reserves, but Baghdad will face a number of challenges in its attempt to exploit the new resource. The field, located in the central part of the country, contains more than 2 billion barrels of medium and light crude […]
Analysis Trade Trump’s bravado fails to spook minerals market – so far Ordinarily, commodity markets tend to react strongly when leaders of major global economies announce plans for war and conquest. If those plans involve disrupting one of the world’s most important sea lanes and reversing centuries of peace with two major allies, you might even expect a certain panic. Yet, when US President-elect Donald Trump declined […]
Analysis Trade Trump inauguration: Saudi Arabia comes into focus Saudi Arabia looms large as Donald Trump moves back into the White House for a second term as US president, and there are many opportunities for cooperation along with significant challenges. Since Trump was first elected in 2016, one would be “hard pressed” to name a more changed nation than Saudi Arabia, according to Richard […]
Artificial Intelligence MGX could use Trump deal as springboard to global stage UAE technology investment company MGX emerged on to the global stage this week when it was announced as one of the core backers of Donald Trump’s $500 billion Stargate artificial intelligence programme. Among the myriad announcements made in the opening days of Trump’s second stint as US president, was a $500-billion investment over four years […] January 23, 2025
Analysis Employment Companies seek new CEOs for maximum profits The number of UAE and Saudi companies looking to replace their CEOs reached record levels in the fourth quarter of 2024, according to a leading recruitment company. Trefor Murphy, founder and CEO of Dubai-based Cooper Fitch, says the number of companies launching searches for the top job during the end of last year saw “heavy […] January 23, 2025
Real Estate Sharjah property market beats 2008 peak with $11bn deals Real estate deals in Sharjah rose 48 percent year on year to AED40 billion ($10.9 billion) in 2024, breaching the 2008 property peak. The robust performance was led by a surge in the number of investors across the globe driven by the emirate’s attractive investment environment and stable economic climate, the UAE state-run Wam news […] January 23, 2025
Logistics DP World to put $1bn into Peru ports Global ports operator DP World plans to invest more than $1 billion in developing port infrastructure in Peru. DP World CEO Sultan bin Sulayem conveyed the interest during a meeting with President Dina Boluarte at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Boluarte said in a post on X. The investment will promote agricultural exports and […] January 23, 2025
Interview Aviation Wizz Air Abu Dhabi predicts slower growth Wizz Air Abu Dhabi expects slower growth in 2025 as delays of new aircraft deliveries, engine issues in some of its existing fleet and regulatory problems in some new markets affect its ambitious expansion plans. The airline, a joint venture between Hungary’s Wizz Air Holding and Abu Dhabi’s state-owned investment holding ADQ, is navigating global […] January 23, 2025
Aviation Saudi budget airline Flynas expects IPO approval soon Saudi low-cost carrier Flynas is likely to get approval soon from the market regulator for its planned listing on the Riyadh stock exchange. Talal Al Maiman, CEO of the airline’s part-owner Kingdom Holding, said in an interview with Al Arabiya TV at the World Economic Forum that Flynas planned to list 30 percent of its […] January 23, 2025
Analysis Employment Companies seek new CEOs for maximum profits The number of UAE and Saudi companies looking to replace their CEOs reached record levels in the fourth quarter of 2024, according to a leading recruitment company. Trefor Murphy, founder and CEO of Dubai-based Cooper Fitch, says the number of companies launching searches for the top job during the end of last year saw “heavy […] January 23, 2025
Markets Derayah Financial to list 20% in IPO on Riyadh exchange Saudi Arabia’s Derayah Financial on Thursday announced plans for an initial public offering on the Riyadh stock exchange. The financial services company, which specialises in brokerage and asset and wealth management, plans to offer investors a 20 percent stake. The company is looking to sell more than 49.9 million shares and the price for the […] January 23, 2025
Markets PIF’s $4bn bond sale is four-times oversubscribed Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) sold $4 billion of bonds on Wednesday in a sale that was four times oversubscribed. It marks the latest big Saudi debt sale this year, coming just two weeks after the kingdom raised $12 billion from a sovereign bond sale that was three times oversubscribed. On January 6 PIF […] January 23, 2025
