Banking & Finance

Saudi banks’ lending momentum accelerates 5.4 percent on corporate loan growth in Q1 2025

Saudi Arabia's aggregate loan-to-deposit ratio rose to 106.1 percent, the highest in recent quarters

Qatar Central Bank launches $1.4 billion in government bonds, sukuk with bank bids over $2.9 billion

Qatar's first green bond issuance launched in May, enhancing sustainability financing in the region 

CBUAE issues commemorative coins to honor Zayed and Rashid campaign

The obverse of the gold coin, weighing 40 grams with a diameter of 40 mm, features a depiction of the two leaders

Oman government Treasury bills issuance reaches $101.4 million 

The value of the allotted Treasury bills was OMR4 million, with a maturity period of 28 days 

Elon Musk’s xAI raises $10 billion in debt, equity to expand AI infrastructure

Proceeds will support xAI’s continued developments, including one of the world's largest data centers and its flagship Grok platform

Saudi Arabia’s PIF reports 18 percent asset growth reaching $1.51 trillion by 2024

The Fund announced 25 percent revenue increase driven by major portfolio companies

How does the IMF finance itself? $1 trillion lending capacity’s impact on global economy

The IMF's administrative expenses are fully covered by income from lending and investments

Sheikh Maktoum reviews MoF’s 2024 milestones, emphasizes role of leadership in driving financial stability and growth

H.H. highlighted the importance of the Islamic T-Sukuk program in boosting the national economy

Jordan’s economic growth outpaces forecasts as IMF releases new funds

Jordan continues to make progress with a gradual fiscal consolidation and strengthening fiscal sustainability

QIA launches $200 million fund with Fiera Capital to support Qatar’s financial markets

Fund aims to deliver superior risk-adjusted returns by investing in equities listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange

Lebanon: World Bank approves $250 million financing to support reconstruction in conflict-affected areas

The conflict in Lebanon is estimated to have caused total direct damages across 10 sectors at $7.2 billion

UAE’s FTA highlights importance of registering for Corporate Tax to benefit from key exemptions

The authority indicated that the exceptional condition for benefitting from the exemption applies only to the first tax period of the entity subject to tax

Addleshaw Goddard strengthens Middle East operations with new office in ADGM

The move marks a significant milestone in Addleshaw Goddard's strategic growth across the Middle East

Saudi Arabia closes June 2025 issuance of sukuk program at $627.8 million

The sukuk issuance was divided into five tranches, each with different maturities and sizes 

UAE issues guidance on process of double taxation relief

The guidance further clarifies the timelines in which taxpayers must make a MAP claim

Emirates NBD highlights UAE’s rise as fintech powerhouse in new PwC report

The report explores key trends shaping the market, including surging digital adoption, expanding venture capital investment, and the integration of AI

Mastercard launches AI-powered account intelligence reissuance service to combat card fraud in EEMEA region

Card fraud costs billions annually, prompting the need for automated and efficient fraud prevention solutions

Saudi Arabia’s PIF launches its first commercial paper program to enhance funding flexibility

The commercial paper program carries credit ratings of P-1 from Moody’s and F1+ from Fitch

Abu Dhabi DoF launches new budget cycle to enhance financial sustainability, strategic alignment

This initiative focuses on transparency, innovation, and excellence in public financial resource management 

How European family offices are reallocating capital towards the UAE

The UAE imposes no personal income tax, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax

Valu welcomes tech giant Amazon as shareholder following Egyptian Exchange debut

The move comes shortly after Valu’s successful listing on the Egyptian Exchange (EGX)

Saudi Arabia’s bank credit hits over $833 billion by April 2025 with 16.5 percent YoY growth

Quarterly growth of 5 percent indicates continued positive momentum in the banking sector for 2025.

Egypt aims for 4.5 percent economic growth as parliament passes FY2025/26 development plan

Real GDP growth is projected to rise from 2.4 percent in FY2023/24 to 3.8 percent in FY2024/25, then to 4.2 percent and 4.6 percent in FY2025/26 and FY2026/27, respectively, according to World Bank projections

Turkey central bank holds interest rates at 46 percent amid geopolitical tensions

Market rates, such as the Turkish Lira Overnight Reference Rate (TLREF), have also aligned in the 46 percent range