Analysis Real Estate Gulf investors seek property in Spain despite tax threat For a new generation of young, wealthy Gulf investors, London and Paris are out, and property in Marbella and Malaga is in, even if Spain’s leader is doing all he can to deter them. A fresh plan by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to impose a 100 percent tax on acquisitions of domestic real estate […] January 31, 2025
LUNCH WITH FRANK KANE Media & Advertising Nayla Tueni: ‘I am a journalist, a journalist, a journalist’ Nayla Tueni is as close as you get in the Middle East to media aristocracy. She is the fourth generation of a family that, for the best part of a century – through wars, assassinations, man-made disasters and economic crises – has kept publishing Annahar, a Lebanese broadsheet described by Time magazine as “the newspaper […] January 31, 2025
Analysis Renewable Energy Trump’s climate agenda ‘may push UAE investors away from US’ Masdar and the UAE’s other renewable energy companies may need to rethink their US investments now that President Donald Trump has pulled the plug on new offshore wind projects, industry watchers have warned. “We’re not going to do the wind thing. Big, ugly windmills. They ruin your neighbourhood,” Trump said on his return to the […] January 31, 2025
OpinionArtificial IntelligenceDeepSeek’s implications for the venture capital ecosystem in Silicon Valley will be profound Matein Khalid, Investor
OpinionArtificial IntelligenceI had an early morning conversation with DeepSeek. It is my new-found best buddyFrank Kane, Editor-at-Large, AGBI
OpinionBUSINESS OF SPORTThe numbers involved in Neymar’s fleeting stint in Saudi Arabia are mind-bogglingGavin Gibbon, Senior editor, AGBI
Economy Kuwait consumer spending reaches record high Consumer spending in Kuwait hit record levels in 2024, underpinned by a growing preference for card payments and a thriving ecommerce industry. Figures from the Central Bank of Kuwait for 2024 showed spending reached KD47.81 billion ($155.7 billion), a rise of 4.4 percent from the previous year. The figures show an increase in card payments and […]
Analysis Tax GCC weighs impact of Trump’s global corporate tax moves Tax professionals in the Gulf are assessing how President Donald Trump’s pull-back of US support for an international corporate tax framework might affect GCC states’ implementation of it. In a day-one executive order last week, the returning US president repudiated “any commitment” made by the previous Biden administration toward the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and […]
Banking & Finance Kuwait ready to move on long-awaited mortgage law Kuwait is close to finalising a mortgage law that aims to increase homeownership among its citizens. At present, only the government-controlled Kuwait Credit Bank (KCB) can provide property loans to Kuwaiti citizens and companies. The law has been in planning since 2018, when the central bank submitted liberalisation proposals that would allow commercial banks to […]
Analysis Health Saudi privatisation push fortifies healthcare companies The revenues of listed Saudi healthcare companies should rise more quickly than the broader stock market thanks to government efforts to increase the private sector’s involvement, analysts have said. Nine-month profits have risen for 10 of the 11 companies analysed by AGBI, with eight posting increases of at least 10 percent. Almoosa Health was the […]
Real Estate Saudi Arabia opens up holy cities to foreign property investors Saudi Arabia’s Capital Markets Authority (CMA) has announced that foreigners will be allowed to invest in companies that own real estate in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. The CMA said the decision would “stimulate investment” and “enhance the attractiveness and efficiency of the capital market”. It added that the reform would help the […]
Aviation DXB passenger traffic hit record high of 92m in 2024 Dubai International Airport (DXB), the world’s busiest international airport, received 92.3 million passengers in 2024, the highest annual traffic to date. The 6 percent year on year rise was driven by sustained growth throughout the year, capped by an exceptionally busy last quarter, Dubai Media Office said in a statement. December emerged as the busiest […] January 31, 2025
Banking & Finance Dubai lender Mashreq’s 2024 profit rises 4% to $2.5bn Net profit at Dubai-listed lender Mashreq reached AED9 billion ($2.5 billion) in 2024, a 4 percent year-on-year increase, as revenue and margins remained strong. Revenue stood at AED13.4 billion, rising 24 percent annually and maintaining a three-year compound annual growth rate of 32 percent. Net interest income grew by 9 percent year on year despite […] January 31, 2025