Video length: 04:02 VIDEO Finance One million users for Saudi Arabia’s Sahm trading app “Riyadh has a population of 8 million. The government is going to double the population. That means money. That means capital,” says Steven Chou, chairman of Saudi-based fintech-driven financial company Sahm Capital. “Local Saudis are keen to look for a new product. They are options lovers,” Chou says, adding that the sectors of interest include […] January 23, 2025 In association with
Economy Qatar introduces laws to encourage foreign money Qatar will launch three laws to deal with bankruptcy, public-private partnerships and commercial registration, commerce and economy, minister Sheikh Faisal Al Thani has said. The laws aim to attract foreign investment as competition grows from regional countries, particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The government is reviewing 27 laws and regulations across 17 ministries which […] January 23, 2025
Finance Iran inflation rises as fuel price and rents surge Inflation in Iran rose month on month in January, driven by a surge in housing rents and fuel prices, official data showed. Annual inflation reached 32 percent this month, a rise of 2.9 percent month on month, local media outlets said, citing data released by the Statistical Center of Iran. The annual inflation rate was […] January 23, 2025
Infrastructure Lebanese officials promote revival of rail network Lebanon is promoting the revival of the country’s defunct railway system that could link to neighbouring Syria and Iraq and become part of China’s proposed Belt and Road Initiative in the region. The train transport system in Lebanon had linked the capital Beirut with Tripoli near the Syrian border before it came to a standstill […] January 23, 2025
Tech QIA alert to Trump’s tech push The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) is open to exploring further technology investment opportunities, as it expects a sharp increase in US tech deals under the Trump administration. The presence of Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos at President Donald Trump’s inauguration suggests his government will be supportive of the tech industry, Mohammed Al Hardan, the head of technology, media […] January 23, 2025
People & Lifestyle Kuwait-backed US car wash operator plans $3bn sale A Kuwait-backed car wash operator in the US is considering a sale that could value the company at nearly $3 billion including debt. Spotless Brands, which operates more than 205 locations through six brands across 10 US states and Washington DC, is working with investment bank William Blair on the possible sale, which was not […] January 23, 2025
Markets Oman’s Asyad Group plans IPO of shipping unit Asyad Group, a logistics business owned by Oman’s sovereign wealth fund, has announced plans to float its shipping unit on the Muscat stock exchange. At least 20 percent of Asyad Shipping Company will be sold in the initial public offering. The Asyad IPO will be divided into two tranches. The first is 75 percent of […] January 22, 2025
Finance Pakistan agrees to $1bn loan from Middle Eastern banks Pakistan has agreed terms for a $1 billion loan with two Middle Eastern banks at a 6-7 percent interest rate, its finance minister Muhammad Aurangzeb told Reuters on Tuesday, as the South Asian country searches for more financing. “With two institutions we have now gone forward in signing up the term sheet – one bilateral […] January 22, 2025
Logistics Kuwait approves Chinese company for port operations The Kuwaiti cabinet has approved a contracting pact with China State Construction Engineering Corporation for the operation and management of the Mubarak Al-Kabeer port project. Noura Al-Mashaan, Kuwait’s public works minister, met with a Chinese delegation in September 2024 to speed up the work on the port, state-run Kuna news agency reported. Chinese state-owned companies […] January 22, 2025
Economy Turkey cuts interest rate by 250 basis points Turkey’s central bank cut its key interest rate by 250 basis points to 45% as expected on Thursday, carrying on an easing cycle it launched last month alongside a decline in annual inflation that is expected to continue. The central bank indicated it would continue to ease policy in the months ahead, noting that it anticipated a rise in trend inflation in January, […] January 23, 2025
Real Estate Turkish house sales rise as interest rates fall Turkish house sales rebounded strongly in 2024, driven in part by a surge in December prompted by a long-anticipated interest rates cut, and further reductions in borrowing costs are expected to fuel appetite in the market this year. Residential sales increased 20 percent last year, with just under 1.48 million units sold, up from the […] January 21, 2025
