MENA

MENA media market to grow to $20.6 billion by 2028: Report

From 2024 to 2028, all major MENA markets will see consistent growth in gaming revenues

GCC banking sector profits hit record $15.6 billion in Q1 2025 on higher non-interest income

UAE-listed banks showed the biggest absolute growth in net profits with an increase of $639.6 million or 11.8 percent

GCC, Malaysia to strengthen trade relations through new agreement

The signing marks the start of negotiations covering various sectors of mutual interest

Eid al-Adha 2025: Holiday dates announced in UAE, Qatar, Kuwait & Oman

The exact Eid al-Adha 2025 dates will be confirmed in each country according to its respective moon-sighting committee closer to the time

Eid al-Adha 2025: How the festival fuels economic growth across the GCC and globally

Intra-GCC tourism peaks during Eid, enhancing hospitality and entertainment sectors across multiple countries.

GCC retail sector to reach over $390 billion by 2028 amid digital transformation

Saudi Arabia and the UAE continue to lead the region, representing over 75 percent of all retail sales today

Google launches region’s second AI First Accelerator for Startups to bolster AI innovation

Program provides eligible startups with Google Cloud credits to accelerate the development and deployment of their AI solutions

GCC inflation rate hits 1.7 percent by December 2024 on rising housing prices: GCC-Stat

Housing prices increased by 5.9 percent, significantly impacting the overall inflation rate in the region

Landmark Valu IPO to leverage listing for growth

Move will help bolster the fintech’s growth and commitment to innovation, financial inclusion

Shurooq’s $1.96 billion investments fuel 52 projects in 15 years of development in Sharjah

Key initiatives include AED5 billion in real estate and AED850 million in hospitality projects

Talabat posts robust Q1 2025 results with 34 percent revenue and EBITDA growth

Talabat's strong first-quarter performance was driven by solid topline growth and margin expansion across both GCC and non-GCC markets

Trump’s Middle East trip to strengthen economic, strategic bonds with Gulf allies

Secretary Rubio will join the President during his trip to the Middle East to strengthen ties between the U.S.

Saudi Arabia leads MENA IPO market as proceeds reach $2.4 billion with 106 percent YoY growth

Saudi Arabia recorded 12 out of 14 listings in the MENA region during this quarter

Visa and Whish Money partner to elevate digital payment solutions across Lebanon, international markets

The collaboration enables Whish Money to integrate Visa’s advanced payment technologies for improved services

14 MENA IPOs raise $2.4 billion in Q1 2025, proceeds surge 106 percent

Saudi Arabia's Umm Al Qura for Development & Construction led the quarter with the highest proceeds

MENA startup funding grows 300 percent to $228.4 million in April 2025

Saudi Arabia led MENA startup funding during the month, attracting $158.5 million across eight deals

IMF cuts MENA 2025 growth forecast to 2.6 percent as global policy uncertainty looms

GCC economies are expected to grow 3 percent in 2025 and 4.1 percent in 2026

Emirates and American Express Middle East join forces to empower SMEs across MENA

The agreement will explore a range of offerings, and potential incentives for American Express Middle East card holders participating in the Emirates Business Rewards program

Gold demand grows in Q1 2025 amid record high prices, gold ETF revival

Gold investment demand in the Middle East remained resilient amid continued geopolitical uncertainty

GCC countries contribute over 35 percent of all emerging-market U.S. dollar debt in Q1 2025, Fitch reports

Primary market dollar issuance shows promise despite recent quietness in the GCC region

Flydubai’s summer 2025 schedule begins with 11 holiday destinations across Europe and MENA

Flydubai will resume summer services to several favourite destinations including Batumi, Bodrum, Corfu, Dubrovnik, Mykonos, Olbia, Santorini, Tivat, and Trabzon

Upcoming $950 million T-bill auction by CBE aims to cover previous dollar tender maturity

CBE allows local and foreign institutions to subscribe to T-bills, starting at a minimum of $100,000 

Joint Saudi-Qatari initiative paves way for $15 million payment to World Bank for Syria

Commitment aims to accelerate the recovery of Syria’s economy and development 

GCC real estate transactions grow 20 percent to $78.2 billion in Q1 2025: Report

Dubai has once again emerged as the leading market in the GCC, posting $38.7 billion in sales