Banking & Finance Dubai’s Fintech Galaxy to test open banking in Jordan Dubai company Fintech Galaxy has become the first open banking company to receive regulatory approval in Jordan. The Central Bank of Jordan’s (CBJ) approval will allow the fintech to join the regulatory sandbox, JoRegBox, to test and deploy open banking services in the country. The JoRegBox initiative is part of the central bank’s broader plan for financial technology […] January 31, 2025
Markets DFM earnings rise 14% on robust trading volume Dubai Financial Market Company, the operator of the Dubai stock exchange, has announced a net profit increase of 14 percent year on year for 2024. The result was driven by robust trading volumes from retail and institutional investors and strong capital inflows, it said. The bottom line stood at AED376.4 million ($102.5 million) last year […] January 31, 2025
Analysis Renewable Energy Trump’s climate agenda ‘may push UAE investors away from US’ Masdar and the UAE’s other renewable energy companies may need to rethink their US investments now that President Donald Trump has pulled the plug on new offshore wind projects, industry watchers have warned. “We’re not going to do the wind thing. Big, ugly windmills. They ruin your neighbourhood,” Trump said on his return to the […] January 31, 2025
Finance Lendo raises $690m to fund SME growth in Saudi Arabia Lendo, a Saudi debt crowdfunding platform, has secured a SAR2.6 billion ($690 million) facility to fund more small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the kingdom. The facility, led by J.P. Morgan, will expand its lending capacity, introduce new innovative products, and expand SME coverage in the kingdom, says the company. This aligns with Vision 2030’s […] January 31, 2025
EXCLUSIVE Markets AlMajal AlArabi considers listing on Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul Saudi Arabia’s AlMajal AlArabi Group (MAG) is considering an initial public offering on the Tadawul main market and has appointed Riyad Capital as an adviser, people familiar with the plans told AGBI. The Riyadh-based facilities management and construction company is exploring a share sale as Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure and services sectors expands, driven by multi-billion-dollar […] January 31, 2025
Opinion Business of Sport Neymar’s Saudi Arabia stint is an economic lesson for its football goals Beset by injuries, Neymar only played seven games for his Saudi employers January 30, 2025
Construction Contracts in Saudi Arabia rise 25% in value in 2024 The value of contracts issued by Saudi Arabia rose by almost a quarter year on year in 2024 to reach a record high of $146.8 billion. The kingdom accounted for more than half of all contracts issued across the GCC, which reached a new high of $273.2 billion, according to a report by the Kuwait-based […] January 30, 2025
Markets Saudi poultry producer to list 30% stake on Tadawul Poultry producer Arabian Company for Agricultural and Industrial Investment (Entaj), plans to list a 30 percent stake on the Saudi Exchange (Tadawul). The Capital Market Authority, the kingdom’s market regulator, approved the offering of 9 million shares on Tadawul in September 2024. The offering price will be set following the end of the institutional bookbuilding […] January 30, 2025
Oil & Gas Much-delayed Kirkuk refinery deal signed by Iraq Iraq has finally signed a deal to build a refinery in the oil-rich Kirkuk province, nearly eight years after it first unveiled the project. It will be built by Iraq’s Rania Group, which is based in Sulaymaniah in the northern autonomous Kurdistan region and has vast operations in the country. The refinery is intended to […] January 31, 2025
Renewable Energy Morocco to invest $3bn in power projects over five years Morocco is planning to invest more than MAD27 billion ($2.7 billion) into power projects in the next five years to expand its electricity network and increase the share of renewable energy, an official has said. The development plan, starting this year, covers conventional electricity, renewable sources and hydrogen projects, said Tarik Hammane, director general of the […] January 31, 2025
Banking & Finance Total profits at Oman’s banks up 15% in 2024 Banks in Oman recorded a 15.2 percent year on year rise in profits in 2024. Total profits reached OMR522.6 million ($1.36 billion) last year, up from OMR453.5 million in 2023, the Central Bank of Oman said. The increase was attributed to the country’s robust economic growth last year through project financing, mortgages and loans to […] January 31, 2025
Tax Bahrain’s expat tax move ‘likely to be replicated GCC-wide’ Bahrain is proposing to levy a tax on expatriate remittances, a move an industry expert believes is likely to be replicated in other neighbouring Gulf countries. Members of parliament in the kingdom this week supported a revised proposal which would mean expat remittances face a two percent tax. “It would not surprise me if other […] January 30, 2025
