Banking & Finance

UAE 2024 sukuk market expands: $14.4 billion issued, $14-15 billion projected for 2025

This is supported by ongoing activities from both banks and corporate entities

UAE’s January Islamic Treasury Sukuk auction attracts bids worth $1.88 billion

Auction witnessed strong demand from the eight primary dealers for both tranches maturing in May 2027 and September 2029

Global ESG sukuk market to surpass $50 billion in 2025

In the GCC region, the ESG debt capital market reached $46.3 billion outstanding

Dubai’s Mashreq expands into Oman with tailored financial corporate services to support Vision 2040

The bank aims to nurture resilient entrepreneurial talent and foster a dynamic, knowledge-driven economy

Mastercard, foodpanda partner to fuel growth of Pakistan’s digital economy

Partnership seeks to accelerate digital payment adoption, enabling the growth of a cashless economy

Saudi Arabia GDP growth rate projected at 4 percent from 2025 to 2027: S&P

Vision 2030 initiatives expected to boost non-oil growth by 10 percent in the Kingdom

Sharjah Islamic Bank posts record profit of $313.1 million in 2024

Total profit from financing grew 20.6 percent, reaching AED3.7 billion in 2024

Qatar Central Bank launches first phase of Primary Dealer framework with Bloomberg

First phase focused on integrating the Bloomberg Auction System to enhance the local currency debt issuance process and workflows

UAE, Russia sign double taxation avoidance draft agreement to boost economic cooperation

This agreement seeks to establish a stable and investment-friendly tax framework and eliminate tax barriers

MENA IPOs hit 18-year high, bond issuance surges 86 percent in 2024: Report

Food delivery firm Talabat raised $2 billion in its stock market debut, the largest IPO in the MENA region during 2024

Google Pay set to launch in Saudi Arabia in 2025

Google Pay will offer users a secure and easy way to make purchases in stores, apps, and online

ADQ-backed Further Ventures leads $16 million funding round in French crypto firm Dfns

Dfns aims to fund administrators, with a strategic emphasis on the EU, UK, UAE and US markets

How e-invoicing will improve business efficiency and compliance in the Middle East

It is not just about compliance, but a potential game-changer for businesses in the region

The transformative success and promising future of ADFW

The 2024 edition welcomed delegates representing highly regarded asset managers with a collective AUM of over $42.5 trillion

Amnah Ajmal on leadership, technology, and driving change beyond finance

The Mastercard EEMEA executive shares her over two-decade journey of breaking barriers and redefining leadership

Bahrain Government Treasury Bills worth $185.8 million oversubscribed by 200 percent

The issuance date for these treasury bills is set for January 15, while they are due to mature on April 16

Central Bank of Kuwait issues $660 million bond and tawarruq with 4.125 percent yield rate

Bonds fund governments by repaying principal and interest; tawarruq converts debts into tradable securities

eSAMA: Saudi Central Bank launches e-services portal to digitize services

The new platform allows individuals, government entities, and businesses to access services electronically

Halo AI secures $6 million to expand brand creator collaborations beyond Saudi Arabia

The company aims to expand into Dubai and Kuwait, targeting growth in MENA, Europe, and North America

Aldar raises $2.45 billion in sustainability-linked syndicated revolving credit facility 

Facility attracted orders from 15 prominent international and regional financial institutions

Abu Dhabi’s ADQ plans to acquire Aramex, bolster logistics holdings

Shares in Aramex opened up 14.7 percent higher at AED2.65 per share on Monday

Aldar issues $1 billion in hybrid notes, attracts strong demand

The issuance was oversubscribed by 3.8 times, with total orders exceeding $4.9 billion

How many times will US Fed cut rates in 2025?

U.S. central bank officials have raised new inflation concerns