Trade Turkey’s exports to US surge but tariffs are a threat Turkey’s exports to the US rose by $1.26 billion year on year to more than $13 billion in 2024, official data shows. The chemical and chemical products sector accounted for the largest share of exports at $1.5 billion, state-run Anadolu Agency reported, citing data from the Türkiye Exporters’ Assembly (TİM). The automotive industry followed at $1.2 […] January 21, 2025
Banking & Finance Dubai Islamic Bank ups stake in Turkey’s TOM Group Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) has increased its stake in Istanbul-based TOM Group from 20 percent to 25 percent to seize the opportunity in Turkey’s rapidly expanding digital infrastructure. The Dubai-listed Shariah-compliant bank, which ventured into Turkey’s digital banking and financial technology arena in October 2023, was allowed to increase shareholding within 12 months. TOM Group, established by […] January 20, 2025
Trade Turkey hit with tax on Syrian peace dividend Long delays at crossing points, increased bureaucracy and tariff hikes are stifling Turkey’s export flows to Syria, according to critics, as the new government in Damascus tries to unify customs rates at the country’s borders. On January 11 Damascus announced it was standardising duties on imports, with tariffs to be increased by 300 percent or […] January 17, 2025
Transport Suez Canal extension to be operational in first quarter The Suez Canal expansion, which will extend the waterway’s two-way section by 10km, is expected to be operational in the first quarter of 2025, the authority’s chairman has said. Egypt announced on Saturday that the new stretch, near the canal’s southern end and close to Little Bitter Lake, was successfully tested without incident. Osama Rabie, chairman of […] January 22, 2025
Economy Egypt targets €4bn EU funding by June Egypt is aiming to strike a deal with the European Union (EU) to secure €4 billion ($4.2 billion) in financing to back its current reform agenda, according to a media report. Cairo has started negotiations with the EU, with the funds directed towards budget support and not specific projects, Asharq Business reported, quoting minister of […] January 22, 2025
Economy Lebanon and Sudan swell Arab countries’ public debt Public debt in Arab countries swelled by nearly $142 billion at the end of 2023, mainly because of a sharp rise in obligations by Lebanon and war-battered Sudan. Total debt increased despite a fall in Egypt’s public, mostly domestic, dues as a result of a large depreciation in the pound against the US dollar. The […] January 20, 2025
Economy Egypt gets $231m loan from Japan to back private sector Egypt has secured $231 million in concessional financing from the state-backed Japan International Cooperation Agency to support its private sector development. The facility will support economic diversification toward the transition to a green economy through budget support for policy reforms. It will bolster economic competitiveness and diversify the economy toward a green economy, promoting economic […] January 20, 2025
Manufacturing China’s Geely opens Mena’s first car assembly plant in Egypt China’s Geely Auto has opened its first car assembly plant in the Middle East and North Africa near the Egyptian capital to produce 10,000 vehicles per year for the domestic market and up to 30,000 for export. Cairo-based Auto Mobility company (Geely Egypt), said it has invested around $100 million in the new car assembly […] January 17, 2025
Analysis Media & Advertising The million-dirham draw of digital billboards Revenues for billboard operators have grown as much as eightfold in the past few years as digitalisation has given out-of-home (OOH) advertising a notable boost. Sometimes seen as a bellwether for the local economy, billboards get plenty of viewing time in places such as Dubai during morning and evening traffic rush hours when cars are […]
Analysis Sustainability Companies scramble to meet UAE carbon emissions laws UAE companies have less than six months to comply with the country’s new emissions laws, but experts warn that some details are still unclear and a proposed carbon credit trading system may not meet its goals. The UAE introduced two pivotal pieces of environmental legislation last year. Cabinet Resolution No 67 on carbon credits came […]
Tech UAE space company launches earth-monitoring craft Space42, a space technology company that has its headquarters in Abu Dhabi, deployed the second phase of its Foresight satellite constellation on Tuesday as the UAE continues its push to compete with the world’s leaders in the industry. The project is in collaboration with ICEYE, a provider of high-resolution images of the earth’s surface. The […]
