MENA

Saudi Arabia to cut export and import customs fees starting October 6

Changes introduced to streamline trade processes and support business operations

Dubai Metro marks 15 years of success: Over 2.4 billion passengers and 4.3 million trips with 99.7 percent punctuality

Currently, the metro serves around 730,000 passengers daily, making it the preferred transportation choice for many

Rising bank credit demand in the UAE amid positive economic outlook, says Central Bank

In Q2, demand for trade credit remained strong, with a greater appetite for lending 

Egypt-Türkiye trade exchange declines 19 percent to $3 billion in H1 2024

Türkiye and Egypt aim to increase their bilateral trade volume by 50 percent, from $10 billion to $15 billion

Saudi Arabia cancels hotel licensing fees to boost tourism investment 

This change, effective September 4, aims to position the Kingdom as a global tourism leader

UAE’s ADNOC launches inaugural $4 billion notes offering under GMTN Program

The net proceeds from this issuance will be utilized by ADNOC Group for general corporate purposes.

GCC markets’ net foreign inflows cross $50 billion for first time in August: Report

In August, GCC equity markets saw strong net foreign inflows of $892 million

GCC banks well positioned to continue strong run in 2024: Report

The report stated that high interest rates kept profit margins at 2.7 percent, with strong bank profitability in H1

Abu Dhabi set to host AIM Congress 2025 in April

The event will address economic challenges through collaborative investment strategies

UAE, Jordan sign $2.3 billion investment agreement to boost railway sector

Investment memorandum follows a $2 billion agreement that the UAE and Jordan signed in 2023

Saudi Arabia and Türkiye central banks sign MoU to enhance economic cooperation, financial stability 

The central banks will share expertise and resources to address challenges and boost economic development

Softlogic partners with Daikin to advance UAE’s commercial air conditioning industry

The partnership is formed amidst a booming UAE air conditioning market worth over $650 million, driven by real estate growth

Oil prices gain slightly as OPEC weighs output delay amid falling U.S. stockpiles

Brent crude futures for November rose by 15 cents, or 0.1 percent, to $72.85

UAE, Kuwait strengthen bilateral ties with MoUs on standardization, infrastructure, and cybersecurity

Other notable agreements included collaboration in communications and information technology

Oil prices decline amid potential return of Libyan supply to the market

Brent Oil Futures fell by 4.9 percent, closing at $73.75 per barrel

Travel industry set to add record $11 trillion to global GDP in 2024

The industry's contribution to global GDP is expected to rise by 12.1 percent year-over-year

Algeria joins BRICS New Development Bank: A new era in economic collaboration

By joining the BRICS financial branch, Algeria is advancing its global financial integration

Oil prices plummet amid China’s economic slowdown, ongoing Libyan supply issues

Brent crude futures had fallen by 37 cents, or 0.48 percent, settling at $77.15 a barrel

MENA information security spending to grow 14 percent to $3.2 billion in 2025: Gartner

Gartner expects global information security end-user spending to reach $183.9 billion this year

Bahrain: Multinational enterprises required to pay new 15 percent minimum tax on profits starting January 1, 2025

This new framework for MNEs is fully in line with the guidelines set by the OECD

QatarEnergy to double urea production to 12.4 million tons by 2030

QatarEnergy plans to build a large urea production complex to boost global food and energy security