Tax Oman makes key changes to draft income tax law Oman has issued a new draft personal income tax law with key amendments, raising the exemption threshold and lowering proposed tax rates. The timeline for the law’s implementation remains uncertain. The latest draft, which was delayed last year, has been approved by the State Council and Majlis Al Shura and will now move to Sultan […] January 30, 2025
Economy EU’s $3bn to back Jordan’s economy amid challenges The European Union (EU) will provide a €3 billion ($3.13 billion) financial package to Jordan to support its growth, as it manages the impact of regional geopolitical challenges. The 2025-2027 financial package will include €640 million in grants, €1.4 billion in investments, and €1 billion in macro-financial assistance. “Jordan is a key partner for Europe in the Middle […] January 30, 2025
Economy GCC central banks align with Fed to keep rates steady The central banks in the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have aligned with the US Federal Reserve to hold their interest rates steady. The Central Bank of the UAE will maintain its base rate on overnight deposit facility (ODF) at 4.4 percent, the UAE state-run Wam news agency reported. No other central banks in the […] January 30, 2025
Manufacturing Gulf ceramics makers poised for 2025 rebound Following a turbulent 2024, the Gulf’s listed ceramics makers should perform better this year thanks to lower customs duties, rising demand for their products and fewer Red Sea shipping disruptions. For equity investors, Oman’s Al Anwar Ceramic Tiles and the UAE’s RAK Ceramics provide a play on the Gulf’s rising population and mega infrastructure spending, […] January 30, 2025
Analysis Trade Turkey becomes a short-term investor haven from Trump Turkey is being seen as a relatively safe harbour among emerging markets by investors looking to shield their funds from aggressive US trade policies, although Ankara is not immune to Washington’s ire. There has been a recent move back into Turkish debt stock, with local bonds attracting $1.9 billion in foreign capital in the first […] January 29, 2025
Economy Saudi Arabia in talks for $6bn Turkish arms deal Turkey expects to strike a $6 billion agreement with Saudi Arabia for the sale of warships, tanks and missiles. The deal may include Saudi Arabia joining Turkey’s fighter jet development project, which could be signed during the visit of President Tayyip Erdoğan to the kingdom in March, Bloomberg reported, citing unnamed officials. Ankara aims to […] January 28, 2025
Aviation Istanbul Airport remains Europe’s busiest Daily flight arrivals in Turkey’s Istanbul Airport have surpassed major European airports such as Amsterdam, London, and Paris in 2024, making it the continent’s busiest. The airport received an average of 1,401 daily flights last year, an increase of 2 percent year on year, thus retaining its position as the busiest air hub in Europe […] January 27, 2025
Banking & Finance Credit and debit card use rises steeply in Turkey Cash could be dethroned as king in Turkey as consumers increasingly turn to plastic when paying for goods and services. But the rise in card usage also comes at a cost, as more Turks fall behind in servicing their debt. Credit and debit card spending reached a total of TL14.87 trillion ($420 billion) in 2024, […] January 24, 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
Finance Egypt targets $40bn to meet budget funding needs Egypt is aiming to raise up to $40 billion through its global medium-term note programme. The net proceeds will be used to finance a portion of the fiscal deficit or any other purpose outlined in the state budget law, according to a base offering circular published on the London Stock Exchange (LSE). The minimum denomination […] January 31, 2025
Real Estate Design for new city in Iraq approved The design for a new city in Iraq to be built by an Egyptian developer that will house 700,000 people has been approved by the country’s ministry of construction and housing. Ora Developers, owned by the Egyptian tycoon Naguib Sawiris, was awarded the contract to build Ali Al-Wardi City a year ago. The company will […] January 29, 2025
Agriculture Livestock imports from Qatar and Egypt banned by China China has banned imports of sheep and goats from Egypt and animals and meat products from Qatar and nine other countries after outbreaks of highly infectious disease in those countries. The ban, which includes processed and unprocessed products, comes after China’s General Administration of Customs issued a series of announcements outlining the outbreaks in several countries based […] January 27, 2025