Analysis Banking & Finance Strong post-IPO performance bodes well for Saudi flotations Recently floated Saudi Arabian companies have thrived since listing on Riyadh’s bourse, thanks in part to astute pricing of initial public offerings and foreign institutional investors’ growing participation. Since the start of 2024, there have been 14 IPOs in Saudi Arabia that raised more than $100 million, according to data compiled by AGBI and London […]
Analysis Aviation Middle East investors turn to airports for safe returns Middle Eastern money is making its way into airports around the world as investment in aviation assets continues to catch the eye. Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (Adia), the UAE’s largest sovereign wealth fund, is the latest headline-grabber as its estimated $4 billion takeover bid as part of a consortium for Malaysia’s Airports Holdings was confirmed […]
Opinion Media & Advertising Television: Who watches the watchers? Saudi Arabia is taking a long-awaited step forward in audience measurement
Health Health insurance shake-up for care in Northern Emirates Mandatory health insurance in the poorer Northern Emirates of the UAE is likely to lead to an expansion of healthcare facilities and increased M&A activity, experts have said. In March last year the UAE announced a plan to introduce mandatory health insurance for all workers in the Northern Emirates – Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, […]
Opinion Tourism Oman hopes tourism can foster entrepreneurship and create jobs The Sultanate has only recently begun to use its history as an economic attraction
Economy Turkey faces $3bn payout for pensioners and wage support Turkey will have to pay out an estimated TL110.8 billion ($3.12 billion) after increasing minimum pension payments and wage support to companies. Vedat Isıkhan, the labour minister, announced on January 7 that the minimum monthly state pension would be increased by 15.75 percent, taking the base rate payment to TL14,469 ($409). Nearly 3.87 million pensioners will benefit […]
Opinion Manufacturing How China won over the car market in the UAE Japanese, American and Korean brands retreated following the pandemic
Education Gems Education announces $100m Dubai school Gems Education has revealed plans to open the most expensive school in the Gulf, which is set for completion later this year. It is spending $100 million to develop Gems School of Research and Innovation in Dubai Sports City. Annual fees will start from AED116,000 ($31,582) for early-years education and rise to AED206,000 by the […]
Opinion Employment UAE and Saudi Arabia are magnets for global talent Recruiters say the region is attracting applications from global workers on an unprecedented scale
Analysis Employment UAE and Kuwait companies struggling to hire staff Companies in the UAE and Kuwait are struggling to afford new staff as a result of squeezed margins, according to the latest business sentiment survey. For the third successive month, non-oil companies operating in the UAE highlighted a reduction in prices charged, with discounting used to support sales amid a highly competitive market. This was […]
Energy Acwa Power joins China’s renewable energy surge Saudi renewables major Acwa Power has struck joint ventures with Chinese companies to launch two renewable energy projects worth $312 million in China. The company, which trades on the Saudi Exchange (Tadawul), started due diligence on up to eight projects in China, CEO Marco Arcelli said last May. Acwa Power will develop a 132-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic […]
EXCLUSIVE Aviation Wizz Air increases flights from UAE to Israel after ceasefire The budget carrier Wizz Air is increasing the number of flights between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv after the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The airline had previously scaled back its Tel Aviv-Abu Dhabi service to four flights a week because of the conflict, down from its pre-crisis schedule of two flights a day. […]
Mining Saudi development fund might invest $100m in Pakistan mining Saudi Arabia might invest more than $100 million in Pakistan’s mining infrastructure through its development fund to scale up operations to meet demand. Minister of industry and mineral resources Bandar Alkhorayef also confirmed that mining company Manara Minerals, a joint venture between Saudi sovereign wealth fund the Public Investment Fund and miner Ma’aden, is interested in investing […]
Trade Kenya-UAE Cepa may increase food exports and investment The UAE and Kenya have signed a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (Cepa) that is predicted to lead to a threefold increase in food exports from the East African nation. The trade deal, which was agreed in February last year, is expected to accelerate trade and investment in agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, travel and tourism, financial services and […]
