Banking & Finance

MENA M&A activity grows 7 percent to $92.3 billion in 2024: Report

The UAE reported the MENA region’s largest M&A deal of the year worth $12.4 billion

UAE’s February Islamic treasury sukuk auction attracts bids worth $1.93 billion

The success is reflected in the attractive market-driven prices, with a yield to maturity of 4.18 percent for the tranche maturing in August 2028

Egypt’s financial inclusion rate soars to 74.8 percent, 52 million citizens now use transaction accounts

This increase results from CBE's collaboration with banks and stakeholders for economic empowerment across society

Saudi Arabia raises $2.36 billion in euro-denominated bond issuance with debut green tranche

The total order book reached around 10 billion euros, which equals an oversubscription of 4 times

Saudi Arabia announces Ramadan 2025, Eid operating hours for banks

Banks will be available to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the fasting month

Qatar’s tax authority launches 100 percent financial penalty exemption initiative to foster business growth

To qualify, companies must register on the Dhareeba Tax Portal and ensure that all taxpayer data is updated

Abu Dhabi’s e& posts $2.9 billion in net profit in 2024, up 4.3 percent YoY

Consolidated revenues reached $16.1 billion, driven by expansion across all business verticals

Emirates NBD to acquire remaining 0.11 percent stake in Emirates Islamic Bank for $19 million

Following the deal, Emirates NBD will commence the process of canceling the listing of Emirates Islamic Bank shares from the DFM

Qatar and Portugal partner to boost startup ecosystems, drive investment growth

Partnership aims to enhance cross-border opportunities, knowledge exchange and business growth for startups in Qatar and Portugal

UAE: FTA registers intellectual property for ‘Muwafaq’ package

The package aims to boost innovation in taxes, enhancing SME empowerment and tax compliance

Egypt’s central bank keeps interest rates unchanged citing inflation, protectionist policy risks

Interest rates remained unchanged due to the increasingly uncertain global and regional outlook regarding the impact of U.S. protectionist trade policies

Saudi Arabia’s ZATCA urges commercial sector to submit VAT statements for January

The decision applies to those whose annual revenues from goods and services exceed $10.7 million

Oman secures $132.5 million for second phase of Sohar Freezone industrial waste treatment facility

This project will enhance the national economy while advancing sustainability and circular economy goals

AED500 banknote wins ‘Best New Banknote Issue’ for 2025 in Europe, MEA Region

The recognition was attributed to the CBUAE's implementation of the latest technical specifications and advanced security features

UAE GDP growth expected to rise from 4.5 percent to 5.6 percent, outpacing IMF’s 3.2 percent forecast: Report

Growth rate of GCC region is expected to double from 2.1 percent to 4.2 percent in 2025

King Salman approves Saudi riyal symbol, reinforcing national financial identity and rich cultural heritage

The decision strengthens the Kingdom's financial identity on local, regional, and international fronts

ADEX more than doubles nine-lender finance facility for energy trader BGN to $232.5 million

Facility incorporates an innovative Murabaha tranche to accommodate Islamic banks alongside conventional financing

Saudi Aramco to acquire 25 percent stake in Unioil Petroleum Philippines

The agreement, subject to standard conditions, supports the company's strategy to expand its global retail network

Etihad Airways reports $6.9 billion revenue, 25 percent year-on-year growth

This growth was fueled by remarkable performance in both passenger and cargo sectors

Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power secures $693 million deal to acquire power and water assets in Kuwait, Bahrain

This deal includes a 4.6-gigawatt power generation portfolio and 1.114 million cubic meters of desalination

Saudi Arabia raises $818.8 million in February four-tranche sukuk issuance

Saudi Arabia's debt capital market is expected to surpass $500 billion in 2025

Bahrain’s $265.37 million government treasury bills oversubscribed by 113 percent

With the latest issuance, the total outstanding value of government treasury bills is BHD2.110 billion