Finance Bonyan gets approval to list on Egyptian bourse Bonyan, an Egyptian real estate investment company, has secured approval to list on the Egyptian Exchange (EGX) within the first half of 2025. The listing is subject to regulatory approval by the Egyptian Financial Regulatory Authority and the stock exchange. No details of the IPO were given. “The listing reinforces our ambition to make real […] January 27, 2025
Logistics Shipping giants not yet ready to resume Red Sea route Two shipping giants said on Friday that they are in no rush to resume routes through the Suez Canal after a Yemeni militia announced earlier this week it will scale back hostilities against vessels transiting through the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea if the ceasefire in Gaza holds. Danish shipper Maersk and Abu Dhabi […] January 24, 2025
Analysis Real Estate Dubai real estate sector welcomes freehold drive Dubai’s decision this month to convert the ownership of 457 plots to freehold status was welcomed enthusiastically by the emirate’s real estate sector, but industry experts are divided on whether this will lead to more restricted plots in prime areas becoming available to foreign freehold buyers. The policy shift – in which 128 plots in […]
Analysis Food & Drink Middle Eastern coffee market expected to hit $11bn The price of your half-caff, soya milk, extra hot with a pump of vanilla and a sprinkle of cinnamon is likely to go up this year, as the cost of coffee is set to increase by as much as one fifth. The Middle Eastern coffee market alone is projected to reach $11.5 billion in 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Tourism Growing number of Chinese celebrating new year in UAE The UAE has recorded an increase in the number of Chinese travellers making the journey for new year celebrations this year. Arrivals from China to the UAE have grown 9 percent year on year, a study by the travel insight specialist ForwardKeys has found. While exact details of the dates surveyed or total number of […]
Analysis Health Saudi privatisation push fortifies healthcare companies The revenues of listed Saudi healthcare companies should rise more quickly than the broader stock market thanks to government efforts to increase the private sector’s involvement, analysts have said. Nine-month profits have risen for 10 of the 11 companies analysed by AGBI, with eight posting increases of at least 10 percent. Almoosa Health was the […]
Employment Saudi fund helps 17% more citizens join private sector The Human Resources Development Fund (Hadaf) contributed to the employment of 437,000 Saudi citizens in the private sector in 2024, 17 percent more than the year before, the fund has announced. The fund said it also provided training and guidance services to 2 million people last year in support of the kingdom’s “Saudisation” efforts to […]
Opinion People & Lifestyle The top hotspots for millionaire migrants Dubai, Australia and Singapore are expected to emerge as the biggest beneficiaries
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 […]
Opinion Media & Advertising Television: Who watches the watchers? Saudi Arabia is taking a long-awaited step forward in audience measurement
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 […]
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 […]
Oil & Gas Opec+ to take joint stance on Trump oil policy The Opec+ group of leading oil producers is set to discuss President Donald Trump’s efforts to raise US oil production and take a joint stance on the matter, Kazakhstan said on Wednesday. Trump last week laid out a sweeping plan to help maximise oil and gas production, including by declaring a national energy emergency to speed up permitting […]
Economy EU’s $3bn to back Jordan’s economy amid challenges The European Union (EU) will provide a €3 billion ($3.13 billion) financial package to Jordan to support its growth, as it manages the impact of regional geopolitical challenges. The 2025-2027 financial package will include €640 million in grants, €1.4 billion in investments, and €1 billion in macro-financial assistance. “Jordan is a key partner for Europe in the Middle […]
Banking & Finance Adia-backed bidders close in on Malaysia Airports buy-out A $4.2 billion bid to buy out Malaysia Airports backed by the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (Adia), the emirate’s biggest sovereign wealth fund, has moved a step closer. Shareholder acceptance of the bid is above 95 percent. The offer is by a consortium called the Gateway Development Alliance (GDA), which is led by Malaysia’s sovereign […]
Real Estate London tower project announced by Abu Dhabi’s Modon A joint venture with property developer British Land and the Singapore sovereign wealth fund GIC to develop a dual high-rise office-led tower project in central London has been announced by Abu Dhabi’s Modon Holding. The partnership will deliver a 750,000 square feet mixed-use project at an office-led campus in Broadgate in the City of London. It […]
