Banking & Finance

Mastercard Academy launches online course to empower people with essential financial skills

Program removes geographical barriers to financial education and promotes greater access to financial services

ECI, Free Zones Authority of Ajman sign MoU for insurance solutions, financing opportunities

ECI and Free Zones Authority of Ajman will strengthen and enhance their partnership in several insurance and risk management areas

Saudi Arabia approves FY2025 budget, forecasts $315.2 billion in revenues

The approved state general expenditures amount to SAR1.285 trillion ($342.07 billion)

Decentralized vs. traditional finance: Is integration inevitable?

In a truly hybrid future, we might see a financial system that uses DeFi's technology to underpin TradFi’s infrastructure

COP29 recap: Baku sets new global target to deliver $1.3 trillion in climate finance by 2035

The Baku Finance Goal is the centerpiece of a package of agreements that deliver progress across all climate pillars

UAE launches new guide to enhance financial sustainability across federal entities

The guide presents key concepts and standards of financial sustainability, highlighting their importance and best practices

Egypt central bank keeps overnight interest rates unchanged

Egypt's annual headline inflation remained broadly stable for the third consecutive month, at 26.5 percent in October 2024

Dubai introduces new mortgage fee, extends off-plan property registration period to 60 days in updated laws

The Dubai International Financial Court also made amendments to its Application Law

Future Fund Oman launches investment projects worth over $2 billion

The projects span 10 key sectors, including technology, manufacturing, tourism, renewable energy and electric vehicles

UAE sukuk auction: Bids exceed $1.48 billion with 4.9 times oversubscription

This issuance is part of the UAE's Islamic Treasury sukuk issuance program for the fourth quarter of 2024

ADGM FSRA publishes IT Risk Management Guidance

The Guidance provides a comprehensive framework for managing technology risks in ADGM's financial services sector

UAE’s digital banking sector on track to reach $175.7 billion by 2029

In 2024, 80 percent of UAE banks have prioritized digital transformation, placing the nation at the center of the tech-driven banking evolution

Global spending on AI reaches over $120 billion in 2023: SDAIA

SDAIA Director of National Information Center noted that over 72 percent of organizations use AI for operational excellence

Bitcoin: A divisive asset the world can’t ignore

The crypto is now within striking distance of surpassing Alphabet's $2.2 trillion valuation

Etihad Airways reports $381 million profit after tax for first nine months of 2024

The carrier achieved 21 percent revenue growth, surpassing $5 billion in the first three quarters

World Bank partners with ADGM Academy to boost financial literacy, economic knowledge

The collaboration will create an environment that equips individuals, businesses, and governments with the skills to thrive in the evolving financial landscape

MENA region sees 522 M&A deals valued at $71 billion in 9M 2024: Report

MENA M&A market is extremely buoyant and is expected to end the year with more than 700 deals, close to the historic five-year high of 750 deals

EFG Hermes launches $300 million Saudi Education Fund, acquires Britus Education portfolio of 7 schools

After having created the leading K-12 operator in Egypt, EFG Hermes aims to replicate its success story in the Saudi market

COP29: Investor groups with over $10 trillion in assets commit to accelerating climate financing

Sweden announced a contribution of $730 million to the UN Green Climate Fund (GCF), bringing overall contribution to $749 million

Etihad Airways profit surges 66 percent to $368 million in first 9 months of 2024

Etihad Airways carried almost 14 million passengers during the first nine months of the year, a 35 percent increase year-on-year

Abu Dhabi’s TAQA reports $1.7 billion net income during first nine months of 2024

The Group posted revenues of $11.3 billion, reflecting a 6 percent increase from the same period in 2023

ADNOC L&S Q3 net profit up 18 percent YoY to $175 million

The company reported revenues of $2.66 billion, representing a 38 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023